Diverse inhibitors of intracellular signalling act as adenosine receptor antagonists

Adenosine receptors and muscarinic receptors cooperate in acetylcholine release modulation in the neuromuscular synapse

Adenosine receptors (ARs) are present in the motor terminals at the mouse neuromuscular junction. ARs and the presynaptic muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) share the functional control of the neuromuscular junction. We analysed their mutual interaction in transmitter release modulation. In electrophysiological experiments with unaltered synaptic transmission (muscles paralysed by blocking the voltage-dependent sodium channel of the muscle cells with μ-conotoxin GIIIB), we found that: (i) a collaborative action between different AR subtypes reduced synaptic depression at a moderate activity level (40 Hz); (ii) at high activity levels (100 Hz), endogenous adenosine production in the synaptic cleft was sufficient to reduce depression through A1 -type receptors (A1 Rs) and A2 A-type receptors (A2 A Rs); (iii) when the non-metabolizable 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) agonist was used, both the quantal content and depression were reduced; (iv) the protective effect of CADO on depression was mediated by A1 Rs, whereas A2 A Rs seemed to modulate A1 Rs; (v) ARs and mAChRs absolutely depended upon each other for the modulation of evoked and spontaneous acetylcholine release in basal conditions and in experimental conditions with CADO stimulation; (vi) the purinergic and muscarinic mechanisms cooperated in the control of depression by sharing a common pathway although the purinergic control was more powerful than the muscarinic control; and (vii) the imbalance of the ARs created by using subtype-selective and non-selective inhibitory and stimulatory agents uncoupled protein kinase C from evoked transmitter release. In summary, ARs (A1 Rs, A2 A Rs) and mAChRs (M1 , M2 ) cooperated in the control of activity-dependent synaptic depression and may share a common protein kinase C pathway.

Calcium influx through L-type channels attenuates skeletal muscle contraction via inhibition of adenylyl cyclases

Skeletal muscle contraction is triggered by acetylcholine induced release of Ca(2+) from sarcoplasmic reticulum. Although this signaling pathway is independent of extracellular Ca(2+), L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (Cav) blockers have inotropic effects on frog skeletal muscles which occur by an unknown mechanism. Taking into account that skeletal muscle fiber expresses Ca(+2)-sensitive adenylyl cyclase (AC) isoforms and that cAMP is able to increase skeletal muscle contraction force, we investigated the role of Ca(2+) influx on mouse skeletal muscle contraction and the putative crosstalk between extracellular Ca(2+) and intracellular cAMP signaling pathways. The effects of Cav blockers (verapamil and nifedipine) and extracellular Ca(2+) chelator EGTA were evaluated on isometric contractility of mouse diaphragm muscle under direct electrical stimulus (supramaximal voltage, 2 ms, 0.1 Hz). Production of cAMP was evaluated by radiometric assay while Ca(2+) transients were assessed by confocal microscopy using L6 cells loaded with fluo-4/AM. Ca(2+) channel blockers verapamil and nifedipine had positive inotropic effect, which was mimicked by removal of extracellular Ca(+2) with EGTA or Ca(2+)-free Tyrode. While phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX potentiates verapamil positive inotropic effect, it was abolished by AC inhibitors SQ22536 and NYK80. Finally, the inotropic effect of verapamil was associated with increased intracellular cAMP content and mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+), indicating that positive inotropic effects of Ca(2+) blockers depend on cAMP formation. Together, our results show that extracellular Ca(2+) modulates skeletal muscle contraction, through inhibition of Ca(2+)-sensitive AC. The cross-talk between extracellular calcium and cAMP-dependent signaling pathways appears to regulate the extent of skeletal muscle contraction responses.

