Protein phosphorylation and the dependence on Ca2+ and GTP-gamma-S for exocytosis from permeabilised mast cells

A cell-physiological description of GE, a GTP-binding protein that mediates exocytosis

Introduction of GTP gamma S or other non-metabolic analogues of GTP into permeabilized myeloid granulocytes (mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils) constitutes a sufficient stimulus to induce exocytosis. We concentrate on mast cells. Exocytosis from cells permeabilized in isotonic glutamate solution proceeds in the absence of ATP and at exceedingly low levels (< 10(-9) M) of Ca2+. Mg2+ strongly promotes GTP gamma S-induced exocytosis but this requirement can be spared and then obliterated by lifting Ca2+ through 10(-7) to 10(-6) M. GTP provides only a modest support to exocytosis but becomes almost equipotent with GTP gamma S when Mg2+ is excluded. Ca2+ alone is unable to induce exocytosis. We envisage that the terminal stage of exocytosis (membrane fusion) requires activation of GE, a putative GTPase so far undefined as a molecular entity. Ca2+, presumed to act through a Ca(2+)-binding protein (CE, also undefined) supports exocytosis by promoting the exchange of guanine nucleotides on GE. In the absence of Mg2+ the onset of exocytosis is characterized by delays that have concentration-dependent (binding) and independent components. The latter are sensitive to the identity of the stimulating nucleotide (GTP < GTP gamma S < Gpp [NH]p) and may reflect activation of GE. The activation by Ca2+ and Mg2+ and the delays preceding onset of GTP gamma S-triggered exocytosis are reminiscent of the action of glucagon and Mg2+ in the activation of adenylate cyclase in hepatocyte membranes. The cell-physiological description predicts GE to be an alpha beta gamma heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein with functional similarity to GS.

Elimination of plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate is required for exocytosis from mast cells

The inositol lipid phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] is involved in a myriad of cellular processes, including the regulation of exocytosis and endocytosis. In this paper, we address the role of PtdIns(4,5)P2 in compound exocytosis from rat peritoneal mast cells. This process involves granule-plasma membrane fusion as well as homotypic granule membrane fusion and occurs without any immediate compensatory endocytosis. Using a novel quantitative immunofluorescence technique, we report that plasma membrane PtdIns(4,5)P2 becomes transiently depleted upon activation of exocytosis, and is not detected on the membranes of fusing granules. Depletion is caused by phospholipase C activity, and is mandatory for exocytosis. Although phospholipase C is required for Ca2+ release from internal stores, the majority of the requirement for PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis occurs downstream of Ca2+ signalling - as shown in permeabilised cells, where the inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate-Ca2+ pathway is bypassed. Neither generation of the PtdIns(4,5)P2 metabolite, diacylglycerol (DAG) or simple removal and/or sequestration of PtdIns(4,5)P2 are sufficient for exocytosis to occur. However, treatment of permeabilised cells with DAG induces a small potentiation of exocytosis, indicating that it may be required. We propose that a cycle of PtdIns(4,5)P2 synthesis and breakdown is crucial for exocytosis to occur in mast cells, and may have a more general role in all professional secretory cells.

Secretory granule exocytosis

Regulated exocytosis of secretory granules or dense-core granules has been examined in many well-characterized cell types including neurons, neuroendocrine, endocrine, exocrine, and hemopoietic cells and also in other less well-studied cell types. Secretory granule exocytosis occurs through mechanisms with many aspects in common with synaptic vesicle exocytosis and most likely uses the same basic protein components. Despite the widespread expression and conservation of a core exocytotic machinery, many variations occur in the control of secretory granule exocytosis that are related to the specialized physiological role of particular cell types. In this review we describe the wide range of cell types in which regulated secretory granule exocytosis occurs and assess the evidence for the expression of the conserved fusion machinery in these cells. The signals that trigger and regulate exocytosis are reviewed. Aspects of the control of exocytosis that are specific for secretory granules compared with synaptic vesicles or for particular cell types are described and compared to define the range of accessory control mechanisms that exert their effects on the core exocytotic machinery.

Protein kinase C and guanosine triphosphate combine to potentiate calcium-dependent membrane fusion driven by annexin 7

Exocytotic secretion is promoted by the concerted action of calcium, guanine nucleotide, and protein kinase C. We now show that the calcium-dependent membrane fusion activity of annexin 7 in vitro is further potentiated by the combined addition of guanine nucleotide and protein kinase C. The observed increment involves the simultaneous activation of annexin 7 by these two effectors. Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and its non-hydrolyzable analogues optimally enhance the phosphorylation of annexin 7 by protein kinase C in vitro. Reciprocally, phosphorylation by protein kinase C significantly potentiates the binding and hydrolysis of GTP by annexin 7. Only protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation has a significant positive effect on annexin 7 GTPase, although other protein kinases, including cAMP-dependent protein kinase, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and pp60(c-)(src), have been shown to label the protein with high efficiency. In vivo, the ratio of bound GDP/GTP and phosphorylation of annexin 7 change in direct proportion to the extent of catecholamine release from chromaffin cells in response to stimulation by carbachol, or to inhibition by various protein kinase C inhibitors. These results thus lead us to hypothesize that annexin 7 may serve as a common site of action for calcium, guanine nucleotide, and protein kinase C in the exocytotic membrane fusion process in chromaffin cells.

Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins and protein kinase C make separate but non-interacting contributions to the phosphorylation state necessary for secretory competence in rat mast cells

Mast cells permeabilized by streptolysin O undergo exocytosis when stimulated with Ca(2+) and guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate but become progressively refractory to this stimulus if it is delayed. This run-down of responsiveness occurs over a period of 20-30 min, during which the cells leak soluble and tethered proteins. We show here that withdrawal of ATP during the process of run-down is strongly inhibitory but that as little as 25 microM ATP can extend responsiveness significantly; this effect is maximal at 50 microM. When phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) are provided to cells at the time of permeabilization, run-down is retarded. We conclude that in the presence of ATP they convey substrates for phosphorylation that are essential for exocytosis and thus interact with the regulatory machinery. Furthermore, we show that PITPalpha and PITPbeta have additive effects in this mechanism, suggesting that they are not functionally redundant. Alternatively, secretion from run-down cells can be inhibited by the aminoglycoside antibiotic neomycin, which is understood to bind to phosphoinositide headgroups, and by a PH (pleckstrin homology) domain polypeptide that binds phosphoinositides. The apparent displacement of neomycin by exogenous PITPs suggests that these proteins screen essential lipids. Secretion from run-down cells is also inhibited by 1-O-hexadecyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycerol (AMG-C(16)), an inhibitor of protein kinase C. The lack of synergy between neomycin and AMG-C(16) suggests that protein kinase C independently provides a second essential component through protein phosphorylation and that there are two independent phosphorylation pathways necessary for secretion competence.

