Light-induced increases in cGMP metabolic flux correspond with electrical responses of photoreceptors

Structure and dynamics of photoreceptor sensory cilia

The rod and cone photoreceptor cells of the vertebrate retina have highly specialized structures that enable them to carry out their function of light detection over a broad range of illumination intensities with optimized spatial and temporal resolution. Most prominent are their unusually large sensory cilia, consisting of outer segments packed with photosensitive disc membranes, a connecting cilium with many features reminiscent of the primary cilium transition zone, and a pair of centrioles forming a basal body which serves as the platform upon which the ciliary axoneme is assembled. These structures form a highway through which an enormous flux of material moves on a daily basis to sustain the continual turnover of outer segment discs and the energetic demands of phototransduction. After decades of study, the details of the fine structure and distribution of molecular components of these structures are still incompletely understood, but recent advances in cellular imaging techniques and animal models of inherited ciliary defects are yielding important new insights. This knowledge informs our understanding both of the mechanisms of trafficking and assembly and of the pathophysiological mechanisms of human blinding ciliopathies.

Evidence of Oxidative Phosphorylation in Zebrafish Photoreceptor Outer Segments at Different Larval Stages

Previous studies on purified bovine rod outer segments (OS) disks pointed to Oxidative Phosphorylation (OXPHOS) as being the most likely mechanism involved in ATP production, as yet not fully understood, to support the first phototransduction steps. Bovine and murine rod OS disks, devoid of mitochondria, would house respiratory chain complexes I to IV and ATP synthase, similar to mitochondria. Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) is a well-suited animal model to study vertebrate embryogenesis as well as the retina, morphologically and functionally similar to its human counterpart. The present article reports fluorescence and Transmission Electron Microscopy colocalization analyses of respiratory complexes I and IV and ATP synthase with zpr3, the rod OS marker, in adult and larval zebrafish retinas. MitoTracker Deep Red 633 staining and assays of complexes I and III-IV activity suggest that those proteins are active in OS. Results show that an extramitochondrial aerobic metabolism is active in the zebrafish OS at 4 and 10 days of larval development, as well as in adults, suggesting that it is probably maintained during embryogenesis. Data support the hypothesis of an extramitochondrial aerobic metabolism in the OS of zebrafish.

Proteome of Bovine Mitochondria and Rod Outer Segment Disks: Commonalities and Differences

The retinal rod outer segment (OS) is a stack of disks surrounded by the plasma membrane, housing proteins related to phototransduction, as well as mitochondrial proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). This prompted us to compare the proteome of bovine OS disks and mitochondria to assess the significant top gene signatures of each sample. The two proteomes, obtained by LTQ-Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometry, were compared by statistical analyses. In total, 4139 proteins were identified, 2045 of which overlapping in the two sets. Nonhierarchical Spearman's correlogram revealed that the groups were clearly discriminated. Partial least square discriminant plus support vector machine analysis identified the major discriminative proteins, implied in phototransduction and lipid metabolism, respectively. Gene Ontology analysis identified top gene signatures of the disk proteome, enriched in vesiculation, glycolysis, and OxPhos proteins. The tricarboxylic acid cycle and the electron transport proteins were similarly enriched in the two samples, but the latter was up regulated in disks. Data suggest that the mitochondrial OxPhos proteins may represent a true OS proteome component, outside the mitochondrion. This knowledge may help the scientific community in the further studies of retinal physiology and pathology.

Hypoxia and Dark Adaptation in Diabetic Retinopathy: Interactions, Consequences, and Therapy

In diabetes, retinal blood flow is compromised, and retinal hypoxia is likely to be further intensified during periods of darkness. During dark adaptation, rod photoreceptors in the outer retina are maximally depolarized and continuously release large amounts of the neurotransmitter glutamate-an energetically demanding process that requires the highest oxygen consumption per unit volume of any tissue of the body. In complete darkness, even more oxygen is consumed by the outer retina, producing a steep fall in the retinal oxygen tension curve which reaches a nadir at the depth of the mitochondrial-rich rod inner segments. In contrast to the normal retina, the diabetic retina cannot meet the added metabolic load imposed by the dark-adapted rod photoreceptors; this exacerbates retinal hypoxia and stimulates the overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The use of nocturnal illumination to prevent dark adaptation, specifically reducing the rod photoreceptor dark current, should ameliorate diabetic retinopathy.

Functional expression of electron transport chain complexes in mouse rod outer segments

Rod photoreceptors efficiently carry out phototransduction cascade, an energetically costly process. Our recent data in bovine rod outer segment (OS) demonstrated that ATP for phototransduction is produced by an extramitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, thanks to the expression of the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) complexes and of F1Fo ATP synthase in disks. Here we have focused on mouse retinas, reporting the activity of ETC complexes I, II, IV assayed directly on unfixed mouse eye sections, as well as immunogold TEM analysis of fixed mouse eye sections to verify the presence of ND4L subunit of ETC complex I and subunit IV of ETC complex IV in rod OS. Data suggest the presence of functional ETC in mouse rod OS, like their bovine counterpart. The protocol here developed for in situ assay of the ETC complexes activity represents a reliable method for the detection of ETC dysfunction in mice models of retinal pathologies. In fact, the ETC is a major source of reactive oxygen intermediates, and oxidative stress, especially when ectopically expressed in the OS. In turn, oxidative stress contributes to many retinal pathologies, such as diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, photoreceptor death after retinal detachment and some forms of retinitis pigmentosa.

New findings in ATP supply in rod outer segments: insights for retinopathies

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The rod outer segment (OS) is the specialised organelle where phototransduction takes place. Our previous proteomic and biochemical analyses on purified rod disks showed the functional expression of the respiratory chain complexes I-IV and F1 Fo -ATP synthase in OS disks, as well as active soluble tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes. Here, we focussed our study on the whole OS that contains the cytosol and plasma membrane and disks as native flattened saccules, unlike spherical osmotically intact disks.

RESULTS

OS were purified from bovine retinas and characterised for purity. Oximetry, ATP synthesis and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) assays were performed. The presence of COX and F₁F₀-ATP synthase (ATP synthase) was assessed by semi-quantitative Western blotting, immunofluorescence or confocal laser scanning microscopy on whole bovine retinas and bovine retinal sections and by immunogold transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of purified OS or bovine retinal sections. Both ATP synthase and COX are catalytically active in OS. These are able to consume oxygen (O₂) in the presence of pyruvate and malate. CLSM analyses showed that rhodopsin autofluorescence and MitoTracker Deep Red 633 fluorescence co-localise on rod OS. Data are confirmed by co-localisation studies of ATP synthase with Rh in rod OS by immunofluorescence and TEM in bovine retinal sections.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm the expression and activity of COX and ATP synthase in OS, suggestive of the presence of an extra-mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in rod OS, meant to supply ATP for the visual transduction. In this respect, the membrane rich OS environment would be meant to absorb both light and O₂. The ability of OS to manipulate O₂ may shed light on the pathogenesis of many retinal degenerative diseases ascribed to oxidative stress, as well as on the efficacy of the treatment with dietary supplements, presently utilised as supporting therapies.

Functional expression of oxidative phosphorylation proteins in the rod outer segment disc

The rod Outer Segment (OS) disc, an organelle devoid of mitochondria, is specialized in phototransduction, a process requiring a continual chemical energy supply. We have shown that OS discs express functional mitochondrial electron transport chains, Fo F1 -ATP synthase and the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, all mitochondrial features. Here, we focus on oxygen consumption and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis by OS discs analysing electron transport chain I-III-IV and II-II-IV pathways, supported by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and succinate, respectively. Interestingly, respiratory capacity of discs was measurable also in the presence of 3-hydroxy-butyrrate, a typical metabolic substrate for the brain. Data were supported by a two-dimensional electrophoresis analyses conducted as our previous one, but focused to those mitochondrial proteins that are involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Carbonic anhydrase was also found active in OS discs. Moreover, colocalization of Rhodopsin with respiratory complex I and ATP synthase seems a further step in the characterization of some proteins typical of the mitochondrial inner membranes that are expressed in the rod discs. The existence of oxygen utilization in the outer retina, likely supplying ATP for phototransduction, may shed light on some retinal pathologies related to oxidative stress of the outer retina.

Speed, sensitivity, and stability of the light response in rod and cone photoreceptors: facts and models

The light responses of rod and cone photoreceptors in the vertebrate retina are quantitatively different, yet extremely stable and reproducible because of the extraordinary regulation of the cascade of enzymatic reactions that link photon absorption and visual pigment excitation to the gating of cGMP-gated ion channels in the outer segment plasma membrane. While the molecular scheme of the phototransduction pathway is essentially the same in rods and cones, the enzymes and protein regulators that constitute the pathway are distinct. These enzymes and regulators can differ in the quantitative features of their functions or in concentration if their functions are similar or both can be true. The molecular identity and distinct function of the molecules of the transduction cascade in rods and cones are summarized. The functional significance of these molecular differences is examined with a mathematical model of the signal-transducing enzymatic cascade. Constrained by available electrophysiological, biochemical and biophysical data, the model simulates photocurrents that match well the electrical photoresponses measured in both rods and cones. Using simulation computed with the mathematical model, the time course of light-dependent changes in enzymatic activities and second messenger concentrations in non-mammalian rods and cones are compared side by side.

Extra-mitochondrial aerobic metabolism in retinal rod outer segments: new perspectives in retinopathies

Vertebrate retinal rods are photoreceptors for dim-light vision. They display extreme sensitivity to light thanks to a specialized subcellular organelle, the rod outer segment. This is filled with a stack of membranous disks, expressing the proteins involved in visual transduction, a very energy demanding process. Our previous proteomic and biochemical studies have shed new light on the chemical energy processes that supply ATP to the outer segment, suggesting the presence of an extra-mitochondrial aerobic metabolism in rod outer segment, devoid of mitochondria, which would account for a quantitatively adequate ATP supply for phototransduction. Here the functional presence of an oxidative phosphorylation in the rod outer limb is examined for its relationship to many physiological and pathological data on the rod outer segment. We hypothesize that the rod outer limb is at risk of oxidative stress, in any case of impairment in the respiratory chain functioning, or of blood supply. In fact, the electron transfer chain is a major source of reactive O(2) species, known to produce severe alteration to the membrane lipids, especially those of the outer segment that are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. We propose that the disk membrane may become the target of reactive oxygen species that may be released by the electron transport chain under pathologic conditions. For example, during aging reactive oxygen species production increases, while cellular antioxidant capacity decreases. Also the apoptosis of the rod observed after exposure to bright or continuous illumination can be explained considering that an overfunctioning of phototransduction may damage the disk membrane to a point at which cytochrome c escapes from the intradiskal space, where it is presently supposed to be, activating a putative caspase 9 and the apoptosome. A pathogenic mechanism for many inherited and acquired retinal degenerations, representing a major problem in clinical ophthalmology, is proposed: a number of rod pathologies would be promoted by impairment of energy supply and/or oxidative stress in the rod outer segment. In conclusion we suppose that the damaging role of oxygen, be it hypoxia or hyperoxia invoked in most of the blinding diseases, acquired and even hereditary is to be seeked for inside the photoreceptor outer segment that would conceal a potential for cell death that is still to be recognized.

Dynamic phosphometabolomic profiling of human tissues and transgenic models by 18O-assisted ³¹P NMR and mass spectrometry

Next-generation screening of disease-related metabolomic phenotypes requires monitoring of both metabolite levels and turnover rates. Stable isotope (18)O-assisted (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry uniquely allows simultaneous measurement of phosphometabolite levels and turnover rates in tissue and blood samples. The (18)O labeling procedure is based on the incorporation of one (18)O into P(i) from [(18)O]H(2)O with each act of ATP hydrolysis and the distribution of (18)O-labeled phosphoryls among phosphate-carrying molecules. This enables simultaneous recording of ATP synthesis and utilization, phosphotransfer fluxes through adenylate kinase, creatine kinase, and glycolytic pathways, as well as mitochondrial substrate shuttle, urea and Krebs cycle activity, glycogen turnover, and intracellular energetic communication. Application of expanded (18)O-labeling procedures has revealed significant differences in the dynamics of G-6-P[(18)O] (glycolysis), G-3-P[(18)O] (substrate shuttle), and G-1-P[(18)O] (glycogenolysis) between human and rat atrial myocardium. In human atria, the turnover of G-3-P[(18)O], which defects are associated with the sudden death syndrome, was significantly higher indicating a greater importance of substrate shuttling to mitochondria. Phosphometabolomic profiling of transgenic hearts deficient in adenylate kinase (AK1-/-), which altered levels and mutations are associated to human diseases, revealed a stress-induced shift in metabolomic profile with increased CrP[(18)O] and decreased G-1-P[(18)O] metabolic dynamics. The metabolomic profile of creatine kinase M-CK/ScCKmit-/--deficient hearts is characterized by a higher G-6-[(18)O]P turnover rate, G-6-P levels, glycolytic capacity, γ/β-phosphoryl of GTP[(18)O] turnover, as well as β-[(18)O]ATP and β-[(18)O]ADP turnover, indicating altered glycolytic, guanine nucleotide, and adenylate kinase metabolic flux. Thus, (18)O-assisted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and (31)P NMR provide a suitable platform for dynamic phosphometabolomic profiling of the cellular energetic system enabling prediction and diagnosis of metabolic diseases states.

Extramitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle in retinal rod outer segments

Vertebrate retinal rod Outer Segments (OS) are the site of visual transduction, an energy demanding process for which mechanisms of ATP supply are still poorly known. Glycolysis or diffusion of either ATP or phosphocreatine from the Inner Segment (IS) does not seem to display adequate timing to supply ATP for phototransduction. We have previously reported data suggesting an aerobic metabolism in OS, which would largely account for the light-stimulated ATP need of the photoreceptor. Here, by oxymetry and biochemical analyses we show that: (i) disks isolated by Ficoll flotation consume O(2) in the presence of physiological respiring substrates either in coupled or uncoupled conditions; (ii) OS homogenates contain the whole biochemical machinery for the degradation of glucose, i.e. glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), consistently with the results of our previous proteomic study. Activities of the 8 TCA cycle enzymes in OS were comparable to those in retinal mitochondria-enriched fractions. Disk and OS preparations were subjected to TEM analysis, and while they can be considered free of inner segment contaminants, immunogold with specific antibodies demonstrate the expression therein of both the visual pigment rhodopsin and F(o)F(1)-ATP synthase. Finally, double immunofluorescence on mouse retina sections demonstrated a colocalization of some respiratory complex mitochondrial proteins with rhodopsin in rod OS. Data, suggestive of the exportability of the mitochondrial machinery for aerobic metabolism, may shed light on those retinal pathologies related to energy supply impairment in OS and to mutations in TCA enzymes.

Metabolic responses to light in monkey photoreceptors

PURPOSE

Transient changes in intraretinal oxygen tension (PO(2)) in response to light stimuli were studied in order to understand the dynamics of light-evoked changes in photoreceptor oxidative metabolism.

METHODS

PO(2) changes during illumination were recorded by double-barreled microelectrodes in the outer part of the perifoveal retina in five macaques (Rhesus and Cynomolgus) and were fitted to a single exponential equation to obtain the time constant (tau) and maximum PO(2) change.

RESULTS

At the onset of light, PO(2) increased at all illuminations in all animals. The magnitude of the light-evoked PO(2) change increased with increasing illumination over 3-4 log units but decreased in all animals at the maximum illumination. The median time constant of the PO(2) change (tau) was 26 sec and was not correlated with illumination. The time constant for the return to darkness was similar for illuminations below rod saturation. Since O(2) diffusion is fast over the short distance from the choroid to the inner segments, tau reflects the time course of the underlying change in oxidative metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous results suggested that two competing processes influence the change in photoreceptor oxidative metabolism with light, Na(+)/K(+) pumping and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) turnover. Because a single exponential fitted the PO(2) data, it appears that these processes have time constants that differ by no more than a few seconds in primate. In monkeys, tau is longer than previously reported values for cat and rat. Longer time constants are related to larger photoreceptor volume, possibly because metabolic rate is controlled by intracellular Na(+), and a change in intracellular Na(+) after the onset of illumination occurs more slowly in larger photoreceptors. The "metabolic threshold" illumination that reduced oxygen consumption by about 10% is approximately the same as the illumination that closes 10% of the light-dependent cation channels that are open in the dark.

Involvement of rhodopsin and ATP in the activation of membranous guanylate cyclase in retinal photoreceptor outer segments (ROS-GC) by GC-activating proteins (GCAPs): a new model for ROS-GC activation and its link to retinal diseases

Membranous guanylate cyclase in retinal photoreceptor outer segments (ROS-GC), a key enzyme for the recovery of photoreceptors to the dark state, has a topology identical to and cytoplasmic domains homologous to those of peptide-regulated GCs. However, under the prevailing concept, its activation mechanism is significantly different from those of peptide-regulated GCs: GC-activating proteins (GCAPs) function as the sole activator of ROS-GC in a Ca(2+)-sensitive manner, and neither reception of an outside signal by the extracellular domain (ECD) nor ATP binding to the kinase homology domain (KHD) is required for its activation. We have recently shown that ATP pre-binding to the KHD in ROS-GC drastically enhances its GCAP-stimulated activity, and that rhodopsin illumination, as the outside signal, is required for the ATP pre-binding. These results indicate that illuminated rhodopsin is involved in ROS-GC activation in two ways: to initiate ATP binding to ROS-GC for preparation of its activation and to reduce [Ca(2+)] through activation of cGMP phosphodiesterase. These two signal pathways are activated in a parallel and proportional manner and finally converge for strong activation of ROS-GC by Ca(2+)-free GCAPs. These results also suggest that the ECD receives the signal for ATP binding from illuminated rhodopsin. The ECD is projected into the intradiscal space, i.e., an intradiscal domain(s) of rhodopsin is also involved in the signal transfer. Many retinal disease-linked mutations are found in these intradiscal domains; however, their consequences are often unclear. This model will also provide novel insights into causal relationship between these mutations and certain retinal diseases.

Evidence for aerobic metabolism in retinal rod outer segment disks

The disks of the vertebrate retinal rod Outer Segment (OS), devoid of mitochondria, are the site of visual transduction, a very energy demanding process. In a previous proteomic study we reported the expression of the respiratory chain complexes I-IV and the oxidative phosphorylation Complex V (F(1)F(0)-ATP synthase) in disks. In the present study, the functional localization of these proteins in disks was investigated by biochemical analyses, oxymetry, membrane potential measurements, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Disk preparations, isolated by Ficoll flotation, were characterized for purity. An oxygen consumption, stimulated by NADH and Succinate and reverted by rotenone, antimycin A and KCN was measured in disks, either in coupled or uncoupled conditions. Rhodamine-123 fluorescence quenching kinetics showed the existence of a proton potential difference across the disk membranes. Citrate synthase activity was assayed and found enriched in disks with respect to ROS. ATP synthesis by disks (0.7 micromol ATP/min/mg), sensitive to the common mitochondrial ATP synthase inhibitors, would largely account for the rod ATP need in the light. Overall, data indicate that an oxidative phosphorylation occurs in rod OS, which do not contain mitochondria, thank to the presence of ectopically located mitochondrial proteins. These findings may provide important new insight into energy production in outer segments via aerobic metabolism and additional information about protein components in OS disk membranes.

Sodium nitroprusside alters dark voltage and light responses in isolated retinal rods during whole-cell recording

Dark voltage and light responses of isolated retinal rods of Rana esculenta were investigated by employing the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. When the recording pipette was filled with a medium devoid of nucleotides, a spontaneous hyperpolarization of the dark voltage partly due to a diffusional loss of cGMP and its precursor GTP and a retardation in the recovery of the light responses was observed. The larger part of the retardation of the light responses was prevented by 1 mM ATP. Addition of GTP attenuated the hyperpolarization, but did not abolish it completely. When the nitric-oxide-releasing substance sodium nitroprusside plus GTP was applied, the tendency of hyperpolarization disappeared and a stable dark voltage or even a slight depolarization was measured during the whole-cell recording period. Similar results were also obtained when GTP was given in combination with either EGTA or IBMX which are both known to interfere with the cGMP regulating enzymes in retinal rods. In addition to its effects on the dark voltage, an acceleration of the recovery phase of the light responses by sodium nitroprusside was also observed. Our observations strongly suggest that sodium nitroprusside activates guanylate cyclase in photoreceptors, as it does in other tissues, but we cannot exclude with certainty an effect on the phosphodiesterase.

Structural determinants of phosphodiesterase 6 response on binding catalytic site inhibitors

To predict the response of retinal phosphodiesterase on binding catalytic site inhibitors, a homology model of the catalytic domain of subunit alpha of type 6 phosphodiesterase has been built by selecting an experimental structure of type 5 phosphodiesterase as template. Guanosine monophosphate and inhibitors (sildenafil, zaprinast) docked to the type 6 phosphodiesterase binding crevice similarly to the experimental conformations of guanosine monophosphate and sildenafil in the catalytic domain of type 5 phosphodiesterase. Inhibitors, but not guanosine monophosphate, interacted with Phe778 and Met759 (sildenafil) or Met759 (zaprinast), the key residues involved in the interaction between the catalytic binding domain and the inhibitory gamma subunit of type 6 phosphodiesterase. Agreeing with predictions obtained by modelling binding, both inhibitors (1 and 10muM) enhanced the amplitude of electric light responses of the isolated rat retina, however, the enhancement was smaller for the more efficacious inhibitor sildenafil. These paradoxical responses can be explained as a result of the enhancement of light activation of PDE6 through the competition between the catalytic site inhibitors and the gamma subunit residues for catalytic domain residues Phe778 and Met759.

Light-adaptation attenuates the effects of phosphodiesterase blockade by Zaprinast in the isolated rat retina

The effect of the type V/VI-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, Zaprinast, (200 microM) on the light-evoked extracellular field potential (EFP) in the isolated rat retina was tested under dark- and light-adapted conditions at two different temperatures. Peak enhancement EFP in dark- (344 +/- 70%; mean +/- SEM) and light-adapted (182 +/- 31%) retina at 37 degrees C was reached within 3 min of treatment with Zaprinast (200 microM) followed by a slower decrease to a level of 85 +/- 14 and 26 +/- 7% in dark- and light-adapted retina, respectively. The effect of Zaprinast (20 microM) on the pharmacologically-isolated photoreceptor component of the EFP was lost with increasing levels of background light. This may suggest that there is a slow time scale (minutes) shift in the steady state level of cGMP during light-adaptation.

Cyclic nucleotide research -- still expanding after half a century

Since the discovery in 1957 that cyclic AMP acts as a second messenger for the hormone adrenaline, interest in this molecule and its companion, cyclic GMP, has grown. Over a period of nearly 50 years, research into second messengers has provided a framework for understanding transmembrane signal transduction, receptor-effector coupling, protein-kinase cascades and downregulation of drug responsiveness. The breadth and impact of this work is reflected by five different Nobel prizes.

ATP synthesis in the disk membranes of rod outer segments of bovine retina

ATP is synthesized on the disk membrane isolated from rod outer segments of the bovine retina. Together with a slow component which accounted for a constant rate of about 22 nmol ATP/min/mg of protein and which was due to the adenylate kinase activity, a fast component with a maximal activity of about 58 nmol ATP/min/mg of protein was measured at physiological calcium concentrations. This fast activity disappeared in the presence of the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187, was inhibited by vanadate or thapsigargin but not by oligomycin, suggesting that this ATP synthesis is due to the reversal functioning of the Ca(2+)-ATPase previously found on the disk membranes.

Adenylate kinase activity in rod outer segments of bovine retina

The rod outer segments of bovine retina contain two different adenylate kinases: a soluble activity, which is not sensitive to calcium ion, and an activity bound to disk membranes, which is dependent on the calcium levels. In fact, the maximal activity associated to the disks is reached at Ca(2+) concentrations between 10(-6) and 10(-7) M, which is the range of calcium level actually present in the rod cell. The Michaelis-Menten kinetics of the enzyme activity on disk membranes was determined and the actual concentrations of ATP, AMP and ADP were measured in the photoreceptor outer segment. Therefore, the physiological relevance of the adenylate kinase activity was discussed considering the above results. The formation of ATP catalyzed by the enzyme seems appropriate to supply at least some of the reactions necessary for phototransduction, indicating that ATP could be regenerated from ADP directly on the disk membranes where the photoreception events take place.

CNS energy metabolism as related to function

Large amounts of energy are required to maintain the signaling activities of CNS cells. Because of the fine-grained heterogeneity of brain and the rapid changes in energy demand, it has been difficult to monitor rates of energy generation and consumption at the cellular level and even more difficult at the subcellular level. Mechanisms to facilitate energy transfer within cells include the juxtaposition of sites of generation with sites of consumption and the transfer of approximately P by the creatine kinase/creatine phosphate and the adenylate kinase systems. There is evidence that glycolysis is separated from oxidative metabolism at some sites with lactate becoming an important substrate. Carbonic anhydrase may play a role in buffering activity-induced increases in lactic acid. Relatively little energy is used for 'vegetative' processes. The great majority is used for signaling processes, particularly Na(+) transport. The brain has very small energy reserves, and the margin of safety between the energy that can be generated and the energy required for maximum activity is also small. It seems probable that the supply of energy may impose a limit on the activity of a neuron under normal conditions. A number of mechanisms have evolved to reduce activity when energy levels are diminished.

ATP synthesis in rod outer segments of bovine retina by the reversal of the disk Ca(2+) pump

Purified disk membranes from rod outer segments of the bovine retina were able to synthesize ATP with a maximal activity (about 52 nmoles ATP/min/mg of protein) at physiological calcium concentrations. This activity was inhibited by vanadate or thapsigargin but not by oligomycin, suggesting the reversal functioning of the disk Ca(2+)-ATPase, which would act as a ATP synthesizer at the expense of the calcium gradient between the disks and the cytoplasm of the rod outer segment. The results are discussed in terms of the need of an immediate source of ATP on the disk membranes where the energy is required to supply the rapid reactions of the photoreception processes.

Rhodopsin and phototransduction

Recent studies on rhodopsin structure and function are reviewed and the properties of vertebrate as well as invertebrate rhodopsin described. Open issues such as the 'red shift' of the absorbance spectra are emphasized in the light of the present model of the retinal-binding pocket. The processes that restore the rhodopsin content in photoreceptors are also presented with a comparison between vertebrate and invertebrate visual systems. The central role of rhodopsin in the phototransduction cascade becomes evident by examining the main reports on light-activated conformational changes of rhodopsin and its interaction with transducin. Shut-off mechanisms are considered by reporting the studies on the sites of rhodopsin phosphorylation and arrestin binding. Furthermore, recent findings on the energetics of phototransduction point out that the ATP needed for photoreception in vertebrates is synthesized in the outer segments where phototransduction events take place.

Cyclic GMP and cGMP-binding phosphodiesterase are required for interleukin-1-induced nitric oxide synthesis in human articular chondrocytes

This study addressed the role of guanylyl cyclase (GC) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) in interleukin (IL)-1 activation of human articular chondrocytes. The GC inhibitors LY83583 and methylene blue dose-dependently inhibited IL-1-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein, and mRNA expression. These effects of GC inhibition were consistent with the rapid induction of cGMP by IL-1, which reached maximal levels after 5 min. The effects of GC inhibitors were selective as they did not reduce IL-1-induced cyclooxygenase II protein and mRNA. An inhibitor specific for soluble GC did not affect IL-1-induced NO production, and activators of soluble GC did not induce NO. However, the expression of iNOS mRNA was induced by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), activators of particulate GC, indicating that particulate rather than soluble guanylyl cyclases were involved in iNOS induction. The expression of iNOS mRNA and the production of NO were induced by a slowly hydrolyzable analog of cGMP, 8-bromo-cGMP, but not by nonhydrolyzable analog, dibutyryl cGMP, suggesting that PDE rather than cGMP-dependent protein kinase mediates the cGMP effects. Chondrocytes contained extensive cGMP PDE activity. This had PDE5 biochemical features and an inhibitor profile consistent with PDE5. Furthermore, the nonisoformspecific PDE inhibitor IBMX and PDE5-specific inhibitors suppressed IL-1-induced NO release and iNOS mRNA expression. PDE5 mRNA was constitutively expressed in chondrocytes. In addition to increasing PDE5 activities, IL-1 treatment reduced the sensitivity of PDE5 to several pharmacological inhibitors by up to 50-fold. In summary, inhibitors of either GC or PDE5 prevented IL-1 induction of iNOS; IL-1 increased the rates of both cGMP generation and hydrolysis; and exogenous PDE hydrolyzable cGMP analog induced iNOS and NO. These results suggest that increased cGMP metabolic flux is sufficient to induce iNOS, and GC and PDE5 activities are required for IL-1 induction of iNOS expression via increases in coupled cGMP synthesis and hydrolysis.

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase from bovine retina: purification, subcellular localization, molecular cloning, and three-dimensional structure

The biochemical and structural properties of bovine retinal nucleoside diphosphate kinase were investigated. The enzyme showed two polypeptides of approximately 17.5 and 18.5 kDa on SDS-PAGE, while isoelectric focusing revealed seven to eight proteins with a pI range of 7.4-8.2. Sedimentation equilibrium yielded a molecular mass of 96 +/- 2 kDa for the enzyme. Carbohydrate analysis revealed that both polypeptides contained Gal, Man, GlcNAc, Fuc, and GalNac saccharides. Like other nucleoside diphosphate kinases, the retinal enzyme showed substantial differences in the Km values for various di- and triphosphate nucleotides. Immunogold labeling of bovine retina revealed that the enzyme is localized on both the membranes and in the cytoplasm. Screening of a retinal cDNA library yielded full-length clones encoding two distinct isoforms (NBR-A and NBR-B). Both isoforms were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and their biochemical properties compared with retinal NDP-kinase. The structures of NBR-A and NBR-B were determined by X-ray crystallography in the presence of guanine nucleotide(s). Both isoforms are hexameric, and the fold of the monomer is similar to other nucleoside diphosphate kinase structures. The NBR-A active site contained both a cGMP and a GDP molecule each bound at half occupancy while the NBR-B active site contained only cGMP.

Responses of rod bipolar cells isolated from dogfish retinal slices to concentration-jumps of glutamate

Rod on-bipolar cell light responses are mediated by a class of metabotropic glutamate receptor which is coupled via a G-protein to the control of a cGMP cascade, with cGMP acting to open cation channels, whilst off-bipolar cells possess ionotropic glutamate receptors. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were obtained from on- and off-bipolar cells of dark-adapted dogfish retinal slices, identified by their light responses. Isolated cells were exposed to concentration-jumps of glutamate. At negative voltage-clamp potentials, on-bipolar cells responded to glutamate with outward currents with a mean delay of 10.8 ms, whilst off-bipolar cells responded with inward currents without any delay. Neither cell type showed desensitization to applied steps of glutamate. The dose-response relation for on-bipolar cells showed no gradual saturation, but increased linearly with a sharp cutoff above 200 microM glutamate. This dose-response relation could be fitted with a theoretical expression assuming Michaelis-Menten kinetics for the action of glutamate on receptors and a linear relation between the concentration of receptors bound to glutamate and the fall in cGMP this induces. The dose-response relation of off-bipolar cells showed saturation with a limiting slope of 2 at low glutamate concentrations, suggesting that two molecules of glutamate are required to open each channel by a cooperative mechanism. The glutamate receptor coupled cGMP cascade of rod on-bipolar cells can account for high synaptic voltage gain.

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase alters light responses and dark voltage of amphibian photoreceptors

We studied the effects of competitive inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (L-NMMA and L-NNA) on dark voltage and flash responses of retinal rods of the frog. Substances were applied intracellularly via whole-cell patch-clamp electrodes while the membrane voltage was recorded simultaneously. During recording the exchange of substances by diffusion between cytosol and pipette medium affects the cell's function. Under control conditions this exchange is reflected by a slow hyperpolarization of the dark voltage with time and a prolongated flash response recovery, which is mainly due to a loss of nucleotides. Application of L-NMMA and L-NNA accelerated the spontaneous hyperpolarization of the membrane voltage during the course of an experiment, while the recovery of the flash responses was slowed down. The effects observed upon intracellular application of NO-synthase inhibitors were opposite to those observed previously upon application of sodium nitroprusside. Sodium nitroprusside was much less effective when the intracellular calcium level was decreased by application of EGTA at the same time. It is reasonable to assume that the observed effects are linked to nitric oxide synthase and to a NO-dependent soluble guanylate cyclase. The results suggest that the activity of NO-synthase in photoreceptor cells has an influence on concentration and metabolic flux of cGMP in photoreceptors, which may be of relevance for flash response recovery and adaptation processes. It is likely that the regulation of the soluble guanylate cyclase requires a physiological level of calcium.

Creatine kinase in non-muscle tissues and cells

Over the past years, a concept for creatine kinase function, the 'PCr-circuit' model, has evolved. Based on this concept, multiple functions for the CK/PCr-system have been proposed, such as an energy buffering function, regulatory functions, as well as an energy transport function, mostly based on studies with muscle. While the temporal energy buffering and metabolic regulatory roles of CK are widely accepted, the spatial buffering or energy transport function, that is, the shuttling of PCr and Cr between sites of energy utilization and energy demand, is still being debated. There is, however, much circumstantial evidence, that supports the latter role of CK including the distinct, isoenzyme-specific subcellular localization of CK isoenzymes, the isolation and characterization of functionally coupled in vitro microcompartments of CK with a variety of cellular ATPases, and the observed functional coupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation with mitochondrial CK. New insight concerning the functions of the CK/PCr-system has been gained from recent M-CK null-mutant transgenic mice and by the investigation of CK localization and function in certain highly specialized non-muscle tissues and cells, such as electrocytes, retina photoreceptor cells, brain cells, kidney, salt glands, myometrium, placenta, pancreas, thymus, thyroid, intestinal brush-border epithelial cells, endothelial cells, cartilage and bone cells, macrophages, blood platelets, tumor and cancer cells. Studies with electric organ, including in vivo 31P-NMR, clearly reveal the buffer function of the CK/PCr-system in electrocytes and additionally corroborate a direct functional coupling of membrane-bound CK to the Na+/K(+)-ATPase. On the other hand, experiments with live sperm and recent in vivo 31P-NMR measurements on brain provide convincing evidence for the transport function of the CK/PCr-system. We report on new findings concerning the isoenzyme-specific cellular localization and subcellular compartmentation of CK isoenzymes in photoreceptor cells, in glial and neuronal cells of the cerebellum and in spermatozoa. Finally, the regulation of CK expression by hormones is discussed, and new developments concerning a connection of CK with malignancy and cancer are illuminated. Most interesting in this respect is the observed upregulation of CK expression by adenoviral oncogenes.

Steady state feedback in mammalian phototransduction illustrated by a nomogram

Published data characterizing the four reactions responsible for the Ca(2+)-mediated negative feedback in mammalian rod phototransduction were used to generate graphs which are combined in a circular fashion so that the y-axis of one serves as the x-axis of the next. The nomogram thus created makes it possible to determine by inspection the steady state situation in darkness, and the quasi-steady state situations that pertain shortly after exposure to light of different intensities. The results predicted by the nomogram suggest that Ca(2+)-mediated negative feedback is responsible for the Weber-Fechner relationship between stimulus and response.

Modulation of transduction gain in light adaptation of retinal rods

The effect of light adaptation on the period of photocurrent saturation induced by a bright stimulating flash was examined in rod photoreceptors of the larval-stage tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum). Using suction electrodes, photocurrent responses to brief flashes were recorded from single, isolated rods in the presence and absence of steady background illumination. Background light decreased the saturation period (T) measured at fixed flash intensity (fixed If) and in this respect light-adapted the saturating response. Effects of the background on responses to weak (i.e. subsaturating) and bright flashes were compared with changes in a parameter, phi = e-delta T/TR*, where delta T is the decrease in saturation period, and where TR* is the slope of the line that relates T and ln If in a given state of adaptation. Dark- and light-adapted responses to flash intensities IDf and ILf, respectively, exhibited similar absolute peak photocurrent and falling-phase kinetics when IDf and ILf satisfied the relation, IDf = phi (ILf + IbTR*), where Ib is the background intensity. It is argued that phi approximates the relative PDE*/R* gain of transduction, i.e. the relative peak level of activated cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE*) produced by a given, small amount of photoactivated visual pigment (R*). Interpreted on this view, the results imply that light adaptation derives largely from a decrease in PDE*/R gain, rather than from the stimulation of guanylate cyclase activity. The data are consistent with the possibility that modulation of the lifetime of PDE* underlies the background dependence of phi.

Brain-type creatine kinase in photoreceptor cell outer segments: role of a phosphocreatine circuit in outer segment energy metabolism and phototransduction

Different isoforms of creatine kinase, an important enzyme of vertebrate energy metabolism, were localized in bovine photoreceptor cells, with particular emphasis on the identification and quantification of the brain-type isoform within the outer segment compartment. Using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy, brain-type creatine kinase was shown to be present in bovine photoreceptor cell outer and inner segments. The presence of this isoenzyme in rod outer segments was additionally confirmed by immunoblotting and immunolabeling of isolated rod outer segments. The content of creatine kinase in rod outer segments was quantified by measuring creatine kinase activity after membrane disruption with detergent. The ATP regeneration potential provided by the creatine kinase in isolated, washed bovine rod outer segments was 1.2 +/- (0.4) i.u. mg-1 rhodopsin. This value was calculated to be at least an order of magnitude larger than that necessary to replenish the energy required for cGMP resynthesis in rod outer segments, and high enough to regenerate the entire ATP pool of rod outer segments within the time span of a photic cycle. A mitochondrial creatine kinase isoenzyme was located within the ellipsoid portions of bovine rod and cone inner segments by immunofluorescence microscopy and, using immunogold staining, was specifically localized in the mitochondria clustered within bovine rod and cone inner segments. These results suggest that vertebrate photoreceptor cells contain a functional phosphocreatine circuit. Outer segment creatine kinase may play an important role in phototransduction by providing energy for the visual cycle, maintaining high local ATP/ADP ratios and consuming protons produced by enzymes located in the outer segment.

Isolation of a Drosophila gene encoding a head-specific guanylyl cyclase

We have isolated and characterized a new guanylyl cyclase gene (dgc1) in Drosophila. The deduced amino acid sequence (683 amino acids) most closely resembled the mammalian soluble-type guanylyl cyclase alpha subunit. The cyclase catalytic domain was highly conserved between the mammalian and Drosophila guanylyl cyclases. The dgc1 mRNA was detected in wild-type heads but not in bodies, and its level was reduced in the mutant eyes absent (eya), indicating that dgc1 is preferentially expressed in the CNS and in the eye. The enriched distribution in the eye suggests that dgc1 may have a role in phototransduction.

L-arginine and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate alter dark voltage and accelerate light response recovery in isolated retinal rods of the frog (Rana temporaria)

Effects of intracellularly applied L-arginine and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) on the dark voltage and light responses of retinal rods were studied by means of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. In this mode an exchange of substances by diffusion between cytosol and pipette medium occurs (Pflügers Arch., 411 (1988) 204-211). In retinal rods a loss of nucleotides is reflected by a hyperpolarization of the dark voltage and by a prolongation of the light responses (Vis. Neurosci., 2 (1989) 101-108). Intracellular application of L-arginine prevented the prolongation of the light responses and NADPH accelerated the light response recovery and in addition depolarized the photoreceptor cells. The effects were similar to those observed before upon application of the nitric oxide (NO)-releasing substance sodium nitroprusside (Vis. Neurosci., 9 (1992) 205-209). It is therefore assumed that the observed effects are linked to the NO-synthase and to an activation of a guanylate cyclase by NO. It is concluded that the level of NADPH in photoreceptor cells may affect the metabolic flux of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP).

Species differences in the response of mammalian photoreceptor cyclic GMP and PIII to a reduction in calcium

Changes in the content of cyclic GMP (cGMP), induced by exposure of isolated, dark-adapted mouse, cat and dog retinas to media depleted of calcium, have been compared with the amplitude of the trans-retinal PIII. Major differences exist in the time-course and magnitude of effects between the species and, in the cat and dog, changes in PIII (potentially a reflection of free cGMP in photoreceptor outer segments) do not correlate with those occurring in total cGMP. The observations imply species variation, not only in the enzymes maintaining cGMP homeostasis in photoreceptors, but also in phototransduction and allied processes.

Living systems are tonically inhibited, autonomous optimizers, and disinhibition coupled to variability generation is their major organizing principle: inhibitory command-control at levels of membrane, genome, metabolism, brain, and society

It is proposed that the major organizing principle in living systems is disinhibition coupled to variability generation. Facile traverse of adaptive functional ranges is made possible by activities of inhibitory (attenuating and/or time-delaying) influences. These maintain barriers to physicochemical perturbations, so that interactions between the external environment and living systems produce transient local changes (signals) that are transduced by a variety of devices at hand to release activities within them. Coupling exists between the driving force (forcing function) and the generation of variability (information-processing capacity) among subunits of particular systems, i.e., there is expansible capacity for processing information in relation to demand. Metaphorically, metabolically generated energy is used to wind the biological springs. Hierarchical nesting of inhibitory command-control is discussed at levels of membrane, metabolism, genomic expression, brain function, and internalization of societal prohibitions (conscience).

Calcium and the mechanism of light adaptation in vertebrate photoreceptors

Vertebrate photoreceptors transduce the absorption of light into a hyperpolarizing change in membrane potential. The mechanism of transduction is becoming fairly well understood and has been shown to occur via a G protein-coupled decrease in cyclic GMP. Attention is now turning to the way the enzymatic machinery in the outer segment of the photoreceptor cell is modulated during light adaptation. Recent studies show that light adaptation cannot occur if changes in the concentration of cytoplasmic free calcium in the outer segment are prevented, suggesting that calcium functions as a second messenger in sensitivity regulation.

Cyclic GMP and calcium: the internal messengers of excitation and adaptation in vertebrate photoreceptors

The roles of cyclic GMP (cGMP) and calcium (Ca2+) in vertebrate rod phototransduction are reviewed, with the emphasis on developments since the discovery of the cGMP-activated conductance of the rod outer segment. The first hypothesis subjected to critical examination is that cGMP acts as the sole internal messenger of excitation. This hypothesis is evaluated with a formal, quantitative model of the biochemical actions of cGMP. Application of the model shows a remarkable agreement between independent electrophysiological and biochemical measurements of the resting dark amounts of (1) total cGMP (2) free cGMP (3) fraction of open cGMP-activated channels and (4) the rate of cGMP hydrolysis. The second hypothesis examined is that Ca2+ acts as an internal messenger in rod light adaptation. Recent electrophysiological evidence has shown minimization of the normal light-induced reduction of free Ca2+ prevents rods from exhibiting the change in sensitivity and speed characteristic of light adaptation. Physiological effects, formerly attributed to a role of calcium as an excitational messenger are shown to be consistent with a biochemical model in which Ca2+ serves as the cytoplasmic signal in a powerful feedback loop that acts to restore the concentration of cGMP both during and after exposure to light. Residual problems facing the "cGMP cascade theory of phototransduction" are reviewed. Issues are itemized that will have to be resolved quantitatively before it will be possible to develop a fully comprehensive theory of photoreceptor excitation, restoration and adaptation combining the roles of Ca2+ and cGMP.

Non-identity of cGMP as the guanine nucleotide stimulated to bind to ROS by light and ATP

Light, in the presence of ATP, has been reported to stimulate cGMP binding to a 58 kDa protein in ROS (rod outer segments, Fesenko and Krapivinsky, 1986b, Photobiochem. Photobiophys. 13 345-58). This apparent light-related redistribution of ROS cGMP has been suggested to eliminate any requirement for phosphodiesterase-promoted hydrolysis of cGMP in the mechanism subserving phototransduction. Using conditions identical to those previously reported, this effect of light and ATP was examined further by characterizing the metabolic products that arise and the nucleotides that become liganded. The increased binding of radiolabeled guanine nucleotide upon illumination of ROS in the presence of ATP was confirmed, but the species of guanine nucleotide that were stimulated to bind under these conditions were identified as [32P]GDP and [32P]GTP rather than [32P]cGMP. The precautions to prevent enzymic hydrolysis of cGMP, which included conducting the reactions at 0 degrees and the addition of 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine (250 microM) to the reaction mixture did not prevent about a 20-fold increase in the rate of phosphodiesterase-catalyzed hydrolysis of radiolabeled cGMP by light when ATP was also present. This stimulation of phosphodiesterase activity is undoubtedly related to transphosphorylation by exogenous ATP of endogenous GMP and GDP involving catalytic actions of guanylate kinase and nucleoside diphosphate kinase in isolated ROS. These enzymes can also serve to generate [32P]GDP and [32P]GTP, which subsequently bind to ROS components. Such a mechanism involving ATP as phosphoryl donor was supported by observing that an analog of ATP (beta,gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate), which cannot serve as a phosphoryl donor, did not increase radiolabeled guanine nucleotide binding. Although several ROS proteins can form filter-retainable complexes with GDP and GTP, the properties of the 58 kDa protein found to be photoaffinity labeled with radioactive guanine nucleotide are most characteristic of those attributable to tubulin. The previous report that illumination in the presence of ATP stimulates the binding of cGMP to ROS components finds no support from the data obtained in the present studies.

Discrepancy between effects of cholera toxin on net fluid movement and cAMP levels in rat jejunum, ileum, and colon

Regional differences in the response to cholera toxin were evaluated in rat jejunum, ileum, and colon in vivo. Ligated intestinal loops were exposed to a supramaximal concentration of cholera toxin for 5 hr, and net fluid transport, adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations, and adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase activities of mucosal homogenates were determined. The fluid transport response and the specific activities of adenylate cyclase (with and without cholera toxin) and phosphodiesterase declined progressively from the jejunum to the colon. In contrast, cAMP concentrations (with and without cholera toxin) were lowest in the jejunum and highest in the colon. These results demonstrate that cAMP concentrations of the total mucosal homogenate do not parallel cholera toxin-induced fluid secretion in the three intestinal segments. Rather, the activities of adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase suggest a relation between fluid secretion and the turnover of cAMP.

Highly cooperative feedback control of retinal rod guanylate cyclase by calcium ions

Visual excitation in retinal rod cells is mediated by a cascade that leads to the amplified hydrolysis of cyclic GMP (cGMP) and the consequent closure of cGMP-activated cation-specific channels in the plasma membrane. Recovery of the dark state requires the resynthesis of cGMP, which is catalysed by guanylate cyclase, an axoneme-associated enzyme. The lowering of the cytosolic calcium concentration (Cai) following illumination is thought to be important in stimulating cyclase activity. This hypothesis is supported by the finding that the cGMP content of rod outer segments increases several-fold when Cai is lowered to less than 10 nM. It is evident that cGMP and Cai levels are reciprocally controlled by negative feedback. Guanylate cyclase from toad ROS is strongly stimulated when the calcium level is lowered from 10 microM to 10 nM, but only if they are excited by light. We show here that the guanylate cyclase activity of unilluminated bovine rod outer segments increases markedly (5 to 20-fold) when the calcium level is lowered from 200 nM to 50 nM. This steep dependence of guanylate cyclase activity on the calcium level in the physiological range has a Hill coefficient of 3.9. Stimulation at low calcium levels is mediated by a protein that can be released from the outer segment membranes by washing with a low salt buffer. Calcium sensitivity is partially restored by adding the soluble extract back to the washed membranes. The highly cooperative activation of guanylate cyclase by the light-induced lowering of Cai is likely to be a key event in restoring the dark current after excitation.