Depression of release by mGluR8 alters Ca2+ dependence of release machinery

The ubiquitous presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are generally believed to primarily inhibit synaptic transmission through blockade of Ca(2+) entry. Here, we analyzed how mGluR8 achieves a nearly complete inhibition of glutamate release at hippocampal synapses. Surprisingly, presynaptic Ca(2+) imaging and miniature excitatory postsynaptic current recordings showed that mGluR8 acts without affecting Ca(2+) entry, diffusion, and buffering. We quantitatively compared the Ca(2+) dependence of the inhibition of release by mGluR8 with the inhibition by ω-conotoxin GVIA. These calculations suggest that the inhibition produced by mGluR8 may be explained by a decrease in the apparent Ca(2+) affinity of the release sensor and, to a smaller extent, by a reduction of the maximal release rate. Upon activation of mGluR8, phasic transmitter release toward the end of a train of action potentials is greater as compared with presynaptic inhibition induced by blocking Ca(2+) entry, which is consistent with the important role of Ca(2+) in accelerating the replenishment of released vesicles. The action of mGluR8 was resistant to blockers of classical G-protein transduction pathways including inhibition of adenylate cyclase and may represent a direct effect on the release machinery. In conclusion, our data identify a mode of presynaptic inhibition which allows mGluR8 to profoundly inhibit vesicle fusion while not diminishing vesicle replenishment and which thereby differentially changes the temporal transmission properties of the inhibited synapse.

Initiation of Plasmodium sporozoite motility by albumin is associated with induction of intracellular signalling

Malaria infection is initiated when a mosquito injects Plasmodium sporozoites into a mammalian host. Sporozoites exhibit gliding motility both in vitro and in vivo. This motility is associated with the secretion of at least two proteins, circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP). Both derive from micronemes, which are organelles that empty out of the apical end of the sporozoite. Sporozoite motility can be initiated in vitro by albumin added to the medium. To investigate how albumin functions in this process, we studied second messenger signalling within the sporozoite. Using pharmacological activators and inhibitors, we have concluded that gliding motility is initiated when albumin interacts with the surface of the sporozoite and that this leads to a signal transduction cascade within the sporozoite, including the elevation of intracellular cAMP, the modulation of sporozoite motility by Ca(2+) and the release of microneme proteins.

Role of PKCepsilon in PGF2alpha-stimulated MMP-2 secretion from human ciliary muscle cells

Studies were designed to examine the roles of individual protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in the prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha))-induced matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) secretion from human ciliary muscle cells. Studies utilized primary cultures of human ciliary muscle cells. Individual PKC isoforms were detected by Western blotting, using PKC-isoform-specific antibodies. To evaluate MMP-2 secretion, cells were serum-starved overnight, treated with PGF(2alpha) (1 micromol/L) for 4 h and the media analyzed for MMP-2 by Western blotting. To assess ERK1/2 activation, cells were serum-starved overnight, treated with PGF(2alpha) (1 micromol/L) for 5 min and cell lysates analyzed for ERK1/2 phosphorylation by Western blot analysis. To evaluate the roles of individual PKC isoforms, cells were pretreated with PKC inhibitors or siRNAs prior to the addition of PGF(2alpha). In cultured human ciliary muscle cells, the PKC isoforms exhibiting the highest level of expression were PKCalpha, epsilon, iota and lambda. The delta and eta isoforms exhibited moderate levels of expression and beta, gamma, and phi were not detected. The administration of PGF(2alpha) (1 micromol/L) primarily induced the translocation of PKCepsilon from cytosol to the membrane fraction, as well as increased MMP-2 secretion and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The secretion of MMP-2 was inhibited by pretreatment with the broad-range PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine chloride; however, this response was not blocked by Go-6976, an inhibitor of conventional PKC isoforms. The PGF(2alpha)-induced secretion of MMP-2 was also blocked by pretreatment with the PKCepsilon-selective peptide translocation inhibitor, EAVSLKPT, or the transfection of siRNA-targeting PKCepsilon. The activation of ERK1/2 was inhibited by chelerythrine and the PKCepsilon translocation inhibitor. Human ciliary muscle cells express the alpha, epsilon, iota and lambda PKC isoforms. Stimulation of FP receptors in these cells activates PKCepsilon, resulting in ERK1/2 activation and an eventual increase in MMP-2 secretion. These data support the idea that the activation of FP receptors in vivo modulate uveoscleral outflow through the PKCepsilon-dependent secretion of MMPs.

Inhibition of erythroblast growth and fetal hemoglobin production by ribofuranose-substituted adenosine derivatives

In vivo, inhibition of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression in humans around the time of birth causes the clinical manifestation of sickle cell and beta-thalassemia syndromes. Inhibition of HbF among cultured cells was recently described by the adenosine derivative molecule named SQ22536. Here, a primary cell culture model was utilized to further explore the inhibition of HbF by adenosine derivative molecules. SQ22536 demonstrated down-regulation of growth and HbF expression among erythroblasts cultured from fetal and adult human blood. The effects upon HbF were noted in a majority of cells, and quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated a transcriptional mechanism. Screening assays demonstrated that two additional molecules named 5'-deoxy adenosine and 2',3'-dideoxy adenosine had effects on HbF comparable to SQ22536. Other adenosine derivative molecules, adenosine receptor binding ligands, and cAMP-signaling regulators failed to inhibit HbF in matched cultures. These results suggest that structurally related ribofuranose-substituted adenosine analogues act through an unknown mechanism to inhibit HbF expression in fetal and adult human erythroblasts.

Protein kinase C protects preconditioned rabbit hearts by increasing sensitivity of adenosine A2b-dependent signaling during early reperfusion

Although protein kinase C (PKC) plays a key role in ischemic preconditioning (IPC), the actual mechanism of that protection is unknown. We recently found that protection from IPC requires activation of adenosine receptors during early reperfusion. We, therefore, hypothesized that PKC might act to increase the heart's sensitivity to adenosine. IPC limited infarct size in isolated rabbit hearts subjected to 30-min regional ischemia/2-h reperfusion and IPC's protection was blocked by the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine given during early reperfusion revealing involvement of PKC at reperfusion. Similarly chelerythrine infused in the early reperfusion period blocked the increased phosphorylation of the protective kinases Akt and ERK1/2 observed after IPC. Infusing phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, during early reperfusion mimicked IPC's protection. As expected, the protection triggered by PMA at reperfusion was blocked by chelerythrine, but surprisingly it was also blocked by MRS1754, an adenosine A(2b) receptor-selective antagonist, suggesting that PKC was somehow facilitating signaling from the A(2b) receptors. NECA [5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido) adenosine], a potent but not selective A(2b) receptor agonist, increased phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreating hearts with PMA or brief preconditioning ischemia had no effect on phosphorylation of Akt or ERK1/2 per se but markedly lowered the threshold for NECA to induce their phosphorylation. BAY 60-6583, a highly selective A(2b) agonist, also caused phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt. MRS1754 prevented phosphorylation induced by BAY 60-6583. BAY 60-6583 limited infarct size when given to ischemic hearts at reperfusion. These results suggest that activation of cardiac A(2b) receptors at reperfusion is protective, but because of the very low affinity of the receptors endogenous cardiac adenosine is unable to trigger their signaling. We propose that the key protective event in IPC occurs when PKC increases the heart's sensitivity to adenosine so that endogenous adenosine can activate A(2b)-dependent signaling.

Adenosinergic cardioprotection: Multiple receptors, multiple pathways

Adenosine, formed primarily via hydrolysis of 5'-AMP, has been historically dubbed a "retaliatory" metabolite due to enhanced local release and beneficial actions during cellular/metabolic stress. From a cardiovascular perspective, evidence indicates the adenosinergic system is essential in mediation of intrinsic protection (e.g., pre- and postconditioning) and determining myocardial resistance to insult. Modulation of adenosine and its receptors thus remains a promising, though as yet not well-realized, approach to amelioration of injury in ischemic-reperfused myocardium. Adenosine exerts effects through A(1), A(2A), A(2B), and A(3) adenosine receptor subtypes (A(1)AR, A(2A)AR, A(2B)AR, and A(3)AR), which are all expressed in myocardial and vascular cells, and couple to G proteins to trigger a range of responses (generally, but not always, beneficial). Adenosine can also enhance tolerance to injurious stimuli via receptor-independent metabolic effects. Given adenosines contribution to preconditioning, it is no surprise that postreceptor signaling typically mimics that associated with preconditioning. This involves activation/translocation of PKC, PI3 kinase, and MAPKs, with ultimate effects at the level of mitochondrial targets-the mitochondrial K(ATP) channel and/or the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Nonetheless, differences in cytoprotective signaling and actions of the different adenosine receptor subtypes have been recently revealed. Our understanding of adenosinergic cytoprotection continues to evolve, with roles for the A(2) subtypes emerging, together with evidence of essential receptor "cross-talk" in mediation of protection. This review focuses on current research into adenosine-mediated cardioprotection, highlighting recent findings which, together with a wealth of prior knowledge, may ultimately facilitate adenosinergic approaches to clinical cardiac protection.

Mechanisms Linking Adenosine A1 Receptors and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Activation in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells

This study was designed to evaluate the signaling pathways coupling adenosine A1 receptors and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Studies were conducted using cultures of primary HTM cells and the HTM-3 cell line. Activation of ERK1/2, location of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion were determined by Western blotting. In primary HTM cells and the HTM-3 cell line, administration of the A1 agonist N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) produced a concentration-dependent increase in ERK1/2 activation. This CHA-induced ERK activation was blocked by pretreatment with the A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine or pertussis toxin. Transfection with dominant negative N17 Ras produced only a small (31%) decline in CHA-induced ERK activation, and the response was not altered by pretreatment with the Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor, PP2 [3-(4-chlorophenyl)1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-D] pyrimidin-4-amine], the phosphoinositide kinase-3 inhibitor, LY-294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one], or the A3 receptor antagonist, MRS-1191 [3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(+/-)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate]. Administration of CHA also induced the translocation of PKCalpha from the cytosol to the membrane, and pretreatment with the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, U73122 [1-[6-[[(17beta)-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]-hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione], blocked ERK1/2 activation induced by CHA. Transfection of short interfering RNA targeting PKCalpha blocked the CHA-induced ERK1/2 activation and the secretion of MMP-2. These results confirm the existence of functional adenosine A1 receptors in the trabecular meshwork cells. These receptors are coupled to the activation of ERK1/2 through G(i/o) proteins and dependent upon the upstream activation of PLC and PKCalpha. These studies provide evidence that adenosine A1 receptor agonists increase outflow facility through sequential activation of G(i/o) > PLC > PKCalpha > c-Raf > mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase > ERK1/2, leading to secretion of MMP-2.

Protein kinase A and Ca(v)1 (L-Type) channels are common targets to facilitatory adenosine A2A and muscarinic M1 receptors on rat motoneurons

At the rat motor endplate, pre-synaptic facilitatory adenosine A2A and muscarinic M1 receptors are mutually exclusive. We investigated whether these receptors share a common intracellular signalling pathway. Suppression of McN-A-343-induced M1 facilitation of [3H]ACh release was partially recovered when CGS21680C (an A2A agonist) was combined with the cyclic AMP antagonist Rp-cAMPS. Forskolin, rolipram and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP mimicked CGS21680C blockade of M1 facilitation. Both Rp-cAMPs and nifedipine reduced augmentation of [3H]ACh release by McN-A-343 and CGS21680C. Activation of M1 and A2A receptors enhanced Ca2+ recruitment through nifedipine-sensitive channels. Nifedipine inhibition revealed by McN-A-343 was prevented by chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor) and Rp-cAMPS, suggesting that Ca(v)1 (L-type) channels phosphorylation by PKA and PKC is required. Rp-cAMPS inhibited [3H]ACh release in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, but PKC inhibition by chelerythrine had no effect on release in the presence of 8-bromo-cyclic AMP. This suggests that the involvement of PKA may be secondary to M1-induced PKC activation. In conclusion, competition of M1 and A2A receptors to facilitate ACh release from motoneurons may occur by signal convergence to a common pathway involving PKA activation and Ca2+ influx through Ca(v)1 (L-type) channels.

Flavonoids as antagonists at A1 adenosine receptors

This study aimed to investigate the potential for flavonoid action at A(1) adenosine receptors in vitro. In a radioligand binding assay for A(1) adenosine receptor occupancy in particulate preparations from guinea-pig cerebral cortex, flavonoids competed in concentration-dependent manners with Hill slopes typically not different from unity. Of the flavonoids tested, quercetin showed highest affinity (pKi value of 5.33). At a concentration of 28 mm, quercetin evoked a rightward shift in the N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine-induced inhibition of electrically evoked contractions of the guinea-pig isolated ileum, allowing the calculation of a pK(i) value of 4.71. These data suggest, therefore, that flavonoids represent an additional dietary source of A(1) adenosine receptor antagonists (beyond the methylxanthines, caffeine and theophylline).

Antiproliferative activity of new 1-aryl-4-amino-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives toward the human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cell line

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a new class of 1-aryl-4-amino-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives are reported. A preliminary cellular assay system using the tumor cell line A431 responding to epidermal growth factor (EGF) for its growth, shows that the new compounds are potent inhibitors of cell growth. The inhibition of tumor cell proliferation is not associated with blockage of EGF receptor (EGFR), but substantially due to the interference with the signalling pathway at the level of Src tyrosine kinase and at the level of the downstream effector signal mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), ERK1-2.

Coupling to protein kinases A and C of adenosine A2B receptors involved in the facilitation of noradrenaline release in the prostatic portion of rat vas deferens

In the prostatic portion of rat vas deferens, the non-selective adenosine receptor agonist NECA (0.1-30 microM), but not the A(2A) agonist CGS 21680 (0.001-10 microM), caused a facilitation of electrically evoked noradrenaline release (up to 43 +/- 4%), when inhibitory adenosine A(1) receptors were blocked. NECA-elicited facilitation of noradrenaline release was prevented by the A(2B) receptor-antagonist MRS 1754, enhanced by preventing cyclic-AMP degradation with rolipram, abolished by the protein kinase A inhibitors H-89, KT 5720 and cyclic-AMPS-Rp and attenuated by the protein kinase C inhibitors Ro 32-0432 and calphostin C. The adenosine uptake inhibitor NBTI also elicited a facilitation of noradrenaline release; an effect that was abolished by adenosine deaminase and attenuated by MRS 1754, by inhibitors of the extracellular nucleotide metabolism and by blockade of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors and P2X receptors with prazosin and NF023, respectively. It was concluded that adenosine A(2B) receptors are involved in a facilitation of noradrenaline release in the prostatic portion of rat vas deferens that can be activated by adenosine formed by extracellular catabolism of nucleotides. The receptors seem to be coupled to the adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A pathway but activation of the protein kinase C by protein kinase A, may also contribute to the adenosine A(2B) receptor-mediated facilitation of noradrenaline release.

Acute adenosinergic cardioprotection in ischemic-reperfused hearts

Cells of the cardiovascular system generate and release purine nucleoside adenosine in increasing quantities when constituent cells are "stressed" or subjected to injurious stimuli. This increased adenosine can interact with surface receptors in myocardial, vascular, fibroblast, and inflammatory cells to modulate cellular function and phenotype. Additionally, adenosine is rapidly reincorporated back into 5'-AMP to maintain the adenine nucleotide pool. Via these receptor-dependent and independent (metabolic) paths, adenosine can substantially modify the acute response to ischemic insult, in addition to generating a more sustained ischemia-tolerant phenotype (preconditioning). However, the molecular basis for acute adenosinergic cardioprotection remains incompletely understood and may well differ from more widely studied preconditioning. Here we review current knowledge and some controversies regarding acute cardioprotection via adenosine and adenosine receptor activation.

The G(s)-coupled adenosine A(2B) receptor recruits divergent pathways to regulate ERK1/2 and p38

Adenosine A(2B) receptors have been suggested to influence cell differentiation and proliferation. Human adenosine A(2B) receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells mediate phosphorylation and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2). Already low concentrations of agonists such as 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) are effective. Phosphorylation of the stress-activated protein kinase p38 was also potently induced by NECA (EC(50) 18.5 nM). These NECA-induced effects were mimicked by forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP. Inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) using H89 (N-[2-((p-bromocinnamyl)amino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide)) blocked phosphorylation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and p38, but did not decrease NECA-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. NECA activated the small GTPase Rap1, and this was also not blocked by H89. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase (PI3K) by wortmannin inhibited adenosine A(2B) receptor-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation and activation of Rap1, without affecting CREB and p38 phosphorylation. A(2B) receptor-stimulated protein kinase B phosphorylation was sensitive to wortmannin, but not to H89. Thus, stimulation of adenosine A(2B) receptors activates both ERK1/2 and p38 via cAMP, but the downstream pathways are markedly different. ERK1/2 activation was dependent on PI3K but not on PKA. p38 activation by NECA was instead independent of PI3K but required cAMP and PKA. The potent activation of both MAPKs suggests a physiological role.

A2A antagonist prevents dopamine agonist-induced motor complications in animal models of Parkinson’s disease

Adenosine A(2A) receptors, abundantly expressed on striatal medium spiny neurons, appear to activate signaling cascades implicated in the regulation of coexpressed ionotropic glutamatergic receptors. To evaluate the contribution of adenosinergic mechanisms to the pathogenesis of the response alterations induced by dopaminergic treatment, we studied the ability of the selective adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist KW-6002 to prevent as well as palliate these syndromes in rodent and primate models of Parkinson's disease. In rats, KW-6002 reversed the shortened motor response produced by chronic levodopa treatment while reducing levodopa-induced hyperphosphorylation at S845 residues on AMPA receptor GluR1 subunits. In primates, KW-6002 evidenced modest antiparkinsonian activity when given alone. Once-daily coadministration of KW-6002 with apomorphine prevented the development of dyskinesias, which appeared in control animals 7-10 days after initiating apomorphine treatment. Animals initially given apomorphine plus KW-6002 for 3 weeks did not begin to manifest apomorphine-induced dyskinesias until 10-12 days after discontinuing the A(2A) antagonist. These results suggest that KW-6002 can attenuate the induction as well as the expression of motor response alterations to chronic dopaminergic stimulation in parkinsonian animals, possibly by blocking A(2A) receptor-stimulated signaling pathways. Our findings strengthen the rationale for developing A(2A) antagonists as an early treatment strategy for Parkinson's disease.

Signalling from adenosine receptors to mitogen-activated protein kinases

The purine nucleoside adenosine acts via four distinct adenosine receptor subtypes: the adenosine A(1), A(2A), A(2B), and A(3) receptor. They are all G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) coupling to classical second messenger pathways such as modulation of cAMP production or the phospholipase C (PLC) pathway. In addition, they couple to mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), which could give them a role in cell growth, survival, death and differentiation. Although each of the adenosine receptors can activate one or more of the MAPKs, the mechanisms appear to differ substantially, both between receptor subtypes in the same cell type and between the same receptor in different cell types.

Role of protein kinase C in central muscarinic inhibitory mechanisms regulating voiding in rats

To evaluate the role of protein kinase C in central muscarinic mechanisms regulating voiding, cystometry was performed in conscious rats. Oxotremorine methiodide, a muscarinic agonist was injected i.c.v. in a dose (0.1 microg/rat) shown previously to alter voiding function. Oxotremorine methiodide was also tested after i.c.v. injection of chelerythrine chloride (a protein kinase C inhibitor, 2 microg/rat) or 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7, a protein kinase inhibitor, 5 nmol/rat). In untreated rats, oxotremorine methiodide elicited a bimodal response consisting of an initial increase in bladder capacity, maximal voiding pressure, pressure threshold and post voiding intravesical pressure, but reduced voiding efficiency and bladder compliance. The second response consisted of a decrease in bladder capacity and bladder compliance, increases in maximal voiding pressure and post voiding intravesical pressure, but no change in pressure threshold or voiding efficiency. However, approximately 20 min after pre-treatment with chelerythrine chloride or H-7 in doses that did not alter voiding function, oxotremorine methiodide decreased bladder capacity, increased maximal voiding pressure, but did not change pressure threshold or voiding efficiency. These results indicate that inhibitory and facilitatory muscarinic mechanisms in the brain that control voiding function involve different second messenger systems. Inhibitory mechanisms which are blocked by chelerythrine chloride or H-7 must involve protein kinase C and normally be inactive because the protein kinase inhibitors alone did not alter voiding. On the other hand, facilitatory muscarinic mechanisms which previous studies showed were tonically active are not mediated by chelerythrine chloride or H-7 sensitive signaling pathways.

Receptor and non-receptor-dependent mechanisms of cardioprotection with adenosine

The relative roles of mitochondrial (mito) ATP-sensitive K(+) (mitoK(ATP)) channels, protein kinase C (PKC), and adenosine kinase (AK) in adenosine-mediated protection were assessed in Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts subjected to 20-min ischemia and 45-min reperfusion. Control hearts recovered 72 +/- 3 mmHg of ventricular pressure (50% preischemia) and released 23 +/- 2 IU/g lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Adenosine (50 microM) during ischemia-reperfusion improved recovery (149 +/- 8 mmHg) and reduced LDH efflux (5 +/- 1 IU/g). Treatment during ischemia alone was less effective. Treatment with 50 microM diazoxide (mitoK(ATP) opener) during ischemia and reperfusion enhanced recovery and was equally effective during ischemia alone. A(3) agonism [100 nM 2-chloro-N(6)-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide], A(1) agonism (N(6)-cyclohexyladenosine), and AK inhibition (10 microM iodotubercidin) all reduced necrosis to the same extent as adenosine, but less effectively reduced contractile dysfunction. These responses were abolished by 100 microM 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, mitoK(ATP) channel blocker) or 3 microM chelerythrine (PKC inhibitor). However, the protective effects of adenosine during ischemia-reperfusion were resistant to 5-HD and chelerythrine and only abolished when inhibitors were coinfused with iodotubercidin. Data indicate adenosine-mediated protection via A(1)/A(3) adenosine receptors is mitoK(ATP) channel and PKC dependent, with evidence for a downstream location of PKC. Adenosine provides additional and substantial protection via phosphorylation to 5'-AMP, primarily during reperfusion.

Acetylcholine but not adenosine triggers preconditioning through PI3-kinase and a tyrosine kinase

Adenosine and acetylcholine (ACh) trigger preconditioning by different signaling pathways. The involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), a protein tyrosine kinase, and Src family tyrosine kinase in preconditioning was evaluated in isolated rabbit hearts. Either wortmannin (PI3-kinase blocker), genistein (tyrosine kinase blocker), lavendustin A (tyrosine kinase blocker), or 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolol[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2; Src family tyrosine kinase blocker) was given for 15 min to bracket a 5-min infusion of either adenosine or ACh (trigger phase). The hearts then underwent 30 min of regional ischemia. Infarct size for ACh alone was 9.3 +/- 3.5% of the risk zone versus 34.3 +/- 4.1% in controls. All four inhibitors blocked ACh-induced protection. When wortmannin or PP2 was infused only during the 30-min ischemic period (mediator phase), ACh-induced protection was not affected (7.4 +/- 2.1% and 9.7 +/- 1.7% infarction, respectively). Adenosine-triggered protection was not blocked by any of the inhibitors. Therefore, PI3-kinase and at least one protein tyrosine kinase, probably Src kinase, are involved in the trigger phase of ACh-induced, but not adenosine-induced, preconditioning. Neither PI3-kinase nor Src kinase is a mediator of the protection of ACh.

Adenosine receptors in the nervous system: pathophysiological implications

Adenosine is a ubiquitous homeostatic substance released from most cells, including neurones and glia. Once in the extracellular space, adenosine modifies cell functioning by operating G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR; A(1), A(2A), A(2B), A(3)) that can inhibit (A(1)) or enhance (A(2)) neuronal communication. Interactions between adenosine receptors and other G-protein-coupled receptors, ionotropic receptors and receptors for neurotrophins also occur, and this might contribute to a fine-tuning of neuronal function. Manipulations of adenosine receptors influence sleep and arousal, cognition and memory, neuronal damage and degeneration, as well as neuronal maturation. These actions might have therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, as well as for other neurological situations such as epilepsy, idiopathic pain or even drug addition. Peripheral side effects associated with adenosine receptor agonists limit their usefulness in therapeutics; in contrast, adenosine receptor antagonists appear to have less side effects as it is the case of the well-known non-selective antagonists theophylline (present in tea) or caffeine (abundant in coffee and tea), and their emerging beneficial actions in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease are encouraging. A(1) receptor antagonism may also be useful to enhance cognition and facilitate arousal, as well as in the periphery when deficits of neurotransmitter release occur (e.g. myasthenic syndromes). Enhancement of extracellular adenosine levels through drugs that influence its metabolism might prove useful approaches in situations such as neuropathic pain, where enhanced activation of inhibitory adenosine A(1) receptors is beneficial. One might then consider adenosine as a fine-tuning modulator of neuronal activity, which via subtle effects causes harmonic actions on neuronal activity. Whenever this homeostasis is disrupted, pathology may be installed and selective receptor antagonism or agonism required.

Signaling pathway from the human adenosine A(3) receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells to the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2

Adenosine activates four different receptors, the A(1), A(2A), A(2B), and the A(3) receptors, all of which are G protein-coupled. We have previously shown that stimulation of the human adenosine A(3) receptor can induce phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2). Here we show that the adenosine receptor agonist 5' N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) induces phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/2 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the human adenosine A(3) receptor (CHO A(3) cells) with the same potency. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin abolished the effect, which also could be blunted by overexpressing the betagamma-sequestering peptide beta-adrenergic receptor kinase-ct, implicating the involvement of betagamma subunits released from G(i/o) proteins. Activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) by adenosine A(3) receptors is inferred from a dose-dependent Ser-phosphorylation of the protein kinase B (Akt). Furthermore the ERK1/2 phosphorylation was sensitive to the PI3K inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002 (2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-1(4H)-benzopyran-4-one hydrochloride) and the MEK inhibitor PD98059 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone), whereas chelation of Ca(2+) with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis (acetoxymethyl ester) and long-term treatment with phorboldibutyrate did not decrease the adenosine A(3) receptor-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Thus, Ca(2+) mobilization and conventional and novel protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms are not involved in this pathway. The atypical PKCzeta was not activated by NECA and thus not involved in the A(3) receptor-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. NECA stimulation of CHO A(3) cells activated the small G protein Ras and the dominant negative mutant RasS17N prevented the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. In conclusion, the adenosine A(3) receptor recruits a pathway that involves betagamma release from G(i/o), PI3K, Ras, and MEK to induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation and activation, whereas signaling is independent of Ca(2+), PKC, and c-Src.