Improved two-step method for the assay of adenylate and guanylate cyclase

The absence of a direct correlation between the loss of [D-Ala2, MePhe4,Gly5-ol]Enkephalin inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity and agonist-induced mu-opioid receptor phosphorylation

Chronic activation of the mu-opioid receptor (MOR1TAG) results in the loss of agonist response that has been attributed to desensitization and down-regulation of the receptor. It has been suggested that opioid receptor phosphorylation is the mechanism by which this desensitization and down-regulation occurs. When MOR1TAG was stably expressed in both neuroblastoma neuro2A and human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells, the opioid agonist [D-Ala2,MePhe4, Gly5-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO) induced a time- and concentration-dependent phosphorylation of the receptor, in both cell lines, that could be reversed by the antagonist naloxone. Protein kinase C can phosphorylate the receptor, but is not involved in DAMGO-induced MOR1TAG phosphorylation. The rapid rate of receptor phosphorylation, occurring within minutes, did not correlate with the rate of the loss of agonist-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, which occurs in hours. This lack of correlation between receptor phosphorylation and the loss of response was further demonstrated when receptor phosphorylation was increased by either calyculin A or overexpression of the G-protein receptor kinases. Calyculin A increased the magnitude of MOR1TAG phosphorylation without altering the DAMGO-induced loss of the adenylyl cyclase response. Similarly, when mu- and delta-opioid (DOR1TAG) receptors were expressed in the same system, overexpression of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 2 elevated agonist-induced phosphorylation for both receptors. However, in the same cell lines under the same conditions, overexpression of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 2 and beta-arrestin 2 accelerated the rate of DPDPE- but not DAMGO-induced receptor desensitization. Thus, these data show that phosphorylation of MOR1TAG is not an obligatory event for the DAMGO-induced loss in the adenylyl cyclase regulation by the receptor.

Identification of serine 356 and serine 363 as the amino acids involved in etorphine-induced down-regulation of the mu-opioid receptor

Agonist-induced internalization of G protein-coupled receptors is influenced by many structural determinants including the carboxyl tail. To investigate the role of serine and threonine residues within the carboxyl tail, several mutants were constructed by truncating the carboxyl tail of the hemagglutinin-tagged mu-opioid receptor, thereby removing serines and threonines systematically. Neuro2A cells stably expressing the truncated receptors did not exhibit a significant alteration in the affinity of [3H]diprenorphine or etorphine for the receptor or the potency of etorphine to inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. Chronic etorphine treatment resulted in a time-dependent down-regulation of all the truncated receptors, except MOR1TAG355D, thus revealing the importance of the four amino acids between Ser355 and Glu359 (STIE). Surprisingly, deletion of the STIE sequence resulted in a receptor that down-regulated the same as the wild-type receptor. The involvement of multiple amino acids within the carboxyl tail was demonstrated by combining alanine substitutions of several putative G-protein-coupled receptor kinase phosphorylation sites. Systematic analysis of these receptors indicated that mutation of Ser356 and Ser363 to alanine attenuated agonist-mediated down-regulation. The magnitude of etorphine-induced phosphorylation of this mutant receptor, however, was similar to that of the wild-type mu-opioid receptor. Thus, phosphorylation of the carboxyl tail of the mu-opioid receptor is not an obligatory event for etorphine-induced down-regulation of the receptor.

The effects of antisense to Gialpha2 on opioid agonist potency and Gialpha2 protein and mRNA abundance in the mouse

In this study, mice received a single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v. ) injection of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) directed towards the mRNA of Gialpha2. Controls received a saline or a nonsense ODN injection. The subsequent effects on protein levels and mRNA of Gialpha2 were determined in mouse striatum, as well as, the effect on opioid ([d-Ala2, d-Leu5]-enkephalin; DADLE) inhibition of cyclic AMP (cAMP) formation in striatum and morphine analgesic potency. At 48 h after treatment, maximal inhibition (Emax) of cAMP formation was significantly reduced for the antisense group compared to controls. Antisense ODN treatment only changed the Emax and did not significantly alter the IC50s of the dose-effect curves for inhibition of cAMP formation. Antisense ODN, but not nonsense ODN, significantly reduced morphine's analgesic potency by >2-fold, 48 h following treatment. Using a quantitative immunoblotting procedure, antisense treatment was shown to decrease striatal Gialpha2 protein 48 h after antisense injection, while there were no changes in protein levels at 2, 12 and 24 h. In contrast, no changes in Gialpha2 mRNA in mouse striatum were noted at any time after antisense treatment. Taken together, these data suggest that Gialpha2 mediates opioid-induced analgesia and opioid inhibition of cAMP production in the mouse. These data also suggest that antisense reduces target protein by a mechanism independent of changes in mRNA abundance.

Role of carboxyl terminus of mu-and delta-opioid receptor in agonist-induced down-regulation

Chronic exposure of mu-and delta-opioid receptors to their agonists leads to different rates in receptor down-regulation. In order to analyze the role of the carboxyl terminus of mu-and delta-opioid receptors in the difference in the rate of down-regulation, two chimeras of these receptors were generated by swapping the carboxyl termini; MORTAGDT and DORTAGMT. These chimeras were tagged at the N-terminus with hemagglutinin (HA) epitope (YPYDVPDYA), which can be recognized by the monoclonal antibody 12CA5, and then stably expressed in Neuro 2A (N2A) cells. The swapping of the carboxyl termini did not alter the ligand selectivity of these receptor chimeras. However, they did exhibit a reduction in agonist potency to inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity for all agonists tested except etorphine which had a potency comparable to that of wild type receptors. Treatment of the N2A cells expressing MORTAGDT with 50 nM etorphine produced a faster rate of receptor down-regulation when compared to the wild type mu-opioid receptor. Immunofluorescence microscopy of the MORTAGDT chimera using a monoclonal antibody against HA confirmed internalization of the receptors after treatment with etorphine for 1 and 6h. There was a reduction in the HA-immunoreactivity at the cell surface of the MORTAGDT chimera concurrent with more noticeable HA-immunoreactivity inside the cell compared to the wild type receptor. On the other hand, the rate of down-regulation of DORTAGMT receptors was seen to be the same as the wild type delta-opioid receptor after etorphine treatment. Immunofluorescence studies showed more reduction in cell surface staining of the DORTAGMT chimera compared to the wild type receptor. These data suggest the involvement of the carboxyl terminus in agonist-induced down-regulation and internalization of the nu-opioid receptor. However, different mechanisms that are unrelated to the carboxyl terminus may operate in the down-regulation of delta-opioid receptor.

The effect of in vivo ethanol consumption on cyclic AMP and delta-opioid receptors in mouse striatum

In this study the effect of in vivo ethanol consumption on cyclic AMP (cAMP) and [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP production was examined in mouse striatum. Effects of ethanol on striatal delta-opioid receptor (DOR) density and mRNA were also examined. Mice had unlimited access to 7% (v/v) ethanol alone or water for 1 or 7 days and were then sacrificed and striatum removed for analysis. There was no difference in basal cAMP formation between water and ethanol-treated mouse striatum following 7 day treatment, and a small, but statistically significant increase in basal cAMP in the ethanol group following 1 day treatment. Both 1 day and 7 day ethanol treatment did not significantly alter the percentage increase in cAMP following treatment with 10 microM forskolin. There was a significant effect of ethanol treatment on the maximum inhibitory effect of DADLE on forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation following both 1 and 7 day ethanol treatment. The DADLE IC50 was unaffected by ethanol treatment. Saturation binding studies ([3H]Deltorphin II) indicated no effect of ethanol on Bmax or Kd in striatum. Similarly, no difference between water and ethanol-treated was observed for DOR mRNA in striatum. These data indicate that ethanol consumption can alter opioid regulation of cAMP formation. However, this effect is not related to changes in any delta-opioid receptor parameters that were examined.

Agonist activation of delta-opioid receptor but not mu-opioid receptor potentiates fetal calf serum or tyrosine kinase receptor-mediated cell proliferation in a cell-line-specific manner

Activation by opioid receptors of cell proliferation was examined with fibroblast cell lines stably expressing either delta-opioid or mu-opioid receptors. Addition of [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin or [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]-enkephalin to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with delta-opioid receptor cDNA resulted in an agonist concentration-dependent potentiation of fetal calf serum (FCS)-stimulated cell proliferation. This potentiation by delta-opioid agonists was antagonized by naloxone and was not observed with the kappa-opioid receptor selective agonist U50,488 or the mu-opioid receptor selective agonist [D-Ala2,N-MePhe4, Gly-ol5]-enkephalin. This delta-opioid agonist effect was not observed at FCS concentrations > 0.1% and could be blocked by pretreating cells with pertussis toxin, indicating that Gi/Go were involved in this action. In addition, delta-opioid agonists could potentiate CHO cell proliferation stimulated by those growth factors that are mediated by tyrosine kinase receptors (i.e., insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and fibroblast-derived growth factor b). This delta-opioid agonist potentiation of growth apparently was dependent on the level of delta-opioid receptors that were expressed and had cell-line selectivity. Activation of delta-opioid receptors expressed in Rat-1 or NIH3T3 fibroblast did not result in a modulation of the cell growth induced by FCS or by growth factors. Interestingly, in CHO cells transfected with mu-opioid receptor cDNA, activation with agonists did not produce a potentiation of FCS-stimulated proliferation. This lack of mu-opioid receptor effect was not due to the differences among CHO clones. In a CHO cell line transfected with both delta-opioid receptor cDNA and mu-opioid receptor cDNA, activation of delta-but not mu-opioid receptors resulted in a potentiation of growth. These data suggest that delta- and mu-opioid receptors in CHO cells activate similar but divergent second messenger pathways, resulting in the differential regulation of cell growth.

Mutation of a conserved serine in TM4 of opioid receptors confers full agonistic properties to classical antagonists

The involvement of a conserved serine (Ser196 at the mu-, Ser177 at the delta-, and Ser187 at the kappa-opioid receptor) in receptor activation is demonstrated by site-directed mutagenesis. It was initially observed during our functional screening of a mu/delta-opioid chimeric receptor, mu delta2, that classical opioid antagonists such as naloxone, naltrexone, naltriben, and H-Tyr-Tic[psi,CH2NH]Phe-Phe-OH (TIPPpsi; Tic = 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid) could inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in CHO cells stably expressing the chimeric receptor. Antagonists also activated the G protein-coupled inward rectifying potassium channel (GIRK1) in Xenopus oocytes coexpressing the mu delta2 opioid receptor and the GIRK1 channel. By sequence analysis and back mutation, it was determined that the observed antagonist activity was due to the mutation of a conserved serine to leucine in the fourth transmembrane domain (S196L). The importance of this serine was further demonstrated by analogous mutations created in the mu-opioid receptor (MORS196L) and delta-opioid receptor (DORS177L), in which classical opioid antagonists could inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in CHO cells stably expressing either MORS196L or DORS177L. Again, antagonists could activate the GIRK1 channel coexpressed with either MORS196L or DORS177L in Xenopus oocytes. These data taken together suggest a crucial role for this serine residue in opioid receptor activation.

Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity by the cholecystokinin analog SNF 9007 in neuroblastoma x glioma NG108-15 hybrid cells

The effect of the cholecystokininB (CCKB) receptor-selective cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) analog SNF 9007 on forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in NG108-15 hybrid cells was measured. The activity of SNF 9007 was compared to the delta opioid agonists D-Pen2-D-Pen5-enkephalin (DPDPE, delta 1 receptor-selective) and Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Glu-Val-Val-Gly-NH2, (D-Ala2-deltorphin II, delta 2-receptor-selective) because SNF 9007 binds with moderate affinity to delta opioid receptors. SNF 9007 inhibited forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity with efficacy similar to DPDPE. IC50 determinations showed that D-Ala2-deltorphin II was the most potent, followed by DPDPE, then SNF 9007 (IC50 values = 0.013, 0.21 and 4.8 microM, respectively). CCK-8 had no effect on adenylyl cyclase activity. The delta 1 receptor-selective antagonist 7-benzylidenenaltrexone hydrochloride (BNTX, 10 nM) had no effect on the activity of any of these agonists, but the delta 2 receptor-selective antagonist naltriben methanesulfonate (NTB, 10 nM) increased IC50 values of all the agonists. Combinations of BNTX and NTB (10 nM each) increased the D-Ala2-deltorphin II IC50 value 12-fold, the DPDPE IC50 value 18-fold and the SNF 9007 IC50 value 26-fold. The effect of the combined delta antagonists on SNF 9007 activity was different from the effect on DPDPE or D-Ala2-deltorphin II activity. These data suggest that the interaction of the CCK-8 analog SNF 9007 with opioid receptors in NG108-15 hybrid cells is different from the interaction of opioid peptides with these receptors.

Neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells stably expressing a cloned mu-opioid receptor: a specific cellular model to study acute and chronic effects of morphine

Several cellular systems display desensitization and downregulation of opioid receptors upon chronic treatment, suggesting that they could be used as a model system to understand opioid tolerance/dependence. However, a model system containing a homogeneous population of mu-opioid receptors, the receptors at which morphine and related opioids act, has been lacking. To approach this problem, the mu-opioid receptor (MOR-1) was stably expressed in murine neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells after transfection. The expressed receptor was negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase through Gi/Go proteins, displayed high affinity ligand binding, and was expressed in high number (2.06 pmol/mg of [3H]diprenorphine binding sites). In addition, loss of ability of mu-opioids to acutely inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation was observed after 4-24 h of chronic exposure to these agonists with concentrations as low as 300-500 nM. The effects of chronic morphine or [D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO) administration were found to be time- and concentration-dependent. Cross 'tolerance' was also observed. Thus the IC50 value of DAMGO to inhibit adenylyl cyclase was increased by 27-fold from 4.3 nM in control cells to 117 nM in cells pretreated with 300 nM morphine; there was no effect on the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase mediated by muscarinic receptors. Further, receptor downregulation accompanied the desensitization process. However, different time-dependence for these two processes suggests, in line with other studies, that these are entirely different cellular adaptation processes. In addition, the opioid antagonist naloxone induced an acute increase in intracellular cAMP level (2-3 times above the control level) following chronic agonist exposure. This process was also concentration-dependent. Overall, these results suggest that the cell line utilized in this study has a homogeneous population of mu-opioid receptors, providing an ideal cellular model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic morphine treatment.

Properties of a kappa-opioid receptor expressed in CHO cells: interaction with multiple G-proteins is not specific for any individual G alpha subunit and is similar to that of other opioid receptors

The purpose of the present study was to examine the coupling pattern of a recently cloned kappa-opioid receptor stably transfected in CHO cells to individual G alpha subunits with subsequent comparison to that observed previously for delta- and mu-opioid receptors. Data presented in the current study indicate the successful stable expression of a kappa-opioid receptor in CHO cells. This is supported by experiments in which ligands with selectivity for kappa-, but not delta- or mu-opioid receptors demonstrated high affinity for the expressed receptor and were able to potently and efficaciously produce inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity. In addition, only kappa-opioid agonists were able to induce dose-dependent increases in the incorporation of [32P]azidoanilido-GTP into four G alpha subunits, three of which were identified as Gi3 alpha, Gi2 alpha and Go2 alpha. Further, the amount of kappa-opioid agonists required to induce 50% maximal labeling of any individual G alpha subunit was similar. Although kappa-opioid agonists produced equivalent maximal labelling of Gi3 alpha, Gi2 alpha and Go2 alpha, significantly less agonist-induced labeling was observed for an unknown G-protein designated as G? alpha. Although these results are slightly different than those observed previously for both delta- and mu-opioid receptors, it appears that all opioid receptors stably transfected in CHO cells interact with multiple G-proteins and that this coupling is not selective for any individual G alpha subunit.

Impaired nitric oxide-dependent cyclic guanosine monophosphate generation in glomeruli from diabetic rats. Evidence for protein kinase C-mediated suppression of the cholinergic response

Nitric oxide (NO)-dependent cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) generation was examined in glomeruli isolated from 1-2-wk and 2-mo streptozotocin diabetic (D) and control (C) rats. After 1-2 wk of diabetes, ex vivo basal cGMP generation and cGMP responses to carbamylcholine (CCh) were significantly suppressed in glomeruli from D compared with those from C, whereas cGMP responses to the calcium ionophore A23187 and nitroprusside (NP) did not differ in glomeruli from D vs. those from C. After 2 mo, glomeruli from D did not respond to CCh, and responses to A23187 and NP were suppressed compared with those from C. Differences in basal, CCh, and A23187-responsive cGMP between D and C were abolished by the NO synthetase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. Soluble glomerular guanylate cyclase prepared from either D or C responded indistinguishably to NP, suggesting a role for NO quenching in the suppression of cGMP in intact glomeruli from D. Compared with those from C, glomeruli isolated from D demonstrated increased generation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Both the TXA2/endoperoxide receptor antagonist Bay U3405 and inhibitors of PKC activity restored a cGMP response to CCh in glomeruli from D. Conversely, in glomeruli from C, the TXA2/endoperoxide analogue U46619 activated PKC and suppressed the cGMP response to CCh. Both of those actions were blocked by inhibitors of PKC. The results indicate a progressive impairment of NO-dependent cGMP generation in glomeruli from D which may be mediated in part by TXA2 and activation of PKC. This impairment may participate in glomerular injury in diabetes.

Presence of functional receptors for the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin in the gastrointestinal tract of the chicken

Receptors for the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) were shown to be present throughout the digestive tract of the chicken, with binding activity present not only in the intestinal epithelium but also in the intestinal smooth muscle. Brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) purified from chicken enterocyte homogenates and plasma membranes (SMPM) purified from intestinal smooth muscle homogenates were compared with pig enterocyte BBMV. All had similar 125I-STa binding affinities, but the 50% effective concentration for STa activation of guanylate cyclase was higher in SMPM than in BBMV. Maximal STa-stimulated guanylate cyclase activities were similar in chicken and pig BBMV and were seven- to eightfold higher than in SMPM, and the STa receptor density was five- to sixfold higher. Patterns unique to each membrane were demonstrated after affinity labelling of STa receptors with 125I-STa, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and autoradiography. The results demonstrated STa-stimulated guanylate cyclase activity in birds as well as mammals and suggested that there are different functional STa receptors in chicken BBMV and SMPM.

Nucleotide regulation of heat-stable enterotoxin receptor binding and of guanylate cyclase activation

Certain nucleotides were found to regulate the binding of the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) to its receptor in pig intestinal brush border membranes. ATP and adenine nucleotide analogues inhibited 125I-STa binding, while guanine nucleotide analogues stimulated binding, with maximal effects at 0.5-1.0 mM. The strongest inhibitors were adenosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate (App[NH]p) (36%) and adenosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (ADP[S]) (41%). Inhibition did not require Mg2+, and was blocked by p-chloromercuribenzenesulphonate (PCMBS). Stimulation of binding required Mg2+, was not prevented by PCMBS and was maximal with GDP[S] (41%). While App[NH]p and MgGDP[S] appeared to be acting at different sites, they also interfered with each other. These nucleotides exerted only inhibitory effects on STa-stimulated guanylate cyclase activity, in contrast with the stimulatory effects of adenine nucleotides on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-stimulated guanylate cyclase. Inhibition by low concentrations of MgApp[NH]p and MgATP was weaker above 0.1 mM, while MgGDP[S] and magnesium guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (MgGTP[S]) inhibited in a single phase. Inhibition by MgApp[NH]p, at all concentrations, was competitive with the substrate (MgGTP), as was that by MgGDP[S] and MgGTP[S]. Whereas membrane guanylate cyclases usually show positively co-operative kinetics with respect to the substrate, STa-stimulated activity exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics with respect to MgGTP. This changed to positive co-operativity when Lubrol PX was the activator, or when the substrate was MnGTP. These results suggest the presence of both a regulatory and a catalytic nucleotide-binding site, which do not interact co-operatively with STa activation.

