Effect of adenosine and inosine on ureagenesis in hepatocytes

Aquaporin 8 is involved in H2 O2 -mediated differential regulation of metabolic signaling by α1 - and β-adrenoceptors in hepatocytes

Reactive oxygen species participate in regulating intracellular signaling pathways. Herein, we investigated the reported opposite effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) on metabolic signaling mediated by activated α₁ - and β-adrenoceptors (ARs) in hepatocytes. In isolated rat hepatocytes, stimulation of α₁ -AR increases H₂ O₂ production via NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) activation. We find that the H₂ O₂ thus produced is essential for α₁ -AR-mediated activation of the classical hepatic glycogenolytic, gluconeogenic, and ureagenic responses. However, H₂ O₂ inhibits β-AR-mediated activation of these metabolic responses. We show that H₂ O₂ mediates its effects on α₁ -AR and β-AR by permeating cells through aquaporin 8 (AQP8) channels and promoting Ca²⁺ mobilization. Thus, our findings reveal a novel NOX2-H₂ O₂ -AQP8-Ca²⁺ signaling cascade acting downstream of α₁ -AR in hepatocytes, which, by negatively regulating β-AR signaling, establishes negative crosstalk between the two pathways.

β- Adrenoceptors activate hepatic glutathione efflux through an unreported pathway

The physiological regulation of hepatic glutathione efflux by catecholamines is poorly understood. The purpose of this work was to review the role of adrenergic receptors (AR) on total glutathione (G_T) efflux in rat liver. Two models were used: isolated hepatocytes and perfused livers. In hepatocytes 10 μM adrenaline (Adr), but not isoproterenol (Iso) a β-AR agonist, or phenylephrine (Phe) an α₁-AR agonist, (in a Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB) enriched with Ca²⁺ and some aminoacids) increased in 13% G_T efflux. In livers perfused with KHB, Adr or Iso at 1 μmolar doses (but not Phe) stimulated 11-fold initial velocity of G_T release, but only during the first 2 min of perfusion. This immediate response progressively disappeared during the following 15 min of perfusion. A second phase of G_T efflux, observed between 2 and 14 min of perfusion, mimics the one reported earlier in isolated hepatocytes. The ED₅₀ for Adr and Iso activation are in the range of 320 nM and 10 nM, respectively. Iso-mediated G_T release requires Ca²⁺ to work, and was prevented by H89, glibenclamide, cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) antibodies, and a direct CFTR inhibitor. This short-lived G_T release system is associated to PKA activation and probably operates through CFTR.

Newly synthesized cAMP is integrated at a membrane protein complex signalosome to ensure receptor response specificity

Spatiotemporal regulation of cAMP within the cell is required to achieve receptor-specific responses. The mechanism through which the cell selects a specific response to newly synthesized cAMP is not fully understood. In hepatocyte plasma membranes, we identified two functional and independent cAMP-responsive signaling protein macrocomplexes that produce, use, degrade, and regulate their own nondiffusible (sequestered) cAMP pool to achieve their specific responses. Each complex responds to the stimulation of an adenosine G protein-coupled receptor (Ado-GPCR), bound to either A_2A or A_2B , but not simultaneously to both. Each isoprotein involved in each signaling cascade was identified by measuring changes in cAMP levels after receptor activation, and its participation was confirmed by antibody-mediated inactivation. A_2A -Ado-GPCR selective stimulation activates adenylyl cyclase 6 (AC6), which is bound to AKAP79/150, to synthesize cAMP which is used by two other AKAP79/150-tethered proteins: protein kinase A (PKA) and phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A). In contrast, A_2B -Ado-GPCR stimulation activates D-AKAP2-attached AC5 to generate cAMP, which is channeled to two other D-AKAP2-tethered proteins: guanine-nucleotide exchange factor 2 (Epac2) and PDE3B. In both cases, prior activation of PKA or Epac2 with selective cAMP analogs prevents de novo cAMP synthesis. In addition, we show that cAMP does not diffuse between these protein macrocomplexes or 'signalosomes'. Evidence of coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization of some proteins belonging to each signalosome is presented. Each signalosome constitutes a minimal functional signaling unit with its own machinery to synthesize and regulate a sequestered cAMP pool. Thus, each signalosome is devoted to ensure the transmission of a unique and unequivocal message through the cell.

Purinergic signalling in the liver in health and disease

Purinergic signalling is involved in both the physiology and pathophysiology of the liver. Hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, stellate cells and cholangiocytes all express purinoceptor subtypes activated by adenosine, adenosine 5'-triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, uridine 5'-triphosphate or UDP. Purinoceptors mediate bile secretion, glycogen and lipid metabolism and indirectly release of insulin. Mechanical stress results in release of ATP from hepatocytes and Kupffer cells and ATP is also released as a cotransmitter with noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves supplying the liver. Ecto-nucleotidases play important roles in the signalling process. Changes in purinergic signalling occur in vascular injury, inflammation, insulin resistance, hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, diabetes, hepatitis, liver regeneration following injury or transplantation and cancer. Purinergic therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these pathologies are being explored.

