Activation of Na+/H+ exchange in cultured fibroblasts: synergism and antagonism between phorbol ester, Ca2+ ionophore, and growth factors

Critical role of protein kinase C alpha and calcium in growth factor induced activation of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE1

The ubiquitously expressed Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE1) plays an important role in the regulation of the intracellular pH. Induction of NHE activity by phorbol esters and inhibition of growth factor-mediated stimulation of the NHE by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors suggest an implication of PKCs in the regulation of the NHE. Expression of PKC isotype-specific dominant negative and constitutively active mutants or downregulation of PKC by isotype-specific antisense oligonucleotides revealed that stimulation by epidermal growth factor (EGF) or phorbol ester of the NHE in NIH3T3 cells is a PKC(alpha)-specific effect. Elevation of cytoplasmic calcium by a Ca(2+) ionophore or thapsigargin causes a growth factor-independent stimulation of the NHE predominantly mediated by calcium/calmodulin kinase II. It is concluded that in NIH3T3 cells overexpressing the EGF receptor (EGFR6 cells), EGF requires cPKC(alpha) for the activation of the NHE, while calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases are essential in thapsigargin induced stimulation of the NHE.

Low Ca(2+) pump activity in diabetic nephropathy

Elevated cell Na(+)-H(+) exchange (NHE) activity characterizes diabetic nephropathy (DN), but the mechanisms of this abnormality are unclear. Recent evidence suggests that NHE and the Ca(2+) pump share similar regulatory pathways, but whether abnormalities in Ca(2+) metabolism characterize DN is not known. We investigated Ca(2+) efflux rates, NHE activity, cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) concentrations, and intracellular pH (pH(i)) in human skin fibroblasts from 20 patients with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes and nephropathy; 20 patients with diabetes with normoalbuminuria matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes; and 10 individuals without diabetes. Ca(2+) pump-mediated Ca(2+) efflux was significantly lower in patients with nephropathy than in patients with normoalbuminuria and individuals without diabetes (0.074 +/- 0.01 versus 0.115 +/- 0.01 versus 0.131 +/- 0.02 nmol.mg(protein)(-1).min(-1); analysis of variance [ANOVA], P = 0.015). Elevated maximal velocity of the Na(+)-H(+) exchanger was confirmed in fibroblasts from patients with nephropathy (14.4 +/- 1.2 versus 7.1 +/- 0.7 versus 8.0 +/- 1.2 mmol H(+).l cell(-1).min(-1); ANOVA, P < 0.0001). A reverse correlation between Ca(2+) pump activity and NHE rates could be shown. Adjustment for glycated hemoglobin and plasma lipid levels did not affect these findings. Finally, [Ca(2+)](i) concentrations and pH(i) were normal in all patients. Low Ca(2+) pump activity is a concomitant event of elevated NHE rates in DN; the molecular dysfunction(s) underlying these abnormalities remains to be established.

Calcium-calmodulin modulation of the activity of Na+/H+ exchanger in human platelets

This study aimed at establishing the role of calmodulin in regulating pHi of human platelets under acid loads and in stimulated states. The response of human platelets to thrombin was an initial drop of pHi followed by a recovery with a significant increase above the pre-stimulation level in control experiments and a recovery to initial values in platelets maintained in the presence of 19 mmol/l TFP (trifluoperazine = 2 trifluoromethyl-10 [3'-(1 methyl-4-piperazinyl) propyl] phenothiazine). The change in pHi after 8 min was 0.130 +/- 0.030 in the control and 0.001 +/- 0.011 pH units in TFP (P < 0.05). The initial velocity of recovery from an acid load was reduced to 56.7 +/- 6% of the control (n = 6, P < 0.05) with 50 mumol/l W7 (N-(6 aminohexyl)-5-chloro-l-naphthalene sulphonamide), and to 29.7 +/- 4.3% of the control (n = 8, P < 0.05) with 19 mumol/l TFP. The initial velocity of recovery was significantly greater in recalcified platelets than in the preparations kept in the nominal absence of extracellular calcium (1.08 +/- 0.12 vs 0.66 +/- 0.12 pH units per min, P < 0.05). Lower concentration of TFP had an inhibitory effect only in the presence of calcium. The velocities of recovery reached similar values at higher TFP concentration. The significant interaction between Ca2+ and TFP concentrations indicates that the Ca-calmodulin complex, rather than an unspecified direct action of TFP, is responsible for the modulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger. These findings indicate that calcium-calmodulin participates in both the recovery of pH after an acid load and the increase of pHi in stimulated states of human platelets.