Activation of annexin 7 by protein kinase C in vitro and in vivo

Annexin 7, a Ca(2+)/GTP-activated membrane fusion protein, is preferentially phosphorylated in intact chromaffin cells, and the levels of annexin 7 phosphorylation increase quantitatively in proportion to the extent of catecholamine secretion. Consistently, various protein kinase C inhibitors proportionately reduce both secretion and phosphorylation of annexin 7 in these cells. In vitro, annexin 7 is quantitatively phosphorylated by protein kinase C to a mole ratio of 2.0, and phosphorylation is extraordinarily sensitive to variables such as pH, calcium, phospholipid, phorbol ester, and annexin 7 concentration. Phosphorylation of annexin 7 by protein kinase C significantly potentiates the ability of the protein to fuse phospholipid vesicles and lowers the half-maximal concentration of calcium needed for this fusion process. Furthermore, other protein kinases, including cAMP-dependent protein kinase, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and protein-tyrosine kinase pp60(c-)(src), also label annexin 7 with high efficiency but do not have this effect on membrane fusion. In the case of pp60(c-)(src), we note that this kinase, if anything, modestly suppresses the membrane fusion activity of annexin 7. These results thus lead us to hypothesize that annexin 7 may be a positive mediator for protein kinase C action in the exocytotic membrane fusion reaction in chromaffin cells.

Regulation of exocytosis from rat peritoneal mast cells by G protein beta gamma-subunits

We applied G protein-derived beta gamma-subunits to permeabilized mast cells to test their ability to regulate exocytotic secretion. Mast cells permeabilized with streptolysin-O leak soluble (cytosol) proteins over a period of 5 min and become refractory to stimulation by Ca2+ and GTPgammaS over approximately 20-30 min. beta gamma-Subunits applied to the permeabilized cells retard this loss of sensitivity to stimulation (run-down) and it can be inferred that they interact with the regulatory mechanism for secretion. While alpha-subunits are without effect, beta gamma-subunits at concentrations >10(-8 )M enhance the secretion due to Ca2+ and GTPgammaS. Unlike the small GTPases Rac and Cdc42, beta gamma-subunits cannot induce secretion in the absence of an activating guanine nucleotide, and thus further GTP-binding proteins (likely to be Rho-related GTPases) must be involved. The enhancement due to beta gamma-subunits is mediated largely through interaction with pleckstrin homology (PH) domains. It remains manifest in the face of maximum activation by PMA and inhibition of PKC with the pseudosubstrate inhibitory peptide. Soluble peptides mimicking PH domains inhibit the secretion due to GTPgammaS and block the enhancement due to beta gamma-subunits. Our data suggest that beta gamma-subunits are components of the pathway of activation of secretion due to receptor-mimetic ligands such as mastoparan and compound 48/80.

Fusion pore expansion in horse eosinophils is modulated by Ca2+ and protein kinase C via distinct mechanisms

Using the patch-clamp technique, we studied the role of protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation on the exocytotic fusion of secretory granules with the plasma membrane in horse eosinophils. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) had no effect on the amplitude and dynamics of degranulation, indicating that the formation of fusion pores is insensitive to activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Fusion pore expansion, however, was accelerated approximately 2-fold by PMA, and this effect was abolished by staurosporine. Elevating intracellular Ca2+ to 1.5 microM also resulted in a 2-fold acceleration of pore expansion; this effect was not prevented by staurosporine, indicating that intracellular Ca2+ and activation of PKC accelerate fusion pore expansion via distinct mechanisms. However, fusion pores can expand fully even when PKC is inhibited. In contrast, the phosphatase inhibitor alpha-naphthylphosphate inhibits exocytotic fusion and slows fusion pore expansion. These results demonstrate that, subsequent to its formation, fusion pore expansion is under control of proteins subject to functional changes based on their phosphorylation states.

Exocytosis in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla

The chromaffin cell has been used as a model to characterize releasable components present in secretory granules and to understand the cellular mechanisms involved in catecholamine release. Recent physiological and biochemical developments have revealed that molecular mechanisms implicated in granule trafficking are conserved in all eukaryotic species: a rise in intracellular calcium triggers regulated exocytosis, and highly conserved proteins are essential elements which interact with each other to form a molecular scaffolding, ensuring the docking of granules at the plasma membrane, and perhaps membrane fusion. However, the mechanisms regulating secretion are multiple and cell specific. They operate at different steps along the life of a granule, from the time of granule biosynthesis up to the last step of exocytosis. With regard to cell specificity, noradrenaline and adrenaline chromaffin cells display different receptor and signaling characteristics that may be important to exocytosis. Characterization of regulated exocytosis in chromaffin cells provides not only fundamental knowledge of neurosecretion but is of additional importance as these cells are used for therapeutic purposes.

Role of serine esterases in mast cell activation

1. A variety of chymotryptic substrates and inhibitors prevented the release of histamine and prostaglandin D2 from rat peritoneal mast cells stimulated with anti-IgE but not the calcium ionophore A23187 or a variety of polyamines. 2. The activity of the compounds was strikingly increased in cells reversibly permeabilized with ATP, indicating the importance of their effective incorporation into the cytosol. 3. The compounds produced a comparable inhibition of immunological, but not pharmacological, histamine release from human mast cells and basophils. 4. Treatment of rat mast cells with anti-IgE led to a marked increase in the total chymotryptic activity expressed by the cells. 5. Immunological, but not pharmacological, stimulation of permeabilized rat mast cells loaded with a fluorescent chymotryptic substrate led to a pronounced and rapid increase in fluorescence, indicating activation of the enzyme and hydrolysis of the substrate. These changes were attenuated by chymotryptic inhibitors. 6. In total, these data provide compelling evidence for the direct involvement of a serine protease in IgE-mediated histamine release from mast cells.

Reconstitution of calcium-triggered membrane fusion using "reserve" granules

Calcium-gated secretion of proteins involves the transfer of "reserve" granules, exocytotic vesicles that are cytoplasmic and, hence, plasma membrane-naive, from the cell interior to the surface membrane where they dock prior to fusion. Docking and subsequent priming steps are thought to require cytoplasmic factors. These steps are believed to induce fusion competence. We have tested this hypothesis by isolating reserve granules from sea urchin eggs and determining under which conditions these granules will fuse. We find that isolated reserve granules, lacking soluble cofactors, support calcium-dependent membrane fusion in vitro. Preincubation with adenosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate and guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate did not prevent fusion. Thus, isolated reserve granules have all the necessary components required for calcium-gated fusion prior to docking.

Distinct effects of alpha-SNAP, 14-3-3 proteins, and calmodulin on priming and triggering of regulated exocytosis

We have used stage-specific assays for MgATP-dependent priming and for Ca(2+)-activated triggering in the absence of free MgATP to examine the effects of alpha-SNAP, 14-3-3 proteins and calmodulin on regulated exocytosis in permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells. All three proteins lead to a Ca(2+)-dependent increase in catecholamine secretion. Both alpha-SNAP and 14-3-3 proteins stimulated in a priming but not in a triggering assay. In contrast, calmodulin was stimulatory in triggering but not priming. The effects of alpha-SNAP and 14-3-3 proteins were likely to be due to distinct mechanisms of action since they differed in Ca(2+)-dependency, time course and extent of stimulation and their effects were additive. alpha-SNAP and 14-3-3 proteins did not appear to exert their priming action through changes in synthesis of phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate. The data show that these three proteins have distinct stage-specific actions on exocytosis and indicate that alpha-SNAP acts in an early MgATP-requiring stage and not in the late Ca(2+)-triggered steps immediately prior to membrane fusion as previously suggested.