NOX2 activated by α1-adrenoceptors modulates hepatic metabolic routes stimulated by β-adrenoceptors

The NADPH oxidase (NOX) family of enzymes oxidase catalyzes the transport of electrons from NADPH to molecular oxygen and generates O(2)(•-), which is rapidly converted into H(2)O(2). We aimed to identify in hepatocytes the protein NOX complex responsible for H(2)O(2) synthesis after α(1)-adrenoceptor (α(1)-AR) stimulation, its activation mechanism, and to explore H(2)O(2) as a potential modulator of hepatic metabolic routes, gluconeogenesis, and ureagenesis, stimulated by the ARs. The dormant NOX2 complex present in hepatocyte plasma membrane (HPM) contains gp91(phox), p22(phox), p40(phox), p47(phox), p67(phox) and Rac 1 proteins. In HPM incubated with NADPH and guanosine triphosphate (GTP), α(1)-AR-mediated H(2)O(2) synthesis required all of these proteins except for p40(phox). A functional link between α(1)-AR and NOX was identified as the Gα(13) protein. Alpha(1)-AR stimulation in hepatocytes promotes Rac1-GTP generation, a necessary step for H(2)O(2) synthesis. Negative cross talk between α(1)-/β-ARs for H(2)O(2) synthesis was observed in HPM. In addition, negative cross talk of α(1)-AR via H(2)O(2) to β-AR-mediated stimulation was recorded in hepatocyte gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis, probably involving aquaporine activity. Based on previous work we suggest that H(2)O(2), generated after NOX2 activation by α(1)-AR lightening in hepatocytes, reacts with cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) subunits to form an oxidized PKA, insensitive to cAMP activation that prevented any rise in the rate of gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis.

Antilipogenic and anti-inflammatory activities of Codonopsis lanceolata in mice hepatic tissues after chronic ethanol feeding

This study evaluated the antilipogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of Codonopsis lanceolata (C. lanceolata) root extract in mice with alcohol-induced fatty liver and elucidated its underlying molecular mechanisms. Ethanol was introduced into the liquid diet by mixing it with distilled water at 5% (wt/v), providing 36% of the energy, for nine weeks. Among the three different fractions prepared from the C. lanceolata root, the C. lanceolata methanol extract (CME) exhibited the most remarkable attenuation of alcohol-induced fatty liver with respect to various parameters such as hepatic free fatty acid concentration, body weight loss, and hepatic accumulations of triglyceride and cholesterol. The hepatic gene and protein expression levels were analysed via RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. CME feeding significantly restored the ethanol-induced downregulation of the adiponectin receptor (adipoR) 1 and of adipoR2, along with their downstream molecules. Furthermore, the study data showed that CME feeding dramatically reversed ethanol-induced hepatic upregulation of toll-like receptor- (TLR-) mediated signaling cascade molecules. These results indicate that the beneficial effects of CME against alcoholic fatty livers of mice appear to be with adenosine- and adiponectin-mediated regulation of hepatic steatosis and TLR-mediated modulation of hepatic proinflammatory responses.

Anti-metabolic syndrome effects of adenosine ingestion in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats fed a high-fat diet

We have demonstrated previously that both acute and chronic oral administration of adenosine have novel functions such as anti-hypertensive effects and improved hyperlipidaemia in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) fed a normal diet. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of adenosine administration on metabolic syndrome-related parameters in SHRSP fed a high-fat diet. Six-week-old rats were divided into three groups, and were administered either water (control) or adenosine (10 or 100 mg/l) for 8 weeks. During this period, the rats had free access to a high-fat diet based on AIN-93M. The results showed that hypertension, plasma lipid, NO, insulin, glucose and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels improved significantly in both adenosine groups. The mRNA expression levels of genes involved in anti-oxidative activity and adenosine receptors were also altered in the adenosine groups. Administration of adenosine also increased plasma adiponectin levels, accompanied by upregulation of mRNA expression level of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor 1 in perirenal fat and adiponectin receptor 2 in the liver. In conclusion, oral administration of adenosine is effective for improving metabolic syndrome-related parameters in SHRSP, and accordingly it may prevent the progression of the metabolic syndrome.

Evidence that endogenous inosine and adenosine-mediated hyperglycaemia during ischaemia-reperfusion through A3 adenosine receptors

1 The molecular mechanism underlying stress-induced hyperglycemia has not been comprehensively clarified. Recently, we demonstrated in ischaemia-reperfusion (I-R) stress-subjected liver that inosine and adenosine are mainly responsible for the hyperglycemia observed. 2 We aimed to advance in the knowledge of the role of inosine plus adenosine as mediators of hepatic-induced hyperglycemia detected after I-R in lower limbs. 3 Acute ischaemia was conducted in anesthetized rats by occluding downstream abdominal aorta and cava vein; then, reperfusion was allowed. Blood samples from hepatic or abdominal cava veins were taken throughout the experiments to measure glucose, inosine and adenosine. Antagonists to adenosine (AdoR) and adrenergic receptors (AdrR) were administered during ischaemia to analyze their effect on hepatic glucose release. 4 Ischaemia up to 60 min produced minor increase of glucose and nucleosides blood values, but 5 min of ischaemia followed by 2- (or 10-) min reperfusion increased glucose 23%, and those of inosine or adenosine by 100%. After 60 min of ischaemia and 10 min of reperfusion, glycemia rose 2-fold and blood inosine and adenosine, 3.3- and 2.7-fold, respectively. A linear positive correlation, r(2), as high as 0.839 between glucose and either nucleoside blood values was calculated. The hyperglycemia response to I-R decreased by 0, 25, 33, 45 and 100% after selective inhibition of A(2B) AdoR, A(2A) AdoR, a(1B) AdrR, A(1) AdoR, and A(3) AdoR, respectively. 5 Inosine-adenosine couple through activation of hepatic A(3) AdoR is the main signal for releasing glucose from liver glycogen and for promoting hyperglycemia following experimental injury of I-R from lower limbs.

