Selective regulation of carboxypeptidase peptide hormone-processing enzyme during enkephalin biosynthesis in cultured bovine adrenomedullary chromaffin cells

Regulation of neuropeptide processing enzymes by catecholamines in endocrine cells

Treatment of cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells with the catecholamine transport blocker reserpine was shown previously to increase enkephalin levels severalfold. To explore the biochemical mechanism of this effect, we examined the effect of reserpine treatment on the activities of three different peptide precursor processing enzymes: carboxypeptidase E (CPE) and the prohormone convertases (PCs) PC1/3 and PC2. Reserpine treatment increased both CPE and PC activity in extracts of cultured chromaffin cells; total protein levels were unaltered for any enzyme. Further analysis showed that the increase in CPE activity was due to an elevated V(max), with no change in the K(m) for substrate hydrolysis or the levels of CPE mRNA. Reserpine activation of endogenous processing enzymes was also observed in extracts prepared from PC12 cells stably expressing PC1/3 or PC2. In vitro experiments using purified enzymes showed that catecholamines inhibited CPE, PC1/3, and PC2, with dopamine quinone the most potent inhibitor (IC(50) values of ∼50-500 μM); dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine exhibited inhibition in the micromolar range. The inhibition of purified CPE with catecholamines was time-dependent and, for dopamine quinone, dilution-independent, suggesting covalent modification of the protein by the catecholamine. Because the catecholamine concentrations found to be inhibitory to PC1/3, PC2, and CPE are well within the physiological range found in chromaffin granules, we conclude that catecholaminergic transmitter systems have the potential to exert considerable dynamic influence over peptidergic transmitter synthesis by altering the activity of peptide processing enzymes.

Proteolytic fragments of chromogranins A and B represent major soluble components of chromaffin granules, illustrated by two-dimensional proteomics with NH(2)-terminal Edman peptide sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS

Neuroendocrine chromaffin granules of adrenal medulla represent regulated secretory vesicles that secrete neuropeptides and catecholamines which mediate cell-cell communication for physiological functions. This study addressed the identification of the major proteins in these secretory vesicles that provide dynamic storage and secretion of bioactive molecules. Proteins of the soluble compartment of the vesicles were separated by two-dimensional gels and subjected to NH(2)-terminal Edman sequencing for identification and determination of NH(2)-termini. Results showed that proteolytic fragments of chromogranin A (CgA) and chromogranin B (CgB) represent the major proteins of these secretory vesicles. These fragments resulted from cleavage of their respective precursor proteins at dibasic and monobasic sites, which is consistent with the known cleavage specificities of prohormone processing enzymes. MALDI-TOF MS analyses of protein spots similar in molecular weight that possessed a range of pI values were represented by molecular forms of CgA and CgB proteins. These findings indicate the high prevalence of endogenous CgA and CgB proteolytic fragments that function in chromaffin secretory vesicles for release of bioactive molecules for cell-cell communication.

Neuropeptidases

Neuropeptides are neurotransmitters and modulators distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system. Their abnormalities cause neurological and mental diseases. Neuropeptidases are enzymes crucial for the biosynthesis and biodegradation of neuropeptides. We here focus on the peptidases involved in the metabolism of the well-studied opioid peptides. Bioactive enkephalins are formed from propeptides by processing enzymes—prohormone thiol protease, prohormone convertase 1 and 2 (PC 1 and 2), carboxypeptidase H/E, and Arg/Lys aminopeptidase. After they exert their biological effects, enkephalins are likely to be inactivated by degrading enzymes—angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), aminopeptidase N (APN), puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA), and endopeptidase 24.11. Recently, a neuron-specific aminopeptidase (NAP), which was a putative enkephalin-inactivating enzyme at the synapses, was found. Neuropeptidases are useful drug targets and their inhibitors can be therapeutic. Synthetic anti-enkephalinases and anti-aminopeptidases are being developed. They are potent analgesics but have fewer side effects than the opiates.

Evidence for functional localization of the proenkephalin-processing enzyme, prohormone thiol protease, to secretory vesicles of chromaffin cells

The biosynthesis of enkephalin opioid neuropeptides as well as numerous peptide hormones and neurotransmitters requires proteolytic processing of the respective prohormone precursors. We previously identified a novel cysteine protease known as prohormone thiol protease (PTP) as the major proenkephalin-processing enzyme in chromaffin granules (secretory vesicles) of bovine adrenal medulla. In this study, colocalization of PTP with (Met)enkephalin in regulated secretory vesicles was assessed by immunochemical approaches. Western blots demonstrated the presence of PTP in chromaffin granules, with equivalent levels of PTP protein in the soluble and membrane components of the vesicle. The presence of PTP in pituitary was also demonstrated by immunoblots. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated immunogold-labeled PTP and (Met)enkephalin within isolated chromaffin granules. In primary cultures of chromaffin cells, the discrete pattern of PTP and (Met)enkephalin immunofluorescence staining in neuritic extensions and cytoplasmic (perinuclear) regions of chromaffin cells is consistent with localization to secretory vesicles. Moreover, cosecretion of PTP and (Met)enkephalin from chromaffin cells occurred upon KCl depolarization in a calcium-dependent manner, indicating the localization of PTP and (Met)enkephalin within regulated secretory vesicles. Calcium-dependent secretion is a well known property of regulated secretory vesicle exocytosis. Overall, these results are consistent with the localization of PTP to functional, regulated secretory vesicles that contain (Met)enkephalin.

Alpha1-antichymotrypsin-like proteins I and II purified from bovine adrenal medulla are enriched in chromaffin granules and inhibit the proenkephalin processing enzyme "prohormone thiol protease"

Proteolytic processing of inactive proenkephalin and proneuropeptides is essential for the production of biologically active enkephalins and many neuropeptides. The incomplete processing of proenkephalin in adrenal medulla suggests that endogenous protease inhibitors may inhibit proenkephalin processing enzymes. This study demonstrates the isolation and characterization of two isoforms of adrenal medullary alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), referred to as ACT-like proteins I and II, which are colocalized with enkephalin in chromaffin granules and which inhibit the proenkephalin processing enzyme known as prohormone thiol protease (PTP). Subcellular fractionation demonstrated enrichment of 56- and 60-kDa ACT-like proteins I and II, respectively, to enkephalin-containing chromaffin granules (secretory vesicles). Immunofluorescence cytochemistry of chromaffin cells indicated a discrete, punctate pattern of ACT immunostaining that resembles that of [Met]enkephalin that is stored in secretory vesicles. Chromatography of adrenal medullary extracts through DEAE-Sepharose and chromatofocusing resulted in the separation of ACT-like proteins I and II that possess different isoelectric points of 5.5 and 4.0, respectively. The 56-kDa ACT-like protein I was purified to apparent homogeneity by Sephacryl S200 chromatography; the 60-kDa ACT-like protein II was isolated by butyl-Sepharose, Sephacryl S200, and concanavalin A-Sepharose columns. The proenkephalin processing enzyme PTP was potently inhibited by ACT-like protein I, with a K(i,app) of 35 nM, but ACT-like protein II was less effective. ACT-like proteins I and II had little effect on chymotrypsin. These results demonstrate the biochemical identification of two secretory vesicle ACT-like proteins that differentially inhibit PTP. The colocalization of the ACT-like proteins and PTP within chromaffin granules indicates that they could interact in vivo. Results from this study suggest that these ACT-like proteins may be considered as candidate inhibitors of PTP, which could provide a mechanism for limited proenkephalin processing in adrenal medulla.

The kunitz protease inhibitor form of the amyloid precursor protein (KPI/APP) inhibits the proneuropeptide processing enzyme prohormone thiol protease (PTP). Colocalization of KPI/APP and PTP in secretory vesicles

Proteolytic processing of proenkephalin and proneuropeptides is required for the production of active neurotransmitters and peptide hormones. Variations in the extent of proenkephalin processing in vivo suggest involvement of endogenous protease inhibitors. This study demonstrates that "protease nexin 2 (PN2)," the secreted form of the kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI) of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), potently inhibited the proenkephalin processing enzyme known as prohormone thiol protease (PTP), with a Ki,app of 400 nM. Moreover, PTP and PN2 formed SDS-stable complexes that are typical of kunitz protease inhibitor interactions with target proteases. In vivo, KPI/APP (120 kDa), as well as a truncated form of KPI/APP that resembles PN2 in apparent molecular mass (110 kDa), were colocalized with PTP and (Met)enkephalin in secretory vesicles of adrenal medulla (chromaffin granules). KPI/APP (110-120 kDa) was also detected in pituitary secretory vesicles that contain PTP. In chromaffin cells, calcium-dependent secretion of KPI/APP with PTP and (Met)enkephalin demonstrated the colocalization of these components in functional secretory vesicles. These results suggest a role for KPI/APP inhibition of PTP in regulated secretory vesicles. In addition, these results are the first to identify an endogenous protease target of KPI/APP, which is developmentally regulated in aging and Alzheimer's disease.

Stimulation of "prohormone thiol protease" (PTP) and [Met]enkephalin by forskolin. Blockade of elevated [Met]enkephalin by a cysteine protease inhibitor of PTP

Proenkephalin and other prohormones require proteolytic processing at paired basic and monobasic residues for the biosynthesis of active neuropeptides. The novel "prohormone thiol protease" (PTP) has been proposed as a candidate proenkephalin processing enzyme for the production of [Met]enkephalin in chromaffin granules (Krieger, T. J., and Hook, V. Y. H. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 88376-8383). In this study, PTP was examined during elevation of cellular [Met]enkephalin by forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase that produces cAMP. Treatment of chromaffin cells with forskolin for 72 h increased enkephalin precursor cleaving activity (measured by following the conversion of the model substrate [35S-Met]preproenkephalin to trichloroacetic acid-soluble radioactivity) in isolated chromaffin granules by 170-180% over controls (100%). The increased activity was associated with the membrane fraction, rather than the soluble fraction, of chromaffin granules. The elevated activity was inhibited by E-64c, which is a potent inhibitor of PTP and cysteine proteases; however, the activity was not inhibited by serine or aspartic protease inhibitors. The elevated activity was identified as PTP based on immunoprecipitation by anti-PTP immunoglobulins. Stimulation of PTP synthesis was involved in the forskolin-induced increase in PTP activity, as demonstrated by a 10-fold increase in [35S]PTP pulse labeling in forskolin-treated chromaffin cells. Forskolin elevation of PTP protein levels within chromaffin granules was also detected in Western blots. Importantly, the forskolin-mediated rise in cellular [Met]enkephalin levels was completely blocked when cells were preincubated with the cysteine protease inhibitor Ep453, which is known to be converted by intracellular esterases to the more effective inhibitor E-64c (Buttle, D. J., Saklatvala, J., Tamai, M., and Barrett, A. J. (1992) Biochem. J. 281, 175-177). Both E-64c and Ep453 inhibit PTP, with E-64c being more potent (Azaryan, A. V., and Hook, V. Y. H. (1994b) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 314, 171-177). These results demonstrate a role for PTP in proenkephalin processing in chromaffin cells and indicate that [Met] enkephalin formation and PTP are both regulated by cAMP.

Expression of the carboxypeptidase E gene: characterization of the initiator-binding proteins

Several of the genes for enzymes involved in peptide hormone processing, such as carboxypeptidase E (CPE), do not contain a TATA box. The region surrounding the major transcription initiation site of the CPE gene has sequence homology with the 'initiator' (Inr) elements of the TATA-less terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT) gene, and the adenovirus major late (AdML) and other promoters. To investigate the promoter region of the CPE gene, GH4C1 cells were transiently transfected with constructs containing the luciferase reporter gene attached to various portions of the rat CPE gene (-395 to +45). Positive regulator elements were detected in positions -84 to -12 and +30 to +47. However, the Inr-like element of the CPE gene (-12 to +20) produced detectable luciferase activity in the absence of upstream and downstream sequences. This region of the CPE gene was much more active when expressed in the normal (sense) orientation than when expressed in the antisense orientation. A mutation within the consensus sequence between CPE and other Inr elements was much less active than the wild-type sequence. Interestingly, deletion of the Inr and surrounding sequences produced a large increase in the transcription from upstream sites, suggesting that proteins which bind at, or near, the Inr sequence suppress transcription from other sites. To characterize GH4C1 nuclear proteins which bind to the CPE gene, Southwestern blotting, UV cross-linking, and gel shift analyses were performed. The Southwestern analysis showed that the CPE and AdML Inr sequences labeled several proteins of similar sizes which are distinct from the transcription factor USF; this factor has been previously reported to bind to the AdML Inr sequence. A CPE Inr-binding protein co-purifies with an AdML Inr-binding protein on a CPE Inr affinity column. Gel shift assays showed that with some binding conditions, the proteins that bind to the CPE sequence also bind to the TdT and AdML Inr elements. Taken together, these results indicate that the -12 to +20 region of the CPE gene has the properties of an Inr element which binds some, but not all, of the factors which bind to other Inr elements.

Differential effects of a phorbol ester on carboxypeptidase E in cultured astrocytes and AtT-20 cells, a neuroendocrine cell line

Cultured astrocytes have been shown to secrete various neuropeptides and the neuropeptide processing enzyme, carboxypeptidase E (CPE). The secretion of CPE enzymatic activity from astrocytes has been shown previously to be increased approximately twofold by treatment with tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a phorbol ester. In this study, metabolic labeling with [35S]Met was utilized to examine the effect of TPA on the biosynthesis of CPE protein in cultured astrocytes and in AtT-20 cells, a pituitary-derived cell line. Treatment of astrocytes with 0.1 micrograms/ml TPA for 24 h caused an 80% increase in the level of radiolabeled CPE in both the media and the cells, indicating that the synthesis of CPE was stimulated by the TPA. AtT-20 cells also secreted more radiolabeled CPE in response to TPA, but this increase was offset by a proportional decrease in the cellular level of radiolabeled CPE, and synthesis of CPE was not stimulated in this cell line. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that 0.1 micrograms/ml TPA elevated CPE mRNA by approximately 50% in cultured astrocytes but not in AtT-20 cells. Quantitative in situ hybridization studies demonstrated that the TPA-induced increase in CPE mRNA expression was largely due to increases in the number of cells expressing CPE mRNA, although for astrocytes from some brain regions the average level of CPE mRNA per cell was also elevated by TPA. These results suggest that astrocytes can be induced to express CPE, which is consistent with a role for astrocytes in intercellular signaling.

Regulation of carboxypeptidase E by membrane depolarization in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells: comparison with mRNAs encoding other peptide- and catecholamine-biosynthetic enzymes

PC12 cells, a rat pheochromocytoma cell line, have been found to express carboxypeptidase E (CPE) enzymatic activity and CPE, furin, and peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) mRNAs. PC12 cells secrete CPE activity in response to depolarization induced by 50 mM KCl. Short-term (1- to 3-h) treatments of PC12 cells with KCl stimulates the secretion of CPE but does not appear to stimulate the synthesis of new CPE protein, based on the measurement of CPE activity and incorporation of [35S]-Met into CPE. Also, CPE mRNA is not altered by 2-h treatments with KCl. In contrast, prolonged treatment (24-48 h) of PC12 cells with 50 mM KCl continues to stimulate the secretion of CPE activity, without altering the cellular level of CPE. Levels of CPE mRNA are significantly elevated after long-term treatment of the cells with KCl, with increases of 35% after 5 h and 55-75% after 24 to 72 h of treatment. The level of PAM mRNA is also elevated approximately 70% after 24 h of stimulation with KCl. In contrast, the mRNA levels of furin and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) do not change on treatment of PC12 cells with KCl. These findings indicate that long-term depolarization, which leads to a prolonged stimulation of PC12 cells to secrete CPE, also stimulates the synthesis of CPE and PAM but not furin or DBH.

Effects of nerve growth factor on the biosynthesis of chromogranin A and B, secretogranin II and carboxypeptidase H in rat PC12 cells

We investigated the biosynthesis of various constituents (chromogranins A and B, secretogranin II, carboxypeptidase H and synaptin/synaptophysin) of large dense core and small vesicles in PC12 cells. These cells were treated for up to 18 days with nerve growth factor. Peptide levels were determined by quantitative immunoblotting, their mRNAs by Northern blotting. Nerve growth factor treatment changed the levels of the various peptides investigated and their mRNAs in three patterns. Peptide and mRNA levels for chromogranin A and chromogranin B were increased on day 1 and then declined. Synaptin/synaptophysin levels slightly decreased from day 1 onwards. On the other hand secretogranin II increased steadily up to 217% for peptide levels and 257% for mRNA levels. For carboxypeptidase H for which only the mRNA could be determined an analogous behaviour was seen. Its mRNA after 14 days of nerve growth factor treatment was 459% of controls. These results establish that the biosynthesis of the secretory proteins chromogranin A, chromogranin B and secretogranin II is regulated differentially during nerve growth factor treatment. We suggest that neuronal differentiation is accompanied by an increased biosynthesis of secretogranin II. For carboxypeptidase H, the marked increase in mRNA levels after nerve growth factor treatment is the first example that the biosynthesis of this peptide is significantly up-regulated. Synaptin/synaptophysin biosynthesis is not increased although this peptide is a major constituent of small vesicles which increase in number during nerve growth factor treatment.

Reserpine-induced processing of chromogranin A in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

The effect of reserpine on the processing of the secretory granule protein chromogranin A (CgA) in isolated bovine adrenal chromaffin cells was investigated using two radioimmunoassays employing site-specific antisera. The two antisera were directed against closely associated regions of the CgA molecule which would be exposed by specific processing: antiserum L331 was raised against the C-terminus of the regulatory peptide pancreastatin, and the second antiserum, L300, was raised against the synthetic peptide [Tyr0]CgA306-313 (YLSKEWEDA), a sequence that lies immediately C-terminal to pancreastatin and adjacent to a dibasic amino acid cleavage site. Chronic reserpine treatment of chromaffin cells produced a time- and dose-dependent increase in processing, as demonstrated by an increase in pancreastatin- and YLSKEWEDA-immunoreactivity (ir). The reserpine-induced rise in pancreastatin-ir was due predominantly to an increase in pancreastatin 1-47, whereas the rise in YLSKEWEDA-ir was due to increases in three polypeptides: a 51-kDa YLSKEWEDA-ir polypeptide, CgA297-313, and CgA248-313. The latter predominated. The action of reserpine on both pancreastatin- and YLSKEWEDA-ir was found to be largely inhibited by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. The results show that treatment of isolated chromaffin cells with reserpine induces both the selective proteolytic processing and peptidyl-glycine amidation of CgA and its derived fragments. As reserpine has a similar effect on proenkephalin in chromaffin cells, the results suggest that reserpine induces a general increase in the activity of the processing enzymes, partially by an increase in protein synthesis.

How peptidergic neurons cope with variation in physiological stimulation

A general scheme for neuropeptide metabolism is outlined and the potential sites of regulation are discussed. Two major sites of regulation are distinguished: transcription which ultimately limits the rate of translation to form the prepropeptide, and post-translational processing steps. The consequences of up-regulation of these steps in response to increased metabolic demand are discussed. An alternative strategy for peptidergic neurons, reliance on a large pool of neuropeptide, is proposed. Data on the response of enkephalin-containing cells to increased levels of stimulation are reviewed. It is concluded that there is good evidence for genomic up-regulation, perhaps in association with regulation of processing. Evidence based on studies on enkephalin-containing amacrine cells in the chicken retina is also reviewed. It is suggested that these cells rely on a large pool of neuropeptide to cope with changes in demand.

Subcellular distribution of enkephalin precursor proteins in rat dental pulp and the usefulness as a substrate for enkephalin-producing enzymes

The subcellular distribution of enkephalin (EK) precursor proteins was investigated to clarify the intracellular site of biosynthesis of EK in rat dental pulp tissue. The contents of met-EK-like peptides in nuclear, microsomal, and supernatant fractions of the pulp tissue were markedly increased after sequential digestion with trypsin and carboxypeptidase B, indicating the enrichment of the precursors in these fractions. Sephadex G-100 gel filtration showed a common peak of the precursor proteins in the homogenate and its microsomal and supernatant fractions, and the molecular weight was determined to be about 58,000 by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Both the partially purified precursor protein from the supernatant fraction and N alpha-benzoyl-DL-arginine-beta-naphthylamide (BANA) were used as substrates for a lysosomal enzyme separated by Sephadex G-75 gel filtration. The major peak of EK-producing activity of the enzyme was identical with that of BANA-degrading activity of the enzyme. These results demonstrate the EK-producing activity of lysosomal proteinase, and also indicate the usefulness of the two substances as substrates for the enzyme.

Cryptic Met-enkephalin in adrenal and portal vein during splanchnic artery occlusion shock in cats

Adrenal vein (AD), portal vein (PV), and femoral artery (FA) plasma levels of immunoreactive (IR) Met-enkephalin pentapeptide (ME) and extended ME-IR forms, obtained after sequential incubation of plasma with trypsin and carboxypeptidase B, were examined in 4 cats during splanchnic artery occlusion shock at baseline (S1), during early shock (S2), late shock (S3), and after naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.v.) administration (S4). Early shock (S2) led to a significant increase in levels of extended and fully processed Met-enkephalin IR at all 3 collection sites (AD, PV, FA) without a change in proportional levels of extended Met-enkephalin IR to the pentapeptide IR (ME). Naloxone administration during late shock (S4), however, resulted in a disproportionate increase (150-fold from baseline) in adrenal vein plasma levels of extended Met-enkephalin IR forms, as compared to ME IR (23-fold). In contrast, no changes in plasma levels occurred in PV and FA.

Reflex splanchnic nerve stimulation increases levels of carboxypeptidase E mRNA and enzymatic activity in the rat adrenal medulla

Carboxypeptidase E (CPE; EC 3.4.17.10) is a carboxypeptidase B-like enzyme involved with the biosynthesis of numerous peptide hormones and neurotransmitters, including the enkephalins. Reflex splanchnic stimulation of the rat adrenal medulla, which has previously been found to substantially increase enkephalin mRNA and enkephalin peptide levels, was examined for an influence on CPE mRNA and enzymatic activity. Several hours after insulin-induced reflex splanchnic stimulation, the levels of CPE activity in rat adrenal medulla are reduced to 40-60% of control. CPE activity returns to the control level 2 days after the treatment and then continues to increase, reaching approximately 200% of control 1 week after the treatment. The time course of the changes in CPE activity is different from those of the changes in epinephrine levels and the previously reported changes in enkephalin peptide levels. CPE mRNA is also influenced by the insulin shock, with levels increasing to 155% of the control level after 6 h and 170% after 2 days. The time course of the change in CPE mRNA levels is similar to that previously found for proenkephalin mRNA. However, the magnitude of the change is much different: Proenkephalin mRNA has been reported to increase by 1,600%. The changes in CPE mRNA and enzymatic activity are consistent with the proposal that CPE is not a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of enkephalin.

Arginine and lysine product inhibition of bovine adrenomedullary carboxypeptidase H, a prohormone processing enzyme

Carboxypeptidase H (CPH) is one of the later enzymes in the cascade of proteolytic steps required for the posttranslational processing of peptide hormone precursors, including processing of proenkephalin. In this study, CPH activity in the soluble and membrane fractions of enkephalin-containing bovine chromaffin granules was competitively inhibited by its products arginine and lysine. Ki values for arginine and lysine were 4.6 +/- 1.3 and 7.6 +/- 1.9 mM, respectively, indicating that arginine was a more effective inhibitor than lysine. Other amino acids (at 10 mM) had no effect. The in vivo intragranular concentrations of lysine and arginine are similar to the measured Ki values, indicating that product inhibition of CPH by basic amino acids may occur in vivo.

Differential colocalization of neuropeptide Y- and methionine-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8-like immunoreactivity in catecholaminergic neurons in the rat brain stem

The present study, using a combination of catecholamine (CA) histofluorescence and peptide immunocytochemistry in the same tissue sections, investigated the coexistence of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and methionine-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (MEAGL)-like immunoreactivity (LI) in catecholaminergic neurons of colchicine-treated rat brain stems. Of the total number of catecholaminergic neurons in the A1/C1, A2/C2, A3, A4, and A6 regions approximately 83, 28, 98, 76, and 36%, respectively, contained both NPY-LI and CA. Of the total number of catecholaminergic neurons in A1/C1, A2/C2, A3, and A5 regions, approximately 47, 4, 8, and 17%, respectively, contained both MEAGL-LI and CA. Moreover, about 24% of the catecholaminergic neurons in the A1/C1 region contained both NPY- and MEAGL-LI. Neither the noradrenergic neurons (A7) in the pons nor any of the dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain (A8, A9, A10) contained NPY- or MEAGL-LI. Neurons containing both NPY- and MEAGL-like immunoreactive peptides without CA were not found in the rat brain stem. These findings indicate that catecholaminergic neurons in the brain stem of the rat can be subdivided into distinct subgroups on the basis of the coexistence of specific peptides.

Identification of zymogen and mature forms of human carboxypeptidase H. A processing enzyme for the synthesis of peptide hormones

Carboxypeptidase H (CPH) is one of several processing enzymes required for the conversion of peptide hormone precursors into their smaller active forms. In this study, high levels of CPH activity was found in a liver metastasis of a human ileal carcinoid which expresses beta-preprotachykinin mRNA and the tachykinin neuropeptides, substance P and substance K. This human CPH showed properties of a zinc-metallopeptidase that is structurally similar to bovine and rat CPH. Immunoblots of the human ileal carcinoma with anti-bovine CPH showed that CPH activity is represented by two proteins of apparent molecular masses 57 and 55 kDa. Cell-free translation of poly(A)+ RNA followed by immunoprecipitation with anti-bovine CPH showed that human CPH mRNA encodes a precursor protein of apparent molecular mass 75 kDa. These data demonstrate that human CPH is synthesized as a zymogen, prepro-CPH, which must be cleaved to form catalytically active CPH.

Characterization of enkephalins in rat adrenal medullary explants

In the rat, removal of depolarizing stimuli to the adrenal medulla by surgical denervation in vivo or by explanting adrenal medullae has been shown to dramatically increase preproenkephalin mRNA, and enkephalin-containing (EC) peptides. To further elucidate the cellular basis of these effects and the role of transsynaptic influences on post-translational processing, we have defined the time course, and characterized EC peptides in rat adrenal medullary explants in control and depolarized states. The rise in EC peptides begins after 1 day in culture and reaches a peak at 4-7 days. Although the onset of the increase in EC peptides in culture is delayed by 12-24 h compared to the changes seen in vivo, following surgical denervation, the time course of peak and duration is remarkably similar. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) revealed that the major species of newly appearing EC peptides in explanted glands is a high molecular weight peptide of approximately 18,000 with a Met-/Leu-enkephalin ratio of approximately 6. These results suggest that proenkephalin, the initial precursor of the EC peptide family, is the major EC peptide that accumulates in rat adrenal medullary explants. A low-molecular weight EC peptide, found by high-performance liquid chromatography to be free Met-enkephalin, is a minor component of the culture induced increase in EC peptides. Culturing of medullae in the presence of depolarizing concentrations of K+ prevents the accumulation of the proenkephalin-like EC peptides and free enkephalins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of carboxypeptidase H by inhibitory and stimulatory mechanisms during neuropeptide precursor processing

1. Carboxypeptidase H is one of several proteolytic processing enzymes required for conversion of large neuropeptide precursors into the small peptide neurotransmitters and hormones. 2. Because of the importance of posttranslational processing as a regulatory step for the production of active peptides, recent studies investigating control mechanisms for carboxypeptidase H (CPH) are reviewed. 3. Evidence is discussed which illustrates how CPH can be inhibited and activated. These findings suggest that a processing enzyme can play a role in the control of neuropeptide production. 4. It will be important in further studies to understand how the multiple processing enzymes--endopeptidase(s) and aminopeptidase, along with CPH--are coordinately regulated for the synthesis of active peptides.

The enkephalin-containing cell: strategies for polypeptide synthesis and secretion throughout the neuroendocrine system

1. Enkephalinergic cells are found throughout the diffuse neuroendocrine system, in the adrenal medulla, brain, spinal cord, peripheral and enteric nervous systems, and endocrine pancreas. 2. In each of these diverse cell types, the enkephalin phenotype is (i) established during development, (ii) modified by the particular environment in which the cell is located, and (iii) maintained by ongoing biosynthesis at a rate consistent with loss of enkephalins from the cell during periods of secretion. 3. Enkephalin expression and biosynthesis have been studied in several neuroendocrine cell types and tumor cell lines. Transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational factors can play a role at all three stages (establishment, modification, and maintenance) in the regulation of enkephalin expression during the lifetime of the cell. 4. Cyclic nucleotides, glucocorticoids, and calcium may all act to control the overall level of enkephalin biosynthesis pretranslationally, while regulation of posttranslational processing of proenkephalin seems to be important in determining the pattern of proenkephalin-derived opiate peptides produced in a given tissue. 5. The themes (and variations) of cell regulation that apply to enkephalin expression may be similar for other bioactive peptides produced in neural and endocrine tissues.

Peptide E and its products, BAM 18 and Leu-enkephalin, in bovine adrenal medulla and cultured chromaffin cells: release in response to stimulation

Peptide E is a 25 amino acid opioid peptide which, if cleaved at the sole double basic (Lys-Arg) typical processing site, would generate two opioid fragments, the amino-terminal fragment BAM 18 and the carboxy-terminal fragment Leu-enkephalin. We have analysed extracts of bovine adrenal medulla in order to quantify these three opioid peptides (peptide E, BAM 18, and Leu-enkephalin). Here we present evidence that BAM 18 and Leu-enkephalin were present in similar amounts, whereas peptide E was present at a higher concentration. This is consistent with previous observations showing a preferential accumulation of larger peptides in the bovine adrenal, and also with the Lys-Arg bond being the principal site of cleavage of peptide E. However, when bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were maintained in culture for several days, Leu-enkephalin was found to be present in much greater amounts than was BAM 18-like immunoreactivity. The molar amounts of peptide E still exceeded the estimated levels of BAM 18 and Leu-enkephalin. We provide evidence that under conditions of basal release BAM 18 and peptide E were released, whereas Leu-enkephalin was released in much smaller amounts, if at all. On stimulation with nicotine results were consistent with an increased release of all three peptides with a preferential stimulation of Leu-enkephalin release. Under all conditions, the molar amounts of peptide E released apparently exceeded that of the other peptides. The results are discussed in terms of the regulation of partial proteolysis and the fate of peptide E.

Secretion of [Met]enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7-related peptides and catecholamines from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells: modification by changes in cyclic AMP and by treatment with reserpine

Investigations into the effects of culturing bovine adrenal chromaffin cells in the presence (72 h) of dibutyryl cyclic AMP, forskolin, and reserpine on the level and release of [Met]enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 immunoreactivity, noradrenaline, and adrenaline are reported. The assay for [Met]enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 immunoreactivity recognises both peptide B, the 31-amino acid carboxy-terminal segment of proenkephalin, and its heptapeptide fragment, [Met]enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7. Treatments that elevate cyclic AMP increase the amount of peptide immunoreactivity in these cells; this is predominantly peptide B-like immunoreactivity in both control cells and cyclic AMP-elevated cells. Treatment with reserpine gives no change in total immunoreactivity levels, but does not result in increased accumulation of the heptapeptide [Met]enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 at the expense of immunoreactivity that elutes with its immediate precursor, peptide B. Cyclic AMP treatment causes either no change or a decrease in levels of accumulated noradrenaline and adrenaline. However, the release of [Met]enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7 immunoreactivity, noradrenaline, and adrenaline is increased by 72-h pretreatment with forskolin or dibutyryl cyclic AMP, whether release is stimulated by nicotine or elevated potassium. In each case the molecular form of [Met]enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 immunoreactivity that is released approximately reflects the cell content. Pretreatment with reserpine has no effect on the total [Met]enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 immunoreactivity released, but does result in an increased release of the heptapeptide and a decrease in release of peptide B-like immunoreactivity. The studies suggest that the levels of [Met]enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 and peptide B available for release are controlled both at the level of proenkephalin synthesis and at the level of double-basic residue proteolysis.

Monoclonal antibodies to chromaffin cells can distinguish proteins specific to or specifically excluded from chromaffin granules

I have prepared a number of monoclonal antibodies to chromaffin cell membranes. One of these antibodies recognizes a number of antigenically related proteins that are present in all tissues examined. In the adrenal, these proteins are completely excluded from chromaffin granules but are present in other subcellular membrane fractions. This non-granule membrane-specific antibody has been designated NG3. A second antibody, CG7, binds to a single protein which segregates specifically into chromaffin granules. The protein recognized by CG7 is cytochrome b561, or chromomembrin B, one of the major protein components of chromaffin granule membranes. CG7 also labels a protein (the identical cytochrome b561) in bovine posterior pituitary neurosecretory vesicle membranes indicating that it functions in both peptidergic and catecholaminergic secretory granules. These two monoclonal antibodies provide useful probes of both granule and extra-granule membrane proteins for studies of membrane trafficking in chromaffin cells.

Distribution of enkephalin-containing peptides within bovine chromaffin granules

The distribution of large enkephalin-containing peptides (ECP's) between soluble and membrane components of bovine chromaffin granules was examined by immunoblotting with synenkephalin antiserum which recognizes the NH2-terminus of proenkephalin. Immunoblots showed that the 23.3 and 18.2 kilodalton ECP's were present in both soluble and membrane granule compartments but the 12.6 kilodalton ECP was present only in the soluble fraction. These results suggest that the larger ECP's may be preferentially associated with the granule membrane and may be redistributed to the soluble granule compartment upon proteolytic processing.

A novel proenkephalin processing carboxypeptidase and its activation by cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase

Carboxypeptidase B-like enzymes cleaving Met-enkephalin-Arg from synaptosomes of the rat striatum purified using a DEAE-cellulose column and Met-Arg-CH-Sepharose 4B affinity column proved to be different from enkephalin-convertase, lysosomal carboxypeptidase B-like enzyme, pancreas carboxypeptidase B and carboxypeptidase Y, in effects of inhibitors and activators, pH optimum (7.5-8.5) and molecular size (50,000). This enzyme, named "Processin CP-E" was activated by cAMP dependent protein kinase, and the Vmax was increased from 4.3 to 13.3 microM/min/mg protein, while the Km (28.2 microM) was unchanged.

Met-enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 immunoreactivity in a human neuroblastoma cell line: effect of dibutyryl 3':5'-cyclic AMP and reserpine

The carboxy terminal part of the proenkephalin A sequence is the 31 amino acid peptide B, which has as its final seven amino acids the sequence of the opioid peptide Met-enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7. Using a radioimmunoassay which recognises both these peptides we have investigated the relative amounts of peptide B and Met-enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 in a human neuroblastoma cell line. We show that these cells contain peptide B-like immunoreactivity but not its heptapeptide fragment. This may be due to lack of proteolytic activity cleaving Met-enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 from its precursor, peptide B. On treatment with dibutyryl cyclic AMP the level of immunoreactivity approximately doubles, due to increased amounts of peptide B-like immunoreactivity. Treatment with reserpine, which increases conversion of peptide B to the heptapeptide in bovine chromaffin cells in culture does not stimulate the accumulation of Met-enkephalyl-Arg6-Phe7 in the human neuroblastoma cells. The results are discussed with respect to peptide processing.

Uptake of dehydroascorbic acid and ascorbic acid to isolated nerve terminals and secretory granules from ox neurohypophyses

When uptake of L-[14C]ascorbic acid ([14C]AA) to various organs in guinea-pigs was studied after intracardiac injection, the adenohypophysis, pars intermedia, and the neurohypophysis had an uptake per milligramme protein which was about half of the uptake to the adrenals. Adrenal uptake was 20 +/- 2.8 pmol mg-1 protein microCi-1 injected. The uptake to the different parts of the hypophysis was considerably higher than the uptake to pancreas, liver, kidney, spleen and other organs. When isolated nerve endings (neurosecretosomes) from ox neurohypophyses were incubated with a medium containing labelled dehydroascorbic acid ([14C]DHA), the uptake was much slower than when the medium contained labelled ascorbic acid. The uptake of [14C]DHA showed a linear dependence on concentration, and was not influenced by addition of Mg2+ and ATP. Addition of Mg2+ + ATP, omission of Ca2+ and Mg2+ or exchange of Na+ in the medium with K+ had no effect on the uptake of ascorbic acid. When isolated secretory granules from ox neurohypophyses were incubated with a medium containing [14C]DHA, uptake was considerably faster than the uptake when they were incubated in a medium containing [14C]AA. The uptake of dehydroascorbic acid was linear with the concentration in the medium and was not changed by addition of Mg2+ ATP. Addition of 10 mM NH4Cl or exchange of 120 mM K+ in the incubation medium with Na+ did not change the uptake of dehydroascorbic acid. The contents of copper, zinc, iron and cobalt were determined in isolated nerve endings (A) and membranes (B) as well as in lysate (C) from isolated neurosecretory granules. The results (in nmol mg-1 protein) were for Cu: (A): 0.25 +/- 0.01 (SEM), (B): 0.67 +/- 0.16, (C): 0.22 +/- 0.06; for Zn: (A): 0.53 +/- 0.13, (B): 6.97 +/- 0.75, (C): 1.8 +/- 0.53; and for Fe: (A): 15.6 +/- 1.9, (B): 6.92 +/- 0.32, (C): 3.15 +/- 0.43. In all preparations the cobalt content was below the detection limit (less than 5 pmol mg-1 protein).

Enkephalin and neuropeptide Y: two colocalized neuropeptides are independently regulated in primary cultures of bovine chromaffin cells

We have found that Neuropeptide Y is colocalized with enkephalin in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. The two peptides can be found in the same granules in those cells where they coexist. These cells correspond to the adrenergic subpopulation of chromaffin cells since they contain the epinephrine synthetic enzyme, phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase. Despite their coexistence, production of the two peptides is independently regulated. Enkephalin levels are doubled after nicotinic depolarization (which increases enkephalin synthesis) or after treatment with reserpine (which increases enkephalin precursor processing). Neither of these treatments, acting by different mechanisms, has any effect on the levels of Neuropeptide Y.

Metorphamide levels in chromaffin cells increase after treatment with reserpine

Exposure of bovine chromaffin cells in primary culture to 0.01-1 microM reserpine caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in intracellular levels of the amidated enkephalin peptide metorphamide. Maximal levels (approximately 800% of control) were obtained at 0.1 microM reserpine and increased levels were apparent by 16 h of treatment. Metorphamide increases were at least fivefold more than that of either Met- or Leu-enkephalin, suggesting that reserpine stimulates both enkephalin processing and amidation in the secretory vesicle. Treatment with elevated potassium, which increases enkephalin levels by stimulating production of preproenkephalin messenger RNA, elicited an increase in metorphamide levels equivalent to, but not greater than, the increase in Met-enkephalin pentapeptide. The ratio of Met-enkephalin to metorphamide in untreated chromaffin cells is approximately 140:1, whereas the final Met-enkephalin: metorphamide ratio in reserpinized chromaffin cells is approximately 30:1, similar to the Met-enkephalin:metorphamide ratio in enkephalinergic neurons of the CNS.

The prohormone processing activity is enriched in a low-density subpopulation of chromaffin granules

Bovine adrenomedullary chromaffin granules can be separated into two subpopulations by differential centrifugation. The subpopulation which sediments at the interface of two sucrose layers, 1.6 and 1.8 M respectively, is found to be enriched about 10-times in prohormone processing activity, as measured by in vitro degradation of synthetic peptide substrates. The enhanced proteolytic activity is not due to lysosomal contaminations which are very low and only slightly increased in the more active fraction. The low density of the enriched subpopulation suggests that we are dealing with immature granules. The physiological implications of this finding are discussed. Furthermore, the enriched fraction can be used as the starting material for the isolation of proenkephalin processing enzymes.