A proton-translocating H+-ATPase is involved in C6 glial pH regulation

Glial cells extrude acid equivalents to maintain pHi. Although four mechanisms have been described so far, pHi-control under physiological conditions is still not sufficiently explained. We therefore investigated whether a H+-translocating ATPase is involved in glial pHi homeostasis using an established glial cell line (C6 glioma). In the absence of bicarbonate, the inhibition of H+-ATPases by NEM led to a pHi decrease. The application of a more specific inhibitor (NBD-Cl) showed that the H+-ATPase involved is of the vacuolar type. Inhibition went along with delayed cell swelling. Together with the fact that glial acidification was far more pronounced in Na+-free media, this may serve as evidence for a secondary activation of Na+/H+-exchange once an activation setpoint is reached, which in turn causes secondary swelling from Na+-uptake. Stimulation of Na+/H+-exchange by PMA can increase the setpoint. pHi-recovery after an acid load was blocked by the inhibition of v-type H+-ATPase, if pHi did not reach 6.6 during the acid load. The inhibition of Na+/H+-exchange by amiloride inhibited recovery only if acidification was below the threshold. Finally, in bicarbonate-free media a v-type H+-ATPase contributes to pH-regulation in glial cells, especially during pH-homeostasis at physiological conditions, while Na+/H+-exchange gains significance during severe acid loads.

Modulation by pH0 and intracellular Ca2+ of Na(+)-H+ exchange in diabetic rat isolated ventricular myocytes

We have previously shown that diabetes is associated with a decrease in Na(+)-H+ exchange activity in rat cardiac papillary muscle. The present work has been carried out in order to elucidate the factors responsible for such an alteration. Thus, we have studied the effects of pH0 and intracellular Ca2+ on Na(+)-H+ exchange in ventricular myocytes isolated from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat hearts. pH1 was recorded using carboxy-seminaphthorhodafluor (SNARF-1). The NH4+ (10 mmol/L) prepulse method was used to induce an acid load in order to activate Na(+)-H+ exchange in HEPES-buffered Tyrode's solution. Whereas diabetes did not change intracellular buffering power, it significantly decreased acid efflux through Na(+)-H+ exchange (acid efflux, 4.32 +/- 0.4 [n = 32, normal cells] versus 2.5 +/- 0.2 [n = 43, diabetic cells] meq/L per minute at pHi 6.9; P < .02). Upon changes of pH0 (at a range of 8.0 to 6.8), acid efflux similarly varied in normal and diabetic cells, thus pointing to an unchanged pH0 sensitivity of Na(+)-H+ exchange. Buffering of intracellular Ca2+ by pretreatment of the cells with BAPTA-AM (25 mumol/L Ca2(+)-chelator) resulted in a decrease by approximately 58% of acid efflux in the diabetic group. This decrease was even more marked in normal cells (by approximately 74%). Interestingly, the pH1 dependence of the acid efflux carried by Na(+)-H+ exchange then became identical in both groups of cells, thus pointing to a role for intracellular Ca2+ in the diabetes-related alterations of the exchange. Inhibition of calmodulin (by 1.5 mumol/L calmidazolium) and of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (by 2 mumol/L 1-[N,O-bis(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpiperazin e [KN-62]) significantly slowed down pH1 recovery in both normal and diabetic cells. However, the effect of KN-62 was significantly lower in diabetic cells (efflux decreased by approximately 17%) compared with normal cells (decrease by 45%). In conclusion, these data, in light of recent observations showing a decreased [Ca2+]i associated with diabetes in isolated ventricular myocytes, suggest that changes in intracellular Ca2+ may play an important role in altering Na(+)-H+ exchange activity in diabetic ventricular myocytes. They also point to diabetes-related alterations in the Ca2+/calmodulin protein kinase II-dependent phosphorylation of Na(+)-H+ exchange.

Cytoplasmic domain of the ubiquitous Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1 can confer Ca2+ responsiveness to the apical isoform NHE3

The Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms NHE1 and NHE3 are regulated differently by various stimuli. Calcium has been recognized as one of the major second messengers in such exchanger regulation. We previously proposed that Ca(2+)-induced activation of NHE1 occurs via displacement of its autoinhibitory domain from the H+ modifier site due to direct binding of Ca2+/calmodulin. To further validate this hypothesis, the functional role of the cytoplasmic domain was studied in both wild-type and chimeric exchangers, i.e. NHE1, NHE3, NHE1 with the cytoplasmic domain of NHE3 (N1N3), and NHE3 with the cytoplasmic domain of NHE1 (N3N1). After expression in exchanger-deficient fibroblasts (PS120), early response (< 80 s) to external stimuli was assessed as 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ uptake. Among stimuli tested (ionomycin, alpha-thrombin, phorbol ester, hyperosmotic stress, and platelet-derived growth factor) that are all known to activate NHE1, only ionomycin and thrombin induced a significant intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and early activation of 22Na+ uptake, implying that Ca2+ is a main regulator of NHE1 in the early phase of the agonist response. However, all the stimuli did not activate NHE3 or N1N3. In contrast, a significant stimulation of 22Na+ uptake in response to ionomycin and thrombin was observed in N3N1, accompanied by an alkaline shift of pHi sensitivity (approximately 0.2 pH units). Deletion of the cytoplasmic calmodulin-binding domain within N3N1 resulted in a constitutive alkaline shift of pHi sensitivity and abolished the activation by ionomycin and thrombin. Together, these data reinforce our concept of Ca(2+)-induced activation of NHE1. Furthermore, they provide evidence for a functional interaction of the autoinhibitory domain of NHE1 with the H(+)-modifier site of a different isoform, NHE3.

