Cell specific distribution of guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins in rat pituitary tumour cell lines

G(z alpha) deficient mice: enzyme levels in the autonomic nervous system, neuronal survival and effect of genetic background

Our laboratory has generated a genetically mutant mouse in which the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric GTP binding protein, G(z) has been made dysfunctional by homologous recombination to determine its in vivo function. These animals show a characteristic failure to thrive phenotype. G(z alpha) is expressed in a variety of nervous system tissues as well as in the adrenal medulla. We therefore examined the autonomic nervous system of the G(z alpha) deficient mouse by measuring the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase and choline acetyltransferase in the superior cervical ganglia, submaxillary gland and the adrenal medulla. Preliminary results using animals of mixed BALB/c and C57BL/6 strains gave inconsistent results. Further experiments demonstrated differences in the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase and choline acetyltransferase between BALB/c and C57BL/6 mouse strains. The analysis of the pure strains showed a reduction in the size and enzyme levels of the adrenal gland and submaxillary glands of the G(z alpha) deficient mouse suggesting a role for adrenal insufficiency and/or nutritional disorders for the failure to thrive phenotype. The survival of sympathetic and sensory neurons was also examined in the G(z alpha) deficient mouse and in the presence of pertussis toxin, sympathetic but not sensory neuronal survival in G(z alpha) deficient mice was significantly attenuated. This suggests that in vivo other pertussis toxin sensitive G proteins may be recruited to compensate for the loss of G(z alpha).

Specific combinations of G-protein subunits discriminate hormonal signalling in rat pituitary (GH(3)) cells in culture

It was previously shown that hormone receptor coupling to voltage-dependent calcium channels in prolactin and growth hormone-producing GH(3) cells was heavily dependent on the specific heterotrimeric combinations of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits of the guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein family. Consequently, we assessed whether this was also the case for hormonal modulation of the adenylate cyclase (AC) and phospholipase C (PL-C) effector enzymes in GH(3) cells in culture. By employing polyclonal antibodies directed towards C-terminal decapeptides of various alpha subunits in membrane assays, as well as antisense oligonucleotides towards certain beta- and gamma-subunit genes in whole-cell incubations, it was possible to unravel a tentative profile of heterotrimers preferred by some of the seven-transmembrane-stretch receptors in their modulation of AC and PL-C activities. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and thyroliberin (TRH) activate membrane-bound AC through alpha(s)beta(2)gamma(2), while somatostatin (SRIH) and dopamine (DA) inhibited the AC through alpha(i2)beta(1)gamma(3). TRH activated membrane-bound PL-C through alpha(q/11)beta(4)gamma(2), while DA inhibition of the PL-C was accomplished via alpha(o)beta(3)gamma(4). Hence, it seems that not only the specificity of alpha subunits determines the coupling between G protein-associated receptors in GH cells, the receptor binding to G proteins also requires certain combinations of beta and gamma subunits.

G(z) signaling: emerging divergence from G(i) signaling

A large variety of neurotransmitters, hormones, and chemokines regulate cellular functions via cell surface receptors that are coupled to guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) belonging to the G(i) subfamily. All members of the G(i) subfamily, with the sole exception of G(z), are substrates for the pertussis toxin ADP-ribosyl transferase. G(z) also exhibits unique biochemical and regulatory properties. Initial portrayals of the cellular functions of G(z) bear high resemblance to those of other G(i) proteins both in terms of the receptors and effectors linked to G(z). However, recent discoveries have begun to insinuate a distinct role for G(z) in cellular communication. Functional interactions of the alpha subunit of G(z) (Galpha(z)) with the NKR-P1 receptor, Galpha(z)-specific regulator of G protein signaling, p21-activated kinase, G protein-regulated inducers of neurite outgrowth, and the Eya2 transcription cofactor have been demonstrated. These findings provide possible links for G(z) to participate in cellular development, survival, proliferation, differentiation and even apoptosis. In this review, we have drawn a sketch of a signaling network with G(z) as the centerpiece. The emerging picture is one that distinguishes G(z) from other members of the G(i) subfamily.

