The importance of calcium ions for the regulation of guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphage levels

Cyclic GMP regulates M₃AChR activity at plasma membranes from airway smooth muscle

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors MAChRs from Bovine Tracheal Smooth Muscle (BTSM) plasma membranes are responsible for the cGMP rise and signal-amplitude peaks associated with smooth muscle contraction present in bronchial asthma. These MAChRs bind [(3)H]QNB and exhibit the classic G Protein Coupled-Receptor (GPCR) behavior towards muscarinic agonist and antagonists that is sensitive to sensitive to GTP analogs. Interestingly, the [(3)H]QNB binding activity was stimulated by cGMP and ATP, and was enhanced by IBMX and Zaprinast, inhibitors of cGMP-PDE. Cyclic GMP plus ATP affected the agonist-antagonist muscarinic binding activities. Thus, the high affinity agonist (Carbamylcholine) binding sites disappeared, whereas, 4-DAMP, a M3 selective antagonist displayed an additional high affinity-binding site. In contrast, non-selective (atropine) and M2-selective (methoctramine and gallamine) antagonists revealed one low binding site. Moreover, the 4-DAMP-mustard alkylation of the MAChRs blocked the cGMP effect indicating that the M3AChR is the main receptor target of cGMP. Interestingly, these cGMP effects were potentiated by an activator (Sp-8-pCPT-cGMPS), and diminished by an inhibitor (Rp-8-pCPT-CGMPS), of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG-II), which was detected by Western blotting using specific PKG II antibodies. Finally, plasma membrane M3AChRs were phosphorylated in a cGMP-dependent manner and this novel post-translational reversible modification at M3AChRs may act as a feedback mechanism to terminate the cGMP dependent muscarinic signal transduction cascades at the sarcolema of BTSM.

A short history of cGMP, guanylyl cyclases, and cGMP-dependent protein kinases

Here, we review the early studies on cGMP, guanylyl cyclases, and cGMP-dependent protein kinases to facilitate understanding of development of this exciting but complex field of research encompassing pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of these important regulatory molecules.

Phosphodiesterases 1 and 2 regulate cellular cGMP level in rabbit submandibular gland cells

In rabbit salivary glands, stimulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors causes production of cGMP through intracellular Ca2+ and nitric oxide. In this study, we investigated a role of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) in regulating the cellular cGMP level by using cells dispersed from the submandibular gland. Methacholine, a cholinergic agonist, rapidly elevated the cGMP level. The elevation was greatly enhanced by IBMX, a non-specific inhibitor for most isoforms of the 11 PDEs. The cGMP level was also elevated by MM-IBMX and EHNA, which inhibit the activities of PDE1 and PDE2, respectively. The elevation by the simultaneous application of the two drugs corresponded to 90% of that by IBMX. Therefore, PDE1 and PDE2 are the main PDEs that act to degrade cGMP in methacholine-stimulated cells. The presence of the two PDEs was confirmed by assaying their activities of the cell lysate. In unstimulated cells, the cGMP level was elevated by MM-IBMX and little elevated by EHNA. While the PDE2 activity was thus low, it was estimated that methacholine increases its activity approximately 50-fold. The strong activation can be explained by the elevation of the cGMP level because PDE2 is a cGMP-stimulated PDE. SNAP, a nitric oxide donor, causes production of cGMP without a receptor-operated increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. In SNAP-stimulated cells, MM-IBMX elevated the cGMP level higher than in methacholine-stimulated cells although the PDE1 activity is dependent on Ca2+/calmodulin. Besides Ca2+, other factors may regulate the PDE1 activity in living cells.

Methacholine-induced cGMP production is regulated by nitric oxide generation in rabbit submandibular gland cells

Guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) is an intracellular messenger in various kinds of cell. We investigated the regulation of cGMP production by nitric oxide (NO) in rabbit submandibular gland cells. Methacholine, a muscarinic cholinergic agonist, stimulated cGMP production in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but the alpha-agonist phenylephrine, substance P and the beta-agonist isoproterenol failed to evoke cGMP production. In fura-2-loaded cells, methacholine induced an increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in a concentration-dependent manner, which was similar to that for cGMP production. When the external Ca2+ was chelated with EGTA, methacholine failed to induce cGMP production. Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and thapsigargin, which induce the increase in [Ca2+]i without activation of Ca2+-mobilizing receptors, mimicked the effect of methacholine. cGMP production induced by methacholine, A23187 and thapsigargin was clearly inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME), a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). S-Nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP), a NO donor, induced cGMP formation. In the lysate of rabbit submandibular gland cells, Ca2+-regulated nitric oxide synthase activity was detected. These findings suggest that cGMP production induced by the activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors is regulated by NO generation via the increase in [Ca2+]i.

NO•, CO and•OH Endogenous soluble guanylyl cyclase-activating factors

Several low molecular weight compounds are capable of activating soluble guanylyl cyclase. Recent evidence suggests that some of these are formed under physiological conditions: the nitric oxide radical, carbon monoxide and the hydroxyl radical. Thus, multiple signal transduction pathways appear to exist that form a family of guanylyl cyclase activating factors and thereby regulate the intracellular cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate level.

