Glucagon-induced heterologous desensitization of the MDCK cell adenylyl cyclase. Increases in the apparent levels of the inhibitory regulator (Ni)

Galphao/i-stimulated proteosomal degradation of RGS20: a mechanism for temporal integration of Gs and Gi pathways

The G(s) and G(i) pathways interact to control the levels of intracellular cAMP. Although coincident signaling through G(s) and G(i)-coupled receptors can attenuate G(s)-stimulated cAMP levels, it is not known if prior activation of the G(i) pathway can affect signaling by G(s)-coupled receptors. We have found that activated Galpha(o/i) interact with RGS20, a GTPase activating protein for members of the Galpha(omicron/i) family. Interaction between Galpha(o/i) and RGS20 results in decreased cellular levels of RGS20. This decrease was induced by activated Galpha(o) and Galpha(i2) but not by Galpha(q), Galpha(i1) or Galpha(i3.) The Galpha(o/i)-induced decrease in RGS20 can be blocked by proteasomal inhibitors lactacystin or MG132. Activated Galpha(o) stimulates the ubiquitination of RGS20. The serotonin-1A receptor that couples to G(o/i) reduces the levels of RGS20 and this effect is blocked by lactacystin, suggesting that G(o/i) promotes the degradation of RGS20. Expression of RGS20 attenuates the inhibition of beta-adrenergic receptor-induced cAMP levels mediated by the serotonin-1A receptor. Prior activation of the serotonin-1A receptor results in loss of the RGS20-mediated attenuation, and the loss of attenuation is blocked when lactacystin is included during the prior treatment. These observations suggest that G(o/i)-coupled receptors, by stimulating the degradation of RGS20, can regulate how subsequent activation of the G(s) and G(i) pathways controls cellular cAMP levels, thus allowing for signal integration.

Water channels and zymogen granules in salivary glands

Salivary secretion occurs in response to stimulation by neurotransmitters released from autonomic nerve endings. The molecular mechanisms underlying the secretion of water, a main component of saliva, from salivary glands are not known; the plasma membrane is a major barrier to water transport. A 28-kDa integral membrane protein, distributed in highly water-permeable tissues, was identified as a water channel protein, aquaporin (AQP). Thirteen AQPs (AQP0 - AQP12) have been identified in mammals. AQP5 is localized in lipid rafts under unstimulated conditions and translocates to the apical plasma membrane in rat parotid glands upon stimulation by muscarinic agonists. The importance of increases in intracellular calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](i) and the nitric oxide synthase and protein kinase G signaling pathway in the translocation of AQP5 is reviewed in section I. Signals generated by the activation of Ca(2+) mobilizing receptors simultaneously trigger and regulate exocytosis. Zymogen granule exocytosis occurs under the control of essential process, stimulus-secretion coupling, in salivary glands. Ca(2+) signaling is a principal signal in both protein and water secretion from salivary glands induced by cholinergic stimulation. On the other hand, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/cAMP-dependent protein kinase system has a major role in zymogen granule exocytosis without significant increases in [Ca(2+)](i). In section II, the mechanisms underlying the control of salivary protein secretion and its dysfunction are reviewed.

Mechanism underlying histamine-induced desensitization of amylase secretion in rat parotid glands

1. Histamine acted on H2 receptors in rat parotid tissues and induced the amylase secretion. Immunoblot analysis by using anti-H2 receptor protein antiserum demonstrated that histamine induced the increase and decrease in the amounts of H2 receptor proteins in basolateral and intracellular membranes, respectively. 2. Short-term treatment with histamine resulted in decreases in amylase secretion, the density of H2 receptors and their affinity for the agonists during further incubation with histamine, but showed an unaltered secretory response to isoproterenol, indicating that the histamine-induced desensitization was confined to H2 receptors. 3. This treatment triggered a 20% decrease in the histamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and a 40% decrease in the phosphorylation level of Gi2alpha protein in the tissues, resulting in an increase in pertussis toxin (IAP)-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of the protein. An enhancement of cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gs protein was observed only during the first incubation with histamine. 4. This treatment triggered a 30% decrease and a 60% increase in the histamine-stimulated activities of protein kinase A and protein phosphatase 2A in the tissues, respectively. 5. Pretreatment with okadaic acid completely blocked the histamine-induced decrease in amylase secretion and increase in IAP-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi protein. The levels of Gi2alpha and Gs alpha proteins in the tissues were not modified by histamine treatment and the level of Gi2alpha protein was not affected by pretreatment with okadaic acid, as assessed by immunoblot analyses with anti-Gi2alpha and anti-Gs alpha protein antiserum. 6. The regulation of Gi2alpha protein phosphorylation in parotid tissues plays an important role in the histamine-induced desensitization of amylase secretion.

Regulation of phosphorylation of Gi2 alpha protein controls the secretory response to isoproterenol in rat parotid tissues

Treatment of rat parotid tissues with 1 microM isoproterenol (IPR) for 10 min caused a 60% decrease in pertussis toxin (IAP)-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha and resulted in supersensitivity of amylase secretion from the tissues. However, conversely, IPR treatment for 30 min caused a 40% increase in IAP-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha, coupled with desensitization of amylase secretion. No changes in Gs function were observed in IPR-induced phenomena. Pretreatment with okadaic acid induced enhancement of the supersensitivity of amylase secretion and disappearance of the desensitization. These phenomena were accompanied with decreases in IAP-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha. IPR treatment for 30 min caused a 50% decrease in phosphorylation of Gi2 alpha immunoprecipitated with anti-G protein antiserum (AS/7) from [32P]Pi-labeled cells, but such treatment for 10 min caused a 40% increase in phosphorylation in the cells pretreated with okadaic acid. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of immunoprecipitates with AS/7 by protein kinase A (PKA) and alkaline phosphatase caused decreases and increases in IAP-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation, respectively, indicating the presence of PKA-mediated phosphorylation sites on Gi2 alpha. Thus, the control of the phosphorylation of Gi2 alpha is of importance and relevance in the regulation of biological processes and cellular responses.

Exogenous gamma-linolenic acid alters hormone stimulated cyclic AMP levels in U937 cells

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are selectively cytotoxic in culture. Incorporation of these fatty acids leads to profound changes in membrane fatty acid composition which in turn may alter the activity of transmembrane receptor/effector systems. In U937 cells, hormone stimulated production of cyclic AMP can be reduced by 30% following incubation with gamma-linolenic acid (18:3n-6). It is suggested that beta-adrenoreceptor number, subtype and adenylyl cyclase stimulation may be regulated by alterations in membrane fatty acid composition as a result of changes in the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and alterations in eicosanoid production.

Distinct characteristics of the basal activities of adenylyl cyclases 2 and 6

Regulation of basal activities of adenylyl cyclase (AC) 2 and 6, expressed in Sf9 cells by infection with recombinant baculovirus, was studied. An antipeptide antibody that recognizes AC2 and AC6 with equal sensitivity was used to establish that equivalent levels were expressed. Basal activities of AC2 and AC6 were compared at varying concentrations of Mg2+ or Mn2+ ions; AC2 had 15- and 10-fold greater activity than AC6, respectively. At 20 mM Mg2+, the Km values for ATP were 88 and 39 microM for AC2 and AC6, respectively, whereas their Vmax values were 281 and 11 pmol/mg protein.min. With 100 microM forskolin and either Mg2+ or Mn2+, the difference in activities between AC2 and AC6 was reduced to approximately 2-fold. Forskolin stimulated AC6 greater than 40-fold at 0.5-2 mM Mg2+, whereas AC2 was stimulated 4-6-fold. At 20 mM Mg2+, AC2 was stimulated 2-fold by forskolin, whereas AC6 was stimulated 18-fold. With Mg2+ alone, activities of AC2 and AC6 were not saturable up to 20 mM and yielded curvilinear Hofstee transformations. With forskolin, activities of both AC2 and AC6 were saturable by 10 mM Mg2+ and yielded linear Hofstee transformations. These data indicate that there are substantial differences in the basal enzymatic activities of adenylyl cyclase isoforms, due to differential regulation by Mg2+ ions rather than intrinsic catalytic capabilities. Thus the presence and relative abundance of adenylyl cyclase subtypes could greatly affect the resting cellular cAMP levels with consequent effects on important biological functions, such as differentiation and proliferation.

Homologous desensitization of the murine luteinizing hormone receptor expressed in L cells

Using a clonal cell line that stably expresses the murine luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR 11/6 cells), we studied the molecular mechanisms of agonist-induced desensitization of the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin-responsive adenylyl cyclase. Exposure of transfected cells to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) resulted in a dose-dependent loss of maximal hCG-stimulable adenylyl cyclase activity without a significant shift to the right of the dose-response curve to hCG. This rapid uncoupling of the LH receptor from the cellular adenylyl cyclase system was not accompanied by internalization of receptor sites. A 6-h exposure to hCG led only to minor (ca. 25%) loss of membrane binding sites. The dose-response curve to hCG was not altered by pretreating cells with 8-Br-cAMP or prostaglandin E1. These findings, and the observation that hCG-induced desensitization can still be monitored at Mg2+ concentrations in the assay as high as 10 mM, preclude a significant contribution of protein kinase A to LH receptor uncoupling. The murine LH receptor not only stimulates adenylyl cyclase but also phospholipase C and probably protein kinase C (PKC) via diacylglycerol. Activation of PKC by 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate failed to desensitize. When PKC was down-regulated hCG could still exert a maximal desensitizing effect. It is concluded that in LHR 11/6 cells there is no evidence for a major role of PKC in homologous desensitization. Thus, it is likely that a second messenger-independent kinase, such as beta-adrenergic receptor kinase, or a different, as yet unknown mechanism is involved in the agonist-induced desensitization of the LH receptor.

Mechanism of isoproterenol-induced heterologous desensitization of mucin secretion from rat submandibular glands. Regulation of phosphorylation of Gi proteins controls the cell response to the subsequent stimulation

Short-term treatment of rat submandibular tissues with 10 microM isoproterenol (IPR) resulted in reduction of mucin secretion in response to the agonist during further incubation, and in increases in EC50 values. This IPR-induced reduction of secretion was coupled with selective decreases in the number of beta-adrenoceptors in the tissues and in their affinity for agonists, as assessed by measurement of the specific binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol. Treatment of the tissues with IPR caused a 30% decrease in IPR-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and a 25% increase in the GTP binding capacity of inhibitory G proteins (Gi proteins). This IPR treatment triggered a 60% increase in the ability of pertussis toxin (IAP) to catalyze ADP-ribosylation of Gi proteins in the tissue membranes. Enhanced function of stimulatory G proteins (Gs proteins) was observed only during the first incubation of the tissues with IPR. The IAP-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi proteins in tissues treated with IPR was decreased by prior treatment with cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase, but was increased markedly by prior treatment with alkaline phosphatase. Neither IPR-induced desensitization of protein secretion nor increase in the IAP-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi proteins was observed in the tissues pretreated with 0.25 microM okadaic acid. These findings suggest that the regulation of Gi protein phosphorylation plays an important role in the IPR-induced heterologous desensitization of mucin secretion from rat submandibular glands.

Long-term inhibitory effect of cAMP on beta-adrenoceptor acquisition and nonselective attenuation of adenylyl cyclase in hepatocytes

Long-term effects of cAMP on the surface expression of beta-adrenoceptors and adenylyl cyclase activity were investigated in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. beta-Adrenoceptor density and catecholamine-responsive adenylyl cyclase activity increased during culturing in a biphasic manner, with a plateau of 10-20 h duration occurring approximately 10 h after plating. Treatment of hepatocyte cultures with 8-bromo-cAMP during the plateau period did not affect the density of beta-adrenoceptors. In contrast, addition of 8-bromo-cAMP, 8-chlorophenylthio-cAMP, forskolin or glucagon during a period of active recruitment of surface beta-adrenoceptors resulted in a suppression of the acquisition of beta-adrenoceptors. In both experimental situations there was a partial decrease in hormone-stimulated and basal adenylyl cyclase activity. The results suggest that cAMP exerts at least two types of long-term regulation of adenylyl cyclase in hepatocytes: a suppressive effect on beta-adrenoceptor acquisition, and a partial, nonselective decrease in adenylyl cyclase activity not involving beta-adrenoceptor down-regulation.

Agonist regulation of gene expression of adrenergic receptors and G proteins

Study of transmembrane signaling via G proteins has focused to a large extent upon investigations of individual G protein-linked receptor-effector systems. Agonist-induced desensitization and down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, for example, have been studied extensively and adopted as a general model for G protein-linked receptor regulation. This review focuses not only on agonist regulation of adrenergic receptor gene expression, but also on how agonists regulate opposing adrenergic receptor-mediated pathways. This important feature of G protein-mediated pathways, i.e., cross-regulation and integration of information among several pathways, will be discussed in the context of what has been learned in the adrenergic receptor-coupled pathways.

The alpha subunit of the stimulatory guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory protein forms high-molecular-mass aggregates, concomitant with iloprost-induced desensitization of human platelet adenylyl cyclase

Prolonged treatment of human platelets with the prostacyclin analog iloprost led to desensitization of the response to various prostaglandin derivatives. However, basal adenylyl cyclase activity and stimulation by agents acting directly via Gs, the stimulatory guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory protein of adenylyl cyclase, were likewise decreased. Reconstitution of desensitized membranes with purified Gs from turkey erythrocytes indicated no alteration in the catalyst itself. However, the function of Gs (in cholate extracts) appeared to be severely impaired when reconstituted with adenylyl cyclase catalyst. Modification of Gs was also indicated by its altered sedimentation in sucrose density gradients. From Western blots, the alpha subunit of Gs, alpha s, from control platelets sedimented as a 5.6S species, while that from desensitized cells appeared at higher S values (in a polydisperse distribution). Activation by guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate of Gs from control platelets shifted alpha s to 3.5-3.7S, while activation of Gs from desensitized platelets induced such shift only for a minor portion of alpha s. This small fraction alone appeared to be susceptible to ADP-ribosylation by cholera toxin/[32P]NAD. Furthermore, an antibody directed against the C-terminal hexadecapeptide of alpha s precipitated much less alpha s from cholate extracts derived from desensitized platelets. Modification of alpha s during desensitization was also suggested from cross-linking experiments using the homobifunctional agent bismaleimidohexane: alpha s from desensitized platelets formed a single product of 80 kDa, while that from untreated platelets yielded a doublet (100 kDa and 110 kDa).

Expression of functional Y1 receptors for neuropeptide Y in human Ewing's sarcoma cell lines

In the human Ewing's sarcoma cell line WE-68, saturation analysis using 3H-labelled neuropeptide Y ([3H]NPY) as the radioligand disclosed a homogeneous population of binding sites with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 4.5 nM and maximal binding capacity (B(max)) of 712 fmol/mg cell protein. Besides the WE-68 cell line, ten other human Ewing's sarcoma cell lines (FM-62, HS-80, HT-78, HT-M1-78, NT-68, RM-82, RS-63, VH-64, WE-M1-68, WE-M2-68) were also found to display NPY receptors with Kd varying from 3.5 nM to 10.7 nM and B(max) = 247-3744 fmol/mg cell protein. NPY, its natural analogues and the Y1-receptor-specific peptide ligand [Leu31,Pro34]NPY inhibited [3H]NPY binding in the potency order: [Leu31,Pro34]NPY greater than or equal to human NPY greater than or equal to peptide YY (PYY) greater than salmon pancreatic polypeptide (PP) greater than human PP greater than porcine NPY13-36 much greater than NPY22-36. In the Ewing's sarcoma cell lines NPY provoked inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP formation by up to 98%. Pertussis toxin alleviated the cyclic-AMP-inhibitory response to NPY. In isolated Ewing's sarcoma plasma membranes pertussis toxin [32P]ADP-ribosylated a 41-kDa protein. The ability of NPY and analogues to inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation paralleled their potencies in displacing radioligand binding. By contrast, a cell line derived from an atypical form of Ewing's sarcoma did not express specific and functional NPY receptors. These results demonstrate that conventional Ewing's sarcoma cells possess Gi-protein-coupled NPY receptors of the Y1 type, which upon interaction with NPY, PYY, and PP mediate inhibition of cyclic AMP generation.

Glucagon-induced desensitization of broiler adipocyte lipolysis

Continuous exposure of cells to a hormonal stimulus results in attenuation of the hormone's effects on the cell; a process known as desensitization. The present study was undertaken to determine whether glucagon (GLU) induces desensitization of its lipolytic effect in adipocytes isolated from the abdominal fat of market-age broilers. Preincubation of adipocytes with 10 to 100 ng/mL of porcine GLU (pGLU) or chicken GLU (cGLU) for 24 h reduced (P less than .05) GLU-stimulated lipolysis. However, pGLU decreased (P less than .05) lipolysis to a greater extent than cGLU. Maximal lipolysis was reduced 70% by pGLU and 55% by cGLU. Chicken GLU also exhibited lower biological potency for acutely stimulating lipolysis from control and cGLU-treated adipocytes. Glycerol release from control adipocytes incubated for 1 h with .3 ng/mL of cGLU or pGLU was 26 and 42 nmol/h per 3% cells, respectively. The GLU-induced decrease in lipolysis occurred rapidly and was partially reversible. The results of the present study indicated that GLU induced desensitization of its lipolytic effect in broiler adipocytes.

Role of G proteins in stimulation of Na-H exchange by cell shrinkage

Many cells respond to shrinkage by stimulating specific ion transport processes (e.g., Na-H exchange). However, it is not known how the cell senses this volume change, nor how this signal is transduced to an ion transporter. We have studied the activation of Na-H exchange in internally dialyzed barnacle muscle fibers, measuring intracellular pH (pHi) with glass microelectrodes. When cells are dialyzed to a pHi of approximately 7.2, Na-H exchange is active only in shrunken cells. We found that the shrinkage-induced stimulation of Na-H exchange, elicited by increasing medium osmolality from 975 to 1,600 mosmol/kgH2O, is inhibited approximately 72% by including in the dialysis fluid 1 mM guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate). The latter is an antagonist of G protein activation. Even in unshrunken cells, Na-H exchange is activated by dialyzing the cell with 1 mM guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), which causes the prolonged activation of G proteins. Activation of Na-H exchange is also elicited in unshrunken cells by injecting cholera toxin, which activates certain G proteins. Neither exposing cells to 100 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate nor dialyzing them with a solution containing 20 microM adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) (or 50 microM dibutyryl cAMP) plus 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine substantially stimulates the exchanger. Thus our data suggest that a G protein plays a key role in the transduction of the shrinkage signal to the Na-H exchanger via a pathway that involves neither protein kinase C nor cAMP.

Differential short-term desensitization to vasopressin, isoproterenol, glucagon, parathyroid hormone and calcitonin in the thick ascending limb of rat kidney

Short-term desensitization to hormone-induced cAMP accumulation was investigated in the medullary (MTAL) and the cortical (CTAL) thick ascending limbs of Henle's loop isolated by microdissection from the rat kidney. The following agonists were studied: vasopressin, glucagon and human calcitonin in the MTAL, and vasopressin, glucagon, human calcitonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol in the CTAL. Isolated tubules were preincubated in vitro for 60 min in the presence or absence of a maximal concentration of one of the five agonists (vasopressin 10 nM, glucagon 10 nM, calcitonin 100 nM, PTH 10 nM, isoproterenol 1 microM). Desensitization induced by each agent to its own action was then quantified by measuring the amount of cAMP accumulating in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine and the same agonist concentration as that used during preincubation. In the MTAL, as previously reported, preincubation with vasopressin led to a marked (80%-85%) desensitization to this hormone. A significant hormone self-induced desensitization of about 45% was also obtained with glucagon, but not with calcitonin. In the CTAL, the following order of potency to elicit desensitization was observed: vasopressin (80%) greater than isoproterenol (50%) greater than glucagon (30%) greater than PTH (20%, NS) greater than calcitonin (10%, NS). Thus, the magnitude of desensitization varied greatly from one hormone to another, but for a given hormone, was of roughly similar extent in both MTAL and CTAL.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Activation of a pertussis-toxin-sensitive guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory protein during desensitization of Dictyostelium discoideum cells to chemotactic signals

The chemoattractant cAMP induces the activation of adenylate cyclase in Dictyostelium discoideum. Upon prolonged incubation with cAMP, cells become desensitized via two distinct processes: a decrease in the number of available cAMP-binding sites (down regulation) and modification of the receptor (presumably via phosphorylation) correlated with adaptation. These processes occur simultaneously, but differ in the cAMP dose dependency and reversibility. In this study we investigated the mechanism of adaptation; cells were incubated with a cAMP analog to induce desensitization mediated by adaptation. The cells were then washed, lysed and the interaction between cAMP, receptor, guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) and GTP was investigated. (1) cAMP receptors that are phosphorylated in vivo remain phosphorylated for at least 45 min after lysis. (2) Desensitization did not alter basal cAMP binding to the receptor nor the inhibitory effect of guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) on this binding. (3) The stimulatory effect of cAMP on GTP[S] binding was also unchanged, while basal GTP[S] binding and the kinetics of binding were only slightly different. (4) Basal high-affinity GTPase activity was not altered but cAMP stimulation was reduced from 43 +/- 7% in control lysates to 14 +/- 4% in lysates from desensitized cells. (5) cAMP stimulation of GTPase was decreased by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin from 43 +/- 7% to 17 +/- 8% but this was not further altered in lysates from desensitized pertussis-toxin-treated cells. These observations indicate that during desensitization the phosphorylated receptor can still interact with G proteins. Furthermore, desensitization did not affect cAMP stimulation of GTP[S] binding but strongly reduced cAMP stimulation of GTPase, suggesting that a G protein becomes activated. This G protein is pertussis toxin sensitive and may be the inhibitor G protein (Gi). This would imply that adenylate cyclase desensitizes because Gi becomes activated.

Desensitization of atriopeptin stimulated accumulation and extrusion of cyclic GMP from a kidney epithelial cell line (MDCK)

Atriopeptin caused dose- (EC50 ca. 2 x 10(-8) M) and time-dependent increases in the intracellular concentration of cyclic GMP in the MDCK kidney epithelial cell line; an effect potentiated by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX. The atriopeptin-catalysed increase in cyclic GMP was transient and reached a maximum some 10-20 min after challenge of cells with atriopeptin. The basis for the transience of this increase was shown to be due to the desensitization of guanylate cyclase coupled with extrusion of cyclic GMP from the cells and the degradation of cyclic GMP by phosphodiesterase activity. Atriopeptin-catalysed extrusion of cyclic GMP was time- and dose-(EC50 ca. 1.5 x 10(-8) M) dependent and was inhibited by probenecid but not by high external cyclic GMP concentrations. The extrusion process underwent apparent desensitization as did guanylate cyclase with similar half lives (T1/2 of ca. 20 min). Desensitization was dose-dependent upon atriopeptin and did not appear to be mediated by elevated cyclic GMP concentrations as pre-incubation with 8-bromo cyclic GMP did not cause desensitization and the half-times for desensitization were similar whether or not IBMX was present. The majority of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity was found in the cytosol fraction of the cells and could be separated into two cyclic AMP specific forms and two cyclic GMP preferring forms.

Modulation of Gs activity by phorbol myristate acetate in rat hepatocytes

Activation of protein kinase C promotes heterologous desensitization of hepatic adenylate cyclase. The basis for this desensitization was explored by use of a strategy with several independent approaches. Although not influencing the amount of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity (catalyst), treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) decreased adenylate cyclase activation in response to either sodium fluoride or guanylyl imidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p]. Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in cholera toxin-treated hepatocytes and both the basal and GTP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity of membranes from toxin-treated cells displayed a marked reduction in response to PMA. The ability of cholate extracts of hepatocyte membranes to reconstitute beta-adrenergic-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity of membrane of S49 mouse lymphoma cyc- cells was reduced by treatment with PMA. Cholera toxin-catalyzed labeling of Gs alpha-subunits was likewise diminished by phorbol ester treatment. Immunoblots of membranes from control or PMA-treated hepatocytes showed no difference in the amount of Gs alpha. Immunoprecipitation studies failed to detect phosphorylation of this G protein alpha-subunit. The data demonstrate that PMA induces an alteration in the functional status of Gs without altering the amount of this transmembrane signaling element. The alteration in Gs function may play a significant role in heterologous desensitization.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha up-regulates Gi alpha and G beta proteins and adenylyl cyclase responsiveness in rat cardiomyocytes

Treatment of cultured rat cardiomyocytes in serum-free medium for 48 h with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) led to a concentration-dependent increase in the level of membrane-inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gi) alpha-subunits and in pertussis toxin-catalyzed [32P]ADP ribosylation of 40 kDa proteins. Both Gi alpha protein subtypes present in rat cardiac myocyte membranes, Gi alpha 40 and Gi alpha 41, were up-regulated by the cytokine, with the maximal increase occurring at 10 U/ml TNF alpha. In contrast to noradrenaline exposure, which causes a similar, but apparently exclusive, increase in alpha i-subunits, treatment with TNF alpha in addition increased the level of membrane G protein beta 36-subunits. Furthermore, while noradrenaline exposure led to a decrease in receptor-dependent and -independent adenylyl cyclase activity, treatment of cardiomyocytes with TNF alpha caused a concentration-dependent increase in cyclase responsiveness to either forskolin, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) or isoproterenol, even though beta-adrenoceptor density was decreased by TNF alpha. The increase in adenylyl cyclase activity induced by TNF alpha was completely suppressed when the cells were cocultured with noradrenaline, a condition leading to an additive increase in Gi alpha level. The data indicate that the cytokine TNF alpha can potently modulate G protein-mediated signal transduction in rat cardiac myocytes. Although TNF alpha, like noradrenaline, exposure of the cells increased the level of membrane Gi alpha proteins, it did not decrease but rather caused an increase in adenylyl cyclase responsiveness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clonal variation of adenylyl cyclase activity in a rat tumor cell line caused by change in G protein-catalytic unit interaction

Two subclones of the rat XC cell line characterized by different morphology exhibited quite different adenylyl cyclase responses upon various stimulations. Upon treatment with cholera toxin, clone RK1 accumulated a high level of intracellular cAMP thereby changing its polygonal morphology to an elongated morphology, while the other clone, LK1, with a fibroblastic morphology, failed to increase the intracellular cAMP and remained morphologically unchanged. When membrane fractions derived from these two clones were stimulated with 10 microM forskolin, 10 microM GTP gamma S, or 10 mM NaF, five- to 20-fold more cAMP was accumulated in RK1-derived membranes than in LK1-derived membranes. With the same membrane fractions, upon treatment with Mn(+)+, which directly stimulates the catalytic unit, a high level of cAMP was accumulated both in RK1 and LK1, indicating that the catalytic function inducible by Mn(+)+ was similar in both clones. There was no significant difference in the level of expression of G protein alpha 2, alpha i (at least alpha i1 and alpha i2), and beta subunits between LK1 and RK1. Cholate extracts of the membrane proteins of LK1 and RK1 reconstituted the adenylyl cyclase activity of the cyc- variant of S49 lymphoma cells to the same level. Therefore, it is inferred that the defect in LK1 resides in the interaction of stimulatory G proteins and the actual catalyst.

Direct effects of chronic ethanol exposure on beta-adrenergic and adenosine-sensitive adenylate cyclase activities and cyclic AMP content in primary cerebellar cultures

The direct effects of chronic ethanol exposure on adenylate cyclase activity and cyclic AMP content were investigated in primary cerebellar cultures. By morphological criteria these cultures mainly contain granule cells with some astrocytes, and each cell type appears to contain both beta-adrenergic and adenosine-sensitive adenylate cyclase systems. Chronic treatment of the primary cerebellar cultures with 120 mM ethanol for 6 days caused a reduction in the stimulation of cyclic AMP content by isoproterenol and by the adenosine analogue 2-chloroadenosine. Kinetic analysis indicated that the chronic ethanol treatment decreased maximal activation of adenylate cyclase, as well as increased the EC50 values for norepinephrine and 2-chloroadenosine. Activation of norepinephrine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity by in vitro ethanol was significantly enhanced after the chronic ethanol exposure. However, the chronic treatment did not alter activation of the 2-chloroadenosine-stimulated enzyme by in vitro ethanol. A similar difference in the response to in vitro ethanol after the chronic treatment was observed when cyclic AMP content of the intact cells was measured. The present data indicate that chronic ethanol exposure causes a selective increase in the sensitivity of adenylate cyclase to ethanol in some brain cells and a more generalized desensitization of receptor-stimulated cyclic AMP production.

NaF and guanine nucleotides modulate adenylate cyclase activity in NG108-15 cells by interacting with both Gs and Gi

1. NaF (10 mM) produced a 2-3 fold increase in adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates of NG108-15 cells incubated in the presence of 1 microM GTP. Higher concentrations of NaF suppressed adenylate cyclase activity. 2. In the presence of the adenosine receptor agonist 5'-(N-ethyl)-carboxamidoadenosine (NECA; 100 microM) or the prostacyclin receptor agonist iloprost (10 nM), NaF produced a much smaller increase in adenylate cyclase activity, whereas in the presence of a saturating concentration of iloprost (1 microM), NaF only inhibited adenylate cyclase activity. 3. Similarly, Gpp(NH)p activated basal adenylate cyclase activity, and inhibited 1 microM iloprost-activated enzyme activity. In the presence of 10 microM forskolin, NaF or Gpp(NH)p increased adenylate cyclase activity synergistically. Analysis of concentration-effect curves indicated that NaF (2 mM) or Gpp(NH)p (100 microM) increased the potency with which forskolin activated adenylate cyclase, whilst reducing the maximum activation of adenylate cyclase by iloprost. 4. Opiate receptors mediate inhibition of adenylate cyclase, and the opiate agonist morphine (100 microM) reduced the capacity of NaF or Gpp(NH)p to inhibit iloprost-activated adenylate cyclase. Unexpectedly, pertussis toxin treatment enhanced the ability of NaF or Gpp(NH)p to inhibit iloprost-activated adenylate cyclase. 5. In the absence of GTP, NaF and Gpp(NH)p remained able both to activate basal adenylate cyclase and to be synergistic with forskolin in activating the enzyme. In contrast the ability of NaF and Gpp(NH)p to inhibit iloprost-activated adenylate cyclase was substantially lost in the absence of added GTP. These results suggest that NaF modulates adenylate cyclase activity in NG108-15 cell membranes by interacting with the alpha subunits of both G0 and Gi regulatory proteins. The effects of NaF and Gpp(NH)p are critically dependent on the prior mode and extent of activation or inhibition of this transmembrane signalling pathway. This simple system may be of use in assessing alterations in GSO-O interaction following manipulations such as hormone receptor desensitization.

Insulin sensitizes a cultured rat osteogenic sarcoma cell line to hormones which activate adenylate cyclase

Pretreatment of the osteogenic sarcoma cell line UMR-106-01 with insulin results in sensitization to both parathyroid hormone (PTH) and isoproterenol. In insulin-pretreated cells, the two hormones cause a significantly greater cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation than in noninsulin-treated cells. In the presence of cholera toxin, which enhances cAMP production by these cells in both the basal and PTH-stimulated state, the effect of insulin is maintained. In the presence of pertussis toxin, which has no effect on basal cAMP accumulation but enhances both PTH and isoproterenol stimulation, insulin sensitization for both hormones is abolished. These data suggest that insulin sensitizes these cells to subsequent hormone stimulation by lessening the action of an inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein, possibly Gi.

Multiple hormone actions: the rises in cAMP and Ca++ in MDCK-cells treated with glucagon and prostaglandin E1 are independent processes

Glucagon and prostaglandin E1 stimulate adenylate cyclase in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells with an approximate EC50 of 3*10(-8) and 1*10(-7) M respectively. The rise in cAMP is accompanied by a transient rise in intracellular Ca++ measured with the fluorescent calcium indicator Indo-1. A comparable increase in intracellular Ca2+ without a rise in cAMP occurs with the cholinergic agonist carbamylcholine. Stimulation of adenylate cyclase by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol or directly by forskolin has no effect on intracellular Ca++. By all criteria studied the rise in intracellular Ca++ and the increase in cAMP are independent from each other.

Segregation of discrete GS alpha-mediated responses that accompany homologous or heterologous desensitization in two related somatic hybrids

1. Prostacyclin and adenosine A2 receptors activate adenylate cyclase in the neuroblastoma hybrid cell lines NG108-15 and NCB-20. Prolonged exposure of NG108-15 cells to iloprost (a stable analogue of prostacyclin) results in a subsequent reduction in the capacity for adenylate cyclase activation by iloprost, the adenosine analogue 5'-(N-ethyl)-carboxamidoadenosine (NECA) or NaF. In contrast prolonged exposure of NCB-20 cells to iloprost results only in the loss of iloprost responsiveness. 2. Iloprost pretreatment of NG108-15 cells also magnified the morphine-dependent inhibition of iloprost-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity from 36 to 48%. This change was not due to lower iloprost stimulation following desensitization, since the % inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity by morphine in control cells was constant irrespective of enzyme activity. 3. These heterologous effects observed in NG108-15 cells following iloprost pretreatment may involve changes in the GS alpha protein, since there was a reduction of about 30% in the cholera toxin-induced [32P]-ADP-ribosylation of a 45 kDa protein from cell membranes (corresponding to the extent of loss of NECA or NaF responsiveness). A similar reduction was not observed in NCB-20 cells. 4. These results indicate that iloprost pretreatment induces different forms of desensitization in NG108-15 and NCB-20 cell lines. The heterologous desensitization in the former may, like the human platelet, involve a functional loss of GS alpha from the cell membrane. Changes in the activity of GS alpha may also account for the heterologous effects on receptors that mediate inhibition of adenylate cyclase.

Adrenergic receptors. Models for regulation of signal transduction processes

Adrenergic receptors are prototypic models for the study of the relations between structure and function of G protein-coupled receptors. Each receptor is encoded by a distinct gene. These receptors are integral membrane proteins with several striking structural features. They consist of a single subunit containing seven stretches of 20-28 hydrophobic amino acids that represent potential membrane-spanning alpha-helixes. Many of these receptors share considerable amino acid sequence homology, particularly in the transmembrane domains. All of these macromolecules share other similarities that include one or more potential sites of extracellular N-linked glycosylation near the amino terminus and several potential sites of regulatory phosphorylation that are located intracellularly. By using a variety of techniques, it has been demonstrated that various regions of the receptor molecules are critical for different receptor functions. The seven transmembrane regions of the receptors appear to form a ligand-binding pocket. Cysteine residues in the extracellular domains may stabilize the ligand-binding pocket by participating in disulfide bonds. The cytoplasmic domains contain regions capable of interacting with G proteins and various kinases and are therefore important in such processes as signal transduction, receptor-G protein coupling, receptor sequestration, and down-regulation. Finally, regions of these macromolecules may undergo posttranslational modifications important in the regulation of receptor function. Our understanding of these complex relations is constantly evolving and much work remains to be done. Greater understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in G protein-coupled, receptor-mediated signal transduction may provide leads into the nature of certain pathophysiological states.

Desensitization of vasopressin sensitive adenylate cyclase by vasopressin and phorbol esters

Desensitization of vasopressin V2 receptor-mediated adenylate cyclase was studied in canine kidney cell line, MDCK cells. Overnight treatment of MDCK cells with arginine vasopressin (AVP) resulted in a loss of vasopressin receptors and an inhibition of cAMP accumulation in response to AVP. Both the loss of receptor and reduction in cAMP accumulation were time- and AVP concentration-dependent. Desensitization was selective for AVP because cAMP formation in response to isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and forskolin was not affected by AVP pre-treatment. Pre-treatment of MDCK cells with phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) also caused a dose-dependent inhibition of AVP mediated cAMP accumulation, but not of isoproterenol-, PGE1- and forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation. PDBu pre-treatment did not cause loss of vasopressin receptors. Instead, the affinity for vasopressin was changed by PDBu treatment. Pre-treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin (PT) had no effect on the desensitization and downregulation of vasopressin (V2) receptors, suggesting that the desensitization may not be mediated by pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein. Our data suggest that pre-treatment of MDCK cells with AVP or PDBu caused desensitization of AVP-mediated cAMP accumulation and that downregulation of V2 receptors required agonist occupancy of the receptors, whereas the affinity of the receptors was changed by phorbol ester treatment.

Hormonal regulation of Gi alpha level and adenylyl cyclase responsiveness

Prolonged exposure of cells to adenylyl cyclase stimulatory hormonal factors can cause an increase in the level of membrane inhibitory G protein (Gi) alpha-subunits, while inhibitory receptor agonists have been reported to induce the opposite response. As studied in cultured rat cardiomyocytes, the beta-adrenoceptor-induced increase in the level of Gi alpha proteins is protein synthesis-dependent, is apparently not accompanied by an increase in G protein beta-subunits and results in a decreased adenylyl cyclase responsiveness. On the other hand, a decrease in Gi alpha level apparently results in sensitization of adenylyl cyclase stimulation. These data suggest that the up- or down-regulation of the level and activity of Gi protein alpha-subunits is a rather general cellular response, providing an intracellular negative feedback control against prolonged receptor activation.

Mechanism of noradrenaline-induced heterologous desensitization of adenylate cyclase stimulation in rat heart muscle cells: increase in the level of inhibitory G-protein alpha-subunits

The mechanism of heterologous desensitization of adenylate cyclase stimulation was studied in cultured neonatal rat heart muscle cells. After culturing of the cells for 3 days in the presence of 1 microM noradrenaline there was in addition to a 52% decrease in isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, a lessening of the stimulation of beta-adrenoceptor-independent adenylate cyclase by guanosine-5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) and forskolin by 24 and 34%, respectively. The decrease in receptor-independent adenylate cyclase stimulation by forskolin, but not the attenuation of isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, was abolished by pertussis toxin (PTX) pretreatment of the cells. Gi, the inhibitory G-protein of adenylate cyclase was therefore quantitated. Labelling of the Mr approximately 40 kDa PTX substrates in membranes of noradrenaline-treated cells was increased by 70% as shown by pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP ribosylation of heart cell membranes. This increase was also seen in the presence of an excess of purified beta gamma-subunits of transducin and of GTP, suggesting that the increased labelling was not due to elevation of the level of beta gamma-subunits or increase in the concentration of GTP in the membranes of noradrenaline-treated cells. Analysis of the PTX substrates on high resolution urea/SDS-polyacrylamide gels revealed that at least two distinct PTX substrates (40 and 41 kDa) were present in rat heart cell membranes. The labelling of both substrates was increased in membranes of desensitized cells. Immunoblotting of heart cell membranes with anti-Gi alpha-antibodies demonstrated a marked increase in the amount of Gi alpha in membranes of noradrenaline-treated cells. In contrast, immunoblotting with anti-beta-antibodies showed that the level of the beta-subunit of G-proteins (36 kDa) was unchanged after noradrenaline exposure. The data indicate that prolonged treatment of rat heart muscle cells with noradrenaline leads to an increase in the level of alpha-subunits of Gi-proteins. This suggests that this increase is responsible for the observed heterologous desensitization of adenylate cyclase stimulation.

Glucagon-induced refractoriness of hepatocyte adenylate cyclase: comparison of homologous and heterologous components and evidence against a role of cAMP

Exposure of cultured hepatocytes to glucagon leads to a partial refractoriness of the adenylate cyclase both to glucagon (homologous desensitization) and to isoproterenol (heterologous desensitization). In contrast, isoproterenol produces a very strong homologous desensitization but almost no heterologous desensitization. The present study compared the pattern of the homologous and heterologous components of glucagon-induced desensitization in these cells, particularly during the first 4 hours, and examined the role of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the mechanism of refractoriness development. The decrease in glucagon-sensitive and isoproterenol-sensitive adenylate cyclase activities were closely parallel with respect to the extent, the time course and the dose required. 8-Bromoadenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (8-Bromo-cAMP) also reduced the hormone-responsive adenylate cyclase activity, but this effect developed more slowly than the desensitization after glucagon treatment. No consistent relationship was found between cAMP levels and induction of hormone refractoriness when the cells were exposed to glucagon, isoproterenol, cholera toxin or forskolin. Furthermore, addition of 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine) (IBMX) which strongly amplified the cAMP response, did not potentiate the glucagon-induced desensitization of either glucagon-sensitive or isoproterenol-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity. Taken together, the results suggest that homologous and heterologous desensitization of the adenylate cyclase developing after glucagon exposure occur by similar (agonist-non-specific) mechanisms which do not involve cAMP.

Solubilization of a guanine nucleotide-sensitive form of vasopressin V2 receptors from porcine kidney

Vasopressin (V2) receptors were solubilized from porcine kidney membranes with the detergent egg lysolecithin. Binding of [3H]vasopressin to the solubilized fraction was rapid, specific, and saturable. The agonist dissociation constants observed in membranes and solubilized fractions were 1.7 +/- 0.3 and 2.3 +/- 0.2 nM, respectively. In competition binding experiments, the solubilized fraction exhibited the same pharmacological profile as the membranes. Chemical crosslinking of [125I]vasopressin to the solubilized fraction followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis demonstrated a 62-kDa band which was specifically labeled with [125I]vasopressin. Vasopressin binding sites from the solubilized fractions were resolved by gel filtration and ultracentrifugation on a sucrose gradient. In addition, agonist high affinity binding to V2 receptors and its sensitivity to guanine nucleotides were preserved even after solubilization in the absence of prebound agonist prior to solubilization. Addition of guanine nucleotides such as GTP gamma S decreased the specific binding of [3H]arginine vasopressin to these solubilized fractions in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting the solubilization of a V2 receptor-G protein complex. [32P]ADP ribosylation of the solubilized fraction by cholera and pertussis toxins revealed specifically labeled proteins with molecular weights of 42,000-43,000 and 39,000-41,000, respectively, on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels. Furthermore [35S]GTP gamma S binding to these solubilized fractions was enhanced by vasopressin, confirming that a significant proportion of the vasopressin receptors must be closely coupled to G proteins even when these receptors are solubilized in the absence of agonist. These results are in contrast with those reported for beta, alpha 2 adrenergic and D2 dopaminergic receptor systems, but in agreement with D1 dopaminergic and A1 adenosine receptors. The molecular mechanism responsible for this difference remains to be determined.

Homologous and heterologous desensitization mediated by vasopressin in smooth muscle cells

Prolonged exposure of A-10 cells to Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) resulted in the following responses: (a) loss of vasopressin receptors from the cell surface (30-40%), (b) increased basal levels of inositol and inositol monophosphate, (c) decreased inositol di- and trisphosphate production and decreased intracellular calcium release in response to a second challenge with AVP, (d) attenuation of AVP-mediated inhibition of isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP and ANF-stimulated cGMP accumulation and (e) attenuation of thrombin and ATP-mediated increase in inositol di- and trisphosphate accumulation and intracellular calcium release. All the above responses depended on the time of exposure of the cells to AVP with the responses being attenuated as early as 5-10 min of exposure to AVP. The desensitization also depended on the concentration of AVP used with 50% of maximal desensitization for each response being observed at 5 nM of AVP. This concentration of AVP corresponded well with the Kd of vasopressin for binding to these sites. Desensitization of protein kinase C (PKC) by prolonged exposure of the cells to PDBu or addition of the PKC inhibitor staurosporine during pretreatment with AVP did not prevent AVP-mediated desensitization, suggesting that PKC may not be involved in AVP-mediated desensitization in smooth muscle cells. It is concluded that AVP induced both homologous and heterologous desensitization of phosphatidylinositol turnover and calcium release in smooth muscle cells. The desensitization processes did not appear to be mediated by protein kinase C. The possibility that the locus of the heterologous desensitization may be at the level of substrates such as PI, PIP and PIP2 is discussed.