Activation of phospholipase C by cholecystokinin receptor subtypes with different G-protein-coupling specificities in hormone-secreting pancreatic cell lines

Phospholipase C (PLC) activity was investigated by stimulation of membrane preparations obtained from insulin (beta-TC3)-, somatostatin (Rin 1027-B2)-, and glucagon (INR1-G9)-producing pancreatic cell lines using the non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue GTPgammaS alone, the C-terminal octapeptide cholecystokinin (CCK-8), or gastrin. All compounds caused a significant 2- to 4.4-fold stimulation of PLC activity in the different cell lines, which was diminished by the non-hydrolyzable GDP analogue GDPbetaS. CCK receptor subtypes were characterized by radioligand binding experiments. High-affinity binding sites for tritiated CCK(A) receptor antagonist L-364,718 (K(d) = 0.24 nM) and tritiated CCK(B) receptor antagonist L-365,260 (K(d) = 0.13 nM) were only present in Rin 1027-B2 cells. High-affinity binding sites for both ligands were not found in beta-TC3 or INR1-G9 cells. Competition binding experiments with non-labeled CCK receptor antagonists CR 1505 (CCK(A) receptor-selective) and CR 2945 (CCK(B) receptor-selective), as well as microphysiometry experiments, resulted in the same receptor distribution. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction confirmed the CCK receptor distribution pattern for Rin 1027-B2 cells, but in addition showed the existence of CCK(B) receptors in beta-TC3 cells. Immunoblocking experiments with C-terminal antibodies against different G-protein alpha-subunits demonstrated inhibition of CCK-stimulated PLC activity in beta-TC3 cells by G(q/11)alpha antiserum (70%), in Rin 1027-B2 cells by G(q/11)alpha antiserum (70%) and G(i)-3alpha antiserum (23%), and in INR1-G9 cells by G(q/11)alpha antiserum (60%) and G(o)alpha antiserum (45%). We conclude that CCK receptor subtypes with different G-protein-coupling specificities to PLC are present in the different hormone-secreting cells of the endocrine pancreas.

Dopamine D2-receptor isoforms expressed in AtT20 cells inhibit Q-type high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels via a membrane-delimited pathway

Dopamine D2 receptors both acutely and chronically inhibit high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels (HVA-CCs). Two alternatively spliced isoforms, D2L (long) and D2S (short), are expressed at high levels in rat pituitary intermediate lobe melanotropes but are lacking in anterior lobe corticotropes. We stably transfected D2L and D2S into corticotrope-derived AtT20 cells. Both isoforms coupled to inhibition of Q-type calcium channels through pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. Thus, we have created a model system in which to study the kinetics of D2-receptor regulation of Ca2+ channels. Rapid inhibition of HVA-CCs was characterized using a novel fluorescence video imaging technique for the measurement of millisecond kinetic events. We measured the time elapsed (lag time) between the arrival of depolarizing isotonic 66 mM K+, sensed by fluorescence from included carboxy-X-rhodamine (CXR), and the beginning of increased intracellular Ca2+ levels (sensed by changes in indo 1 fluorescence ratio). The lag time averaged 350-550 ms, with no significant differences among cell types. Addition of the D2-agonist quinpirole (250 microM) to the K+/CXR solution significantly increased the lag times for D2-expressing cells but did not alter the lag time for AtT20 controls. The increased lag times for D2L- and D2S-transfected cells suggest that at least a fraction of the Ca2+ channels was inhibited within the initial 350-550 ms. As this inhibition time is too fast for a multistep second messenger pathway, we conclude that inhibition occurs via a membrane-delimited diffusion mechanism.