Coupling of muscarinic cholinergic receptors and cGMP in nocturnal regulation of the suprachiasmatic circadian clock

Acetylcholine has long been implicated in nocturnal phase adjustment of circadian rhythms, yet the subject remains controversial. Although the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), site of the circadian clock, contains no intrinsic cholinergic somata, it receives choline acetyltransferase-immunopositive projections from basal forebrain and mesopontine tegmental nuclei that contribute to sleep and wakefulness. We have demonstrated that the SCN of inbred rats in a hypothalamic brain slice is sensitive to cholinergic phase adjustment via muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) only at night. We used this paradigm to probe the muscarinic signal transduction mechanism and the site(s) gating nocturnal responsiveness. The cholinergic agonist carbachol altered the circadian rhythm of SCN neuronal activity in a pattern closely resembling that for analogs of cGMP; nocturnal gating of clock sensitivity of each is preserved in vitro. Specific inhibitors of guanylyl cyclase (GC) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), key elements in the cGMP signal transduction cascade, blocked phase shifts induced by carbachol. Further, carbachol administration to the SCN at night increased cGMP production and PKG activity. The carbachol-induced increase in cGMP was blocked both by atropine, an mAChR antagonist, and by LY83583, a GC inhibitor. We conclude that (1) mAChR regulation of the SCN is mediated via GC-->cGMP-->PKG, (2) nocturnal gating of this pathway is controlled by the circadian clock, and (3) a gating site is positioned downstream from cGMP. This study is among the first to identify a functional context for mAChR-cGMP coupling in the CNS.

Coupling of muscarinic cholinergic receptors and cGMP in nocturnal regulation of the suprachiasmatic circadian clock

Acetylcholine has long been implicated in nocturnal phase adjustment of circadian rhythms, yet the subject remains controversial. Although the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), site of the circadian clock, contains no intrinsic cholinergic somata, it receives choline acetyltransferase-immunopositive projections from basal forebrain and mesopontine tegmental nuclei that contribute to sleep and wakefulness. We have demonstrated that the SCN of inbred rats in a hypothalamic brain slice is sensitive to cholinergic phase adjustment via muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) only at night. We used this paradigm to probe the muscarinic signal transduction mechanism and the site(s) gating nocturnal responsiveness. The cholinergic agonist carbachol altered the circadian rhythm of SCN neuronal activity in a pattern closely resembling that for analogs of cGMP; nocturnal gating of clock sensitivity of each is preserved in vitro. Specific inhibitors of guanylyl cyclase (GC) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), key elements in the cGMP signal transduction cascade, blocked phase shifts induced by carbachol. Further, carbachol administration to the SCN at night increased cGMP production and PKG activity. The carbachol-induced increase in cGMP was blocked both by atropine, an mAChR antagonist, and by LY83583, a GC inhibitor. We conclude that (1) mAChR regulation of the SCN is mediated via GC-->cGMP-->PKG, (2) nocturnal gating of this pathway is controlled by the circadian clock, and (3) a gating site is positioned downstream from cGMP. This study is among the first to identify a functional context for mAChR-cGMP coupling in the CNS.

Effects of physostigmine and some nitric oxide-cyclic GMP-related compounds on muscarinic receptor-mediated autoinhibition of hippocampal acetylcholine release

We have investigated the effects of (a) the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine and (b) drugs that are known to change intracellular cyclic GMP levels on the autoinhibition of acetylcholine release from rat hippocampal slices. Autoinhibition was triggered by submaximal electrical stimulation in both the absence and presence of physostigmine. The results obtained indicate that an unusual increase in the extracellular acetylcholine content, such as that induced by cholinesterase inhibition, is not essential for autoinhibition triggering. Dibutyryl cyclic GMP reduced significantly the stimulation-evoked acetylcholine release in the presence, but not in the absence, of atropine. Neither sodium nitroprusside nor glyceryl trinitrate exerted a dibutyryl cyclic GMP-like effect. NG-Nitro-L-arginine did not lessen the autoinhibition. These results indicate that an increase in the intracellular cyclic GMP level reduces acetylcholine release, and that the muscarinic receptor stimulation-nitric oxide synthesis-(soluble) guanylyl cyclase activation pathway is not involved in the cholinergic autoinhibition process.

Leukotriene D4 receptors are not negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in guinea-pig lung parenchyma

