Evidence against direct involvement of cyclic AMP-dependent protein phosphorylation in the exocytosis of amylase

Changes in phosphodiesterase activity in the developing rat submandibular gland

Developmental changes (from 2 to 26 weeks) in phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in the rat submandibular gland were investigated. Major activities for both cAMP- and cGMP-PDE were present in the 100000 x g supernatant fractions (70-90% of total activities), but not in the pellet fractions, during development. The effects of stimulators (Ca(2+)/calmodulin and cGMP) and inhibitors (cGMP, cilostamide, rolipram and zaprinast) were investigated in the supernatant fractions. During development, PDE4 (cAMP-specific PDE) was a major PDE, indicating that the majority of cAMP is hydrolysed by PDE4. In the young rat, PDE1 hydrolysed cGMP three-fold more than the control, and PDE2 (cGMP-stimulated PDE) was present, indicating that the concentration of intracellular cGMP may be enhanced, and cGMP may function in the growth pathway in the submandibular gland. Chromatograms eluted on a Mono Q HR5/5 ion-exchange column supported the results of the inhibition studies: PDE1, PDE2, PDE3, PDE4 and PDE5 were present in the young submandibular gland, and PDE1, PDE3, PDE4 and PDE5 in the adult gland. Expression of PDE5 was detected by inhibition studies, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting in the submandibular gland.

Pseudosubstrate peptide inhibitors of beta-cell protein kinases: altered selectivity after myristoylation

Inhibitors of protein kinases are widely used to study stimulus-response pathways in pancreatic beta-cells. Synthetic peptides modelled on the pseudosubstrate sites of protein kinases, or of their endogenous inhibitor proteins, offer potentially specific inhibitors of individual protein kinases or kinase isoforms. However, the use of these inhibitors in studies of beta-cell physiology has been limited, since such peptide sequences are usually poorly membrane permeant. Myristoylation of these peptides enhances their ability to cross intact plasma membranes and thus inhibit intracellular protein kinases, and this approach is becoming increasingly common in identifying the cellular role(s) of particular protein kinases. In this study, using insulin-secreting beta-cells, we demonstrate that myristoylation alters the specificity of pseudosubstrate peptides such that all myristoylated peptides tested, even those lacking pseudosubstrate domains, acted as protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors. This effect of myristoylation was limited to the inhibition of PKC, since the specificity of peptide inhibitors towards beta-cell protein kinase A activity was not affected by myristoylation. These results demonstrate that myristoylated pseudosubstrate peptides have value as protein kinase inhibitors in intact beta-cells, but emphasise that studies using them to ascribe role(s) for protein kinases in beta-cells must be interpreted with caution.

Isoproterenol potentiates alpha-adrenergic and muscarinic receptor-mediated Ca2+ response in rat parotid cells

The effects of the cAMP pathway on the Ca2+ response elicited by phospholipase C-coupled receptor stimulations were studied in rat parotid cells. Although 1 microM isoproterenol (Iso) itself had no effect on the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, the pretreatment with Iso potentiated Ca2+ responses evoked by phenylephrine. The potentiating effect of Iso was attributed to a shifting of the concentration-response curves of phenylephrine to the left and an increase in the maximal response. Half-maximal potentiation occurred at 3 nM Iso. Iso also potentiated the Ca2+ response elicited by carbachol. The potentiating effect of Iso was mimicked by forskolin (10 microM) and dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (2 mM) and was blocked by 10 microM H-89. Iso potentiated the phenylephrine-induced Ca2+ response in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, but Iso did not increase the inositol trisphosphate (IP3) production induced by phenylephrine. These results suggest that the potentiation of the Ca2+ response can be attributed to a sensitization of IP3 receptors by cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

The role of protein kinase C in carbachol-induced and of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in isoproterenol-induced secretion in primary cultured guinea pig parotid acinar cells