Adrenaline stimulates H2O2generation in liver via NADPH oxidase

It is known that adrenaline promotes hydroxyl radical generation in isolated rat hepatocytes. The aim of this work was to investigate a potential role of NADPH oxidase (Nox) isoforms for an oxidative stress signal in response to adrenaline in hepatocytes. Enriched plasma membranes from isolated rat liver cells were prepared for this purpose. These membranes showed catalytic activity of Nox isoforms, probably Nox 2 based on its complete inhibition with specific antibodies. NADPH was oxidized to convert O(2) into superoxide radical, later transformed into H(2)O(2). This enzymatic activity requires previous activation with either 3 mM Mn(2+) or guanosine 5'-0-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) plus adrenaline. Experimental conditions for activation and catalytic steps were set up: ATP was not required; S(0.5) for NADPH was 44 microM; S(0.5) for FAD was 8 microM; NADH up to 1 mM was not substrate, and diphenyleneiodonium was inhibitory. Activation with GTPgammaS plus adrenaline was dose- and Ca(2+)-dependent and proceeded through alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors (AR), whereas beta-AR stimulation resulted in inhibition of Nox activity. These results lead us to propose H(2)O(2) as additional transduction signal for adrenaline response in hepatic cells.

Adenosine signaling contributes to ethanol-induced fatty liver in mice

Fatty liver is commonly associated with alcohol ingestion and abuse. While the molecular pathogenesis of these fatty changes is well understood, the biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms by which ethanol stimulates these molecular changes remain unknown. During ethanol metabolism, adenosine is generated by the enzyme ecto-5'-nucleotidase, and adenosine production and adenosine receptor activation are known to play critical roles in the development of hepatic fibrosis. We therefore investigated whether adenosine and its receptors play a role in the development of alcohol-induced fatty liver. WT mice fed ethanol on the Lieber-DeCarli diet developed hepatic steatosis, including increased hepatic triglyceride content, while mice lacking ecto-5'-nucleotidase or adenosine A1 or A2B receptors were protected from developing fatty liver. Similar protection was also seen in WT mice treated with either an adenosine A1 or A2B receptor antagonist. Steatotic livers demonstrated increased expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, which was prevented by blockade of adenosine A1 receptors, and decreased expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, which was prevented by blockade of adenosine A2B receptors. In vitro studies supported roles for adenosine A1 receptors in promoting fatty acid synthesis and for A2B receptors in decreasing fatty acid metabolism. These results indicate that adenosine generated by ethanol metabolism plays an important role in ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis via both A1 and A2B receptors and suggest that targeting adenosine receptors may be effective in the prevention of alcohol-induced fatty liver.

Gene expression and activity of urea cycle enzymes of rat hepatocytes cold stored up to 120h in University of Wisconsin solution

Urea cycle (UC) is the main pathway of ammonium removal. A deficiency in any of the five classical enzymes of the pathway causes a urea cycle disorder. Hepatocellular transplantation is one of the techniques applicable to treat this disorder. In the present work, we investigated the activities and the relative expression levels of two of the UC enzymes: Carbamyl phosphate synthetase I (CPSI) and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), in isolated hepatocytes preserved up to 120 h in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution at 0 degrees C, and during the rewarming of these suspensions. During preservation, CPSI showed differences in mRNA levels respect to time 0, while ornithine transcarbamylase remained unchanged. At the end of the rewarming, CPSI showed values of enzymatic activity and relative mRNA level comparable with the control, meanwhile, there was an increment in OTC activity. In line with these results, we found that hepatocytes cold preserved up to 120h in UW solution maintained their ability to remove an ammonium load comparable to freshly isolated hepatocytes. These data indicated that our preservation conditions up to 120h in UW solution followed by rewarming, preserves UC enzymes at levels similar to freshly isolated hepatocytes, allowing the use of these cells in bioartificial liver devices or hepatocellular transplantation.

Inosine released after hypoxia activates hepatic glucose liberation through A3 adenosine receptors

Inosine, an endogenous nucleoside, has recently been shown to exert potent effects on the immune, neural, and cardiovascular systems. This work addresses modulation of intermediary metabolism by inosine through adenosine receptors (ARs) in isolated rat hepatocytes. We conducted an in silico search in the GenBank and complete genomic sequence databases for additional adenosine/inosine receptors and for a feasible physiological role of inosine in homeostasis. Inosine stimulated glycogenolysis (approximately 40%, EC50 4.2 x 10(-9) M), gluconeogenesis (approximately 40%, EC50 7.8 x 10(-9) M), and ureagenesis (approximately 130%, EC50 7.0 x 10(-8) M) compared with basal values; these effects were blunted by the selective A3 AR antagonist 9-chloro-2-(2-furanyl)-5-[(phenylacetyl)amino][1,2,4]-triazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline (MRS 1220) but not by selective A1, A2A, and A2B AR antagonists. In addition, MRS 1220 antagonized inosine-induced transient increase (40%) in cytosolic Ca2+ and enhanced (90%) glycogen phosphorylase activity. Inosine-induced Ca2+ mobilization was desensitized by adenosine; in a reciprocal manner, inosine desensitized adenosine action. Inosine decreased the cAMP pool in hepatocytes when A1, A2A, and A2B AR were blocked by a mixture of selective antagonists. Inosine-promoted metabolic changes were unrelated to cAMP decrease but were Ca2+ dependent because they were absent in hepatocytes incubated in EGTA- or BAPTA-AM-supplemented Ca2+-free medium. After in silico analysis, no additional cognate adenosine/inosine receptors were found in human, mouse, and rat. In both perfused rat liver and isolated hepatocytes, hypoxia/reoxygenation produced an increase in inosine, adenosine, and glucose release; these actions were quantitatively greater in perfused rat liver than in isolated cells. Moreover, all of these effects were impaired by the antagonist MRS 1220. On the basis of results obtained, known higher extracellular inosine levels under ischemic conditions, and inosine's higher sensitivity for stimulating hepatic gluconeogenesis, it is suggested that, after tissular ischemia, inosine contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis by releasing glucose from the liver through stimulation of A3 ARs.

