Synergistic effect of A23187 and a phorbol ester on amylase secretion from rabbit pancreatic acini

Ca²⁺-regulated secretory granule exocytosis in pancreatic and parotid acinar cells

Protein secretion from acinar cells of the pancreas and parotid glands is controlled by G-protein coupled receptor activation and generation of the cellular messengers Ca(2+), diacylglycerol and cAMP. Secretory granule (SG) exocytosis shares some common characteristics with nerve, neuroendocrine and endocrine cells which are regulated mainly by elevated cell Ca(2+). However, in addition to diverse signaling pathways, acinar cells have large ∼1 μm diameter SGs (∼30 fold larger diameter than synaptic vesicles), respond to stimulation at slower rates (seconds versus milliseconds), demonstrate significant constitutive secretion, and in isolated acini, undergo sequential compound SG-SG exocytosis at the apical membrane. Exocytosis proceeds as an initial rapid phase that peaks and declines over 3 min followed by a prolonged phase that decays to near basal levels over 20-30 min. Studies indicate the early phase is triggered by Ca(2+) and involves the SG proteins VAMP2 (vesicle associated membrane protein2), Ca(2+)-sensing protein synatotagmin 1 (syt1) and the accessory protein complexin 2. The molecular details for regulation of VAMP8-mediated SG exocytosis and the prolonged phase of secretion are still emerging. Here we review the known regulatory molecules that impact the sequential exocytic process of SG tethering, docking, priming and fusion in acinar cells.

Aqueous Humor Dynamics Associated with the Phorbol Ester-Induced Decrease in Intraocular Pressure in the Rabbit

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of injection of the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) into the anterior chamber of the eye on intraocular pressure (IOP) and aqueous humor dynamics.

METHODS

IOP was measured for 24 h after intracameral injection of PMA (3 to 50 pmol) in unanesthetized rabbits. Aqueous humor dynamics (aqueous flow, total outflow facility, and uveoscleral outflow) were determined approximately 6 h after injection of 50 pmol of PMA in animals pretreated with indomethacin.

RESULTS

Intracameral injection of 50 pmol of PMA induced a biphasic effect on IOP, consisting of a transient increase apparent at 0.5 and 1 h and a sustained decrease apparent after 2 h. This effect of PMA was dose dependent. Whereas pretreatment with indomethacin attenuated the PMA-induced increase in IOP, the sustained decrease in IOP remained apparent in the pretreated rabbits. Intracameral injection of 4alpha-PMA, an inactive PMA analog, had no effect on IOP. PMA also significantly increased uveoscleral outflow, but it had no effect on aqueous flow or total outflow facility.

CONCLUSION

Intracameral injection of PMA reduced IOP in the rabbits by increasing the rate of uveoscleral outflow. This IOP-lowering effect of PMA may be mediated by activation of PKC.

Dibutyltin dichloride modifies amylase release from isolated rat pancreatic acini

INTRODUCTION

Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC) is widely used as a stabilizer for polyvinylchloride plastics and is of particular toxicologic interest.

AIM

To examine the effects of DBTC on pancreatic exocrine function in isolated rat pancreatic acini.

METHODOLOGY

Isolated rat pancreatic acini were incubated with various secretagogues in the presence or absence of DBTC. We investigated the effects of DBTC on amylase release, receptor binding, and protein kinase C (PKC) enzyme activity.

RESULTS

DBTC reduced cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8)-stimulated and carbamylcholine-stimulated amylase release and the binding of [(125)I]CCK-8 to isolated rat pancreatic acini. Conversely, DBTC potentiated secretin-stimulated amylase release, although it slightly inhibited [(125)I]secretin binding to its receptors. In addition, DBTC potentiated amylase release stimulated by vasoactive intestinal peptide, 8-bromoadenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (8Br-cAMP) or calcium ionophore A23187, whereas it had no influence on amylase release stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C abolished the DBTC-induced potentiation of amylase release stimulated by 8Br-cAMP or A23187. Moreover, DBTC caused a significant translocation of PKC enzyme activity from cytosol to membrane fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that DBTC reduces CCK-8- and carbamylcholine-stimulated amylase release by inhibiting their receptor bindings to pancreatic acini, whereas it potentiates cAMP-mediated amylase release by activating PKC in isolated rat pancreatic acini.

Stimulatory effects of bilirubin on amylase release from isolated rat pancreatic acini

Considered to be an etiologic factor of acute pancreatitis, hypersecretion of pancreatic juice and digestive enzymes is often associated with hyperbilirubinemia. We explored the intracellular mechanisms through which bilirubin affects pancreatic exocrine secretory function by examining the effect of bilirubin on isolated rat pancreatic acini. Bilirubin stimulated amylase release in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, significantly increasing amylase release at concentrations >5 mg/100 ml and after 15 min of incubation. Coincubation of bilirubin with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, 8-bromo-cAMP, or A-23187 had a synergistic effect on amylase release, whereas coincubation with CCK-8, carbamylcholine, or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate had an additive effect. Bilirubin did not affect acinar cAMP content or Ca(2+) efflux. Intracellular Ca(2+) pool depletion had no influence on bilirubin-evoked amylase release. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin C partially but significantly inhibited bilirubin-stimulated amylase release, whereas the PKA inhibitor H-89 did not. The tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor genistein, phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) inhibitor indoxam, and PLC inhibitor U-73122 also inhibited amylase release. Bilirubin significantly translocated PKC activity from the cytosol to the membrane fraction and activated TK in cytosol and membrane fractions. These results indicate that bilirubin stimulates amylase release by activating PKC and TK in rat pancreatic acini and that PLC and PLA(2) partly mediate this process.

Impaired pancreatic exocrine function in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Substantial numbers of studies have revealed the close correlation between chronic pancreatitis and cirrhosis in human. However, the situation with regard to pancreatic enzyme secretion is less clear.

AIM

The aim of the study was to investigate pancreatic exocrine function in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis in rats.

METHODS

Pancreatic exocrine function and morphology in Sprague-Dawley rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis were investigated. Pancreatic exocrine functions stimulated by cholecystokinin-8 and other secretagogs were assessed in isolated pancreatic acini, and in vivo and morphological changes were studied by routine histological examination and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The basal and cholecystokinin-8-stimulated amylase releases from acini and acinar amylase content were significantly lower in the cirrhotic rats than the control. None of the secretagogs induced the some amount of amylase release in cirrhotic as in control rats. Volume of the pancreatic juice and outputs of amylase and protein were significantly decreased under basal and cholecystokinin-8-stimulated conditions in vivo. Electron microscopy revealed most of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum accompanying less numbers of ribosomes to be dilated and some mitochondria to be swollen in cirrhotic rats.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic exocrine functions are decreased in cirrhotic rats owing to alterations at the electron microscopic levels, reflecting an impaired acinar intracellular messenger system.

