Autophosphorylation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

The role of cAMP dependent protein kinase in modulating spontaneous intracellular Ca²⁺ waves in interstitial cells of Cajal from the rabbit urethra

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) serve as electrical pacemakers in the rabbit urethra. Pacemaking activity in ICC results from spontaneous intracellular Ca(2+) waves that rely on Ca(2+) release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the action of protein kinase A (PKA) affected the generation of Ca(2+) waves in ICC. Intracellular [Ca(2+)] was measured in fluo-4 loaded ICC, freshly isolated from the rabbit urethra using a Nipkow spinning disc confocal microscope. Application of the PKA inhibitor H-89 (10 μM) significantly inhibited the generation of spontaneous Ca(2+) waves in ICC and this was associated with a significant decrease in the ER Ca(2+) load, measured with 10mM caffeine responses. Ca(2+) waves could be rescued in the presence of H-89 by stimulating ryanodine receptors (RyRs) with 1mM caffeine but not by activation of inositol 1,4,5 tri-phosphate receptors (IP3Rs) with 10 μM phenylephrine. Increasing intracellular PKA with the cAMP agonists forskolin and 8-bromo-cAMP failed to yield an increase in Ca(2+) wave activity. We conclude that PKA may be maximally active under basal conditions in ICC and that inhibition of PKA with H-89 leads to a decreased ER Ca(2+) load sufficient to inactivate IP3Rs but not RyRs.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 phosphorylation and regulation by extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R1) is a widely expressed intracellular calcium-release channel found in many cell types. The operation of IP(3)R1 is regulated through phosphorylation by multiple protein kinases. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been found involved in calcium signaling in distinct cell types, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we present evidence that ERK1/2 and IP(3)R1 bind together through an ERK binding motif in mouse cerebellum in vivo as well as in vitro. ERK-phosphorylating serines (Ser 436) was identified in mouse IP(3)R1 and Ser 436 phosphorylation had a suppressive effect on IP(3) binding to the recombinant N-terminal 604-amino acid residues (N604). Moreover, phosphorylation of Ser 436 in R(224-604) evidently enhance its interaction with the N-terminal "suppressor" region (N223). At last, our data showed that Ser 436 phosphorylation in IP(3)R1 decreased Ca(2+) releasing through IP(3)R1 channels.

Signaling protein complexes associated with neuronal ion channels

The pore-forming subunits of many ion channels exist in the membrane as one component of a regulatory protein complex, which may also contain one or more signaling proteins that contribute to the modulation of channel properties. Here I review this field, with emphasis on several different kinds of neuronal potassium channels for which the evidence for ion channel signaling complexes is most compelling. A key challenge for the future is to determine the roles of such signaling protein complexes in neuronal physiology and behavior.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors as signal integrators

The inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) is a Ca2+ release channel that responds to the second messenger IP3. Exquisite modulation of intracellular Ca2+ release via IP3Rs is achieved by the ability of IP3R to integrate signals from numerous small molecules and proteins including nucleotides, kinases, and phosphatases, as well as nonenzyme proteins. Because the ion conduction pore composes only approximately 5% of the IP3R, the great bulk of this large protein contains recognition sites for these substances. Through these regulatory mechanisms, IP3R modulates diverse cellular functions, which include, but are not limited to, contraction/excitation, secretion, gene expression, and cellular growth. We review the unique properties of the IP3R that facilitate cell-type and stimulus-dependent control of function, with special emphasis on protein-binding partners.

Protein kinase A and two phosphatases are components of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor macromolecular signaling complex

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is a ubiquitously expressed intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) release channel on the endoplasmic reticulum. IP3Rs play key roles in controlling Ca(2+) signals that activate numerous cellular functions including T cell activation, neurotransmitter release, oocyte fertilization and apoptosis. There are three forms of IP3R, all of which are ligand-gated channels activated by the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Channel function is modulated via cross-talk with other signaling pathways including those mediated by kinases and phosphatases. In particular IP3Rs are known to be regulated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylation. In the present study we show that PKA and the protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A are components of the IP3R1 macromolecular signaling complex. PKA phosphorylation of IP3R1 increases channel activity in planar lipid bilayers. These studies indicate that regulation of IP3R1 function via PKA phosphorylation involves components of a macromolecular signaling complex.

Differential neuronal localizations and dynamics of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

Type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors are phosphorylated by cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase A at serines 1589 and 1755, with serine 1755 phosphorylation greatly predominating in the brain. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor protein kinase A phosphorylation augments Ca(2+) release. To assess type 1 protein kinase A phosphorylation dynamics in the intact organism, we developed antibodies selective for either serine 1755 phosphorylated or unphosphorylated species. Immunohistochemical studies reveal marked variation in localization. For example, in the hippocampus the phosphorylated type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is restricted to CA1, while the unphosphorylated receptor occurs ubiquitously in CA1-CA3 and dentate gyrus granule cells. Throughout the brain the phosphorylated type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is selectively enriched in dendrites, while the unphosphorylated receptor predominates in cell bodies. Focal cerebral ischemia in rats and humans is associated with dephosphorylation of type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, and glutamatergic excitation of cerebellar Purkinje cells mediated by ibogaine elicits dephosphorylation of type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors that precedes evidence of excitotoxic neuronal degeneration. We have demonstrated striking variations in regional and subcellular distribution of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor phosphorylation that may influence normal physiological intracellular Ca(2+) signaling in rat and human brain. We have further shown that the subcellular distribution of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor phosphorylation in neurons is regulated by excitatory neurotransmission, as well as excitotoxic insult and neuronal ischemia-reperfusion. Phosphorylation dynamics of type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors may modulate intracellular Ca(2+) release and influence the cellular response to neurotoxic insults.

Calcium currents and arrhythmias: insights from molecular biology

Calcium channels are critical to normal cardiac function. They are involved in the generation and conduction of the action potential and in contraction. Three surface membrane channels have been identified. The L-type Ca channel is most abundant and is responsible for Ca entry into the cell that triggers contraction. T-type Ca channels are most prevalent in the conduction system and are probably involved in automaticity. A newly described TTX-sensitive calcium current may be important in "boosting" or enhancing conduction and contraction. The main intracellular Ca channel resides in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and is responsible for the release of the Ca that activates contraction. Oscillatory behavior of this channel influences the sarcolemmal membrane, causing delayed aftercontractions and arrhythmias such as those seen in digoxin toxicity. The on-going molecular characterization of these channels will enhance our knowledge of their normal function and dysfunction in disease states, leading to the development of new therapeutic agents to treat arrhythmias and contractile dysfunction.

Adenosine triphosphate-evoked cytosolic calcium oscillations in human granulosa-luteal cells: role of protein kinase C

ATP has been shown to modulate progesterone production in human granulosa-luteal cells (hGLCs) in vitro. After binding to a G protein-coupled P2 purinergic receptor, ATP stimulates phospholipase C. The resultant production of diacylglycerol and inositol triphosphate activates protein kinase C (PKC) and intracellular calcium [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization, respectively. In the present study, we examined the potential cross-talk between the PKC and Ca(2+) pathway in ATP signal transduction. Specifically, the effect of PKC on regulating ATP-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations were examined in hGLCs. Using microspectrofluorimetry, [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations were detected in Fura-2 loaded hGLCs in primary culture. The amplitudes of the ATP-triggered [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations were reduced in a dose-dependent manner by pretreating the cells with various concentrations (1 nM to 10 microM) of the PKC activator, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). A 10 microM concentration of PMA completely suppressed 10 microM ATP-induced oscillations. The inhibitory effect occurred even when PMA was given during the plateau phase of ATP evoked [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations, suggesting that extracellular calcium influx was inhibited. The role of PKC was further substantiated by the observation that, in the presence of a PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide I, ATP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations were not completely suppressed by PMA. Furthermore, homologous desensitization of ATP-induced calcium oscillations was partially reversed by bisindolylmaleimide I, suggesting that activated PKC may be involved in the mechanism of desensitization. These results demonstrate that PKC negatively regulates the ATP-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization from both intracellular stores and extracellular influx in hGLCs and further support a modulatory role of ATP and P2 purinoceptor in ovarian steroidogenesis.

Molecular and binding characteristics of IP3 receptors in bovine spermatozoa

We have shown the presence of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) receptors in bovine spermatozoa. These receptors are mainly localized and functionally associated with the acrosome region. Molecular characterization of these bovine IP3 receptors has shown that the functional size of the IP3 binding domain is a protein of 66+/-2 kDa, in agreement with the size of both bovine adrenal cortex and bovine adrenal medullar chromaffin cells IP3 receptors. In contrast, bovine cerebellum IP3 receptor displays molecular weight of 220+/-5 kDa, a value in agreement with data in the literature. Bovine IP3 receptors have a one-affinity state characterized by a low affinity (Kd 750 nM) and a relatively high density (7.5 pmol/mg protein). They are functional and release internal calcium upon the binding of the second messenger. Moreover, the finding that the specific A1 adenosine receptor agonist R-PIA elicits almost the same effect as IP3 might be of some help in understanding the physiological role of these inhibitory adenosine receptors in mammalian spermatozoa.

Phosphorylation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor by cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinases in vitro and in rat cerebellar slices in situ

We have examined cyclic nucleotide-regulated phosphorylation of the neuronal type I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor immunopurified from rat cerebellar membranes in vitro and in rat cerebellar slices in situ. The isolated IP3 receptor protein was phosphorylated by both cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases on two distinct sites as determined by thermolytic phosphopeptide mapping, phosphopeptide 1, representing Ser-1589, and phosphopeptide 2, representing Ser-1756 in the rat protein (Ferris, C. D., Cameron, A. M., Bredt, D. S., Huganir, R. L., and Snyder, S. H. (1991) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 175, 192-198). Phosphopeptide maps show that cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) labeled both sites with the same time course and same stoichiometry, whereas cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) phosphorylated Ser-1756 with a higher velocity and a higher stoichiometry than Ser-1589. Synthetic decapeptides corresponding to the two phosphorylation sites (peptide 1, AARRDSVLAA (Ser-1589), and peptide 2, SGRRESLTSF (Ser-1756)) were used to determine kinetic constants for the phosphorylation by PKG and PKA, and the catalytic efficiencies were in agreement with the results obtained by in vitro phosphorylation of the intact protein. In cerebellar slices prelabeled with [32P]orthophosphate, activation of endogenous kinases by incubation in the presence of cAMP/cGMP analogues and specific inhibitors of PKG and PKA induced in both cases a 3-fold increase in phosphorylation of the IP3 receptor. Thermolytic phosphopeptide mapping of in situ labeled IP3 receptor by PKA showed labeling on the same sites (Ser-1589 and Ser-1756) as in vitro. In contrast to the findings in vitro, PKG preferentially phosphorylated Ser-1589 in situ. Because both PKG and the IP3 receptor are specifically enriched in cerebellar Purkinje cells, PKG may be an important IP3 receptor regulator in vivo.

Regulation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor by tyrosine phosphorylation

Tyrosine kinases indirectly raise intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) by activating phospholipases that generate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). IP3 activates the IP3 receptor (IP3R), an intracellular calcium release channel on the endoplasmic reticulum. T cell receptor stimulation triggered a physical association between the nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase Fyn and the IP3R, which induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the IP3R. Fyn activated an IP3-gated calcium channel in vitro, and tyrosine phosphorylation of the IP3R during T cell activation was reduced in thymocytes from fyn-/- mice. Thus, activation of the IP3R by tyrosine phosphorylation may play a role in regulating [Ca2+]i.

Reversible phosphorylation as a controlling factor for sustaining calcium oscillations in HeLa cells: Involvement of calmodulin-dependent kinase II and a calyculin A-inhibitable phosphatase

The role of reversible phosphorylation in histamine-induced Ca2+ oscillations in HeLa cells has been investigated by using various activators and inhibitors of protein kinases and phosphatases. Electroporation was employed to introduce impermeable materials into single cells, which proved to be a useful and convenient tool. Of the kinases examined, cAMP-dependent kinase, protein kinase C, and calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMK II), only CaMK II was essential. When added during oscillations, both W-7, a calmodulin antagonist, and KN-62, a specific CaMK II inhibitor, caused one large Ca2+ spike before halting the process. Introduction of the Ca2+/calmodulin-independent catalytic domain of CaMK II into the cells forestalled their response to histamine. These results show that intracellular Ca2+ cannot oscillate when CaMK II is locked in either the inactive or the stimulated state. External Ca2+ electroporated into cells preloaded with the catalytic domains was quickly removed (but not when the cells were pretreated with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, tapsigargin), indicating that the ATP-driven Ca2+ pump was somehow activated by CaMK II. Protein phosphatase inhibitors calyculin A and okadaic acid abolished ongoing oscillations and, when added at low concentrations, prolonged the interspike interval. Immunoprecipitation experiments with 32P(i)-labeled cells provided the first evidence that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) was phosphorylated by CaMK II in vivo. The extent of phosphorylation was increased in the presence of histamine, significantly enhanced by calyculin A, and greatly reduced by W-7. Our observations are consistent with the concept that repetitive phosphorylation-dephosphorylation cycles regulating IP3R and Ca2+ pumps are a controlling factor for sustained Ca2+ oscillations in HeLa, and possibly other, cells.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated Ca2+ release from platelet internal membranes is regulated by differential phosphorylation

Platelets are activated by an increase in cytosolic Ca2+, and a portion of this increase is derived from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-mediated Ca2+ release from internal stores via the InsP3 receptor. Cytosolic cAMP inhibits platelet activation, and experiments were designed to determine if cAMP-dependent phosphorylation affects the rate of InsP3-mediated Ca2+ release. Western blotting of platelet internal membranes with anti-InsP3 receptor and anti-actin binding protein antibodies revealed that the platelet contains type 1 InsP3 receptor and that it is distinct from actin binding protein. The platelet InsP3 receptor was shown to be phosphorylated by endogenous, membrane-bound kinases as well as by exogenous protein kinase A. Prior phosphorylation of the insP3 receptor by endogenous kinases inhibited additional protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation by 60%. Furthermore, endogenous phosphorylation resulted in a 2-fold increase in the InsP3-mediated Ca2+ release rate relative to dephosphorylated controls. Following endogenous phosphorylation, additional phosphorylation by protein kinase A returned the Ca2+ release rate to control values, while protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation of dephosphorylated membranes did not affect the release rate. These results suggest that the InsP3 receptor within intact platelets is phosphorylated by endogenous kinases which results in a high InsP3-mediated Ca2+ release rate, and that increases in cAMP result in additional phosphorylation that inhibits Ca2+ release, thus contributing to inhibition of platelet activation.

Calcineurin associated with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-FKBP12 complex modulates Ca2+ flux

The immunosuppressant drug FK506 binds to the immunophilin protein FKBP12 and inhibits its prolyl isomerase activity. Immunosuppressive actions, however, are mediated via an FK506-FKBP12 inhibition of the Ca(2+)-activated phosphatase calcineurin. Physiologic cellular roles for FKBP12 have remained unclear. FKBP12 is physically associated with the RyR and IP3R Ca2+ channels in the absence of FK506, with added FK506 disrupting these complexes. Dissociation of FKBP12 results in alteration of channel Ca2+ conductance in both cases. We now report that calcineurin is physiologically associated with the IP3R-FKBP12 and RyR-FKBP12 receptor complexes and that this interaction can be disrupted by FK506 or rapamycin. Calcineurin anchored to the IP3R via FKBP12 regulates the phosphorylation status of the receptor, resulting in a dynamic Ca(2+)-sensitive regulation of IP3-mediated Ca2+ flux.

Effects of the selective protein kinase C inhibitor Ro 31-7549 on human angiotensin II receptor desensitisation and intracellular calcium release

The mechanism underlying type I angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor (AT1 receptor) desensitisation is unknown. Structural features suggest it may be a substrate for protein kinase C (PKC). The effects of a selective PKC inhibitor, Ro 31-7549, on receptor desensitisation were investigated in CHO cells expressing the human AT1 receptor. Desensitisation was demonstrated with respect to the calcium response to Ang II in Fura-2-loaded cells. Ro 31-7549 had no effect on desensitisation. However, pretreatment with Ro 31-7549 caused a dose-dependent reduction in calcium release from intracellular stores. PKC may therefore act at a locus distal from the receptor itself.

The nuclear inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate receptors

IP3R is located to the inner nuclear membrane. Nuclear IP3R is recognized as a 220 kD immunoreactive protein by antisera raised against purified rat brain IP3R. Antisera against C-terminal 95-108 peptide fragment derived from rat brain IP3R does not reveal immunoreactivity in the nucleus. Nuclear IP3R is sensitive to heparin and is phosphorylated by nuclear PKC, enhancing the efficiency of IP3 in nuclear calcium release. There are two IP4 binding sites located to the nuclear envelope. The nuclear IP4R is sensitive to pH and pH 6.5 is found optimum for the ligand binding. The high affinity IP4R is associated with the outer nuclear membrane and mediates nuclear calcium uptake by IP4. Low affinity IP4R is identified with the inner nuclear membrane and is not involved in IP4 mediated calcium entry into the nucleus. The nature of IP4R associated with the outer nuclear membrane as compared with the one identified with the inner nuclear membrane remains to be elucidated.

Regulation of the second-messenger systems in the rat spinal cord during prolonged peripheral inflammation

Unilateral intraplantar injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) into 1 hind paw of rats was used as a model of peripheral inflammation and persistent pain in order to examine time course effects of a continuous barrage of nociceptive input on the second-messenger transducing systems in the spinal cord. cAMP, cGMP and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (insP3) were extracted from the lumbosacral cord at days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 42 following FCA injection and quantified by either radioreceptor-assay (RRA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA). The lumbosacral contents of cAMP and cGMP when quantified in whole lumbosacral cord segment were not significantly changed by FCA treatment at all time points. InsP3 accumulation was significantly increased on days 14, 21 and 42 following FCA injection relative to sham-treated time-matched controls. However, cGMP and insP3 contents were significantly increased in the left longitudinal half of the lumbar enlargement ipsilateral to the injected paw on day 21 following FCA treatment, but not in the sham-treated time-matched controls. With [3H]insP3 as a ligand, Scatchard (Rosenthal) analyses of the concentration-dependent saturation curves showed that the densities (Bmax) of insP3 receptors (insP3R) were significantly increased throughout the time course of adjuvant-induced peripheral inflammation. The binding affinities (KD) for insP3R were significantly decreased on days 7, 14 and 21 following FCA injection corresponding to the times of most stable and peak inflammation. InsP3R from the cerebelli of the same rats as used in the lumbosacral insP3R characterization was used as a positive control in this study and did not show any change in both Bmax and KD as a result of FCA treatment, thus demonstrating that the changes in lumbosacral insP3R characteristics might be specific to the nociceptive sensory pathway such as the spinal cord. Thus it appears that sustained afferent nociceptive input induced by FCA injection increased the accumulation of cGMP, insP3 and insP3R density in the spinal cord through increased neuronal activities of functional receptors coupled to major classes of chemical mediators of nociception including neuropeptides and excitatory aminoacids. Changes in insP3 accumulation in the lumbosacral cord following FCA injection were significantly correlated with changes in insP3R density. Changes in the ratios of lumbosacral insP3 contents and insP3R density were also significantly correlated with changes in body weight and hind paw size induced by FCA injection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Intracellular channels

Intracellular channels are located on the membranes of intracellular organelles and are involved in ion transfer, within the cytosolic compartments, in response to internal stimuli. Recently, various types of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+)-release channels, mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels, and a vesicular Cl- channel have been molecularly cloned and characterized, and their functional roles in the central nervous system are beginning to be clarified.

Modulation of substance P-ergic system in the rat spinal cord by an opioid antagonist

Substance P- and opioid peptide-immunoreactive nerve terminals functionally interact in the spinal cord as two opposing systems in the regulation of the nociceptive pathway. In order to determine how SP-ergic system adapts to chronic opioid receptor blockade, the effects of naltrexone on SP level, SP receptor and the second messenger system coupled to the SP receptor were examined in the rat spinal cord. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with naltrexone or vehicle for seven days by constant minipump infusion. Animals were sacrificed on day 8, spinal cords rapidly removed, segmentally sectioned and used to determine SP and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [ins(1,4,5)P3] tissue contents, and to examine the regulation of their respective receptors in in vitro receptor binding assays. Following chronic naltrexone treatment, SP content in the lumbosacral segment of the spinal cord was increased by 53% over matched control values. The binding capacity (Bmax) of SP receptors, determined using [125I]BHSP, in lumbosacral synaptosomal membranes was significantly increased by 92%, but the binding affinity (Kd) remained unchanged. In addition, the concentration of [Sar9, Met(O2)11]SP, an NK-1 receptor-specific agonist, required to inhibit half of [125I]BHSP binding (IC50) in lumbosacral synaptosomal membranes was significantly decreased, but the IC50s for SP, the endogenous ligand for the SP receptor, and [Pro7]NK B, an NK-3 receptor-specific agonist, were unaltered by chronic blockade of opioid receptors. The data suggest that although naltrexone does not directly interact with tachykinin receptors, it acts indirectly on SP-ergic neurons to cause a change in the apparent affinity of NK-1 receptor (as reflected by a change in IC50 value). Formation of cellular ins(1,4,5)P3 in the lumbosacral cord, quantified by a highly sensitive and selective radioreceptor assay, was significantly increased by 34% relative to matched controls. A time course study indicated that increases in ins(1,4,5)P3 contents over the time studied corresponded qualitatively with increases in SP level in the lumbosacral cord. With [3H]ins(1,4,5)P3 as a ligand, Scatchard analyses of the concentration dependent saturation curves showed that the density of intracellular ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors was also increased by 119%, with no change in binding affinity. The data suggest that ins(1,4,5)P3 formation, possibly coupled to functional SP receptor activation, and ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors, which mediate ins(1,4,5)P3-induced alterations in intracellular Ca2+ flux, are increased in the lumbosacral cord by chronic blockade of opioid receptors. Taken together, the data support the concept of a role for endogenous opioids in the regulation of SP receptor activity in the spinal cord.

The inositol trisphosphate receptor gene family: implications for normal and abnormal brain function

1. The phosphatidyl inositol (PI) second messenger system has been extensively investigated in the past decade. This complex pathway results in the production of two second messengers, one of which, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, will be the focus of this review. 2. The intracellular receptor for this second messenger (IP3R) has been purified, reconstituted and extensively characterized in both brain and peripheral tissues. 3. Localization and functional studies show that IP3 binding causes the receptor to release portions of the intracellular calcium stores. 4. Multiple modulators of the receptor have been identified, including pH, calcium concentration, adenine nucleotide concentration and phosphorylation. 5. The cDNA for this molecule has been cloned from a number of sources. Studies of the molecular structure of the receptor have revealed additional levels of complexity including multiple alternative splicing events in the initially cloned cerebellar (Type I) receptor, as well as the existence of highly related but distinct cDNAs which likely reflect a gene family. 6. There is suggestive evidence linking the PI system, and thus the IP3R, to bipolar disorder and the actions of lithium.

Homologous and heterologous desensitization of histamine H1- and ATP-receptors in the smooth muscle cell line, DDT1MF-2: the role of protein kinase C

1. The possible role of protein kinase C (PKC) in homologous and heterologous desensitization of histamine H1- and ATP-receptors has been studied in monolayers of cultured vas deferens smooth muscle cells (DDT1MF-2). Cells were loaded with the calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 and increases in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) monitored in response to histamine H1- or ATP-receptor activation. 2. Histamine and ATP stimulated the release of Ca2+ from intracellular Ca2+ stores and Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. Activation of PKC with the phorbol ester beta-phorbol-12,13 dibutyrate (PDBu; 1 microM) attenuated histamine (100 microM) and ATP (10 microM)-induced release of intracellular Ca2+ and Ca2+ influx. 3. The selective PKC inhibitor, Ro 31-8220 (10 microM), reversed the PDBu-induced attenuation of histamine (100 microM)-stimulated Ca2+ responses. 4. Histamine H1- and ATP-receptors are readily susceptible to homologous desensitization since short-term exposure to histamine or ATP (450 s) attenuated the Ca2+ responses elicited by a second application of the same agonist. Furthermore, H1-receptor activation-induced heterologous desensitization of ATP stimulated Ca2+ responses and vice versa. 5. Homologous and heterologous desensitization of histamine and ATP Ca2+ responses still occurred in the presence of the PKC inhibitor, Ro 31-8220 (10 microM). 6. These data suggest that PKC activation can attenuate histamine H1- and ATP-receptor mediated Ca2+ responses. However, based on our experimental data, PKC-independent mechanisms appear to be involved in the homologous and heterologous desensitization of histamine H1- and ATP-receptor mediated Ca2+ responses in DDT1MF-2 cells.

Regulation of substance P receptor system in rat striatum by chronic naltrexone treatment

Chronic blockade of opioid receptors by naltrexone increases opioid peptides in the striatum, and up-regulates brain opioid receptors resulting in functional supersensitivity. Striatal SP content was increased 3.5-fold after 8 days of naltrexone treatment relative to control animals. The present study was undertaken to determine whether SP receptors in the striatum and SP receptor-coupled second messenger system are modulated by increased striatal SP content induced by chronic opioid receptor blockade. The binding affinity and capacity of SP receptors, determined using [125I]Bolton-Hunter SP ([125I]BHSP) labeled at Lys3, in striatal synaptosomal membranes were not significantly altered by chronic blockade of opioid receptors. Although the concentrations of [Sar9,Met (O2)11]SP, a NK-1 receptor-specific agonist, and SP(1-7), an aminoterminal major metabolite of SP, required to inhibit half of [125I]BHSP binding (IC50) in striatal synaptosomal membranes were significantly decreased, the IC50s for SP and an NK-2 receptor-specific agonist, [Nle10]NK A (4-10), remained unchanged by chronic naltrexone treatment. The data suggest that naltrexone which has no SP receptor antagonistic action, not only indirectly acts on SP-ergic neurons but also causes a change in the apparent affinity of NK-1 receptor (as reflected by changes in IC50 values) in the striatum. Cellular inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3], quantified by a highly sensitive and selective radioreceptor mass assay, was increased in the striatum by 28% relative to control levels. With [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3 as a ligand, Scatchard analyses of the concentration-dependent saturation curves showed that the density of striatal intracellular Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors was increased by 53%. The levels of SP and cellular Ins(1,4,5)P3, and the density of Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors in the cerebellum, used as a positive control, were unchanged by chronic naltrexone treatment. The findings of opiate antagonist-induced increases in SP striatal content and Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor densities, appear to support the concept of a role of endogenous opioids in the regulation of SP receptor activity. The data also suggest that inter-regulatory mechanisms exist between phospholipase C/phosphoinositide-coupled receptors such as SP receptors, and adenylate cyclase-coupled inhibitory receptors, such as opioid receptors.

Use of intracellular Ca2+ stores from rat basophilic leukemia cells to study the molecular mechanism leading to quantal Ca2+ release by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate

Quantal Ca2+ release is a novel motif for the mediation of signal transduction in which the amplitude of a biological response following multiple stepwise increases in agonist concentration is retained. The release of Ca2+ from permeabilized cells in response to the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) proceeds in this fashion. The mechanisms leading to quantal Ca2+ release are unknown. InsP3 releases 50-90% of the Ca2+ sequestered within the intracellular stores of mammalian cells permeabilized with saponin. However, preparation of microsomes results in the loss of this sensitivity. In this report, functionally intact intracellular Ca2+ stores were isolated from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells by osmotic lysis followed by differential and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. From this preparation, 64% of the stored Ca2+ is released by InsP3. We demonstrate that quantal Ca2+ release is retained by isolated Ca2+ stores and is identical to that observed in permeabilized cells. Addition of a subsaturating (28 nM) concentration of InsP3 to permeabilized cells at 37 degrees C results in the release of only a small fraction of the sequestered Ca2+. When the cells are cooled to 11 degrees C, the remaining Ca2+ is rapidly released. Hence, the mechanism leading to the quantal nature of Ca2+ release is reversible and is thus not likely to be the result of a covalent modification of the channel protein or of the Ca2+ store.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inositol trisphosphate and calcium signalling

Inositol trisphosphate is a second messenger that controls many cellular processes by generating internal calcium signals. It operates through receptors whose molecular and physiological properties closely resemble the calcium-mobilizing ryanodine receptors of muscle. This family of intracellular calcium channels displays the regenerative process of calcium-induced calcium release responsible for the complex spatiotemporal patterns of calcium waves and oscillations. Such a dynamic signalling pathway controls many cellular processes, including fertilization, cell growth, transformation, secretion, smooth muscle contraction, sensory perception and neuronal signalling.

Calcium and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors: a complex relationship

Increases in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), whether initiated by changes in plasma membrane potential or receptor-stimulated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, can be astonishingly complex, often occurring as repetitive Ca2+ spikes and regenerative Ca2+ waves that propagate through the cell and sometimes into neighbouring cells. The key to understanding these complex Ca2+ signals lies in understanding the interactions between the different pools from which Ca2+ can rapidly enter the cytosol and the activities of the various Ca(2+)-transporting systems that reverse the process.