Structural and functional organization of the gene encoding the human thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor

The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR) is widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. In addition to its role in controlling the synthesis and secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin from the anterior pituitary, TRH is believed to act as a neurotransmitter as well as a neuromodulator. We have isolated genomic lambda and P1-derived artificial chromosome clones encoding the human TRHR. The gene was found to be 35 kb with three exons and two introns. A 541-bp intron 1 (-629 to -89 relative to the translation start site) is conserved between human and mouse. A large intron 2 of 31 kb disrupts the open reading frame (starting in position +790) in the sequence encoding the supposed junction between the third intracellular loop and the putative sixth transmembrane domain. A similar intron was found in chimpanzee and sheep but not in rat and mouse. Promoter analysis of upstream regions demonstrated cell type-specific reporter activation, and sequencing of 2.5 kb of the promoter revealed putative cis-acting regulatory elements for several transcription factors that may contribute to the regulation of the TRHR gene expression. Functional analysis of potential response elements for the anterior pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1 revealed cell type-specific binding that was competed out with a Pit-1 response element from the GH gene promoter.

Cloning and characterization of the chicken thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor

We report on the cloning of the full-length complementary DNA for the chicken TRH receptor. Although the TRH receptor has been cloned from several mammalian species, this is the first report from another vertebrate class. The ligand binding pocket, which is situated in the transmembrane helices of the mouse and rat TRH receptors, is completely conserved in the chicken receptor. Pharmacological studies (receptor binding and signaling) employing several TRH analogs revealed that there are no significant differences between the chicken and mouse receptors. These findings show that there have been considerable evolutionary constraints on TRH receptor structure and function. Several truncated forms of the chicken TRH receptor that appear to retain a part of an intron and are truncated in the putative third intracellular loop were also cloned, but were nonfunctional. This study provides a useful tool for further studies on the roles of TRH in avian growth and TSH regulation.

Ontogenic development of the adenylyl cyclase enzyme and the alpha s, alpha i1 and alpha i2 G-protein regulatory subunits from rat prostate

The expression of alpha s, alpha i1 and alpha i2 G-protein subunits measured by immunoblot increased in the rat prostate during sexual maturation, supporting their involvement in proliferation/differentiation. Northern blotting gave transcripts of 1.8 and 4 kb for alpha s, 1.4 and 4.5 kb (mainly) for alpha i1, and 2.4 kb for alpha i2 with levels suggesting a differential regulation (at transcription or post-transcription for alpha s, transcription for alpha i1, and translation for alpha i2). The stimulatory effects of forskolin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and isoproterenol on adenylyl cyclase activity increased between 0.5-3 mo, remained constant up to 12 mo and decreased thereafter, conceivably following the expression of VIP and beta-adrenergic receptors. However, G-protein activation of adenylyl cyclase (by GTP and Gpp[NH]p) was maximal at 0.5 mo and then decreased as it occurred with toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribose incorporation to alpha subunits suggesting that other factors are also involved in the regulation of G-protein activity during rat prostatic development.

ADP-ribosylation of G alpha i and G alpha o in pituitary cells enhances their recognition by antibodies directed against their carboxyl termini

Using antibodies raised against synthetic peptides of heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins, we demonstrate the presence of G alpha s, G alpha i1,2, G alpha i3, G alpha o2, and G beta subunits in pituitary cells. Pretreatment of pituitary cells with cholera toxin diminished the immunoreactivity of G alpha s and this decrease was kinetically coupled to the rate of G alpha s ADP-ribosylation. ADP-ribosylation by islet activating protein (IAP or Bordetella pertussis toxin) of G alpha i and G alpha o enhanced their immunoreactivities to antibodies raised against synthetic decapeptides that correspond to the G alpha carboxyl termini. Such enhancement was not observed when antibodies directed against the NH2-termini were used. These findings are consistent with the fact that ADP-ribosylation by IAP occurs on the cysteine located in the carboxyl terminal part of G alpha i and G alpha o. These observations mean that the kinetics and extent of Gi and Go ADP-ribosylation by IAP in whole pituitary cells and membrane preparations can be followed. It could be that ADP-ribosylation causes conformational changes in G alpha i and G alpha o. Indeed, we observed that ADP-ribosylated G alpha i was more sensitive to trypsin proteolysis and that the ADP-ribosylation rates of G alpha i and G alpha o in whole cells were comparable to the rate of loss of coupling between inhibitory neurohormone receptors and adenylyl cyclase.

