A substantial proportion of cardiac Gs is not associated with the plasma membrane

G-protein-coupled Receptor Signaling Components Localize in Both Sarcolemmal and Intracellular Caveolin-3-associated Microdomains in Adult Cardiac Myocytes

This study tests the hypothesis that G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling components involved in the regulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) localize with caveolin (Cav), a protein marker for caveolae, in both cell-surface and intracellular membrane regions. Using sucrose density fractionation of adult cardiac myocytes, we detected Cav-3 in both buoyant membrane fractions (BF) and heavy/non-buoyant fractions (HF); beta2-adrenergic receptors (AR) in BF; and AC5/6, beta1-AR, M4-muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR), mu-opioid receptors, and Galpha(s) in both BF and HF. In contrast, M2-mAChR, Galpha(i3), and Galpha(i2) were found only in HF. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed co-localization of Cav-3 with AC5/6, Galpha(s), beta2-AR, and mu-opioid receptors in both sarcolemmal and intracellular membranes, whereas M2-mAChR were detected only intracellularly. Immunofluorescence of adult heart revealed a distribution of Cav-3 identical to that in isolated adult cardiac myocytes. Upon immunoelectron microscopy, Cav-3 co-localized with AC5/6 and Galpha(s) in sarcolemmal and intracellular vesicles, the latter closely allied with T-tubules. Cav-3 immunoprecipitates possessed components that were necessary and sufficient for GPCR agonist-promoted stimulation and inhibition of cAMP formation. The distribution of GPCR, G-proteins, and AC with Cav-3 in both sarcolemmal and intracellular T-tubule-associated regions indicates the existence of multiple Cav-3-localized cellular microdomains for signaling by hormones and drugs in the heart.

Altered myocardial Gs protein and adenylyl cyclase signaling in rats exposed to chronic hypoxia and normoxic recovery

The present work has analyzed the consequences of chronic intermittent high-altitude hypoxia for functioning of the G protein-mediated adenylyl cyclase (AC) signaling system in the right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) myocardium in rats. Adaptation to hypoxia did not appreciably affect the number of beta-adrenoceptors and the content of predominantly membrane-bound alpha-subunit (G(s)alpha) of the stimulatory G protein, but it raised the amount of cytosolic G(s)alpha in RV. The levels of myocardial inhibitory Galpha protein were not altered. Activity of AC stimulated by GTP, fluoride, forskolin, or isoprotertenol was reduced by approximately 50% in RV from chronically hypoxic rats, and a weaker depression was also found in LV. In addition, hypoxia significantly diminished a functional activity of membrane-bound G(s)alpha in both RV and LV. The RV baseline contractile function was markedly increased in chronically hypoxic animals, and its sensitivity to beta-adrenergic stimulation was decreased. Animals recovering from hypoxia for 5 wk still exhibited markedly elevated levels of cytosolic G(s)alpha and significantly lower activity of AC in RV than did age-matched controls, but contractile responsiveness to beta-agonists was normal.

Membrane-Bound and cytosolic forms of heterotrimeric G proteins in young and adult rat myocardium: influence of neonatal hypo- and hyperthyroidism

Membrane and cytosolic fractions prepared from ventricular myocardium of young (21-day-old) hypo- or hyperthyroid rats and adult (84-day-old) previously hypo- or hyperthyroid rats were analyzed by immunoblotting with specific anti-G-protein antibodies for the relative content of Gs alpha, Gi alpha/Go alpha, Gq alpha/G11 alpha, and G beta. All tested G protein subunits were present not only in myocardial membranes but were at least partially distributed in the cytosol, except for Go alpha2, and G11 alpha. Cytosolic forms of the individual G proteins represented about 5-60% of total cellular amounts of these proteins. The long (Gs alpha-L) isoform of Gs alpha prevailed over the short (Gs alpha-S) isoform in both crude myocardial membranes and cytosol. The Gs alpha-L/Gs alpha-S ratio in membranes as well as in cytosol increased during maturation due to a substantial increase in Gs alpha-L. Interestingly, whereas the amount of membrane-bound Gi alpha/Go alpha and Gq alpha/G11 alpha proteins tend to lower during postnatal development, cytosolic forms of these G proteins mostly rise. Neonatal hypothyroidism reduced the amount of myocardial Gs alpha and increased that of Gi alpha/Go alpha proteins. By contrast, neonatal hyperthyroidism increased expression of Gs alpha and decreased that of Gi alpha and G11 alpha in young myocardium. Changes in G protein content induced by neonatal hypo- and hyperthyroidism in young rat myocardium were restored in adulthood. Alterations in the membrane-cytosol balance of G protein subunits associated with maturation or induced by altered thyroid status indicate physiological importance of cytosolic forms of these proteins in the rat myocardium.

Maturation of rat brain is accompanied by differential expression of the long and short splice variants of G(s)alpha protein: identification of cytosolic forms of G(s)alpha

Distribution of the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G protein (G(s)alpha) was analyzed in membrane and cytosolic (supernatant 200 000 g) fractions from rat cortex, thalamus and hippocampus during the course of post-natal development. In parallel, changes in beta-adrenoceptor density and adenylyl cyclase activity were determined. Long (G(s)alphaL) and short (G(s)alphaS) variants of G(s)alpha were assessed by immunoblotting using specific polyclonal antisera reacting with both G(s)alpha isoforms. Post-natal development was associated with an increase in the total amount of brain G(s)alpha. G(s)alphaL was the dominant isoform of G(s)alpha in the membrane fractions of all studied brain regions and its amount increased markedly between post-natal day (PD) 1 and 90. The level of membrane-bound G(s)alphaS also elevated during post-natal development, but more pronounced changes were found in cytosolic G(s)alphaS. Although only a small amount of G(s)alphaS (much smaller than G(s)alphaL) was detected among soluble proteins shortly after birth, G(s)alphaS prevailed over G(s)alphaL at PD90. The G(s)alphaL/G(s)alphaS ratio decreased, respectively, from 3.2 to 1.2 and from 5.0 to 1.5 in the membrane fractions of cortex and hippocampus, but remained almost constant in thalamus between PD1 and 90. More dramatic changes were found in the cytosolic fractions of all studied brain regions: the G(s)alphaL/G(s)alphaS ratio decreased sharply in cortex (from 14.1 to 0.9), hippocampus (from 3.7 to 0.8), and also in thalamus (from 9.5 to 0.5). These results demonstrate that the membrane-cytosol balance of G(s)alpha proteins alters dramatically during the course of brain development. Both G(s)alphaL and G(s)alphaS were expressed in a region- and age-specific manner, which suggests different roles in the maturation of the brain tissue. A cyc(-) reconstitutive assay of cytosolic G(s)alpha indicated that only approximately 20% of this protein was functional, compared with membrane-bound G(s)alpha, and its ability to reconstitute adenylyl cyclase activity increased during the course of maturation. The number of beta-adrenoceptors increased sharply during early post-natal development but only slightly in adulthood, and both GTP- and isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity reached peak values around PD12.

Attenuation of age-related declines in glucagon-mediated signal transduction in rat liver by exercise training

This study investigated alterations in glucagon receptor-mediated signal transduction in rat livers from 7- to 25-mo-old animals and examined the effects of exercise training on ameliorating these changes. Sixty-six young (4 mo), middle-aged (12 mo), and old (22 mo) male Fischer 344 rats were divided into sedentary and trained (treadmill running) groups. Isolated hepatic membranes were combined with [(125)I-Tyr(10)]monoiodoglucagon and nine concentrations of glucagon to determine maximal binding capacity (B(max)) and dissociation constant (K(d)). No alterations were found in B(max) among groups; however, middle-aged trained animals had significantly higher glucagon affinity (lower K(d); 21.1 +/- 1.8 nM) than did their untrained counterparts (50.2 +/- 7.1 nM). Second messenger studies were performed by measuring adenylyl cyclase (AC) specific activity under basal conditions and with four pharmacological stimulations to assess changes in receptor-dependent, G protein-dependent, and AC catalyst-dependent cAMP production. Age-related declines were observed in the old animals under all five conditions. Training resulted in increased cAMP production in the old animals when AC was directly stimulated by forskolin. Stimulatory G protein (G(s)) content was reduced with age in the sedentary group; however, training offset this decline. We conclude that age-related declines in glucagon signaling capacity and responsiveness may be attributed, in part, to declines in intrinsic AC activity and changes in G protein [inhibitory G protein (G(i))/G(s)] ratios. These age-related changes occur in the absence of alterations in glucagon receptor content and appear to involve both G protein- and AC-related changes. Endurance training was able to significantly offset these declines through restoration of the G(i)/G(s) ratio and AC activity.

Diabetes reduces right atrial β-adrenergic signaling but not agonist stimulation of heart rate in swine

This study assessed the effects of streptozotocin diabetes in swine on the heart rate response to β-adrenergic stimulation the adenylyl cyclase signal transduction pathway. Diabetic animals (n = 9) were hyperglycemic compared to the control group (n = 10) (12.6 ± 1.0 vs. 3.53 ± 0.29 mM). There were no significant differences between the diabetic and nondiabetic groups in the heart rate response to isoproterenol, however, there was a significant reduction (14%) in β-adrenergic receptor density in the right atrium in the diabetic (61 ± 3 fmol/mg protein) versus the nondiabetic group (71 ± 3) (P < 0.05). The content of guanosine triphosphate binding regulatory proteins (Gs and Gi) in the right atrium was not affected by diabetes, nor was adenylyl cyclase activity under unstimulated conditions or with receptor-dependent stimulation with isoproterenol. On the other hand, adenylyl cyclase activity was 34% lower when directly stimulated with forskolin, and it was reduced by 23% when stimulated through Gs with Gpp(NH)p. In conclusion, beta-adrenergic stimulation of heart rate with isoproteronol and the receptor-dependent signal transduction pathway remained intact in the right atrium of diabetic swine despite reduced beta-adrenergic receptor density, G-protein content, and direct stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity.Key words: diabetes, G-proteins, heart rate, receptors, signal transduction.

Beta-adrenergic receptors and receptor signaling in heart failure

Cardiac beta-adrenergic receptors, which respond to neuronally released and circulating catecholamines, are important regulators of cardiac function. Congestive heart failure, a common clinical condition, is associated with a number of alterations in the activation and deactivation of beta-adrenergic receptor pathways. Studies with failing hearts from humans and animals indicate that such alterations include changes in the expression or function of beta-adrenergic receptors, G-proteins, adenylyl cyclases, and G-protein receptor kinases. The net effect of these alterations is the substantial blunting of beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated cardiac response. An important unanswered question is whether the loss of cardiac beta-adrenergic receptor responsiveness is a contributing cause, or a result, of ventricular dysfunction. Even though this question remains unanswered, the concept of targeting the beta-adrenergic pathway in the failing heart is becoming increasing popular and several new therapeutic strategies are in development.

Agonist-induced release of splice variants of the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G-protein from rat cardiac membranes

It was the aim of the present study to evaluate whether, in physiological cardiac tissue, long and short splice variants of G(s)alpha (the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G-protein) differ in their susceptibility to guanine nucleotide-mediated activation. As a measure of G(s)alpha activation, we determined the proportion of G(s)alpha subunits which were released from the plasma membrane upon stimulation. Membrane preparations from heart ventricles of Wistar rats were incubated with increasing concentrations of the non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue guanylyl-imidodiphosphate (GppNHp, 0-100 micromol/L) in the absence or presence of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline (1 micromol/L). The 45 and 52 kDa forms of G(s)alpha (G(s)alpha-S and -L, respectively) were measured in the supernatant of the incubation mixture by immunoblotting and densitometry. The increase in cyclic AMP induced by GppNHp was measured in the same supernatant. In the absence of isoprenaline, GppNHp increased cyclic AMP formation and the concentration-dependent release of G(s)alpha-L (Friedman test, P < 0.05), whereas the amount of soluble G(s)alpha-S was not affected. After addition of isoprenaline, the redistribution of G(s)alpha-S into the soluble fraction could be stimulated by GppNHp in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Kinetic experiments revealed that activation of G(s)alpha-S by GppNHp was rather slow, but could be markedly enhanced by isoprenaline. Thus, it is likely that the different susceptibilities of G(s)alpha-S and -L towards GppNHp reflects differences in the rate of spontaneous GDP release.

Alterations in myocardial signal transduction due to aging and chronic dynamic exercise

Normal aging without disease leads to diminished chronotropic and inotropic responses to catecholamine stimulation, resulting in depressed cardiac function with stress. The purpose of this study was to determine molecular mechanisms for decrements in adrenergic responsiveness of the left ventricle (LV) due to aging and to study the effects of chronic dynamic exercise on signal transduction. We measured beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) density, adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity, and G-protein content and distribution in LV from 66 male Fischer 344 rats from three age groups that were either sedentary or treadmill trained (60 min/days, 5 days/wk, 10 wk at 75% of the maximal capacity). Final ages were 7 mo (young), 15 mo (middle-age), and 25 mo (old). There was no significant difference in beta-AR density among groups as a function of age or training. AC production of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) with the use of five pharmacological stimulations revealed that old sedentary myocardium had depressed basal, receptor-dependent, G-protein-dependent, and AC catalyst stimulation (30-43%) compared with hearts from young and middle-age sedentary rats. Training did not alter AC activity in either middle-age or old groups but did increase G-protein-dependent cAMP production in young myocardium (12-34%). Immunodetectable concentrations of stimulatory and inhibitory G proteins (Gs and Gi, respectively) showed 43% less total Gs with similar Gi content in hearts from old sedentary compared with middle-age sedentary rats. When compared with young sedentary animals, Gi content was 39 and 50% higher in middle-age sedentary and old sedentary myocardium, respectively. With age, there was a significant shift in the alpha-subunit of Gs distribution from cytosolic fractions of LV homogenates to membrane-bound fractions (8-12% redistribution in middle-age sedentary vs. old sedentary). The most significant training effect was a decrease in Gi content in hearts from old trained rats (23%), which resulted in values comparable with young sedentary rats and reduced the Gi/Gs ratio by 27% in old-rat LV. We report that age-associated reductions in cardiovascular beta-adrenergic responsiveness correspond with alterations in postreceptor adrenergic signaling rather than with a decrease in receptor number. Chronic dynamic exercise partially attenuates these reductions through alterations in postreceptor elements of cardiac signal transduction.

Stable guanosine 5'-triphosphate-analogues inhibit specific (+)-[3H]isradipine binding in rat hearts by a Ca(2+)-lowering, G protein-independent mechanism

We investigated if and how stable guanosine 5'-triphosphate-analogues affect (+)-[3H]isradipine binding in rat hearts. Gpp(NH)p and GTP-gamma-S inhibit specific (+)-[3H]isradipine binding in membranes and cell-homogenates by reducing the binding density without changing the Kd of the k-1. Inhibition by Gpp(NH)p was less in crude tissue homogenates than in membranes apparently due to a soluble factor. Pretreatment of cardiomyocytes with cholera toxin or the presence of the protein kinase A inhibitor, PKI6-22, did not influence the effect of 10(-3) M Gpp(NH)p on binding. The inhibitory effect of 10(-3) M Gpp(NH)p was not significantly altered in membranes from in vivo pertussis toxin treated rats. The addition of 10(-3) M Ca2+ or Mg2+ abolished the inhibitions. Gpp(NH)p in the concentration that inhibits binding, reduced the free concentration of Ca2+. The Ca(2+)-lowering effect of 10(-3) M Gpp(NH)p produced 70%, 60% and 100% of the inhibition in membranes, sonicated and unsonicated cell homogenates. Thus, Gpp(NH)p inhibited specific (+)-[3H] isradipine binding mainly by lowering the free concentration of Ca2+ by chelation and not by activation of cholera toxin or pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins or protein kinase A.

Adrenergic desensitization in left ventricle from streptozotocin diabetic swine

Patients with diabetes mellitus that exhibit cardiac pump failure display compromised stroke volume, ejection fraction, and slower rates of rise and fall of left ventricular (LV) dP/dt in the absence of ischemic injury. We hypothesized that diabetic cardiomyopathy may involve decrements in adrenergic sensitivity, with specific molecular alterations in the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR)- G protein- adenylyl cyclase (AC) signal transduction system. We assessed the effects of 3 months of streptozotocin-induced diabetes (125 mg/kg i.v.; DIAB, n = 10) on myocardial signal transduction in mini-pigs. DIAB were hyperglycemic compared to controls (CON, n = 10; 20.92 +/- 2.64 v 5.24 +/- 0.35 mM glucose), and had lower fasting insulin levels (6.46 +/- 0.97 v 13.68 +/- 3.91 microU/ml). Transmural LV free wall homogenates from DIAB exhibited similar beta AR density as CON, but decreased cAMP production (pmol cAMP/mg prot.min) using these pharmacological stimulators: 10 microM Isoproterenol plus 100 microM GTP (74 +/- 5 v 97 +/- 11); 100 microM Gpp(NH)p (116 +/- 7 v 161 +/- 17); 10 mM fluoride ion (266 +/- 16 v 324 +/- 25). No differences between DIAB and CON were observed when stimulated by 100 microM forskolin (440 +/- 20 v 429 +/- 33), suggesting no alterations in the catalytic subunit of AC. In DIAB, quantitative immunoblotting indicated slightly depressed levels of Gs (552 +/- 44 v 630 +/- 59 pmol/g ww; NS), but a significant redistribution of alpha s from the sarcolemma to the cytosol (32.7 +/- 0.82% v 25.9 +/- 1.7%). Significantly elevated levels of cardiac Gi were seen in DIAB homogenates compared to CON ventricles (2326 +/- 145 v 1522 +/- 181 pmol/g ww), with no alpha i subunit redistribution. We conclude that despite maintained beta AR density, receptor-dependent and G protein-dependent stimulation of AC is depressed so that streptozotocin-induced diabetic LV is affected by increased cardiac Gi, redistribution of Gs alpha to the cytosol, and an increase in the Gi/Gs ratio. These results help explain depressed catecholamine responsiveness and cardiac performance exhibited by diabetic patients.

Thyroid hormone regulation of transmembrane signalling in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes by selective alteration of the expression and coupling of G-protein alpha-subunits

Thyroid hormone exerts profound effects on the activity of the hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase system in the heart. Distinct guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G-proteins) mediate stimulatory and inhibitory influences on adenylate cyclase activity. To examine whether the effects of thyroid hormone on adenylate cyclase involve specific changes in G-protein subunit expression, the influence of tri-iodothyronine (T3) on the biosynthesis and activity of G-proteins in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes was determined. In myocytes challenged with T3 for 5 days, Gs alpha levels increased by 4 +/- 0.5-fold, whereas Gi2 alpha levels declined by more than 80%. T3 down-regulated Gi2 alpha mRNA by 60% within 3 days, but had no effect on Gs alpha mRNA. The basis for the decline in Gi2 alpha mRNA was the T3-mediated suppression of Gi2 alpha gene transcription by 80 +/- 9% within 4 h. The decline in Gi2 alpha mRNA in response to T3 produced a 2-fold decrease in relative rate of synthesis of Gi2 alpha but not in its half-life (46 +/- 7 h). Gs alpha synthesis was not altered by T3, but the half-life of Gs alpha increased from 50 +/- 6 h in control cells to 72 +/- 8 h in T3-treated cells. In addition, T3 provoked the translocation of Gs alpha from the cytoplasmic to the membranous compartment. Membranous Gs alpha increased from 30 +/- 6% to 61 +/- 7% of total cellular Gs alpha, whereas cytoplasmic Gs alpha declined from 68 +/- 6% to 33 +/- 8% within 1 day of exposure to T3. T3-mediated up-regulation of Gs alpha enhanced the activation of myocardial adenylate cyclase by the stimulatory pathway whereas the down-regulation of Gi2 alpha attenuated the deactivation of myocardial adenylate cyclase by the inhibitory pathway.

Overexpression of Gs alpha subunit in thyroid tumors bearing a mutated Gs alpha gene

Point mutations occurring at codon 201 of the gene coding for the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G protein impair intrinsic GTPase activity and lead to a constitutive activation of adenylate cyclase. We have examined thyroid follicular and papillary carcinomas and follicular adenomas and found samples that bear this mutation at codon 201 of the Gs alpha gene. Both mutation-positive and mutation-negative tissue samples were investigated for the level of Gs alpha expression relative to a pool of normal thyroid tissue, using immunoblotting against two (mid-region-specific and C-end-specific) antipeptide antibodies. Using 8000 g and 100,000 g membrane fractions of homogenized tissues we have demonstrated that the Gs alpha proteins in normal ad neoplastic thyroid tissues are represented by three isoforms: 43 kDa, 45 kDa and 52 kDa. We have quantified and compared the amount of Gs alpha protein and find it is overexpressed in mutation-bearing tissue samples.

Reduced beta-adrenergic receptor activation decreases G-protein expression and beta-adrenergic receptor kinase activity in porcine heart

To determine whether beta-adrenergic receptor agonist activation influences guanosine 5'-triphosphate-binding protein (G-protein) expression and beta-adrenergic receptor kinase activity in the heart, we examined the effects of chronic beta 1-adrenergic receptor antagonist treatment (bisoprolol, 0.2 mg/kg per d i.v., 35 d) on components of the myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor-G-protein-adenylyl cyclase pathway in porcine myocardium. Three novel alterations in cardiac adrenergic signaling associated with chronic reduction in beta-adrenergic receptor agonist activation were found. First, there was coordinate downregulation of Gi alpha 2 and Gs alpha mRNA and protein expression in the left ventricle; reduced G-protein content was also found in the right atrium. Second, in the left ventricle, there was a twofold increase in beta-adrenergic receptor-dependent stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and a persistent high affinity state of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Finally, there was a reduction in left ventricular beta-adrenergic receptor kinase activity, suggesting a previously unrecognized association between the degree of adrenergic activation and myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor kinase expression. The heart appears to adapt in response to chronic beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist administration in a manner that would be expected to offset reduced agonist stimulation. The mechanisms for achieving this extend beyond beta-adrenergic receptor upregulation and include alterations in G-protein expression, beta-adrenergic receptor-Gs interaction, and myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor kinase activity.

Cellular distribution of G protein Go alpha in pituitary lactotrophs: effects of dopamine

Membrane-bound GTP-binding (G) proteins mediate signal transduction in a variety of cell systems. The exact mechanisms of G proteins action are still under investigation but they appear to involve effectors located in the plasma membrane as well as in other parts of the cell. With this study, we investigated the cellular and ultrastructural localization of G protein subunits, and particularly of Go alpha, in normal rat anterior pituitaries and in estrone-induced rat adenomatous lactotrophs. We also evaluated the effects of Go alpha cellular redistribution in rat adenomatous lactotrophs following short-term exposure to dopamine (DA). Using the Protein A-gold (PAG) methodology, Go alpha was found to be present in the cysternae of the endoplasmic reticulum of normal pituitary cells and of adenomatous lactotrophs. In the latter, Go alpha could be co-localized with prolactin (PRL). By immunoblots, using specific antisera, significant amounts of Go alpha and Gs42 alpha, together with smaller amounts of Gi alpha, Gs47 alpha and G beta were found to be present in the uncontaminated supernatant fraction of adenomatous lactotrophs. Unexpectedly, exposure of the cells to DA induced a rapid and short-lived decrease in the cytosolic fraction of Go alpha and G beta associated with a decrease of PRL release. Since cytosolic Go alpha can be ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin (PT) and is therefore in a heterotrimeric form, our data suggest that the soluble Go protein may play a role during lactotrophs' exposure to an inhibitor of PRL release, perhaps through its relocalization after being internalized with the D2 receptor or by being used for interaction with intracellular and/or membrane-bound effectors.

Cyclic AMP regulation of messenger RNA level of the stimulatory GTP-binding protein Gs alpha. Isoproterenol, forskolin and 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate increase the level of Gs alpha mRNA in cultured astroglial cells

The existence of a cAMP-dependent regulation of the expression of the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gs) in a well characterized astroglial cells culture was established. The culture of astroglial cells for 3-6 h with isoproterenol (10 microM) or forskolin (10 microM) (a cAMP-inducing agent) increased (200-400%) the response of adenylylcyclase to agents which bypass the receptor; GTP, GTP[S] or forskolin. For prolonged exposure times (15 h or more) to isoproterenol or forskolin, the adenylycyclase activity decreased to the value observed in control cells. The same biphasic response of adenylylcyclase to isoproterenol (10 microM) plus GTP (10 microM) occurred in membrane fractions from cells cultured with forskolin, whereas a diminished response to isoproterenol was observed in isoproterenol-treated cells, indicating that the beta-adrenergic receptor was desensitized. To understand the molecular mechanism of these phenomena, we measured the levels of the alpha subunits of the guanine-nucleotide binding protein (Gs and Gi) by Western-blot analysis. The culture of astroglial cells with isoproterenol or forskolin (3-24 h) resulted in a transient increase of both the Gs alpha and the Gi alpha protein levels, while the level of G beta subunits was unaffected. We also identified Gs alpha protein (about 40% of the total cellular protein) in the supernatant fraction of astroglial cells but its level was not modified by the stimulation of cells by forskolin. The level of Gs alpha mRNA measured by Northern-blot analysis was transiently increased (200%) after stimulation of astroglial cells with isoproterenol or forskolin for an incubation period of 6-9 h, then returned to that of control cells for longer period of time. In addition, the Gs alpha mRNA level was threefold increased when cells were cultured for 2-6 h with 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (10 microM), a permeant analogue of cAMP. These results indicate that cAMP induces a time-dependent increase of Gs alpha mRNA. The half-life of Gs alpha protein and Gs alpha mRNA were determined. Pulse-chase studies revealed that the decay of Gs alpha protein was clearly biphasic with an early phase (5-6 h) and a slower second phase (20-25 h) but the treatment of cells with forskolin did not accelerate or slow down the turnover of Gs alpha protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Regional myocardial downregulation of the inhibitory guanosine triphosphate-binding protein (Gi alpha 2) and beta-adrenergic receptors in a porcine model of chronic episodic myocardial ischemia

Regional myocardial ischemia is associated with increased levels of adenosine and norepinephrine, factors that may alter activation of the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR)-G protein-adenylyl cyclase pathway in the heart. We have used the ameroid constrictor model to determine whether alterations in myocardial signal transduction through the beta AR-G protein-adenylyl cyclase pathway occur in the setting of chronic episodes of reversible ischemia. Pigs were instrumented with ameroid occluders placed around the left circumflex coronary artery. 5 wk later, after ameroid closure, flow and function were normal in the ischemic bed, but flow (P = 0.001) and function (P < 0.03) were abnormal when metabolic demands were increased. The ischemic bed showed a reduction in myocardial beta AR number (P < 0.005). Despite regional downregulation of myocardial beta AR number, adenylyl cyclase activity was similar in the ischemic and control beds. Quantitative immunoblotting showed that the cardiac inhibitory GTP-binding protein, Gi alpha 2, was decreased in the ischemic bed (P = 0.02). In contrast, the cardiac stimulatory GTP-binding protein, Gs alpha, was increased in endocardial sections from the ischemic bed (P = < 0.05). Decreased Gi alpha 2 content was associated with decreased inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Reduced Gi alpha 2 content, in conjunction with increased Gs alpha content in the endocardium, may provide a means by which adrenergic activation is maintained in the setting of chronic episodic myocardial ischemia.

The GTP-binding regulatory proteins, Gs and G(i), are altered in erythrocyte membranes of patients with ischemic heart disease resulting from coronary atherosclerosis

Acute ischemic heart disease is associated with alterations in the cardiac adenylate cyclase system response, although the specificity and mechanism of these events are unknown. We studied the characteristics of inhibitory (G(i)) and stimulatory (Gs) GTP-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) of adenylate cyclase in erythrocyte membranes of patients (n = 16) with nonacute ischemic heart disease resulting from coronary atherosclerosis. Gs was measured by reconstitution with the resolved catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase and by cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a 42-kD protein; G(i) was tested as a 41-kD substrate of pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation. Gs activity was decreased by 27 +/- 2% in the cholate extract and by 25 +/- 3% in the supernatant of guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate-treated membranes. The amount of cholera toxin substrate was decreased by 33 +/- 3%, and the pertussis toxin substrate was increased by 27 +/- 5% compared with healthy subjects (n = 10). All changes in G-protein characteristics appear to be specific relative to other erythrocyte membrane proteins and hemoglobin. Those patients who have a decreased Gs possess approximately normal Gi, and those with increased G(i) showed no change in Gs. Patients with increased G(i) (normal Gs) exhibited more severe deterioration of their coronary arteries than did patients with decreased Gs (normal G(i)) (P < .05), but these two groups did not differ significantly in serum lipids, hormones, drug therapy, historical data, or baseline assessment (P < 0.05).

Downregulation of cardiac guanosine 5'-triphosphate-binding proteins in right atrium and left ventricle in pacing-induced congestive heart failure

The extent to which congestive heart failure (CHF) is dependent upon increased levels of the cardiac inhibitory GTP-binding protein (Gi), and the impact of CHF on the cardiac stimulatory GTP-binding protein (Gs) and mechanisms by which Gs may change remain unexplored. We have addressed these unsettled issues using pacing-induced CHF in pigs to examine physiological, biochemical, and molecular features of the right atrium (RA) and left ventricle (LV). CHF was associated with an 85 +/- 20% decrease in LV segment shortening (P < 0.001) and a 3.5-fold increase (P = 0.006) in the ED50 for isoproterenol-stimulated heart rate responsiveness. Myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor number was decreased 54% in RA (P = 0.004) and 57% in LV (P < 0.001), and multiple measures of adenylyl cyclase activity were depressed 49 +/- 8% in RA (P < 0.005), and 44 +/- 9% in LV (P < 0.001). Quantitative immunoblotting established that Gi and Gs were decreased in RA (Gi: 59% reduction; P < 0.0001; Gs: 28% reduction; P < 0.007) and LV (Gi: 35% reduction; P < 0.008; Gs: 28% reduction; P < 0.01) after onset of CHF. Reduced levels of Gi and Gs were confirmed by ADP ribosylation studies, and diminished function of Gs was established in reconstitution studies. Steady state levels for Gs alpha mRNA were increased in RA and unchanged in LV, and significantly more GS alpha was found in the supernatant (presumably cytosolic) fraction in RA and LV membrane homogenates after CHF, suggesting that increased Gs degradation, rather than decreased Gs synthesis, is the mechanism by which Gs is downregulated. We conclude that cardiac Gi content poorly predicts adrenergic responsiveness or contractile function, that decreased Gs is caused by increased degradation rather than decreased synthesis, and that alterations in beta-adrenergic receptors, adenylyl cyclase, and GTP-binding proteins are uniform in RA and LV in this model of congestive heart failure.

Modulation of L-type Ca channel activity by P2-purinergic agonist in cardiac cells

The mechanism of enhancement of the L-type Ca current by a P2-purinergic agonist adenosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP gamma S) was studied by recording single channel activity from cell-attached patches on rat isolated ventricular cells using patch pipettes containing 110 mM Ba2+. The application of ATP gamma S to the patch membrane through the pipette solution did not affect single channel activity. The addition of ATP gamma S to the bath containing a depolarizing solution was ineffective due to the voltage dependence of the purinergic stimulation. Bath application of ATP gamma S (100 microM) to control 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazine-ethanesulphonic acid (HEPES) solution increased the amplitude of ensemble average currents both by decreasing the probability of a blank sweep occurring and by increasing the number of openings per non-blank sweep. The single channel conductance (17 pS) was not changed by ATP gamma S. Both activation and inactivation curves were shifted towards hyperpolarized potentials by about 10 mV under P2-purinergic stimulation. Since ATP gamma S increased channel activity when applied via the bath, it must be supposed that a diffusible messenger is involved.

Hepatocyte homologous beta 2-adrenergic desensitization is associated with a decrease in number of plasma membrane beta 2-adrenoceptors

Preincubation of rat hepatocytes with isoproterenol induces homologous beta-adrenergic desensitization evidenced both in whole cells (cyclic AMP accumulation) and membranes (adenylyl cyclase activity). This desensitization is associated with and quantitatively similar to a loss of beta 2-adrenoceptors from the plasma membrane. Desensitization did not alter the affinities of isoproterenol for the [125I]iodocyanopindolol binding sites nor reduce the ability of guanine nucleotides to modulate agonist affinity, i.e., the receptors that remain in the surface of plasma membrane after desensitization (approximately 50%) retain their functional integrity. When membranes from isoproterenol-desensitized hepatocytes were treated with alkaline phosphatase, no attenuation of the desensitization was observed. Cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation was not decreased but rather slightly increased in membranes from desensitized cells as compared to the controls. Our data indicate that in hepatocytes, a loss of beta 2-adrenoceptors from the plasma membrane is closely associated to the homologous desensitization induced by isoproterenol.