Evidence that phorbol ester interferes with stimulated Ca2+ redistribution by activating Ca2+ efflux in neutrophil leucocytes

Rhizoma coptidis and berberine-induced activation of murine microglia N9 cells

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effect of water extract of Rhizoma coptidis (WEC) and berberine on the activation of murine microglia N9 cells and corresponding mechanism related to mitochondria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phagocytic activity of murine microglia N9 cells was measured by neutral red staining method after the cells were treated with various concentrations of WEC and alkaloids for 24h. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to determine the level of intracellular ROS, Ca(2+), and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Delta psi) after 87 microg/ml of WEC and 12.4 microg/ml of berberine treatment. Global changes of gene expression in WEC- and berberine-treated N9 cells were measured using cDNA microarray.

RESULTS

WEC and berberine, but not palmatine and jatrorrhizine, enhanced phagocytic activity of murine N9 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Both of WEC and berberine stimulated free radical generation, enhanced mitochondrial Delta psi and induced gene expression of Ndufab1, Cox6a2 and Atp5a1. However, a more significant phagocytic effect was observed for WEC. WEC, but not berberine, increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. The gene expression of Atp5c1 was selectively up-regulated by WEC, while three genes of Uqcrq, Cox8b, and Atp5g2 were induced by berberine.

CONCLUSIONS

WEC and berberine activated murine microglia N9 cells by the regulation of mitochondrial function and mitochondria-related signal molecules. The action of WEC is stronger than that of berberine, indicating that the effect of WEC is ascribed partially, but not totally, to berberine.

Functional characterization of equine neutrophils in response to calcium ionophore A23187 and phorbol myristate acetate ex vivo

Equine neutrophils (PMN) play a critical role in inflammatory processes in horses. The objective of this study was to characterize equine PMN function ex vivo following stimulation with calcium ionophore A23187 (A23187) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). These stimulants trigger different branches of the PMN activation process that occurs in vivo. Equine PMN were isolated from the whole blood of six clinically normal geldings using a one-step discontinuous Percoll gradient technique. Neutrophil aggregation, degranulation, and superoxide anion production were evaluated in assay systems which had previously been established to quantitate PMN function. Dose-response curves for A23187 and PMA were derived for the three functions. Results indicate that equine PMN aggregation and superoxide anion production are more responsive to activation by PMA as the maximum change in percent transmittance and maximum nanomoles of superoxide anion produced following PMA stimulation (60.8% and 10.4 nmol per 10(6) cells, respectively) were greater than those values stimulated by A23187 (41.5% and 5.2 nmol per 10(6) cells, respectively). However, degranulation was found to be more responsive to A23187 stimulation (maximum percent degranulation: 56.1%) than to PMA stimulation (maximum percent degranulation: 30.7%). Dose-response curves following A23187 and PMA stimulation revealed that superoxide anion production had the lowest threshold concentration among the three functions. Degranulation had the highest threshold concentration among the three functions for both stimulants. Results indicate that equine PMN functions differ in their dependence on second messengers in the activation pathway. These functions also occur in a dose-dependent manner and differ in the threshold concentrations required for their stimulation.

Protein kinase C inhibitors and PAF stimulate phosphatidylserine synthesis in human leucocytes

To study the regulation and turnover of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) in human leucocytes, we investigated the effect of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), I-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine (ET-18-OCH3 or edelfosine), staurosporine and platelet activating factor (PAF) on [14C]serine incorporation into phospholipids. More than 80% of lipid radioactivity was in PtdSer. ET-18-OCH3 stimulated incorporation into PtdSer 5-fold, without increasing incorporation into other lipids. PAF stimulated PtdSer synthesis 3-fold after 1 h, while staurosporine stimulated the synthesis 2-fold after 3 h. TPA inhibited PtdSer synthesis. It abolished the ET-18-OCH3 stimulation, and reduced the staurosporine stimulation. ET-18-OCH3 and TPA did not significantly alter the incorporation of [14C]arachidonic acid into PtdSer, and did not increase PtdSer turnover judged from chase and stability experiments. The results demonstrate that PKC inhibitors and PAF induce increased incorporation of [14C]serine into PtdSer, while TPA inhibits stimulated PtdSer synthesis. This suggests that modulation of PtdSer synthesis may regulate PKC activity in PMN cells.

Stimulation of protein kinase C redistribution and inhibition of leukotriene B4-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate generation in human neutrophils by lipoxin A4

1. To test the hypothesis that protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the inhibitory actions of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) on second messenger generation, we studied the effects of LXA4 on PKC in human neutrophils and on leukotriene B4 (LTB4)-stimulated inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) generation. 2. LXA4, 1 microM, caused a fall in cytosolic PKC-dependent histone phosphorylating activity to 23.5% of basal levels. 3. LXA4, caused an increase in particulate PKC-dependent histone phosphorylating activity with a bell-shaped dose-response fashion; maximal stimulation was observed at 10 nM LXA4. 4. Western blot analysis with affinity-purified antibodies to alpha- and beta-PKC showed that only the beta-PKC isotype was translocated by LXA4. 5. LXA4 inhibited LTB4-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 generation in a bell-shaped fashion with maximal inhibition at 1 nM LXA4. The observed inhibition was dose-dependently removed by pre-incubation with a PKC inhibitor (Ro-31-8220). 6. These results show that LXA4 activates PKC in whole cells and supports a role for PKC activation in the inhibitory action of LXA4 on LTB4-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3 generation. 7. LXA4 (1-1000 nM) pre-incubation did not affect specific binding of [3H]-LTB4 to neutrophils. Thus, the inhibitory effect of LXA4 on LTB4-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 generation could not be attributed to an effect on LTB4 receptors.

Delayed activation of plasma membrane Ca2+ pump in human neutrophils

The interplay between Ca2+ efflux mechanisms of the plasma membrane (PM) and transient changes of the cytosolic concentration of ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i) was studied in suspensions of human neutrophils loaded with the [Ca2+]i indicator, Fura-2. To reveal Ca2+ efflux through PM the interference of intracellular Ca stores was prevented by preincubating the cells in the presence of EGTA, thapsigargin, and ionomycin. Addition of econazole prevented varying entry of divalent cations regulated by the filling state of Ca stores. The preincubation seemed to empty and permeabilize virtually all Ca stores, ensuring that the monitored changes of [Ca2+]i were caused exclusively by PM Ca2+ transporters. Following preincubation, the addition of CaCl2 induced, mediated by ionomycin, a transient rise of [Ca2+]i, a spike, eventually decreasing to an intermediary [Ca2+]i level. The ATP-dependent decrease of [Ca2+]i terminating the spike was abolished by the calmodulin antagonist, N-(6-aminohexyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7), but not by the protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine, nor by Na(+)-free medium, suggesting that neither activity of protein kinase C nor Na+/Ca2+ exchange was necessary for generation of the Ca2+ spike. In conclusion, the PM Ca2+ pump was responsible for the Ca2+ spike by responding to the rapid rise of [Ca2+]i by a delayed activation, possibly involving calmodulin. This characteristic feature of the PM pump may be important for the generation of cellular [Ca2+]i spikes in general.

Modulatory effect of 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) on carbachol-induced Ca2+ mobilization in rat parotid acinar cells

Treatment of rat parotid acinar cells with 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) significantly inhibited an increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by carbachol (CCh), a muscarinic agonist. The CCh-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was also inhibited by another active phorbol ester, 4 beta-phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, but not by 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, which does not activate protein kinase C. The treatment with PMA had no effect on increases in [Ca2+]i evoked by ionomycin and thapsigargin, which do not stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. In contrast, an increase in [Ca2+]i induced by NaF, a direct activator of GTP-binding proteins, was delayed in the presence of PMA. The formation of inositol phosphates in response to CCh was suppressed significantly by PMA treatment. In radioligand binding assays, PMA did not directly interfere with the specific binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB), a muscarinic antagonist, to plasma membranes. Furthermore, the [3H]QNB binding to plasma membranes prepared from the PMA-pretreated cells was not different from that to the control membranes. These results indicate that PMA attenuated the CCh-induced increase in [Ca2+]i through inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Activation of protein kinase C may play a role in negative-feedback control of the muscarinic pathway in rat parotid acinar cells.

Lead inhibits 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 regulation of calcium metabolism in osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8)

We have determined the dose-response of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) on the intracellular free calcium-ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells, ROS 17/2.8, using 19F-NMR and the intracellular divalent cation indicator, 1,2-bis(2-amino-5-fluorophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (5F-BAPTA). The dose-response demonstrated an inverted U-shaped relationship with maximal elevation of [Ca2+]i at doses of 1 to 10 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3. At 10 nM, 1,25-(OH)2D3 elevated the [Ca2+]i from a control level of 118 +/- 4 nM to a peak value of 237 +/- 8 nM within 40 min. 1,25-(OH)2D3 also increased the initial rate of Ca2+ influx into ROS 17/2.8 cells, measured by 45Ca uptake, with a dose-response relationship which paralleled its effect on [Ca2+]i. Treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with Pb2+ at 1 and 5 microM significantly increased [Ca2+]i but significantly reduced the 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i. Simultaneous treatment of naive cells with 1,25-(OH)2D3 and Pb2+ produce little reduction of 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced 45Ca uptake while 40 min treatment with Pb2+ before addition of 1,25-(OH)2D3 significantly reduced the 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced increase in 45Ca influx. These findings suggest that Pb2+ acts by inhibiting 1,25-(OH)2D3-activation of Ca2+ channels and interferes with 1,25-(OH)2D3 regulation of Ca2+ metabolism in osteoblastic bone cells.

Cyclic nucleotides attenuate thrombin-evoked alterations in parameters of platelet Na/H antiport. The role of cytosolic Ca

In this work, we explored the role of cyclic nucleotides in modulating parameters of the Na/H antiport in human platelets. Sodium nitroprusside and iloprost, as well as cyclic nucleotide analogues, were used to raise cellular levels of cAMP and cGMP. Cyclic nucleotides reversed the thrombin-evoked alkaline shift in cytosolic pH set point and the activity of the Na/H antiport, concurrently with attenuation of thrombin-induced rise in cytosolic free Ca. No effect of cyclic nucleotides was observed in platelets not treated with thrombin, or platelets subjected to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. cAMP did not reverse ionomycin-induced changes in the parameters of the Na/H antiport. Collectively, these observations indicate that cyclic nucleotides modulate the Na/H antiporter in human platelets through their effect on thrombin-evoked changes in cytosolic free Ca. Presumably, this effect holds for other agonists which stimulate phospholipase C, raise cytosolic-free Ca, and activate the Na/H antiport through protein kinase C dependent and protein kinase C-independent mechanisms.

Ca2+ ionophore-induced cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate elevation in human neutrophils. A calmodulin-dependent potentiation of adenylate cyclase response to endogenously produced adenosine: comparison to chemotactic agents

The cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) elevation caused by exposure of human neutrophils to the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 was prevented when endogenously produced adenosine was either removed by preincubation with adenosine deaminase or blocked from binding to the adenosine receptor by antagonists [theophylline or (E)-4-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-9H-purin-8-yl)cinnamic acid]. In the absence of endogenous adenosine, A23187 potentiated the neutrophil cAMP response to 2-chloroadenosine, prostaglandin E1, and isoproterenol. When neutrophil suspensions were preincubated with concentrations of Ro 20-1724, which appeared to maximally inhibit cAMP phosphodiesterase, A23187 was still able to substantially elevate cAMP levels, suggesting that A23187 increases cAMP by amplifying adenylate cyclase responsiveness to the agonist rather than by inhibiting cAMP phosphodiesterase. The ability of A23187 to augment the cAMP elevation caused by 2-chloroadenosine was persistent over a 10-min period. The neutrophil cAMP elevations caused by chemoattractants leukotriene B4, C5a, and N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP) were all prevented when endogenously produced adenosine was eliminated from the cell suspensions by the addition of adenosine deaminase. The A23187-induced cAMP elevation was inhibited completely by the calmodulin inhibitors chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide, whereas cAMP levels induced by FMLP, leukotriene B4 and C5a were less affected. It appears that A23187 raises cAMP in human neutrophils by a calmodulin-dependent potentiation of adenylate cyclase responsiveness to endogenously produced adenosine while the chemoattractant-induced cAMP elevations (FMLP), leukotriene B4, and C5a), although possibly Ca2+ dependent, are less sensitive to calmodulin inhibitors and may involve additional biochemical events.

Modulation of leukotriene B4 and platelet-activating factor binding to neutrophils

Preincubation of human neutrophils with the human hormone granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) inhibits the specific binding of leukotriene B4 ([3H]LTB4) but not the nonmetabolizable bioactive platelet-activating factor ([3H]C-PAF) to intact cells. This inhibition requires that the GM-CSF interacts with intact cells. The action of GM-CSF is not prevented by pertussis toxin. Moreover, the rise in calcium produced by LTB4 but not by PAF is also inhibited in human neutrophils pretreated with GM-CSF. Interestingly, neither the inhibitory action of GM-CSF on [3H]LTB4 binding or LTB4-induced calcium rise nor the potentiation of superoxide production by GM-CSF is reduced by inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism by the lipoxygenase pathway. In contrast, preincubation of human neutrophils with either the chemotactic factor formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMet-Leu-Phe) or the active phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), inhibits the binding of both [3H]LTB4 and [3H]C-PAF to intact cells. The inhibitory actions of GM-CSF, PMA, and fMet-Leu-Phe require that they interact with the intact cells; their actions cannot be reproduced in plasma membrane preparations. The effects of both GM-CSF and fMet-Leu-Phe cannot be prevented by the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine. The mechanisms of fMet-Leu-Phe and GM-CSF actions are probably not mediated through the release of LTB4 by the cells. Interestingly, this new action, unlike other reported effects of GM-CSF, is not mediated through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein (Gi alpha 2). This indicates that not all GM-CSF receptors are coupled to Gi alpha 2.

Accumulation of hyporesponsive, calcium extruding memory T cells as a key feature of age-dependent immune dysfunction

In this review I propose a hypothesis with a number of testable predictions: that the age-dependent decline in T lymphocyte function is largely the result of the accumulation of memory T lymphocytes with over-active plasma membrane calcium pumps. This idea is consistent with much, though not all, of the currently available data. I will start by presenting the evidence that suggested and most clearly supports this idea, then discuss apparently contrary data (some of it still difficult to reconcile with the model), and lastly consider the implications of the model for our understanding of late life development of the T cell immune system.

Effect of tumour-promoting phorbol ester on calcium homeostasis in human platelets

The more interesting features of the effects or PMA on [Ca2+]i and ATP release were the following: 1. preincubation with PMA inhibited thrombin-evoked calcium transients; 2. PMA stimulated slightly the release of calcium and ATP whereas inhibited calcium and ATP pools sensitive to thrombin; 3. A23187 reversed the inhibitory effect of PMA; 4. subsaturating thrombin concentrations gave results similar to PMA on thrombin-induced calcium and ATP release but not on [Ca2+]i.

Structural and functional aspects of calcium homeostasis in eukaryotic cells

The maintenance of a low cytosolic free-Ca2+ concentration, ([Ca2+]i) is a common feature of all eukaryotic cells. For this purpose a variety of mechanisms have developed during evolution to ensure the buffering of Ca2+ in the cytoplasm, its extrusion from the cell and/or its accumulation within organelles. Opening of plasma membrane channels or release of Ca2+ from intracellular pools leads to elevation of [Ca2+]i; as a result, Ca2+ binds to cytosolic proteins which translate the changes in [Ca2+]i into activation of a number of key cellular functions. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive description of the structural and functional characteristics of the various components of [Ca2+]i homeostasis in eukaryotes.

Modulation of vincristine sensitivity of human kidney tumor cells by pharmacological agents interfering with intracellular signals. No apparent relationship to changes in cytoplasmic Ca2+ or pH

The effect of substances proposed to modulate intracellular signal systems on growth and sensitivity to vincristine in the human kidney tumor cell line ACHN was investigated and related to changes in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and cytoplasmic pH (pHi). Presence during culture of the protein kinase C (PKC) activator 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) had no effect on cell growth but significantly increased the EC50 concentration for vincristine inhibited cell growth. There was no indication for endogenous PKC activity being responsible for basal vincristine insensitivity since it was not affected by the PKC inhibitor H-7. The Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin tended to increase cell growth and induced vincristine resistance, whereas the calmodulin inhibitor W-7 had opposite effects. Presence during culture of the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin did not affect basal cell growth but dose-dependently made the cells more sensitive to vincristine. The modulators of vincristine sensitivity had no immediate effect on pHi, whereas after 3 days of incubation ionomycin and forskolin tended to increase pHi. Ionomycin and forskolin induced an immediate increase in [Ca2+]i which remained after 3 days only for ionomycin, whereas TPA decreased [Ca2+]i, a change which tended to remain after 3 days of incubation. It is concluded that perturbation of the intracellular signal system may affect both cell growth and cytotoxic drug sensitivity. However, there is no apparent relationship between immediate or late changes in [Ca2+]i and pHi and vincristine sensitivity.

Quin-2 and fura-2 measure calcium differently

Several fluorescent probes have been used in the past to monitor and to measure intracellular calcium and calcium fluxes. The most widely used of these probes are those developed by Tsien. We address the markedly different values obtained when comparing Quin-2 (the original probe) with Fura-2 (a second-generation probe). In most cases the values for intracellular calcium have been considered to be interchangeable for the different probes. Using several different hematopoietic cell lines we show that in no case do the two probes yield equivalent values.

12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate and forskolin modify muscarinic receptor-linked Ca2+ mobilization in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells through different mechanisms

The phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), which causes differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, reduces carbachol binding and carbachol-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization in these cells. The decrease in responsiveness to carbachol is due partially to a reduction in the amount of Ca2+ released by the cells and partially to a decrease in the sensitivity of the cells to carbachol. These effects probably can be attributed to a reduction in muscarinic receptor number and a decrease in receptor affinity, respectively. Forskolin, an alkaloid known to cause an increase in cellular cyclic AMP, enhances Ca2+ influx into the cells without affecting the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration. The alkaloid causes an apparent restoration of the reduced Ca2+ release, caused by TPA, but does not affect the sensitivity of the cells to carbachol. Forskolin increases the decay of carbachol-induced increase in cytosolic Ca2+. The effects of TPA appear to be linked directly to receptor function, whereas those of forskolin are due to the effect of cyclic AMP on cellular Ca2+ metabolism.

Involvement of calcium in the thimerosal-stimulated formation of leukotriene by fMLP in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Only small amounts of leukotrienes could be detected by reverse-phase HPLC analysis after stimulation of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) by the receptor agonist N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Preincubation of the cells with the organomercury compound thimerosal prior to fMLP-addition, however, resulted in the formation of significant amounts of 5-lipoxygenase derived metabolites. This effect was dose-dependent with respect both to fMLP and thimerosal. Thimerosal alone did neither lead to the formation of HPLC-detectable leukotrienes nor to the release of arachidonic acid in [1-14C]arachidonic acid prelabelled cells. The formation of leukotrienes by fMLP/thimerosal required extracellular Ca2+. Measurements of intracellular Ca2(+)-levels revealed that (i) thimerosal alone is able to release Ca2+ from internal stores and (ii) thimerosal causes a persistent accumulation of Ca2+ within the cells after stimulation by fMLP. We conclude that by the synergistic action of fMLP and thimerosal the Ca2(+)-levels exceed the threshold for phospholipase A2 activation resulting in the liberation of arachidonic acid and subsequently in the formation of 5-lipoxygenase products. Our results suggest that thimerosal may provide a model for leukotriene formation under pathophysiological conditions when SH-group oxidation leads to increased intracellular Ca2(+)-levels.

Inhibition of neutrophil superoxide secretion by the preservative, methylhydroxybenzoate: effects mediated by perturbation of intracellular Ca2+?

The preservative, methylhydroxybenzoate inhibited O2- secretion from human neutrophils activated by both the chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA): the low level of oxidant secretion activated by the ionophore A23187 was similarly reduced in preservative-treated suspensions. Oxidant secretion was similarly reduced in fMet-Leu-Phe and A23187 treated suspensions in which intracellular Ca2+ was buffered by loading with Quin-2, indicating that methylhydroxybenzoate may exert its effects by perturbation of intracellular Ca2(+)-dependent processes. Methylhydroxybenzoate could mimic EGTA in preventing the Ca2+ dependent enhancement of trypsin activity and could also bind this cation in experiments using a Ca2+ electrode, although the preservative bound Ca2+ more slowly and had a lower affinity than EGTA. These data indicate that methylhydroxybenzoate may exert its effects on neutrophils by perturbation of Ca2(+)-dependent activation pathways and this phenomenon may also explain its other known pharmacological effects. Furthermore, these observations provide an insight into the mechanisms by which intracellular Ca2+ may regulate oxidant secretion.

Activation of protein kinase C in human neutrophils attenuates agonist-stimulated rises in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration by inhibiting bivalent-cation influx and intracellular Ca2+ release in addition to stimulating Ca2+ efflux

Stimulation of fura-2-loaded human neutrophils with formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) or ionomycin elevated the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+], to a maintained elevated level. Activation of protein kinase C (C-kinase) with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, 4 beta-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate or dioctanoylglycerol caused decreases in [Ca2+]i from this level. 4 alpha-Phorbol didecanoate, which does not activate C-kinase, had no effect. These results confirm previous reports that C-kinase activation decreases neutrophil [Ca2+]i by stimulating removal of Ca2+ from the cytosol. Further experiments showed that activation of C-kinase attenuated the component of the FMLP-stimulated [Ca2+]i rise that was dependent on external Ca2+. C-kinase activation also inhibited FMLP-stimulated entry of the quenching cation, Mn2+, used as an indicator of bivalent-cation entry. In contrast, C-kinase activation caused only a partial inhibition of FMLP-stimulated release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. 4 alpha-Phorbol didecanoate was ineffective in inhibiting Ca2+ entry, Mn2+ entry and intracellular Ca2+ release. Addition of FMLP also stimulated a decrease in the ionomycin-elevated [Ca2+]i, and this effect was blocked by staurosporine, a protein kinase inhibitor. These results show that, in addition to stimulating Ca2+ efflux, C-kinase activation in neutrophils inhibits FMLP-stimulated entry of bivalent cations, and partially inhibits intracellular release of Ca2+. Further, FMLP itself can modulate [Ca2+]i by activation of C-kinase.

Effects of protein kinase C activation on the regulation of the stimulus-secretion coupling in pancreatic beta-cells

Effects of protein kinase C (PKC) activation on the insulin-secretory process were investigated, by using beta-cell-rich suspensions obtained from pancreatic islets of obese-hyperglycaemic mice. The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), which is known to activate PKC directly, the muscarinic-receptor agonist carbamoylcholine and high glucose concentration enhanced the phosphorylation of a specific 80 kDa PKC substrate in the beta-cells. At a non-stimulatory glucose concentration, 10 nM-TPA increased insulin release, although there were no changes in either the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) or membrane potential, as measured with the fluorescent indicators quin-2 and bisoxonol respectively. At a stimulatory glucose concentration TPA caused a lowering in [Ca2+]i, whereas membrane potential was unaffected. Despite the decrease in [Ca2+]i, there was a large stimulation of insulin release. Addition of TPA lowered [Ca2+]i also in beta-cells stimulated by tolbutamide or high K+, although to a lesser extent than in those stimulated by glucose. There was no effect of TPA on either Ca2+ buffering or the ability of Ins(1,4,5)P3 to release Ca2+ in permeabilized beta-cells. However, the phorbol ester inhibited the rise in [Ca2+]i in response to carbamoylcholine, which stimulates the formation of InsP3, in intact beta-cells. Down-regulation of PKC influenced neither glucose-induced insulin release nor the increase in [Ca2+]i. Hence, although PKC activation is of no major importance in glucose-stimulated insulin release, this enzyme can serve as a modulator of the glucose-induced insulin-secretory response. Such a modulation involves mechanisms promoting both amplification of the secretory response and lowering of [Ca2+]i.

Ca2+ transients and Mn2+ entry in human neutrophils induced by thapsigargin

Human neutrophils, preloaded with the fluorescent probe, Fura-2, were exposed to Ca2+-releasing agents. The monitored traces of fluorescence were transformed by computer to cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([ Ca2+]i). Due to quenching of Fura-2, the addition of Mn2+ enabled us to compute the cytosolic concentration of total manganese ([Mn]i). The agents used were the novel Ca2+-mobilizing agent, thapsigargin (Tg), the chemotactic peptide, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), and the divalent cation ionophore, A23187. The agents caused transient rises of [Ca2+]i and monotonous rises of [Mn]i, suggesting influx but no efflux of Mn2+. The rise time of [Ca2+]i and the time constants and magnitude of the apparent Mn2+ influx were strongly dependent on the sequence of addition of the agonist and Ca2+. Contrary to FMLP, Tg needed several minutes to exert its full effect on the rise of [Ca2+]i and on the influx of Mn2+, the latter being dependent on two phases, activation and partial inactivation. Pretreatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) inhibited the responses of Tg, FMLP and A23187. For comparison, human red blood cells were tested. Contrary to A23187, Tg did not induce Ca2+ uptake in ATP-depleted red cells but increased the Ca2+ pump flux in intact red cells by 10%. The experimental data and computer simulations of the granulocyte data suggest that time-dependent changes of both passive Ca2+ flux into the cytosol and Ca2+ flux of the plasma membrane pump are involved in the transient [Ca2+]i response.

Co-existence between receptors, carriers, and second messengers on astrocytes grown in primary cultures

This overview deals with the current important problem of the expression by astrocytes of a set of functional and neurochemical properties which, until a few years ago, were thought to be specific for neurons. The interaction of different receptor functions and carrier systems in astrocytes and the functional importance of second messenger systems is discussed.

Tumor promoter 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) can reduce the Ca-transporting ability of Ca-ionophores in T lymphocytes: the involvement of intracellular heavy metal ions

12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) can significantly reduce the Ca-ionophore-induced rise in the intracellular calcium concentration (Cai) of T lymphocytes measured by quin2 or fura-2 fluorescence. This counteraction of TPA is maximal at a preincubation of 90 min at TPA concentrations higher than 20 nM. 45Ca uptake and efflux measurements directly indicate that TPA does not activate the calcium extrusion systems in thymocytes but impairs the Ca-transporting ability of Ca-ionophores. TPA causes no immobilization of the Ca-ionophores as it is demonstrated by the lack of significant changes in fluorescence and fluorescence polarisation of A23187 during TPA incubation. Similarly the energy transfer between the Tyr, Try groups of membrane proteins and A23187 shows no significant difference in control and TPA treated thymocytes. This indicates that A23187 is not in a membrane protein-bound form after TPA preincubation. The intracellular heavy metal chelator, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) restores the ionophoretic ability of Ca-ionophores in TPA pretreated cells to the control level. Diacyl-glycerols also impair the Ca-transporting ability of Ca-ionophores. TPEN prevents this effect as well. These findings suggest that TPA and diacyl-glycerols may cause an increase in the availability of intracellular heavy metal ions. Our results may reflect a new, physiologically important mechanism of the action of diacyl-glycerols and phorbol esters.

Phorbol ester desensitization of clonal insulin-releasing cell response to carbachol involves depletion of an intracellular calcium pool

The mechanism by which 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) desensitizes carbachol mobilization of glucose-incorporated calcium (Ca2+) was studied in clonal insulin-releasing cells (RINm5F) using colour indicators and dual wavelength spectrophotometry. The net uptake of Ca2+ stimulated by 20 mM glucose reached saturation after 19 +/- 2 min when it corresponded to 1.21 +/- 0.09 mmol calcium kg-1 protein. Carbachol then induced a release of 0.21 +/- 0.03 mmol calcium kg-1 protein. Half of the remaining Ca2+ was liberated by antimycin A and the rest with the Ca2+ ionophore A-23187. When 0.1 microM TPA was added initially, the cells lost 0.29 +/- 0.08 mmol calcium kg-1 protein within 10 min. The subsequent addition of glucose resulted in a sluggish uptake of only 0.58 +/- 0.09 mmol calcium kg-1 protein reaching equilibrium after 35 +/- 3 min. Carbachol now failed to induce any Ca2+ release. The actions of TPA were essentially unchanged by previous exposure to glucose, removal of Na+ from the medium and even when some of the glucose-incorporated Ca2+ had been liberated with carbachol. The results indicate that TPA desensitization of carbachol-induced mobilization of Ca2+ in the RINm5F cells is due to the disappearance of Ca2+ from the sensitive pool, an effect which may depend on stimulated extrusion of Ca2+ from the cells by the (Ca2+-Mg2+)-ATPase.

Defective control of cytoplasmic calcium concentration in T lymphocytes from old mice

Cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca]i) rises within minutes of exposure of T lymphocytes to a mitogen. T cells from old mice are defective in this reaction, a defect that could reflect either altered signal transduction or instead a more general age-associated change in intracellular calcium regulation. We therefore tested the ability of T cells from old mice to regulate their [Ca]i concentration after exposure to low concentrations of ionomycin, an agent that raises [Ca]i but bypasses receptor-mediated signal transduction mechanisms. Exposure of T cells to ionomycin leads to an abrupt increase in [Ca]i followed by stabilization at a dose-dependent plateau level that is affected by extracellular EGTA, by calmodulin inhibitors, and by modulators of protein kinase C. Plateau levels of [Ca]i after ionomycin challenge were consistently lower in T cells from old mice than in T cells from young mice. Flow cytometric experiments showed that while essentially all T cells from both old and young mice responded to ionomycin, they did so to an extent that depended on donor age. The age-dependent increase in resistance to ionomycin-induced changes in [Ca]i cannot be attributed to diminished membrane permeability to the ionomycin-calcium complex. The data suggest that aging may lead, in T lymphocytes, to a relative resistance to increases in [Ca]i, a resistance that in turn prevents cell activation.

[Mechanism and significance of arteriolar media hypertrophy/ hyperplasia in arterial hypertension. Role of the Na+/H+ antiport]

The most common haemodynamic abnormality in human essential hypertension is an increase in systemic vascular resistance. Morphologic substrate for increased flow resistance is a narrowing of the lumen of arteriolar resistance vessels. During the course of essential hypertension, this is associated with an increase in wall (mainly media) thickness due to hypertrophy and hyperplasia of vascular smooth muscle cells. In contrast to concepts interpreting media thickening strictly as structural adaptation to increased perfusion pressure, various lines of evidence also point to pressure independent factors. In this context, extracellular factors such as "growth factors" as well as alterations in the activity of intracellular messenger systems must be considered. Recent studies suggest that substances generally known to act as vasoconstrictors such as angiotensin II, noradrenaline and arginine-vasopressin may also stimulate vascular smooth muscle cell growth and proliferation. Intracellular messenger systems with possible significance in the response to trophins and/or mitogens of vascular smooth muscle cells are phospholipase C, protein kinase C and the Na+/H+-antiport. These systems have been demonstrated to be altered in hypertension supporting the concept that one endogenous factor in human essential hypertension with pathophysiological significance, at least in a subgroup of patients, may be an enhanced reactivity of vascular smooth muscle cells to trophic and mitogenic stimuli. In this context, intracellular messenger systems such as phospholipase C, protein kinase C and/or the Na+/H+-antiport may play an important pathophysiological role.

Calcium mobilizing hormones activate the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump of pancreatic acinar cells

45Ca fluxes and free-cytosolic Ca2+([Ca2+]i) measurements were used to study the effect of Ca2+-mobilizing hormones on plasma membrane Ca2+ permeability and the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump of pancreatic acinar cells. We showed before (Pandol, S.J., et al., 1987. J. Biol. Chem. 262:16963-16968) that hormone stimulation of pancreatic acinar cells activated a plasma membrane Ca2+ entry pathway, which remains activated for as long as the intracellular stores are not loaded with Ca2+. In the present study, we show that activation of this pathway increases the plasma membrane Ca2+ permeability by approximately sevenfold. Despite that, the cells reduce [Ca2+]i back to near resting levels. To compensate for the increased plasma membrane Ca2+ permeability, a plasma membrane Ca2+ efflux mechanism is also activated by the hormones. This mechanism is likely to be the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump. Activation of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump by the hormones is time dependent and 1.5-2 min of cell stimulation are required for maximal Ca2+ pump activation. From the effect of protein kinase inhibitors on hormone-mediated activation of the pump and the effect of the phorbol ester 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol, 13-acetate (TPA) on plasma membrane Ca2+ efflux, it is suggested that stimulation of protein kinase C is required for the hormone-dependent activation of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump.

Mechanism of cellular effect of phorbol esters on action of arginine vasopressin and angiotensin II on rat vascular smooth muscle cells in culture

The inhibitory effect of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) on the Ca2+-mobilization mechanisms by arginine vasopressin (AVP) and angiotensin II (AII) was analysed in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in culture. PMA inhibited the Ca2+-mobilizing effect of both AVP and AII in a dose-dependent manner, including the rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ ( [Ca2+]i) and Ca2+ efflux. In addition, inositol trisphosphate (IP3) production induced by AVP or AII was more than 50% reduced by PMA. The involvement of protein kinase C was implicated by the diminution of the PMA effect by the specific protein kinase C inhibitor isoquinoline-sulphonyl-O-2-methylpiperazine (H7) and the lack of effect of an inactive phorbol. Thus, these results suggest that there is a blocking site that is common or similar for both AVP and AII signal transduction, and that it is a substrate for protein kinase C. This blocking action of protein kinase C occurred at least in part by inhibition of IP3 production and, subsequently, a reduction in cytosolic Ca2+ release. In the presence of ionomycin, which produces an increase in [Ca2+]i that is not altered by PMA, 45Ca2+ efflux was increased instead of inhibited by PMA, thus suggesting that protein kinase C activation also stimulates a Ca2+-extrusion mechanism in VSMC.

Analysis of the stimulative effect of thapsigargin, a non-TPA-type tumour promoter, on arachidonic acid metabolism in rat peritoneal macrophages

1. At concentrations above 10 ng ml-1, the tumour promoter thapsigargin stimulates the release of radioactivity from [3H]-arachidonic acid-labelled macrophages harvested from rat peritoneal cavity. 2. The release of radioactivity from prelabelled macrophages was augmented more than additively when the cells were incubated in the medium containing both thapsigargin (10 ng ml-1) and other tumour promoters (10 ng ml-1), such as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), teleocidin and aplysiatoxin. 3. Thapsigargin required extracellular Ca2+ for the stimulation of arachidonic acid release, while TPA did not. 4. Cytoplasmic free calcium level was increased by thapsigargin treatment but not by TPA treatment. 5. An inhibitor of protein kinases, H-7 inhibited the effect of TPA dose-dependently, whereas H-7 did not inhibit that of thapsigargin. 6. These results suggest that thapsigargin stimulates arachidonic acid release by a mechanism different from that of TPA, viz by acting as a selective Ca2+ mobilizer, but not by activating protein kinase C as TPA does.

A role for Ca2+ in mediating hormone-induced biphasic pepsinogen secretion from the chief cell determined by luminescent and fluorescent probes and X-ray microprobe

In isolated chief cells from the guinea pig, cholecystokinin (10 nM) and a high concentration of ionomycin each caused a biphasic pattern of pepsinogen secretion. The initial fast response to cholecystokinin was not dependent on medium Ca2+ ans was mimicked by low concentration of ionomycin (100 nM). Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate caused a similar fast release from permeabilized cells. The slow component of release was dependent on medium Ca2+, however, and was mimicked by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) (100 nM) or the diacylglycerol analogue 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) (100 microM). Ionomycin (100 nM) and TPA (and/or OAG), when applied together, reproduced the biphasic pattern of pepsinogen secretion, suggesting that the signalling pathways utilized by both types of agonist contribute to the response evoked by cholecystokinin-hormone stimulation. Both fura-2 and aequorin were used to monitor changes of intracellular Ca2+. Three pathways were found to contribute to the Ca2+ transient. A rapid release of Ca2+ from intracellular store(s), a rapid Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space, and a more sustained Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space. Cholecystokinin induced a rapid increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) as estimated with fura-2 and aequorin. This rise was reduced but not abolished upon removal of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that both Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space and Ca2+ mobilization from the intracellular store(s) contribute to the initial, fast component of the Ca2+ transient. A second, more sustained component of the Ca2+ transient induced by cholecystokinin was abolished by lanthanum. TPA and OAG induced a biphasic Ca2+ transient that could be detected only with aequorin. The late, sustained component of this response was again abolished by lanthanum as well as by removal of extracellular Ca2+. It appears that the late component of the Ca2+ transient is dependent on Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space and is too localized to be detected by fura-2. Prestimulation of cells with TPA or OAG prevented the aequorin transient caused by cholecystokinin and vice versa, suggesting that TPA, OAG and cholecystokinin activate the same pathways of Ca2+ entry into the cytosol from the intracellular store(s) or the extracellular space. The stimulation-sensitive Ca2+ pool was examined with electron probe X-ray microanalysis. It appears to be restricted to an area enriched in secretory granules or peripheral endoplasmic reticulum just beneath the apical plasma membrane and in close association with the microtubular-microfilamentous system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The influence of tetradecanoyl-phorbol-acetate (TPA) on histamine release from isolated rat mast cells

A detailed investigation of the influence of tetradecanoyl-phorbol-acetate (TPA) on isolated rat mast cells was undertaken in order to explore the possible involvement of protein kinase C in histamine release. TPA alone could induce histamine release in a medium without calcium, whereas 1 mM CaCl2 suppressed the release. TPA in combination with a low concentration of the ionophore A23187 induced a considerable histamine release. Preincubation with TPA followed by incubation with the ionophore induced a similar release at low concentrations of TPA (less than or equal to 2.5 nM) whereas the response was reduced at higher concentrations of TPA. The inhibition after preincubation with TPA was almost at a maximum within 2 min and was due to a decreased rate of release. TPA could also increase antigen-induced histamine release. After preincubation the potency of low concentrations of TPA increased, whereas higher concentrations (50 nM) became inhibitory. The effects of preincubation were almost fully expressed after 2 min and were not due to altered kinetics of the release. The interaction of oleoylacetylglycerol (OAG) with the ionophore A23187 and with antigen resembled that of TPA, but OAG was considerably less potent. Preincubation with TPA was inhibitory to the histamine release induced by compound 48/80, particularly in the absence of calcium. The release induced by TPA and the ionophore or antigen was calcium-dependent and energy-requiring, and the effects of TPA persisted after washing the cells before exposure to antigen or the ionophore. Preincubation with the protein kinase C inhibitor isoquinolinesulfonyl-methylpiperazine (H7) slightly enhanced the histamine release induced by the combination of TPA and the ionophore.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytoplasmic pH is differently regulated in the monoblastic U-937 and erythroleukemic K-562 cell lines

Regulation of cytoplasmic pH (pHi) of the human monoblastic U-937 and erythroleukemic K-562 cell lines was investigated. The apparent resting pHi, as assessed by the fluorescent pH probe quenel, were 6.61 and 6.75 for the U-937 and K-562 cells, respectively. When extracellular Na+ was substituted by equimolar choline+, pHi decreased by about 0.2 units. The protein kinase C activating beta-form of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA; 10(-10) and 10(-7) M) induced a dose-dependent alkalinization in both cell types of 0.03-0.12 units, whereas the alpha-form was inactive. The response was detectable after about 2 min and reached steady-state 10-15 min later. In the K-562 cells the alkalinization was mediated by Na+/H+ exchange as it was accompanied by stimulation of H+ extrusion and abolished by Na+ removal. The TPA response in the U-937 cells, however, was unaffected by Na+ removal, not accompanied by H+-efflux, and thus unrelated to Na+/H+ exchange. Since electron microscopy indicated development of multivesicular bodies with an acidic interior, the alkalinization can probably be accounted for by an intracellular mechanism. Ionomycin (10(-5) M) induced a rapid increase in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration of both cell types and this response was accompanied by acidification followed by a Na+-dependent recovery. In the U-937, but not in the K-562, cells this recovery was followed by a net alkalinization. It is concluded that both cell types possess a Na+/H+ exchange of importance for pHi but that this mechanism is regulated differently in the U-937 and K-562 cells.

Intracellular calcium rise produced by platelet-activating factor is deactivated by fMet-Leu-Phe and this requires uninterrupted activation sequence: role of protein kinase C

Stimulation of the neutrophils with fMet-Leu-Phe inhibits the rise in intracellular concentration of free calcium produced by the subsequent addition of platelet-activating factor. This deactivation is not observed in pertussis toxin treated cells. In addition, preincubation of the cells with the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate for three minutes abolishes completely the rise in calcium produced by platelet-activating factor. This inhibition is prevented by the addition of the protein kinase C inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl)-2-methyl piperazine prior to the addition of the phorbol ester. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, at a concentration that does not produce significant inhibition, accelerates the rate of calcium removal from the cytoplasm, and this is abolished by the protein kinase C inhibitor. In contrast, the deactivation by fMet-Leu-Phe is not prevented by the protein kinase C inhibitor. The results presented here suggest that the protein kinase C system may regulate the opening by platelet-activating factor of possible plasma membrane associated pertussis toxin independent calcium channels and/or the binding of platelet-activating factor to the receptors. In addition, protein kinase C activation increases the rates of the calcium efflux pump and/or calcium sequestering by intracellular organelles. The most simple and straightforward explanation of the observed deactivation by fMet-Leu-Phe is that the addition of fMet-Leu-Phe to neutrophils stimulates the production of platelet-activating factor which then binds to and deactivates the receptors.

Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in immature and more mature U937 induced to differentiate by dimethyl sulfoxide or phorbol myristate acetate

Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in U937 cells was studied. Stimulation of immature U937 cells with leukotriene B4 (LTB4) increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, whereas stimulation with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) failed to increase intracellular Ca2+ levels. U937 cells cultured with 1.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 4 days (DMSO-U937 cells) responded to LTB4 and possessed the ability to respond to fMLP. U937 cells cultured with 1 ng/ml phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) for 4 days (PMA-U937 cells) lost the ability to respond to LTB4, although they responded to fMLP. Treatment of DMSO-U937 cells with 100 ng/ml PMA for 3 min suppressed intracellular Ca2+ increase induced by LTB4 and fMLP. The fMLP-induced Ca2+ rise in PMA-U937 cells was not suppressed by a further treatment with 100 ng/ml PMA. DMSO-U937 cells responded to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), indicating that IP3 functions as a messenger of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization from endoplasmic reticulum in U937. The magnitude and duration of the rise in Ca2+ induced by IP3 in DMSO-U937 cells treated with 100 ng/ml PMA for 3 min were similar to those of the controls. When DMSO-U937 cells were Ca2+-depleted, addition of Ca2+ resulted in a transient overshoot of Ca2+ influx. However, the transient overshoot was not observed, when PMA-U937 cells were tested. These results indicate that Ca2+ efflux in PMA-U937 cells is increased by an activated exit pump, which may be directly or indirectly related to the functional state of PMA-U937 cells.

Actions of angiotensin II and noradrenaline on smooth muscle cells of the canine mesenteric artery

The actions of angiotensin II (AngII) and noradrenaline (NA) on smooth muscle cells of the canine mesenteric artery were studied by measurement of isometric contractions recorded from muscle strips and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration monitored with quin2-fluorescence from dispersed suspensions of single cells. The Ca2+ transients provoked by the two agonists were monophasic in shape, i.e., after application of each agonist, [Ca2+]i rose immediately within 1 s and decreased to near-basal level within 5 min. The contraction induced by NA was maintained for several minutes whilst that induced by AngII was short-lasting. When NA was repetitively applied to the strip in Ca2+ -containing solution, the same amplitude of contractions was always obtained. In contrast, after initial exposure to AngII, subsequently-applied AngII generated small contractions. In Ca2+-free solution, either agonist could induce the large contraction. After initial exposure to NA or AngII in Ca2+ -free solution, subsequently-induced contractions by either agonist were reduced. The response induced by AngII was blocked by [Sar1, Ile8]-AngII and that of NA was blocked by phentolamine. Pertussis toxin inhibited contractions induced by both agonists but not those induced by caffeine and high K+. An activator of protein kinase C, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), produced a slowly-developing contraction without any change in [Ca2+]i, and this agent inhibited the contractions and Ca2+ transients induced by both agonists. These results indicate that NA and AngII each act on a specific receptor and release Ca2+ from common intracellular storage sites through production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Divergent effects of co-carcinogenic phorbol esters and a synthetic diacylglycerol on human neutrophil chemokinesis and granular enzyme secretion

The effects of two co-carcinogenic phorbol esters (phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu] and a synthetic diacylglycerol (OAG, 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol), which all stimulate protein kinase C, were compared with two inactive phorbol compounds (4 alpha-phorbol and 4 alpha-phorbol didecanoate (4 alpha-PDD)) on three functional properties of stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs): release of granular enzymes lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase, chemokinesis, and changes in cytoplasmic free calcium [Ca2+]i. PMA, PDBu and the diacylglycerol, OAG, all caused a dose-dependent and slow (max by 15 min) release of small amounts of lysozyme with much less beta-glucuronidase and no release of cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase. Release was unaffected by removal of extracellular Ca2+. PMA, PDBu and OAG inhibited random movement of the cells, did not cause chemokinesis and induced a slow reduction in the basal [Ca2+]i, as measured by the quin-2 method. PMA, PDBu and OAG increased the capacity of five independently-acting stimulants (N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe, leukotriene B4, C5a des-Arg, platelet activating factor and A23187) to cause release of lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase but strongly inhibited PMN chemokinesis induced by the same five agents and reduced the stimulant-induced increases in [Ca2+]i. PMA was always more potent than PDBu and much more potent than OAG in eliciting these stimulatory or inhibitory effects on human PMNs. In all tests, 4 alpha-phorbol and 4 alpha-PDD were inactive. The results confirm that stimulation of the diacylglycerol/protein kinase C system in human PMN, either by active phorbol esters or the synthetic diacylglycerol, causes bidirectional effects on human PMN function. In particular, activation of the C-kinase causes inhibition of stimulated neutrophil motility, whereas the secretory functions of the cells are enhanced.

Inhibition of stimulated cell responses by phorbol esters and other activators of protein kinase C: sites of action

The addition of the protein kinase C activator phorbol esters to cell suspension a few minutes prior to stimulation inhibits the agonists-induced biochemical changes and cell responses. This inhibition is prevented by protein kinase C inhibitors. Activation of protein kinase C down regulates the stimulated responses by affecting one or more of the steps in the exitation-response coupling. This includes the receptors, the quanine-nucleotide-binding protein, the activity or distribution of phospholipase C, and other steps.