1. The possibility that receptors for the peptide-containing leukotrienes may be negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in guinea-pig lung parenchyma was investigated by comparing the effect of leukotriene D4 (LTD4) on the intracellular cyclic nucleotide (cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP) content and on the activity of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). In addition, the potential association between changes in the cyclic nucleotide content and the ability of LTD4 to increase lung parenchymal tone was also evaluated. 2. Non-cumulative challenge of parenchymal lung strips with LTD4 elicited concentration-dependent contractions (pD2 = 8.23) that were paralleled by concentration-related increases in the intracellular level of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, and in the activation state of PKA (Kact = 33 nM). Temporally, these biochemical effects of LTD4 were transient, peaking after approximately 5 min drug contact thereafter decaying, despite the continued generation of tone. Both the biochemical and mechanical effects of LTD4 were antagonized by the LTD4-receptor blocking drug, ICI 198,615 (1 microM for 60 min), indicating that they were receptor-mediated events. 3. Challenge of guinea-pig lung with LTD4 (200 nM; EC100 for tension generation) stimulated a 150 and 70 fold increase in the elaboration of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) respectively, relative to that generated spontaneously. 4. Pretreatment of lung strips for 60 min with an irreversible inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase, flurbiprofen,at a concentration (8 microM) that abolished both basal and LTD4 (200 nM)-induced TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha release, relaxed rapidly the spontaneous tone of the tissues, reduced the cyclic AMP content by ~50%and lowered the PKA activity ratio from 29% to 17%. In addition, flurbiprofen abolished the ability of LTD4 (200 nM) to increase the cyclic AMP content and to activate PKA. Functionally, the magnitude of LTD4 (200 nM)-induced tone and the increase in cyclic GMP content were attenuated by approximately 20% and 50% respectively in flurbiprofen-treated tissues.5. In flurbiprofen-treated tissues, isoprenaline (10 microM for 10 min) increased the cyclic AMP content(from 4 to 27 pmol mg-1 protein) and activated PKA (from 15% to 26%). Preincubation (30 s or 5 min)of lung with LTD4 (200 nM) did not inhibit (or enhance) these isoprenaline-induced effects.6. Pretreatment of lung strips for 60 min with the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, dazmegrel (10 microM),relaxed the spontaneous tone of the tissues, abolished the LTD4 (200 nM)-stimulated release of TXB2 and significantly enhanced (~two fold) the elaboration of 6-keto-PGF1alpha. In addition, dazmegrel attenuated (by ~50%) LTD4 (200 nM)-induced cyclic GMP accumulation but approximately doubled both the cyclic AMP content and PKA activity ratio. LTD4-induced contractions, in contrast, were not affected by dazmegrel.7. EP 092 (1 microM for 60 min), a selective TP-receptor blocking drug, had no effect on spontaneous tone,eicosanoid formation or on the cyclic GMP content of guinea-pig lung parenchymal strips. Likewise,EP 092 exerted no significant mechancial effect in lung challenged with LTD4 (200 nM) although it did potentiate, to a small extent, the ability of LTD4 (200 nM) to increase the cyclic AMP content.8. It is concluded that LTD4 can increase the intracellular level of cyclic AMP in guinea-pig parenchyma and activate PKA by a leukotriene-receptor-mediated mechanism sensitive to ICI 198,615. However,these biochemical actions of LTD4 are induced indirectly by an arachidonic acid-derived cyclo-oxygenase product(s) other than TXA2. Thus, contrary to reports of other investigators, no evidence was found to corroborate the finding that stimulation of leukotriene receptors on guinea-pig lung parenchyma results in a rapid lowering of the cyclic AMP content even in cyclo-oxygenase-blocked tissues. These data,therefore, do not support the hypothesis that leukotriene-induced tension generation is dependent upon a prior reduction in the cyclic AMP content.

Role of cyclic GMP in airway smooth muscle relaxation

The evidence in favor of a role for cyclic GMP as a mediator of relaxation in airway smooth muscle is reviewed. All of the criteria usually used to decide whether a cyclic nucleotide is the mediator of a particular response appear to have been satisfied, at least to some extent, for a causal relationship between cyclic GMP elevation and relaxation of airway smooth muscle.

Regulation of a potassium-selective current in rabbit corneal epithelium by cyclic GMP, carbachol and diltiazem

The effects of cyclic GMP (cGMP), carbachol and diltiazem on a potassium-selective, delayed-rectifier current in freshly dissociated rabbit corneal epithelial cells were studied using a modified perforated-patch-clamp technique. The current was stimulated by both 500 microM cGMP (2.3-4.5-fold, mean = 2.9) and 250 nM carbachol, a muscarinic agonist (1.12-7.04-fold, mean = 3.8), and the stimulated current was totally blocked by diltiazem (10 microM). The effects of cGMP appeared to be, at least in part, different from those of carbachol as they required the presence of external calcium. Single-channel data suggest that cGMP and carbachol activate the potassium current by increasing the open probability of the channel via a second-messenger system and that the action of diltiazem is probably through a direct blocking effect on the open channel.

Endothelin-1 inhibits pre-stimulated tracheal submucosal gland secretion and epithelial albumin transport

1. Endothelin-1 potently contracts smooth muscle, including that in the airways. However, its effect on airway mucosal function has not so far been studied. 2. We have used the ferret whole trachea in vitro to examine the effect of endothelin-1 on tracheal smooth muscle tone, transepithelial potential difference (p.d.), submucosal gland secretion (including lysozyme secretion from serous cells) and active epithelial albumin transport. In addition we have examined the effects of endothelin on submucosal gland secretion and albumin transport pre-stimulated with the muscarinic agonist methacholine and the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine. The effects of the Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine on the responses to endothelin have also been assessed. 3. Endothelin (0.1-100 nM) produced concentration-dependent increases in intraluminal tracheal pressure indicating smooth muscle contraction, and in the negativity of the transepithelial p.d. These effects were partially inhibited by nifedipine (10 microM). 4. Endothelin (0.01-100 nM) had no significant effect on baseline rates of mucus, lysozyme or albumin outputs, but produced concentration-dependent reductions in maintained methacholine- and phenylephrine-induced mucus, lysozyme and albumin outputs. In general endothelin was more potent against methacholine-induced effects. All of the concentration-response curves for endothelin were shallow and some appeared to be biphasic, suggesting the possibility of more than one mechanism of action of endothelin. 5. The effects of endothelin (at concentrations greater than 1 nM) on phenylephrine-induced mucus volume, lysozyme and albumin outputs were significantly inhibited by nifedipine. Similarly the effect of endothelin (greater than 1 nM) on methacholine-induced mucus volume and albumin outputs (but not lysozyme output) was attenuated by nifedipine. Similarly the effect of endothelin (>1 nM) on methacholine-induced mucus volume and albumin outputs (but not lysozyme output) was attenuated by nifedipine. The effects of endothelin (at concentrations <1 nM) on methacholine and phenylephrine-induced responses were generally not affected by nifedipine.6. Thus, endothelin contracts ferret tracheal smooth muscle and increases transepithelial p.d. at least in part by opening dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Endothelin does not directly stimulate submucosal gland secretion or epithelial albumin transport, but inhibits methacholine- and phenylephrineinduced secretion and transport. The inhibitory effects produced by higher concentrations of endothelin may be mediated partially by activation of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels, although the explanation for this is not clear. The mechanism of action of endothelin in attenuating stimulated secretion and epithelial transport at lower concentrations is unknown.

Activation of guanylate cyclase by bradykinin in rat sensory neurones is mediated by calcium influx: possible role of the increase in cyclic GMP

Bradykinin, which activates polymodal nociceptors, increased cyclic GMP (cGMP) in a capsaicin-sensitive population of cultured sensory neurones from rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) by stimulating guanylate cyclase, but had no effect on cyclic AMP (cAMP). In nonneuronal cells from DRG, bradykinin increased cAMP, but not cGMP. The bradykinin-induced increase in cGMP in the neurones was completely blocked by removal of extracellular Ca2+, or by incubation of the cells with the calcium channel blockers nifedipine and verapamil. Pretreatment of the neurones with either dibutyryl cGMP or sodium nitroprusside (which elevates cGMP) inhibited bradykinin-induced formation of inositol phosphates. It is possible that cGMP could be involved in the regulation of polyphosphoinositide turnover in DRG neurones.

Muscarinic agents modify kinetics properties of membrane-bound guanylyl cyclase activity

Plasma membranes from bovine tracheal smooth muscle show guanylyl cyclase activity, which can be stimulated by muscarinic agonists such carbamylcholine and oxotremorine and blocked by atropine. This stimulation was observed in the presence of 150 mM NaCl. In the absence of this salt, guanylyl cyclase activity was considerably higher but was not affected by muscarinic agonists. Carbamylcholine decreased the apparent Km but did not change the Vmax of this enzyme. When plasma membrane fractions were extracted with 1% octylglucoside, guanylyl cyclase activity was preserved, however the muscarinic activation was abolished, despite a muscarinic receptor capable of [3H]quinuclidinylbenzilate binding being present in the extract. The detergent extraction changed the affinity of guanylyl cyclase for GTP but the Mn2+ kinetics was unaltered. Based on these findings and on current information in the literature, we propose that another component is required to restore the link between the muscarinic receptor and guanylyl cyclase, however the nature of this component remains to be established.

Tuftsin: its chemistry, biology, and clinical potential

Tuftsin is a tetrapeptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg, which resides in the Fc-domain of the heavy chain of immunoglobulin G. The peptide originates from a specific fraction of the parent protein through enzymatic processing. Tuftsin possesses a broad spectrum of activities related primarily to the immune system function and exerts on phagocytic cells, notably on macrophages. These include potentiation of various cell functions such as phagocytosis, motility, immunogenic response, and bactericidal and tumoricidal activities. The features of tuftsin, coupled with its low toxicity, make the peptide an attractive candidate for immunotherapy. Tuftsin's capacity to augment cellular activation is mediated by specific receptors that were identified, characterized, and recently isolated from rabbit peritoneal granulocytes. Tuftsin has been chemically synthesized by a variety of techniques, some of which are adequate for large-scale preparations. A multitude of analogs have also been synthesized and extensively studied for structure-function relationships.

Control of blastema cell proliferation by possible interplay of calcium and cyclic nucleotides during newt limb regeneration

The effects of the divalent cation ionophore A23187, papaverine, and chlorpromazine on the mitotic index and cyclic nucleotide levels in newt limb regeneration blastemata (Notophthalmus viridescens) were assessed. The results of the experiments suggest that an intracellular increase in divalent cation (Ca2+) concentration results in elevated cGMP levels, suppressed cAMP levels, and a corresponding increase in blastema cell proliferation. The results also suggest that the converse conditions, namely, calcium efflux or inhibition of calmodulin activation (i.e., inhibition of Ca2+ binding), yields elevated cAMP levels, suppressed cGMP levels, and a corresponding decrease in blastema cell divisions.

Dissociation of acetylcholine- and cyclic GMP-induced currents in Xenopus oocytes

In Xenopus follicular oocytes, activation of muscarinic receptors evokes a slow potassium current (H-response); a similar current is evoked by intracellular injection of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate, cGMP (Dascal et al. 1984). We have tested the hypothesis that cGMP may be the second messenger that mediates the opening of K channel by acetylcholine (ACh). ACh elevated the intracellular level of cGMP with a time course similar to that of the development of the muscarinic H-response; maximal increase in cGMP concentration above the control was about 0.2 pmole/oocyte. The amount of injected cGMP that produced a detectable K current ("threshold dose") varied between 0.5 and 3 pmole/oocyte. At low doses of cGMP, the slope of log dose-log response curve was about 2.5, suggesting involvement of a biochemical process with a positive cooperativity of at least 3. Higher doses of cGMP evoked, in addition to the outward current, an irregular, rapidly developing, long-lasting inward current, that never reached amplitudes comparable to those of ACh-evoked Cl currents. The K current elicited by cGMP was insensitive to elevation or depletion of external Ca. It was potentiated by isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX). ACh strongly inhibited the cGMP-evoked K current when applied at the plateau of the latter. 4-Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) (1 microM) rapidly and completely inhibited the cGMP response. It is concluded, that most of the results presented in this report contradict the hypothesis that cGMP is the intracellular mediator of ACh-induced changes in membrane conductance in the oocytes.

Induction of prostacyclin biosynthesis is closely associated with increased guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate accumulation in cultured human endothelium

Stimuli of prostacyclin (PGI2) biosynthesis such as thrombin, bradykinin, histamine, and A23187 increase guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) levels in primary monolayer cultures of human umbilical vein endothelium by about twofold. This effect is dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Increases of about tenfold are observed when cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase activity is inhibited, which suggests that the observed increases in cyclic GMP involve the activation of guanylate cyclase. Activation of guanylate cyclase appears to involve an early event in the induction of PGI2 biosynthesis, as neither arachidonic acid nor its metabolites stimulate cyclic GMP accumulation. Although activators of guanylate cyclase such as atriopeptin III, sodium nitroprusside, and tert-butylhydroperoxide increase cyclic GMP levels by approximately 2-3-fold, they do not stimulate or modulate PGI2 production. We conclude that cyclic GMP does not play a primary role in mediating the induction or regulation of PGI2 biosynthesis in vascular endothelium.

See-saw signal processing in pinealocytes involves reciprocal changes in the alpha 1-adrenergic component of the cyclic GMP response and the beta-adrenergic component of the cyclic AMP response

Pineal cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP are regulated by norepinephrine (NE) acting through alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptors. beta-Adrenergic stimulation appears to be an absolute requirement and alpha 1-adrenergic activation amplifies beta-adrenergic stimulation of the cyclic AMP response 10-fold and the cyclic GMP response 100-fold, respectively. Chronic deprivation of adrenergic stimulation, due to exposure to constant light (LL) or by surgical denervation, enhances the cyclic AMP response and diminishes the cyclic GMP response as compared to control animals in a 10:14 light/dark (LD) cycle. This phenomenon is termed see-saw signal processing. In the current study we find these changes do not reflect shifts in the time course or Ka of these responses. Dose-response studies indicate the beta-adrenergic component of cyclic AMP stimulation is enhanced and the alpha 1-adrenergic component of cyclic GMP stimulation is diminished in LL pinealocytes. Several observations indicate these changes may reflect alterations in Ca2+-sensitive postreceptor mechanisms.

Effect of insulin on cyclic nucleotide levels and promotion of mitosis by insulin and ionophore A23187 in cultured newt blastemata

The levels of cyclic GMP (cGMP) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) were assayed, using radioimmunoassay, in newt blastemata cultured with and without insulin. Our observations show that insulin significantly increases the levels of cGMP over the control values, whereas the levels of cAMP remain unaltered. Our in vitro studies also show that Ca2+-carrying ionophore A23187, albeit capable of promoting blastema cell proliferation, is unable to replace the insulin effect. The possible role of cGMP and Ca2+ as mediators of insulin action in regeneration is discussed.

The relationship between tissue levels of cyclic GMP and tracheal smooth muscle relaxation in the guinea-pig

The effect of cyclic GMP was investigated using guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle. 8-Bromo-cyclic GMP showed a dose-dependent relaxation of spontaneous tension of tracheal smooth muscle. Administration of sodium nitroprusside induced dose-dependent relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle as well as an increase in tissue levels of cyclic GMP. Nicorandil, N-(2-hydroxyethyl) nicotinamide nitrate showed dose-dependent relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle and an increase in cyclic GMP levels in the tissue. N-(2-aminoethyl) nicotinamide dihydrochloride, which is a nicorandil derivative and differs minimally in its molecular structure (-NH2 vs -NO2), had neither a relaxant effect on tracheal smooth muscle nor did it increase the level of cyclic GMP in the tissue. The rise cyclic GMP levels preceded the relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle induced by sodium nitroprusside. These results suggest that cyclic GMP is one of the relaxant factors and that nitro-derivatives exhibit their relaxant effect on the smooth muscle mediated by an increase in cyclic GMP level.

Effect of nimodipine on cerebral metabolism during ischemia and recirculation in the mongolian gerbil

The effect of nimodipine on cerebral metabolism during ischemia and reflow was studied in female mongolian gerbils. Animals were divided into three experimental groups. Group 1 received 1 mg/kg nimodipine i.p. 1 h prior to ischemia. Group 2 received an injection of the vehicle, 5% polyethylene glycol 400. Group 3 received an equal volume of normal saline. Cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 1, 2, or 5 min. Recirculation was established for 0, 1, or 5 min. Sham-operated animals served as nonischemic controls. Gerbils were killed by microwave irradiation. Regional levels of ATP, phosphocreatine, glucose, glycogen, cyclic AMP, and cyclic GMP were measured in brain extracts using standard assay techniques. Levels of metabolites in sham-operated animals did not differ among Groups 1, 2, and 3. At 1 min of ischemia, cortical and striatal ATP levels were highest in Group 1 (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.01, respectively). After 5 min of recirculation, cortical and striatal glucose levels were highest in Group 1 (p less than 0.005). Regional levels of the metabolites measured at other times did not differ significantly among the three groups. Pretreatment with nimodipine thus retards the fall in ATP and facilitates the recovery of glucose in mongolian gerbils subjected to common carotid artery occlusion. A regional variability of this effect was observed.