Secretion from permeabilised mast cells is enhanced by addition of gelsolin: contrasting effects of endogenous gelsolin

Permeabilised rat mast cells were exposed to gelsolin and its N-terminal half (S1-3), proteins that sever actin filaments in a calcium-dependent and independent manner, respectively. Gelsolin and S1-3 induced a decrease in cellular F-actin content and an increase in the extent of the secretory response. The calcium sensitivities of both these effects were consistent with the differential calcium requirements of the two proteins. Segment 1 (S1), which binds G-actin and caps filaments but does not sever them, did not show these effects. Thus, secretion of mast cells is promoted as a consequence of the severing activity of exogenous gelsolin or S1-3. Most of the endogenous gelsolin remained within permeabilised, washed mast cells and its distribution in resting state was predominantly cortical. Addition of calcium in the absence of MgATP did not reduce the F-actin content; by contrast, calcium with MgATP induced F-actin loss that was unaffected by the presence of anti-gelsolin. Because this antibody inhibits the severing activity of gelsolin, these results indicate that in permeabilised mast cells the severing activity of the remaining endogenous gelsolin is not involved in cortical actin filaments disassembly. Upon exposure to GTP-gamma-S in the absence of calcium, the content of cortical gelsolin was reduced. This parallels our previous observation of a GTP-gamma-S induced reduction of cortical actin filaments followed by their relocation to the cell's interior (Norman et al. (1994) J. Cell Biol. 126, 1005–1015) and suggests that actin redistribution may be a consequence of dissociation of gelsolin caps brought about by activation of a GTP-binding protein.

Role of protein phosphorylation in the degranulation of electropermeabilized human neutrophils

We have studied the role of protein phosphorylation in the degranulation response of human neutrophils by measuring the effect of ATP depletion and the addition of the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine in electropermeabilized human neutrophils, activated with Ca2+ and/or GTP-gamma-S. Our studies were carried out in the presence of cytochalasin B to prevent inhibitory effects of actin polymerization on the degranulation response. It was found that protein phosphorylation plays an important role in the degranulation response in cells stimulated with the single stimuli Ca2+ or GTP-gamma-S. However, in neutrophils stimulated with the combination of these activators degranulation can occur without the apparent need for protein phosphorylation, albeit with a slower rate than with protein phosphorylation.

Exocytosis in chromaffin cells: evidence for a MgATP-independent step that requires a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein

We have previously described that mastoparan, an amphiphilic tetradecapeptide that activates heterotrimeric G-proteins, inhibits Ca(2+)-induced MgATP-dependent secretion from streptolysin-O-permeabilized chromaffin cells [Vitale, Mukai, Rouot, Thiersé, Aunis and Bader (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 14715-14723]. Our observations suggest the involvement of an inhibitory G(o)-protein, possibly located on the membrane of secretory granules, in the final stages of the exocytotic pathway in chromaffin cells. Here, we demonstrate that mastoparan is also able to stimulate the Ca(2+)-dependent secretion of catecholamines in the absence of MgATP in the medium. This MgATP-independent secretion is totally blocked by tetanus toxin, a potent inhibitor of exocytosis in all neurosecretory cells so far investigated, suggesting that the mastoparan target is a component of the exocytotic machinery. Mas17, a mastoparan analogue inactive on G-proteins, had no effect on catecholamine secretion whereas both Mas7, a highly active analogue of mastoparan, and AlF4-, which selectively activates trimeric G-proteins, triggered MgATP-independent secretion. Non-hydrolysable GTP analogues (GTP[S] and p[NH]ppG) mimicked the dual effects of mastoparan on secretion: they inhibited exocytosis in the presence of MgATP and stimulated MgATP-independent secretion. The different potencies displayed by these two analogues suggest the involvement of two distinct G-proteins. Accordingly, the mastoparan-induced MgATP-independent secretion is highly sensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX) whereas the inhibition by mastoparan of secretion in the presence of MgATP is resistant to PTX treatment. When permeabilized cells were incubated with mastoparan, the release of arachidonic acid increased in a PTX-sensitive manner. 7,7-Dimethyl-5,8-eicosadienoic acid, a potent inhibitor of intracellular phospholipase A2, inhibited both the arachidonate release and the MgATP-independent catecholamine secretion evoked by mastoparan. In contrast, neomycin, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, had no significant effect on either the release of arachidonic acid or the secretion of catecholamines provoked by mastoparan. We conclude that two distinct heterotrimeric G-proteins act in series in the exocytotic pathway in chromaffin cells: one controls an ATP-dependent priming step through an effector pathway that remains to be determined, and the second is involved in a late Ca(2+)-dependent step which does not require MgATP but possibly involves the generation of arachidonic acid.

Analysis of protein kinase C requirement for exocytosis in permeabilized rat basophilic leukaemia RBL-2H3 cells: a GTP-binding protein(s) as a potential target for protein kinase C

The role of protein kinase C in calcium-dependent exocytosis was investigated in permeabilized rat basophilic leukaemia cells. When protein kinase C was down-regulated by phorbol myristate acetate (1 microM for 3-6 h) or inhibited by pharmacological agents such as calphostin C (1 microM) or a protein kinase C-specific pseudo-substrate peptide inhibitor (100-200 microM), cells lost the ability to secrete in response to 10 microM free Ca2+. In contrast, a short treatment (15 min) with phorbol myristate acetate, which maximally activates protein kinase C, potentiated the effects of calcium. Biochemical analysis of protein kinase C-deprived cells indicated that loss of the Ca(2+)-induced secretory response correlated with disappearance of protein kinase C-alpha. In addition, at the concentrations effective for exocytosis, calcium caused translocation of protein kinase C-alpha to the membrane fraction and stimulated phospholipase C, suggesting that, in permeabilized cells, protein kinase C can be activated by calcium through generation of the phospholipase C metabolite diacylglycerol. The delta, epsilon and zeta Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase C isoenzymes were insensitive to phorbol myristate acetate-induced down-regulation and did not, as expected, translocate to the particulate fraction in response to calcium. Interestingly, secretory competence was restored in cells depleted of protein kinase C or in which protein kinase C itself was inhibited by non-hydrolysable GTP analogues, but not by GTP, suggesting that protein kinase C might regulate the ability of a G protein(s) directly controlling the exocytotic machinery to be activated by endogenous GTP.

Degranulation of individual mast cells in response to Ca2+ and guanine nucleotides: an all-or-none event

Widespread experience indicates that application of suboptimal concentrations of stimulating ligands (secretagogues) to secretory cells elicits submaximal extents of secretion. Similarly, for permeabilized secretory cells, the extent of secretion is related to the concentration of applied intracellular effectors. We investigated the relationship between the extent of secretion from mast cells (assessed as the release of hexosaminidase) and the degranulation (exocytosis) responses of individual cells. For permeabilized mast cells stimulated by the effector combination Ca2+ plus GTP-gamma-S and for intact cells stimulated by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, we found that exocytosis has the characteristics of an all-or-none process at the level of the individual cells. With a suboptimal stimulus, the population comprised only totally degranulated cells and fully replete cells. In contrast, a suboptimal concentration of compound 48/80 applied to intact cells induced a partial degree of degranulation. This was determined by observing the morphological changes accompanying degranulation by light and electron microscopy and also as a reduction in the intensity of light scattered at 90 degrees, indicative of a change in the cell-refractive index. These results may be explained by the existence of a threshold sensitivity to the combined effectors that is set at the level of individual cells and not at the granule level. We used flow cytometry to establish the relationship between the extent of degranulation in individual rat peritoneal mast cells and the extent of secretion in the population (measured as the percentage release of total hexosaminidase). For comparison, secretion was also elicited by applying the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin or compound 48/80 to intact cells. For permeabilized cells and also for intact cells stimulated with the ionophore, levels of stimulation that generate partial secretion gave rise to bimodal frequency distributions of 90 degrees light scatter. In contrast, a partial stimulus to secretion by compound 48/80 resulted in a single population of partially degranulated cells, the degree of degranulation varying across the cell population. The difference between the all-or-none responses of the permeabilized or ionophore-treated cells and the graded responses of cells activated by compound 48/80 is likely to stem from differences in the effective calcium stimulus. Whereas cell stimulated with receptor-directed agonists can undergo transient and localized Ca2+ changes, a homogeneous and persistent stimulus is sensed at every potential exocytotic site in the permeabilized cells.

Involvement of a phosphoprotein on the zymogen granule membrane in the control of regulated exocytosis in the exocrine pancreas

The pancreatic acinar cell is one of a number of cell types in which phosphoproteins are believed to be involved in the control of regulated exocytosis. We have examined the effects of three agents that affect secretion in the acinar cell on the phosphorylation states of proteins on the zymogen granule membrane. We show that Ca2+ and GTP gamma S, which stimulate secretion, also stimulate the phosphorylation of a protein of M(r) 45,000 (p45) on isolated zymogen granules. On the other hand, the protein kinase inhibitor genistein inhibits both secretion and phosphorylation of p45. For all three agents, p45 phosphorylation is affected over concentration ranges identical to those that affect secretion. The stimulatory effect of GTP gamma S and the inhibitory effect of genistein are also seen when the phosphorylation state of p45 on granules within permeabilized cells is examined. Ca2+, however, over the same concentration range, now causes dephosphorylation of p45. Furthermore, the time-course of this effect is similar to that of Ca(2+)-triggered secretion. Phosphorylation of p45 is exclusively on serine, with no detectable phosphorylation on either threonine or tyrosine. We propose that exocytosis in pancreatic acini is controlled at least in part through the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of p45, with dephosphorylation acting as a trigger for exocytosis.

Mast cell desensitization to IgE fails to induce a parallel adenosine receptor desensitization

Desensitization induced by challenge of mast cells with antigen is specific for IgE-dependent signals. During the secretory process mast cells release adenosine, which can induce a desensitization of adenosine receptors. To determine whether adenosine receptors may be desensitized from a previous antigen challenge, mast cells were sensitized with anti-DNP IgE antibody, challenged with DNP-BSA antigen, returned to culture overnight, resensitized, and rechallenged. Previously challenged cells exhibited increased spontaneous beta-hexosaminidase release, but adenosine retained its ability to augment beta-hexosaminidase release. Adenosine enhanced A23187-stimulated release of beta-hexosaminidase in control and previously challenged cells. Leukotriene C4 generation followed a similar pattern. Mastoparan, a direct G protein activator and mast cells secretagogue, produced a doubling of beta-hexosaminidase release in previously challenged cells. Results using other G protein activators were equivocal. Degranulation alone is insufficient to induce adenosine receptor hyposensitization. Whether the hyperresponsiveness to mastoparan is a consequence of uncoupling of IgE receptors from G proteins remains uncertain.

Calcium and GTP-gamma-S as single effectors of secretion from permeabilized rat mast cells: requirements for ATP

Treatment with metabolic inhibitors and addition of exogenous MgATP exerted different effects on secretion from streptolysin-O-permeabilized mast cells, responding to calcium and GTP-gamma-S as single effectors (i.e., independently of each other). These effects were also strongly dependent on the experimental conditions. Thus cells, triggered by Ca2+ at the time of permeabilization, did not require MgATP, but after metabolic inhibition rapidly became absolutely dependent on its provision, requiring high (> mM) concentrations. AMP-PNP was not effective. After longer treatment with metabolic inhibitors, the absolute dependence on MgATP was also exhibited by cells responding to dual effectors (i.e., Ca2+ and GTP-gamma-S applied together). In contrast, calcium independent secretion due to GTP-gamma-S was more resistant to metabolic inhibition, exhibiting no absolute requirements for MgATP. Once the responsiveness to GTP-gamma-S had been lost, it could not be restored by addition of MgATP. MgATP, in fact, inhibited the response of permeabilized cells to GTP-gamma-S. This effect could be mimicked by AMP-PNP. When permeabilized cells were washed before triggering, MgATP (0.1-1 mM concentration range) was no longer inhibitory but stimulatory. These differences between Ca(2+)- and GTP-gamma-S-induced responses indicate that ATP utilization is essential to the calcium, but not to the guanine nucleotide, pathway to secretion. The rate of the response to calcium/MgATP was much slower in the absence than in the presence of GTP-gamma-S. The onset of secretion occurred after an initial delay. This lag phase was abolished by addition of GTP-gamma-S, suggesting that a GTP-binding protein may control a reaction which constitutes a rate-limiting step in the secretory process.

Strontium and barium induce exocytosis in electropermeabilized neutrophils

Calcium, strontium and barium induced an exocytotic response in electropermeabilized rabbit neutrophils while magnesium was without any effect. The extent of enzyme release was found to depend upon the concentration of these cations. For all cations, an optimum concentration was found with the same maximum enzyme release. At concentrations higher than optimum a decrease in lysozyme release was observed. Efficiency to induce enzyme release was in the order: Ca2+ > Sr2+ > Ba2+. Enzyme release was significantly enhanced by guanosine-5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S) resulting in a shift to the left of the dose/response curve. The enhancement by GTP gamma S was strongest with Ca2+, was less with Sr2+, and was very little with Ba2+. The time course of lysozyme release was the same for Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+ in the presence and absence of GTP gamma S when suboptimal cation concentrations were used. A decrease in responsiveness to the effectors after electropermeabilization was observed with Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ in the presence and absence of GTP gamma S. The lysozyme release induced by the different cations was not inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine and was slightly affected by pertussis toxin. Ca2+ and Sr2+, but not Ba2+, potentiated formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMet-Leu-Phe) induced enzyme release in intact neutrophils. The divalent cation ionophore A23187 induced enzyme release in the presence of Ca2+ and Sr2+ but not in the presence of Ba2+. The results obtained with electropermeabilized neutrophils indicate that Sr2+ and Ba2+ can act as substitutes for Ca2+ in activating exocytosis, and that permeabilized neutrophils provide the best tool to investigate the effects of alkaline earth ions in exocytosis.

