The hepatic alpha 1-adrenergic receptor

Acidosis modifies metabolic functions but does not affect vascular resistances in perfused rat livers

BACKGROUND

Few data exist concerning the consequences of acidosis on intrahepatic vascular resistances and hepatic functions.

METHODS

The consequences of pH and PCO2 changes on the intrahepatic vascular reactivity to norepinephrine (NE, 10(-9) to 3 x 10(-5) M) have been investigated in isolated rat livers perfused with solutions bubbled with 5, 10, or 15% CO2 and in solutions in which pH was decreased by replacing HCO3- with NaCl while maintaining a normal PCO2. Hepatic O2 consumption (VO2) and urea release were also measured during these experiments.

RESULTS

The NE-induced increase of portal pressure did not change during hypercarbic and normocarbic acidosis. In contrast, the NE-induced increase of urea release was higher when the solution of perfusion was bubbled with 10 and 15% CO2, while during normocarbic acidosis the NE-induced increase of urea release did not change with pH. In the absence of NE, acidosis decreased hepatic VO2 and urea release but portal pressure was not modified by changing % CO2 or pH in the Krebs-Henseleit-bicarbonate solution.

CONCLUSIONS

This study clearly shows that, in the liver, the consequences of acidosis are far more important on the metabolism (VO2 and urea release) than on the intrahepatic vascular resistance.

Increase in epinephrine-induced responsiveness during microgravity simulated by head-down bed rest in humans

The epinephrine (Epi)-induced effects on the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and metabolic functions were studied in men before and during a decrease in SNS activity achieved through simulated microgravity. Epi was infused at 3 graded rates (0.01, 0.02, and 0. 03 microg. kg(-1). min(-1) for 40 min each) before and on the fifth day of head-down bed rest (HDBR). The effects of Epi on the SNS (assessed by plasma norepinephrine levels and spectral analysis of systolic blood pressure and heart rate variability), on plasma levels of glycerol, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose and insulin, and on energy expenditure were evaluated. HDBR decreased urinary norepinephrine excretion (28.1 +/- 4.2 vs. 51.5 +/- 9.1 microg/24 h) and spectral variability of systolic blood pressure in the midfrequency range (16.3 +/- 1.9 vs. 24.5 +/- 0.9 normalized units). Epi increased norepinephrine plasma levels (P < 0.01) and spectral variability of systolic blood pressure (P < 0.009) during, but not before, HDBR. No modification of Epi-induced changes in heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were observed during HDBR. Epi increased plasma glucose, insulin, and NEFA levels before and during HDBR. During HDBR, the Epi-induced increase in plasma glycerol and lactate levels was more pronounced than before HDBR (P < 0.005 and P < 0.001, respectively). Epi-induced energy expenditure was higher during HDBR (P < 0.02). Our data suggest that the increased effects of Epi during simulated microgravity could be related to both the increased SNS response to Epi infusion and/or to the beta-adrenergic receptor sensitization of end organs, particularly in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle.

A role of asialoglycoproteins for plasma-membrane-induced inhibition of the switching from alpha 1 to beta subtypes in adrenergic response during primary culture of rat hepatocytes

Adrenergic responses of rat hepatocytes were studied by measuring Ins(1,4,5)P3(for the response via alpha 1-subtype receptors) and cAMP (for beta-subtype response) generation during brief incubation of cells with respective agonists. Hepatocytes from young rats with an age of 1 week displayed a very high beta response without a significant alpha 1 response. The beta response decreased and the alpha 1 response increased progressively as the age increased; the response was almost exclusively via alpha 1 receptors in hepatocytes of adult rats 9 weeks or more old. The beta response developed, again at the expense of the alpha 1 response, in hepatocytes from adult rats during the primary culture at low cell densities [(1-2.5) x 10(4) cells/cm2]. Such "alpha 1 to beta subtype switching' of adrenergic responses in vitro was totally inhibited by adding plasma membranes prepared from adult rat liver into the low-cell-density culture, but not inhibited at all by membranes from young rat liver. The inhibitory effect of adult rat liver membranes was lost when the membranes had been exposed to endoglycosidase F or beta-galactosidase but was not affected by prior treatment with sialidase. On the contrary, young rat liver membranes became inhibitory to "alpha 1 to beta subtype switching' after prior treatment with sialidase. Thus glycoproteins with unsialylated galactosyl termini on the surface of adult rat hepatocytes are likely to function as a determinant of the relative development of alpha 1/beta subtypes of adrenergic responses; the beta response is predominant in hepatocytes in the juvenile, presumably as a result of sialylation of the galactosyl termini of the functional glycoproteins.

Switching from alpha 1- to beta-subtypes in adrenergic response during primary culture of adult-rat hepatocytes as affected by the cell-to-cell interaction through plasma membranes

The alpha 1-adrenergic response was predominant over the beta-adrenergic one in adult rat hepatocytes, when the responses were measured as the agonist-induced generations of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and cyclic AMP, respectively. During primary culture of the adult rat hepatocytes, the beta-adrenergic response developed rapidly, whereas the alpha 1-response decreased gradually. Such receptor-subtype switching did not occur unless the cells were cultured under conditions favourable for cell growth, i.e. at low cell density (10(4) cells/cm2). The switching was prevented progressively as the cell culture density was increased up to 20-fold or the low-density culture was achieved by addition of increasing amounts of liver plasma membranes. The gradual decrease in alpha 1-response was accounted for by a concurrent decrease in the receptor site density, whereas rapid development of the beta-response definitely preceded the increase in beta-ligand binding sites during the culture. This rapid development of the beta-response reflected enhanced coupling of the receptor to G-protein during the early stage of culture, as evidenced by the progressively developed ability of GTP to lower the affinity of beta-agonist binding to membranes prepared from these short-time-cultured hepatocytes.

Shift from alpha- to beta-type adrenergic receptor-mediated responses in chronically endotoxemic rats

Hepatocytes from chronically endotoxemic rats, or appropriate saline controls, were maintained in primary culture for 3 or 20 h. The ability of a variety of hormones to stimulate glycogen phosphorylase a was examined. At 3 h in culture, hepatocytes from endotoxemic rats had lower basal activities and exhibited impaired response to vasopressin, angiotensin II, and, to a lesser extent, norepinephrine and glucagon. The norepinephrine response was predominantly of the alpha-type in the saline rats but mixed alpha- and beta-type in the endotoxic cells. After 20 h in culture, vasopressin and angiotensin II responses were still impaired, while norepinephrine and glucagon responses were similar to those seen in the saline cells. The response to norepinephrine was predominantly of the beta-type in the endotoxic cells but still of the alpha-type in the saline cells. The results show that multiple mechanisms are involved in endotoxin-mediated inhibition of glycogen phosphorylase a activity and that alterations in intracellular calcium homeostasis play more of a significant role than adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-mediated processes in diminished responsiveness of the liver seen in endotoxemia.

LPS inhibits PI-phospholipase C but not PC-phospholipase D or phosphorylase activation by vasopressin and norepinephrine

Rats were infused with endotoxin (50 micrograms/100 g body wt) for 3 h, and the parenchymal cells of the liver were maintained in primary culture for 1-3 h. The effects of vasopressin, norepinephrine, and glucagon on the activation of phosphatidylinositol (PI)-phospholipase C, phosphatidylcholine (PC)-phospholipase D, and glycogen phosphorylase a were investigated. Activation of PI-phospholipase C was markedly reduced, particularly with norepinephrine. This confirms that one of the early metabolic impairments seen in acute endotoxin treatment is inhibition of PI-phospholipase C activity. However, the ability of vasopressin, norepinephrine, and glucagon to stimulate glycogen phosphorylase a and PC-phospholipase D was not affected by this endotoxin treatment. We conclude that activation of phosphorylase a by vasopressin and norepinephrine is not entirely dependent on the activation of PI-phospholipase C and inositol trisphosphate formation.

Functional involvement of α1and α2-adrenoceptors in86Rb efflux from liver slices and lipolysis in guinea-pig isolated adipocytes

1. The application of an alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, amidephrine, to guinea-pig liver slices increases glucose release and 86Rb efflux. Since prazosin was more potent than yohimbine in inhibiting both responses, alpha 1-adrenoceptors seem to be involved in the effects evoked by the agonist. 2. Clonidine (an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist) at doses unable to activate liver glycogenolysis increased 86Rb release and potentiated isoprenaline in promoting 86Rb efflux. Since yohimbine antagonized clonidine in promoting 86Rb efflux, alpha 2-adrenoceptors also seem to control plasmalemmal permeability to 86Rb. 3. The liver slice responses resulting from alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation required extracellular calcium. Calcium absence or the administration of D-600 attenuated the effects of amidephrine on glucose release and 86Rb outflow and Ca2+ excess re-established both responses. D-600 and apamin blocked clonidine-induced 86Rb efflux, suggesting that alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation activates calcium dependent K+ channels. 4. alpha 2-adrenoceptors do not appear to mediate antilipolytic effects in guinea-pig fat cells.

Experimental studies on the changes of adrenergic receptors in rat liver with acute injury and in endotoxemia

Previous studies suggested that hepatic alpha and beta adrenergic receptors is stable and it is in dynamic equilibrium under normal conditions. However, at a pathological condition these receptors may be changed. We studied the changes of adrenergic receptors in the rat liver with acute injury and in endotoxemia by light microscopic autoradiography. Our experimental results reveal that in the liver of rats with acute injury and in endotoxemia there were changes in varying degrees of alpha and beta adrenoceptors. Moreover, the changes were not uniform in various structures of the rat liver. Glucagon can keep adrenergic receptors stable on hepatic cells and muscular cells of blood vessels in the rat liver. Our experiment provides evidence for clinical use of adrenoceptor antagonists in the treatment of acute and chronic liver disease.

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor number and receptor density in isolated hepatocytes from foetal, juvenile and adult rats

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor number was defined by [3H]-prazosin binding in crude membrane preparations of hepatocytes and in intact hepatocytes isolated from foetal (day 22 of gestation), juvenile (12 days old), adult female and adult male (90-150 days old) rats and compared with the alpha-1 adrenergic response (measured by epinephrine stimulated glucose liberation in presence of the beta-antagonist propranolol). The alpha-1 receptor number (expressed as fmol bound [3H]-prazosin/mg membrane protein or as receptor number/cell) increases in an age-dependent fashion reaching the highest values in hepatocytes of adult female and male rats. Statistically significant differences could be found between foetal, juvenile and adult rat hepatocytes. No differences in [3H]-prazosin binding were observed between hepatocytes of adult female and adult male rats. The receptor density (expressed as receptor number/microns 2 cell surface), however, was found to be equal in juvenile and adult rats. There are no differences of alpha-1 adrenergic response in juvenile, adult female and adult male rat hepatocytes, whereas the values in foetal hepatocytes were significantly lower. So the biological response is closely correlated with the receptor density and not with the receptor number per cell.

Physiology of the male reproductive system: endocrine, paracrine and autocrine regulation

This presentation reviews the male reproductive system, concentrating on newer advances in our knowledge of its physiology, biochemistry, and regulation, and introduces the topic of male reproductive toxicology. GnRH is the hypothalamic peptide responsible for the stimulation of LH and FSH release from the pituitary. It is synthesized as a pro-hormone, processed in the hypothalamus and released into the portal system in a pulsatile fashion. The timing of these pulses is critical to the release of LH and FSH into the general circulation. While LH and FSH are the main trophic hormones for the testis, we now realize the importance of not only endocrine control, but also of paracrine and autocrine regulation. Specifically, the local control of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and germ cells appears to be modulated by numerous growth factors and local regulators arising from within the testis. This point is emphasized both during a discussion of the interaction of the various cell types in the testis and during a discussion of spermatogenesis, where techniques which show stage-specific secretions are highlighted. Newest advances in the mechanism of action of steroidal and peptide hormones are also emphasized with special reference to the possible interaction between toxicants and endocrine control of the reproductive system. This update of the reproductive system "sets the stage" for an in-depth examination of the site and mechanism of action of reproductive toxicants.

