Mechanisms of AVP-induced glucagon release in clonal alpha-cells in-R1-G9: involvement of Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent pathways

Exploring G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling in Primary Pancreatic Islets

Background

Targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in pancreatic cells is feasible to modulate glucose-induced insulin secretion. Because pancreatic islets consist of several cell types and GPCRs can couple to more than one G-protein family, results obtained in pancreatic cell lines do not always match the response in primary cells or intact islets. Therefore, we set out to establish a protocol to analyze second messenger activation in mouse pancreatic islets.

Results

Activation of Gq/11-coupled receptor expressed in primary β cells increased the second messenger IP1 in an accumulation assay. Applying a Gq/11 protein inhibitor completely abolished this signal. Activation of the V1 vasopressin and ghrelin receptors, predominantly expressed in the less abundant alpha and delta cells, was not sufficient to induce a significant IP1 increase in this assay. However, fura-2-based fluorescence imaging showed calcium signals upon application of arginine vasopressin or ghrelin within intact pancreatic islets. Using the here established protocol we were also able to determine changes in intracellular cAMP levels induced by receptors coupling to Gs and Gi/o proteins.

Conclusions

Detection of the second messengers IP1, cAMP, and calcium, can be used to reliably analyze GPCR activation in intact islets.

The Molecular Mechanism and Neuroprotective Effect of Dihydrocapsaicin-Induced Mild Hypothermia After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Rats

To investigate the molecular mechanism of dihydrocapsaicin (DHC)-induced mild hypothermia in rats, and to compare its protective effect on the central nervous system with that of a conventional method of inducing hypothermia, 24 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups based on the following conditions: control group, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) group, body surface cooling group, and DHC group. Tracheal clipping was used to mimic asphyxia arrest. Rats were assessed for their neurological deficit scores. After sacrifice, immunohistochemical staining was used to examine caspase-3 expression in the cerebral cortex and TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily, member 1) expression in the hypothalamus. Terminal TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to evaluate cell apoptosis in the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration in the hypothalamus and arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration in ventral septal tissues were also detected in these four groups. Results of our study showed that neurological deficit scores in the DHC group were significantly higher than those in the CPR and body surface cooling groups (p < 0.05). Caspase-3 expression in the cerebral cortex of control group rats was significantly lower than that in other three groups (p < 0.05). Hypothalamic TRPV1 expression, hypothalamic intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, and AVP concentration in the ventral septum in the DHC group were significantly higher than that in the other three groups (p < 0.05). Within these three groups, there were significantly fewer apoptotic cells in the DHC and body surface cooling group rats than in the CPR group rats (p < 0.05). DHC has the neuroprotective effect. DHC induced mild hypothermia and reduces apoptosis through a mechanism whereby DHC activates TRPV1 on hypothalamic cells to cause a large Ca²⁺ influx, which alters corresponding physiological functions and causes the release of AVP to induce hypothermia.

Role of enteroendocrine L-cells in arginine vasopressin-mediated inhibition of colonic anion secretion

Key points

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulates the release of enteroendocrine L‐cell derived hormones glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and peptide YY (PYY) in vitro from mouse and human colons.

This is mediated by the AVP receptor 1B, which is highly enriched in colonic L‐cells and linked to the elevation of L‐cell calcium and cAMP concentrations.

By means of Ussing chambers, we show that AVP reduced colonic anion secretion, although this was blocked by a specific neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 receptor antagonist, suggesting that L‐cell‐released PYY acts locally on the epithelium to modulate fluid balance.

In human serum samples, PYY concentrations were higher in samples with raised osmolality and copeptin (surrogate marker for AVP).

These findings describe, for the first time, the role of L‐cells in AVP regulated intestinal fluid secretion, potentially linking together hormonal control of blood volume and blood glucose levels, and thus adding to our understanding of the complex pathways involved in the gut hormonal response to different stimuli.

Abstract

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulates fluid balance and blood pressure via AVP receptor (AVPR)2 in the kidney and AVP receptor 1A in vascular smooth muscle. Its role in intestinal function has received less attention. We hypothesized that enteroendocrine L‐cells producing glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) and peptide YY (PYY) may be a target of AVP and contribute to the control of fluid balance. Avpr1b expression was assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR on flourescence‐activated cell sorting‐isolated L‐ and control cells and was enriched in colonic L‐cells. AVP stimulated GLP‐1 and PYY release from primary cultured murine and human colonic cells and was associated with elevated calcium and cAMP concentrations in L‐cells as measured in cultures from GLU‐Cre/ROSA26‐GCaMP3 and GLU‐Epac2camps mice. An antagonist of AVPR1B reduced AVP‐triggered hormone secretion from murine and human cells. In Ussing chambers, basolaterally applied AVP reduced colonic anion secretion and this effect was blocked by a specific neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 (NPY1R) antagonist. In human serum, PYY concentrations were higher in samples with raised osmolality or copeptin (a surrogate marker for AVP). In conclusion, we propose that AVP activates L‐cell AVPR1B, causing GLP‐1 and PYY secretion. PYY in turn reduces colonic anion secretion via epithelial NPY1R. Our data suggest L‐cells are active players in the hypothalamic control of intestinal fluid homeostasis, providing a potential link between the regulation of blood volume/pressure/osmolality and blood glucose.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulates the release of enteroendocrine L‐cell derived hormones glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and peptide YY (PYY) in vitro from mouse and human colons.

This is mediated by the AVP receptor 1B, which is highly enriched in colonic L‐cells and linked to the elevation of L‐cell calcium and cAMP concentrations.

By means of Ussing chambers, we show that AVP reduced colonic anion secretion, although this was blocked by a specific neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 receptor antagonist, suggesting that L‐cell‐released PYY acts locally on the epithelium to modulate fluid balance.

In human serum samples, PYY concentrations were higher in samples with raised osmolality and copeptin (surrogate marker for AVP).

These findings describe, for the first time, the role of L‐cells in AVP regulated intestinal fluid secretion, potentially linking together hormonal control of blood volume and blood glucose levels, and thus adding to our understanding of the complex pathways involved in the gut hormonal response to different stimuli.

Vasopressin and hydration play a major role in the development of glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis in obese rats

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

High plasma copeptin, a marker of vasopressin (VP) secretion, has been shown to be associated with the metabolic syndrome and development of type 2 diabetes in humans. The present study was designed to determine the long-term influence of plasma VP concentration in a rodent model prone to metabolic dysfunction.

METHODS

Obese Zucker rats and their lean counterparts were submitted for 4 weeks to one of three protocols inducing different levels of VP. Circulating VP was either reduced by increasing the daily water intake (low-VP), or increased by a chronic i.p. infusion of VP (high-VP). The control rats had normal VP levels that depended on their own regulation of water intake and VP secretion.

RESULTS

Compared with controls with normal VP, lean rats with high-VP had a higher fasting glycaemia after 4 weeks. In obese rats, high-VP promoted hyperinsulinaemia, glucose intolerance, assessed by glucose and insulin tolerance tests, and an impaired response to a pyruvate challenge. Conversely, treatment with a selective arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (V1aR) antagonist reduced glucose intolerance. Low-VP obese rats had unchanged glucose tolerance but exhibited a drastic decrease in liver steatosis compared with control obese rats, associated with low hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol content, and reduced expression of hepatic lipogenic genes. These effects were independent of changes in body adiposity, and plasma sodium and osmolality did not differ among groups.

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

These findings show a causal relationship between the VP-hydration axis and the metabolic risk. Therapeutic perspectives include diet recommendations regarding hydration, but also potential pharmacological interventions targeting the VP V1aR.

Melatonin and pancreatic islets: interrelationships between melatonin, insulin and glucagon

The pineal hormone melatonin exerts its influence in the periphery through activation of two specific trans-membrane receptors: MT1 and MT2. Both isoforms are expressed in the islet of Langerhans and are involved in the modulation of insulin secretion from β-cells and in glucagon secretion from α-cells. De-synchrony of receptor signaling may lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. This notion has recently been supported by genome-wide association studies identifying particularly the MT2 as a risk factor for this rapidly spreading metabolic disturbance. Since melatonin is secreted in a clearly diurnal fashion, it is safe to assume that it also has a diurnal impact on the blood-glucose-regulating function of the islet. This factor has hitherto been underestimated; the disruption of diurnal signaling within the islet may be one of the most important mechanisms leading to metabolic disturbances. The study of melatonin–insulin interactions in diabetic rat models has revealed an inverse relationship: an increase in melatonin levels leads to a down-regulation of insulin secretion and vice versa. Elucidation of the possible inverse interrelationship in man may open new avenues in the therapy of diabetes.

Evidence of the receptor-mediated influence of melatonin on pancreatic glucagon secretion via the Gαq protein-coupled and PI3K signaling pathways

Melatonin has been shown to modulate glucose metabolism by influencing insulin secretion. Recent investigations have also indicated a regulatory function of melatonin on the pancreatic α-cells. The present in vitro and in vivo studies evaluated whether melatonin mediates its effects via melatonin receptors and which signaling cascade is involved. Incubation experiments using the glucagon-producing mouse pancreatic α-cell line αTC1 clone 9 (αTC1.9) as well as isolated pancreatic islets of rats and mice revealed that melatonin increases glucagon secretion. Preincubation of αTC1.9 cells with the melatonin receptor antagonists luzindole and 4P-PDOT abolished the glucagon-stimulatory effect of melatonin. In addition, glucagon secretion was lower in the pancreatic islets of melatonin receptor knockout mice than in the islets of the wild-type (WT) control animals. Investigations of melatonin receptor knockout mice revealed decreased plasma glucagon concentrations and elevated mRNA expression levels of the hepatic glucagon receptor when compared to WT mice. Furthermore, studies using pertussis toxin, as well as measurements of cAMP concentrations, ruled out the involvement of Gαi- and Gαs-coupled signaling cascades in mediating the glucagon increase induced by melatonin. In contrast, inhibition of phospholipase C in αTC1.9 cells prevented the melatonin-induced effect, indicating the physiological relevance of the Gαq-coupled pathway. Our data point to the involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling cascade in mediating melatonin effects in pancreatic α-cells. In conclusion, these findings provide evidence that the glucagon-stimulatory effect of melatonin in pancreatic α-cells is melatonin receptor mediated, thus supporting the concept of melatonin-modulated and diurnal glucagon release.

Regulation of Ca(2+)-entry in pancreatic α-cell line by transient receptor potential melastatin 4 plays a vital role in glucagon release

Elevation in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration stimulates glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells. The Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4 channel (TRPM4) is critical for Ca(2+) signaling. However, its role in glucagon secreting α-cells has not been investigated. We identified TRPM4 gene expression and protein in the αTC1-6 cell line using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, we performed a detailed biophysical characterization of the channel using the patch-clamp technique to confirm that currents typical for TRPM4 were present in αTC1-6 cells. To investigate TRPM4 function, we generated a stable knockdown clone using shRNA and a lentiviral vector. Inhibition of TRPM4 significantly reduced the responses to different agonists during Ca(2+) imaging analysis with Fura-2AM. The reduction in the magnitude of Ca(2+) signals resulted in decreased glucagon secretion. These results suggested that depolarization by TRPM4 may play an important role in controlling glucagon secretion from α-cells and perhaps glucose homeostasis.

Pancreatic vasopressin V1b receptors: characterization in In-R1-G9 cells and localization in human pancreas

Vasopressin (AVP) receptors present in In-R1-G9 cells, a hamster glucagon-secreting alpha-pancreatic cell line, were characterized using SSR-149415, a selective nonpeptide V1b receptor antagonist, and reference AVP compounds. Binding experiments, using [3H]AVP as a ligand, identified a single population of high-affinity binding sites. SSR-149415 competitively inhibited this binding and exhibited nanomolar and stereospecific affinity for these sites. The affinity of various AVP/oxytocin ligands confirmed a V1b binding profile. In functional studies, AVP was a potent stimulant in inducing intracellular Ca2+ increase, glucagon secretion, and cell proliferation. These effects were fully antagonized by SSR-149415 with a nanomolar potency, whereas its diasteroisomer as well as two selective V1a and V2 receptor antagonists were much less potent. Additionally, the order of potency of AVP agonists and antagonists was in agreement with V1b-mediated effects. By RT-PCR, we confirmed the presence of V1b receptor mRNA in both In-R1-G9 cells and in human pancreas. The distribution pattern of V1b receptors investigated in human pancreas by immunohistochemistry showed strong labeling in islets of Langerhans, and colocalization studies indicated that this receptor was expressed in alpha-glucagon, beta-insulin, and somatostatin pancreatic cells. Thus, in In-R1-G9 cells, AVP mediates intracellular Ca2+ increase, glucagon secretion, and cell proliferation by activating V1b receptors, and these effects are potently antagonized by SSR-149415. Moreover, the presence of V1b receptors also found in human Langerhans islets could suggest hormonal control of AVP in human pancreas.

Mechanisms of bradykinin-induced glucagon release in clonal alpha-cells In-R1-G9: involvement of Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent pathways

The mechanisms by which bradykinin (BK) increases glucagon release were investigated. BK (0.1-10 microM) increased [Ca(2+)](i) and glucagon release in clonal alpha-cells In-R1-G9. BK-induced glucagon release was lower in the absence than in the presence of extracellular Ca(2+), but it still increased glucagon release while [Ca(2+)](i) was stringently deprived. Depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) store with thapsigargin abolished both the BK-induced Ca(2+) peak and sustained plateau. Microinjection of heparin abolished BK-induced Ca(2+) release. Pertussis toxin (PTX) did not block BK-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase or glucagon release. U-73122 (8 microM), a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, abolished BK-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i), but only reduced BK-induced glucagon release by 40%. A phospholipase D (PLD) inhibitor zLYCK reduced BK-induced glucagon release by 60%. The combination of U-73122 and zLYCK abolished BK-induced glucagon release. Both SK&F 96365, a receptor-operated Ca(2+) channel (ROC) blocker and nimodipine, an L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, reduced BK-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase and glucagon release. These findings suggest that BK increase glucagon release through a PTX-insensitive G protein and both Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent pathways. The Ca(2+)-dependent pathway is attributable to PLC activation. PLC catalyzes IP(3) formation, inducing Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum, which, in turn, triggers Ca(2+) influx via both ROCs and L-type channels. PLD activation may be involved in Ca(2+)-dependent and/or -independent pathway.

Somatostatin-induced paradoxical increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and insulin release in the presence of arginine vasopressin in clonal HIT-T15 beta-cells

Somatostatin, a hormone that signals via G(i)/G(o), usually inhibits increases in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and insulin release from beta-cells. We have found that in the presence of arginine vasopressin (AVP), which signals via G(q), somatostatin increased [Ca(2+)](i), leading to insulin release in HIT-T15 cells. The increase in [Ca(2+)](i) by somatostatin was observed even after 60 min of AVP treatment. Somatostatin alone failed to increase [Ca(2+)](i) and insulin release. Somatostatin induced changes in [Ca(2+)](i) in a biphasic pattern, characterized by a sharp and transient increase followed by a rapid decline to sub-basal levels. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin, which inactivates G(i)/G(o), abolished the effects of somatostatin. U-73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, antagonized the somatostatin-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). In Ca(2+)-free medium, somatostatin still increased [Ca(2+)](i). Depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores with thapsigargin, a microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, abolished somatostatin's effect. In the presence of bradykinin, another G(q)-coupled receptor agonist, somatostatin also increased [Ca(2+)](i), but not in the presence of isoproterenol (a G(s)-coupled receptor agonist) or medetomidine (a G(i)/G(o)-coupled receptor agonist). Our findings suggest that somatostatin signals through G(i)/G(o), and involves phospholipase C and Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum. The increase in [Ca(2+)](i) by somatostatin leads to insulin release. This cross-talk is specific to G(q) and G(i)/G(o), and is not limited to the AVP and somatostatin receptors.

Vasopressin reverses aluminum-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity in the rat dentate gyrus in vivo

Aluminum (Al), an important neurotoxin, contributes to a variety of cognitive dysfunction and mental diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that Al impairs hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, both LTP and LTD (long-term depression) were recorded in the same animal to investigate the Al-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity. Another aim of the present research was to verify whether the impairment of synaptic plasticity induced by Al could be reversed by vasopressin (VP) treatment. Neonatal Wistar rats were exposed to Al from parturition through adulthood (pre- and post-weaning) by the drinking of 0.3% aluminum chloride (AlCl(3)) solution. The input-output (I/O) function, paired-pulse reaction (PPR), excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and population spike (PS) amplitude were measured in the dentate gyrus (DG) of adult rats (60-90 days) in response to stimulation applied to the lateral perforant path. The results showed: (1) Al reduced the amplitudes of both EPSP LTP (control: 132+/-7%, n=7; Al-exposed: 115+/-10%, n=8, P<0.05) and PS LTP (control: 242+/-18%, n=7; Al-exposed: 136+/-7%, n=8, P<0.01) significantly. The amplitudes of EPSP LTD (control: 82+/-6%, n=7; Al-exposed: 92+/-7%, n=8, P<0.05) and PS LTD (control: 81+/-4%, n=7; Al-exposed: 98+/-5%, n=8, P<0.05) were also decreased by Al treatment. The Al-induced impairments of PS LTP and PS LTD were more serious than that of EPSP LTP and EPSP LTD. (2) In control rats, VP had an increase in the PS LTP amplitude (control: 242+/-18%, n=7; control+VP: 358+/-23%, n=6, P<0.01), while it had no significant effects on PS LTD (control: 81+/-4%, n=7; control+VP: 76+/-7%, n=6, P>0.05). (3) In Al-exposed rats, VP had a significant increase in the amplitudes of both PS LTP (Al-exposed: 136+/-7%, n=8, Al-exposed+VP: 255+/-16%, n=6, P<0.01) and PS LTD (Al-exposed: 98+/-5%, n=8; Al-exposed+VP: 81+/-6%, n=6, P<0.05). After the application of VP, the range of synaptic plasticity (PS LTP+PS LTD) in Al-exposed rats increased from 38% to 174%, which surpassed that in control rats (161%). It was suggested that VP could reverse Al-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity and might be an effective medicine to cure Al-induced neurological disorders.