Membrane fusion

Common themes are emerging from the study of viral, cell-cell, intracellular, and liposome fusion. Viral and cellular membrane fusion events are mediated by fusion proteins or fusion machines. Viral fusion proteins share important characteristics, notably a fusion peptide within a transmembrane-anchored polypeptide chain. At least one protein involved in a cell-cell fusion reaction resembles viral fusion proteins. Components of intracellular fusion machines are utilized in multiple membrane trafficking events and are conserved through evolution. Fusion pores develop during and intracellular fusion events suggesting similar mechanisms for many, if not all, fusion events.

Exocytosis in electropermeabilized neutrophils. Responsiveness to calcium and guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate

Electropermeabilized neutrophils were used to study the exocytotic response in rabbit neutrophils. Enzyme release from electropermeabilized neutrophils could be induced by elevating the Ca2+ concentration. Ca(2+)-induced secretion was significantly enhanced by guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of GTP[S] could be blocked by guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP[S]) and was not affected by pertussis toxin. GTP[S] did not induce enzyme release in the absence of Ca2+. Induction of an exocytotic response did not require addition of ATP. However, neutrophils permeabilized in the absence of ATP became refractory to stimulation due to a reduction in their affinity for Ca2+. Responsiveness to the effectors Ca2+ or Ca2+ + GTP[S] could be prolonged or restored by ATP. ATP was not the only agent that prolonged responsiveness; other nucleotides and inorganic phosphates were also effective. The protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine and 1-O-hexadecyl-2-methyl-sn-glycerol did not inhibit exocytosis and had only a small effect on the prolongation and restoration of responsiveness by ATP. A hypothesis is presented suggesting that the loss of responsiveness is caused by dephosphorylation and that the restoration or prolongation of responsiveness is not mediated by protein kinase C. It is possible that an as yet unidentified Ca(2+)-binding protein is dephosphorylated, resulting in a decrease in Ca2+ affinity.

Resolution of regulated secretion into sequential MgATP-dependent and calcium-dependent stages mediated by distinct cytosolic proteins

The biochemical events and components responsible for ATP-dependent Ca(2+)-activated secretion remain to be identified. To simplify the molecular dissection of regulated secretion, we have resolved norepinephrine (NE) secretion from semi-intact PC12 cells into two kinetically distinct stages, each of which was studied separately to discern its molecular requirements. The first stage consisted of MgATP-dependent priming of the secretory apparatus in the absence of Ca2+. MgATP-dependent priming was readily reversible and inhibited by a broad range of protein kinase inhibitors. The second stage consisted of Ca(2+)-triggered exocytosis which, in contrast to priming, occurred in the absence of MgATP. Both priming and triggering were found to be dependent upon or stimulated by cytosolic proteins. The priming and triggering activities of cytosol were functionally distinct as indicated by differing thermolability. Furthermore, active components in cytosol resolved by gel filtration were found to support either priming or triggering, but not both. For both priming and triggering reactions, several peaks of activity were detected; one of each type of factor was partially purified from rat brain cytosol, and found to be enriched for stage-specific activity. Two partially purified factors exhibiting stage-specific activity, a approximately 20-kD priming factor and approximately 300-kD triggering factor, were able to support regulated secretion as effectively as crude cytosol when used sequentially in the partial reactions. Further characterization of stage-specific cytosolic factors should clarify the nature of MgATP- and Ca(2+)-dependent events in the regulated secretory pathway.

Nucleotides and divalent cations as effectors and modulators of exocytosis in permeabilized rat mast cells

The idea that the universal trigger to exocytosis (the terminal step in the secretory process) is an elevation of the cytosol concentration of Ca2+, and that it is dependent on ATP, is no longer tenable. Working with streptolysin-O-permeabilized mast cells (and other myeloid cells) we have shown that non-hydrolysable analogues of GTP can stimulate exocytosis after depletion of Ca2+ (i.e. at concentrations below 10(-9) M) and ATP. Such Ca2+- and ATP-independent exocytosis is strongly dependent on the presence of Mg2+, and the requirement for Mg2+ declines as the concentration of Ca2+ is brought up to 10(-7) M. We argue that Ca2+ serves to regulate the binding of guanine nucleotides to GE, a GTP-binding protein that regulates exocytosis through its interaction with CE, a calcium-binding protein which serves as an intracellular pseudo-receptor. The onset of exocytosis, following provision of Ca2+ and guanine nucleotides to the permeabilized cells, is preceded by delays which are sensitive to the order of provision of the two effectors (i.e. Ca2+ and guanine nucleotides), the presence or absence of Mg2+, and the identity of the activating guanine nucleotide. In view of the similarity of these features with the activation kinetics of adenylyl cyclase, we argue that GE behaves as a member of the heterotrimeric class of signal transducing G-proteins such as GS.

Exo1 and Exo2 proteins stimulate calcium-dependent exocytosis in permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells

In many cell types an increase in cytosolic calcium is the main signal for the exocytotic release of stored secretory components such as hormones and neurotransmitters. The site of action of calcium in exocytosis is not known, neither are the participating molecules. In the case of the intracellular membrane fusions that occur during transport through early stages of the secretory pathway, several cytosolic and peripheral membrane proteins are necessary. Permeabilized cells have been useful in understanding the requirements for calcium and nucleotides in regulated exocytosis and under certain conditions there is leakage of soluble protein components and run-down of the exocytotic response. This system can be used to identify the soluble proteins involved in exocytosis, one candidate in chromaffin cells being annexin II (calpactin). Here we use this assay to identify two other cytosolic protein factors that regulate exocytosis in permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells, which we term Exo1 and Exo2. Exo1 from brain cytosol resolves on electrophoresis in SDS-polyacrylamide gels as a group of polypeptides of relative molecular mass approximately 30,000 and shares sequence homology with the 14-3-3 family of proteins. The ability of Exo1 to reactivate exocytosis is potentiated by protein kinase C activation and therefore Exo1 may influence the protein kinase C-mediated control of Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis.

Modulation of the exocytotic reaction of permeabilised rat mast cells by ATP, other nucleotides and Mg2+

In the terminal stages of exocytosis from permeabilised mast cells, ATP has a number of modulatory actions, although its presence (and by implication, phosphorylation) is not obligatory for secretion to occur. These effects include (1) the enhancement of the sensitivity to both of the essential effectors (Ca2+ and guanine nucleotide); (2) the maintenance of the responsiveness of permeabilised cells; (3) restoration of responsiveness to cells rendered refractory by previous permeabilisation, and (4) induction of delays in the onset of exocytosis from permeabilised cells. We define the modulatory reactions induced by ATP by characterising their specificity to other potential phosphorylating nucleotides and their requirement for Mg2+. GTP and AppNHp are without effect in any of the modulatory actions. ATP, ATP-gamma-S, ITP, XTP, CTP and UTP all appear to support an enhancement of the sensitivity to GTP-gamma-S when applied immediately at the time of permeabilisation. However, the non-adenine nucleoside triphosphates appear to mediate their effect by transphosphorylation to ADP, and therefore the active species appears to be ATP. Only ATP is capable of maintaining and restoring responsiveness (2 and 3 above). Only ATP and ATP-gamma-S induce onset delays and do so moreover in the absence (less than 10(-8) M) of Mg2+. We conclude that three of the modulatory effects (1, 2 and 3 above) which all express a requirement for Mg2+, and can be prevented by inhibitors of protein kinase C are likely to result from phosphorylation reactions. The induction of delays by ATP is unlikely to incur phosphorylation.

The role of protein kinase C and its neuronal substrates dephosphin, B-50, and MARCKS in neurotransmitter release

This article focuses on the role of protein phosphorylation, especially that mediated by protein kinase C (PKC), in neurotransmitter release. In the first part of the article, the evidence linking PKC activation to neurotransmitter release is evaluated. Neurotransmitter release can be elicited in at least two manners that may involve distinct mechanisms: Evoked release is stimulated by calcium influx following chemical or electrical depolarization, whereas enhanced release is stimulated by direct application of phorbol ester or fatty acid activators of PKC. A markedly distinct sensitivity of the two pathways to PKC inhibitors or to PKC downregulation suggests that only enhanced release is directly PKC-mediated. In the second part of the article, a framework is provided for understanding the complex and apparently contrasting effects of PKC inhibitors. A model is proposed whereby the site of interaction of a PKC inhibitor with the enzyme dictates the apparent potency of the inhibitor, since the multiple activators also interact with these distinct sites on the enzyme. Appropriate PKC inhibitors can now be selected on the basis of both the PKC activator used and the site of inhibitor interaction with PKC. In the third part of the article, the known nerve terminal substrates of PKC are examined. Only four have been identified, tyrosine hydroxylase, MARCKS, B-50, and dephosphin, and the latter two may be associated with neurotransmitter release. Phosphorylation of the first three of these proteins by PKC accompanies release. B-50 may be associated with evoked release since antibodies delivered into permeabilized synaptosomes block evoked, but not enhanced release. Dephosphin and its PKC phosphorylation may also be associated with evoked release, but in a unique manner. Dephosphin is a phosphoprotein concentrated in nerve terminals, which, upon stimulation of release, is rapidly dephosphorylated by a calcium-stimulated phosphatase (possibly calcineurin [CN]). Upon termination of the rise in intracellular calcium, dephosphin is phosphorylated by PKC. A priming model of neurotransmitter release is proposed where PKC-mediated phosphorylation of such a protein is an obligatory step that primes the release apparatus, in preparation for a calcium influx signal. Protein dephosphorylation may therefore be as important as protein phosphorylation in neurotransmitter release.

Phosphoprotein inhibition of calcium-stimulated exocytosis in sea urchin eggs

We have investigated the role of protein phosphorylation in the control of exocytosis in sea urchin eggs by treating eggs with a thio-analogue of ATP. ATP gamma S (adenosine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate) is a compound which can be used as a phosphoryl donor by protein kinases, leading to irreversible protein thiophosphorylation (Gratecos, D., and E.H. Fischer. 1974. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 58:960-967). Microinjection of ATP gamma S inhibits cortical granule exocytosis, but has no effect on the sperm-egg signal transduction mechanisms which normally cause exocytosis by generating an increase in [Ca2+]i. ATP gamma S requires cytosolic factors for its inhibition of cortical granule exocytosis: it does not affect exocytosis when applied directly to the isolated exocytotic apparatus. Our data suggest that ATP gamma S irreversibly inhibits exocytosis via thiophosphorylation of proteins associated with the egg cortex. We have identified two thiophosphorylated proteins (33 and 27 kD) that are associated with the isolated exocytotic apparatus. They may mediate the inhibition of exocytosis by ATP gamma S. In addition, we show that okadaic acid, an inhibitor of phosphoprotein phosphatases, prevents cortical granule exocytosis at fertilization without affecting calcium mobilization. Like ATP gamma S, okadaic acid has no effect on exocytosis in vitro. Our results suggest that an inhibitory phosphoprotein can obstruct calcium-stimulated exocytosis in sea urchin eggs; on the other hand, they do not readily support the idea that a protein phosphatase is an essential component of the mechanism controlling exocytosis.

Relationship between arachidonate release and exocytosis in permeabilized human neutrophils stimulated with formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMetLeuPhe), guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) and Ca2+

The role of two G-proteins, Gp and Ge, in the stimulus-secretion pathway has been proposed on the basis of studies where GTP analogues have been introduced into permeabilized cell preparations. In this study, evidence is provided that two G-proteins are also involved when a receptor-directed agonist is used. Intact human neutrophils were made refractory to formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMetLeuPhe) stimulation by metabolic inhibition and then permeabilized with streptolysin O to compare the intracellular requirements for exocytosis from specific and azurophilic granules and arachidonate release. In the presence of 1 microM-Ca2+ and 1 mM-MgATP, fMetLeuPhe or guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) induce secretion from both granule types as well as arachidonate release. Secretion and arachidonate release owing to fMetLeuPhe can occur in the absence of ATP, conditions under which G-protein-mediated activation of phospholipase C is suppressed. GTP[S]-induced secretion can also occur in the absence of MgATP, but GTP[S]-induced arachidonate release cannot. It is concluded that fMetLeuPhe, like GTP[S], stimulates secretion by interacting with another G-protein-mediated reaction apart from Gp. Evidence is provided that a possible target for the second G-protein-mediated reaction involved in fMetLeuPhe-induced secretion (but not GTP[S]-induced secretion) is phospholipase A2.

Noradrenaline release from streptolysin O-permeated rat cortical synaptosomes: effects of calcium, phorbol esters, protein kinase inhibitors, and antibodies to the neuron-specific protein kinase C substrate B-50 (GAP-43)

We studied the molecular mechanism of noradrenaline release from the presynaptic terminal and the involvement of the protein kinase C substrate B-50 (GAP-43) in this process. To gain access to the interior of the presynaptic terminal, we searched for conditions to permeate rat brain synaptosomes by the bacterial toxin streptolysin O. A crude synaptosomal/mitochondrial preparation was preloaded with [3H]noradrenaline. After permeation with 0.8 IU/ml streptolysin O, noradrenaline efflux could be induced in a concentration-dependent manner by elevating the free Ca2+ concentration from 10(-8) to 10(-5) M. Efflux of the cytosolic marker protein lactate dehydrogenase was not affected by this increase in Ca2+. Ca2(+)-induced efflux of noradrenaline was largely dependent on the presence of exogenous ATP. Changing the Na+/K+ ratio in the buffer did not affect Ca2(+)-induced noradrenaline release. Release of noradrenaline could also be evoked by phorbol esters, indicating the involvement of protein kinase C. Ca2(+)- and phorbol ester-induced release were not additive at higher phorbol ester concentrations (greater than 10(-7) M). We compared the sensitivities of Ca2(+)- and phorbol ester-induced release of noradrenaline to the protein kinase inhibitors H-7 and polymyxin B and to antibodies raised against synaptic protein kinase C substrate B-50. Ca2(+)-induced release was inhibited by B-50 antibodies and polymyxin B, but not by H-7; phorbol ester-induced release was inhibited by polymyxin B and by H-7, but only marginally by antibodies to B-50.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Changes in the state of actin during the exocytotic reaction of permeabilized rat mast cells

The major part of mast cell actin is Triton-soluble and behaves as a monomer in the DNase I inhibition assay. Thus, actin exists predominantly in monomeric or short filament form, through filamentous actin is clearly apparent in the cortical region after rhodamine-phalloidin (RP) staining. The minimum actin content is estimated to be approximately 2.5 micrograms/10(6) cells (cytosolic concentration approximately 110 microM. After permeabilization of mast cells by the bacterial cytolysin streptolysin-O, approximately 60% of the Triton-soluble actin leaks out within 10 min. However, the staining of the cortical region by RP remains undiminished, and the cells are still capable of exocytosis when stimulated by GTP-gamma-S together with Ca2+. In the presence of cytochalasin E the requirement for Ca2+ is decreased, indicating that disassembly of the cytoskeleton may be a prerequisite for exocytosis. This disassembly is likely to be controlled by Ca2(+)-dependent actin regulatory proteins; their presence is indicated by a Ca2(+)-dependent inhibition of polymerization of extraneous pyrene-G-actin by a Triton extract of mast cells. The effect of cytochalasin E on secretion is similar to that of phorbol myristate acetate, an activator of protein kinase C; both agents enhance the apparent affinity for Ca2+ and cause variable extents of Ca2(+)-independent secretion. Exposing the permeabilized cells to increasing concentrations of Ca2+ caused a progressive decrease in F-actin levels as measured by flow cytometry of RP-stained cells. In this respect, both cytochalasin E and phorbol ester mimicked the effects of calcium. GTP-gamma-S was not required for the Ca2(+)-dependent cortical disassembly. Thus, since conditions have not yet been identified where secretion can occur in its absence, cortical disassembly may be essential (though it is not sufficient) for exocytosis to occur.

Mg.ATP primes superoxide-generating responses in electropermeabilized neutrophils

The present study utilizes an electropermeabilized cell system to determine the effect of Mg.ATP on neutrophil superoxide (O2-)-generating responses stimulated by suboptimal concentrations of fMLP, GTP gamma S and PMA. Permeabilization in the presence of exogenously added Mg.ATP was neither sufficient to initiate O2- release nor necessary for stimulated O2- production. However, the inclusion of Mg.ATP in the permeabilization medium primed the O2(-)-generating responses mediated by suboptimal concentrations of these stimuli. The site of action of Mg.ATP is intracellular. Moreover, the fact that Mg.ATP primes responses stimulated by fMLP, GTP gamma S and PMA suggests that the modulatory effect is at the level of protein kinase C.

Stimulation of Ca2(+)-independent catecholamine secretion from digitonin-permeabilized bovine adrenal chromaffin cells by guanine nucleotide analogues. Relationship to arachidonate release

The effect of GTP analogues on catecholamine secretion and [3H]arachidonic acid release from digitonin-permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells was examined. Several GTP analogues stimulated Ca2(+)-independent exocytosis, with the order of efficacy being XTP greater than ITP greater than guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate (p[NH]ppG) greater than guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]). The stimulatory effect of the GTP analogues appeared to be due to activation of a conventional GTP-binding protein, as it was inhibited by guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP[S]). In contrast, Ca2(+)-dependent exocytosis was only partially inhibited by high doses of GDP[S]. GTP did not stimulate Ca2(+)-independent exocytosis, but instead was found to inhibit secretion caused by micromolar Ca2+. Arachidonic acid (100 microM) also stimulated Ca2(+)-independent catecholamine secretion. Determination of the effect of GTP analogues on release of free [3H]arachidonic acid into the medium showed that it was stimulated by GTP[S] but inhibited by GTP, p[NH]ppG, ITP and XTP. The inhibition of [3H]arachidonic acid release by XTP was not prevented by GDP[S]. These results demonstrate that activation of a GTP-binding protein by certain GTP analogues can induce Ca2(+)-independent secretion in adrenal chromaffin cells and that the effect of GTP analogues on Ca2(+)-independent secretion can be dissociated from generation of arachidonic acid.

Evidence for protein dephosphorylation as a permissive step in GTP-gamma-S-induced exocytosis from permeabilized mast cells

Mast cells permeabilized by streptolysin O secrete histamine and lysosomal enzymes in response to provision of a dual effector system comprising Ca2+ and a guanine nucleotide (e.g., GTP-gamma-S2) at concentrations in the micromolar range. These are both necessary and together they are sufficient. There is no requirement for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and hence no obligatory phosphorylation reaction in the terminal stages of the exocytotic pathway. When exocytosis is induced by Ca2(+)-plus-GTP-gamma-S (i.e., no ATP) added at times after permeabilization (the permeabilization interval), cellular responsiveness declines so that there is no response to provision of the two effectors (both at 10(-5)M) if they are initially withheld and then added after 5 min. Here we show that this decline in responsiveness is characterized by a time-dependent reduction in the effective affinity for Ca2+. Affinity for Ca2+ and hence secretory competence can then be restored if ATP is added alongside the stimulus. Unlike cells stimulated to secrete at the time of permeabilization, exocytosis from cells that have undergone the cycle of permeabilization-induced refractoriness followed by ATP-induced restoration can be triggered by Ca2+ alone: after such conditioning there is no requirement for guanine nucleotide. In contrast, dependence on guanine nucleotide remains mandatory in cells that have been pretreated (i.e., before permeabilization) with okadaic acid (understood to be an inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A) or phorbol myristate acetate (an activator of protein kinase C). These results indicate that obligatory dependence on guanine nucleotide is retained when the cells are treated under conditions conducive to maintained phosphorylation. It is concluded that the exocytotic mechanism of permeabilized mast cells is enabled by a dephosphorylation reaction and that the effector of the guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein (G epsilon) that mediates exocytosis is likely to be a protein phosphate.

Evidence that the inositol phospholipids are necessary for exocytosis. Loss of inositol phospholipids and inhibition of secretion in permeabilized cells caused by a bacterial phospholipase C and removal of ATP

We directly manipulated the levels of PtdIns, PtdInsP and PtdInsP2 in digitonin-treated adrenal chromaffin cells with a bacterial phospholipase C (PLC) from Bacillus thuringiensis and by removal of ATP. The PtdIns-PLC acted intracellularly to cause a large decrease in [3H]inositol- or [32P]phosphate-labelled PtdIns, but did not directly hydrolyse PtdInsP or PtdInsP2. [3H]PtdInsP and [3H]PtdInsP2 levels declined markedly, probably because of the action of phosphatases in the absence of synthesis. Removal of ATP also caused marked decreases in [3H]PtdInsP and [3H]PtdInsP2. The decrease in polyphosphoinositide levels by PtdIns-PLC treatment or ATP removal was reflected by the inhibition of the production of inositol phosphates upon subsequent activation of the endogenous PLC by Ca2(+)-dependent catecholamine secretion from permeabilized cells was strongly inhibited by PtdIns-PLC treatment and by ATP removal. Ca2(+)-dependent secretion was similarly correlated with the sum of PtdInsP and PtdInsP2 when the level of these lipids was changed by either manipulation. PtdIns-PLC inhibited only the ATP-dependent component of secretion and did not affect ATP-dependent secretion. Both PtdIns-PLC and ATP removal inhibited the late slow phase of secretion, but had little effect on the initial rapid phase. Although we found a tight correlation between polyphosphoinositide levels and secretion, endogenous phospholipase C activity (stimulated by Ca2+, guanine nucleotides and related agents) was not correlated with secretion. Additional experiments indicated that neither the products of the PtdIns-PLC reaction (diacylglycerol and InsP1) nor the inability to generate products by subsequent activation of the endogenous PLC is likely to account for the inhibition of secretion. Incubation of permeabilized cells with neomycin in the absence of ATP maintained the level of polyphosphoinositides and more than doubled subsequent Ca2(+)-dependent secretion. The data suggest that: (1) Ca2(+)-dependent secretion has a requirement for the presence of inositol phospholipids; (2) the enhancement of secretion by ATP results in part from increased polyphosphoinositide levels; and (3) the role for inositol phospholipids in secretion revealed in these experiments is independent of their being substrates for the generation of diacylglycerol and InsP3.

Ca2(+)-induced secretion by electropermeabilized human neutrophils. The roles of Ca2+, nucleotides and protein kinase C

Studies of stimulus-response coupling have benefitted from the availability of permeabilization techniques, whereby putative second messengers and intracellular modulators can be introduced into the cell interior. Electropermeabilization, which uses high-intensity electric fields to breach the plasma membrane, creates small pores, permitting access of solutes with molecular masses below 700 KDa. Neutrophils permeabilized by this technique, but not intact cells, discharged lysosomal constituents when exposed to micromolar levels of Ca2+. Secretion by electroporated neutrophils was significantly enhanced by the presence of Mg-ATP (0.3-1.0 mM). Contrary to expectations, it was determined that ATP was not the only nucleotide which enhanced Ca2(+)-induced secretion in the presence of Mg2+. Not only could GTP, XTP, ITP, UTP or ADP partially or completely replace ATP, but even non-hydrolyzable nucleotides such as ADP beta S ATP gamma S, and App[NH]p were effective. GTP gamma S and GDP beta S were inhibitory, while Gpp[NH]p was inactive. None of these nucleotides induced secretion on its own. In contrast, neutrophils which were permeabilized and then washed, were only slightly activated by Mg-ATP and other nucleotides; even the response to Ca2+ alone was less. This hyporesponsiveness of washed cells proved to be due to a time-dependent deactivation of the permeabilized neutrophils taking place at 4 degrees C. In an effort to assess the role for protein kinase C (PKC) in secretion in this system, we examined the effects of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a PKC agonist. PMA enhanced degranulation induced by Ca2+ by lowering the requirement for this divalent cation; enhancement by PMA was not dependent upon exogenous ATP. Three inhibitors of PKC with varying specificity, namely H-7, K-252a, and staurosporine, all abrogated PMA-enhanced secretion. These agents also inhibited secretion stimulated by Ca2+ plus ATP in parallel with that induced by Ca2+ plus PMA, strongly suggesting a role for PKC in modulation of degranulation by ATP. Our results show that electropermeabilized neutrophils provide a convenient, useful model for stimulus-secretion coupling. These data also suggest that the 'requirement' for Mg-ATP, which has been observed in other permeabilized cell systems, is not simply for metabolic energy or as a substrate for kinases. It is possible that these nucleotides all interact with a recently described neutrophil receptor for adenine nucleotides or with a recently postulated exocytosis-linked G-protein.

ATP-dependent and ATP-independent pathways of exocytosis revealed by interchanging glutamate and chloride as the major anion in permeabilized mast cells

Most investigations of the mechanism of regulated exocytosis have involved the use of secretory cells permeabilized in glutamate-based electrolyte solutions. In our previous work we have used NaCl-based electrolyte solutions. For secretion to occur from rat mast cells under these latter conditions, a dual effector system comprising Ca2+ and a guanine nucleotide are required; together they are sufficient. Here we compare the secretion from mast cells permeabilized in solutions of different electrolytes. Replacement of Na+ by K+ had little effect. Replacement of Cl- by Br-, SO4-, gluconate, isethionate, acetate, tartrate, succinate, etc. affected the maximal extent of secretion elicited by the dual effectors Ca2+ and guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (Ca2(+)-plus-GTP-gamma-S) but had little influence on the effective affinity for Ca2+. The dicarboxylic amino acids (L- and D-glutamate, and L-aspartate) permitted exocytosis to be elicited by Ca2+ or GTP-gamma-S alone. Secretion stimulated by GTP-gamma-S is strongly inhibited by Cl- (50% inhibition by 20 mM Cl-), whereas the extent of Ca2(+)-induced secretion is proportional to the concentration of glutamate in mixed electrolyte buffers. Unlike dual-effector stimulation, secretion due to the single effectors requires adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and is prevented by inhibitors of protein kinase C. These results point to the existence of two parallel pathways for control of exocytosis in permeabilized cells, one ATP dependent, the other ATP independent.

Intracellular application of guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) induces exocytotic granule fusion in guinea pig eosinophils

The mechanism of eosinophil secretion was studied in guinea pig eosinophils by measuring release of hexosaminidase from cell suspensions (greater than 98% pure) permeabilized with streptolysin-O and by whole-cell patch-clamp capacitance measurements. It is shown that release of eosinophil granule components occurs by an exocytotic mechanism in which individual granules fuse with the plasma membrane. Exocytosis can be induced by intracellular application of the nonhydrolyzable GTP analog guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-gamma-S), suggesting the involvement of a GTP-binding protein. The activation is modulated by the intracellular calcium concentration, with activation by GTP-gamma-S inducing transient elevations in the concentration of Ca2+. Thus, the nature and regulation of the release mechanism appear to be very similar to that of the mast cell and neutrophil.

Relationship between arachidonate generation and exocytosis in permeabilized mast cells

Using rat mast cells permeabilized with streptolysin O we show that release of arachidonate generally occurs under similar but not identical conditions to those that cause exocytosis of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (hexosaminidase). Thus, hexosaminidase secretion and arachidonate release both require provision of Ca2+ together with a guanine nucleotide but exocytosis occurs at lower concentrations of both effectors. The kinetics of both processes are similar, with a delay in onset only when ATP is present. Arachidonate release occurs largely from a pool of arachidonyl phosphatidylcholine which appears to represent less than 1% of the total phosphatidylcholine of the cells. Despite the general similarity of the conditions causing exocytosis and arachidonate release, our results show that under some circumstances it is possible to obtain exocytosis without measurable release of arachidonate and that therefore phospholipase A2 activation is not an essential precursor of secretion.

ATP inhibits onset of exocytosis in permeabilised mast cells

ATP is not required for exocytosis from permeabilised mast cells, and therefore there is no direct role for protein phosphorylation in the late stages of the activation pathway. We have measured the time-course of exocytosis from permeabilised cells triggered to release hexosaminidase following addition of Ca2+ to cells equilibrated for 2 min with GTP-gamma-S. If ATP is included at the time of permeabilization, then exocytosis commences after a delay, the duration of which depends on the square root of the product [Ca2+][GTP-gamma-S], and which may extend to beyond 3 min. When ATP is excluded then the maximal rate of exocytosis is established within 3 secs of completing the effector combination. These results suggest that the achievement of a new steady-state, induced by Ca2+ and GTP-gamma-S, and required for exocytosis is inhibited by ATP. From this we conclude that dephosphorylation of an unknown regulator protein may comprise a step in the exocytotic pathway.