Phospholipase C activation in rat pituitary adenoma (GH) cells

The presence of the pertussis toxin (PTX) insensitive GTP-binding proteins (C-proteins) G(q) alpha and/or G(11) alpha has been demonstrated in three different prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) producing pituitary adenoma cell lines. Immunoblocking of their coupling to hormone receptors indicates that G(q) and/or G(11) confer throliberin (TRH) responsive phospholipase C (PL-C) activity in these cells. The contention was substantiated by immunoprecipitation analyses showing that anti G(q)/11 alpha-sera coprecipitated PL-C activity. In essence, only G(q)/11 (but neither G(12) G(13) nor G(o)) seems to mediate the TRH-sensitive PL-C activity, while G(o) may be coupled to a basal or constitutive PL-C activity. Immunoblocking studies imply that the B gamma-complex also, to some extent, may stimulate GH(3) pituitary cell line PL-C activity. Finally, the steady state levels of G(q)/(11) alpha mRNA and protein were down regulated upon long term exposure of the GH(3) cells to TRH (but not to vasoactive intestinal peptide = VIP).

Diverse expression of G-proteins in human sarcoma cell lines with different osteogenic potential: evidence for the involvement of Gi2 in cell proliferation

Previously, it has been shown that the GTP-binding protein Gi2 is implicated in cellular growth [1,2] and differentiation [2,3]. In the present paper we demonstrate that this is also the case for human sarcoma cells. Six human osteosarcoma and three soft tissue sarcoma clonal cell lines were analyzed for levels of G-protein mRNA and polypeptide expression and effector enzyme (i.e., adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C) activation, which were all compared with individual growth rates. Unexpectedly, it appeared that the various strains exhibited large inter-individual variations in G-protein expression and signaling system activation. However, cell doubling time in the exponential phase of growth was inversely correlated (r = 0.71, P < 0.05) to immunodetected levels of intrinsic Gi2 alpha. Furthermore, cells stably transfected with a retroviral (pZipNeo(SV)X) construct containing the activating or inactivating Gi2 alpha-R179E or Gi2 alpha-G204A point mutations consistently reduced or enhanced individual cell strain doubling time, respectively. It appeared that other parameters investigated, including cellular alkaline phosphatase and monoclonal antibody epitope binding, both being markers of the proliferating osteoblast, did not correlate with cell doubling times.

The D2 receptor: blocked transcription in GH3 cells and cellular pathways employed by D2A to regulate prolactin promoter activity

Although the GH3 line of somatolactotropic rat pituitary cells has proven useful for many regulation studies, the absence of functional D2 receptors on these cells long prevented their use in studies of dopaminergic action. However, it is now possible to employ GH3 cells expressing recombinant D2 receptors for such investigations. We have investigated both the level at which expression of functional D2 receptors in GH3 cells is blocked, and the cellular pathways employed by the major pituitary D2 receptor isoform, D2A, to inhibit prolactin (PRL) gene transcription. In run-off transcription assays with nuclei from either parental GH3 cells or a GH3 cell line stably expressing a D2A expression vector, Pit-1 gene transcription was detectable in either cell line, but only the latter cell line yielded detectable D2 receptor transcription, implying that the block in D2 receptor expression by GH3 cells is transcriptional. Further investigations employed GH3 cells transiently co-transfected with a D2A expression vector plus a rat PRL promoter construct (-1957)PRL-CAT. Pertussis toxin blocked repression by quinpirole, a D2 agonist, of PRL-CAT activity, demonstrating that this action is mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein. The observations that neither of two agents expected to raise intracellular Ca2+, Bay K8644 or thyrotropin-releasing hormone, prevented quinpirole repression of PRL-CAT activity, and that the repressive effects on this construct of quinpirole and the Ca2+ channel antagonist were independent, suggested that regulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels does not play a major role in D2A-mediated repression of the PRL promoter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell-specific expression and function of adenylyl cyclases in rat pituitary tumour cell lines

The present study demonstrates cell-specific distribution and describes distinct functional regulation of different adenylyl cyclases (AC, types I-VI) in rat pituitary cell tumor cell lines (GH12C1, GH3 and GH4C1 cells) and pituitary tissue. Northern-blot analysis revealed a distinct pattern of cell-specific expression of the different AC types; Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-insensitive AC type II was found in all cell lines tested except GH(1)2C1 cells. The Ca(2+)-inhibitable AC type VI was found in all cell types tested. We observed a lack of the Ca2+/CaM-sensitive AC type I in GH3 and GH4C1 cells. GH(1)2C1 cells exclusively contained both Ca2+/CaM-sensitive AC types I and III, the latter previously believed to be specific for olfactory tissue. An additional transcript of AC type III was found in rat brain and rat liver tissue. AC type IV, which is Ca2+/CaM insensitive, could be detected in the prolactin-producing GH3 and GH4C1 cells and pituitary tissue but not in growth-hormone-producing GH(1)2C1 cells. Basal and vasoactive-intestinal-peptide-(VIP)-releasing-hormone, somatostatin (SRIF) and thyrotropin-releasing-hormone (TRH)-modulation of AC activity was measured in the presence of 100 microM EGTA, anti-CaM serum (dilution 1:2000) or 10 microM trifluoroperazine. Antisera against guanine-nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein) alpha subunits (G(i)-2 alpha, Gs alpha) and beta subunits (G beta 35/36) and CaM were added for functional studies of the SRIF and VIP-modulated AC in GH(1)2C1 and GH3 cells. These experiments indicate that the VIP and the SRIF receptors are coupled to a Ca2+/CaM-sensitive AC in GH(1)2C1 cells, different from the AC involved in the regulation of cAMP levels in GH3 and GH4C1 cells. In addition, the beta gamma-complex is possibly able to modulate SRIF-inhibited AC activity by potentiating the inhibitory effect. The TRH receptor in GH3 and GH4C1 cells is coupled to a Ca2+/CaM-sensitive AC which is different from the already cloned forms of AC types I and III. We, therefore, conclude that hormone regulation of pituitary tumour cell functions differs between the GH cell lines, due to specific utilisation of AC types.

Enhanced cyclic AMP responses in GH3 pituitary cells pretreated with muscarinic receptor agonists

The effect of prolonged activation of cholinergic receptors on the subsequent cAMP responses in GH3 pituitary cells was examined. Whereas acetylcholine pretreatment had no effect on basal cAMP levels, it transiently enhanced vasoactive intestinal peptide-stimulated cAMP accumulation in the cells and this effect was abolished by atropine. Inclusion of eserine in the incubation medium, however, sustained and reinforced the enhancing effect of acetylcholine on forskolin-stimulated cAMP synthesis over 24 h. Similar enhancing effect was observed by oxotremorine or carbachol pretreatment. Furthermore, cAMP production in response to forskolin in the absence or presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine was similarly augmented by acetylcholine pretreatment. The enhancement of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation was arrested by pertussis toxin whether it was added before or during the oxotremorine pretreatment. Although cholera toxin pretreatment increased greatly the forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels, concomitant addition of oxotremorine was able to augment the response further in GH3 cells. In addition, cholera toxin- or pertussis toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation of G proteins as well as immunoreactive Gs alpha or Gi alpha levels in membranes obtained from oxotremorine-pretreated cells were not different from those from non-treated cells. Thus, the present study has demonstrated that continuous muscarinic receptor activation leads to increased adenylate cyclase activity in GH3 cells. Although a functional Gi/Go seems to be required for the development of this enhanced activity, neither Gi/Go nor Gs appears to be altered.