Stimulation of secretion by muscarinic agonists in guinea pig parotid or pancreatic acini is accompanied by a translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) from the cytosol to the particulate fraction [Machado-De Domenech and Söling (1987) Biochem. J. 242, 749-754] and by a PKC-mediated phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 [Padel and Söling (1985) Eur. J. Biochem. 151, 1-10]. In order to decide whether PKC is directly involved in the secretory process, the effect of down regulation of PKC by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was studied in primary cultured guinea pig parotid acinar cells. These cells secrete in response to carbachol and isoproterenol. Only the carbachol response is associated with an increase in cytosolic calcium. Carbachol plus isoproterenol lead to an over-additive stimulation of secretion, an effect which depends completely on the presence of external calcium. Down regulation of PKC by about 90% did not significantly affect carbachol-induced exocytosis, whereas isoproterenol-stimulated secretion was almost doubled. The secretory response to permeable cAMP analogues was also enhanced in PKC-down-regulated acini, indicating a post-receptor effect. The increased response to isoproterenol was also observed in the absence of external calcium. The isoproterenol effect was significantly inhibited by the relatively specific cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor H-89, which had only a minor effect on carbachol-induced exocytosis. Although down regulation of total PKC by up to 90% did not significantly affect the secretory response to carbachol, RO 31-8220, a relatively specific inhibitor of PKC, abolished carbachol-induced secretion in normal as well as in PMA-down-regulated cells. This indicates that a PKC isoform resistant to down regulation by PMA is involved in carbachol- but not in cAMP-mediated secretion.

Effect of vanadate on amylase secretion and protein tyrosine phosphatase activity in the rat parotid gland

Treatment of rat parotid acinar cells with sodium orthovanadate (an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of phosphatase activity as measured by the hydrolysis of para nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP). Inclusion of 50 microM sodium orthovanadate in in vitro gland cultures prevented the amylase secretion from both untreated control and isoproterenol-stimulated parotid acinar cells. Four different tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins with M(r) 40, 70 and 95 kDa, respectively, were identified in secretory granule preparations from rat parotid glands by immunoblot using a monospecific antibody for phosphotyrosine. An increase in the phosphorylation levels of these phosphoproteins was noted in the presence of 50 microM sodium orthovanadate, suggesting that a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) is involved in parotid gland protein dephosphorylation reactions. Using antibody to Syp (a PTPase belonging to class 1D), a major fraction of subcellular activity was found to be associated with secretory granule membranes. These results suggest the possible involvement of a PTPase (Syp) in parotid gland secretory mechanisms.

The role of phosphotyrosine signaling pathway in a parotid gland proliferation and function

Tyrosine phosphorylation and the intracellular signaling processes associated with it have been the focus of intense study due to its importance in the regulation of biological processes as diverse as cell proliferation and cell differentiation. While much of what we now understand has been derived from the study of cell lines and tumor cells, the salivary glands provide a model to examine the effects of tyrosine kinases and tyrosine phosphatases in a normal differentiated tissue. This review will focus, therefore, on the role tyrosine kinases and phosphatases play in inducing the transition from stasis to active proliferation and their potential role in mediating secretory function of the salivary glands.

Protein phosphorylation in the regulation of insulin secretion: the use of site-directed inhibitory peptides in electrically permeabilised islets of Langerhans

We have used electrically permeabilised rat islets of Langerhans to investigate the role of protein phosphorylation in the regulation of insulin secretion using pseudosubstrate inhibitory peptides for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and for protein kinase C (PKC). The protein kinase inhibitor (PKI) peptide, PKI(6-22), completely inhibited the effects of cyclic AMP on islet PKA activity in vitro, on endogenous protein phosphorylation and on insulin secretion. This peptide had no significant effect on islet PKC activity in vitro, on Ca(2+)-induced protein phosphorylation and on secretory responses to Ca2+ or to the PKC activator, 4 beta-phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The PKC pseudosubstrate inhibitory peptide, PKC(19-36), caused a marked inhibition of islet PKC activity in vitro and inhibite PMA-induced insulin secretion without affecting secretory responses to cyclic AMP and Ca2+. These results demonstrate that PKA- and PKC-induced protein phosphorylation is obligatory for cyclic AMP- and PMA-stimulated insulin secretion, respectively, and suggest that there is little "crosstalk" between the response elements of the secretory pathways to the different second messengers, at least after the generation of the messengers within the beta-cells.

cAPK mediates placental renin secretion stimulated by beta-adrenoceptor activation