Age-dependent changes in affinity-labeled receptors for Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin in the swine intestine

Intestinal brush border membranes from 1-day-old and 4-week-old (day of weaning) pigs were affinity labeled with an Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) by cross-linking 125I-STa to receptor proteins with disuccinimidyl suberate. Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography revealed that a radioactive protein with a relative molecular weight of 137,000 to 145,000 was present in both age groups. A strongly radioactive protein with an apparent Mr of 90,000 was present in the 1-day-old animals but not in those that were 4 weeks old. The major radioactive protein present in the older pigs had an Mr of 64,000 to 67,000, but this protein was missing or very weakly radioactive in the younger pigs. There was no significant difference between the groups in receptor affinity for STa, although the receptor density in the older animals was marginally significantly greater. STa-stimulated guanylate cyclase activity in membranes from 1-day-old pigs was only one-sixth that in 4-week-old pigs, although the basal and Lubrol PX-stimulated activities were similar.

Solubilization and reprecipitation from intestinal brush border membranes of a complex containing guanylate cyclase activatable by the heat-stable enterotoxin

Extraction of pig intestinal brush border membranes with the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (Chaps) in the presence of 0.5 M KCl yielded a solution which contained 60-70% of the receptor for the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) and of the Lubrol PX-activated guanylate cyclase activity present in the membrane. When the supernatant solution was diluted fivefold with 10 mM Hepes buffer (pH 7.4) and kept at 4 degrees C overnight, a precipitate formed. Centrifugation yielded a pellet (P2) which contained 25-30% of both the cyclase and the receptor in the original membranes, with a 2.5- to 3-fold enrichment of both. The process could be repeated for further enrichment (P4). The addition of MgCl2 to the diluted extract affected both basal and STa-stimulated activity of P2; 1 mM was optimal. P2 resembled membranes with respect to competitive inhibition of 125I-STa binding by STa, and the concentration-dependent activation of cyclase by STa. Guanylate cyclase in resolubilized P2 was also activated by STa. Most of the enzymes interfering with guanylate cyclase determinations were removed, as were the brush border marker enzymes sucrase and gamma-glutamyltransferase, and a GTP-binding protein that is a pertussis toxin substrate. Specific cross-linking of 125I-STa to receptors in the membrane was preserved in P2 and P4, the three proteins showing the strongest radioactivity having relative molecular masses of 55,000-60,000, 70,000-80,000, and 135,000-140,000. P2 and P4 appear to contain a complex of membrane proteins with certain functional properties intact.

Characterization and regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-R1 receptors in the human neuroblastoma cell line NB-OK-1

We characterized in membranes from the human neuroblastoma cell line NB-OK-1, an ANP-R1 receptor (Mr 130 kDa) for the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). This receptor recognized biologically active forms of ANP with high affinity but showed no affinity for truncated ANP forms. It was functional in that binding correlated with guanylate cyclase activation (a 2-fold increase in Vmax) with the following rank order of potency: rat ANP-(99-126) greater than human ANP-(99-126) greater than human ANP-(102-126) greater than porcine BNP (brain natriuretic peptide). The enzyme required free Mn2+ in addition to the Mn-GTP substrate (Km of about 0.3 mM for both basal and ANP-stimulated activity). In the presence of dithiothreitol, the dose-response curve of guanylate cyclase activation was shifted rightward by a factor of 30. ANP-R1 receptors were upregulated through protein synthesis in cells exposed to 1 mM carbamylcholine or 1 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP for 8-24 h (ANP was ineffective).

Activation of intestinal brush border guanylate cyclase by aromatic disulphide compounds

Guanylate cyclase in pig intestinal brush border membranes was stimulated by certain aromatic disulphides. The most effective were 6-thioguanine disulphide [(TGS)2], 6-mercaptopurine disulphide, 6,6'-dithiodinicotinic acid, 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) and 5-carboxy-2-thiouracil disulphide. (TGS)2 stimulated activity 15-fold when present at 0.1 mM. The optimum concentration for each disulphide was different, and higher concentrations were inhibitory. There was no activation by alkyl disulphides or by N-ethylmaleimide. Activation by 50 microM-(TGS)2 was partially reversed by later addition of 0.1 mM-dithiothreitol, whereas activation by the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin STa was relatively unaffected. Pretreatment of the membranes with (TGS)2 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of STa-stimulated activity, while stimulating basal activity, until the activities were equal at 50 microM. Activity was [Mg2+]-dependent, the optimal [Mg2+] progressively increasing as the enzyme was stimulated by (TGS)2, STa and Lubrol PX respectively. However, (TGS)2 pretreatment prevented the shift to higher [Mg2+]optima induced by STa or Lubrol alone. Substitution of Mn2+ for Mg2+ in the reaction elevated basal activity and eliminated by activation (TGS)2. (TGS)2 only inhibited Mn2(+)-dependent activity (both basal and stimulated). The affinity of 125I-STa for its receptor was slightly increased by (TGS)2. We propose that (TGS)2 undergoes thiol-disulphide exchange with at least three different protein thiols of decreasing reactivity. The first is associated with Mg2(+)-dependent activation, the second is associated with a tonic inhibition of activity and the third is associated with the catalytic activity, although probably not at the active site.

Mu type opioid receptors in rat periaqueductal gray-enriched P2 membrane are coupled to G-protein-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) region of the midbrain has been implicated in both stimulation-produced and opioid-induced analgesia. High-affinity mu-selective opioid-binding sites associated with mu type opioid receptors have been detected in rat PAG-enriched P2 membranes, and these receptors have been shown to be coupled to guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins). In the present study the potential G-protein-mediated coupling of mu type opioid receptors to the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase was examined utilizing in vitro adenylyl cyclase assays. In the presence of Na+, opioid agonists inhibited adenylyl cyclase in a mu selective, naloxone reversible, dose dependent, and pertussis toxin sensitive manner. Overall the data suggests that mu type opioid receptors in the rat PAG are coupled to G-protein-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase.

The detergent Solulan C-24 reveals properties of the olfactory adenylate cyclase system

The detergent Solulan C-24 has been shown to activate the olfactory adenylate cyclase, with loss of the odorant modulation, at concentrations too low to cause significant solubilization. The activation is synergistic with that of nonhydrolysable GTP analogues, forskolin and AlF4-. These effects are not reversible. Solulan causes the cyclase activity to become subject to ATP inhibition, which is competitively relieved by GTP gamma S, and increases the GTP gamma S concentration required for half-maximal stimulation of the system. This suggests a change in the GTP-binding site of the stimulatory G-protein. Activation by GTP gamma S, without Solulan, indicates that the cyclase catalytic unit, rather than the available G-protein, may be limiting in the system. We suggest that Solulan may remove an inhibitory control on the cyclase activity.

Opossum kidney contains a functional receptor for the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin

The Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (ST1 or STa) binds to specific receptors on mammalian intestinal brush border membranes, and stimulates guanylate cyclase in those membranes. We have found a similar signal transduction system in brush border membranes prepared from kidney cortex of the American opossum (Didelphis virginiana, and in a cell line (OK cell) derived from that tissue. Activation of guanylate cyclase by ST1 is therefore not limited to intestinal cells. Furthermore, since it is unlikely that ST1 which is produced in the intestinal lumen, would have access to kidney receptors, this suggests the existence of an endogenous peptide resembling ST1, at least in marsupials.

Sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK8) failed to modulate basal or dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the rat striatum

1. In view of previously demonstrated modulatory effects of CCK8 on DA-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in the nucleus accumbens, we examined the effects of this neuropeptide in the striatum. 2. Adenylate cyclase activity was measured by conversion of alpha-[32P]ATP into [32P]cAMP. 3. CCK8, when added to the adenylate cyclase assay in concentrations up to 100 microM, failed to significantly alter, either positively or negatively, basal or DA-stimulated (30 or 100 microM) adenylate cyclase activity. Similar results were obtained in the presence of various peptidase inhibitors. 4. Under the assay conditions employed in these experiments, it would appear that there is no effect of CCK8 on DA-sensitive adenylate cyclase in the striatum.

The influence of temperature and membrane-fluidity changes on the olfactory adenylate cyclase of the rat

At physiological temperatures, the activity of the olfactory adenylate cyclase of the rat is fairly insensitive to small changes in temperature. Membrane fluidization by benzyl alcohol also produces rather small modulations of cyclase activity, although this chemical also has a more specific effect on the enzyme. Insensitivity to temperature and membrane-fluidity changes are desirable properties for a transduction system which must function in an exposed environment.

Regulation of intestinal mucosa guanylate cyclase by hemin, heme and protoporphyrin IX

Mg2+-dependent activity of intestinal brush border guanylate cyclase was stimulated 4-5-fold by 50-100 microM hemin. Higher concentrations were inhibitory. In the presence of 25% dimethyl sulfoxide, which stimulated activity 9-times, 50 microM hemin further increased activity 1.7-fold. However, when activity was stimulated 32-fold by the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin, or 26-fold by Lubrol PX, hemin produced only concentration-dependent inhibition. The first type of activation was more sensitive to hemin than the second. Reduction of hemin by dithiothreitol eliminated stimulation of basal activity, while inhibition of Lubrol PX-stimulated activity remained. Protoporphyrin IX also had no effect on basal activity, however, it inhibited enterotoxin- and Lubrol PX-stimulated activities similarly, but only to half the extent of hemin. Substitution of Mn2+ for Mg2+ elevated basal activity 15-fold, and this Mn2+-dependent activity was inhibited by hemin. Mn2+-dependent activity was stimulated (43%) by enterotoxin, however, the stimulated activity was more sensitive to hemin inhibition than the basal Mn2+-dependent activity and both inhibition curves were congruent above 50 microM hemin. Hemin inhibition of Lubrol PX-stimulated activity was much less with Mn2+ than with Mg2+. These results were interpreted as suggesting two sites of hemin inhibition; on an inhibitory regulator and on the enzyme. We also found that the secretory effect of enterotoxin in the suckling mouse bioassay was reduced 56% by the oral administration of hemin.

Biologically potent analogues of salmon calcitonin which do not contain an N-terminal disulfide-bridged ring structure

The disulfide bridge formed between the cysteine residues at positions 1 and 7 of salmon calcitonin (sCT) is not required for biological activity. The analogues [Ala1,7]sCT,[AcmCys1,7]sCT and [AmcCys1,Ala7]sCT (AcmC = S-acetamido-methylcysteine) are linear sequences which retain full hypocalcemic activity in the intact rat and ability to activate adenylate cyclase of rat renal membranes. The secondary structure of these peptides in aqueous solution in the presence or absence of lipid is not greatly perturbed by the opening of the disulfide ring. In contrast with salmon calcitonin, substitution of Cys by AcmCys in human calcitonin results in greatly reduced hypocalcemic activity but no loss in the ability of the peptide to activate renal adenylate cyclase. Thus in vitro activation of adenylate cyclase by human calcitonin analogues is not always correlated with in vivo hypocalcemic potency.

Olfactory adenylate cyclase of the rat. Stimulation by odorants and inhibition by Ca2+

Membranes prepared from the olfactory mucosa of the rat show a high level of adenylate cyclase activity. The activity increases up to 2-fold in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of odorants and is inhibited by Ca2+. The level of cyclase activity found is sufficient to explain the speed of olfactory transduction, which occurs on a time scale of tens of milliseconds.

Effect of phospholipases on chronic opiate action in neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 hybrid cells

Chronic treatment of neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 hybrid cells with opiate agonist resulted in loss of the acute opiate inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity with a concomitant increase in the enzymatic activity observable on addition of the antagonist naloxone. The role of membrane lipids in the cellular expression of these chronic opiate effects was investigated by the hydrolysis of phospholipids with various lipases. Treatment with phospholipase C from Clostridium welchii produced an enzyme concentration-dependent decrease of prostaglandin E1-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in control or etorphine-treated (1 microM for 4 h) hybrid cells. In addition, incubation of hybrid cells with phospholipase C concentrations of greater than or equal to 0.5 U/ml completely abolished the compensatory increase in adenylate cyclase activity after chronic opiate treatment. This attenuation of the increase in adenylate cyclase activity by phospholipase C could be prevented by inclusion of phosphatidylcholine but not of phosphatidic acid during the enzymatic incubations. The specificity of the phospholipids involved in expression of the chronic opiate effect could be demonstrated further by the absence of effect exhibited by phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus and phospholipase D. Hydrolysis of the acyl side chains of phospholipids with phospholipase A2 did not alter the chronic opiate effect after removal of lysophosphatides with bovine serum albumin. Because the guanylylimidodiphosphate- and NaF-sensitive adenylate cyclase activities were not affected by these phospholipase treatments, the expression of the compensatory increase in adenylate cyclase activity is mediated via an increase in the coupling between hormonal receptor and adenylate cyclase with the participation of the polar head groups of the phospholipids and not the hydrophobic side chains.

The adenylate cyclase rebound response to naloxone in the NG108-15 cells. Effects of etorphine and other opiates

The adenylate cyclase (AC) of the neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells (NG108-15), is generally considered to be a model for the study of the biochemical correlates of opiate tolerance and dependence. However, the naloxone-induced rebound response of adenylate cyclase, described in some recent reports, is much smaller than that originally described by Sharma, Klee and Nirenberg (1975). Possible explanations for these discrepancies are: (1) a marked down-regulation of opioid receptors and tolerance produced by the use of delta agonists or (2) the use of etorphine, a relatively hydrophobic drug which has slower dissociation rates than morphine. To test these possibilities, neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells were treated cells with morphine, etorphine, [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE), [D-Ala2]Leu-enkephalinamide (DALAMID) or vehicle. In addition, some of the cells treated with etorphine were washed with DADLE to replace the etorphine without producing the rebound response of adenylate cyclase prior to the addition of naloxone. The cells treated with morphine, DADLE and DALAMID, and incubated with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and naloxone showed a significant rebound of adenylate cyclase when compared with control groups and opiate-treated cells, incubated only with PGE1. In contrast, naloxone did not induce any significant rebound response in cells treated with etorphine unless they were previously washed with DADLE. These results demonstrate that the lack of a rebound response in cells treated with etorphine was due to the slow dissociation rates of the opiate and not to tolerance or to down-regulation of opioid receptors produced by agonists of high intrinsic activity.

Characterization of intestinal brush border guanylate cyclase activation by Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin

Intestinal brush border guanylate cyclase was previously reported to be activated by the Escherichia coli enterotoxin (STa). This system was reexamined in order to develop a hypothesis for the mechanism of activation. The extent of activation was previously underestimated, since by using sodium azide to inhibit competing reactions and ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether) N,N-tetraacetic acid to chelate Ca2+, which is inhibitory, maximal activations of 30- to 50-fold were obtained. Ca2+ inhibition was only partially relieved by the calmodulin inhibitor calmidazolium. Inhibitors of the O2-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase had no effect on STa activation; hence, it was concluded that STa activation did not involve arachidonate release and oxidation. STa was able to further increase activity already elevated by the nonionic detergent Lubrol PX. The membrane-active agent filipin, which was previously reported to inhibit both basal and agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase, did not inhibit STa activation of guanylate cyclase. Digitonin, another cholesterol binder, inhibited STa activation at low concentrations, which disappeared at higher concentrations. Both of these agents stimulated basal activity. Dimethyl sulfoxide produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of STa activation, while increasing basal activity 7-fold. Ethanol inhibited both basal and STa-stimulated activity, with the former being more affected. Benzyl alcohol, like ethanol, a "fluidizer" of cell membranes, also inhibited both basal and activated enzymes. We concluded that STa directly activates this guanylate cyclase and, because of the differential effects of inhibitors on basal and STa-stimulated activity, propose a receptor-mediated mechanism.

A high-performance liquid chromatography assay of brain adenylate cyclase using [3H]ATP as substrate

A sensitive, reproducible assay for adenylate cyclase is described which separates labeled cyclic AMP from ATP and other nucleotides by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on reverse-phase columns. The technique utilizes [3H]ATP as substrate, and the principal compound contaminating the [3H]cyclic AMP peak, adenosine, is removed by incubation of assay tubes with small amounts of adenosine deaminase. The HPLC elution utilizes high resolution (3 microns) short (10 cm) C-18 columns for increased resolution and decreased flow rates. Since cyclic AMP elutes at 4 min following injection, this procedure can easily process large numbers of samples per day when combined with automated techniques of sample injection and collection.

Reversal of the biological activity of Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin by disulfide-reducing agents

Various disulfide-reducing agents, mostly thiols and thiol precursors, were examined for their ability to reduce the disulfide bonds in the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin STa; reduction of the bonds results in loss of biological activity. The biological activity measured was the stimulation of guanylate cyclase in pig intestinal brush border membranes by STa. Nearly all of the compounds inactivated STa, although at different rates; a smaller number appreciably decreased guanylate cyclase activity when they were introduced into the reaction mixture after STa bound to its receptor. With dithiothreitol, the decrease in reaction rate was both time and concentration dependent and resulted in a reversal to basal activity. The anionic thiols were relatively ineffective in reversing activation, the neutral monothiols were moderately effective, and the aminothiols and neutral dithiols were the most effective. The order of effectiveness of the compounds was S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanethiol greater than 2,3-dimercaptopropanol = 2-aminoethylisothiuronium bromide greater than dithiothreitol greater than 2-mercaptoethylamine greater than alpha-thioglycerol. These compounds were used in weanling pig ligated-intestinal-loop bioassays to determine if STa-induced secretion was reduced when they were injected 20 min after the STa. Instead of S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanethiol we used the phosphorylated derivative S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethylphosphorothioic acid; this compound and 2,3-dimercaptopropanol were the only compounds that reduced STa-induced secretion and had no direct secretory or pathological effects.

Activation of sodium cyanide to a toxic but non-mutagenic metabolite in Salmonella typhimurium

Salmonella typhimurium strains (OASS-positive) synthesize a toxic but non-mutagenic metabolite from cyanide and O-acetylserine. Salmonella typhimurium mutant DW379 (OASS-deficient) is neither able to carry out this reaction in vitro nor produce the toxic metabolite in vivo. L-Cysteine reverses the cyanide metabolite mediated inhibition and thus allows OASS-positive strains to grow in medium containing cyanide and O-acetylserine. The results suggest that the enzyme O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase catalyzes the reaction of cyanide and O-acetylserine to form the toxic metabolite. This metabolite is ninhydrin-positive, adheres strongly to the cation-exchange column, and migrates in TLC to an Rf value similar to that of beta-cyanoalanine.

Effects of cycloheximide and tunicamycin on opiate receptor activities in neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 hybrid cells

The molecular mechanism of opiate receptor down-regulation and desensitization was investigated by studying the effects of cycloheximide and tunicamycin on opiate receptor activities in neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 hybrid cells. Cycloheximide inhibited [35S]methionine and [3H]-glucosamine incorporation by hybrid cells, while tunicamycin inhibited [3H]glucosamine incorporation only. Exposing hybrid cells to these two agents did not alter the viability of the cell. Treatment of NG108-15 cells with cycloheximide or tunicamycin produced a decrease in [3H]diprenorphine binding dependent on both time and concentrations of inhibitors, with no measurable modification in the ability of etorphine to regulate intracellular cyclic AMP production. Cycloheximide attenuated [3H]-diprenorphine binding by decreasing both the number of sites, Bmax, and the affinity of the receptor, Kd. Tunicamycin treatment produced a decrease in Bmax with no apparent alteration in Kd values. Cycloheximide and tunicamycin did not potentiate the rate or magnitude of etorphine-induced down-regulation or desensitization of opiate receptor in NG108-15 cells. Furthermore, there was an apparent antagonism in cycloheximide action on receptor down-regulation. The reappearance of opiate binding sites after agonist removal was affected by these two inhibitors. Cycloheximide and tunicamycin eliminated the increase in [3H]diprenorphine binding in the chronic etorphine-treated cells after agonist removal. These two inhibitors did not alter the resensitization of hybrid cells to etorphine. Thus, the site of opiate agonist action to induce receptor down-regulation and desensitization is not at the site of protein synthesis or protein glycosylation. These data substantiate previously reported observations that receptor down-regulation and receptor desensitization are two different cellular adaptation processes.

The effect of tolerance on opiate dependence as measured by the adenylate cyclase rebound response to naloxone in the NG108-15 model system

The naloxone-induced adenylate cyclase rebound response produced by opiates in the NG108-15 cells is quite apparent after 48 h treatment with M but it is undetectable after incubation with the high intrinsic activity agonist etorphine. Replacement of agonists by antagonists in receptors that have been rendered inactive by tolerance does not elicit the AC rebound response, which is considered a biochemical correlate of dependence. This indicates that marked tolerance and receptor down-regulation induced by prolonged treatment with high efficacy agonists may reduce the level of dependence.

Changes in adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase activities during the growth cycle of adult rat hepatocytes in primary culture

Long-term primary adult rat hepatocyte cultures show growth-state-dependent changes in adenylate cyclase and cAMP phosphodiesterase activities. Cellular adenylate cyclase activity decreases to undetectable levels within 1 day postplating, reappears on Days 4-5, and becomes maximal on Day 9. Membrane adenylate cyclase and cellular cAMP formation are insensitive to glucagon during log phase (Days 4-8) but not during lag (Day 1) or stationary phase (Day 12). Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activities (soluble and particulate) fall approximately equal to 70% by Day 2 but recover as proliferation begins. By contrast, the particulate phosphodiesterase assayed at 100 microM cAMP, decreased during Days 0-2. These observations simulate changes seen during liver proliferative transitions in vivo and, therefore, further support the use of these cultures as a developmental model.

Demonstration of RA - adenosine receptors in rat renal papillae

Adenylate cyclase in homogenates of rat renal papillae was stimulated by adenosine agonist compounds. Adenosine agonists neither stimulated nor inhibited cyclase activity in cortex or medulla. The rank order of agonist potencies was 5'N- ethylcarboxamide adenosine much greater than 2-chloroadenosine greater than L-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine = cyclohexyladenosine greater than D-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine. Stimulation of adenylate cyclase by 5'N- ethylcarboxamide adenosine was competitively antagonised by the methylxanthines, 1,3-diethyl-8- phenylxanthine and 8-phenyltheophylline; 1,3-diethyl-8- phenylxanthine being approximately 10 times more potent than 8-phenyltheophylline. These results demonstrate adenosine receptors of the RA-type localized to the papilla of the rat kidney.

The effect of membrane preparation and cellular maturation on human erythrocyte adenylate cyclase

We found that adenylate cyclase activity of human erythrocytes is potentially labile during isolation of their plasmalemma. Addition of 1 mM EGTA to solution used to remove hemoglobin from lysed cells protected activity. Human erythrocyte adenylate cyclase is minimally activated by catecholamines, in the absence or presence of exogenous guanyl nucleotide, but substantially by 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate or sodium fluoride and concentration-dependently by Mg2+ or Mn2+. Basal catalytic activity is an age-dependent component of the human erythrocyte; 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate- or fluoride-activated activities decline with cellular maturation proportionally to the decrease in basal activity.

Studies of the guanylate cyclase of the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum

Observations on the properties of the guanylate cyclase (GTP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.2) of the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum are reported. On the basis of similarities in kinetic and fractionation properties, it is shown that the activity from vegetative cells and the sixfold higher activity from starved cells appear to be due to the same enzyme. Most of the activity is found to be soluble, and by gel exclusion chromatography a molecular weight of 250,000 has been estimated for this form. As the enzyme shows considerably more activity with Mn+2 than Mg+2, the Km for Mn+2 activation was determined (700 microM), and compared to the levels of total cell Mn+2 (10 microM) and Mg+2 (3mM). These data suggest that Mg+2 is probably the physiological cofactor. A previous report [J. M. Mato, (1979) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 88, 569-574] that the enzyme is activated about twofold by ATP was confirmed; but contrary to that report, activation by the ATP analog 5'-adenylyl-imidodiphosphate was also obtained. Since this analog does not donate its phosphate in kinase reactions, it is likely that ATP activates the guanylate cyclase by direct binding rather than by phosphorylation. The known in vivo agonist of the guanylate cyclase, cAMP, did not activate the enzyme in vitro, either alone or in various combinations with calcium, calmodulin, ATP, and phospholipids.

Expression of differentiated function by hepatocytes in primary culture: variable effects of glucagon and insulin on gluconeogenesis during cell growth

Hormonal effects on gluconeogenesis from lactate were studied during the growth cycle of adult rat parenchyma liver cells using a primary monolayer culture system previously described [25]. Basal and glucagon-stimulated gluconeogenic ability were found to decline rapidly during log phase, insulin-stimulated growth. A progressive recovery of gluconeogenesis activity was observed after cell division subsided. Rates of lactate-gluconeogenesis were found also to decline in the absence of prior insulin exposure. This decline was not as rapid as the loss observed in cells cultured with insulin. However, in insulin-deficient cultures gluconeogenesis was completely abolished after 12 days and did not reelevate with further incubation unless cells were washed and exposed to glucagon. Decreasing growth rates of insulin-supplemented cultures by decreasing serum concentrations resulted in comparatively higher gluconeogenic activity. The results presented here are consistent with previous observations of hepatic parenchymal expression of 'differentiated function' during cellular growth phases in culture (i.e., differentiated functions are generally lost during rapid growth and regained as cells become quiescent). The present study, however, presents unexpected effects of insulin on the apparent growth-state dependent gluconeogenic recovery. Our data imply that although insulin has long been known to inhibit gluconeogenesis, its presence in culture may facilitate long-term basal maintenance of gluconeogenic enzyme activity. Insulin also functions as a growth factor whose initial mitogenic effect correlates with decreased gluconeogenic function. These changes show no simple or predictive correlation with cyclic nucleotide metabolism.

Effect of specific trinitrophenylation of the lysine epsilon amino group of glucagon on receptor binding and adenylate cyclase activation

The trinitrophenyl group was specifically introduced into the epsilon-amino group of glucagon by reaction of N alpha-citraconyl glucagon with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. The N alpha-citraconyl blocking group was subsequently removed by acid treatment yielding N epsilon-trinitrophenyl glucagon which was purified by anion-exchange chromatography. The derivative showed less secondary structure as measured by circular dichroism than the native hormone at pH 8.0 and at pH 2.0 in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The analog possessed 4-5% the potency of glucagon in stimulating adenylate cyclase with 90% maximal stimulation and possessed 30% the potency of glucagon in competing for glucagon-specific receptor sites in hepatic plasma membranes. Although the structure of N epsilon-trinitrophenyl glucagon is very similar to N epsilon-4-azido-2-nitrophenyl glucagon, the photoaffinity antagonist synthesized by M.D. Bregman and D. Levy [(1977) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 78, 584-590.], the biological activities of the two are different. Possible explanations for these differences are discussed.

Requirement for heme in the activation of purified guanylate cyclase by nitric oxide

Guanylate cyclase activity was purified to apparent homogeneity from rat liver (7700-fold) and bovine lung (8600-fold) soluble fractions by ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, agarose gel filtration and isoelectric focussing. The purified enzymes did not contain heme and did not respond to NO, nitroprusside or NO-cysteine in the absence of exogenous hematin. By contrast, preformed NO-hemoglobin increased enzyme activity 10-12-fold or 60-80-fold when 4 mM MnCl2 or 4 mM MgCl2, respectively, were employed as the metal ion co-factor. Addition of hematin to the enzyme preparations restored responsiveness to NO, nitroprusside or NO-cysteine to levels seen with NO-hemoglobin. Partial purification of guanylate cyclase from the soluble fraction of bovine lung (2400-fold) by ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, agarose gel filtration and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulted in a preparation which contained endogenous heme as indicated by absorbance at 436 nm and responded to NO, nitroprusside and NO-cysteine in the absence of added hematin. By contrast, guanylate cyclase purified from the hepatic supernatant by the identical procedure, did not contain detectable absorption due to heme and did not respond or responded poorly to NO, nitroprusside or NO-cysteine in the absence of exogenous hematin. Analogous to hepatic guanylate cyclase purified by isoelectric focussing, the HPLC purified hepatic enzyme was activated 14-fold by NO-hemoglobin in assays which contained 4 mM MnCl2 and 60-fold in assays with 4 mM MgCl2. Further, addition of hematin to the HPLC purified enzyme restored responsiveness to NO, nitroprusside and NO-cysteine to levels seen with NO-hemoglobin. These effects of hematin were specific for hematin and were not mimicked by albumin, sucrose or dithiothreitol. Moreover, the failure to observe stimulation of purified hepatic guanylate cyclase was not explained by a shift in the concentration response relationship between NO and guanylate cyclase activity. Several observations indicated that neither NO-thiol complexes nor [Fe(CN)5NO]-3 were the proximate moieties responsible for activation of guanylate cyclase by nitroprusside and related agents, as has been previously suggested. These results strongly support the proposal that activation of guanylate cyclase by NO and related agents specifically requires formation of an NO-heme complex.

Demonstration of specific receptors for adenosine in guinea-pig myocardium

Adenosine analogues N6-phenylisopropyladenosine and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine inhibit cardiac adenylate cyclase in a concentration dependent manner. Inhibition of adenylate cyclase required the presence of guanosine-triphosphate and Mg2+ ion. The concentration of Na+ ion was critically important: maximal inhibition was observed at 50 mmol/l Na+. 8-Phenyltheophylline and isobutylmethylxanthine antagonized the inhibition of adenylate cyclase mediated by adenosine analogues. Adenosine receptors of the inhibitory type (R1 or A1) are present in guinea-pig myocardium and may mediate some actions of adenosine.

Characterization of an ATP-Mg2+-dependent guanine nucleotide-stimulated adenylate cyclase from Neurospora crassa

A novel adenylate cyclase activity was found in crude homogenates of Neurospora crassa. The adenylate cyclase had substantial activity with ATP-Mg2+ as substrate differing significantly from the strictly ATP-Mn2+-dependent enzyme characterized previously. Additionally, the ATP-Mg2+-dependent activity was stimulated two- to fourfold by GTP or guanyl-5'-yl-imido-diphosphate (Gpp(NH)p). We propose that the ATP-Mg2+-dependent, guanine nucleotide-stimulated activity is due to a labile regulatory component (G component) of the adenylate cyclase which was present in carefully prepared extracts. The adenylate cyclase had a pH optimum of 5.8 and both the catalytic and G component were particulate. The Km for ATP-Mg2+ was 2.2 mM in the presence of 4.5 mM excess Mg2+. Low Mn2+ concentrations had no effect on adenylate cyclase activity whereas high concentrations of Mn2+ or Mg2+ stimulated the enzyme. Maximal Gpp(NH)p stimulation required preincubation of the enzyme in the presence of the guanine nucleotide and the K1/2 for Gpp(NH)p stimulation was 110 nM. Neither fluoride nor any of a variety of glycolytic intermediates or hormones, including glucagon, epinephrine, and dopamine, had an effect on ATP-Mg2+-dependent adenylate cyclase activity. However, the enzymatic activity was stimulated not only by GTP but also by 5'-AMP and was inhibited by NADH.

Demonstration of adenylate cyclase coupled adenosine receptors in guinea pig ventricular membranes

Adenylate cyclase in homogenates of guinea pig ventricles was inhibited by the stable adenosine analogs N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) and 5(1)-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA). Inhibition required GTP and was enhanced by sodium ion. The maximum inhibition observed was 35.1 +/- 1.1%, the EC50 (95% confidence limits, n) for PIA and NECA were 0.20 microM (0.17-0.25 microM, 6) and 0.66 microM (0.26-1.7 microM, 4) respectively. 8-Phenyltheophylline (10 and 100 microM) and isobutylemethylxanthine (100 microM) antagonized the inhibitory effects of the adenosine analogs. These results indicate that adenosine receptors of the inhibitory type (RI or A1) are present in guinea pig myocardium and may mediate some of the cardiac responses to adenosine.

Attenuation of enkephalin activity in neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 hybrid cells by phospholipases

The role of membrane phospholipids in enkephalin receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1) activity in neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 hybrids was studied by selective hydrolysis of lipids with phospholipases. When NG108-15 cells were treated with phospholipase C from Clostridium welchii at 37 degrees C, an enzyme concentration--dependent decrease in adenylate cyclase activity was observed. The basal and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were more sensitive to phospholipase C (EC 3.1.4.3) treatment than were the NaF-5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p)-sensitive adenylate cyclase activities. Further, Leu5-enkephalin inhibition of basal or PGE1-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was attenuated by phospholipase C treatment, characterized by a decrease of enkephalin potency and of maximal inhibitory level. [3H]D-Ala2-Met5-enkephalinamide binding revealed a decrease in receptor affinity with no measurable reduction in number of binding sites after phospholipase C treatment. Although opiate receptor was still under the regulation of guanine nucleotide after phospholipase C treatment, adenylate cyclase activity was more sensitive to the stimulation of Gpp(NH)p. Thus, the reduction of opiate agonist affinity was not due to the uncoupling of opiate receptor from N-component. Further, treatment of NG108-15 hybrid cell membrane with phospholipase C at 24 degrees C produced analogous attenuation of enkephalin potency and efficacy without alteration in receptor binding. The reduction in enkephalin potency could be reversed by treating NG108-15 membrane with phosphatidylcholine, but not with phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, or cerebroside sulfate. The enkephalin activity in NG108-15 cells was not altered by treating the cells with phospholipase A2 o phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus. Hence, apparently, there was a specific lipid dependency in enkephalin inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity.