Vasoactive intestinal peptide: its interactions with calmodulin and catalytic antibodies

Broadly distributed nucleophilic reactivity of proteins coordinated with specific ligand binding activity

Covalent nucleophile-electrophile interactions have been established to be important for recognition of substrates by several enzymes. Here, we employed an electrophilic amidino phosphonate ester (EP1) to study the nucleophilic reactivity of the following proteins: albumin, soluble epidermal growth factor receptor (sEGFR), soluble CD4 (sCD4), calmodulin, casein, alpha-lactalbumin, ovalbumin, soybean trypsin inhibitor and HIV-1 gp120. Except for soybean trypsin inhibitor and alpha-lactalbumin, these proteins formed adducts with EP1 that were not dissociated by denaturing treatments. Despite their negligible proteolytic activity, gp120, sEGFR and albumin reacted irreversibly with EP1 at rates comparable to the serine protease trypsin. The neutral counterpart of EP1 reacted marginally with the proteins, indicating the requirement for a positive charge close to the electrophilic group. Prior heating resulted in altered rates of formation of the EP1-protein adducts accompanied by discrete changes in the fluorescence emission spectra of the proteins, suggesting that the three-dimensional protein structure governs the nucleophilic reactivity. sCD4 and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) containing phosphonate groups (EP3 and EP4, respectively) reacted with their cognate high-affinity binding proteins gp120 and calmodulin, respectively, at rates exceeding the corresponding reactions with EP1. Reduced formation of EP3-gp120 adducts and EP4-calmodulin adducts in the presence of sCD4 and VIP devoid of the phosphonate groups was evident, suggesting that the nucleophilic reactivity is expressed in coordination with non-covalent recognition of peptide determinants. These observations suggest the potential of EPs for specific and covalent targeting of proteins, and raise the possibility of nucleophile-electrophile pairing as a novel mechanism stabilizing protein-protein complexes.

Interactions of VIP with rigid phospholipid bilayers: implications for vasoreactivity

The purpose of this study was to determine whether vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a pleiotropic amphipathic peptide, interacts with rigid liposomes composed of gel phase phospholipids. We found that incubation of VIP with small unilamellar gel phase liposomes composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and egg phosphatidylglycerol (ePG) for 2h at room temperature had no significant effects on VIP secondary structure. Moreover, suffusion of VIP (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0nmol) incubated in saline or with DPPC/ePG liposomes (size, 30 and 100nm) for 2h at room temperature or 4 degrees C onto the intact hamster cheek pouch microcirculation elicited a similar concentration-dependent vasodilation except for 0.01nmol VIP (P<0.05). By contrast, incubation of VIP with gel phase liposomes overnight at 4 degrees C significantly potentiated vasodilation evoked by all three concentrations of the peptide in comparison to aqueous VIP (P<0.05). VIP-induced vasodilation was liposome size-independent. The ratio of VIP to phospholipids in DPPC/ePG liposomes was concentration-independent. Collectively, these data indicate that short-term interactions of VIP with rigid phospholipid bilayers are limited resulting in only modest effects on VIP vasoreactivity in vivo.

Liposomal VIP potentiates DNA synthesis in cultured oral keratinocytes

The purpose of this study was to determine whether association of vasoactive intestinal peptide with sterically stabilized liposomes (VIP on SSL) amplifies DNA synthesis evoked by the peptide in cultured chemically transformed hamster oral keratinocytes (HCPC-1) and, if so, whether this response in mediated, in part, by SSL-induced inactivation of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11) and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE; EC 3.4.15.1), two ectoenzymes that modulate HCPC-1 cell growth, in these cells. We found that VIP (10(-9)-10(-6) M) alone elicited a modest, albeit significant, concentration-dependent increase in DNA synthesis in HCPC-1 cells that was maximal after 48-72-h incubation (p < 0.05). VIP on SSL potentiated DNA synthesis in these cells relative to VIP alone. The magnitude of VIP on SSL-induced responses was 1.2-1.6-fold higher than that of VIP alone with maximal effects observed at 10(-9) M and 10(-6) M after 72- and 48-h incubation, respectively. Empty SSL had no significant effects on DNA synthesis. Empty SSL and VIP on SSL had no significant effects on NEP 24.11 and ACE activity in HCPC-1 cells. Collectively, these data indicate that association of VIP with SSL potentiates DNA synthesis in cultured oral keratinocytes relative to VIP alone and that this response is not related to non-specific effects of SSL.

Surface-active properties of vasoactive intestinal peptide*

The purpose of this study was to determine whether human vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) aggregates in aqueous solution and, if so, whether the peptide interacts with a biomimetic phospholipid monolayer and increases surface pressure. Using a custom-made Teflon trough containing HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) at room temperature and a surface tensiometer, we found that the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of VIP is 0.4 microM. Surface pressure of a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) monolayer spread over the HEPES buffer declined significantly over 120 min because of phospholipid decomposition. However, injection of VIP at concentrations above CMC into the subphase of the monolayer elicited a significant concentration-dependent increase in surface pressure that persisted for 120 min (P < 0.05). Unlike VIP, injection of [(8)Arg]-vasopressin at an equimolar concentration only prevented the time-dependent decline in DPPC monolayer surface pressure. Taken together, these data indicate that human VIP aggregates in aqueous solution and expresses surface-active properties at physiological concentrations in vitro. We suggest that these attributes could have a role in modulating the bioactive effects of the peptide in vivo.

Secretin, glucagon, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, parathyroid hormone, and related peptides in the regulation of the hypothalamus- pituitary-adrenal axis

Secretin, glucagon, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) belong, together with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase (AC)-activating polypeptide, to a family of peptides (the VIP-secretin-glucagon family), which also includes growth hormone-releasing hormone and exendins. All the members of this peptide family possess a remarkable amino-acid sequence homology, and bind to G-protein-coupled receptors, whose signaling mechanism primarily involves AC/protein kinase A and phospholipase C/protein kinase C cascades. VIP and pituitary AC-activating polypeptide play a role in the regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and in this review we survey findings that also other members of the VIP-secretin-glucagon family may have the same function. Secretin and secretin receptors are expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and secretin inhibits adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release. No evidence is available for the presence of secretin receptors in adrenal glands, but secretin selectively depresses the glucocorticoid response to ACTH of dispersed zona fasciculata-reticularis (ZF/R) cells. Glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 are contained in the hypothalamus, and all the components of the HPA axis are provided with glucagon and glucagons-like-1 receptors. These peptides exert a short-term inhibitory effect on stress-induced pituitary ACTH release and depress the ZF/R cell response to ACTH by inhibiting the AC/protein kinase A cascade; they also stimulate hypothalamic arginine-vasopressin release. GIP receptors are present in the ZF/R of the normal adrenals, and are particularly abundant in some types of adrenocortical adenomas and hyperplasias. GIP, through the activation of the AC/protein kinase A cascade, evokes a sizeable glucocorticoid secretagogue effect, leading to the identification of a food/GIP-dependent Cushing's syndrome. PTH and PTH-related protein are expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and PTH and PTH-related protein receptors in all the components of the HPA axis. Both peptides enhance ACTH and arginine-vasopressin release, as well as stimulate aldosterone and glucocorticoid secretion of dispersed zona glomerulosa and ZF/R cells, respectively. The involvement of growth hormone-releasing hormone and exendins in the functional regulation of the HPA axis has not yet been extensively investigated.

Smokeless tobacco potentiates VIP-induced DNA synthesis and inactivates NEP 24.11 in oral keratinocytes

The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure of cultured chemically transformed hamster oral keratinocytes (HCPC-1) to an aqueous extract of smokeless tobacco (STE) potentiates DNA synthesis elicited by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), an autocrine neuropeptide, and, if so, whether this response is associated with inactivation of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP 24. 11), an ectoenzyme that cleaves and inactivates VIP very effectively, in these cells. I found that STE and VIP each elicited a modest, albeit significant, increase in DNA synthesis in cultured HCPC-1 cells (P < 0.05). However, incubation of HCPC-1 cells with STE together with VIP evoked a significant, concentration- dependent increase in DNA synthesis that was mediated by VIP receptors. The effects of STE and VIP were synergistic. Maximal response was observed after a 48-h incubation. STE significantly attenuated NEP 24.11 activity in HCPC-1 cells at a time when VIP-induced DNA synthesis was maximal. Collectively, these data indicate that STE potentiates VIP-induced DNA synthesis in cultured oral keratinocytes, and that this response is temporally related to STE-induced inactivation of NEP 24.11 in these cells. I suggest that NEP 24.11 modulates the mitogenic effects of smokeless tobacco in the oral epithelium, in part, by inactivating VIP.

Conformation and vasoreactivity of VIP in phospholipids: effects of calmodulin

The purpose of this study was to determine the conformation and vasorelaxant effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) self-associated with sterically stabilized phospholipid micelles (SSM) and whether calmodulin modulates both of these processes. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that VIP is unordered in aqueous solution at room temperature but assumes appreciable a helix conformation in SSM. This conformational transition was amplified at 37 degrees C and by a low concentration of calmodulin (0.1 nM). Suffusion of VIP in SSM elicited significant time- and concentration-dependent potentiation of vasodilation relative to that elicited by aqueous VIP in the in situ hamster cheek pouch (P < 0.05). This response was significantly potentiated by calmodulin (0.1 nM). Collectively, these data indicate that exogenous calmodulin interacts with VIP in SSM to elicit conformational transition of VIP molecule from a predominantly random coil in aqueous environment to alpha helix in SSM. This process is associated with potentiation and prolongation of VIP-induced vasodilation in the in situ peripheral microcirculation.

Effects of glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 on glucocorticoid secretion of dispersed rat adrenocortical cells

The effects of glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) on the secretory activity of rat adrenocortical cells have been investigated in vitro. Neither hormones affected basal or agonist-stimulated aldosterone secretion of dispersed rat zona glomerulosa cells or basal corticosterone production of zona fasciculata-reticularis (inner) cells. In contrast, glucagon and GLP-1 partially (40%) inhibited ACTH (10(-9) M)-enhanced corticosterone secretion of inner cells, maximal effective concentration being 10(-7) M. The effect of 10(-7) M glucagon or GPL-1 was suppressed by 10(-6) M Des-His1-[Glu9]-glucagon amide (glucagon-A) and exendin-4(3-39) (GPL-1-A), which are selective antagonists of glucagon and GLP-1 receptors, respectively. Glucagon and GLP-1 (10(-7) M) decreased by about 45-50% cyclic-AMP production by dispersed inner adrenocortical cells in response to ACTH (10(-9) M), but not to the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (10(-5) M). Again this effect was blocked by 10(-6) M glucagon-A or GLP-1-A. The exposure of dispersed inner cells to 10(-7) M glucagon plus GLP-1 completely suppressed corticosterone response to ACTH (10(-9) M). However, they only partially inhibited (by about 65-70%) both corticosterone response to forskolin (10(-5) M) or dibutyryl-cyclic-AMP (10(-5) M) and ACTH (10(-9) M)-enhanced cyclic-AMP production. Quantitative HPLC showed that 10(-7) M glucagon or GLP-1 did not affect ACTH-stimulated pregnenolone production, evoked a slight rise in progesterone and 11-deoxycorticosterone release, and markedly reduced (by about 55%) corticosterone secretion of dispersed inner adrenocortical cells. In light of these findings the following conclusion are drawn: (i) glucagon and GLP-1, via the activation of specific receptors, inhibit glucocorticoid response of rat adrenal cortex to ACTH; and (ii) the mechanism underlying the effect of glucagon and GLP-1 is probably two-fold, and involves both the inhibition of the ACTH-induced activation of adenylate cyclase and the impairment of the late steps of glucocorticoid synthesis.

Exogenous calmodulin potentiates vasodilation elicited by phospholipid-associated VIP in vivo

The purpose of this study was to determine whether exogenous calmodulin potentiates vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-induced vasodilation in vivo and, if so, whether this response is amplified by association of VIP with sterically stabilized liposomes. Using intravital microscopy, we found that calmodulin suffused together with aqueous and liposomal VIP did not potentiate vasodilation elicited by VIP in the in situ hamster cheek pouch. However, preincubation of calmodulin with liposomal, but not aqueous, VIP for 1 and 2 h and overnight at 4 degrees C before suffusion significantly potentiated vasodilation (P < 0.05). Calmodulin-induced responses were significantly attenuated by calmidazolium, trifluoperazine, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) but not D-NAME. The effects of L-NAME were reversed by L- but not D-arginine. Indomethacin had no significant effects on calmodulin-induced responses. Calmodulin had no significant effects on adenosine-, isoproterenol-, acetylcholine-, and calcium ionophore A-23187-induced vasodilation. Collectively, these data indicate that exogenous calmodulin amplifies vasodilation elicited by phospholipid-associated, but not aqueous, VIP in the in situ peripheral microcirculation in a specific, calmodulin active sites-, and nitric oxide-dependent fashion. We suggest that extracellular calmodulin, phospholipids, and VIP form a novel functionally coordinated class of endogenous vasodilators.

A novel formulation of VIP in sterically stabilized micelles amplifies vasodilation in vivo

PURPOSE

To determine whether human vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-grafted distearoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) micelles elicit potent and stable vasodilation in vivo.

METHODS

PEG-DSPE micelles were prepared by co-precipitation. VIP was loaded into micelles by incubation at room temperature. Vasoactivity of VIP in SSM was determined by monitoring changes in diameter of resistance arterioles in the in situ hamster cheek pouch using intravital microscopy.

RESULTS

VIP easily undergoes self-assembly into small PEG-DSPE micelles (mean [+/-SEM] size, 18+/-1 nm) in a time-dependent fashion. This generates a potent vasoactive matrix at nanomole concentrations of VIP as manifested by approximately 3-fold potentiation and prolongation of vasodilation relative to that evoked by aqueous VIP alone (p < 0.05). This response is specific and mediated by the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) biosynthetic pathway. Micellar VIP dispersion remains vasoactive for at least 14 days after preparation and storage at 4 degrees C.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel, self-associated, small and stable PEG-DSPE micellar formulation of VIP amplifies vasodilation in the in situ peripheral microcirculation in a specific fashion by elaborating NO. An optimized formulation could be considered for certain cardiovascular disorders associated with L-arginine/NO biosynthetic pathway dysfunction.

Mechanism and functional role of antibody catalysis

The light (L) chain of a model antibody (Ab) was deduced to contain a serine protease-like catalytic site capable of cleaving peptide bonds. The catalytic site is encoded by a germline VL gene. The catalytic activity can potentially be improved by somatic sequence diversification and pairing of the L chain with the appropriate heavy chain. Autoimmune disease is associated with increased synthesis of antigen (Ag)-specific Abs, but the reasons for this phenomenon are not known. Only recently has attention turned to the functional role of the catalytic function. Preliminary studies confirm that the catalytic cleavage of peptide bonds is a more potent means to achieve Ag neutralization, compared to reversible Ag binding. Administration of a monoclonal Ab to VIP in experimental animals induces an inflammatory response in the airways, suggesting that catalytic autoantibodies to this peptide found in airway disease and lupus are capable of causing airway dysfunction. The phenomenon of autoantibody catalysis can potentially be applied to isolate efficient catalysts directed against tumor or microbial Ags by exposing the autoimmune repertoire to such Ags or their analogs capable of recruiting the germline VL gene encoding the catalytic site.

Role of VIP, PACAP, and related peptides in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are members of a family of regulatory peptides that are widely distributed in the body and share numerous biologic actions. The two peptides display a remarkable amino acid-sequence homology, and bind to a class of G protein-coupled receptors, named PACAP/VIP receptors (PVRs), whose signaling mechanism mainly involves the activation of adenylate-cyclase and phospholipase-C cascades. A large body of evidence suggests that VIP and PACAP play a role in the control of the hypothalamo--pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, almost exclusively acting in a paracrine manner, since their blood concentration is very low. VIP and PACAP are contained in both nerve fibers and neurons of the hypothalamus, and VIP, but not PACAP, is also synthesized in the pituitary gland. Both peptides are expressed in the adrenal gland, and especially in medullary chromaffin cells. All the components of the HPA axis are provided with PVRs. VIP and PACAP enhance pituitary ACTH secretion, VIP by eliciting the hypothalamic release of CRH and potentiating its secretagogue action, and PACAP by directly stimulating pituitary corticotropes. Through this central mechanism, VIP and PACAP may increase mineralo- and glucocorticoid secretion of the adrenal cortex. VIP but not PACAP also exerts a weak direct secretagogue action on adrenocortical cells by activating both PVRs and probably a subtype of ACTH receptors. VIP and PACAP raise aldosterone production via a paracrine indirect mechanism involving the stimulation of medullary chromaffin cells to release catecholamines, which in turn enhance the secretion of zona glomerulosa cells via a beta-adrenoceptor-mediated mechanism. PACAP appears to be able to evoke a glucocorticoid response through the activation, at least in the rat, of the intramedullary CRH/ACTH system. The relevance of these effects of VIP and PACAP under basal conditions is questionable, although there are indications that endogenous VIP is involved in the maintenance of the normal growth and steroidogenic capacity of rat adrenal cortex. However, indirect evidence suggests that these peptides might play a relevant role under paraphysiological conditions (e.g., in the mediation of HPA axis responses to cold and inflammatory stresses) or may be somehow involved in the pathogenesis of Cushing disease or some case of hyperaldosteronism associated with secreting pheochromocytomas.

Inhibition of cerebellar nitric oxide synthase and cyclic GMP production by melatonin via complex formation with calmodulin

Constitutive rat cerebellar nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity is shown to be inhibited by physiological concentrations of the pineal hormone melatonin. The inhibition was dose-dependent and was coupled to an inhibition of the cyclic GMP production activated by L-arginine. Results also show that calmodulin appears to be involved in this process because its presence in the incubation medium was able to prevent the effect of melatonin on both NOS activity and cyclic GMP production. Moreover, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis studies suggest that melatonin can interact with calmodulin modifying the binding of the peptide to the synthetic NOS peptide encompassing the calmodulin-binding domain of constitutive NOS from rat cerebellum, the natural mechanism by which calmodulin activates cerebellar NOS.

Localisation of VIP-and CGRP-like substances in the skin and sinus hair follicles of various mammalian species

Using an ultrastructural postembedding immunogold technique, we demonstrated vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)- and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-like immunoreactivity in the Merkel cell dense-cored granules of skin and sinus hair follicles of adult cat and dog. The VIP-like substance was located in cat Merkel cells while both VIP- and CGRP-like substances were colocalised in dog Merkel cells. In cat Merkel cells, the magnitude of labelling of VIP was qualitatively higher than in dog Merkel cells. In the dog Merkel cell, CGRP appeared as the most abundant peptide. Dense-cored granules were labelled for these peptides. In addition, mast cells encountered in the dermal region of dog skin were also found to be immunolabelled by VIP antiserum. The immunoreaction was found to be confined to the secretory granules of the cells. Furthermore, all non-myelinated nerve plexuses encountered in the dermal region of the skin and the sinus hair follicles of the various mammalian species studied were immunolabelled by CGRP antiserum. The specific location was again restricted to the dense-cored granules present in these nerves. As VIP and CGRP have potent vasodilatory effects, our observations suggest that Merkel cells may play a separate or synergistic role in regulatory functions of the skin neuroendocrine cell, exerting their influence by paracrine, endocrine and neurocrine pathways, or a combination of these. Different methodologies of double labelling with different sizes of gold particles are also discussed.

Production, analysis and bioactivity of recombinant vasoactive intestinal peptide analogs

Recombinant vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) analogs were expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein containing tandemly repeated multiple copies of a synthetic VIP gene joined to glutathione S-transferase. The encoded protein contains VIP units separated by a linker peptide, potentially excisable by a double cleavage with endoprotease factor Xa and hydroxylamine. Expression of different polyVIP genes, from 1 to 32 units, was detected and the production of a 16 VIP polymer was performed. MonoVIP analogs appended by 5 or 10 amino acids at their C terminus were released by factor Xa from this polymerized product. They were then submitted to hydroxylamine cleavage to remove the linker sequence to finally obtain a recombinant VIP analog devoid of any amino acid extension. The biological activity of the recombinant polyVIP and VIP analogs was tested. Although less efficient than the natural neuropeptide, some of these components bound to VIP receptor, activated adenylate cyclase in human colonic adenocarcinoma cells and displayed a relaxation activity on guinea pig tracheal rings.

Neuropeptide regulation of cytokine expression: effects of VIP and Ro 25-1553

The neuropeptide VIP is present in high concentrations in normal lung, where it acts as a potent bronchodilator. VIP also downregulates T lymphocyte proliferation, possibly through its effect on cytokine expression. Although deficiencies in VIP levels are associated with asthma, VIP replacement therapy is impaired by its rapid degradation in the pulmonary microenvironment. A metabolically stable VIP peptide analog Ro 25-1553 has been developed and shown to act as a potent smooth muscle relaxant and suppressant of inflammatory cell accumulation. Proinflammatory cytokines play essential roles in inflammatory reactions. Here we compare the effects of VIP and Ro 25-1553 on IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-gamma production. Both VIP and Ro 25-1553 inhibit IL-2 and IL-4 but not IFN-gamma production and induce intracellular cAMP. Similar to VIP, Ro 25-1553 downregulates the IL-2 message and affects IL-4 production posttranscriptionally. Cytokines play important roles in allergic reactions, and increased cytokine levels are present in allergic asthmatic subjects. Therefore, downregulation of IL-2 and IL-4 production by Ro 25-1553 could play a significant role in the antiinflammatory activity of this peptide within the pulmonary microenvironment.

VIP as a cell-growth and differentiation neuromodulator role in neurodevelopment

In addition to its commonly recognized status as a neuromodulator of virtually all vital functions, including neurobiological, the neuropeptide VIP plays a role in the control of cell growth and differentiation and of neuronal survival. Through these actions, VIP, whose impact appears early in ontogeny, may possess developmental functions. VIP can be stimulatory or inhibitory on cell growth in function of the model considered. The growth regulatory actions of VIP, which are often independent of cAMP, are most likely significant when mitogenic or trophic factors, eventually released by nontarget cells, are simultaneously present in the extracellular medium. The intracellular mechanisms that mediate these actions of VIP may involve different transduction cascades triggered by subsets of VIP binding sites that may coexist in the same tissue.

Inhibition of calmodulin-dependent myosin light-chain kinase by growth-hormone-releasing factor and vasoactive intestinal peptide

In view of the ability of calmodulin to bind vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and growth-hormone-releasing factor (GRF) with high affinity [Stallwood, Brugger, Baggenstoss, Stemmer, Shiraga, Landers and Paul (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 19617-19621], the effects of these neuropeptides on a model calmodulin-dependent enzyme, myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK), were studied. Both peptides were potent inhibitors of MLCK activity. The inhibition of enzyme activity by VIP and GRF was progressively overcome with increasing calmodulin concentrations, with no inhibition observed at a saturating calmodulin concentration. Nanomolar concentrations of MLCK blocked the formation of calmodulin-[125I-Tyr10]VIP complexes. These data provide support for a functional role of VIP and GRF binding by calmodulin.

Partitioning of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide into lipid bilayers

Incubation of radiolabeled vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) with preformed lipid vesicles composed of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and cholesterol resulted in reversible and saturable association of the peptide with the lipid bilayer. The pH-optimum for the reaction was in the physiological range. The vesicle-associated peptide displayed enhanced stability to proteolytic digestion, it was efficiently released into the supernatant by detergent-solubilization of the vesicles but remained vesicle-associated during treatment with agents that disrupt ionic interactions. Peptide binding by electrically neutral vesicles was lower than that by negative vesicles. Electron spin resonance studies with 5-doxylstearic acid or 16-doxylstearic acid labeled vesicles suggested that VIP decreased the fluidity close to the surface of the bilayer and increased the fluidity in its hydrophobic core. These observations suggest that VIP can bind and penetrate lipid bilayers.

Catalytic activity of anti-ground state antibodies, antibody subunits, and human autoantibodies

Catalytic antibodies may be produced over the natural course of antibody-affinity maturation by placement of chemically reactive residues in antibody-active sites by somatic hypermutation or V-D-J-gene rearrangement. This hypothesis has received support from recent observations on the chemical reactivity of antibodies to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), DNA, and steroid- and dinitrophenyl-esters. Recent studies reveal that monoclonal antibodies raised against the ground state of VIP can accelerate the cleavage of peptide bonds. The light-chain (L-chain) subunit of human autoantibodies display increased hydrolytic rate and diminished VIP-binding affinity compared to the parent antibody, consistent with increased turnover owing to weaker binding of the substrate ground state. These observations reveal an essential limitation of catalytic antibodies, i.e., large turnover rates may be associated with diminished substrate specificity. The hydrolysis of VIP by IgG purified by affinity chromatography from asthma patients and nonasthmatic controls was compared. IgG from the majority of asthma patients displayed VIP-hydrolyzing activity. Vmax values for IgG from asthmatics tended to be higher than those from the nonasthmatic group. In principle, catalysis by antibodies may be an important mediator of immunological defense, regulation, and autoimmune dysfunction. The verification of these possibilities will require studies that utilize efficient assays of antibody catalysis during experimental immunization and autoimmune disease, as well as mechanistic investigation of catalysis by antibodies and their subunits.

Physiological concentrations of melatonin inhibit nitric oxide synthase in rat cerebellum

In the present paper we show the inhibitory effect of melatonin on rat cerebellar nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. NO production was monitored by the stoichiometric conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline. The inhibitory effect of melatonin was dose-dependent, with an IC50 value of about 0.1 mM. However, a significant inhibition of enzyme activity (> 22%) was observed at 1 nM melatonin which is in the range of the physiological serum concentration of the hormone at night. The inhibitory effect of melatonin was observed exclusively in the presence of Ca++. Results suggest a new and important role of the pineal hormone melatonin on central nervous system processes, i.e., by modulating NO production.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide: role of calmodulin and catalytic antibodies

In the accompanying article Paul and Ebadi [1993 (Neurochem Int. 23, 197-214)] review recent observations that the neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the related peptide growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) bind to two novel protein molecules unrelated to their G-protein coupled receptors. VIP and GRF have been reported to bind with high affinity to calmodulin, leading to modulation of biological activities of the regulatory protein. VIP has also been reported to bind to autoantibodies isolated from both normal and asthmatic subjects. Several of these autoantibodies have been found to catalyze the hydrolysis of the native VIP molecule. The biological consequences of the binding of VIP and GRF to these macromolecular "receptors" are considered.