Guanylyl cyclase in cell signalling

Relation between cyclic GMP generation and cerebrovascular reactivity: modulation by NPY and alpha-trinositol

It is considered that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) plays a pivotal role in mediating the relaxation of vascular and nonvascular smooth muscles. cGMP steady state levels are regulated by guanylyl cyclase, cGMP phosphodiesterases and its flux from cells. The present study examines the possible relation between cerebrovascular vasodilator agents and generation of cGMP in guinea pig cerebral vessels. Acetylcholine, substance P, nitroglycerine and sodium nitroprusside significantly increased the generation of cGMP. The application of acetylcholine, substance P, nitroglycerine and sodium nitroprusside elicited concentration-dependent relaxation of basilar artery segments. Neuropeptide Y increased the generation of cGMP by 2%-46% of control levels (at 10(-7)-10(-6)M of neuropeptide Y; *P < 0.05). In addition, neuropeptide Y (10(-6)M) induced a transient relaxation of the precontracted guinea pig basilar arteries with endothelium. This transient relaxation was blocked by nitro-L-arginine (10(-4)M). alpha-Trinositol does not alter the formation of cGMP nor the neuropeptide Y-induced relaxation. In the presence of alpha-trinositol neuropeptide Y (10(-7)-10(-6)M) did not significantly elevate the production of cGMP as compared with controls. The rise in cGMP induced by acetylcholine, substance P and nitroglycerine was slightly increased by the addition of neuropeptide Y (3 x 10(-7) M). Acetylcholine and substance P induced an endothelium-dependent relaxation of the precontracted guinea pig basilar arteries, while sodium nitroprusside and nitroglycerine induced an endothelium-independent relaxation. Acetylcholine, substance P and nitroglycerine induced concentration-dependent relaxations of basilar artery, respectively. The relaxation elicited by acetylcholine or substance P, but not nitroglycerine, was markedly attenuated by neuropeptide Y (3 x 10(-7) M).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation and function of cyclic nucleotides

Recent work has greatly expanded our knowledge of the structure, regulation and diversity of enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of cyclic nucleotides. This review focuses on recent work that provides insight into the structure and function of the cyclases and phosphodiesterases that regulate cyclic nucleotide metabolism. Particular emphasis is given to the roles played by multiple isoforms of each enzyme system.

Cyclic AMP second messenger systems

Cells carefully regulate the generation and destruction of cAMP using diverse families of adenylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases. Genes for several cyclases have now been cloned, giving structural information about the enzymes and providing access to the remaining members of this family. A much larger family of phosphodiesterases has been uncovered and the regulatory properties of both the cyclases and phosphodiesterases provide diverse mechanisms to modulate intracellular cAMP. Most of the actions of cAMP are mediated through phosphorylation of substrates of the cAMP-dependent protein kinases. Recent progress has helped define the pathway between cAMP and the activation of gene transcription.

Structure and function of G protein coupled receptors

Application of a molecular genetic techniques has allowed the isolation and identification of more than 50 members of the G protein-coupled receptor family. Their specificities range from sensory receptors such as the opsins and odorant receptors through those for the amines, peptides and other small molecules to those for glycoprotein hormones. These studies make it clear that traditional pharmacological methods, often underestimate receptor diversity. G protein-coupled receptors share a common structure consisting of 7 transmembrane alpha helical segments. Receptor structure-function relationships are discussed in the light of results obtained by site-directed mutagenesis and the construction of chimeric receptors. Studies which have allowed the identification of ligand-binding domains, and of sequences defining G protein specificity as well as those involved in receptor desensitization and downregulation are also discussed.