Cyclic ADP-ribose metabolism in rat kidney: high capacity for synthesis in glomeruli

Mice lacking the ADP ribosyl cyclase CD38 exhibit attenuated renal vasoconstriction to angiotensin II, endothelin-1, and norepinephrine

ADP ribosyl (ADPR) cyclases comprise a family of ectoenzymes recently shown to influence cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration in a variety of cell types. At least two ADPR cyclase family members have been identified in mammals: CD38 and CD157. We recently found reduced renal vascular reactivity to angiotensin II (ANG II), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and norepinephrine (NE) in the presence of the broad ADPR cyclase inhibitor nicotinamide. We hypothesized that CD38 mediates effects attributed to ADPR cyclase. We found expression of ADPR cyclases CD38 and CD157 mRNA in spleen, thymus, skin, and preglomerular arterioles of wild-type (WT) animals. Mice lacking CD38 showed decreased CD157 expression in most tissues tested. No difference in systolic or mean arterial pressure was observed between strains in either conscious or anesthetized states, whereas heart rate was reduced 10-20% in CD38-/- animals (P < 0.05). During anesthesia, CD38-/- mice had reduced basal renal blood flow (RBF) and urine excretion (P < 0.05). RBF responses to intravenous injection of ANG II, ET-1, and NE were attenuated approximately 50% in CD38-/- vs. WT mice (P < 0.01 for all). The systemic pressor response to ANG II was decreased in the absence of CD38 (P < 0.01), whereas that to NE was normal (P > 0.05); ET-1 was administered at a nonpressor dose. Nicotinamide effectively inhibited ANG II-induced renal vasoconstriction in WT mice (P < 0.001), but had no effect on renal responses to ANG II in CD38-/- mice (P > 0.5). Overall, our observations indicate the presence of two ADPR cyclase family members in renal preglomerular resistance arterioles and the importance of CD38 participation in acute vascular responses to all three vasoconstrictors in the renal microcirculation.

CD38 as a regulator of cellular NAD: a novel potential pharmacological target for metabolic conditions

CD38 is a multifunctional enzyme that uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) as a substrate to generate second messengers. Recently, CD38 was also identified as one of the main cellular NADases in mammalian tissues and appears to regulate cellular levels of NAD in multiple tissues and cells. Due to the emerging role of NAD as a key molecule in multiple signaling pathways, and metabolic conditions it is imperative to determine the cellular mechanisms that regulate the synthesis and degradation of this nucleotide. In fact, recently it has been shown that NAD participates in multiple physiological processes such as insulin secretion, control of energy metabolism, neuronal and cardiac cell survival, airway constriction, asthma, aging and longevity. The discovery of CD38 as the main cellular NADase in mammalian tissues, and the characterization of its role on the control of cellular NAD levels indicate that CD38 may serve as a pharmacological target for multiple conditions.

Transformation and action of extracellular NAD+ in perfused rat and mouse livers

AIM

Transformation and possible metabolic effects of extracellular NAD+ were investigated in the livers of mice (Mus musculus; Swiss strain) and rats (Rattus novergicus; Holtzman and Wistar strains).

METHODS

The livers were perfused in an open system using oxygen-saturated Krebs/Henseleit-bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) as the perfusion fluid. The transformation of NAD+ was monitored using high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

In the mouse liver, the single-pass metabolism of 100 micromol/L NAD+ was almost complete; ADP-ribose and nicotinamide were the main products in the outflowing perfusate. In the livers of both Holtzman and Wistar rats, the main transformation products were ADP-ribose, uric acid and nicotinamide; significant amounts of inosine and AMP were also identified. On a weight basis, the transformation of NAD+ was more efficient in the mouse liver. In the rat liver, 100 micromol/L NAD+ transiently inhibited gluconeogenesis and oxygen uptake. Inhibition was followed by a transient stimulation. Inhibition was more pronounced in the Wistar strain and stimulation was more pronounced in the Holtzman strain. In the mouse liver, no clear effects on gluconeogenesis and oxygen uptake were found even at 500 micromol/L NAD+.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that the functions of extracellular NAD+ are species-dependent and that observations in one species are strictly valid for that species. Interspecies extrapolations should thus be made very carefully. Actually, even variants of the same species can demonstrate considerably different responses.