Inhibition of amylase secretion from differentiated AR4-2J pancreatic acinar cells by an actin cytoskeleton controlled protein tyrosine phosphatase activity

Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton in AR4-2J pancreatic acinar cells led to an increase in cytosolic protein tyrosine phosphatase activity, abolished bombesin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and reduced bombesin-induced amylase secretion by about 45%. Furthermore, both tyrosine phosphorylation and amylase secretion induced by phorbol ester-induced activation of protein kinase C were abolished. An increase in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 had no effect on tyrosine phosphorylation but induced amylase release. Only when added together with phorbol ester, the same level of amylase secretion as with bombesin was reached. This amylase secretion was inhibited by about 40%, by actin cytoskeleton disruption similar to that induced by bombesin. We conclude that actin cytoskeleton-controlled protein tyrosine phosphatase activity downstream of protein kinase C activity regulates tyrosine phosphorylation which in part is involved in bombesin-stimulated amylase secretion.

Pervanadate stimulates amylase release and protein tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and p125(FAK) in differentiated AR4-2J pancreatic acinar cells

We have studied the role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in amylase secretion from differentiated AR4-2J cells. The secretagogue bombesin, the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and the protein-tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate induced tyrosine phosphorylation of different proteins, including paxillin and p125(FAK), which was reduced or blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin B56, respectively. Both PMA and pervanadate continuously increased amylase secretion with a similar time course, reaching the level of bombesin-induced amylase release after 60 min. Their effects were not additive and could be inhibited by preincubation of AR4-2J cells with genistein or tyrphostin B56, respectively. Inhibition of protein kinase C with Ro 31-8220 nearly abolished the effects of PMA, but had no effect on either pervanadate-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation or amylase secretion. An increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration by thapsigargin or A23187 caused a rapid increase in amylase release within the initial 5 min. In the presence of PMA or pervanadate, amylase secretion was further stimulated to levels comparable to those induced by bombesin after 30 min of stimulation. Inhibition of PMA-induced amylase secretion by Ro 31-8220 was less at elevated cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations than without Ca2+. Furthermore, an increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration had no effect on protein tyrosine phosphorylation in either the absence or presence of PMA or pervanadate. We therefore conclude that in the cascade of events that lead to bombesin-induced protein secretion from AR4-2J cells, protein tyrosine phosphorylation occurs downstream of protein kinase C activation. A further step in secretion that is Ca2+-dependent occurs distal to protein tyrosine phosphorylation.

Interactions of islet hormones with acetylcholine in the isolated rat pancreas

This study investigates the effects of the islet hormones, insulin (INS), glucagon (GLU) and somatostatin (SOM) on acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked amylase secretion and calcium (Ca2+) mobilization in the isolated rat pancreas. Stimulation of pancreatic segments and acini with either INS, GLU or SOM resulted in small increases of amylase output compared to much large increases in enzyme output with ACh. Combinations of the peptide hormones with ACh resulted in enhanced secretory responses compared to the effects obtained with either ACh or each of the islet hormone alone. Genistein, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, evoked a decrease in amylase output from pancreatic segments. It had no effect on the ACh evoke secretory response but it markedly inhibited the potentiation of the islet hormones with ACh. In pancreatic acinar cells either INS, GLU or SOM elicited moderate increases in amylase output compared to much larger responses with ACh. Furthermore, the islet hormones failed to potentiate the secretory effect of ACh in pancreatic acini. In fura-2 AM loaded acinar cells both INS and GLU evoked small increases in intracellular free calcium concentration [Ca2+]i compared to a much larger elevation with ACh. Both INS and GLU enhanced the ACh-evoked [Ca2+]i. Genistein elicited a decrease in [Ca2+]i both in the absence and presence of both INS and GLU. It also decreased the rise in [Ca2+]i resulting from the combined presence of ACh with both INS and GLU. SOM had no significant effect on the ACh-induced [Ca2+]i. When genistein was combined with ACh and SOM there was a decrease in [Ca2+]i compared to the response obtained with SOM and ACh alone. The results indicate that both tyrosine kinase and cellular Ca2+ seem to be the intracellular mediators associated with the enhanced secretory responses obtained with a combination of the islet hormones with ACh. Finally, our results using immunohistochemical techniques confirm the presence of INS-, GLU- SOM- and ACh-immunoreactive cells in the endocrine and neural elements of the rat pancreas.

Possible involvement of Rab11 p24, a Ras-like small GTP-binding protein, in intracellular vesicular transport of isolated pancreatic acini

Rab11 p24 is a Ras-like small guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein, and specific antibodies against it were newly developed to explore its function. Using the antibody, Rab11 p24 was shown to be abundant in rat pancreas as well as in most rat tissues. To explore the involvement of Rab11 p24 into the exocytotic process, the subcellular distribution of Rab11 p24 in rat pancreatic acini was evaluated also by use of the antibody. When the isolated acini were incubated with 1 x 10(-10) M cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) that induced the maximal stimulation, the amount of Rab11 p24 increased in the fractions of plasma membrane and zymogen granules, but decreased in the cytosol fraction. This redistribution was time-dependent and occurred within 1 min after the CCK-8 stimulation and reached a maximal level within 2 min after the stimulation. Moreover, a light microscopic immunolabeling technique on the isolated rat pancreatic acini also revealed that higher immunoreactivity with Rab11 p24 was observed over the zymogen granule membrane under CCK-8 stimulation. The present results indicate that Rab11 p24 is translocated from cytosol to the membrane fraction during stimulation with CCK-8 and suggest that Rab11 p24 is involved in the intracellular vesicular transport of isolated acini.

Cholecystokinin-stimulated enzyme secretion from dispersed rabbit pancreatic acinar cells: phosphorylation-dependent changes in potency and efficacy

In order to establish a regulatory role for phosphoproteins in receptor-stimulated enzyme secretion, dispersed rabbit pancreatic acinar cells were stimulated with the COOH-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK8) in the absence and presence of staurosporine and/or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) or forskolin. The dose/response curve for the stimulatory effect of CCK8 on amylase secretion was biphasic, with a mean half-maximal concentration (EC50) of 21 pM. Staurosporine (1 microM) did not affect secretion elicited by CCK8 concentrations below 0.1 nM, but reduced the response to CCK8 concentrations above 0.1 nM. As a result, the mean EC50 for CCK8 decreased to 8 pM and its efficacy to 70%. The phorbol ester TPA (0.1 microM) attenuated secretion evoked by CCK8 concentrations below 0.1 nM and potentiated the response to CCK8 concentrations above 0.1 nM. As a result, the mean EC50 for CCK8 increased to 0.14 nM and its efficacy to 300%. Staurosporine abolished both the inhibitory and the potentiating effect of TPA, thereby turning the inhibitory effect into a strong potentiating effect. As a result, the mean EC50 for CCK8 decreased to 3 pM, whereas its efficacy increased to 190%. Forskolin (30 microM) potentiated the response to both the lower and the higher CCK8 concentrations. As a result, the mean EC50 for CCK8 increased to 28 pM and its efficacy to 300%. Staurosporine enhanced the potentiating effect of forskolin at CCK8 concentrations below 0.1 nM, but abolished potentiation at CCK8 concentrations above 0.1 nM. As a result, the mean EC50 for CCK8 decreased to 1.4 pM, whereas its efficacy increased to 260%. The data presented demonstrate that the apparent sensitivity of dispersed pancreatic acinar cells to stimulation of the process of enzyme secretion by CCK8 decreases when kinases are activated and increases when kinases are inactivated. Moreover, they show that the efficacy of CCK8 increases by the action of kinases, both sensitive and insensitive to staurosporine.

Receptor-evoked Ca2+ mobilization in pancreatic acinar cells: evidence for a regulatory role of protein kinase C by a mechanism involving the transition of high-affinity receptors to a low-affinity state

In order to establish a regulatory role for phosphoproteins in the process of receptor-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization, isolated pancreatic acinar cells, loaded with fura-2, were stimulated with cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK8) in the presence of either staurosporine, a general inhibitor of protein kinase activity, or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), an activator of protein kinase C. Staurosporine alone did not affect the average free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i,av) in a suspension of acinar cells. However, in the presence of 1.0 microM staurosporine the stimulatory effect of submaximal concentrations of CCK8 was significantly enhanced. The potentiating effect of the inhibitor was paralleled by the increased production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. In addition, staurosporine evoked a transient increase in [Ca2+]i,av in cells prestimulated with a submaximal concentration of CCK8. The data obtained with staurosporine indicate that CCK8-stimulated phosphorylations exert a negative feedback role in the process of receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization. The involvement of protein kinase C was investigated by studying the effects of TPA on CCK8-induced Ca2+ mobilization. The phorbol ester induced a rightward shift of the dose/response curve for the CCK8-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i,av, which, in contrast to the unlimited shift obtained with the receptor antagonist D-lorglumide, reached a maximum of approximately one order of a magnitude at 10 nM TPA. The inhibitory effect of TPA was completely overcome by CCK8 at concentrations at or beyond 10 nM. This observation has led to the hypothesis that protein kinase C, directly or indirectly, converts the CCK receptor from a high-affinity state to a low-affinity state. Substantial evidence in favour of this hypothesis was provided by the observation that the increase in [Ca2+]i,av evoked by the CCK8 analogue JMV-180, which acts as an agonist at the high-affinity receptor, was completely blocked by TPA pretreatment. TPA also evoked a rightward shift of the dose/response curve for the carbachol-induced increase in [Ca2+]i,av, indicating that the protein-kinase-C-mediated transition of the affinity state of receptors is a more general phenomenon. In the presence of submaximal CCK8 concentrations, TPA dose-dependently decreased the poststimulatory elevated [Ca2+]i,av to the prestimulatory level, indicating that protein kinase C also inhibits the process of sustained Ca2+ mobilization. The effects of TPA were counteracted by staurosporine, suggesting that the effects of the inhibitor itself were indeed due to inhibition of the receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effect of phorbol ester on vagal stimulation and acetylcholine-evoked exocrine pancreatic secretion and cytosolic free calcium in the rat

In anaesthetized rats, interaction between either vagal stimulation or acetylcholine (ACh) and the phorbol ester, 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and staurosporine on pancreatic juice secretion have been investigated in vivo. In vitro, rat cytosolic free calcium concentration (Ca2+)i in pancreatic acini loaded with the fluorescent dye, Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (AM) have been analysed after the same modifications. In vivo, vagotomy caused a marked reduction in the rate of pancreatic juice flow, total protein output and amylase secretion compared to basal secretory parameters. Furthermore, bolus injection of either saline, TPA (10(-8) mol/kg b wt), staurosporine (10(-8) mol/kg b wt) or a combination of TPA and staurosporine (all 10(-8) mol/kg b wt) had no statistically significant effect on pancreatic juice flow, protein output and amylase secretion compared to vagotomy values. Electrical stimulation (E.S.) of vagues nerves resulted in marked and statistically significant (P < 0.05) increases in the rate of pancreatic juice flow, total protein output and amylase secretion in rats injected with either saline or staurosporine, compared to control values. In contrast, E.S. of the vagus nerves failed to enhance all secretory parameters in the presence of either TPA or a combination of TPA and staurosporine. In vitro, on isolated acini, ACh evoked dose dependent increases in (Ca2+)i. Pretreatment these acini with either TPA, staurosporine or a combination of TPA and staurosporine had no significant effect on the ACh-induced (Ca2+)i. These results indicate that TPA can decrease the secretory responses evoked by E.S. of the vagus nerves in the anaesthetized rat. This attenuation is not associated with either protein kinase C inhibition or the mobilization of the second messenger Ca2+ but possibly through activation of protein kinase C by TPA.

Dose-dependent recruitment of pancreatic acinar cells during receptor-mediated calcium mobilization

Digital-imaging microscopy of Fura-2-loaded rabbit pancreatic acinar cells was used to simultaneously monitor the cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK8)-induced changes in free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, in large numbers of individual acinar cells. CCK8 typically evoked a switchlike increase in [Ca2+]i which was preceded by a concentration-dependent latency. The threshold concentration for the CCK8-induced rise in [Ca2+]i differed greatly among individual acinar cells, resulting in the dose-dependent recruitment of acinar cells in terms of CCK8-induced Ca2+ mobilization. The EC50 value for CCK8-induced cell-recruitment was estimated to be 15 pM. The hormone was equally potent in stimulating amylase secretion from acinar cells in suspension. At a CCK8 concentration of 100 pM, virtually all cells responded to the hormone with an increase in [Ca2+]i and the number of responding cells remained unchanged upon further increase of the CCK8 concentration. The dose-response curve for cell-recruitment coincides with that of the apparent [Ca2+]i increase in a suspension of acinar cells. This suggests that the most likely interpretation of the latter dose-response curve is not a generalized increase in [Ca2+]i but an increase in the number of responding cells. The initial rise in [Ca2+]i, which was transient by nature, was followed by repetitive [Ca2+]i transients of long duration. The dose-response curve for the effect of CCK8 on the percentage of acinar cells displaying these distinct [Ca2+]i oscillations was biphasic. A maximum of 99% of the cells showing oscillatory behaviour was reached at 100 pM CCK8, beyond which concentration the number of oscillating cells dose-dependently decreased again. The latter decrease was paralleled by a dose-dependent increase of the percentage responding but non-oscillating cells, indicating that beyond 100 pM CCK8 an increasing number of acinar cells became desensitized towards hormonal induction of oscillatory changes in [Ca2+]i. CCK8 was approximately 100-fold more potent in reducing the percentage of oscillating cells than in inhibiting amylase secretion. Oscillating acinar cells responded to a stepwise increase of the medium CCK8 concentration with a rapid change in amplitude and frequency of the oscillations. Thus, with increasing CCK8 concentration the frequency gradually increased, whereas the amplitude only slightly increased at first, reached a maximum, and decreased thereafter. In some cells full extinction was reached. Again, large differences in dose-dependency were observed among individual acinar cells. The observations presented demonstrate the existence of a marked functional heterogeneity among pancreatic acinar cells in terms of CCK8-induced Ca2+ mobilization.

Phorbol ester attenuates inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release in electropermeabilized rat pancreatic acini

To investigate the mechanism of inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-induced Ca2+ release from the internal Ca2+ store, we examined the effects of heparin, phorbol ester and cyclic nucleotides on Ca2+ release induced by carbachol or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3). For monitoring changes of Ca2+ we used the fluorescent indicator, fura-2, in electropermeabilized rat pancreatic acini. An amount of 100 micrograms/ml heparin inhibited the Ca2+ release induced by 1 microM 1,4,5-IP3 in permeabilized acini. Pretreatment with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) for 10 min reduced the release of Ca2+ induced by 10 microM carbachol and 1 microM 1,4,5-IP3 in permeabilized acini. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, blocked the inhibitory effect of TPA. Cytosolic calcium concentration was restored by staurosporine in TPA-treated acini. Although cyclic AMP exaggerated the amylase release induced by carbachol, cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP had no effect on the carbachol-induced release of Ca2+ in permeabilized acini. These findings suggest that protein kinase C may act at the level of the IP3 receptors or the IP3-operated Ca2+ channels of the internal Ca2+ store and indicate that cyclic nucleotides do not affect the IP3-induced release of Ca2+ in rat pancreatic acini.

Ca2+ ionophore and phorbol ester stimulate diacylglycerol formation and phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis in rat parotid acinar cells

We investigated the effects of A23187 and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) on sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) accumulation and phosphatidylcholine (PC) hydrolysis in rat parotid acinar cells. Both A23187 and PDBu, in concentration ranges of 0.001-0.1 microM, stimulated DAG accumulation and PC hydrolysis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Treatment with A23187 and PDBu stimulated the release of [3H]choline and [3H]phosphocholine into the medium, indicating [3H]PC hydrolysis is due to the activation of phospholipases C and D; however, [3H]phosphatidylethanolamine hydrolysis was not indicated. These releases were unaffected by the addition of glucose 6-phosphate, a phosphatase inhibitor. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, significantly inhibited the DAG accumulation and the PC hydrolysis stimulated by these agents. Combinations of A23187 and PDBu potentiated the stimulatory effect which each of these agents alone had on DAG accumulation and PC hydrolysis. This mode of action was additive but not synergistic. These results suggest that DAG accumulation induced by A23187 and PDBu is related to the PC hydrolysis mediated via the activation of phospholipases C and D, and that it is not related to phosphatidylethanolamine hydrolysis.

Secretagogue-evoked time-course changes on pancreatic juice secretion in the anaesthetized rat

1. In the present time-course study, we have examined the interactions between the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and the synthetic gut hormones, cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8) and secretin on pancreatic juice secretion in anaesthetized rat. 2. Administration of either TPA (10(-8) mol kg-1 hr-1), secretin (100 pmol kg-1 hr-1) or CCK-8 (150 pmol kg-1 hr-1) in the anaesthetized rat resulted in marked time-course increases in pancreatic juice flow, amylase secretion and total protein output compared to saline controls. The effect of secretin on juice flow was more pronounced and sustained compared to the smaller responses obtained with either CCK-8 or TPA. Similarly, CCK-8 evoked increases in protein output and amylase secretion compared to the responses obtained with either secretin or TPA. 3. Simultaneous infusion of TPA with either CCK-8 or secretin resulted in a marked reduction in pancreatic juice flow, total protein output and amylase secretion compared to the responses obtained with either CCK-8 or secretin alone. 4. Administration of polymyxin B (10(-8) mol kg-1 hr-1), a protein kinase C inhibitor with either TPA and CCK-8 or TPA and secretin caused a partial reduction of the inhibitory effect of TPA on CCK-8 and secretin-evoked secretory responses. 5. The present study further implicates the involvement of protein kinase C in the modulation of CCK-8 and secretin-induced pancreatic juice secretion in the anaesthetized rat.

Intracellular mechanisms involved in short-term regulation of net protein synthesis in pancreatic acini

The mechanisms regulating the net synthesis of digestive enzymes during short-term stimulation by agonists were examined in pancreatic acini isolated from the rat. Dispersed pancreatic acini were stimulated for up to 60 min with various concentrations of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-OP), carbachol, A23187, 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The effects of these agonists on net protein synthesis was determined by measuring the incorporation of [3H]leucine or [35S]methionine into protein. Carbachol, PMA, A23187 and concentrations of CCK-OP of 100 pM and greater caused inhibition of protein synthesis. Fluorography of [35S]methionine labeled acinar cell proteins separated by one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the agonists inhibited the synthesis of the digestive enzymes. Northern blot analysis using cDNA probes revealed that CCK-OP, carbachol and PMA did not alter the cellular content of amylase, lipase and elastase mRNA. The protein kinase C inhibitors 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7) and staurosporine failed to reverse the inhibitory effects of CCK-OP, carbachol and PMA on protein synthesis. CCK-OP and PMA activated phospholipase A (PLA) which liberated lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and free fatty acids from membrane phosphatidylcholine. Exogenously added PLA2 (Naja naja venom) inhibited protein synthesis and increased LPC to a similar extent as CCK and PMA. The results suggest that the inhibitory effects of CCK and carbachol on net protein synthesis are due to their effects on intracellular calcium and PLA-mediated breakdown of phosphatidylcholine rather than protein kinase C activation.

Effects of phorbol ester and cholecystokinin on the intracellular distribution of protein kinase C in rabbit pancreatic acini

Treatment of rabbit pancreatic acini with the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), resulted in a time- and dose-dependent decrease of soluble protein kinase C activity coinciding with an increase of protein kinase C activity in the particulate fraction. After 5 min, soluble protein kinase C activity had decreased to almost 10% of the corresponding control. Total extractable protein kinase C activity, however, remained unchanged, indicating that the decrease of soluble protein kinase C activity was not due to TPA-induced inactivation of the enzyme. The biologically inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, did not induce such a translocation of protein kinase C. The half-maximal concentration for TPA-induced translocation of protein kinase C was 40 nM, and was equal to that for TPA-induced amylase secretion from isolated acini. This suggests that translocation of protein kinase C to the particulate fraction is an important step in TPA-induced activation of protein kinase C and enzyme secretion. On the other hand, cholecystokinin, a secretagogue of the calcium-mobilizing type, whose secretory action is thought to be mediated, at least in part, by protein kinase C, did not change the subcellular distribution of protein kinase C. In the presence of R59022 6-(2-[(4-fluorophenyl)phenylmethylene]-1-piperidinyl ) ethyl-7-methyl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one, an inhibitor of diacylglycerol kinase activity, cholecystokinin produced a small but significant translocation of protein kinase C, suggesting that the inability of the hormone to induce translocation is not due to a rapid conversion of the diacylglycerol formed into phosphatidic acid.

The ability of staurosporine to modulate pancreatic acinar cell desensitization by TPA, carbamylcholine and caerulein

The implication of protein kinase C in the phenomenon of pancreatic acinar cell desensitization to carbamylcholine, caerulein and the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was investigated using a potent PKC inhibitor, staurosporine. At a concentration of 1 microM, staurosporine caused a maximum 64% inhibition of amylase release from rat pancreatic acini stimulated by 100 nM TPA. At 100 nM, staurosporine reduced by 50 to 55% amylase secretion elicited by maximal concentrations of carbamylcholine or caerulein without affecting their potency. Staurosporine was also able to prevent completely desensitization by TPA of the subsequent secretory response to carbamylcholine and caerulein. Furthermore, staurosporine also totally prevented desensitization by caerulein of the subsequent secretory response to caerulein. In contrast, staurosporine only partially prevented desensitization by carbamylcholine of the subsequent secretory response to carbamylcholine. These results indicate that staurosporine is a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C as it inhibited the secretory response to carbamylcholine, caerulein and TPA. They also suggest that desensitization of the secretory response induced by TPA and caerulein used a common pathway involving protein kinase C activation. Finally, desensitization by carbamylcholine is more complex as it is only partially prevented at staurosporine; therefore, protein kinase C activation seems to be one of the factors involved.

Effects of phorbol ester on cholecystokinin octapeptide-evoked exocrine pancreatic secretion in the rat

1. A comparative study was made of the effect of the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on cholecystokinin octapeptide-evoked exocrine pancreatic secretion in the anaesthetized rat and isolated permeabilized pancreatic acinar cells. 2. Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK8; 0.10-6.40 nmol (kg body weight)-1) induced dose-dependent increases in pancreatic juice flow, total protein output and amylase release in the anaesthetized rat. 3. Administration of TPA (10(-8) mol (kg body weight)-1) in combination with CCK8 resulted in marked attenuation of the CCK8-evoked secretory response. 4. Simultaneous injection of polymyxin B (10(-8) mol (kg body weight)-1), an inhibitor of protein kinase C, with TPA and CCK8 reversed the inhibitory effect of the phorbol ester on CCK8-induced pancreatic juice flow, total protein output and amylase release. 5. In permeabilized rat pancreatic acini CCK8 (10(-13)-10(-9) M) elicited dose-dependent increases in [3H]leucine-labelled protein secretion (3H-labelled protein release). Combining TPA (10(-8) M) with CCK8 resulted in an inhibition of the CCK8-induced 3H-labelled protein release especially at lower concentrations of CCK8. At higher concentrations of CCK8, TPA was unable to inhibit the CCK8-evoked 3H-labelled protein release. Again, polymyxin B reversed the TPA-induced inhibition of CCK8-evoked 3H-labelled protein output. 6. The results indicate that protein kinase C activation may play an important physiological role in modulating the CCK8-evoked secretory response in rat pancreas in vivo and in vitro.

Dissimilar effects of the protein kinase C inhibitors, staurosporine and H-7, on cholecystokinin-induced enzyme secretion from rabbit pancreatic acini

The effects of two putative inhibitors of protein kinase C activity, staurosporine and H-7, on partially purified protein kinase C and amylase secretion from isolated rabbit pancreatic acini were investigated. Staurosporine dose-dependently inhibited amylase release stimulated by an optimal concentration of cholecystokinin C-terminal octapeptide. At a concentration of 100 nM, the drug inhibited the secretory response to the secretagogue by approximately 50%. At the same concentration, staurosporine inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-stimulated enzyme secretion by 90%. Moreover, the potentiating effect of this phorbol ester on cholecystokinin-induced amylase release was completely abolished in the presence of staurosporine. Interestingly, amylase release was decreased to the level observed with the combination of cholecystokinin and staurosporine. In contrast, H-7, potentiated rather than inhibited cholecystokinin-stimulated enzyme secretion, whereas the secretory response to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate was not affected by the drug. Both staurosporine and H-7, however, inhibited protein kinase C purified from exocrine pancreatic tissue. Kinetic analysis revealed that both compounds inhibited protein kinase C competitively with respect to ATP. The Ki value for staurosporine was 0.55 nM and for H-7 13.5 microM. Our results obtained with staurosporine are in line with a stimulatory role of protein kinase C in cholecystokinin-induced enzyme secretion from the exocrine pancreas. The results obtained with H-7 emphasize that care has to be taken in interpreting the biological effects of this drug.

Phospholipases in biology and medicine

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

The molecular basis of enzyme secretion

Acinar cells are one of the best studied models of exocytotic secretion. A number of different hormones and neurotransmitters interact with specific membrane receptors, and it is commonly held that pancreatic secretagogues stimulate enzyme release via the elevation of either cytosolic free Ca2+ or cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The discovery of the pivotal role played by phospholipid metabolism in the chain of events leading to secretion, together with the introduction of sensitive techniques to monitor cytosolic free Ca2+, has generated a series of studies that have challenged this classical model. Thus, several observations in pancreatic acini as well as other cell types have argued against the notion that a generalized increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ represents a sufficient and necessary stimulus for exocytosis in nonexcitable cells. Furthermore, the demonstration that a single agonist activates multiple transduction pathways has served to refute the schematic view that receptor agonists activate only one second messenger system. The aim of this article is to review the recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of signal transduction, with particular emphasis on the inositol lipid pathway, and to integrate this information into a new working model of enzyme secretion from acinar cells.

The diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor, R59022, potentiates cholecystokinin-induced enzyme secretion from rabbit pancreatic acini

The putative inhibitor of diacylglycerol kinase activity, 6-(2-[(4-fluorophenyl)phenylmethylene]-1-piperidinyl)-ethyl-7-meth yl-5H- thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one (R59022), markedly potentiated cholecystokinin-C-terminal-octapeptide(CCK-8-)stimulated enzyme secretion from isolated rabbit pancreatic acini. Maximal potentiation occurred when acini were stimulated in the presence of 5-10 microM R59022. Potentiation depended both on the concentration of R59022 and CCK-8. No potentiation was observed when acini were half-maximally stimulated, whereas the secretory response to maximal and supramaximal concentrations of secretagogue was increased by 50-60%. R59022 alone had no effect on basal enzyme secretion and the drug did not potentiate the secretory response to the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 or to the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. Moreover, no increase in basal secretion was observed when acini were incubated in the presence of both R59022 and forskolin. These observations strongly suggest that receptor-mediated activation of the inositol phospholipid pathway is required for R59022-induced potentiation. R59022 inhibited the CCK-8-stimulated incorporation of 32Pi into phosphatidic acid dose dependently, without affecting the CCK-8-stimulated hydrolysis of 32P-labelled phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. This is consistent with an inhibitory effect of R59022 on acinar cell diacylglycerol kinase activity. The potentiating effect of R59022 was mimicked by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate added simultaneously with CCK-8. Therefore, it is concluded that in the presence of 5-10 microM R59022 the receptor-mediated increase in acinar cell diacylglycerol content is enhanced leading to enhanced activation of protein kinase C and to potentiation of the secretory response. The fact that the secretory response to maximal and supramaximal concentrations of CCK-8 is potentiated by R59022 suggests that at these concentrations of secretagogue the diacylglycerol/protein kinase C branch of the signal-transduction route is rate-limiting.

Effects of phorbol esters and secretin on pancreatic juice secretion in the anaesthetized rat

1. An investigation was made of the effects of phorbol esters, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) and secretin on pancreatic juice secretion in the anaesthetized rat. TPA (10(-12)-10(-8) mol/kg body wt) evoked marked dose-dependent increases in secretory rate and total protein output. 2. An inactive phorbol ester (4 alpha-phorbol-12-13-didecanoate; 4 alpha PDD) had no effect on the secretory rate but increased total protein output compared to saline control animals. 3. When TPA was administered in combination with the protein kinase C inhibitor, Polymyxin B (10(-8) mol/kg body wt) both secretory rate and protein output were significantly reduced (P less than 0.001) compared to TPA alone. 4. Secretin (50-1600 pmol/kg body wt) increased both pancreatic juice flow and total protein output in a dose-dependent manner. 5. Simultaneous administration of secretin (50-1600 pmol/kg body wt) and TPA (10(-10) mol/kg body wt) resulted in a marked attenuation in the secretin-induced secretory rate while secretin-evoked protein output was unaffected. 6. The results indicate that protein kinase C activation is associated with pancreatic juice secretion and it may also modulate secretin-induced pancreatic juice flow in the anaesthetized rat.

Phosphorylation of low molecular mass cytosolic proteins by protein kinase C and protein kinase A in the rabbit exocrine pancreas

Subcellular fractionation of rabbit pancreatic acini was performed to study the distribution of endogenous substrates for protein kinase C. Substrates for protein kinase C were found to be predominantly low molecular mass proteins of cytosolic origin. At least three of these soluble substrates, with molecular masses of 17-19 kDa, were relatively heavily phosphorylated by endogenous as well as purified pancreatic protein kinase C. In the same molecular mass range, 16-18 kDa, soluble proteins were also phosphorylated by protein kinase A. Moreover, addition of cyclic AMP under conditions that activated protein kinase C gave a more than additive labelling of these low molecular mass proteins. The latter observation may be of interest in view of the potentiating effect cyclic-AMP-activated protein kinase A has on amylase secretion stimulated by secretagogues which increase free cytosolic Ca2+ and activate protein kinase C.

Increase in pancreatic exocrine secretion during uncoupling: evidence for a protein kinase C-independent effect

It has been demonstrated that blockade of the normal communication between pancreatic acinar cells leads to an increase in amylase release. Although the physiological mechanisms that regulate the gating of gap junction channels are unknown, the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in the inhibition of cell coupling has been reported in various cell lines. Since the activation of PKC also stimulates amylase secretion of pancreatic acinar cells, we sought to determine whether blockers of gap junctions and activators of PKC modify basal secretion by a similar mechanism. Thus, we have studied the effects of heptanol and of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on the subcellular distribution of PKC, dye coupling, and amylase release of dispersed pancreatic acini. The data show that TPA activates PKC and stimulates amylase secretion without affecting the extensive dye coupling of acinar cells. By contrast, heptanol inhibits cell-to-cell coupling and increases enzyme output without altering the subcellular distribution of PKC. Heptanol also enhances significantly the secretion evoked by TPA. These results indicate that the stimulation of amylase release caused by uncoupling of acinar cells occurs by a mechanism(s) that does not involve the activation of PKC.

Characteristics of intracellular calcium changes required for augmentation of phorbol ester-stimulated pancreatic enzyme secretion

Previous studies demonstrated that Ca2+ ionophores augment the pancreatic enzyme secretion caused by phorbol esters. The present study was performed to determine the nature of the cellular Ca2+ effects responsible for the augmentation. Relatively low concentrations (0.3-1.0 microM) of the nonfluorescent Ca2+ ionophore, 4-bromo-A23187 (Br-A23187), did not measurably increase free cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and caused little or no enzyme release from guinea pig pancreatic acini. However, these concentrations of Br-A23187 augmented the amylase release caused by the phorbol ester, 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). This augmentation occurred in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ as long as the intracellular agonist-sensitive pool contained Ca2+. Greater concentrations of Br-A23187 (3-10 microM) alone caused transient increases in [Ca2+]i and transient increases in amylase release. Although not resulting in an increase in [Ca2+]i, the low concentrations of Br-A23187 caused release of Ca2+ from the intracellular agonist-sensitive pool. These results suggest that Ca2+ mediates enzyme release by two distinct mechanisms in the pancreatic acinar cell. First, an increase in [Ca2+]i alone mediates enzyme release. Second, Ca2+ release from the agonist-sensitive pool not resulting in a measurable increase in [Ca2+]i augments enzyme release stimulated by a phorbol ester. The second effect of Ca2+ may be due to a small localized change in cell Ca2+ or an induction of cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations.

Mode of inhibitory action of cholecystokinin in amylase release from isolated rat pancreatic acini--inhibition of secretory process post to protein kinase C-calcium ion systems

The incubation of isolated rat pancreatic acini with low doses (1 x 10(-11)-1 x 10(-10) M) of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK8) induced amylase release. This CCK8-induced amylase release has been shown to be mediated through the protein kinase C activation and the Ca2+ mobilization which are linked to the phospholipase C-mediated hydrolysis of phosphoinositides. However, the incubation of the acini with high doses (1 x 10(-9)-1 x 10(-7) M) of CCK8 reduced amylase release to the level less than that induced by the maximally effective dose (1 x 10(-10) M) of this secretagogue. Under the same conditions, the high doses of this secretagogue did not inhibit the phospholipase C-mediated hydrolysis of phosphoinositides. The stimulatory action of the maximally effective dose of CCK8 in amylase release was mimicked by the simultaneous addition of protein kinase C-activating 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and Ca2+ ionophore A23187. A high dose (1 x 10(-7) M) of CCK8 reduced the amylase release induced by the combination of TPA and A23187. These results suggest that the high doses of CCK8 inhibit the secretory process post to the protein kinase C-Ca2+ systems and thereby reduce the amylase release induced by the maximally effective dose of CCK8 in rat pancreatic acini.

The influence of activation or inhibition of protein kinase C on the release of radioactivity from rat isolated atria labelled with [3H]-noradrenaline

1. The release of radioactivity from rat isolated atria preloaded with [3H]-noradrenaline ([3H]-NA) evoked by electrical field stimulation (2 Hz, 1 ms, 60 s) of intraneuronal sympathetic nerves, high potassium (64.7 mM) or tyramine (0.3 micron) was used as an index of noradrenaline release. 2. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) produced a concentration-dependent enhancement of field stimulation-induced outflow of radioactivity, whereas polymyxin B, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, reduced [3H]-NA release evoked by field stimulation. The enhancement observed in the presence of PMA was attenuated by polymyxin B (10 and 70 microns). 3. Release of noradrenaline evoked by membrane depolarization in a high potassium medium was similarly affected by PMA and polymyxin B. 4. In contrast, the release of noradrenaline evoked by the indirectly acting sympathomimetic amine, tyramine, was not altered by PMA. Polymyxin B in a concentration of 70 microns, but not 10 microns caused a slight reduction in tyramine-induced outflow of radioactivity. 5. The spontaneous outflow of radioactive compounds was not affected by either PMA or polymyxin B in the bathing medium. 6. The findings suggest that protein kinase C may play a role in the exocytotic release of noradrenaline but not in the displacement of noradrenaline by indirectly acting sympathomimetic amines.

The biphasic stimulation of insulin secretion by bombesin involves both cytosolic free calcium and protein kinase C

Members of the bombesin family of peptides potently stimulate insulin release by HIT-T15 cells, a clonal pancreatic cell line. The response to bombesin consists of a large burst in secretion during the first 30 s, followed by a smaller elevation of the secretory rate, which persists for 90 min. The aim of this study was to identify the intracellular messengers involved in this biphasic secretory response. Addition of 100 nM-bombesin to cells for 20 s increased the cellular accumulation of [3H]diacylglycerol (DAG) by 40% and that of [3H]inositol monophosphate (InsP), bisphosphate (InsP2) and trisphosphate (InsP3) by 40%, 300%, and 800%, respectively. In contrast, cyclic AMP concentrations were unaffected. Bombesin stimulation of [3H]InsP3 formation was detected at 2 s, before the secretory response, which was not measurable until 5 s. Furthermore, the potency of bombesin to stimulate [3H]InsP3 generation (ED50 = 14 +/- 9 nM) agreed with its potency to stimulate insulin release (ED50 = 6 +/- 2 nM). Consistent with its effects on [3H]InsP3 formation, bombesin raised the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) from a basal value of 0.28 +/- 0.01 microM to a peak of 1.3 +/- 0.1 microM by 20 s. Chelation of extracellular Ca2+ did not abolish either the secretory response to bombesin or the rise in [Ca2+]i, showing that Ca2+ influx was not required. Although the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (100 nM) mimicked the [Ca2+]i response to bombesin, it did not stimulate secretion. However, pretreating cells with ionomycin decreased the effects of bombesin on both [Ca2+]i and insulin release, suggesting that elevation of [Ca2+]i was instrumental in the secretory response to this peptide. To determine the role of the DAG produced upon bombesin stimulation, we examined the effects of another activator of protein kinase C, the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). TPA did not affect [Ca2+]i, but it increased insulin secretion after a 2 min lag. However, an immediate increase in secretion was observed when ionomycin was added simultaneously with TPA. These data indicate that the initial secretory burst induced by bombesin results from the synergistic action of the high [Ca2+]i produced by InsP3 and DAG-activated protein kinase C. However, activation of protein kinase C alone appears to be sufficient for a sustained secretory response.

The role of protein kinase C on amylase secretion from rat parotid gland

The activities of Ca2+.phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) in rat salivary gland were assayed using synthetic peptide syntide-2(Pro-Leu-Ala-Arg-Thr-Leu-Ser-Val-Ala-Gly-Leu-Pro-Gly-Lys- Lys) as substrate. Levels of the protein kinase C were less than 0.05 units/g in the parotid and submandibular glands. The protein kinase C inhibitor, H-7, inhibited amylase secretion from rat parotid gland stimulated by PMA or the combination of phosphatidylserine and 1,2-diolein. The results supported the hypothesis of the secretory mechanism that protein kinase C mediates amylase secretion in rat parotid glands.

Synergistic stimulation of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase activity by Ca2+ ionophore A23187, cholera toxin and 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol

The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 induced S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase in guinea-pig lymphocytes, and cholera toxin stimulated the induction synergistically. The activator of protein kinase C, 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol, did not induce S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase activity but potentiated the enzyme activity induced by A23187 or by A23187 and cholera toxin. The addition of both A23187 and cholera toxin induced S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, but the further addition of 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate did not potentiate the enzyme induction in protein kinase-C-down-regulated cells that had been treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate for 18 h. These results suggest that a Ca2+-dependent pathway, other than that for protein kinase C, is essential for the induction of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and that a cAMP-dependent pathway and also protein kinase C are involved in the potentiation of the induction.

Recent advances in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis, one of the most common lethal inherited disorders in N. European and N. American populations, is characterized by the production of abnormally viscous mucous secretions in the lungs and digestive tract. The pathophysiological basis of the disease is unknown. However, during the last few years, rapid advances in molecular genetics and biochemical and physiological studies on cystic fibrosis epithelial cells have led to optimism that the cystic fibrosis defect will soon be identified. Current evidence suggests that the basic disturbance lies in altered regulation of protein secretion and electrolyte transport leading to an imbalance in composition of epithelial secretions in cystic fibrosis patients. Increasing knowledge of the mechanisms regulating production and secretion of mucins and movement of electrolytes across the cell membrane should lead to development of pharmacological manipulation(s) to correct the cellular abnormality. Ultimately, it is hoped that this will lead to the development of a rational treatment for cystic fibrosis patients.

Inhibition of protein kinase C by antineoplastic agents: implications for drug resistance

One mechanism by which drugs alter the function of enzymes is through chronic inhibition. To determine whether commonly used cancer chemotherapeutic agents could alter protein kinase C (PKC) and thereby modify the calcium-messenger system, we studied the effect of anthracyclines and vinca alkaloids on the activity of PKC. Doxorubicin, daunomycin, vincristine and vinblastine inhibited the activity of PKC by 50% at concentrations of 150, 120, 350 and 140 microM respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated the potential for this interaction to occur in intact cells, since doxorubicin blocked the binding of the phorbol ester, PDBu, to its receptor, PKC. The mode of inhibition of PKC was due, at least in part, to interference with the activation of the enzyme by phosphatidylserine. The activity of PKC was increased 15 fold in a highly resistant human breast cancer line, but this increase in enzymic activity was not seen in all lines tested. These studies demonstrate that anthracyclines and vinca alkaloids inhibit PKC, and suggest that chronic antagonism could lead to changes in its activity and function.

Phorbol ester attenuates cholecystokinin-stimulated amylase release in pancreatic acini of rats

12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) and cholecystokinin octapeptide stimulate amylase secretion in dispersed pancreatic acini, presumably acting via the activation of protein kinase C. In this study, we examined TPA pretreatment on the subsequent response of rat pancreatic acini to secretagogues. Acini exposed to TPA (3 X 10(-7) M) at 37 degrees C reduced the subsequent amylase secretion as stimulated by cholecystokinin octapeptide and carbachol, but not by A23187 or VIP. The optimal effect was obtained after 5 min of preincubation with TPA. Longer incubation did not result in greater attenuation. The degree of attenuation was dependent on the concentration of TPA used in the pretreatment. Maximal effect was seen at TPA concentrations of 10(-7) M and higher. Preincubation with TPA resulted in alterations of the dose response of pancreatic acini to cholecystokinin octapeptide. A decrease in amylase secretion was obtained at optimal and suboptimal but not at supraoptimal concentrations of cholecystokinin octapeptide. The peak response to cholecystokinin octapeptide, furthermore, was shifted almost 1 log unit to the right, suggesting a decrease in cholecystokinin binding of the acini following TPA treatment. Binding studies demonstrated a reduction in the specific binding of 125I-labelled cholecystokinin octapeptide to acini following TPA treatment. Analysis of binding data revealed a decrease in affinity and binding capacity of the high-affinity component. No significant change in the binding capacity was detected with the low-affinity component, but a great increase in its affinity was observed. This suggests that the attenuation effect by TPA on the cholecystokinin octapeptide response in rat pancreatic acini in vitro is at the receptor level.

Phorbol ester inhibits cholecystokinin octapeptide-induced amylase secretion and calcium mobilization, but is without effect on secretagogue-induced hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in rabbit pancreatic acini

The effect of prolonged protein kinase C activation on cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8)-induced amylase secretion from rabbit pancreatic acini was studied by means of the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). The phorbol ester itself increased basal amylase secretion but inhibited completely the secretory response to relatively low concentrations of CCK-8. The inhibitory action of TPA on CCK-8-induced amylase secretion was paralleled by inhibition of CCK-8-induced calcium mobilization but not by inhibition of CCK-8-induced breakdown of 32P-labelled phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. The results presented suggest that protein kinase C, or one of its phosphorylated products, inhibits the CCK-8-stimulated pathway leading to secretion at a level beyond the secretagogue-induced hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. Inhibition of the initial, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated and extracellular calcium-independent, increase in free cytosolic calcium concentration, together with the findings of others, suggests that the efficacy of this inositol-phosphate to release calcium is reduced.

Inhibitors of diacylglycerol lipase and diacylglycerol kinase inhibit carbamylcholine-stimulated responses in guinea pig pancreatic minilobules

We earlier showed that the diacylglycerol (DG) lipase inhibitor, RHC 80267, increased the steady-state level of DG and inhibited the release of arachidonic acid (AA) in carbamylcholine (CCh)-stimulated pancreatic minilobules (J. F. Dixon and L. E. Hokin, (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 14418-14425). There was no effect on phospholipid metabolism. We have now investigated the effect of RHC 80267 on CCh-stimulated formation of inositol monophosphate formation, cGMP formation, and amylase release. CCh (10 microM) increased cGMP formation by approximately 20-fold, and this response was inhibited 55-75% by RHC 80267 (75-100 microM). RHC 80267 had no effect on either nitroprusside- or calcium ionophore-stimulated cGMP formation, arguing against a direct inhibition of guanylate cyclase by RHC 80267. Arachidonic acid, the release of which is inhibited by RHC 80267, neither stimulated cGMP formation nor reversed the effect of RHC 80267 on CCh-stimulated cGMP formation. This suggests, but does not prove, that the rise in cGMP in response to CCh is not due to an increase in AA as has been suggested. Both phorbol myristate acetate (25 nM) and the DG kinase inhibitor R 59022 (10 microM) inhibited CCh-stimulated cGMP formation by 40%. RHC 80267 also inhibited CCh-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation and amylase release by 60 and 40%, respectively. The data suggest that the inhibition of CCh-stimulated cGMP formation and other muscarinic responses by RHC 80267 is probably the result of feedback inhibition of the cholinergic receptor via activation of protein kinase C by the elevated DG.

Biphasic effects of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate on synergistic stimulation of DNA synthesis by diacylglycerol, and the ionophore A23187 in guinea pig lymphocytes

When guinea pig lymphocytes were cultured with 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) and the ionophore A23187 for 8 h, [3H]-thymidine incorporation into the acid-insoluble fraction of the cells was stimulated synergistically. Further addition of dibutyryl cAMP caused a biphasic effect on the synergistic stimulation. Dibutyryl cAMP augmented the synergistic stimulation when A23187 was at the concentration of 0.075 micrograms/ml, but inhibited it when the ionophore was at 0.25 micrograms/ml. At the higher concentration of A23187, dibutyryl cAMP stimulated the [3H]thymidine incorporation when culture was for 4 h, but inhibited it when culture was for 8 h. The results were the same when 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was used instead of OAG. Butyrate could replace dibutyryl cAMP for stimulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation in combination with TPA and A23187, but not with OAG and A23187 at the lower ionophore concentration. Dibutyryl cAMP but not butyrate stimulated ornithine decarboxylase induction caused by TPA and A23187. These results suggest that the effect of dibutyryl cAMP on DNA synthesis induced by OAG and A23187 was biphasic and depended on the concentration of A23187 and on the time of culture, and that the stimulation mechanism of butyrate is different from that of dibutyryl cAMP.

Effects of 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl glycerol are distinct from those of phorbol ester in rat pancreatic acini

1-oleoyl-2-acetyl glycerol (OAG), a potent activator of protein kinase C, inhibited the binding of 125I-labelled epidermal growth factor (EGF) in isolated rat pancreatic acini. Unlike cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK8) and the C-kinase activator 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), two inhibitors of 125I-EGF endocytosis in the pancreas, OAG had no effect on the distribution of bound ligand between the cell surface and intracellular compartments. Unlike TPA, OAG failed to potentiate the inhibitory effects of the calcium ionophore A23187 on 125I-EGF cell-associated radioactivity and had no effect on either basal or carbachol-stimulated amylase release in acini. These data suggest that the actions of the synthetic diacyl-glycerol OAG are not fully equivalent with the action of other known activators of protein kinase C in the pancreatic acinar cell.

Intracellular Ca2+ in pancreatic acinar cells: regulation and role in stimulation of enzyme secretion

Evidence for a primary role for intracellular Ca2+ in the stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion is reviewed. Measurements of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration have allowed direct demonstration of its importance in triggering enzyme secretion and defined the concentration range over which membrane Ca2+ pumps must work to regulate intracellular Ca2+. Current evidence suggests a key role for the Ca2+, Mg-ATPase of rough endoplasmic reticulum in regulating intracellular Ca2+ and accumulating a Ca2+ store which is released by the action of inositol-1,4,5 trisphosphate following stimulation of secretion.

Calcium concentration and amylase secretion in guinea pig pancreatic acini: interactions between carbachol, cholecystokinin octapeptide and the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate

The effects of the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) on amylase secretion and cytoplasmic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in dispersed guinea pig pancreatic acini. Carbachol evoked dose-dependent increases in amylase secretion and [Ca2+]i with half-maximal responses at 2.5 and 5 microM, respectively. Carbachol-induced calcium transients could be blocked by atropine. In the presence of a maximal effective dose of carbachol, cholecystokinin octapeptide caused no further increase in [Ca2+]i, suggesting that both agonists act on the same pool of trigger calcium. TPA (10(-9)-10(-6) M) stimulated amylase secretion with no change in [Ca2+]i. Maximum amylase secretion occurred at 0.5 microM TPA. Preincubation of acini in the presence of TPA resulted in a time- and dose-dependent inhibition (IC50 = 30 nM) of the carbachol-induced rise in [Ca2+]i, the maximal effect being observed within 3 min. The inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate was ineffective in inhibiting the carbachol-stimulated rise in [Ca2+]i. These findings suggest that, in addition to stimulating amylase secretion, probably through protein kinase C, TPA may also exert a negative feedback control over secretagogue-induced calcium transients.