Adrenergic receptor properties of hepatocytes from male and female rats

alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic receptor properties of intact hepatocytes from adult male and female rats were evaluated in ligand binding studies using [3H]prazosin and [3H]CGP-12177 (4-(t-butylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-[5,7-3H]benzimidazole-2-one-HCl), a hydrophilic beta antagonist. Prior work had suggested that the response of hepatocytes from males to alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation was greater than that of cells from females. However, little sexual difference in prazosin affinity, number of binding sites or kinetics of association/dissociation with the cells was found. Epinephrine, [3H]prazosin competition for binding sites on intact cells was performed at 2 degrees C and 80-90% of agonist sites remained in a high affinity state with an epinephrine Kd comparable to that previously found in glucose release and phosphorylase alpha activation studies. Agonist Kd inferred from these competition experiments also showed no sexual dimorphism. These data suggest that the greater rise in the concentration of cytosolic free calcium and release of 45Ca from cells of males in response to epinephrine stimulation is not due to male/female alpha 1-receptor differences but, rather, may be a function of the previously observed sexual difference in cell calcium metabolism. [3H]CGP binding to hepatocytes from females was stereospecific, saturable and identified a single, high affinity site. Comparable sites were not found on cells from males, however, [3H]CGP binding to crude membrane preparations from both sexes was identical. This suggests that the loss of hepatic beta-receptor function in the adult male is due to an inaccessibility of beta-receptors at the external surface of the plasma membrane of the intact cell. Further studies with other beta-receptor ligands are being carried out to confirm these initial findings.

Early events in the regulation of hepatocyte DNA synthesis: the role of alpha-adrenergic stimulation

The role of adrenergic agents in DNA synthesis was investigated in two models of stimulated hepatocyte growth: in vitro primary serum-free cultures of adult parenchymal hepatocytes, and in vivo liver regeneration after two-thirds partial hepatectomy. In both systems the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor appeared to be involved in mediating stimulatory effects. In primary hepatocyte cultures norepinephrine acted via this receptor to enhance the DNA synthesis stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF), and heterologously downregulated EGF receptors. In liver regeneration the administration of an alpha 1 blocking agent interfered with the first wave of regenerative DNA synthesis, and this effect was preceded by an elevation in EGF receptor number. Measurements of plasma catcholamines demonstrated that elevated levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine were in circulation within 2 h after partial hepatectomy. Surgical hepatic sympathectomy also interfered with early liver regeneration, suggesting that locally delivered adrenergic agents are important to initiation of DNA synthesis. These data suggest that stimulation at the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor is among the early signals for liver regeneration and that heterologous regulation of EGF receptors, similar to that observed in vitro, may be a part of the regenerative response.

Alpha-adrenoceptor involvement in catecholamine-induced hyperglycaemia in conscious fasted rabbits

In conscious fasted rabbits an intravenous infusion of phenylephrine (20 micrograms kg-1 min-1) induced hyperglycaemia. The increase in blood glucose was accompanied by a modest increase in insulin secretion and a reduction of liver glycogen. Muscle glycogen and blood lactate levels were not altered by treatment with phenylephrine. Prazosin, 1 mg kg-1 s.c., partially attenuated phenylephrine-induced hyperglycaemia. Phenoxybenzamine infusion (16.6 micrograms kg-1 min-1) for 15 min suppressed the increase in blood glucose and the reduction in liver glycogen evoked by phenylephrine. This alpha-adrenoceptor blocker also clearly attenuated the blood glucose elevation observed on infusing adrenaline at 0.3 microgram kg-1 min-1. Blockade by phenoxybenzamine of phenylephrine- and adrenaline-induced hyperglycaemia was not accompanied by a significant increase in immunoreactive insulin plasma levels. Yohimbine infused at a rate of 20 micrograms kg-1 min-1, also completely blocked phenylephrine-induced hyperglycaemia. This suppressor effect was accompanied by a marked rebound in insulin secretion. It is concluded that in normal fasted rabbits stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors induces hyperglycaemia. The increase in blood glucose depends mainly on liver glycogenolysis and inhibition of insulin secretion. Separate blockade of each component suffices to reduce alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated hyperglycaemia.

Effect of catecholamines on the metabolic fate of nonesterified fatty acids in isolated hepatocytes from newborn rats

Isolated hepatocytes from newborn rats are able to produce ketone bodies from added medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids. Carnitine enhances the rate of ketone body synthesis from palmitate as well as from caprinoate. The 3-OHB/AcAc ratios indicate a highly reduced state of the mitochondrial redox carriers in the presence of both fatty acids and carnitine. Ketogenesis from palmitate accounts for about 90% of the total beta-oxidation. At recovery of 95% of the radioactivity two thirds of totally fatty acid uptake are channeled into esterification, whereas the remainder is oxidized. alpha- and beta-agonists stimulate glycogen degradation and glucose release and reduce net lactate production in hepatocytes from newborn rats. The (1-14C)-palmitate uptake is not altered by alpha- and beta-agonists. Phenylephrine significantly enhances 14CO2 production from (1-14C)-palmitate. Neither of the agonists affects the rate of esterification or of ketone body production with palmitate as substrate. Isoproterenol, however, stimulates ketogenesis from caprinoate even in the presence of optimal carnitine concentrations.

Control of glycogen phosphorylase interconversion by phorbol esters, diacylglycerols, Ca2+ and hormones in isolated rat hepatocytes

In isolated rat hepatocytes: phosphorylase activation by the ionophore A23187 was enhanced in the presence of tumour-promoting phorbol esters and 1,2- (but not 1,3-) diacylglycerols (dioleoyl- and oleoylacetyl-glycerol), with a similar dose-dependency; the activation of phosphorylase by phenylephrine (1 microM) (but not by vasopressin or glucagon) was inhibited both by tumour-promoting phorbol esters and diacylglycerols, but with a different dose-dependency: complete inhibition was achieved with concentrations of phorbol esters two orders of magnitude lower than those of diacylglycerol; binding of the alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist [3H]prazosin and its displacement by unlabelled prazosin was not significantly affected in the presence of the phorbol esters. The possible involvement of protein kinase C in the control of phosphorylase interconversion is discussed.

Effects of noradrenaline, vasopressin and angiotensin on the Na-K pump in rat isolated liver cells

The effects of noradenaline (via alpha 1-adrenoceptors) and of the peptidic hormones vasopressin and angiotensin on the Na-K pump have been studied in rat isolated liver cells. The three hormones increased the cytosolic Ca concentration, stimulated the Na-K pump and decreased the internal Na concentration of the cells. The effects were dose-dependent and were blocked by the corresponding antagonists. The simultaneous addition of maximal doses of noradrenaline and angiotensin or vasopressin were not additive suggesting that the hormones use a common mechanism to stimulate the carrier. Incubating the cells in Ca-free medium for long periods (Ca-depletion) increased the Na-K pump activity and reduced the stimulatory action of vasopressin, angiotensin and noradrenaline. The effect of the Ca indicator quin2, used as an intracellular Ca chelator, was also studied. The cells were loaded with a maximal concentration of [3H]-quin2 acetoxymethyl ester in the presence of external Ca for 6 min. The final cell content was 3.1 nmol quin2 mg-1 cell dry wt. In these cells the cytosolic Ca, as monitored from the fluorescence emission of the indicator, was about 200 nM and Na-K pump activity was normal and the cells remained responsive to the three hormones. Loading the cells with quin2 in the absence of external Ca reduced the [Ca]i from 200 nM to about 40 nM and increased the Na-K pump activity but not as a result of a rise in internal Na concentration. In addition, the rat hepatocytes were no longer sensitive to the hormones. It is proposed that Ca inhibits the Na-K pump by binding the internal sites and that vasopressin, angiotensin and noradrenaline stimulate the carrier by interfering with the inhibitory Ca sites.

Comparison of postnatal changes in alpha 1-adrenoceptor binding and adrenergic stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in rat cerebral cortex

Adrenergic stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis is mediated by the alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtype in many tissues including the brain. We have investigated the coupling of alpha 1-adrenoceptors to phosphoinositide hydrolysis during ontogeny. Alpha 1-adrenoceptor number and affinity were measured using [3H]prazosin binding in crude membranes of cerebral cortex and compared to the ability of the adrenergic agonists norepinephrine (NE) and phenylephrine (PE) to stimulate the formation of [3H] inositol phosphates from [3H]myo-inositol in brain slices at various ages. The greatest changes in the developmental expression of both the Bmax for [3H]prazosin binding and maximal (10(-4)M) NE- or PE-stimulated [3H]inositol phosphates were observed during the period of 7-21 days of age. No changes in the KD for [3H]prazosin were observed. However, at 14 days of age the EC50 for NE but not PE stimulation of [3H]inositol phosphates was slightly but significantly lower than at later ages. To quantitatively compare these two parameters during ontogeny, data were expressed as a percentage of the adult (greater than 65 day) value. At early ages (7 and 14 days) but not at later ages (21 and 37 days) the percent expression of [3H]prazosin binding sites was significantly greater than the maximal NE-stimulated [3H]inositol phosphates. This suggests that early in neonatal development alpha 1 adrenoceptors in brain are not tightly coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis.