Formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate from inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate and their pathways of degradation in RBL-2H3 cells

Phosphoinositide and inositol phosphate analysis in lymphocyte activation

Lymphocyte antigen receptor engagement profoundly changes the cellular content of phosphoinositide lipids and soluble inositol phosphates. Among these, the phosphoinositides phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) play key signaling roles by acting as pleckstrin homology (PH) domain ligands that recruit signaling proteins to the plasma membrane. Moreover, PIP2 acts as a precursor for the second messenger molecules diacylglycerol and soluble inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), essential mediators of PKC, Ras/Erk, and Ca2+ signaling in lymphocytes. IP3 phosphorylation by IP3 3-kinases generates inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4), an essential soluble regulator of PH domain binding to PIP3 in developing T cells. Besides PIP2, PIP3, IP3, and IP4, lymphocytes produce multiple other phosphoinositides and soluble inositol phosphates that could have important physiological functions. To aid their analysis, detailed protocols that allow one to simultaneously measure the levels of multiple different phosphoinositide or inositol phosphate isomers in lymphocytes are provided here. They are based on thin layer, conventional and high-performance liquid chromatographic separation methods followed by radiolabeling or non-radioactive metal-dye detection. Finally, less broadly applicable non-chromatographic methods for detection of specific phosphoinositide or inositol phosphate isomers are discussed. Support protocols describe how to obtain pure unstimulated CD4+CD8+ thymocyte populations for analyses of inositol phosphate turnover during positive and negative selection, key steps in T cell development.

A novel receptor-mediated regulation mechanism of type I inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II phosphorylation

D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P(3)) and D-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5)P(4)) are both substrates of the 43-kDa type I inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase. Transient and okadaic acid-sensitive inhibition by 70-85% of Ins(1,4,5)P(3) and Ins(1,3,4,5)P(4) 5-phosphatase activities was observed in homogenates from rat cortical astrocytes, human astrocytoma 1321N1 cells, and rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells after incubation with carbachol. The effect was reproduced in response to UTP in rat astrocytic cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells overexpressing human type I 5-phosphatase. Immunodetection as well as mass spectrometric peptide mass fingerprinting and post-source decay (PSD) sequence data analysis after immunoprecipitation permitted unambiguous identification of the major native 5-phosphatase isoform hydrolyzing Ins(1,4,5)P(3) and Ins(1,3,4,5)P(4) as type I inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase. In ortho-(32)P-preincubated cells, the phosphorylated 43 kDa-enzyme could be identified after receptor activation by immunoprecipitation followed by electrophoretic separation. Phosphorylation of type I 5-phosphatase was blocked after cell preincubation in the presence of Ca(2+)/calmodulin kinase II inhibitors (i.e. KN-93 and KN-62). In vitro phosphorylation of recombinant type I enzyme by Ca(2+)/calmodulin kinase II resulted in an inhibition (i.e. 60-80%) of 5-phosphatase activity. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time a novel regulation mechanism of type I 5-phosphatase by phosphorylation in intact cells.

Differential induction of inositol phosphate metabolism by three adipokinetic hormones

Many (in)vertebrates simultaneously release several structurally and functionally related hormones; however, the relevance of this phenomenon is poorly understood. In the locust e.g. each of three adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) is capable of controlling mobilization of carbohydrate and lipid from fat body stores, but it is unclear why three AKHs coexist. We now demonstrate disparities in the signal transduction of these hormones. Massive doses of the AKHs stimulated total inositol phosphate (InsPn) production in the fat body biphasicly, but time courses were different. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) resulted in attenuation of both InsPn synthesis and glycogen phosphorylase activation. The AKHs evoked differential formation of individual [3H]InsPn isomers (InsP(1-6)), the effect being most pronounced for InsP3. 40 nM of AKH-I and -III induced a substantial rise in total InsPn and [3H]InsP3 at short incubations, whereas the AKH-II effect was negligible. At a more physiological dose of 4 nM, the AKHs equally enhanced Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels. The InsP3 effect was most prolonged for AKH-III. These subtle differences in InsPn metabolism, together with earlier findings on differences between the AKHs, support the hypothesis that each AKH exerts specific biological functions in the overall syndrome of energy mobilization during flight.

Phospholipase-C-independent inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation in Dictyostelium cells. Activation of a plasma-membrane-bound phosphatase by receptor-stimulated Ca2+ influx

Dictyostelium cells have enzyme activities that generate the inositol polyphosphate Ins(1,4,5)P3 from Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 via the intermediates Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and Ins(1,4,5,6)P4. These enzyme activities could explain why cells with a deletion of the single phospholipase C gene (plc- cells) possess nearly normal Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels. In this study the regulation and the subcellular localization of the enzyme activities was investigated. The enzyme activities performing the different reaction steps from Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 to Ins(1,4,5)P3 are probably due to a single enzyme. Indications for this are the previously shown similar Ca2+ dependencies of the various reaction steps. Furthermore, the activities mediating the complete conversion of Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 to Ins(1,4,5)P3 co-purify after subcellular fractionation, solubilization, and chromatography of the proteins. Subcellular fractionation studies demonstrate that the enzyme is localized mainly at the inner face of the plasma membrane. The enzyme activity could not be stimulated in vitro by guanosine 5'-(3-thio)triphosphate, a procedure known to activate G-protein-coupled enzymes in Dictyostelium. Still, in plc- cells the level of Ins(1,4,5)P3 was increased significantly after stimulation with high concentrations of the extracellular ligand cAMP. This stimulation is most likely due to the influx of Ca2+ because no increase of Ins(1,4,5)P3 could be detected in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. The results demonstrate the existence of a new receptor-controlled route for the formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 that is independent of phospholipase C.

Insect adipokinetic hormone stimulates inositol phosphate metabolism: roles for both Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 in signal transduction?

Adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) control the mobilization of energy reserves from the insect fat body as fuels for flight activity. As a part of our investigations on AKH signal transduction, we demonstrate in this study that the inositol lipid cycle may be involved in the action of AKH-I on fat body of the migratory locust. We show that [3H]inositol is incorporated into fat body phosphoinositides in vitro, whose hydrolysis leads to the formation of the following inositol phosphates (InsPs): Ins(1 and/or 3)P, Ins(4)P, Ins(1,3)P2, Ins(1,4)P2, Ins(3,4)P3, Ins(1,3,4)P3, Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. AKH stimulates the formation of these isomers, eliciting an increase in radioactivity of total InsPs already after 1 min. Mass measurements show that Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels are substantially enhanced by AKH, which is indicative of hormonal activation of phospholipase C. In cell-free tissue preparations, Ins(1,4,5)P3 is metabolized through dephosphorylation as well as further phosphorylation. Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 is dephosphorylated primarily to Ins(1,3,4)P3, although the ability for its reconversion to Ins(1,4,5)P3 suggests that in vivo Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 may function as a rapidly mobilizable pool for Ins(1,4,5)P3 generation. Metabolic pathways for the conversion of InsPs to inositol in the locust fat body are proposed.

A novel, phospholipase C-independent pathway of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation in Dictyostelium and rat liver

In an earlier study a mutant Dictyostelium cell-line (plc-) was constructed in which all phospholipase C activity was disrupted and nonfunctional, yet these cells had nearly normal Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels (Drayer, A.L., Van Der Kaay, J., Mayr, G.W, Van Haastert, P.J.M. (1990) EMBO J. 13, 1601-1609). We have now investigated if these cells have a phospholipase C-independent de novo pathway of Ins(1,4,5)P3 synthesis. We found that homogenates of plc- cells produce Ins(1,4,5)P3 from endogenous precursors. The enzyme activities that performed these reactions were located in the particulate cell fraction, whereas the endogenous substrate was soluble and could be degraded by phytase. We tested various potential inositol polyphosphate precursors and found that the most efficient were Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5, Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, and Ins(1,4,5,6)P4. The utilization of Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5, which can be formed independently of phospholipase C by direct phosphorylation of inositol (Stephens, L.R. and Irvine, R.F. (1990) Nature 346, 580-582), provides Dictyostelium with an alternative and novel pathway of de novo Ins(1,4,5)P3 synthesis. We further discovered that Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 was converted to Ins(1,4,5)P3 via both Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and Ins(1,4,5,6)P4. In the absence of calcium no Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation could be observed; half-maximal activity was observed at low micromolar calcium concentrations. These reaction steps could also be performed by a single enzyme purified from rat liver, namely, the multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatase. These data indicate that organisms as diverse as rat and Dictyostelium possess enzyme activities capable of synthesizing the second messengers Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 via a novel phospholipase C-independent pathway.

Adrenoceptors in SHR: alterations in binding characteristics and intracellular signal transduction pathways

There is much data on altered adrenoceptor function in the heart, blood vessel and kidney from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The enhancement of vascular and renal alpha-adrenoceptor function, i.e. vasoconstriction and retention of water and sodium, may contribute to the development and maintenance of the hypertension, whereas cardiac alpha1-adrenoceptor may be of minor physiological significance. Alpha1-adrenoceptor-mediated signal transduction as a whole is increased in SHR vascular tissues, but the intracellular signaling per receptor in the kidney seems to be decreased despite increased alpha1-adrenoceptor density. On the other hand, cardiac and vascular beta-adrenoceptor responsiveness is attenuated in SHR. Reduced vasorelaxation mediated by beta-adrenoceptors may also contribute to high blood pressure. The impaired cardiovascular beta-adrenoceptor function in SHR does not appear to be necessarily explained by alterations observed at receptor levels. Alterations in signal transduction should be also considered. Limited data on renal beta-adrenoceptor density and its signaling suggest decreased or unaltered cyclic AMP formation per receptor in SHR. We will review alterations in both binding characteristics and each component of intracellular signal transduction pathways in cardiovascular and renal adrenoceptors of SHR.

Synthesis and metabolism of bis-diphosphoinositol tetrakisphosphate in vitro and in vivo

The pathway of synthesis and metabolism of bis-diphosphoinositol tetrakisphosphate (PP-InsP4-PP) was elucidated by high performance liquid chromatography using newly available 3H- and 32P-labeled substrates. Metabolites were also identified by using two purified phosphatases in a structurally diagnostic manner: tobacco "pyrophosphatase" (Shinshi, H., Miwa, M., Kato, K., Noguchi, M. Matsushima, T., and Sugimura, T. (1976) Biochemistry 15, 2185-2190) and rat hepatic multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatase (MIPP; Craxton, A., Ali, N., and Shears, S. B. (1995) Biochem. J. 305, 491-498). The demonstration that diphosphoinositol polyphosphates were hydrolyzed by MIPP provides new information on its substrate specificity, although MIPP did not metabolize significant amounts of these polyphosphates in either rat liver homogenates or intact AR4-2J cells. In liver homogenates, inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) was phosphorylated first to a diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (PP-InsP5) and then to PP-InsP4-PP. These kinase reactions were reversed by phosphatases, establishing two coupled substrate cycles. The two dephosphorylations were probably performed by distinct phosphatases that were distinguished by their separate positional specificities, and their different sensitivities to inhibition by F- (IC50 values of 0.03 mM and 1.4 mM against PP-InsP5 and PP-InsP4-PP, respectively). In [3H]inositol-labeled AR4-2J cells, the steady-state levels of PP-[3H]InsP5 and PP-[3H]InsP4-PP were, respectively, 2-3 and 0.6% of the level of [3H]InsP6. The ongoing turnover of these polyphosphates was revealed by treatment of cells with 0.8 mM NaF for 40 min, which reduced levels of [3H]InsP6 by 50%, increased the levels of PP-[3H]InsP5 16-fold, and increased levels of PP-[3H]InsP4-PP 5-fold. A large increase in levels of PP-[3H]InsP5 also occurred in cells treated with 10 mM NaF, but then no significant change to levels of PP-[3H]InsP4-PP were observed; there may be important differences in the control of the turnover of these two compounds.

The metabolism of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and D-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate by porcine skeletal muscle