Evolution and function of the ADP ribosyl cyclase/CD38 gene family in physiology and pathology

The membrane proteins CD38 and CD157 belong to an evolutionarily conserved family of enzymes that play crucial roles in human physiology. Expressed in distinct patterns in most tissues, CD38 (and CD157) cleaves NAD(+) and NADP(+), generating cyclic ADP ribose (cADPR), NAADP, and ADPR. These reaction products are essential for the regulation of intracellular Ca(2+), the most ancient and universal cell signaling system. The entire family of enzymes controls complex processes, including egg fertilization, cell activation and proliferation, muscle contraction, hormone secretion, and immune responses. Over the course of evolution, the molecules have developed the ability to interact laterally and frontally with other surface proteins and have acquired receptor-like features. As detailed in this review, the loss of CD38 function is associated with impaired immune responses, metabolic disturbances, and behavioral modifications in mice. CD38 is a powerful disease marker for human leukemias and myelomas, is directly involved in the pathogenesis and outcome of human immunodeficiency virus infection and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and controls insulin release and the development of diabetes. Here, the data concerning diseases are examined in view of potential clinical applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. The concluding remarks try to frame all of the currently available information within a unified working model that takes into account both the enzymatic and receptorial functions of the molecules.

Effects on kidney filtration rate by agmatine requires activation of ryanodine channels for nitric oxide generation

Agmatine, decarboxylated arginine, is produced in the kidney and can increase nephron and kidney filtration rate via renal vasodilatation and increases in plasma flow. This increase in filtration rate after agmatine is prevented by administration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors. In endothelial cells, agmatine-stimulated nitrite production is accompanied by induction of cytosolic calcium. NOS activity requires calcium for activation; however, the source of this calcium remains unknown. Ryanodine receptor (RyR) calcium-activated calcium release channels are present in the kidney cortex, and we evaluated if RyR contributes to the agmatine response. Agmatine microperfused into Bowman's space reversibly increases nephron filtration rate (SNGFR) by approximately 30%. cADP-ribose (cADPR) regulates RyR channel activity. Concurrent infusion of agmatine with the cADPR blocker 8-bromo-cADPR (2 microM) prevents the increase in filtration rate. Furthermore, direct activation of the RyR channel with ryanodine at agonist concentrations (5 microM) increases SNGFR, and, like agmatine, this increase is prevented by administration of N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine, a nonselective NOS blocker. We demonstrate that agmatine does not elicit ADPR cyclase activity in vascular smooth muscle membranes and does not directly affect RyR calcium channel responses using sea urchin egg homogenates. These results imply interplay between endothelial cell cADPR/RyR/Ca(2+)/NO and the cADPR/RyR/Ca(2+) pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells in arterioles in the regulation of kidney filtration rate. In conclusion, we show that agmatine-induced effects require activation of cADPR and RyR calcium release channels for NO generation, vasodilation, and increased filtration rate.

ADP-ribosyl cyclase and ryanodine receptor activity contribute to basal renal vasomotor tone and agonist-induced renal vasoconstriction in vivo

An important role for the enzyme ADP-ribosyl cyclase (ADPR cyclase) and its downstream targets, the ryanodine receptors (RyR), is emerging for a variety of vascular systems. We hypothesized that the ADPR cyclase/RyR pathway contributes to regulation of renal vasomotor tone in vivo. To test this, we continuously measured renal blood flow (RBF) in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Infusion of the ADPR cyclase inhibitor nicotinamide intrarenally at low doses inhibits angiotensin II (ANG II)- and norepinephrine (NE)-induced vasoconstriction by 72 and 67%, respectively ( P < 0.001). RBF studies in rats were extended to mice lacking the predominant form of ADPR cyclase (CD38). Acute renal vasoconstrictor responses to ANG II and NE are impaired by 59 and 52%, respectively, in anesthetized CD38−/− mice compared with wild-type controls ( P < 0.05). Intrarenal injection of the RyR activator FK506 decreases RBF by 22% ( P > 0.03). Furthermore, RyR inhibition with ruthenium red attenuates ANG II and NE responses by 50 and 59%, respectively ( P ≤ 0.01). Given at higher doses, nicotinamide increases basal RBF by 22% ( P > 0.001). Non-receptor-mediated renal vasoconstriction by L-type voltage-gated Ca2+channels is also dependent on ADPR cyclase and RyRs. Nicotinamide and ruthenium red inhibit constriction by the L-type channel agonist BAY K 8644 by 59% ( P > 0.02) and 63% ( P > 0.001). We conclude that 1) ADPR cyclase activity contributes to regulation of renal vasomotor tone under resting conditions, 2) renal vasoconstriction induced by G protein-coupled receptor agonists ANG II and NE is mediated in part by ADPR cyclase and RyRs, and 3) ADPR cyclase and RyRs participate in L-type channel-mediated renal vasoconstriction in vivo.

Modulation of store-operated Ca2+ entry by cyclic-ADP-ribose

Store-operated Ca2+ entry plays an important role in Ca2+ homeostasis in cells but the mechanisms of control of these channels are not completely understood. We describe an investigation of the role of the CD38-cyclic-ADP-ribose (cADPR)-ryanodine-channel (RyR) signaling pathway in store-operated Ca2+ entry in human smooth muscle. We observed that human myometrial cells have a functional store-operated Ca2+ entry mechanism. Furthermore, we observed the presence of transient receptor potential 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 ion channels in human myometrial cells. Store-operated Ca2+ transient was inhibited by at least 50-70% by several inhibitors of the RyR, including ryanodine (10 microM), dantrolene (10 microM), and ruthenium red (10 microM). Furthermore, the cell permeable inhibitor of the cADPR-system, 8-Br-cADPR (100 microM), is a potent inhibitor of the store-operated entry, decreasing the store operated entry by 80%. Pre-incubation of cells with 100 microM cADPR and the hydrolysis-resistant cADPR analog 3-deaza-cADPR (50 microM), but not with ADP-ribose (ADPR) leads to a 1.6-fold increase in the store-operated Ca2+ transient. In addition, we observed that nicotinamide (1-10 mM), an inhibitor of cADPR synthesis, also leads to inhibition of the store-operated Ca2+ transient by 50-80%. Finally, we observed that the transient receptor potential channels, RyR, and CD38 can be co-immunoprecipitated, indicating that they interact in vivo. Our observations clearly implicate the CD38-cADPR-ryanodine signaling pathway in the regulation of store-operated Ca2+ entry in human smooth muscle cells.

New cardioprotective agent K201 is natriuretic and glomerular filtration rate enhancing

BACKGROUND

K201 (JTV519) is a newly developed 1,4-benzothiazepine drug with antiarrhythmic and cardioprotective properties. It functions via stabilization of the ryanodine receptor-calcium release channel in the heart (RyR2). This receptor has been identified in the kidney, and in vitro studies suggest a role in the control of renal hemodynamics. To date, the in vivo function of this receptor is undefined. We hypothesized that this new drug, which is being developed for the treatment of heart failure for its myocardial actions, also possesses renal hemodynamic enhancing and excretory properties. We also used immunohistochemistry to identify RyR2 in the normal canine kidney.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated the renal actions of K201 during intrarenal infusion in normal anesthetized dogs. K201 was infused after baseline measurements at 2 doses (0.1 and 0.5 mg.kg(-1).min(-1)). Immunohistochemistry was used to identify RyR2 presence in the kidney not exposed to K201. K201 was potently natriuretic and diuretic, with glomerular filtration rate- and renal blood flow-enhancing actions. The excretory responses to K201 administration were associated with decreases in distal tubular reabsorption of sodium despite a mild decrease in mean arterial pressure, which returned to baseline levels after K201 discontinuation. Immunohistochemistry of the normal canine kidney revealed the presence of RyR2 in the medullary collecting duct cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We report for the first time that the newly developed cardioprotective drug K201 possesses natriuretic, diuretic, glomerular filtration rate-enhancing, and vasodilating properties that go beyond myocardial actions and may support its therapeutic role in treatment of heart failure.

A Ca2+-sensing receptor modulates shark rectal gland function

The elasmobranch Squalus acanthias controls plasma osmolality and extracellular fluid volume by secreting a hypertonic fluid from its rectal gland. Because we found a correlation between extracellular Ca2+concentration and changes in cytosolic Ca2+([Ca2+]i), we sought the possible presence of a calcium-sensing receptor in rectal gland artery and tubules. Cytosolic Ca2+ of both tissues responded to the addition of external Ca2+ (0.8-5.3 mmol l-1) in a linear fashion. Spermine,Gd3+ and Ni2+, known agonists of the calcium-sensing receptor, increased [Ca2+]i. To assess the participation of inositol triphosphate (IP3) generation, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) Ca2+ depletion, and activation of store-operated Ca2+ entry, we utilized thapsigargin and ryanodine to deplete Ca2+ SR/ER stores and the inhibitory reagents TMB-8 and 2-APB to block IP3 receptors. In each case, these agents inhibited the[Ca2+]i response to agonist stimulation by approximately 50 %. Blockade of L-channels with nifedipine had no significant effect. Increases in ionic strength are known to inhibit the calcium-sensing receptor. We postulate that the CaSR stimulates Ca2+-mediated constriction of the rectal gland artery and diminishes cyclic AMP-mediated salt secretion in rectal gland tubules during non-feeding conditions. When the shark ingests sea water and fish, an increase in blood and interstitial fluid ionic strength inhibits the activity of the calcium-sensing receptor, relaxing the rectal gland artery and permitting salt secretion by the rectal gland tubules.

Differential mechanisms of Ca(2+) release from vascular smooth muscle cell microsomes

The release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores is a fundamental element of signaling pathways involved in regulation of vascular tone, proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression. Studies of sea urchin eggs have led to the identification of three functionally distinct Ca(2+) signaling pathways triggered by IP3, cADPR, and NAADP. The coexistence and functional relevance of these distinct intracellular Ca(2+) release systems has only been described in a few mammalian cell types. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the IP3, cADPR, and NAADP Ca(2+) release systems coexist in smooth muscle cells (SMC) and to determine the specificity of these intracellular Ca(2+) release pathways. Microsomes were prepared from rat aortic SMC (VSMC) and were loaded with 45Ca(2+). cADPR, NAADP, and IP3 induced Ca(2+) release from VSMC microsomes in a dose-dependent fashion. Heparin blocked only IP3-mediated Ca(2+) release, whereas the ryanodine channel inhibitors 8-Br-cADPR and ruthenium red blocked only cADPR-induced Ca(2+) release. Nifedipine, an L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, inhibited NAADP elicited Ca(2+) release, but had no effect on IP3- or cADPR-mediated Ca(2+) release. An increase in pH from 7.2 to 8.2 inhibited cADPR-mediated Ca(2+) release, but had no effect on IP3- or NAADP-induced Ca(2+) release. By RT-PCR, VSMC expressed ryanodine receptor types 1, 2, and 3. Ca(2+)-dependent binding of [3H]-ryanodine to VSMC microsomes was enhanced by the ryanodine receptor agonists 4-chloro-methyl-phenol (CMP) and caffeine, but was inhibited by ruthenium red and cADPR. We conclude that VSMC possess at least three functionally distinct pathways that promote intracellular Ca(2+) release. IP3-, cADPR-, and NAADP-induced intracellular Ca(2+) release may play a critical role in the maladaptive responses of VSMC to environmental stimuli that are characteristically associated with hypertension and/or atherogenesis.

cADP-ribose/ryanodine channel/Ca2+-release signal transduction pathway in mesangial cells

Signaling via release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is mediated by several systems, including the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and cADP-ribose (cADPR) pathway. We recently discovered a high capacity for cADPR synthesis in rat glomeruli and cultured mesangial cells (MC). We sought to determine whether 1) cADPR synthesis in MC is regulated by cytokines and hormones, 2) ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are expressed in MC, and 3) Ca2+ is released through RyRs in response to cADPR. We found that ADP-ribosyl cyclase, a CD38-like enzyme that catalyzes cADPR synthesis, is upregulated in MC by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and all-trans retinoic acid (atRA). [3H]ryanodine binds to microsomal fractions from MC with high affinity in a Ca2+-dependent manner; binding is enhanced by specific RyR agonists and blocked by ruthenium red and cADPR. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of RyR in MC. Release of 45Ca2+ from MC microsomes was stimulated by cADPR; release was blocked by ruthenium red and 8-bromo-cADPR. ADPR (non-cyclic) was without effect. In MC, TNF-alpha and atRA amplified the increment of cytoplasmic Ca2+ elicited by vasopressin. We conclude that MC possess elements of a novel ADP-ribosyl cyclase-->cADPR-->RyR-->Ca2+-release signaling pathway subject to regulation by proinflammatory cytokines and steroid superfamily hormones.

Nicotinic acid-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) elicits specific microsomal Ca2+ release from mammalian cells

Nicotinic acid-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), a molecule derived from beta-NADP, has been shown to promote intracellular calcium release in sea urchin eggs. However, there is little information regarding the role of NAADP in the regulation of intracellular calcium fluxes in mammalian cells. We found recently that several mammalian tissues have a high capacity for NAADP synthesis, as assessed by sea urchin egg bioassay. To determine the functional significance of NAADP production by mammalian tissues, we sought to determine whether NAADP is capable of inducing calcium release from microsomes prepared from cultured cells. We found that NAADP, but not beta-NADP, activates a specific microsomal calcium release system in mesangial cells isolated from rat kidney; NAADP was without effect in renal tubular epithelial cells. NAADP-induced calcium release is not affected by inhibitors of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or ryanodine channels. However, NAADP-elicited calcium release was inhibited by L-type calcium channel blockers and by alkaline phosphatase treatment of NAADP. NAADP also promotes specific microsomal calcium release in rat vascular smooth muscle cells, cardiac myocytes, fibroblasts and a human leukaemia cell line, indicating that the capacity for NAADP-induced calcium release is widespread in mammalian cells. We propose that NAADP may be an important regulator of intracellular calcium in many mammalian tissues.

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate: a new Ca2+ releasing agent in kidney

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), a molecule derived from beta-NADP, has been shown to trigger Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of invertebrate eggs and mammalian cell microsomes. NAADP-induced Ca2+ release occurs through a mechanism distinct from that of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate- or cyclic ADP-ribose-elicited Ca2+ release. This study investigated whether NAADP can be synthesized in rat kidney. Extracts from glomeruli, mesangial cells, and papilla have high NAADP synthetic capacities. Conversely, synthesis of NAADP in kidney cortex was almost undetectable. Furthermore, 9-cis-retinoic acid significantly up-regulated NAADP synthesis in mesangial cells. Authenticity of NAADP biosynthesis in glomeruli was affirmed by HPLC analysis. NAADP stimulated Ca2+ release from mesangial cell microsomes through a pathway distinct from that of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate or cyclic ADP-ribose. NAADP-triggered Ca2+ release may play an important role in regulation of renal function.

Ryanodine receptor and capacitative Ca2+ entry in fresh preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

A multiplicity of hormonal, neural, and paracrine factors regulates preglomerular arterial tone by stimulating calcium entry or mobilization. We have previously provided evidence for capacitative (store-operated) Ca2+ entry in fresh renal vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Ryanodine-sensitive receptors (RyRs) have recently been identified in a variety of nonrenal vascular beds.

METHODS

We isolated fresh rat preglomerular VSMCs with a magnetized microsphere/sieving technique; cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was measured with fura-2 ratiometric fluorescence.

RESULTS

Ryanodine (3 micromol/L) increased [Ca2+]i from 79 to 138 nmol/L (P = 0.01). Nifedipine (Nif), given before or after ryanodine, was without effect. The addition of calcium (1 mmol/L) to VSMCs in calcium-free buffer did not alter resting [Ca2+]i. In Ca-free buffer containing Nif, [Ca2+]i rose from 61 to 88 nmol/L after the addition of the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid and to 159 nmol/L after the addition of Ca2+ (1 mmol/L). Mn2+ quenched the Ca/fura signal, confirming divalent cation entry. In Ca-free buffer with Nif, [Ca2+]i increased from 80 to 94 nmol/L with the addition of ryanodine and further to 166 nmol/L after the addition of Ca2+ (1 mmol/L). Mn2+ quenching was again shown. Thus, emptying of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with ryanodine stimulated capacitative Ca2+ entry.

CONCLUSION

Preglomerular VSMCs have functional RyR, and a capacitative (store-operated) entry mechanism is activated by the depletion of SR Ca2+ with ryanodine, as is the case with inhibitors of SR Ca2+-ATPase.

ADP-Ribosyl cyclase in rat vascular smooth muscle cells: properties and regulation

We investigated whether ADP-ribosyl cyclase (ADPR-cyclase) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has enzymatic properties that differ from the well-characterized CD38-antigen ADPR-cyclase, expressed in HL-60 cells. ADPR-cyclase from VSMCs, but not CD38 ADPR-cyclase from HL-60 cells, was inhibited by gangliosides (10 micromol/L) GT(1B), GD(1), and GM(3). Preincubation of membranes from CD38 HL-60 cells, but not from VSMCs, with anti-CD38 antibodies increased ADPR-cyclase activity; CD38 antigen was detected both in VSMCs and in HL-60 cells. ADPR-cyclase in VSMC membranes was more sensitive than CD38 HL-60 ADPR-cyclase to inactivation by N-endoglycosidase F and to thermal inactivation at 45 degrees C. The specific activity of ADPR-cyclase in membranes from VSMCs was >20-fold higher than in membranes from CD38 HL-60 cells. Most importantly, VSMC ADPR-cyclase was inhibited by Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) ions; the inhibition by Zn(2+) was dose dependent, noncompetitive, and reversible by EDTA. In contrast, Zn(2+) stimulated the activity of CD38 HL-60 ADPR-cyclase and other known types of ADPR-cyclases. Retinoids act either via the nuclear receptor retinoic acid receptor or retinoid X receptor, including all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), and panagonist 9-cis-retinoic acid-upregulated VSMC ADPR-cyclase; the stimulatory effect of atRA was blocked by actinomycin D and cycloheximide. 1,25(OH)(2)-Vitamin D(3) (calciferol) stimulated VSMC ADPR-cyclase dose dependently at subnanomolar concentrations (ED(50) congruent with 56 pmol/L). Oral administration of atRA to rats resulted in an increase of ADPR-cyclase activity in aorta ( congruent with+60%) and, to a lesser degree, in myocardium of left ventricle (+18%), but atRA had no effect on ADPR-cyclases in lungs, spleen, intestinal smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, liver, or testis. Administration of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T(3)) to rats resulted in an increase of ADPR-cyclase activity in aorta ( congruent with+89%), but not in liver or brain. We conclude the following: (1) ADPR-cyclase in VSMCs has enzymatic properties distinct from "classic" CD38 ADPR-cyclase, especially sensitivity to inhibition by Zn(2+) and Cu(2+); (2) ADPR-cyclase in VSMCs is upregulated by various retinoids, calcitriol, and T(3) in vitro; and (3) administration of atRA and T(3) increases ADPR-cyclase in aorta in vivo. We suggest that the cADPR signaling system plays an important role in the regulation of VSMC functions in response to steroid superfamily hormones.

Biological effects of arginine metabolites

Arginine and its metabolites exert physiological effects on the vasculature and on the kidney and also provide important influences on the regulation of cell proliferation. We summarize the known information regarding two major metabolites of arginine: (a) nitric oxide (NO) and (b) agmatine, decarboxylated arginine. Both agents appear to interact in producing vasodilation and increases in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the kidney. There is evidence for inter-regulation of arginine pathways in the sense that agmatine is capable of inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), the inflammatory NOS isoform. Both NO and agmatine influence cell proliferation via effects on polyamine synthesis. In addition, both NO and agmatine exert inhibitory effects on ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and the putrescine transporter by significantly different mechanisms. Therefore, arginine and arginine metabolites exert both vascular regulatory functions and impact on the regulation of cell proliferation. Significant inter-regulation among arginine pathways occurs within the three metabolic major pathways within the cell: (1) nitric oxide synthase (2) arginase and ornithine decarboxylase, and (3) arginine decarboxylase.

Synthesis of NAADP and cADPR in mitochondria

Here we investigated whether cADPR and NAADP are synthesized in mitochondria. We found that ADPR-cyclase activity is present in mitochondria. In addition, we describe for the first time synthesis of NAADP in this intracellular organelle. ADPR-cyclase activities (V(MAX)) and NAADP synthesis in mitochondria were about 4-fold lower than that in plasma membranes. Otherwise, ADPR-cyclases in mitochondria and in plasma membranes have similar catalytic properties in terms of apparent K(m) for the substrate NGD and K(i) values for inhibition by dithiotreitol, beta-NAD, and nicotinamide. ADPR-cyclase in plasma membranes and to a lesser degree mitochondrial enzyme, was inhibited by Zn(2+) and Cu(2+); ADPR-cyclase from mitochondria was more stable upon thermal inactivation. CD38 antigen, determined by Western blot, was well-expressed in plasma membranes but was far less so (17-fold less) in mitochondria. The major difference between ADPR-cyclase activity in mitochondria and plasma membranes is that mitochondrial cyclase activity was increased by incubation with nonionic detergents. Conversely, the incubation with phosphatidylinositol-specific phosphodiesterase C (PI-PLC) released ADPR-cyclase activity from plasma membranes, but not from mitochondria. We conclude that ADPR-cyclase in mitochondria and in plasma membranes are both multifunctional enzymes with similar catalytic properties; however, the two ADPR-cyclases differ in the mode of anchoring to the membrane: by glycosylphosphoinositol anchor in plasma membranes and by hydrophobic interactions in mitochondria. In addition, synthesis of NAADP can also be found in intracellular organelles via mitochondria. We propose that independent mitochondrial cADPR and NAADP systems may have an intracrine signaling function that is not dependent on direct input by extracellular hormonal stimuli, but rather responds to changes of intermediary cellular metabolism.

Cytoprotective effects of adrenomedullin in glomerular cell injury: central role of cAMP signaling pathway

Activation of cAMP signaling pathway was shown to inhibit some pathobiologic processes in mesangial cells (MC). We investigated whether adrenomedullin (ADM), a potent agonist of adenylate cyclase, is synthesized in MC and whether it can, via cAMP, suppress the generation of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and proliferation of cells in glomeruli. With the use of an immunohistologic technique ADM was detected in mesangial and microvascular areas of rat glomeruli. MC grown in primary culture synthesized ADM, and the synthesis was stimulated by TNF alpha and IL-1 beta but not by PDGF and EGF. ADM inhibited ROM generation in MC dose-dependently and caused in situ activation of protein kinase A (PKA). In macrophages (cell line J774) ROM generation was about four times higher than in MC and was inhibited by ADM in a similar way as in MC. The rate of MC proliferation, measured by [3H]-incorporation, and the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) stimulated by PDGF and EGF were dose-dependently inhibited by ADM; the maximum inhibition (at 10 nM ADM) was about -80%. Mitogenesis of MC and MAPK activity when stimulated to a similar extent by endothelin (ET-1) was inhibited by ADM to a significantly (P < 0.01) lesser degree (-30%). Further, ADM inhibited PDF-stimulated mitogenesis and activation of MAPK in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The inhibition of PDGF-activated MAPK by ADM in VSMC was reversed by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H89. Taken together, results indicate the adrenomedullin (ADM) generated in mesangial cells (MC) can suppress, via activation of the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway, reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) generation in MC and infiltrating macrophages as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated mitogenesis in MC and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). We suggest that introglomerular ADM may serve as a cytoprotective autoacoid that suppresses pathobiologic processes evoked by immuno-inflammatory injury of glomeruli.

Retinoic acid and triiodothyronine stimulate ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) is a nucleotide synthesized from beta-NAD- that can trigger or facilitate Ca2+-release through ryanodine-channels. We investigated the synthesis of cADPR (ADPR-cyclase activity) in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from rat aorta in response to incubation with all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (T3), cortisol, beta-estradiol and 1-dehydrotestosterone. Only RA and T3 caused concentration-dependent (10(-9)-10(-6) M) stimulation of ADPR-cyclase activity in VSMC. Maximum stimulatory responses to RA (+100%) and T3 (+40%) were additive and the stimulatory effects of both hormones on ADPR-cyclase were due to an increase in Vmax without changes in the apparent Km. These observations indicate that in VSMC synthesis of cADPR can be upregulated by RA and T3. We propose that some of the actions of RA on VSMC such as enhancement of contractile competence, differentiation, and anti-proliferative effects might be elicited, at least in part, via upregulation of the cADPR/Ca2+-release signaling system.

Effect of estrogen upon cyclic ADP ribose metabolism: beta-estradiol stimulates ADP ribosyl cyclase in rat uterus

Cyclic ADP ribose (cADPR) has been shown to trigger Ca2+ release from intracellular stores through ryanodine receptor/channel. In our previous study we observed that all-trans-retinoic acid stimulates cADPR synthesis by ADP ribose cyclase (ADPR cyclase) in cultured epithelial cells. We have now investigated whether cADPR may play a signaling role in action of beta-estradiol (E2), an archetypal steroid superfamily hormone, upon its major target organ, uterus, in vivo. Administration of E2 to gonadectomized rats (0.2 mg/kg per day for 7 days) resulted in an approximately Delta + 300% increase of ADPR cyclase activity in extracts from uterus, but in liver, brain, or skeletal muscle ADPR cyclase was unchanged. Most of the E2-stimulated uterine ADPR cyclase was associated with membranes. The higher ADPR cyclase activity in response to E2 was due to the increase of VMAX without change in Km. Simultaneous administration of estrogen antagonist tamoxifen (8 mg/kg per day) with E2 (0.2 mg/kg per day) prevented an increase in ADPR cyclase. In uterine extracts from E2-treated rats, the rate of cADPR inactivation by cADPR hydrolase and the activity of NADase was increased, but to a much lesser degree than activity of ADPR cyclase. Our results indicate that E2, via action to its nuclear receptors in vivo, increases ADPR cyclase activity in uterus. We propose that some of the estrogen effects, and by extension the effects of other steroid superfamily hormones, upon specialized cellular functions and upon hormone-induced gene expression in target cells, are mediated by cADPR-Ca2+ release pathway.