Previous studies have indicated that activation of placental beta-adrenoceptors stimulates renin secretion, whereas basal secretion is extremely low. This response is potentiated by inhibition of types III and IV phosphodiesterases, implicating a role for adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). Described are experiments aimed at defining the regulatory influence of cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAPK) isotypes in renin secretion. Human placental explants were cultured with dobutamine, a beta 1-agonist, and cAPK activity, renin, and cAMP concentrations were determined. After 48 h of incubation, media concentrations of renin and cAMP increased and were positively correlated. Tissue cAPK activity was positively correlated with renin secretion associated with dobutamine. Renin secretion was measured in response to substituted cAMP analogues selective for a unique cAMP binding site (site A or B) for cAPK regulatory subunits. A fivefold stimulation of renin secretion by the type II site B activators occurred, whereas a threefold increase was seen with a type I site B analogue. Site A-selective analogues for cAPK types I and II produced no stimulation. Dobutamine-induced renin secretion was attenuated by selective inhibitors of cAPK regulatory and catalytic subunits. These findings indicate that placental renin secretion associated with beta-adrenoceptor activation is correlated with cAMP generation and mediated predominantly by the type II isoform of cAPK.

Possible involvement of adenylylation in the modification of a 26 kDa protein in rat parotid acinar cells

1. Adenylylation, a posttranslational modification of proteins, was investigated in saponin-permeabilized acinar cells of the rat parotid gland. 2. When cells were incubated with [2,8-3H]ATP, several proteins, including a 26 kDa protein in the particulate fraction, were labeled. 3. Upon incubation of cells with [alpha-32P]ATP in the presence of cAMP and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, 32P-labeling of the 26 kDa protein was observed. 4. After treatment with snake venom phosphodiesterase, [32P]AMP was released from the 26 kDa protein. Such release was not observed when cells were labeled with [gamma-32P]ATP. 5. The 32P-labeling pattern of proteins with [alpha-32P]ATP was clearly different from that with [adenylate-32P]NAD+. 6. The results suggest that the 26 kDa protein is one of the adenylylation substrates in rat parotid acinar cells.

Effect of modulators of the adenylate cyclase system on sweet electrophysiological taste responses in gerbil

The adenylate cyclase system has been implicated in sweet taste transduction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether application of modulators of the adenylate cyclase system to the tongue alters sweet taste responses. Integrated chorda tympani (CT) recordings were made in gerbils to sweet tastants before and after a 4-min application of four types of modulators of the adenylate cyclase system. The four types of modulators tested were: a) NaF, a compound that promotes dissociation of GTP-binding protein; b) forskolin, a powerful stimulant of adenylate cyclase; c) 8-bromoadenosine 3' :5'-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt (8BrcAMP) and N6,2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3' :5'-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt (DBcAMP), two membrane permeable forms of cAMP; and d) 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H-7) and N-(2-[methylamino]ethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide dihydrochloride) (H-8), which are protein kinase inhibitors. The sweet compounds tested were: sucrose (30 mM and 100 mM), glucose (300 mM), fructose (300 mM), maltitol (150 mM and 300 mM), mannitol (300 mM and 500 mM), sodium saccharin (10 mM), D-tryptophan (6.5 mM), dulcin (0.88 mM, 1.75 mM, and 3.5 mM), and stevioside (0.55 mM and 1.1 mM). NaCl (30 mM and 100 mM) and KCl (300 mM and 500 mM) were used as control stimuli. The main findings were as follows. Application of NaF (20 mM) for 4 min as a rinse significantly enhanced all of the sweet compounds by at least 23%, except for 10 mM sodium saccharin and 6.5 mM D-tryptophan, while all control compounds were suppressed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Modulators of the adenylate cyclase system can alter electrophysiological taste responses in gerbil