In soluble and particulate extracts from muscle D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] and D-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4,5)P4] are metabolised stepwise to inositol. Ins(1,4,5)P3 is rapidly dephosphorylated to D-myo-inositol 1,4-bisphosphate then to D-myo-inositol 4-phosphate and finally inositol. In soluble extracts Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 is dephosphorylated to D-myo-inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate then sequentially to D-myo-inositol 3,4-bisphosphate, D-myo-inositol 3-phosphate and inositol, while in particulate extracts D-myo-inositol 1,3-bisphosphate is the predominant inositol bisphosphate formed. Dephosphorylation of these inositol polyphosphates is Mg2+ dependent and inhibited by D-2,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid. Ins(1,4,5)P3 is also phosphorylated to form Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 in soluble extracts by Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase. Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase activity is Mg2+ and ATP dependent and is stimulated by Ca2+ and calmodulin. Particulate (sarcotubular) inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (5-phosphatase) is found in membranes which are intimately involved in excitation-contraction coupling and the generation of the primary Ca2+ signal of muscle cells. Particulate 5-phosphatase had the highest specific activity in the transverse-tubule membrane, when compared to the terminal cisternae and longitudinal-tubule membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Particulate Ins(1,3,4,5)P4-3-phosphatase activity was also detected after fractionation of solubilised sarcotubular membranes by DEAE-Sephacel. Particulate 5-phosphatase activity was purified 25,600-fold to a specific activity of 25.6 mumol Ins(1,4,5)P3 hydrolysed.min-1.mg protein-1, after DEAE-Sephacel and novel affinity chromatography using D-2,3-bisphosphoglycerate/agarose and Sepharose-4B-immobilised Ins(1,4,5)P3-analog matrices. Purified particulate 5-phosphatase had apparent Km of 46.3 microM and 1.9 microM and Vmax of 115 and 0.046 mumol substrate hydrolysed.min-1.mg protein-1, for Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, respectively. In contrast, purified soluble type I 5-phosphatase had apparent Km of 8.9 microM and 1.1 microM and Vmax of 3.55 and 0.13 mumol substrate hydrolysed.min-1.mg protein-1, for Ins(1,4,5P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, respectively. As in other cells, muscle 5-phosphatases have a lower affinity, but a higher capacity to metabolise Ins(1,4,5)P3 than Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. Soluble type I 5-phosphatase may have a functional role in the metabolism of both inositol polyphosphates, while particulate 5-phosphatase may primarily metabolise Ins(1,4,5)P3. Purified Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase had an apparent Km of 0.42 microM and a Vmax of 4.12 nmol Ins(1,4,5)P3 phosphorylated.min-1.mg protein-1. The profile of inositol polyphosphate metabolism in muscle is similar to that reported in other tissues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Studies on the properties of myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase and myo-inositol monophosphatase in bovine iris sphincter smooth muscle: effects of okadaic acid and protein phosphorylation

In bovine iris sphincter, myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) 5-phosphatase and myo-inositol 1-phosphate (IP1) monophosphatase are mainly localized in the microsomal and soluble fractions, respectively. Studies on the properties of these enzymes can be summarized as follows. (1) The microsomal IP3 5-phosphatase hydrolyzed IP3 to myo-inositol 1,4-bisphosphate with an apparent Km of 28 microM and Vmax of 32 nmol/min per mg protein. The IP1 monophosphatase in the soluble fraction hydrolyzed IP1 into free inositol with an apparent Km of 89 microM and Vmax of 7 nmol/min per mg protein. (2) IP3 5-phosphatase and IP1 monophosphatase had optimal pH values at 8.0 and 7.0, respectively. (3) Both enzymes required Mg2+ and their highest specific activities were at a cation concentration of 2 mM. (4) Ca2+ (> 0.5 microM) exerted an inhibitory effect on IP3 5-phosphatase activity, and marked inhibition (47%) was observed at a concentration of 10 microM. Higher concentrations of the cation (> 100 microM) were required to inhibit IP1 monophosphatase. (5) IP1 monophosphatase, but not IP3 5-phosphatase, was inhibited by Li+. Li+ had no effect on the contractile response in this smooth muscle. (6) Both enzymes were inhibited by ATP and by the thiol-blocking agent, disulfiram. In addition, thimerosal, a thiol reagent, also inhibited the IP3 5-phosphatase activity. (7) Protein phosphorylation of the microsomal and soluble fractions with PKA or PKC had no effect on the activities of these enzymes. (8) Okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, had no effect on the activity of IP3 5-phosphatase. However, in the intact iris sphincter the toxin significantly reduced the carbachol-induced IP3 production, 1,2-diacylglycerol formation, measured as phosphatidic acid, and caused muscle relaxation.

Stimulation of leukotriene production and membrane translocation of 5-lipoxygenase by cross-linking of the IgE receptors in RBL-2H3 cells

Recent studies in rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) have shown that two pharmacological agents, ionomycin and thapsigargin, induce leukotriene C4 production and translocation of 5-lipoxygenase from cytosol to membrane, primarily by causing an influx of extracellular calcium. In the present study, we investigate the induction of these events by receptor activation. Cross-linking of high-affinity IgE receptors (Fc epsilon RI) by antigen in RBL-2H3 cells leads to leukotriene C4 production and membrane translocation of 5-lipoxygenase. As in the ionomycin-stimulated cells, leukotriene C4 production in antigen-stimulated cells is calcium-dependent since the amount of leukotriene C4 produced correlates quantitatively with the increase in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). However, the increase in [Ca2+]i required for equivalent leukotriene C4 production by antigen is not as high as it is using ionomycin. In addition, no threshold [Ca2+]i level is required for leukotriene production by antigen, which is in contrast to the ionomycin stimulation that a [Ca2+]i level of 300-400 nM is required. Furthermore, antigen causes an additive increase in leukotriene C4 production in cells stimulated by the ionomycin. These results suggest that another as yet unidentified intracellular pathway acts in conjunction with Ca2+ for leukotriene synthesis in antigen-stimulated cells. Antigen stimulation causes 20-30% of the total cell 5-lipoxygenase to associate with membranes (compared with 10% in unstimulated cells) as demonstrated by enzyme activity assay and by Western Blot using antibodies to 5-lipoxygenase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effects of inositol trisphosphates and inositol tetrakisphosphate on Ca2+ release and Cl- current pattern in the Xenopus laevis oocyte

We report that Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 releases calcium from intracellular stores of intact Xenopus laevis oocytes, as indicated by two different techniques, Ca2(+)-sensitive microelectrodes and a fura-2 imaging system. Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 releases only 20% as much Ca2+ as the same amount of Ins(1,4,5)P3. This effect is not due to the conversion of the injected Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 to Ins(1,4,5)P3, which is known to release Ca2+, because the amount of [3H]Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 that is converted to Ins(1,4,5)P3 is extremely small, as determined using HPLC. Examination of the different current patterns induced by Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, when injected into voltage-clamped oocytes, provided further evidence that the Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 was not being converted back to Ins(1,4,5)P3. We investigated the effects of four compounds, three inositol trisphosphates (Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(2,4,5)P3, and Ins(1,3,4)P3), and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, on Cl- current conductance in order to examine (1) the possible role of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 in cell activation and (2) the relationships between intracellular Ca2+ and the activation of Cl- currents. Immature stage VI Xenopus laevis oocytes were voltage-clamped and injected with Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(2,4,5)P3, and Ins(1,3,4)P3. Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(2,4,5)P3 triggered Ca2(+)-dependent Cl- currents, but Ins(1,3,4)P3 did not trigger currents nor did it release intracellular Ca2+. Ins(2,4,5)P3 was fourfold less effective at inducing the immediate Cl- current pulse than Ins(1,4,5)P3. The Cl- current pattern was quite dependent on the amount of Ins(1,4,5)P3 injected into the oocyte. Low amounts of Ins(1,4,5)P3 triggered only an immediate single Cl- current pulse, whereas large amounts triggered the immediate single pulse, followed by a quiescent period, followed by oscillating Cl- currents. In contrast to the response of Ins(1,4,5)P3, injection of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 triggered only oscillating Cl- currents whose magnitude, but not pattern, was dependent on the amount injected into the cell. The currents generated by Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 resemble the oscillating Cl- currents triggered by large amounts of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(2,4,5)P3. Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, unlike Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(2,4,5)P3, rarely caused an immediate Cl- current pulse, but caused an immediate release of calcium. Therefore, we suggest that the oscillating currents are only indirectly dependent on calcium. These [Ca2+]i and conductance measurements suggest that both Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 have roles in intracellular Ca2+ regulation.

Effects of ethanol on inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate metabolism by rat brain homogenates

The hydrolysis of membrane phosphoinositides is widely recognized as an important signal transduction pathway in brain. One of the products of phosphoinositide hydrolysis, Ins(1,4,5)P3, is thought to participate in signal transduction by mobilizing intracellular calcium and it is now clear that Ins(1,4,5)P3 metabolism is a complicated process that may be highly regulated. In addition to being dephosphorylated by the action of a 5-phosphatase, Ins(1,4,5)P3 can be phosphorylated by a 3-kinase to Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. Although the physiological significance of the higher inositol polyphosphates is not clear, recent evidence suggests that Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 may also have important second messenger function. Since ethanol is known to have potent effects on synaptic transmission, we investigated the in vitro effects of ethanol on [3H]Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 metabolism by rat whole brain homogenates. Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 was rapidly hydrolyzed to Ins(1,3,4)P3, inositol bisphosphates [Ins(3,4)P2 and Ins(1,3)P2], inositol monophosphates [Ins(1)P/Ins(3)P and Ins(4)P], and to inositol by sequential dephosphorylation. No [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3 was detected. Ethanol (500 mM), significantly accelerated the dephosphorylation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, resulting in a more rapid formation of inositol bisphosphates, monophosphates and inositol. However, intoxicating and sedative-hypnotic concentrations of ethanol (30-100 mM) had no effect upon Ins(1,3,4)P3 dephosphorylation, suggesting that pharmacologically relevant concentrations of ethanol do not directly effect the enzymes involved in the dephosphorylation of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 to free inositol in brain.

Regulation of the metabolism of 1,2-diacylglycerols and inositol phosphates that respond to receptor activation

This review assimilates information on the regulation of the metabolism of those inositol phosphates and diacylglycerols that respond to receptor activation. Particular emphasis is placed on the regulation of specific enzymes, the occurrence of isoenzymes, and metabolic compartmentalization; the overall aim is to demonstrate the significance of these activities in relation to the physiological impact of the various cell signalling processes.

myo-inositol metabolites as cellular signals

The discovery of the second-messenger functions of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol, the products of hormone-stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, marked a turning point in studies of hormone function. This review focuses on the myo-inositol moiety which is involved in an increasingly complex network of metabolic interconversions, myo-Inositol metabolites identified in eukaryotic cells include at least six glycerophospholipid isomers and some 25 distinct inositol phosphates which differ in the number and distribution of phosphate groups around the inositol ring. This apparent complexity can be simplified by assigning groups of myo-inositol metabolites to distinct functional compartments. For example, the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase pathway functions to generate inositol phospholipids that are substrates for hormone-sensitive forms of inositol-phospholipid phospholipase C, whilst the newly discovered phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway generates lipids that are resistant to such enzymes and may function directly as novel mitogenic signals. Inositol phosphate metabolism functions to terminate the second-messenger activity of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, to recycle the latter's myo-inositol moiety and, perhaps, to generate additional signal molecules such as inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate, inositol pentakisphosphate and inositol hexakisphosphate. In addition to providing a more complete picture of the pathways of myo-inositol metabolism, recent studies have made rapid progress in understanding the molecular basis underlying hormonal stimulation of inositol-phospholipid-specific phospholipase C and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated Ca2+ mobilisation.

Kinetic consequences of the inhibition by ATP of the metabolism of inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate and inositol (1,3,4,5) tetrakisphosphate in liver. Different effects upon the 3- and 5-phosphatases

A kinetic analysis was undertaken of the inhibition by 5 mM MgATP of Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase in 100,000 g particulate fractions prepared from liver homogenates. The Km for Ins(1,4,5)P3 was increased by 44% (from 16 to 23 microM). The competitive nature of the inhibition was confirmed with a Dixon plot. The effect of MgATP on 5-phosphatase was also studied at physiological concentrations of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 (i.e. 1.5 microM); the rate of substrate hydrolysis was inhibited by over 30%. Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 was also hydrolysed by a 3-phosphatase, but this enzyme was unaffected by 5 mM MgATP. Thus, ATP, by differentially affecting Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 3- and 5-phosphatase, may increase the flux through the futile cycle that interconverts Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4.

Neuropeptide Y mobilizes intracellular Ca2+ and increases inositol phosphate production in human erythroleukemia cells

The intracellular concentration of free Ca2+ was monitored by measuring the fluorescence of fura-2 loaded Human Erythroleukemia Cells. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) increased intracellular Ca2+ in a dose-dependent manner and the 50% effective concentration was 2 nM. Chelation of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA did not reduce the NPY-mediated increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+, indicating that the increase in fluorescence was due to the release of intracellular Ca2+. A second dose of NPY, after intracellular Ca2+ had returned to basal levels, failed to elicit a response, indicating that the NPY receptor had undergone desensitization. In similar experiments, NPY increased the formation of inositol phosphates, suggesting that the mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores in HEL cells was secondary to the generation of inositol phosphates and stimulation of phospholipase C.

Methods for the analysis of inositol phosphates

Interest in the inositol phospholipids was stimulated by the simultaneous discoveries that the products of hydrolysis of these lipids could serve as messengers to activate to synergistic signaling pathways in hormonally responsive cells, namely, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate which causes the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and diacylglycerol which promotes the activation of protein kinase C. At the same time, Berridge and co-workers introduced relatively simple approaches to study the inositol phospholipid cycle. These included the use of [3H]inositol to label the inositol metabolites, all of which are confined to this cycle, and of Li+ to decrease the rate of degradation of the inositol phosphates. Water-soluble inositol phosphates and chloroform-soluble inositol phospholipids could then be separated by solvent partition and the inositol phosphates further separated by use of an anion-exchange resin. However, the subsequent application of high-performance liquid chromatography as a separation technique indicated the existence of many isomers of the inositol phosphates formed by different pathways of dephosphorylation and phosphorylation. Mapping of these metabolic pathways may be substantially complete, but novel pathways may still be discovered. We review both old and new methods of analysis of the inositol phosphates for the measurement of mass and radioactivity. Although the complexity of the cycle sometimes demands the use of sophisticated methods of separation and rigorous identification, older and inexpensive methods may still be useful for some purposes.

Inositol polyphosphates and intracellular calcium release

The hydrolysis of inositol lipids triggered by the occupation of cell surface receptors generates several intracellular messengers. Many different inositol phosphate isomers accumulate in stimulated cells. Of these D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins 1,4,5-P3) is responsible for discharging Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Specific membrane binding sites for Ins 1,4,5-P3 have been detected. The properties of these sites and their possible relationship to the calcium release process is reviewed. Ins 1,4,5-P3 binding sites may be present in discrete subcellular structures ("calciosomes"). Kinetic and some electrophysiological evidence indicates that Ins 1,4,5-P3 acts to open a Ca2+ channel. Recent progress on the purification of the receptor from neuronal tissues is summarized. Phosphorylation of Ins 1,4,5-P3 by a specific kinase results in the production of D-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetraphosphate (Ins 1,3,4,5-P4). This inositol phosphate has been reported to increase the entry of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane, activate nonspecific ion channels in the plasma membrane, alter the Ca2+ content of the Ins 1,4,5-P3-releasable store, and bind to and alter the activity of certain enzymes. These data and the possible biological significance of Ins 1,3,4,5-P4 are discussed.

Receptor-mediated release of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,4-bisphosphate in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells permeabilized with streptolysin O

Antigen-mediated exocytosis in intact rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells is associated with substantial hydrolysis of membrane inositol phospholipids and an elevation in concentration of cytosol Ca2+ ([ Ca2+i]). Paradoxically, these two responses are largely dependent on external Ca2+. We report here that cells labeled with myo-[3H]inositol and permeabilized with streptolysin O do release [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate upon stimulation with antigen or guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) at low (less than 100 nM) concentrations of free Ca2+. The response, however, is amplified by increasing free Ca2+ to 1 microM. The subsequent conversion of the trisphosphate to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate is enhanced also by the increase in free Ca2+. Although [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate accumulates in greater amounts than is the case in intact cells, [3H]inositol 1,4-bisphosphate is still the major product in permeabilized cells even when the further metabolism of [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate is suppressed (by 77%) by the addition of excess (1000 microM) unlabeled inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and the phosphatase inhibitor 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate. It would appear that either the activity of the membrane 5-phosphomonoesterase allows virtually instantaneous dephosphorylation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate under all conditions tested or both phosphatidylinositol 4-monophosphate and the 4,5-bisphosphate are substrates for the activated phospholipase C. The latter alternative is supported by the finding that permeabilized cells, which respond much more vigorously to high (supraoptimal) concentrations of antigen than do intact RBL-2H3 cells, produce substantial amounts of [3H]inositol 1,4-bisphosphate before any detectable increase in levels of [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate.