Defective formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in bradykinin-stimulated fibroblasts from progressive systemic sclerotic patients

Synthesis, in vitro pharmacology, structure-activity relationships, and pharmacokinetics of 3-alkoxy-2-amino-6-fluorobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid derivatives as potent and selective group II metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists

Novel group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists, 3-alkoxy-2-amino-6-fluorobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid derivatives 11 and 12, were discovered by the incorporation of a hydroxy or alkoxyl group onto the C-3 portion of selective and potent group II mGluR agonist 5, (1R,2S,5R,6R)-2-amino-6-fluorobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid. Among these compounds, (1R,2R,3R,5R,6R)-2-amino-3-(3,4-dichlorobenzyloxy)-6-fluorobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (-)-11be (MGS0039) was a highly selective and potent group II mGluR antagonist with the best pharmacokinetic profile. Compound (-)-11be exhibited high affinities for mGlu 2 (Ki = 2.38 +/- 0.40 nM) and mGlu 3 (4.46 +/- 0.31 nM) but low affinity for mGluR 7 (Ki = 664 +/- 106 nM), and potent antagonist activities for mGlu 2 (IC50 = 20.0 +/- 3.67 nM) and mGluR 3 (IC50 = 24.0 +/- 3.54 nM) but much less potent antagonist activities for mGlu 4 (IC50 = 1740 +/- 1080 nM), mGlu 6 (IC50 = 2060 +/- 1270 nM), mGlu 1 (IC50 = 93300 +/- 14600 nM), and mGluR 5 (IC(50) = 117000 +/- 38600 nM). No significant agonist activities of (-)-11be were found for mGluRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 1, and 5 (EC50 > 100,000 nM). Furthermore, (-)-11be exhibited dose-dependent oral absorption (plasma C(max): 214 +/- 56.7, 932 +/- 235, and 2960 +/- 1150 ng/mL for 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg, po, respectively) and acceptable blood-brain barrier penetration (brain C(max): 13.2 ng/mL for 10 mg/kg, p.o. 6 h). In this paper, we report the synthesis, in vitro pharmacological profile, and structure-activity relationships (SARs) of 3-alkoxy-2-amino-6-fluorobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid derivatives 11 and 12, and pharmacokinetic profiles of several typical compounds.

Synthesis, SARs, and pharmacological characterization of 2-amino-3 or 6-fluorobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid derivatives as potent, selective, and orally active group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists

(+)-2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (4, LY354740), a highly selective and orally active group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist, has increased interest in the study of group II mGluRs. Our interest focused on a conformationally constrained form of compound 4, because it appeared that the rigid form resulted in not only selectivity for group II mGluR but was orally active. Therefore, we introduced a fluorine atom to compound 4, based on the molecular size (close resemblance to hydrogen atom) and electronegativity (effects on the electron distribution in the molecule) of this atom and carbon-fluorine bond energy. Compound (+)-7 (MGS0008), the best compound among 3-fluoro derivatives 7-10, retained the agonist activity of compound 4 for mGluR2 and mGluR3 ((+)-7: EC(50) = 29.4 +/- 3.3 nM and 45.4 +/- 8.4 nM for mGluR2 and mGluR3, respectively; 4: EC(50) = 18.3 +/- 1.6 nM and 62.8 +/- 12 nM for mGluR2 and mGluR3, respectively) and increased the oral activity of compound 4 ((+)-7: ED(50) = 5.1 mg/kg and 0.26 mg/kg for phencyclidine (PCP)-induced hyperactivity and PCP-induced head-weaving behavior, respectively; 4: ED(50) = >100 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg for PCP-induced hyperactivity and PCP-induced head-weaving behavior, respectively). In addition, a compound [(3)H]-(+)-7 binding study using mGluR2 or 3 expressed in CHO cells was successful ((+)-7: K(i) = 47.7 +/- 17 nM and 65.9 +/- 7.1 nM for mGluR2 and mGluR3, respectively; 4: K(i) = 23.4 +/- 7.1 nM and 53.5 +/- 13 nM for mGluR2 and mGluR3, respectively). On the basis of a successful result of compound 7, we focused on the introduction of a fluorine atom on the C6 position of compound 4. (1R,2S,5R, 6R)-2-amino-6-fluorobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid ((-)-11) exhibited a high degree of agonist activity for group II mGluRs equal to that of compound 4 or 7 ((-)-11: K(i) = 16.6 +/- 5.6 and 80.9 +/- 31 nM for mGluR2 and mGluR3, respectively). Our interest shifted to modification on CH(2) at C4 position of compound 11, since replacement of the CH(2) group with either an oxygen atom or sulfur atom yielded compound 5 or 6, resulting in increased agonist activity. We selected a carbonyl group instead of CH(2) at the C4 position of compound 11. The carbonyl group might slightly change the relative conformation of three functional groups, the amino group and two carboxylic acids, which have important roles in mediating the interaction between group II mGluRs and their ligand, compared with the CH(2) group of 4, oxygen atom of 5, and sulfur atom of 6. (1R,2S,5S,6S)-2-Amino-6-fluoro-4-oxobicyclo[3.1. 0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid monohydrate ((+)-14, MGS0028) exhibited a remarkably high degree of agonist activity for mGluR2 (K(i) = 0.570 +/- 0.10 nM) and mGluR3 (K(i) = 2.07 +/- 0.40 nM) expressed in CHO cells but not mGluR4, 6, 7, 1a, or 5 expressed in CHO cells (K(i) = >100 000 nM). Furthermore, compound (+)-14 strongly inhibited phencyclidine (PCP)-induced head-weaving behavior (ED(50) = 0.090 microg/kg) and hyperactivity (ED(50) = 0.30 mg/kg) in rats. Thus, (+)-7 and (+)-14 are potent, selective, and orally active group II mGluR agonists and might be useful not only for exploring the functions of mGluRs but in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Role of tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C gamma1 in the signaling pathway of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor-induced cell death of L6 myoblasts

Our previous studies have shown that the HMG-CoA reductase (HCR) inhibitor (HCRI), simvastatin, kills L6 myoblasts by involving Ca2+ mobilization from the Ca2+ pool in the cells but not by influx from extracellular space. More recently, we found that HCRI induced tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular proteins, followed by apoptotic cell death of L6 myoblasts. The present study was aimed to elucidate the molecular target(s) of these tyrosine phosphorylations induced by HCRI and demonstrated that simvastatin induces tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C (PLC) gamma1. This tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1 caused the increment of the intracellular inositol triphosphate (IP3) levels in L6 myoblasts. Pretreatment of the cells with herbimycin A, a specific inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase, inhibited a simvastatin-induced increase in IP3 level in the cells as well as tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1. Interestingly, pretreatment of the cells with U-73122, a specific inhibitor of PLC, prevented simvastatin-induced cell death. Thus, these results strongly suggest that simvastatin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1 plays, at least in part, an important role for the development of simvastatin-induced cell death.

Fibroblast heterogeneity of signal transduction mechanisms to complement-C1q. Analyses of calcium mobilization, inositol phosphate accumulation, and protein kinases-C redistribution

Fibroblasts of healthy and granulation gingiva are phenotypically heterogeneous with regard to binding C1q collagen-like (cC1qR) or C1q globular-heads (gC1qR) regions, respectively. Here, isolated fibroblast subsets, expressing either the cC1qR or the gC1qR phenotype, were stimulated with C1q, and assessed for changes in cytosolic free calcium [Ca2+]i, accumulation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3), and redistribution of Ca2+-dependent protein kinases-C (cPKCs) from cytosol to membranes. Changes in [Ca2+]i were determined using Indo-1 fluorescence in combination with adhering cell analysis and sorting (ACAS) cytometry. Accumulation of IP3 was quantified using a competitive radioreceptor binding assay. Redistribution of cPKCs was evaluated by immunoblotting with antibodies to PKCalpha/betaI-betaII/gamma. Subsets manifested different fluctuations in [Ca2+]i levels 20 seconds after C1q-stimulation in the presence of millimolar concentrations of external calcium. Whereas cC1qR fibroblasts responded with a 38% over baseline [Ca2+]i increase which was sustained for 20 to 30 minutes, gC1qR fibroblasts responded with a higher (264% over baseline) and more rapid (2 to 3 minutes) transient. Likewise, subsets exhibited different kinetics of IP3 accumulation. Whereas cC1qR fibroblasts responded with an IP3 increase of 32 +/- 3 pmol/10(4) cells over baseline after 5 seconds stimulation, gC1qR fibroblasts responded after 15 to 20 seconds with a lower increase (13 +/- 0.8 IP3 pmol/10(4) cells over baseline). Subsets differed in cPKCs redistribution which peaked in gC1qR-membranes 30 seconds after stimulation and remained sustained between 10 and 30 minutes. No cPKC redistribution was detectable in stimulated cC1qR-cells. We conclude that fibroblasts are heterogeneous in phosphoinositide-Ca2+ signaling and cPKC redistribution to C1q, and suggest that these differences may affect activities of normal and granulation gingiva.

Purification and characterization of an allergy-induced melanogenic stimulating factor in brownish guinea pig skin

We have demonstrated recently that phenylazonaphthol (PAN) allergy-induced hyperpigmentation in brownish guinea pig skin is associated with the concomitant appearance of a melanogenic soluble factor(s) that activates the intracellular signal transduction system, including phosphatidylinositol turnover subsequent to ligand-receptor binding in cultured guinea pig melanocytes. In this study we have purified and characterized the PAN-induced melanogenic stimulating factor (PIMSF) that occurs in allergy-associated hyperpigmented skin. By successive column chromatography on TSK 2000SW, Mono Q, and octadecyl-NPR, the PIMSF was purified to homogeneity with a single band of apparent molecular mass of 7.9 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The specific bioactivity of PIMSF increased by 5,195-fold over the original skin homogenate. In cultured guinea pig melanocytes, this purified PIMSF had the potential of activating an intracellular signal transduction system such as inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation and intracellular calcium levels through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein-coupled receptor. PIMSF consistently caused a rapid translocation of cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC) to membrane-bound PKC within 5 min of treatment with a return to the basal level after 120 min. The stimulating effects of PIMSF on proliferation and melanization of cultured guinea pig melanocytes were abolished completely by a PKC down-regulating agent (phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate). PIMSF was similar in molecular mass to rat growth-related oncogene alpha (GRO-alpha; molecular mass of 7.9 kDa) on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and had immunocross-reactivity with GRO-alpha upon Western immune blotting analysis. Further, the stimulatory effect of purified PIMSF on DNA synthesis of cultured guinea pig melanocytes was suppressed markedly by the addition of anti-rat GRO-alpha antibody, implying that the PIMSF is apparently identical to GRO-alpha. These findings suggest that PAN allergy provides a new mechanism of hyperpigmentation in which biological factors such as the GRO-alpha superfamily generated within allergy-induced skin stimulate melanocytes through activation of the PKC-related signal transduction pathway.

Pharmacologic evidence for involvement of phospholipase C in pemphigus IgG-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate generation, intracellular calcium increase, and plasminogen activator secretion in DJM-1 cells, a squamous cell carcinoma line

The precise mechanism for acantholysis after pemphigus IgG binds to the cell surface is as yet unknown, although involvement of proteinases such as plasminogen activator (PA) has been suggested. We previously reported that pemphigus IgG, but not normal nor bullous pemphigoid IgGs, caused a transient increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca++]i) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) concentration in cultured DJM-1 cells (a squamous cell carcinoma line). To clarify whether phospholipase C is involved in this process after the antibody binds to the cell surface, we examined the effects of a specific phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122) on the pemphigus IgG-induced increase in [Ca++]i, IP3, PA secretion, and cell-cell detachment in DJM-1 cells. [Ca+2]i and IP3 contents were determined with or without 30-min pre-incubation with U73122 or an inactive analogue (U73343) with fura-2 acetoxymethylester and a specific IP3 binding protein, respectively. PA activity in the culture medium was measured after various incubation periods with pemphigus IgG by two-step amidolytic assay. The detachment of cell-cell contacts was examined by detecting the retraction of keratin filament bundle from cell-cell contact points to the perinuclear region by immunofluorescence microscopy using anti-keratin antibody. Pemphigus IgG immediately increased [Ca++]i and IP3 content. PA activity in the culture medium has also been increased at 24 h after pemphigus IgG was added in association with cell-cell detachment. However, pre-incubation with U73122 (1-10 microM), but not with U73343 (10 microM), dramatically reduced the pemphigus IgG-induced increases in [Ca++]i, IP3, and PA activity and inhibited the pemphigus IgG-induced cell-cell detachment. Both U73122 and U73343 caused no effects on cell viability and IgG binding to the cell surface. These results suggest that phospholipase C plays an important role in transmembrane signaling leading to cell-cell detachment exerted by pemphigus IgG binding to the cell surface.

Potentiation of Gi-mediated phospholipase C activation by retinoic acid in HL-60 cells. Possible role of G gamma 2

Differentiated HL-60 cells acquire responsiveness to fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLP), which activates phospholipase C and O2- generation in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. Addition of retinoic acid (RA) for the last 24 h during dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO)-induced differentiation enhanced fMLP-dependent signals and interaction between fMLP receptor and G(i). RA modifies both the function and subunit composition of G(i)2, the predominant G(i) of HL-60 membranes, as shown by comparing purified G(i)2 from membranes of Me2SO-treated cells (D-G(i)2) to G(i)2 from membranes of cells treated with both Me2SO and RA (DR-G(i)2). As compared to D-G(i)2, DR-G(i)2 induced more fMLP binding when added to membranes of pertussis toxin-treated HL-60 cells and, in the presence of GTP gamma S, stimulated beta gamma-sensitive phospholipase C in extracts of HL-60 cells to a much greater extent at a lower concentrations. Immunoblasts revealed that RA induced expression of the gamma 2 subunit, which was otherwise undetectable in G(i)2 purified from HL-60 cells or in HL-60 membranes. Possibly by inducing expression of gamma 2, RA alters two functions of the G(i) beta gamma subunit, modulation of fMLP receptor-G(i)2 coupling and activation of the effector, Phospholipase C.

Pemphigus IgG, but not bullous pemphigoid IgG, causes a transient increase in intracellular calcium and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate in DJM-1 cells, a squamous cell carcinoma line

It is still unclear what kinds of mechanisms are involved in blister formation after antibodies bind to the antigens in pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid. The effects of IgGs from pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, and bullous pemphigoid sera on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca++]i) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate were examined in a human squamous cell carcinoma cell line (DJM-1 cells) and in cultured human keratinocytes to clarify whether signal transduction via calcium is involved. IgGs were purified with protein A affinity column from the sera of five pemphigus vulgaris patients, three pemphigus foliaceus patients, eight bullous pemphigoid patients, and 14 normal volunteers. Keratinocytes were cultured in Eagle's minimum essential medium containing 1.8 mM Ca++ and loaded with fura-2/AM, followed by addition of the IgGs. Subsequently, [Ca++]i was determined by measuring the fluorescence ratio (F340/F360) with videomicroscopy. Pemphigus IgGs (seven of eight cases) induced a rapid and transient increase in [Ca++]i in both the cells, whereas a [Ca++]i increase was caused by very few IgGs from bullous pemphigoid (one of eight cases) and normal sera (two of 14 cases). The pemphigus IgG-induced transient [Ca++]i increase was not affected by chelating extracellular Ca++ with ethyleneglycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetracetic acid. In addition, monoclonal antibodies acid. In addition, monoclonal antibodies against 180-kD and 230-kD antigens did not exert this change. Pemphigus IgGs that caused a [Ca++]i increase induced rapid and transient production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, peaking at 20 seconds. These findings suggest that IgG from pemphigus induces Ca++ mobilization by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate from internal stores, and that mechanisms of antibody-transmitted signaling in pemphigus may differ from those in bullous pemphigoid.