Calcitriol attenuates the basal and vasoactive intestinal peptide-stimulated cAMP production in prolactin-secreting rat pituitary (GH4C1) cells

A clonal strain of prolactin-producing rat pituitary tumour cells (GH4C1 cells) was used to study the effect of calcitriol on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production. Calcitriol (10 nM) attenuated both the basal and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-stimulated cAMP production after 2 days' pretreatment of the cells. The effect was detectable at 1 nM and maximal at about 10 nM. Calcitriol was at least 100 times more potent than calcidiol and 24-hydroxycalcidiol. Calcitriol (10 nM, 4 days) did not affect the specific binding of 125I-VIP, but attenuated the guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS)-stimulated (100 microM) adenylyl cyclase activity by 25%. Calcitriol (10 nM, 4 days) also attenuated both the Mn2+ (1 mM) and the forskolin-stimulated (10 microM) adenylyl cyclase activity by 43 and 41%, respectively. In conclusion, these data suggest that calcitriol attenuates the basal and VIP-stimulated cAMP production by inhibiting the catalytic subunit of the adenylyl cyclase as well as the amount of the G protein Gs alpha.

Gi2 and protein kinase C are required for thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced stimulation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in rat pituitary GH3 cells

In rat pituitary GH3 cells, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and other secretion-stimulating hormones trigger an increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration by two mechanisms. Ca2+ is released from intracellular stores in response to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and can enter the cell through voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels. Stimulation of these channels is sensitive to pertussis toxin, indicating that a pertussis toxin-sensitive heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein) is involved in functional coupling of the receptor to the Ca2+ channel. We identified the G protein involved in the stimulatory effect of TRH on the Ca2+ channel by type-selective suppression of G-protein synthesis. Antisense oligonucleotides were microinjected into GH3 cell nuclei, and 48 h after injection the TRH effect was tested. Whereas antisense oligonucleotides hybridizing to the mRNA of G(o) or Gi1 alpha-subunit sequences did not affect stimulation by TRH, oligonucleotides suppressing the expression of the Gi2 alpha subunit abolished this effect, and oligonucleotides directed against the mRNA of the Gi3 alpha subunit had less effect. The requirement of a concurrent inositol phospholipid degradation and subsequent protein kinase C (PKC) activation for the TRH effect on Ca(2+)-channel activity was demonstrated by inhibitory effects of antisense oligonucleotides directed against Gq/G11/Gz alpha-subunit sequences and treatment of GH3 cells with PKC inhibitors, respectively. Our results suggest that TRH elevates the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in GH3 cells transiently via Ca2+ release from internal stores, followed by a phase of sustained Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels stimulated by the concerted action of Gi2 (and Gi3) plus PKC.

Haloperidol increases prolactin release and cyclic AMP formation in vitro: inverse agonism at dopamine D2 receptors?

Haloperidol (30 nM, 3 microM) was found to increase prolactin release from GH4C 1 cells transfected with the D2 receptor cDNA (GH4ZR 7) and from wild-type (untransfected) GH 3 cells, but not from wild-type GH4C 1 cells. In addition, haloperidol (3 microM) stimulated cAMP formation in GH 3 cells. It is suggested that haloperidol may act as an inverse agonist rather than as a neutral antagonist at dopaminergic D2 receptors.

Somatostatin induces release of the alpha subunits of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in native membranes and in intact GH4C1 rat pituitary cells

Incubation of GH4C1 rat pituitary cell membranes with the poorly hydrolyzable GTP analogue, GTP gamma S, produces a decrease in the pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of 40-kDa protein in the membrane pellet and the release of an alpha-like substrate from the membrane into the supernatant fraction; these effects do not occur with the inactive GDP analogue, GDP beta S. The resolved supernatant fraction from GTP gamma S-stimulated membranes is significantly activated to pertussis toxin-catalyzed [32P]ADP-ribosylation by the addition of purified beta gamma complex. Immunoblot analysis identifies the released pertussis toxin substrate as alpha subunits of Gi2, Gi3, and G(o) in the resolved supernatant. The physiological agonist, somatostatin, also stimulates the release of Gi2 and G(o) alpha subunits but not Gi3 from GH4C1 cell membranes in the presence of a low concentration of GTP gamma S (20 nM). The effects of somatostatin are inhibited by pretreatment of GH4C1 cells with pertussis toxin. Furthermore, the addition of somatostatin to intact GH4C1 cells decreases the level of Gi2 alpha subunits in the crude membrane whereas immunoblot analysis of the 274,000 x g supernatant (cytosolic fraction) clearly shows the presence of Gi2 alpha subunits. These data indicate that pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in GH4C1 cells dissociate into alpha subunits and beta gamma complex with the release of the alpha subunits from the membranes upon somatostatin activation.