Abnormalities of platelet function in hypertension and diabetes

The increased frequency of hypertension in diabetes and of abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism in hypertension are now well established. It is conceivable that the high coincidence of the two diseases is based on a common metabolic defect. Studies of platelets permit the evaluation of the stimulatory, phosphoinositol-linked and the inhibitory, cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent pathways of cell activation. Furthermore, platelets may be relevant for the development of angiopathy through their contents of growth factors. Abnormalities of platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in hypertension and diabetes. They are accompanied by exaggerated stimulation of adenylate cyclase in hypertension and abnormal activity of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate phosphodiesterase in diabetes. Defective function of platelets is also observed in patients and animals when the two diseases are present at the same time. Both increased and decreased aggregation have been described in these two diseases in the literature. The apparent discrepancies may be due to different types of platelet preparation, evaluation of aggregation, evolution of defect with age, and form of the disease. Integrated studies of biochemical mechanisms responsible for cell activation are needed to characterize the exact defect present in diabetes and hypertension in platelets.

Human bone cell cultures: a new model for studying the mechanism of action of calcitonin

An investigation on cell cultures obtained from temporal human bone fragments showed that they provide a suitable model for studying the mechanism involved in calcitonin action on bone cells. Furthermore they demonstrated: a transitory increase in 45Ca uptake that returned to control values ten minutes after the hormone was added; a relation between 45Ca uptake and increased cAMP concentrations when these were measured at the same time intervals; a reproduction of the salmon calcitonin (sCT) effect after incubation of the cultures with either db-cAMP or db-cGMP and inhibition of 45Ca uptake and parallel decrease in cAMP levels with propanol. These results suggest that in human bone cell cultures, sCT acts as a temporary promoter of 45Ca uptake, probably by activating an adenylate-cyclase system through a beta-receptor.

[The heart as an endocrine organ: the discovery of a new hormone]

Ever since the early work of Henry and Gauer (1956) it has been clear that a link exists between the atria of mammals and diuresis. In 1981, De Bold et al. described that atrial extracts, injected intravenously into rats, caused diuresis. The hormone responsible for this diuresis has quickly been identified. The peptide hormone, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), which is also known as atrial natriuretic peptide(s) (ANP), cardionatrin, cardiodilatin, atrin or auriculin, has been sequenced and synthetically produced. Its genomic DNA has been cloned. ANF raises cyclic GMP in target cells and activates particulate guanylate cyclase but not soluble guanylate cyclase. So far, no other hormone has conclusively been shown to activate particulate guanylate cyclase. ANF is formed and secreted in the atria but not in the ventricles of mammals, including man. The action of ANF involves natriuresis, vasorelaxation and inhibition of aldosterone secretion. ANF or ANF derivatives may represent a therapeutically useful new class of agents.

Insensitivity of calcium-dependent endothelial stimulation in rat isolated aorta to the calcium entry blocker, flunarizine

In rat aortic segments complete with endothelium, acetylcholine (1 microM) relaxed noradrenaline, phenylephrine and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha)-induced contractions of various magnitudes. Maximal 1 microM phenylephrine-induced contractions were relaxed to a greater extent than were maximal contractions induced by the other two agonists. Contractions elicited by various concentrations of phenylephrine and PGF2 alpha in the presence of a maximal effective concentration of the calcium entry blocker flunarizine (3 microM) were relaxed by acetylcholine to about the same residual tension as were contractions elicited in the absence of flunarizine. Acetylcholine (1 microM) and phenylephrine (1 microM) increased tissue levels of guanosine cyclic 3'5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) by about 37 fold and 2 fold respectively. Preincubation of tissues in the absence of calcium abolished these agonist-induced increases in cyclic GMP levels, but preincubation with flunarizine had no significant effect on the increase in cyclic GMP level induced by the agonists. Pretreatment with flunarizine had no significant effect on the basal tissue level of cyclic GMP, but pretreatment in calcium-free solution reduced the basal tissue level of the cyclic nucleotide by about half. It is concluded that in rat aorta, endothelium-dependent acetylcholine-induced relaxation and endothelium-dependent acetylcholine and phenylephrine-induced increases in tissue levels of cyclic GMP, are dependent on extracellular calcium, but are not antagonized by flunarizine. This may indicate that if calcium channels of endothelial cells are activated by these agonists, their characteristics are not identical with those of the calcium channels of the smooth muscle cells.

The increase of cGMP by atrial natriuretic factor correlates with the distribution of particulate guanylate cyclase

We have demonstrated previously that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) augments urinary, plasma and kidney cGMP levels but has no significant effect upon cAMP. Using cGMP as a marker, we searched for specific target sites involved in the action of ANF in the dog kidney, and observed no change of cGMP in the proximal tubules, a 2-fold increase over basal levels in the thick loop of Henle and a 3-fold elevation in the collecting duct. The most striking action on cGMP occurred in the glomeruli with a rise of up to 50-fold being evident at 1-2 min. after the addition of ANF. The results obtained in the absence or presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor support the notion that the effects of ANF were exerted at the level of guanylate cyclase stimulation rather than cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibition. The action of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a direct stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase, differed from that of ANF. The ability of the factor to enhance cGMP levels was correlated with the distribution of particulate guanylate cyclase. This study identifies the glomeruli and the distal part of the nephron as specific targets of ANF and implicates particulate guanylate cyclase as the enzyme targetted for the expression of its action.

Cyclic GMP may serve as a second messenger in peptide-induced muscle degeneration in an insect

At the end of metamorphosis, the intersegmental muscles of the moth Antheraea polyphemus undergo rapid degeneration in response to the peptide eclosion hormone (EH). Muscle death was preceded by a 22-fold increase in muscle guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) titers, which peaked 60 min after peptide exposure; adenosine-3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) titers remained unchanged. EH induced a dose-dependent increase in muscle cGMP content with a threshold dose similar to that needed to induce cell death. Exogenous cGMP, but not cAMP, mimicked the action of EH. Sodium nitroprusside, a potent stimulator of guanylate cyclase, and methylated xanthines, a class of 3',5'-cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors, also induced the selective death of these muscles. It is concluded that an elevation of cGMP level is involved in EH-induced muscle degeneration. The intersegmental muscles become sensitive to EH at the end of adult development in response to the declining titers of the steroid molting hormones, the ecdysteroids. At earlier times, treatment with EH, exogenous cGMP, sodium nitroprusside, or methylated xanthines was ineffective in causing cell death. Nevertheless, treatment with EH at this time resulted in a marked increase in intersegmental-muscle cGMP. Thus, the onset of physiological responsiveness to the peptide hormone presumably results from biochemical changes distal to the EH receptors and guanylate cyclase.

The promotion of mitosis in cultured thymic lymphocytes by acetylcholine and catecholamines

Thymic lymphoblasts possess beta-adrenergic, dopaminergic and nicotinic receptors. When activated by high concentrations of adrenaline, isoprenaline, dopamine and acetylcholine, magnesium-dependent events are initiated, which culminate in mitosis. These events can be blocked by testosterone. The cells also possess muscarinic and alpha-adrenergic receptors which respond to low concentrations of acetylcholine, carbamylcholine and noradrenaline. In these cases calcium-dependent, oestradiol-blockable mechanisms are triggered which eventually lead to cell division.

Xenopus oocyte resting potential, muscarinic responses and the role of calcium and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate

Resting potential (r.p.) and muscarinic response mechanisms were studied in Xenopus laevis oocytes using the voltage-clamp technique. Insertion of micro-electrodes into the oocyte produced a 'shunt' membrane conductance which partially sealed after a few minutes. The oocyte resting potential (measured with a single intracellular electrode) ranged from -40 to -60 mV. Ouabain and low K+ solution depolarized both follicles and denuded oocytes. The electrogenic Na+-K+ pump was more active in the latter. In the presence of ouabain, the r.p. agreed with the constant field theory. alpha (PNa+/PK+) was 0.12 in follicles and 0.24 in denuded oocytes. beta (PCl-/PK+) was 0.4 in both. At [Na+]o lower than 70 mM, the r.p. deviated considerably from the constant field predictions. The relatively large value of alpha indicated the major role of Na+ in oocyte r.p. determination. The oocyte muscarinic response was separated into four distinct components: the fast depolarizing Cl- current, 'D1'; the slow depolarizing Cl- current, 'D2'; the slow hyperpolarizing K+ current, 'H'; and the large membrane Cl- current fluctuation, 'F'. The H response reversal potential showed a Nernst relationship to [K+] and was selectively blocked by intracellular injection of tetraethylammonium (TEA). The D1 and D2 reversal potential showed a Nernst relationship to [Cl-]. In Ca2+-deficient, EGTA-containing medium, D2 and F were abolished and D1 and H were reduced. Verapamil inhibited all responses. Increasing [Ca2+]o caused a significant increase in D1, D2 and F response amplitudes. Intracellular injection of 0.6-10 pmol guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, induced a large outward K+ current, similar to the muscarinic H response.

Neurotransmitter receptors mediate cyclic GMP formation by involvement of arachidonic acid and lipoxygenase

Evidence is presented that has led us to abandon the hypothesis that receptor-mediated cyclic GMP formation in cultured nerve cells occurs via the influx of extracellular calcium ions and an increase in the cytosolic free calcium ion concentration. While the cyclic GMP response is absolutely dependent on the presence of Ca2+, there is no increase in free intracellular Ca2+ subsequent to agonist stimulation. Instead, we have found that muscarinic or histamine H1 receptor stimulation elicits the release of arachidonic acid through a quinacrine-sensitive mechanism, possibly phospholipase A2. Inhibition of the release or metabolism of arachidonate by the lipoxygenase pathway prevents receptor-mediated cyclic GMP formation. We hypothesize that neurotransmitter receptors that mediate cyclic GMP synthesis function by releasing arachidonic acid and that an oxidative metabolite of arachidonic acid then stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase.

Alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes properties, distribution and regulation

The effects of catecholamines in the central and peripheral nervous systems appear to be mediated through interactions with 2 major classes of receptor: alpha-adrenoceptors and beta-adrenoceptors. Subtypes of both alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors exist. In the periphery, alpha 1-receptors are located postsynaptically, mediating the excitatory effects of catecholamines at alpha-receptors. alpha 2-Adrenoceptors, on the other hand, are autoreceptors involved in the regulation of noradrenaline (norepinephrine) release. In the central nervous system, both alpha 1- and alpha 2-receptors exist on postsynaptic cells; there are also 2 principal subtypes of beta-adrenoceptors. beta 1-Receptors have a high affinity for both noradrenaline and adrenaline (epinephrine) and are found in the heart, brain, and adipose tissue. beta 2-Receptors have a low affinity for noradrenaline and are involved in mediation of relaxation of vascular and other smooth muscles and in many of the metabolic effects of catecholamines. A variety of effector systems have been implicated in the actions of catecholamines. Most, though not all, of the effects of catecholamines at beta-receptors are mediated through activation of adenyl cyclase and increases in cyclic AMP accumulation. The effects of catecholamines at alpha-receptors generally involve other second messenger systems. Thus, in at least some systems, stimulation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors mediates increases in phosphoinositide breakdown, while alpha 2-adrenoceptors appear to act through inhibition of adenyl cyclase activity. The pharmacological effects of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors were initially characterised by measuring responses observed in intact preparations. The advent of the use of radioligand binding techniques has allowed direct approaches to the characterisation of receptor properties. The use of radioligands makes it possible to determine the affinities of receptors for specific ligands, and it is possible to determine the density of receptors in a tissue. Finally, in vitro assays serve as a means through which receptors can be followed during solubilisation, isolation, and reconstitution. Several ligands are now available for the study of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors. In general, relatively selective radioligands are available for the study of alpha-receptors. Thus, 3H-WB 4101 and 3H-prazosin are selective ligands for alpha 1-receptors; the ligand 125I-IBE 2254 also shows high selectivity for alpha 1-receptors. 3H-Yohimbine and 3H-rauwolscine are selective antagonists for the labelling of alpha 2-receptors and 3H-clonidine is a selective agonist used for studying alpha 2-receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

cGMP stimulates active K+ uptake in rat submandibular slices

The 8-bromo derivative of cGMP was found to stimulate the ouabain-sensitive uptake of K+ and to reduce the net release of K+ induced by acetylcholine in rat submandibular gland slices incubated in vitro.

Effect of some calcium antagonists on muscarinic receptor-mediated cyclic GMP formation

Several calcium antagonists were screened for their effect on muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated cyclic GMP formation in murine neuroblastoma cells (clone N1E-115). Mn2+, Ni2+, and verapamil rapidly antagonized the response noncompetitively, with the following order of potency: verapamil greater than Mn2+ greater than Ni2+. The effects of Mn2+ and Ni2+, but not those of verapamil, were largely reversed by increasing extracellular calcium concentration. Additional effects of these agents included displacement of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding by verapamil and elevation of cyclic GMP levels by Mn2+ and Ni2+ in the absence of agonists. These results are in support of the hypothesis that receptor-mediated cyclic GMP formation by these cells is dependent upon entry of calcium into the cell and demonstrate the complexity of the effects of calcium antagonists.

Receptor-mediated increases in phosphatidylinositol turnover in neuron-like cell lines

Muscarinic receptors found in the N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cell line were tested for their ability to mediate stimulation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover. This study was facilitated by the development of a new solvent system (acetone:butanol:acetic acid:water, 3:5:1:1) for the rapid and consistent separation of PI by one-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. Cholinergic stimulation caused as much as a 680% increase in the incorporation of 32P into PI. Enhanced incorporation of 32P into PI could be measured as early as 4 min after stimulation began. By 20 min, the rate of incorporation by stimulated cells had decreased to that of unstimulated cells, indicating desensitization. The magnitude of the response was dependent on the extent of receptor occupancy, and the response elicited by a saturating dose of carbamylcholine was blocked completely by 10(-7) M atropine, a specific muscarinic antagonist. Chronic stimulation, known to cause a loss of receptor binding sites, led to a 90% decrease in the maximum response even after a 40-min withdrawal period. Replacement of Na+ ions in the medium with choline or K+ severely impaired the ability of the cells to incorporate added 32P into PI (90 and 50%, respectively). Removal of the putative second messenger Ca2+ for short periods of time by the addition of excess EGTA did not alter either basal or muscarinic-stimulated PI turnover.

Combination bronchodilator therapy

Bronchodilators may be classified into 3 groups: anticholinergics, beta-adrenoceptor agonists and methylxanthines. These drugs act through related biochemical pathways and there are theoretical reasons for expecting beneficial additive or synergistic interactions between them. While there is in vitro evidence of synergistic interactions producing bronchodilatation, in vivo studies indicate that the interactions are additive rather than synergistic but still of therapeutic value. There have been no clinical studies on methylxanthines combined with anticholinergic drugs, but there is an extensive and growing literature on the other combinations. The majority show clear evidence of an additive bronchodilator effect when anticholinergics are combined with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists, although atropine sulphate is less effective in this regard than atropine methylnitrate or ipratropium bromide. This type of combination has only been tested by inhalation and, because of the slower onset of action of the anticholinergic group, it is preferable that the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist be inhaled first. There is no evidence for an additive interaction of the side effects of these drugs. In general, bronchitics respond better than asthmatics to anticholinergic drugs. Studies on methylxanthines (usually theophylline) and adrenoceptor agonists may be divided into 2 groups: those using ephedrine and those using more selective beta-adrenoceptor agonists. Ephedrine is a relatively ineffective bronchodilator and often fails to add any useful bronchodilatation to theophylline. Also, there does seem to be a synergistic increase in side effects of the two drugs and this combination is therefore undesirable. Ephedrine has now been superseded by the more selective beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist drugs all of which, whether given orally, intravenously or by inhalation, appear to have an additive effect with the methylxanthines. It is often possible to achieve the same therapeutic effect with half doses of drugs from 2 different groups as with a full dose of 1 drug. This may sometimes, but not always, reduce side effects. There is evidence that giving 2 drugs by different routes is a useful therapeutic procedure; for example, the addition of an inhaled beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist may improve upon the maximal bronchodilatation achieved with intravenous theophylline. When theophylline is administered plasma levels of the drug should be monitored and it is possible that, when used in combination with a beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, a therapeutic range lower than that normally recommended may apply. There is no longer any place for fixed combination bronchodilators and, in spite of recent suggestions, there is no evidence that bronchodilator combinations are responsible for an increase in asthma mortality. Further studies to clarify some aspects of bronchodilator combinations are needed. The therapeutic use of various combinations is briefly discussed.