Stimulation of human lymphocytes by cathepsin G

We investigated the effect of cathepsin G, a serine protease in polymorphonuclear granulocytes, on the function of human lymphocytes. Cathepsin G increased the [3H]thymidine incorporation into human lymphocytes. This mitogenic activity was due to the proteolytic activity of cathepsin G. Both B and T cells showed increased [3H]thymidine incorporation, and this effect was more remarkable for T cells than for B cells. Among the T cell subsets, CD4+ T cells showed the increase in DNA synthesis, but CD8+ T cells did not. When human lymphocytes were stimulated with cathepsin G, intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increased in B and T cells, including CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. The change in intracellular Ca2+ was due to Ca2+ influx and release of intracellular stores. Cathepsin G also induced the production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) in B cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells, leading to the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Moreover, the stimulation with cathepsin G resulted in alkalization of the cytosol of B cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells as the result of Na+/H+ antiport activation. The change in intracellular Ca2+, production of IP3, and cytoplasmic alkalization in lymphocytes were due to its proteolytic activity. Cathepsin G released from granulocytes is considered to act on human lymphocytes in vivo and lead to the increase in DNA synthesis of B cells and CD4+ T cells through IP3 production, an increase in [Ca2+]i, and alkalization. However, these second messengers do not lead to the increase in DNA synthesis of CD8+ T cells.

Decreased bradykinin binding sites in fibroblasts from progressive systemic scleroderma

The numbers of bradykinin receptors (BK-R) in cultured dermal fibroblasts from patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and from healthy controls were measured using a receptor binding assay. The numbers of BK-R were significantly fewer in PSS fibroblasts than in control fibroblasts (P < 0.02). However, no differences in affinity were observed in BK-R between PSS and control fibroblasts. The BK-R mRNA levels were determined in PSS and control fibroblasts by Northern blot hybridization using BK-R cDNA, but no significant differences were found. These findings suggest that the decrease in BK-R in PSS fibroblasts might occur during a posttranslational step.

Effects of organic and inorganic Ca(2+)-antagonists on acetylcholine-induced contraction in molluscan (Mytilus edulis) smooth muscle

1. Effect of Ca(2+)-antagonist on the contractile response to acetylcholine (ACh) in molluscan (Mytilus edulis) smooth muscle was investigated. 2. ACh-induced contraction was remarkably reduced by exposure to Ca(2+)-deprived medium. 3. The organic Ca(2+)-blockers, verapamil, diltiazem and nicardipine, reduced the concentration-response curve for ACh in a concentration-dependent manner. 4. The inorganic Ca(2+)-blockers, MnCl2, NiCl2, CoCl2 and CdCl2, also reduced the concentration-response curve for ACh concentration-dependently. 5. ACh significantly increased the amounts of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) in the ABRM. 6. ACh-induced contraction in the ABRM might therefore be mediated through an influx of extracellular Ca2+ and Ca(2+)-release from IP3 sensitive intracellular pools.

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is mandatory for CD40-mediated rescue of germinal center B cells from apoptosis

Spontaneous apoptosis in germinal center (GC) B cells can be arrested either by engaging cell surface immunoglobulin (Ig) with immobilized ligand or, more effectively, by treatment with soluble monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against CD40. The present study examines the intracellular signal transduction pathways through which rescue from spontaneous apoptosis is engendered in GC B cells following ligation of surface CD40. Cross-linking the surface CD40 of GC B cells with mAb consistently resulted in enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation on a number of distinct substrates: this process could be blocked, in a dose-dependent fashion, by pre-treating GC B cells with the selective protein tyrosine kinase(s) (PTK) inhibitor, herbimycin A. Moreover, the pattern of phosphorylation on tyrosine observed following treatment with anti-CD40 was remarkably similar to that triggered by polyvalent anti-Ig. By contrast, anti-CD40 failed to stimulate the increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and cytosolic free calcium observed in both GC B cells and resting B lymphocytes following ligation of surface Ig. The involvement of the signaling pathways generated in the rescue of GC B cells from apoptosis was studied by using selective inhibitors of PTK and of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+. Pre-incubation with the PTK inhibitor herbimycin A (5 microM) abrogated anti-CD40-mediated rescue of GC B cells from apoptosis, while genistein (40 microM) and the tyrphostins AG490 (10 microM) and AG814 (25 microM) significantly inhibited this process. Consistent with these results, herbimycin A (5 microM) abolished the expression of the 26 kDa bcl-2 protooncogene product, which confers resistance to apoptosis, normally observed following culture with anti-CD40. The Ca2+ chelators BAPTA and EGTA did not significantly affect CD40-promoted rescue. Taken together, these results indicate that CD40 of GC B cells is coupled to functional PTK but not to the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway and that tyrosine phosphorylation is mandatory for CD40-mediated rescue of GC B cells from apoptosis.

Ganglioside-induced terminal differentiation of human keratinocytes: early biochemical events in signal transduction

Previous studies have indicated that GQ1b, a tetrasialoganglioside containing two disialosyl residues, may be an important regulator of cellular differentiation in murine keratinocytes. In the present study, we examined the effect of gangliosides on the differentiation of human keratinocytes. Current evidence indicates that GQ1b induces cornified envelope formation and enhancement of transglutaminase (TGase) activity, which are characteristic parameters of terminal differentiation in human cultured keratinocytes, while the other gangliosides, GT1b and GM1, are much less effective. The mass contents of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) and the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were also measured in keratinocytes exposed to gangliosides. A rapid increase in 1,4,5-IP3 occurred at 30 s following stimulation, but no significant difference at the maximum level was observed among the three gangliosides in contrast to the finding in murine keratinocytes. In addition, [Ca2+] increases occurred concurrently with the 1,4,5-IP3 generation by the three gangliosides. On the other hand, [Ca2+] transients were unaffected by chelating extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA. It is thus considered that the mobilization by 1,4,5-IP3 from internal stores plays a crucial role. These [Ca2+]i profiles were also indistinguishable between the gangliosides. Taken together, in human keratinocytes, gangliosides differentially affect some other as yet unidentified site(s) in the post-calcium transmission pathway(s) which leads to TGase activation.

Alteration of mesangial response to ANP and angiotensin II by glucose

To test the hypothesis that the function of glomerular mesangial cells is impaired in diabetes, we examined the responsiveness of mesangial cells cultured under high concentrations of glucose to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP1) and angiotensin II (Ang II). The ANP-induced accumulation of cGMP was enhanced in mesangial cells cultured under high glucose conditions, possibly due to the activation of particulate guanylate cyclase. Ang II action in mesangial cells was evaluated by measuring the ability of Ang II to inhibit ANP-induced cGMP accumulation through both activating phosphodiesterase (initial phase) and inhibiting guanylate cyclase (maintenance phase). The inhibition of both ANP-induced cellular cGMP accumulation and particulate guanylate cyclase activity by Ang II was significantly reduced in mesangial cells cultured under high concentrations of glucose. Moreover, in the cells exposed to high concentrations of glucose, both basal and Ang II-stimulated levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) were significantly reduced. These results indicate that, in high glucose conditions, the actions of ANP and Ang II are modulated differently, resulting in the impairment of contractile responsiveness of mesangial cells.

Bradykinin stimulates phospholipase D in primary cultures of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle

Conditions were established for the primary culture of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle cells, the identity of which was confirmed by the presence of smooth muscle alpha-actin by western blotting. Cells were preincubated with [3H]palmitate which was incorporated, almost exclusively, into phosphatidylcholine. When these cells were stimulated by either bradykinin or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), in the presence of butan-1-ol, the non-metabolizable product [3H]phosphatidylbutanol ([3H]PtdBut) accumulated by virtue of the phosphatidyltransferase activity of phospholipase D. The activation of phospholipase D by bradykinin was inhibited by 86 +/- 11% (N = 3 experiments) in the presence of the protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine (1 microM) and by 88 +/- 11% (N = 3 experiments) in cells that had been chronically treated with PMA to down-regulate their protein kinase C. PMA-stimulated phospholipase D was similarly affected (92 +/- 2% inhibited by staurosporine, 87 +/- 6% inhibited by protein kinase C down-regulation). Removal of extracellular Ca2+ markedly reduced the bradykinin-stimulated phospholipase D response (by 73 +/- 10%, N = 3 experiments) but had only a limited effect upon PMA-stimulated phospholipase D activity (by 23 +/- 6%, N = 3 experiments). [AIF4](-)-stimulation of the cells also resulted in the activation of phospholipase D, indicating the involvement of a G-protein. However, this was not Gi since pertussis-toxin pretreatment of the cells failed to abolish either bradykinin-stimulated inositol (1,4,5)trisphosphate formation or [3H]PtdBut accumulation. Western blotting revealed the presence of Gq/G11 which couples to the inositol lipid-directed phospholipase C. Indomethacin (10 microM) was without effect upon bradykinin-stimulated phospholipase D activity, suggesting that the bradykinin effects were not mediated indirectly by cyclooxygenase products. The role of phospholipase D activation in tracheal smooth muscle may be to, indirectly, produce diacylglycerol for the activation of protein kinase C which has been implicated in sustained contraction. However, the immediate product of phospholipase D, phosphatidate, has been proposed to have a number of second messenger roles and may itself, by an undefined mechanism, be involved in the sustained contraction of airway smooth muscle.

Role of protein kinase C in bradykinin-induced prostaglandin formation in osteoblasts

Bradykinin (1 microM, 5 min) induced translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) to the plasma membrane fraction in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Bradykinin also enhanced the binding of phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) to intact cells, a measure of PKC activation. Addition of bradykinin (1 microM) to cells preincubated with [3H]PDBu (10 nM, 20 min) caused an increase in specific PDBu binding that was maximal after 5-10 min. The bradykinin-induced enhancement of PDBu binding was seen at 1 nM and was maximal at 10 nM. The bradykinin B1 receptor agonist des-Arg9-bradykinin (1 microM) did not enhance specific PDBu binding to intact MC3T3-E1 cells. PDBu at and above 3 nM stimulated the formation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in MC3T3-EI cells. This stimulatory effect was seen after 15-20 min incubation. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 at and above 1 microM induced a rapid (within seconds) burst of PGE2 formation in MC3T3-E1 cells. The effect of PDBu and A23187 on PGE2 formation was synergistic. The PKC inhibitor staurosporine (200 nM) inhibited basal as well as bradykinin-induced prostaglandin-formation in MC3T3-E1 cells.

IN CONCLUSION

bradykinin enhances PKC activation in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. This kinase activation may be involved in bradykinin-induced prostaglandin formation.

Effects of verapamil on the cardiac alpha 1-adrenoceptor signalling system in diabetic rats

We evaluated the effects of chronic verapamil treatment on the cardiac alpha 1-adrenoceptor signalling system in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. The decrease in maximum cell surface [3H]bunazosin binding (Bmax) in isolated cardiac myocytes from the diabetic group (-46%, P < 0.01) was completely reversed by a 4-week course of verapamil, while Bmax in the verapamil-treated control group was unchanged. Similarly, the reduction in ventricular inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production after stimulation with 10 microM noradrenaline (NA) seen in diabetes (-30%, P < 0.01) was completely normalized by verapamil, while the response in the verapamil-treated control group was unaffected. These results indicate that verapamil can induce complete recovery of the impaired cardiac alpha 1-adrenoceptor signalling system in the diabetic heart without affecting glucose metabolism.

Increased calmodulin levels in fibroblasts from progressive systemic sclerosis

Calmodulin levels in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and healthy controls were measured by their ability to activate cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase. Calmodulin levels were significantly increased in PSS fibroblasts compared with normal control fibroblasts. The changes in calmodulin content of PSS fibroblasts were also assessed by a radioimmunoassay. These findings suggest that an elevated level of calmodulin may play a role in the pathogenesis of PSS.

Ganglioside GQ1b-induced terminal differentiation in cultured mouse keratinocytes. Phosphoinositide turnover forms the onset signal

Investigations were undertaken to see whether mouse keratinocyte differentiation was elicited by gangliosides. Among the gangliosides tested only GQ1b, a tetrasialoganglioside containing two disialosyl residues, induced keratinocyte differentiation, as indicated by the formation of cornified envelopes, enhancement of transglutaminase activity and suppression of DNA synthesis. Upon stimulation with GQ1b the mass content of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and the intracellular Ca2+ levels were markedly enhanced in a time- and dose-dependent manner, whereas no significant changes were observed with other gangliosides, thereby indicating activation of phospholipase C for the onset of keratinocyte differentiation. Furthermore, only GQ1b promoted the translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) from cytosol to membrane. Inhibition of PKC with H-7 or down-regulation of the enzyme by prolonged pre-treatment with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate greatly suppressed transglutaminase activity and formation of cornified envelopes induced by GQ1b. These results demonstrate that the tetrasialoganglioside GQ1b generates the initial differentiation signal in mouse keratinocytes through phosphoinositide turnover, and also suggest that PKC activation may act at certain, as yet unidentified, stages of differentiation processes.

Bradykinin induces formation of inositol phosphates and causes an increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ in the osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1

Recordings of fura-2 fluorescence from single osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells showed that bradykinin (BK, 1 microM) induced a rapid increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ (Cai2+, from 114 +/- 13 to 239 +/- 17 nM, mean +/- SEM). Following this initial transient (less than 1 minute) increase there was a second slow increase in Cai2+ (from 117 +/- 11 to 151 +/- 12 nM). Incubation in buffer with no Ca2+ did not affect the first rapid BK-induced increase in Cai2+ but eliminated the second slow increase. Addition of indomethacin or hydrocortisone to the incubation buffer did not inhibit the effect of BK on Cai2+. BK caused a dose-dependent initial rapid increase in Cai2+ with threshold at 1 nM and a maximal effect (241 +/- 30% of basal Cai2+ concentration) at 0.1 microM. The B1 BK receptor agonist des-Arg9-BK (1 microM) caused only a small increase in Cai2+ in MC3T3-E1 cells (from 101 +/- 20 to 140 +/- 4 nM). BK dose and time dependently stimulated the formation of inositol phosphates in MC3T3-E1 cells with EC50 at 2.4 nM and a significant increase in inositol trisphosphate already seen after 15 s. The Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin induced a rapid increase in Cai2+ and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) formation in MC3T3-E1 cells. Forskolin (10-30 microM) increased cyclic AMP accumulation but did not affect Cai2+ or PGE2 formation. Depletion of extracellular Ca2+ significantly reduced (but did not abolish) BK-induced PGE2 formation. The initial action of BK on Cai2+ is probably due to an inositol-(1,4,5)-trisphosphate-mediated rapid release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores in osteoblasts and is followed by an influx of extracellular Ca2+. The effect is due to B2 BK receptor occupancy and is not secondary to the prostaglandin synthesis. The BK-induced breakdown of phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate with a subsequent increase in Cai2+ may be involved in BK-induced prostaglandin formation in osteoblasts.

Interleukin 7 receptor ligation stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation, inositol phospholipid turnover, and clonal proliferation of human B-cell precursors

Functional interleukin 7 (IL-7) receptors are expressed on the surface of multiphenotypic, biphenotypic, and immature B-lineage human lymphoid precursor cells with germ-line immunoglobulin heavy-chain genes but not on more mature B-lineage lymphoid cells with rearranged and/or expressed immunoglobulin heavy-chain genes. Thus, IL-7 may have an important regulatory role during the earliest stages of human B-cell ontogeny. The engagement of the surface IL-7 receptors on immature B-cell precursor cells with recombinant human IL-7 (rhIL-7) results in enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple phosphoproteins, stimulates inositol phospholipid turnover and DNA synthesis, and promotes their clonal proliferation. These effects are (i) specific for rhIL-7, since rhIL-3, rhIL-4, rhIL-5, rhIL-6, and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor do not elicit similar activities on IL-7 receptor-positive human pro-B cells; and (ii) mediated by IL-7 receptors, since they are not observed in IL-7 receptor-negative B-lineage lymphoid cell populations. rhIL-7-induced tyrosine phosphorylation on the 35-, 53-, 55-, 62-, 69-, 76-, 94-, 150-, 170-, and 190-kDa substrates as well as rhIL-7-induced stimulation of inositol phospholipid turnover are abrogated by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. These results demonstrate that the IL-7 receptor on immature human B-cell precursor populations is intimately linked to a functional tyrosine kinase pathway and tyrosine phosphorylation is an important and perhaps mandatory step in the generation of the IL-7 receptor-linked transmembrane signal.

Alterations in intracellular calcium transients of fibroblasts from progressive systemic sclerotic patients: a digital imaging microscopic study

Intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in cultured skin fibroblasts from normal subjects and progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) patients were determined by using Fura-2 and fluorescent videomicroscopy. With the exception of fibroblasts from one PSS patient showing a higher [Ca2+]i, no significant difference was observed in resting [Ca2+]i between the two groups of fibroblasts. Bradykinin (BK) (10 microM) induced a transient [Ca2+]i increase in normal fibroblasts, whereas the BK-induced [Ca2+]i increase was reduced or not detectable in PSS fibroblasts. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ did not eliminate the BK-induced [Ca2+]i increase in normal fibroblasts. These findings suggest that BK stimulates Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in human fibroblasts, and also that the BK-mediated Ca2+ release is impaired in PSS fibroblasts.

Cytosolic calcium responses induced by photolytic release of 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate in single human fibroblasts

We have used the whole cell technique to microinject human fibroblasts with either 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) or 'caged' InsP3, in order to study the mechanisms of transmembrane signalling related to mitogenic stimulations. Cytosolic Ca2+ elevations in response to 1,4,5 InsP3 diffusing from the patch pipette were difficult to detect, while 1,4,5 InsP3, photoreleased after loading the cell with its inactive precursor, was capable of generating not only a single cytosolic Ca2+ rise but sometimes triggered an oscillatory calcium response, similar to that often observed under mitogenic stimulation. We estimated that less than 100 nM InsP3 was sufficient to generate Ca2+ responses. The Ca2+ rise produced by the photoreleased InsP3 could fully activate the K+ channels present in the plasma membrane of human fibroblasts.

Activation of phospholipase D in rabbit neutrophils by fMet-Leu-Phe is mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein that may be distinct from a phospholipase C-regulating protein

Stimulation by N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils, in which phosphatidylcholine was preferentially labeled with 1-O-[3H]octadecyl lyso platelet-activating factor, activated phospholipase D, resulting in the formation of [3H]PA from [3H]PC. A direct activator of GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins), NaF, also stimulated [3H]PA formation. fMLP-stimulated [3H]PA formation was inhibited by pertussis toxin (IAP) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. IAP also inhibited fMLP-stimulated IP3 formation, but the inhibition of IP3 formation was significantly greater than that of [3H]PA formation. These results indicate that activation of phospholipase D by fMLP in rabbit neutrophils is mediated by an IAP-sensitive G-protein that may be distinct from a phospholipase C-regulating protein.

Generation of calcium oscillations in fibroblasts by positive feedback between calcium and IP3

A wide variety of nonexcitable cells generate repetitive transient increases in cytosolic calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) when stimulated with agonists that engage the phosphoinositide signalling pathway. Current theories regarding the mechanisms of oscillation disagree on whether Ca2+ inhibits or stimulates its own release from internal stores and whether inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DG) also undergo oscillations linked to the Ca2+ spikes. In this study, Ca2+ was found to stimulate its own release in REF52 fibroblasts primed by mitogens plus depolarization. However, unlike Ca2+ release in muscle and nerve cells, this amplification was insensitive to caffeine or ryanodine and required hormone receptor occupancy and functional IP3 receptors. Oscillations in [Ca2+]i were accompanied by oscillations in IP3 concentration but did not require functional protein kinase C. Therefore, the dominant feedback mechanism in this cell type appears to be Ca2+ stimulation of phospholipase C once this enzyme has been activated by hormone receptors.

Phosphoinositide breakdown in rat hippocampal slices: sensitivity to glutamate induced by in vitro anoxia

We examined the effects of in vitro anoxia on phosphoinositide (PI) breakdown in rat hippocampal slices stimulated by glutamate and quisqualate. In addition to assays of accumulations of 3H-inositol phosphates (3H-IPs) degraded from prelabeled PI, we adopted direct assay procedures of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) using 1,4,5-IP3-specific binding protein to determine the formation of 1,4,5-IP3. The first effect, observed with anoxic incubation by itself, was the diminished quisqualate (10(-5) M)-stimulated accumulation of 3H-IPs degraded from prelabeled PI under prolonged anoxia. Quisqualate caused a transient increase in 1,4,5-IP3 formation in the early phase of anoxia, similar to that under oxygenated conditions. Glutamate (10(-5) M), under normal conditions, influenced neither the accumulation of 3H-IPs nor the formation of 1,4,5-IP3. Also, the accumulation of 3H-IPs under prolonged anoxia was unaffected. The same concentration of glutamate, however, gave rise to a transient increase in 1,4,5-IP3 content in the early phase of anoxia, similar to that caused by quisqualate. The second effect, observed by oxygenation following anoxia, was the induction of glutamate-stimulated accumulation of 3H-IPs. When the hippocampal slices were oxygenated following a sufficiently long (greater than 30-min) exposure to anoxia, glutamate (10(-5) M) caused a significant increase in accumulation of 3H-IPs degraded from prelabeled PI. Quisqualate-stimulated accumulation of 3H-IPs under oxygenated incubations was also increased by prior exposure of slices to anoxia. These results support the hypothesis that an exposure of hippocampal slices to anoxia induces a sensitivity of the PI breakdown pathway to glutamate and that, given an oxygen supply following sufficiently long exposure to anoxia, the slices maintain their sensitivity to glutamate with an apparent increase in the accumulation of 3H-IPs.

Initial responses of a clonal osteoblast-like cell line, MOB 3-4, to phosphatidic acid in vitro

A number of studies have shown membrane phospholipid metabolism to have an important role in biological mineralization. We considered the effects of exogenously applied phosphatidic acid (PA), a minor component of membrane phospholipids, on an osteoblast-like cell line, MOB 3-4. Exogenous PA (10-40 micrograms/ml) raised the level of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i), independent of the level of extracellular Ca2+, in a dose-dependent fashion, and this Ca2+ response to PA gradually fell on serial application of PA. In a dose-dependent manner, exogenous PA also increased inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) accumulation and cytoplasmic pH, but decreased basal cAMP level. This cytoplasmic alkalinization was inhibited by pretreatment with nonspecific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, such as sphingosine or H-7. A long-term incubation with PA increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and cell proliferation. Exogenous PA thus appeared to increase IP3 accumulation by activating phospholipase C, raise [Ca2+] by releasing Ca2+ from intracellular stores, induce cytoplasmic alkalinization via a PKC-dependent mechanism, and simultaneously decrease basal cAMP level. We suggest that these initial responses may be responsible for the increase in ALP activity and the proliferation of PA-treated MOB 3-4 cells.

Mass measurement of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and sn-1,2-diacylglycerol in bombesin-stimulated Swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblasts

Two specific and selective assays were used to measure changes in the mass of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and sn-1,2-diacylglycerol in bombesin-stimulated Swiss 3T3 cells. The results demonstrate that the increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 was extremely rapid, but transient, returning to basal levels by 30 s. In contrast, the increase in sn-1,2-diacylglycerol was biphasic: the first phase mirrored the transient Ins(1,4,5)P3 response, whereas the second phase was sustained and occurred in the absence of elevated Ins(1,4,5)P3. The possible source of the second phase of diacylglycerol is discussed.

Endothelin-1 induced contraction of rat aorta in Ca2(+)-free medium independent of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) breakdown

1. The mechanism of endothelin-1 (ET)-induced contraction of rat aorta in Ca2(+)-free medium was investigated and compared with that of phenylephrine-induced contraction, measuring tension development and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation. 2. After Ca2(+)-deprivation for 10 min, ET (10 nM) induced only a slow sustained contraction, whereas phenylephrine (10 microM) evoked a rapid phasic contraction followed by a small sustained one. Prolonged incubation of the strips in Ca2(+)-free medium (for 100 min) abolished the phasic contraction evoked by phenylephrine, but had no effect on the sustained contraction by either stimulant. 3. ET (100 nM) and phenylephrine (10 microM) stimulated inositol trisphosphate formation and these effects were inhibited by TPA (5 microM). 4. TPA (5 microM) had no effect on ET (10 nM)-induced contraction in Ca2(+)-free medium, but inhibited the contraction by phenylephrine (10 microM). 5. The ET- and phenylephrine-induced contractions in Ca2(+)-free PSS were inhibited by H-7, a protein kinase C inhibitor. 6. The difference and similarity of signal transduction pathways between alpha 1-adrenoceptor and ET receptor systems were discussed.

Mass measurement of inositol phosphates

This review summarises the methods available for the mass measurement of inositol phosphates, i.e., use of radioactive inositol lipid precursors, optical techniques, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, fast atom bombardment and assays specific for Ins(1,4,5)P3. Examples of the use of each method, its sensitivity, advantages and drawbacks are given.

Signal transduction in the onset of terminal keratinocyte differentiation induced by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: role of protein kinase C translocation

We have investigated the possible involvement of phosphoinositide turnover in the keratinocyte differentiation induced by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25(OH)2D3]. The mass contents of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and 1,2-diacylglycerol and intracellular calcium level were measured in murine keratinocytes stimulated with 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 or its derivatives. Although production of these second messengers was enhanced, there were no significant differences in time- and dose-dependences between 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 and its derivatives. These vitamin D3 compounds promoted the translocation from the cytosol to membrane of protein kinase C (PKC). Despite such common profiles in the early signal transduction parameters, only 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 induced formation of a cornified envelope characteristic of keratinocyte differentiation. Down-regulation of PKC by prolonged pretreatment with PDBu or inhibition of the enzyme with H-7 caused marked suppression of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-induced formation of cornified envelopes. These findings imply that PKC is necessary but not sufficient for the onset of terminal differentiation by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, and also that another as yet unspecified signal generated specifically by the active vitamin D3 is required for keratinocyte differentiation.

Bradykinin receptors: characterization, distribution and mechanisms of signal transduction

Bradykinin is a peptide consisting of nine amino acids. It is a member of the kinin family, a class of molecules sometimes considered to be locally acting hormones. Bradykinin acts through cell surface receptors to elicit a series of biological responses, many of which have been well characterized at the whole organ or body level. However, little is known about the bradykinin receptor itself or its mechanisms of signal transduction, its function and its tissue distribution. Increasing evidence suggests that bradykinin is a member of a group of locally produced peptides which may act in a paracrine fashion as microenvironmental modulators of cell proliferation. Evidence for this derives from studies of the interaction between bradykinin and its receptor, receptor-effector coupling systems and in vitro studies of the biological effects of bradykinin. These areas, together with questions concerning the nature and number of different types of bradykinin receptors, form the main bulk of current interest in bradykinin research and are the subject of this review. The ability of bradykinin to synergize with other growth regulating ligands will also be considered.