In rat hepatocytes, different adenosine receptor subtypes use different secondary messengers to increase the rate of ureagenesis

In rat hepatocytes, the role of cAMP and Ca(2+) as secondary messengers in the ureagenic response to stimulation of specific adenosine receptor subtypes was explored. Analyzed receptor subtypes were: A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3). Each receptor subtype was stimulated with a specific agonist while blocking all other receptor subtypes with a battery of specific antagonists. For the A(1) and A(3) adenosine receptor subtypes, the secondary messenger was the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](cyt)). Accordingly, the A(1) or A(3)-mediated increase in [Ca(2+)](cyt) and in ureagenic activity were both inhibited by chelating Ca(2+) with either EGTA or BAPTA-AM. Also, Gd(3+) blocked both the increase in [Ca(2+)](cyt) and ureagenesis, suggesting that a Ca(2+) channel may be involved in the response to both A(1) and A(3). A partial effect was observed with the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin. The concentration of cyclic AMP ([cAMP]) increased in response to stimulation of either the A(2A) or the A(2B) adenosine receptor subtypes, while it decreased slightly in response to stimulation of either A(1) or A(3). The stimulation of either the A(2A) or A(2B) adenosine receptor subtypes resulted in an increase in [cAMP] and an ureagenic response which were not sensitive to EGTA, BAPTA-AM, Gd(3+) or to thapsigargin. In addition, the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor MDL12,330A blocked the ureagenic response to A(2A) and A(2B), but not the response to either A(1) or A(3). Our results indicate that in the ureagenic liver response to adenosine, the secondary messenger for both, the A(1) and A(3) adenosine receptor subtypes is [Ca(2+)](cyt), while the message from the A(2A) and A(2B) adenosine receptor subtypes is relayed by [cAMP].

Adrenaline (via α1B-adrenoceptors) and ethanol stimulate OH radical production in isolated rat hepatocytes

Adrenaline is able to increase the oxidative damage caused by some xenobiotic agents in the liver. Ethanol produces oxidative changes in hepatic tissue, while an acute intoxication with alcohol increases adrenaline blood levels. The aim of this study was to determine whether adrenaline increases ethanol-induced hydroxyl free radical production in isolated hepatocytes. Adrenaline augmented hydroxyl radicals in a concentration-dependent manner and was blocked by chloroethylclonidine, an alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor antagonist, while adrenaline plus ethanol added their individual effects. It is suggested that adrenaline increases hydroxyl radicals by an alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor-mediated mechanism, while ethanol does so by a receptor-independent mechanism.

Regulation of glycogen metabolism in hepatocytes through adenosine receptors. Role of Ca2+ and cAMP

The objective of this work is to identify the adenosine receptor subtype and the triggered events involved in the regulation of hepatic glycogen metabolism. Glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, cAMP, and cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+](cyt)) were measured in isolated hepatocytes challenged with adenosine A1, A2A, and A3 receptor-selective agonists. Stimulation of adenosine receptor subtypes with selective agonists in Ca2+ media produced a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]cyt with A1>A2=A3, cAMP with A2A, glycogenolysis with A1>A2A>A3, and gluconeogenesis with A2A>A1>A3, in addition, a decrease in cAMP was observed with A1=A3. Comparatively, in Ca2+-free media or with a cell membrane-permeant Ca2+ chelator, activation of these adenosine receptors with the same selective agonists produced a smaller and transient rise in [Ca2+]cyt with A1=A3>A2, no rise in glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis with A3>A1, but a full rise with A2A. Thus, in isolated rat hepatocytes activation of the adenosine A1 receptor triggered Ca2+-mediated glycogenolysis, activation of the adenosine A2A receptor stimulated cAMP-mediated gluconeogenesis, and activation of the adenosine A3 receptor increased [Ca2+]cyt and decreased cAMP with minor changes in glycogen metabolism.

Antagonism between the metabolic responses induced by epinephrine and piroxicam on isolated rat hepatocytes

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most employed therapeutic agents. They have a wide spectrum of biological effects, some of which are independent of cyclooxygenase inhibition, such as the alterations on the components of signal transduction systems. In particular, previous data from our laboratory suggested an antagonism between epinephrine and piroxicam, one of the most prescribed NSAIDs. Thus, this study deals with the epinephrine-piroxicam antagonism recorded for metabolic responses in isolated rat hepatocytes. The obtained results show that epinephrine stimulates lactate and ethanol consumption, stimulates glucose release from lactate only, and has no effect on cellular triacylglycerides content. Otherwise, in a dose-dependent basis, piroxicam stimulates lactate and ethanol consumption accompanied by an increase in triacylglycerides content, without changes in glucose release by hepatocytes. Piroxicam blocks the epinephrine-induced stimulation of glucose release from lactate, and epinephrine blocks the piroxicam-mediated increase in triacylglycerides content from lactate or ethanol. In contrast, the effects of epinephrine and piroxicam, promoting the consumption of lactate and ethanol, are not antagonized or added after the simultaneous administration of both compounds. This last result is probably related to the ability of both compounds to stimulate oxygen consumption. On isolated rat liver mitochondria, micromolar doses of piroxicam partially uncouple oxidative phosphorylation, and paradoxically stimulates an ATP-dependent mitochondrial function as citrullinogenesis. These results show for first time, on isolated rat hepatocytes, an antagonism between the metabolic responses of epinephrine and piroxicam, at the concentration found in plasma after its therapeutical administration.

Differential expression and regulation of nucleoside transport systems in rat liver parenchymal and hepatoma cells

Primary cultures of rat-liver parenchymal cells show carrier-mediated nucleoside uptake by a mechanism that mainly involves concentrative, Na+-dependent transport activity. In contrast, the hepatoma cell line FAO shows high nucleoside transport activity, although it is mostly accounted for by Na+-independent transport processes. This is associated with a low amount of sodium purine nucleoside transporter (SPNT) mRNA. SPNT encodes a purine-preferring transporter expressed in liver parenchymal cells. To analyze whether SPNT expression is modulated during cell proliferation, SPNT mRNA levels were determined in the early phase of liver growth after partial hepatectomy and in synchronized FAO cells that had been induced to proliferate. SPNT mRNA amounts increased as early as 2 hours after partial hepatectomy. FAO cells induced to proliferate after serum refeeding show an increase in SPNT mRNA levels, which is followed by an increase in Na+-dependent nucleoside uptake and occurs before the peak of 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA. FAO cells also express significant equilibrative nucleoside transport activity, which may be accounted for by the expression of the nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI)-sensitive and -insensitive isoforms, rat equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (rENT1) and rENT2, respectively. Interestingly, rENT2 mRNA levels follow a similar pattern to that described for SPNT when FAO cells are induced to proliferate, whereas rENT1 appears to be constitutively expressed. Liver parenchymal cells show low and negligible mRNA levels for rENT1 and rENT2 transporters, respectively, although most of the equilibrative transport activity found in hepatocytes is NBTI-resistant. It is concluded that: 1) SPNT expression is regulated both in vivo and in vitro in a way that appears to be dependent on cell cycle progression; 2) SPNT expression may be a feature of differentiated hepatocytes; and 3) equilibrative transporters are differentially regulated, rENT2 expression being cell cycle-dependent. This is consistent with its putative role as a growth factor-induced delayed early response gene.

Ca2+ dependence of the response of three adenosine type receptors in rat hepatocytes

The effect of three different receptor-specific adenosine agonists on the rate of ureagenesis by isolated rat hepatocytes and the dependence on the external free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]e) were investigated. In the presence of high [Ca2+]e all adenosine receptor agonists increased ureagenesis to similar levels. However, with low [Ca2+]e the effects of each agonist varied as follows: (i) the adenosine A1 receptor agonist, 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyl-adenosine, increased ureagenesis depending partially on [Ca2+]e, (ii) the adenosine receptor A2 agonist, 2-p-(-2-carboxy-ethyl) phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxyamido adenosine hydrochloride, increased ureagenesis independently of [Ca2+]e and (iii) in contrast, the adenosine receptor A3 agonist N6-2-(-4-aminophenyl) ethyladenosine, increased ureagenesis only in the presence of high [Ca2+]e. The adenosine receptor A1 antagonist, 1-allyl-3,7-dimethyl-8-phenyl xanthine, inhibited the effect of the adenosine receptor A1 agonist on ureagenesis, but not the effect of the adenosine A2 or A3 receptor agonists. The adenosine A2 receptor antagonist, 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine, inhibited only the effect of the adenosine A2 receptor agonist. Thus, in addition to A1 and A2 type adenosine receptors, rat hepatocytes possess an A3-like adenosine receptor which responds to the addition of an adenosine A3 agonist by accelerating ureagenesis a [Ca2+]e dependent manner. Moreover, it was observed that in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ each agonist increased [Ca2+]i and this effect was inhibited by the appropriate specific antagonist.

O2 availability modulates transmembrane Ca2+ flux via second-messenger pathways in anoxia-tolerant hepatocytes

Transmembrane Ca(2+)-flux was studied from single isolated turtle hepatocytes by using a noninvasive Ca(2+)-selective self-referencing microelectrode. Cells in Ca(2+)-reduced culture medium demonstrated a vanadate- and lanthanum-inhibitable Ca(2+)-efflux of 4 x 10(-17) mol Ca2+. microns-2. s-1 continuously over 170 h. This flux diminished with 50 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, and was reinstated on PKC deactivation with sphingosine. Progressive hypoxia resulted in a reversible suppression of Ca2+ efflux to 90% of normoxic controls with an apparent Michaelis constant for oxygen of 145 microM. PKC activation was critical in this suppression, as anaerobic administration of sphingosine caused a Ca2+ influx and cell rupture. Hypoxia was also associated with an altered pattern of adenosine-mediated control over Ca2+ efflux. Adenosine (100 microM) elevated Ca2+ efflux twofold in normoxia, but neither adenosine nor the A1-purinoreceptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline altered the observed anaerobic suppression. Aerobic administration of 2-10 mM KCN failed to reproduce the anaerobic suppression; however, in conjunction with 10 mM iodoacetate, complete metabolic blockade caused a Ca2+ influx and cell rupture. These observations suggest modulatory control by oxygen over transmembrane Ca2+ efflux involving second-messenger systems in the hypoxic transition.

Piroxicam modifies the effects of ethanol on isolated rat hepatocytes

It has been reported that piroxicam prevents the hepatic increase of triacylglycerides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances observed after acute ethanol intoxication in rats and also causes a decrease in blood ethanol concentration. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of piroxicam on these 3 metabolic indicators, using isolated rat hepatocytes incubated with ethanol or lactate, supplemented or not with epinephrine. Epinephrine stimulated the consumption of lactate, but not of ethanol. In the isolated hepatocytes, and in a dose-dependent fashion, piroxicam alone raised the consumption of lactate and ethanol, increased the triacylglyceride pool in cells incubated with lactate or ethanol, and decreased the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in cells incubated with ethanol, but not with lactate. Epinephrine blocked these actions of piroxicam, except the lowering of the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Thus, piroxicam helps to control the oxidative stress produced in isolated hepatocytes by ethanol.

Nucleoside uptake in rat liver parenchymal cells

Rat liver parenchymal cells express Na(+)-dependent and Na(+)- independent nucleoside transport activity. The Na(+)-dependent component shows kinetic properties and substrate specificity similar to those reported for plasma membrane vesicles [Ruiz-Montasell, Casado, Felipe and Pastor-Anglada (1992) J. Membr. Biol. 128, 227-233]. This transport activity shows apparent K(m) values for uridine in the range 8-13 microM and a Vmax of 246 pmol of uridine per 3 min per 10(5) cells. Most nucleosides, including the analogue formycin B, cis-inhibit Na(+)-dependent uridine transport, although thymidine and cytidine are poor inhibitors. Inosine and adenosine inhibit Na(+)-dependent uridine uptake in a dose-dependent manner, reaching total inhibition. Guanosine also inhibits Na(+)-dependent uridine uptake, although there is some residual transport activity (35% of the control values) that is resistant to high concentrations of guanosine but may be inhibited by low concentrations of adenosine. The transport activity that is inhibited by high concentrations of thymidine is similar to the guanosine-resistant fraction. These observations are consistent with the presence of at least two Na(+)-dependent transport systems. Na(+)-dependent uridine uptake is sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide treatment, but Na(+)-independent transport is not. Nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI) stimulates Na(+)-dependent uridine uptake. The NBTI effect involves a change in Vmax, it is rapid, dose-dependent, does not need preincubation and can be abolished by depleting the Na+ transmembrane electrochemical gradient. Na(+)-independent uridine transport seems to be insensitive to NBTI. Under the same experimental conditions, NBTI effectively blocks most of the Na(+)-independent uridine uptake in hepatoma cells. Thus the stimulatory effect of NBTI on the concentrative nucleoside transporter of liver parenchymal cells cannot be explained by inhibition of nucleoside efflux.

Hepatic and cardiac oxidative stress and other metabolic changes in broilers with the ascites syndrome

The objective of this study was to evaluate the gluconeogenic response of in vitro stimulated hepatocytes from control broilers and broilers with clinical manifestations of the ascites syndrome. The basal rate of glucose synthesis from lactate was found to be threefold greater in sick birds than in the control group and stimulation obtained with epinephrine was found to be quantitatively similar in both groups. Under basal conditions, the hepatocytes from the sick broilers exhibited 60% more ammonium than the control birds. In addition, the quantification of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, as indicators of cellular lipoperoxidation, showed an increase of over 100% in heart and liver of sick broilers fowl. In conclusion, the complex integrated response of gluconeogenesis to epinephrine is maintained in broilers with ascites, although their hepatocytes present changes compatible with those observed in cases of oxidative stress. It is not known whether this stress is a cause or a consequence of the ascites syndrome.

Adenosine stimulates calcium influx in isolated rat hepatocytes

The mechanism of stimulation of Ca2+ entry into hepatocytes by adenosine was investigated. When Fura-2-loaded hepatocytes were suspended in a nominally Ca(2+)-free buffer, adenosine produced only a small transient increase in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+)i). However, on restoration of an extracellular Ca2+ concentration of 1.3 mM, a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i occurred, which indicates activation of a Ca(2+)-influx pathway. Adenosine augmented the rate of Ca2+ influx triggered by maximally effective concentrations of thapsigargin or cAMP, but was without effect on the rate of Ca2+ entry that resulted from phospholipase-C-linked-receptor activation by maximally effective concentrations of vasopressin or ATP. However, in contrast to vasopression and ATP, adenosine did not stimulate Mn2+ entry. The rate of Mn2+ influx after stimulation of the hepatocytes with vasopressin was not increased by adenosine treatment. The stimulation of hepatocytes with adenosine did not result in significant accumulation of inositol phosphates or cAMP. Furthermore, the rate of adenosine-induced Ca2+ entry in hepatocytes was only slightly reduced in the presence of the P1 purinoceptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline. In contrast, the receptor-mediated-Ca(2+)-entry antagonist SK&F 96365 nearly completely blocked the Ca(2+)-entry response without any effect on internal-Ca(2+)-pool mobilisation by adenosine. It is concluded that adenosine activates the internal-pool-regulated pathway of Ca2+ entry and an additional pathway that appears comparable to the previously reported receptor-dependent pathway, except that Mn2+ entry is not stimulated.

Hormonal regulation of concentrative nucleoside transport in liver parenchymal cells

Na(+)-dependent uridine uptake is stimulated in isolated rat liver parenchymal cells by glucagon. This effect is transient, reaches maximum levels of stimulation 10 min after hormone addition, and is dose-dependent. Glucagon action can be mimicked by agents that are able to hyperpolarize the plasma membrane (e.g. monensin) and by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The effects triggered by glucagon, monensin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP are not additive, suggesting a common mechanism of action. 8-(4-Chloro-phenylthio)adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (PCT), a cyclic AMP analogue but also a nucleoside analogue, markedly stimulates Na(+)-dependent uridine uptake in an additive manner to that triggered by monensin, similarly to the effect described for nitrobenzylthioinosine. Considering the roles reported for nucleosides in liver metabolism, the use of PCT as a cyclic AMP analogue should be precluded. Insulin is also about to up-regulate Na(+)-dependent uridine uptake by a mechanism which involves a stable induction of this transport activity at the plasma-membrane level. This is consistent with a mechanism involving synthesis and insertion of more carriers into the plasma membrane. It is concluded that the recently characterized hepatic concentrative nucleoside transporter is under short-term hormonal regulation by glucagon, through mechanisms which involve membrane hyperpolarization, and under long-term control by insulin. This is the first report showing hormonal modulation of the hepatic concentrative nucleoside transporter.

Cross-talk between glucagon- and adenosine-mediated signalling systems in rat hepatocytes: effects on cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase activity

The effect of adenosine analogues on glucagon-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in rat hepatocytes was explored. N6-Cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine and N6-(R-phenylisopropyl)adenosine inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the cyclic AMP accumulation induced by glucagon. This effect seems to be mediated through A1 adenosine receptors. Pertussis toxin completely abolished the effect of CPA on glucagon-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in whole cells which suggested that a pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-protein was involved. On the other hand, this action of adenosine analogues on glucagon-induced cyclic AMP accumulation was reverted by the selective low-Km cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitor Ro 20-1724. Analysis of cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase activity in purified hepatocyte plasma membranes showed that glucagon in the presence of GTP inhibited basal PDE activity by 45% and that CPA reverted this inhibition in dose-dependent manner. In membranes derived from pertussis-toxin-treated rats, we observed no inhibition of cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase activity by glucagon in the absence or presence of CPA. Our results indicate that in hepatocyte plasma membranes, stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity and inhibition of a low-Km cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity are co-ordinately regulated by glucagon, and that A1 adenosine receptors can inhibit glucagon-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation by blocking glucagon's effect on phosphodiesterase activity.

Urea and protein synthesis in cold-preserved isolated rat hepatocytes

We used an isolated-hepatocyte model to study how hypothermic storage (simulating liver preservation) affects metabolism after prolonged preservation. Rat hepatocytes were stored in the University of Wisconsin solution for up to 72 hr. After each day of storage, protein synthesis, urea synthesis, ATP content and lactate dehydrogenase release were determined in rewarmed (37 degrees C) and oxygenated hepatocytes. Protein synthesis ([3H]-leucine incorporation into protein) was depressed by 16% +/- 4%, 54% +/- 6% and 69% +/- 4% after 24 hr, 48 hr and 72 hr, respectively. Urea synthesis, ATP synthesis and lactate dehydrogenase release were similar to those in control hepatocytes (no preservation). Fasting of the rats before isolation of hepatocytes caused more rapid loss of protein-synthesis capabilities (59% in 24 hr) with no significant loss of lactate dehydrogenase, urea synthesis or ATP synthesis. Hepatocyte viability (lactate dehydrogenase release) as judged by membrane permeability, ATP synthesis and potassium content can be maintained after up to 6 days of cold storage. However, protein synthesis is depressed after only 48 hr of cold storage. Thus hypothermic storage of the liver causes a change in the metabolic capabilities of the hepatocytes, and the timing of the loss of protein synthesis is similar to the limits of successful cold storage of the whole liver (48 hr). Thus a limit to long-term storage of the liver may be related to loss of protein synthesis. In liver transplantation, one indication of poor preservation is a decrease in serum albumin and clotting factors with increased tissue edema and bleeding diathesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Uridine transport in basolateral plasma membrane vesicles from rat liver

The characteristics of uridine transport were studied in basolateral plasma membrane vesicles isolated from rat liver. Uridine was not metabolized under transport measurements conditions and was taken up into an osmotically active space with no significant binding of uridine to the membrane vesicles. Uridine uptake was sodium dependent, showing no significant stimulation by other monovalent cations. Kinetic analysis of the sodium-dependent component showed a single system with Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Parameter values were KM 8.9 microM and Vmax 0.57 pmol/mg prot/sec. Uridine transport proved to be electrogenic, since, firstly, the Hill plot of the kinetic data suggested a 1 uridine: 1 Na+ stoichiometry, secondly, valinomycin enhanced basal uridine uptake rats and, thirdly, the permeant nature of the Na+ counterions determined uridine, transport rates (SCN- greater than NO3- greater than Cl- greater than SO4(2-)). Other purines and pyrimidines cis-inhibited and trans-stimulated uridine uptake.

Gluconeogenesis stimulated by extracellular ATP is triggered by the initial increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of the periphery of hepatocytes

Extracellular ATP, ADP and GTP increased the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a suspension of isolated rat hepatocytes. The [Ca2+]i was determined by measuring fura-2 fluorescence, and its increase was biphasic. The initial transient rise was followed by a longer-lasting plateau. The peak of the early component preceded the plateau level of the second component. A time course of change in [Ca2+]i in single cells at 100 microM-ATP was very similar to that observed in the suspension system. Preincubation of hepatocytes with 40 mM-caffeine, 2 mM-oxalate or 60 microM-dantrolene sodium inhibited the P2 purinergic response. The plateau phase was not observed when measured in the presence of extracellular 100 microM-LaCl3 or in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. The distribution of [Ca2+]i in single hepatocytes was also determined by fluorescence image analysis. In the initial phase, the increase in [Ca2+]i is greater in the peripheral region than the central region of the cell. Degradation of extracellular ATP by ecto-ATPase in the hepatocyte suspension was measured; the amount of ATP degradation was less than 10-15% of the initial amount (100 microM) during the measurement of the intracellular [Ca2+]i in the cell suspension. Extracellular ATP stimulated glucose synthesis. The rate of glucose production also showed two components, the initial fast component within 1 min and the subsequent slower component. The rate of the initial fast component did not depend on the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+, whereas the rate of the subsequent component depended on it. The present study shows that the initial transient rise in [Ca2+]i plays an important role in triggering the gluconeogenesis.

The assessment of viability in isolated rat hepatocytes

Isolated rat hepatocytes are used in many metabolic studies, but the viability of these cell preparations is often not adequately established. The present study shows that ATP content is a more reliable index of metabolic viability than trypan blue exclusion. At some of the low trypan blue exclusion levels quoted in the literature, a high percentage of cell preparations is likely to be nonviable by the criterion of ATP content. We suggest that ATP content measured on initial cell preparations and at the end of all incubation procedures is essential for establishing cell viability for metabolic studies on isolated hepatocytes.

Metabolic responses of isolated hepatocytes to adenosine; dependence on external calcium

The role of cyclic-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and calcium (Ca2+) in the metabolic responses to adenosine was studied in isolated hepatocytes from fed rats. In the presence of 1.2 mM Ca but not in the absence of Ca2+, adenosine stimulated ureagenesis without increasing cAMP. Adenosine inhibited the glucagon mediated increase in cAMP. Adenosine increased free cytoplasmic Ca2+ provided that cells were incubated in the presence of external Ca2+. In the absence of added Ca2+ adenosine did not stimulate ureagenesis or the movements of Ca2+. It is suggested that, in the liver cell, Ca2+ may be a second messenger for adenosine.

Effect of caffeine on urea biosynthesis and some related processes, ketone bodies, ATP and liver amino acids

An increase in urea synthesis has been found in rats administered large doses of caffeine. A parallel increase in urea biosynthesis was also found in hepatocytes isolated from caffeine-treated rats, which confirms a greater capacity for urea synthesis induced by caffeine. This increase appeared only after some days of caffeine treatment; during the first days there was no increase in serum urea levels or in in vitro studies of urea synthesis in isolated hepatocytes. However, no appreciable changes were found in either cytosolic or mitochondrial redox states, or in ATP levels in in vivo and in vitro studies. A parallelism was observed between the decreased amino acid levels in caffeine-treated rats and in isolated hepatocytes incubated with different concentrations of caffeine. Several possible mechanisms to explain these findings are considered in the discussion.

The role of nonparenchymal and parenchymal liver cells in the catabolism of extracellular purines

Adenosine-degrading enzymes within the liver lobule can modulate both vascular and metabolic effects of circulating adenosine in the liver. Since it has not been fully established whether nonparenchymal cells participate in the elimination of sinusoidal purines, isolated Kupffer cells and endothelial cells were tested for their capacity to degrade extracellular purines. After perfusion and digestion of rat livers by collagenase, the resulting mixed cell population was separated by centrifugal elutriation. The isolated parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells were incubated for up to 2 hr in the presence of [8(-14)C]adenosine, [8(-14)C]guanosine and [8(-14)C]hypoxanthine (50 mumoles per liter). In the deproteinized medium, adenosine, guanosine, inosine, adenine, guanine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, uric acid and allantoin were separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Radioactive peaks were collected and counted. Nonparenchymal cells catalyzed the degradation of adenosine into inosine and hypoxanthine. However, the formation of xanthine, uric acid or allantoin from adenosine could only be detected in hepatocyte suspensions. Within 15 min, adenosine was completely eliminated from the medium by Kupffer cells, whereas endothelial cells catabolized only less than half of the initial amount of the adenine nucleoside during this time period. Accordingly, incubation of nonparenchymal cells in the presence of hypoxanthine did not result in the formation of further breakdown products of the purine, whereas its catabolites slowly accumulated in the medium of hepatocytes. Guanosine conversion into guanine and xanthine was much slower in endothelial cells as compared to Kupffer cells and hepatocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

"Hormone-like" effect of adenosine and inosine on gluconeogenesis from lactate in isolated hepatocytes

In isolated rat hepatocytes adenosine and inosine showed a dose-dependent increase in the rate of glucose synthesis from lactate with a Ka of 7.5 x 10(-8) and 9 x 10(-8) M, respectively. Absence of this action was recorded with: IMP, xanthosine, adenine, hypoxanthine, and uric acid. A reciprocal inhibition of individual gluconeogenic stimulation was found in cells incubated with glucagon or epinephrine and adenosine, but not with inosine. 5'-(N-ethyl) carboxamido adenosine was more potent than adenosine, whereas N6-(L-2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine antagonized the stimulation of gluconeogenesis by adenosine. Neither of the analogs used modified the stimulatory role of inosine on the studied pathway. Adenosine and inosine may be involved in the short term regulation of gluconeogenesis.