Cross-talk of parathyroid hormone-responsive dual signal transduction systems in osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells: its role in PTH-induced homologous desensitization of intracellular calcium response

The present study was designed to characterize the cross-talk of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-responsive dual signal transduction systems (cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and calcium/protein kinase C [PKC]) and its participation in PTH-induced homologous desensitization of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in osteoblastic UMR-106 cells. Although our recent study revealed that prolonged (more than 2 h) pretreatment with PKC-activating phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) significantly decreased the PTH-stimulated cAMP production, pretreatment with PMA (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) but not 10(-6) M 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (PDD), incapable of activating PKC for 30 min significantly augmented 10(-7) M hPTH-(1-34)-stimulated cAMP production. H-7 (50 microM), a PKC inhibitor, significantly antagonized this PMA-induced effect. Pretreatment with 10(-6) M PMA for 30 min did not affect PTH receptor binding but significantly augmented a cAMP responsiveness to 10(-5) M forskolin and 1 microgram/ml cholera toxin. Pertussis toxin (0.5 microgram/ml) did not affect the PMA-induced augmentation of the PTH-stimulated cAMP production. PTH caused a complete homologous desensitization of [Ca2+]i response within 30 min. Pretreatment with 10(-4) M dibutyryl cAMP for 30 min and 6 h significantly reduced and completely blocked the PTH-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, respectively. Pretreatment with 10(-4) M Sp-cAMPs, a direct PKA activator, for 30 min completely blocked the PTH-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. Rp-cAMPS (10(-4) M), an antagonist of PKA, slightly but significantly antagonized the PTH-induced homologous desensitization of [Ca2+]i response. The present study indicates that the time of exposure to PKC activation is a critical determinant in modulating the cAMP system, while PKA activation counterregulatorily acts on the [Ca2+]i system, and that PKA activation is linked to the PTH-induced homologous desensitization of [Ca2+]i response.

T-cell activation influences initial DNA synthesis of simian immunodeficiency virus in resting T lymphocytes from macaques

The relationship between T-cell activation and early events in the replication cycle of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) was analyzed in resting T lymphocytes from macaques. We used the polymerase chain reaction to detect an early product of reverse transcription (R/U5) and almost complete viral DNA (long terminal repeat/gag). We found that SIV can enter resting T lymphocytes and initiate replication but that the reverse transcription process is not efficient and proceeds slowly in resting cells. Cross-linking the CD3/T-cell receptor complex with monoclonal antibodies, unlike cross-linking either the CD28 or CD2 accessory receptor and like phorbol myristate acetate, induced a rapid increase in viral R/U5 DNA detected within 3 to 6 h postinfection. Anti-CD3 or phorbol myristate acetate induced replication of full-length viral DNA within 6 to 9 h postinfection, but full-length SIV DNA was not detectable at earlier time points. We then compared various inhibitors of T-cell activation for their effects on viral initiation and complete replication. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of a distal step in T-cell activation, blocked anti-CD3-induced T-cell proliferation and completion of SIV DNA replication but had no effect on induced increases in SIV R/U5 DNA. By contrast, initial SIV DNA synthesis was partially blocked by inhibitors of very early steps in T-cell activation, including herbimycin A, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases, and by two different inhibitors of protein kinase C, H7 and staurosporine. Since resting T cells do not efficiently complete SIV DNA synthesis and cyclosporin A can block the formation of complete viral DNA induced in activated T cells, a cellular factor(s) present in activated T cells appears to be required for the formation of full-length SIV DNA.