The adenylate cyclase system has been implicated in taste transduction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether application of modulators of the adenylate cyclase system to the tongue alter taste responses. Integrated chorda tympani (CT) recordings were made in gerbils to bitter, sweet, salty, sour, and glutamate tastants before and after a 4-min application of four types of modulators of the adenylate cyclase system. The four types of modulators tested were: a) NaF, a compound that promotes dissociation of GTP binding protein; b) forskolin, a powerful stimulant of adenylate cyclase; c) 8-bromoadenosine 3' :5'-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt (8BrcAMP) and N6,2'-O-dibutyryl-adenosine 3' :5'-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt (DBcAMP), two membrane permeable forms of cAMP; and d) 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H-7) and N-(2-[methylamino]ethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide dihydrochloride) (H-8), which are protein kinase inhibitors. The tast compounds tested were: NaCl (30 mM), monosodium glutamate-MSG (50 mM), sucrose (30 mM), HCl (5 mM and 10 mM), KCl (300 mM), quinine HCl (30 mM), MgCl2 (30 mM), erythromycin (0.7 mM and 1 mM), HCl (5 mM and 10 mM), and urea (2 M). The main findings were as follows. NaF (20 mM) significantly inhibited responses to bitter compounds up to 35% and enhanced the response to sucrose by 30%. NaCl (20 mM), used as a control for NaF, inhibited most responses up to 78% with no enhancement of sucrose as seen with NaF. 8BrcAMP (1.16 mM) reduced the responses to bitter-tasting quinine HCl, MgCl2, and erythromycin but not to urea.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence for the involvement of protein phosphorylation in cyclic AMP-mediated amylase exocytosis from parotid acinar cells

We evaluated the role of protein phosphorylation in cAMP-mediated amylase exocytosis from parotid acinar cells by using H89, a new protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, which is more lipophilic and 25 times more potent than H8. In our previous studies, H8 markedly inhibited protein phosphorylation without decreasing amylase release [Takuma, T. (1988) Biochem. J. 256, 867-871]. These findings were completely reproduced even in the small acini that were prepared by trypsin treatment before collagenase digestion. In the present study, however, H89 strongly inhibited both amylase release and protein phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect was specific for PKA at least up to 33 microM, since 33 microM H89 did not block amylase release stimulated by PMA. H85, a closely related compound of H89 without inhibitory effect on PKA, did not prevent amylase release or protein phosphorylation at least up to 33 microM. These results suggest that protein phosphorylation by PKA is involved in cAMP-mediated amylase exocytosis. The inhibition of protein phosphorylation by H8 might be insufficient or inadequate for blocking of amylase release.

Protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A induces hyperphosphorylation of cytokeratins and inhibits amylase exocytosis in the rat parotid acini

Calyculin A, a protein phosphatase inhibitor with a chemical structure completely different from that of okadaic acid, reproduced the inhibitory effect of okadaic acid on cyclic AMP-mediated amylase release from rat parotid acinar cells. Calyculin A markedly enhanced phosphorylation of cytokeratins in the cytoskeletal fraction of the cells, whereas cAMP had apparently no effect on the phosphorylation. Microscopic observations showed that parotid acini incubated with 100 nM calyculin A for 15 min had large vacuoles in the cytoplasm and conspicuous blebs on the basal plasma membrane. K252a, a nonselective protein kinase inhibitor, clearly reduced calyclin A-induced phosphorylation of cytokeratins, and it markedly blocked the inhibition of amylase release and morphological changes evoked by calyculin A. These results suggest that hyperphosphorylation of cytokeratins profoundly affects the morphology and secretory activity of parotid acinar cells.

Adrenergic regulation of RNA synthesis in the rat parotid gland

Adrenergic regulation of RNA synthesis by in vivo stimulated parotid glands and dispersed parotid lobules was studied by a combination of in vivo and in vitro methods. Following a single intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol, [3H]uridine incorporation into RNA was increased by 50% after the first hour. Amylase mRNA content was also elevated within 1 hr and was 2-3-fold higher than control values at 4 hr. An increase in the rate of total protein synthesis was detectable after 2 hr, and maximal rates were achieved 6 hr after isoproterenol administration. In dispersed parotid lobules, both isoproterenol and epinephrine stimulated [3H]uridine incorporation and at optimal concentrations increased incorporation by almost 200%. Phenylephrine (10 microM) caused a slight increase of about 20% whereas methoxamine (10 microM) had no effect. Stimulation by epinephrine was reversed by propranolol, but not by either phentolamine or prazosin. The increase in RNA synthesis induced by isoproterenol or epinephrine was dose dependent and half-maximal stimulation required 5.0 x 10(-8) M isoproterenol and 7.9 x 10(-7) M epinephrine. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP also stimulated [3H]uridine incorporation, whereas 8-bromo cyclic GMP, A23187 and phorbol myristate acetate had no effect. The importance of protein phosphorylation in mediating the observed stimulation was evaluated using protein kinase and phosphatase inhibitors. N-[2-(Methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulphonamide, an inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases, substantially diminished the isoproterenol-induced stimulation. Okadaic acid treatment of lobules increased [3H]uridine incorporation. Furthermore, okadaic acid synergistically potentiated the stimulatory effect of a suboptimal concentration of isoproterenol. The results demonstrate that activation of the beta-adrenergic receptor induces the synthesis of certain RNA species in the parotid gland and that protein phosphorylation by a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase is a key event in the signal transduction pathway.