Modulation of G proteins and second messenger responsiveness by steroid hormones in GH3rat pituitary tumour cells

We have investigated the modulation of different G protein alpha- and beta-subunit levels in prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone producing rat pituitary adenoma cells (GH3 cells) in culture after prolonged exposure (6-48 h) to the steroid hormones 17 beta-oestradiol and dexamethasone. Gi-3 alpha- and G beta-subunits were the only G protein subunits which increased in response to 10(-6) M oestradiol (to approximately 150 and 200% of controls, respectively), while the other alpha-subunits investigated (Gs alpha, Gi-2 alpha and G(o) alpha) remained relatively unchanged. Thyroliberin (TRH)--and guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]trisphosphate (Gpp(NH)p)-elicited adenylyl cyclase (AC) activities were reduced during 6-12 h of oestradiol treatment (by 60 and 20%, respectively), while the inhibitory effect of somatostatin (SRIF) increased by approximately 100%. Dexamethasone (10(-6) M) increased levels of the stimulatory G protein Gs alpha (to approximately 340%) and decreased levels of Gi-3 alpha (to 25%). After 48 h, the AC response to TRH was reduced by approximately 70%, whereas the effect of the other modulators remained close to controls. We conclude that G protein subunits in GH3 cells are subject to specific regulation by steroid hormones and that this may be important in the tuning of the responsiveness of PRL secretion to hormones in the in vivo situation.

'Cross-talk' between phospholipase C and adenylyl cyclase involves regulation of G-protein levels in GH3 rat pituitary cells

We have investigated the possibility that adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity and membrane protein levels of the alpha-subunits of the stimulatory and inhibitory G-proteins of AC (Gs alpha and G(i)-2 alpha) in cultured prolactin-producing rat pituitary adenoma cells (GH3 cells) are modulated by phospholipase C (PLC)-generated second messengers. Pretreatment of cells (6-48 h) with ionomycin (1 microM) or 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG; 1 microM) showed that ionomycin regulated Gs alpha levels in a time-dependent, biphasic manner; a two-fold increase followed a 40% initial reduction, while OAG lowered Gs alpha levels by more than 50% at all time-points. G(i)-2 alpha levels remained unchanged by both pretreatments. OAG, but not ionomycin, increased basal AC activity without increasing enzyme protein levels. Alterations in AC responsiveness to peptide hormones (e.g. thyroliberin and vasoactive intestinal peptide) correlated to membrane Gs protein alpha-subunit content. These results demonstrate the involvement of G-protein translation regulation as one mechanism of 'cross-talk' between the PLC- and AC-dependent signalling pathways.

Hypothalamic hormones modulate G protein levels and second messenger responsiveness in GH3 rat pituitary tumour cells

Thyroliberin (TRH), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin (SRIF) act through receptors that are coupled to guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins). Regulation of hormone action may occur at the level of G protein coupling to the receptor or effector systems. In this study we demonstrate that prolonged exposure (for up to 48 hr) of cultured rat pituitary adenoma GH3 cells to these hormones caused homologous and to some extent heterologous attenuation of the adenylyl cyclase (AC) (EC 4.6.1.1) responsiveness. In addition, TRH and SRIF diminished both TRH- and guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]-triphosphate-enhanced phospholipase C (PLC) (EC 3.1.4.3) activity within the same time-course. Measurements of cells membrane levels of Gs protein alpha-subunit (Gs alpha), G(i)-1 alpha/G(i)-2 alpha, G(i)-3 alpha, G(o) alpha and G beta by immunoblotting were performed. TRH and VIP upregulated levels of all G proteins except G(o) alpha and G beta. In contrast, SRIF caused a marked reduction of G beta levels. Thus, TRH and VIP, both acting through Gs, both modulated the alpha-subunit levels of this signal transducer, whereas SRIF, which possibly acts through G(i)-2, did not change the steady state level of G(i)-2 alpha. The actions of TRH, VIP and SRIF are multifaceted at the G protein level, where modulations of subtypes not directly involved in their actions may occur. These findings emphasize the complexity expected to be found in the in vivo situation.

The thyroliberin receptor interacts directly with a stimulatory guanine-nucleotide-binding protein in the activation of adenylyl cyclase in GH3 rat pituitary tumour cells. Evidence obtained by the use of antisense RNA inhibition and immunoblocking of the stimulatory guanine-nucleotide-binding protein

The thyroliberin receptor in GH3 pituitary tumour cells is known to couple to phospholipase C via a guanine-nucleotide-binding protein (G protein). Thyroliberin is postulated also to activate adenylyl cyclase, via the stimulatory G protein (Gs). In order to study this coupling, we constructed an antisense RNA expression vector that contained part of the Gs alpha-subunit cDNA clone (Gs alpha) in an inverted orientation relative to the mouse metallothionein promoter. The cDNA fragment included part of the coding region and all of the 3' non-translated region. Transient expression of Gs alpha antisense RNA in GH3 cells resulted in the specific decrease of Gs alpha mRNA levels, followed by decreased Gs alpha protein levels. Thyroliberin-elicited adenylyl cyclase activation in membrane preparations showed a reduction of up to 85%, whereas phospholipase C stimulation remained unaffected. Activation of adenylyl cyclase by vasoactive intestinal peptide was reduced by 30-40%. Investigation of the effects of thyroliberin and vasoactive intestinal peptide on adenylyl cyclase in GH3 cell membranes pretreated with antisera against Gs alpha and Gi-1 alpha/Gi-2 alpha support the results obtained by the use of the antisense technique. We conclude that thyroliberin has a bifunctional effect on GH3 cells, in activating adenylyl cyclase via Gs or a Gs-like protein in addition to the coupling to phospholipase C.

Regulation of G protein mRNA levels by thyroliberin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and somatostatin in prolactin-producing rat pituitary adenoma cells

We have investigated the regulation of mRNA levels of alpha- and beta-subunits of guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) by peptide hormones in prolactin producing rat pituitary adenoma cells (GH3 cells) in culture. The cells were treated with thyroliberin (1 microM), vasoactive intestinal peptide (1 microM) or somatostatin (10 microM) for 6 to 48 hours. Thyroliberin and vasoactive intestinal peptide increased the levels of Gs alpha Go alpha, Gi-2 alpha, Gi-3 alpha, Gx alpha, G beta 36 and mRNAs. The effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide was however earlier and more pronounced. Gi-2 alpha mRNA levels showed the quantitatively largest alterations. Somatostatin upregulated Gs alpha and downregulated Go alpha and Gi-2 mRNAs. G protein mRNAs for Gi-2 alpha and Go alpha were increased by exposure of the cells to a medium devoid of serum. We conclude that G protein mRNA levels are subjected to alterations by hormones that act through the corresponding G proteins in the regulation of prolactin synthesis and secretion.

Assignment of G-protein subtypes to specific receptors inducing inhibition of calcium currents

The inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in secretory cells by plasma membrane receptors is mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. Multiple forms of G proteins have been described, differing principally in their alpha subunits, but it has not been possible to establish which G-protein subtype mediates inhibition by a specific receptor. By intranuclear injection of antisense oligonucleotides into rat pituitary GH3 cells, the essential role of the Go-type G proteins in Ca(2+)-channel inhibition is established: the subtypes Go1 and Go2 mediate inhibition through the muscarinic and somatostatin receptors, respectively.