Interaction of vanadate with isolated rat parotid acini

1. In rat parotid acini, vanadate affects amylase secretion and intracellular messengers according to its concentration. 2. Low concentrations (in the micromolar range) concentrations of vanadate stimulate amylase secretion and potentiate the secretory effect of carbamylcholine, but inhibit the amylase release in response to isoproterenol. 3. Vanadate increases inositol phosphates (mono-, bis- and trisphosphate) and potentiate the stimulatory effect of carbachol on inositol bis- and trisphosphate. 4. Vanadate also decreases the intracellular cyclic AMP concentration and the increase in response to isoproterenol or forskolin. 5. High concentrations (in the millimolar range) of vanadate inhibit the increase in inositol phosphate induced by carbachol. 6. It is concluded that low concentrations of vanadate activate regulatory proteins coupled to phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase while high concentrations of vanadate inhibit inositol bisphosphatase.

Protein kinase A modulates Ca(2+)- and protein kinase C-dependent amylase release in permeabilized rat pancreatic acini

The role of protein kinase A (PKA) in the release of amylase from permeabilized pancreatic acini was investigated. Addition of cyclic AMP (cAMP) to permeabilized acini resulted in a potentiation of Ca(2+)-dependent amylase release, shifting the Ca2+ dose/response curve leftwards. As with protein kinase C (PKC) activation, this is due to an increase in the time of active discharge. The effect of cAMP was shown to be blocked by two inhibitors of PKA, H89 and the PKI-(5-24)-peptide. At low concentration, cAMP synergizes from phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), while at optimal concentrations cAMP and PMA are additive. PKA and PKC appear to work via similar, but not identical mechanisms.

Identification of G-proteins in rat parotid gland plasma membranes and granule membranes: presence of distinct components in granule membranes

We have identified by immunoblotting and ADP-ribosylation by cholera toxin and pertussis toxin the presence of Mr 43 and 46 KDa Gs alpha, and 39 and 41 KDa Gi alpha subunits in rat parotid gland plasma membranes but not in granule membranes. A Mr 28 KDa polypeptide that served as substrate for ADP-ribosylation by both cholera toxin and pertussis toxin was present exclusively in granule membranes. Photoaffinity crosslinking of [alpha-32P]GTP showed the presence of high molecular weight GTP-binding proteins (Mr 160, 100 KDa) in granule membranes. Six low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins (Mr 21-28 KDa) were differentially distributed in both plasma membranes and granule membranes. The present study identifies various GTP-binding proteins in rat parotid gland plasma membranes and granule membranes, and demonstrates the presence of distinct molecular weight GTP-binding proteins in granule membranes. These granule-associated GTP-binding proteins may be involved in secretory processes.

cAMP-dependent protein kinase mediates hydrosmotic effect of vasopressin in collecting duct

The role of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) in mediating the hydrosmotic effect of vasopressin in in vitro microperfused rabbit cortical collecting ducts (CCDs) was examined. We measured PKA substrate phosphorylation and water permeability [hydraulic conductivity (Lp) = 10(-7) cm.atm-1.s-1], stimulated by substituted cAMP analogues selective for a unique cAMP binding site (site A or B) on PKA regulatory subunit (R). Synergy between site A- and site B-selective analogues suggests involvement of PKA, because both sites must be occupied for R to dissociate from the catalytic subunit (C), allowing phosphorylation to proceed. As single agents, the site B-selective analogues 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (8-CPT) and 8-thiomethyl-cAMP (8-SCH3) were at least two orders of magnitude more potent than the site A-selective analogues N6-monobutyryl-cAMP (N6-mono) or N6-benzoyl-cAMP (N6-benz). Combinations of subthreshold concentrations of two site A analogues (N6-mono+N6-benz) or two site B-selective analogues (8-CPT + 8-SCH3) failed to significantly increase protein phosphorylation or water permeability. In contrast, combination of a site A plus site B analogue synergistically stimulated both protein phosphorylation and Lp. Rp-cAMPS, an inhibitor of cAMP binding to PKA, reduced both vasopressin (41% inhibition)- and cAMP (56% inhibition)-stimulated water permeability. H-89 (50 microM), an inhibitor of PKA kinase activity, also blocked cAMP-stimulated water permeability (90% inhibition). These findings suggest that vasopressin-induced water permeability in the rabbit CCD is mediated by PKA.

Relationship between cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and amylase release in rat parotid acinar cells following muscarinic stimulation

Carbachol (CCh), a muscarinic-cholinergic agonist, increased both cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and amylase release in rat parotid acinar cells or acini in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of acinar cells with the intracellular Ca2+ antagonist, 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8), or the intracellular Ca2+ chelator, 1,2-bis(O-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N'N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), strongly attenuated the increases in [Ca2+]i evoked by CCh, but amylase release from acini was not significantly suppressed by the treatment with TMB-8 or BAPTA. Low concentrations (0.02-0.5 microM) of ionomycin, a Ca2+ ionophore, caused increases in [Ca2+]i comparable to those induced by CCh, but the same concentrations had only a little effect on amylase release. The protein kinase C activator, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), stimulated amylase release in quantities similar to those induced by CCh, although TPA alone did not cause any change in [Ca2+]i. Combined addition of TPA and ionomycin potentiated only modestly amylase release stimulated by TPA alone. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C-inhibitor, similarly inhibited both the CCh- and TPA-induced amylase release. These results suggest that an increase in [Ca2+]i elicited by CCh does not play an essential role for inducing amylase release in rat parotid acini. Amylase release by muscarinic stimulation may be mediated mainly by activation of protein kinase C.

Isoproterenol-stimulated labelling of particulate proteins by using [adenylate-32P]NAD+ independent on a cAMP-dependent protein kinase in parotid acinar cells

When saponin-permeabilized rat parotid acinar cells were incubated with [adenylate-32P]NAD+, labelling of proteins (33, 27 and 23 kDa) in particulate fractions of the cells was stimulated by isoproterenol. The effect of isoproterenol was completely blocked by a beta-antagonist. Both forskolin or cAMP mimicked the effect of isoproterenol on the labelling. However, an inhibitor of cAMPdPK failed to induce complete inhibition of the effects of isoproterenol, forskolin and cAMP. When the labelled proteins were treated with snake venom phosphodiesterase, neither [32P]5'-AMP nor [32P]phosphoribosyladenosine was released. These results suggest that covalent modification of proteins with NAD+, which is distinct from ADP-ribosylation and cAMPdPK-dependent phosphorylation, is coupled to beta-receptor-cAMP signalling system in rat parotid acinar cells.

Stimulation of rat parotid secretion by cAMP analogues that synergistically activate the type II isoenzyme of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Beta-adrenergic-stimulated parotid secretion is believed to be mediated by activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PK-A). However, the relative roles of the type I and II PK-A isoenzymes are still unclear. Combinations of site-selective, lipophilic cAMP analogues that synergistically activate each PK-A were used to investigate this problem. The selectivity of synergistic activation with these combinations was verified with the partially purified parotid PK-A isoenzymes, using kemptide as a substrate. Synergism in activation of PK-AII was only seen with 8-thiomethyl cAMP (8-TM) and N-6-benzoyl cyclic AMP (N6B), while PK-AI was only synergistically activated by 8-(6-aminohexyl) amino cyclic AMP (AHA) and N6B. Additive activation of each isoenzyme was observed for the combination of 8-TM and AHA. Rates of amylase secretion from dispersed parotid acini in response to secretagogues were determined with a coupled enzyme assay for amylase activity, which was adapted for use in a microplate reader. Cells were stimulated to secrete during 30 min with different doses (0.1-1.0 mM) and combinations of the cyclic nucleotide analogues. Alone, N6B was most effective in stimulating amylase secretion. The basal amylase secretory rate was stimulated by these secretagogues (0.44 mM) to the following extent: 53-fold (N6B), 8-fold (8-AHA), 2-fold (8-TM). In combination at a series of concentrations, only 8-TM + N6B produced synergistic stimulation of secretion, while AHA + N6B and 8-TM + AHA did not.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Late events in regulated exocytosis

To understand the intracellular mechanisms that control exocytosis it is necessary to have access to the cell interior. This is achieved by plasma membrane permeabilisation or by application of patch-pipettes. These conditions permit control over the cytosol composition and also allow leakage of soluble factors that may have roles in the exocytotic mechanism. Different permeabilisation methods allow different extents of leakage and therefore provide complementary data. The exocytotic machinery itself remains intact and can be activated by providing Ca2+ and/or a guanine nucleotide. In some cells there is evidence for the participation of two guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (GP and GE), as well as a Ca(2+)-binding protein. In others Ca2+ is the only requirement. In a number of cell types, ATP is not required for the late steps in the secretory pathway.

Okadaic acid inhibits amylase exocytosis from parotid acini stimulated by cyclic AMP

To evaluate the role of protein phosphorylation in amylase exocytosis, we studied the effects of okadaic acid, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase types 1 and 2A, on amylase release and protein phosphorylation in rat parotid acini. Although okadaic acid by itself weakly stimulated amylase release, it did not potentiate amylase release stimulated by half-maximum doses of isoproterenol or cAMP, and markedly inhibited their maximum effects. Okadaic acid dose-dependently increased cAMP-independent phosphorylation of some proteins and enhanced cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of 21- and 26-kDa proteins. These results indicate that increase in protein phosphorylation does not necessarily enhance the exocytosis of amylase from parotid acini.

Sialagogue-stimulated protein phosphorylation related to ornithine decarboxylase induction in cultured rat parotid explants

Both beta-adrenergic (isoproterenol) and cholinergic (carbachol) sialagogues increase amylase secretion, ornithine decarboxylase activity and DNA synthesis in murine parotid gland in vivo and in vitro. These agonists enhanced the incorporation of labelled inorganic orthophosphate into parotid proteins in rat parotid explants cultured on siliconized lens paper floating on serum-free 199 medium. Analysis of the labelled proteins by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography revealed that isoproterenol enhanced the phosphorylation of four proteins with apparent molecular weights of 17, 20, 31 and 32 kDa and carbachol stimulated the phosphorylation of 31 and 32 K proteins. Isoproterenol-dependent ornithine decarboxylase induction and phosphorylation of the proteins were selectively suppressed by monensin but not by polymyxin B, whereas carbachol-dependent ornithine decarboxylase induction and protein phosphorylation were inhibited by polymyxin B but not by monensin. Neither monensin nor polymyxin B suppressed isoproterenol- or carbachol-stimulated amylase secretion. Time course experiments showed that sialagogue-stimulated protein phosphorylation preceded the increase of ornithine decarboxylase activity and had almost disappeared when it was maximal. Propranolol and atropine, antagonists of isoproterenol and carbachol, respectively, completely inhibited not only amylase secretion and ornithine decarboxylase induction but also protein phosphorylation stimulated by the corresponding agonists. These findings suggest that increased phosphorylation of specific proteins is associated with sialagogue-stimulated ornithine decarboxylase induction but not amylase secretion.

Evidence that isoproterenol-induced Ca2(+)-mobilization in rat parotid acinar cells is not mediated by activation of beta-adrenoceptors

The effects of isoproterenol (ISO), a beta-adrenoceptor agonist, on cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in rat parotid acinar cells were examined using the fluorescent Ca2(+)-indicator fura-2. At concentrations up to 1 mM, ISO caused a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent manner, while addition of 1 microM ISO, which evokes the maximum amylase secretion, had only a slight effect on [Ca2+]i. There was no such increase in [Ca2+]i with the addition (2 mM) of 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, a permeant cyclic AMP analogue. The alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine blocked the ISO-induced [Ca2+]i increase better than the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranol, and the muscarinic receptor antagonist, atropine. The IC50 value (the concentration which reduces the ISO-induced increase in [Ca2+]i by 50%) of phentolamine was estimated to be 7.6 nM, for propranolol 13.2 microM and for atropine 3.5 microM. The difference in potency between the three antagonists was similar to the difference in blocking the [Ca2+]i increase induced by phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist. These results suggest that the Ca2(+)-mobilization in response to high concentrations of ISO results from an activation of alpha-adrenoceptors rather than beta-adrenoceptors.

Functional relationship between cyclic AMP-dependent protein phosphorylation and platelet inhibition

Exposure of human platelets to prostacyclin (PGI2), iloprost or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) elicits the cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation of proteins of 22, 24, 30, 39, 50, 60 and 250 kDa (P22, P24 etc.). P22 was recently identified as rap 1B, a ras-like protein, and P24 was shown to be the beta-chain of glycoprotein Ib. We found that cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation of all proteins except P22 was maximal 1 min after exposure of platelets to PGI2, iloprost or PGE1; maximal phosphorylation of P22 occurred after 45 min of incubation. Inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet activation required only a 30 s incubation with PGI2 or iloprost; at this time phosphorylation of P22 was only slightly increased. Although at maximal concentrations PGI2 was more potent than PGE1 in inhibiting thrombin-induced platelet activation, no difference in the degree and the kinetics of cyclic AMP-dependent protein phosphorylation was found. Platelets that had been preincubated and washed in the presence of PGE1 and later resuspended in the absence of PGE1 responded fully to activation by thrombin despite maximal phosphorylation of P22 and P24. Furthermore, addition of PGI2 to PGE1-washed platelets prevented thrombin-induced platelet activation, but did not evoke further phosphorylation of P22 or P24. Phosphorylation of P39 and P50 correlated better with PGI2-induced inhibition of platelet activation. In experiments in which PGE1-induced inhibition of platelet activation was overcome by the addition of thrombin, no dephosphorylation of proteins phosphorylated by cyclic AMP-dependent kinases was observed. These experiments indicate that: (a) phosphorylation of rap 1B and glycoprotein Ib is not related to platelet inhibition by cyclic AMP; (b) phosphorylation of other proteins such as P39 and P50 probably plays a role in mediating cyclic AMP-dependent platelet inhibition; (c) reactions other than cyclic AMP-dependent protein phosphorylation may participate in platelet inhibition by cyclic AMP.

Propranolol inhibits cyclic AMP accumulation and amylase secretion in parotid acinar cells stimulated by isobutylmethylxanthine and forskolin

Propranolol inhibited cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation stimulated by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) or forskolin in rat parotid acinar cells. The inhibition by propranolol was highly potent; 10(-7) M propranolol was sufficient for the maximum inhibition (approx. 50% at 5 min). The inhibitory effect was observed in both intact and saponin-permeabilized parotid cells, but the effect was more prominent in permeabilized cells than in intact cells. Other beta-blockers, like alprenolol and atenolol, were as effective as propranolol, but butoxamine (beta 2-selective) was slightly less effective. The inhibition by propranolol was similarly detected in the cells prepared from pertussis-toxin-pretreated rats, suggesting that inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein (Gi) is not involved in the inhibitory mechanism. Propranolol also inhibited the exocytosis of amylase stimulated by IBMX or forskolin. In the presence of propranolol and IBMX, the responsiveness of saponin-permeabilized cells to exogenous cAMP was markedly increased, indicating that propranolol neither promotes the degradation of cAMP nor prevents the inhibitory effect of IBMX on cAMP phosphodiesterase.

Residual secretion of amylase induced by isoproterenol from rat parotid gland slices

1. During pretreatment with isoproterenol (ISP) for 2 min the accumulation of cyclic AMP increased in a dose-dependent manner but amylase release did not increase even in the highest dose of ISP used. 2. After a brief pretreatment with ISP, the following 10-min incubations with fresh medium without ISP caused increase in amylase secretion (residual secretion). However, cyclic AMP accumulation returned to the non-treated level during the residual secretion of amylase. 3. Both residual amylase release and cyclic AMP accumulation after pretreatment with ISP were enhanced in the presence of isobutyl-methylxanthine. Residual amylase release was not affected in the absence of extracellular calcium ion. 4. We suggest that there may be another pathway than cyclic AMP to cause residual amylase secretion induced by brief pretreatment with ISP in rat parotid acinar cells.