Interaction of parathyroid hormone-related peptide-responsive dual signal transduction systems in osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells: role in PTHrP-induced homologous desensitization

In osteoblastic UMR-106 cells, 10(-7) M human (h) PTH-related peptide (PTHrP)-(1-34) significantly induced the formation of total inositol phosphates to the same degree as 10(-7) M hPTH-(1-34), confirming that in addition to cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), PTHrP possesses another signal transduction system, calcium/protein kinase C (Ca/PKC). Experiments were therefore performed to characterize the cross talk of these dual-signal transduction systems and its participation in the PTHrP-induced homologous desensitization of cAMP and cytosolic calcium (Cai) response in osteoblasts. Preincubation with 10(-7) M hPTHrP-(1-34) caused homologous desensitization, resulting in a remarkable decrease in cAMP accumulation in response to further exposure to PTHrP. This effect was significant after 2 h pretreament and reached a maximum at 6 h. Pretreatment with the PKC-activating phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA, 10(-6) M) for 30 minutes and 6 h caused a significant increase and decrease in cAMP responsiveness to PTHrP, respectively. Pretreatment with calcium ionophores (A23187 or ionomycin, 10(-6) M), not for 30 minutes but for 6 h, caused a significant decrease in cAMP responsiveness to PTHrP. H-7 (an inhibitor of PKC, 50 microM) significantly blocked not only PMA- but also PTHrP-induced desensitization of the cAMP response. PTHrP caused the complete homologous desensitization of an increase in Cai within 30 minutes. Pretreatment with dibutyryl-cAMP (10(-4) M) for 30 minutes caused significant inhibition of the PTHrP-induced increase in Cai, and pretreatment with Sp-cAMPS (10(-4) M), a direct activator of PKA, for 30 minutes completely blocked the PTHrP-induced increase in Cai.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytosolic pH sensitivity of an expressed human NHE-1 Na(+)-H+ exchanger

These studies examined the effects of protein kinase C activation and calmodulin inhibition on the amiloride-sensitive NHE-1 isoform of the Na(+)-H+ exchanger in defined host cells. Our objective was to define differences in the cellular regulatory responses using a specified isoform of the Na(+)-H+ exchanger. Suspended cells were loaded with 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and preacidified to a cytosolic pH of 6.2. Wild-type mouse Ltk- cells, human A-431 cells, and mutant mouse fibroblasts stably transfected with the human NHE-1 isoform (LAP+ cells) were examined to define the maximal rate of transport (Vmax) in response to 140 mM external Na+, the Hill stoichiometric coefficient, and the cytosolic pH at which the NHE-1 isoform was half-maximally stimulated (pH50). The mouse NHE-1 isoform had a greater affinity for cytosolic H+ than the human NHE-1 isoforms. Calmodulin antagonism with N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide reduced the Vmax and shifted the pH50 in the acidic direction, especially in the A-431 cells. Protein kinase C stimulation had a similar effect in A-431 cells and little effect in the wild-type (Ltk-) and transfected (LAP+) mouse cells. While the NHE-1 isoform contains several potential phosphorylation sites, the cellular milieu in which the isoform is expressed has an important effect on the modulation of NHE-1 activity.

Cross talk of dual-signal transduction systems in the regulation of DNA synthesis by parathyroid hormone in osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells

There has been recent evidence that calcium/protein kinase C (Ca/PKC) messenger system as well as adenylate cyclase are involved in the signal transduction stimulated by PTH. We therefore examined the role of these dual-signal transduction systems and the interaction of these systems in the regulation of DNA synthesis by PTH in the osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells, UMR-106. As recently reported, 10(-4) M Sp-cAMPS, a direct activator of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), and 10(-4) M dibutyryl-cAMP, as well as hPTH-(1-34), caused the significant inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation (TdR). Both A23187 and ionomycin (10(-8)-10(-6) M) inhibited TdR in a dose-dependent manner, with a minimal effective dose at 10(-7) M. Although 10(-6) M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) caused slight but significant stimulation of TdR by itself, it augmented not only dibutyryl-cAMP- but also Sp-cAMPS-induced inhibition of TdR. On the other hand, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, incapable of activating PKC, failed to augment these cAMP analogs-induced effects. Pretreatment with 50 microM H-7, an inhibitor of PKC, not only abolished the PMA-induced augmentation of effect by cAMP analogs but also significantly blocked the PTH-induced inhibitory effect on TdR. Pretreatment with 10(-6) M PMA, which downregulates PKC, significantly inhibited the PTH-induced suppression of TdR. Combined treatment with cAMP analog (dibutyryl-cAMP or Sp-cAMPS) and calcium ionophore (A23187 or ionomycin) caused additive effects on TdR, and PMA used in combination with both cAMP analog and calcium ionophore induced the further inhibition of TdR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Second messenger signaling in the regulation of cytosolic pH and DNA synthesis by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide in osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells: role of Na+/H+ exchange

The present study was performed to investigate the regulation of cytosolic pH (pHi) and DNA synthesis by parathyroid hormone(PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) in osteoblasts, using osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells, UMR-106 which possessed PTH-responsive dual signal transduction systems (cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and calcium/protein kinase C [Ca/PKC]) and amiloride-inhibitable Na+/H+ exchange system. Both human (h)PTH-(1-34) and hPTHrP-(1-34) caused a progressive decrease in pHi and the inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation (TdR) to the same degree in a dose-dependent manner with a minimal effective dose of 10(-10) M. Dibutyryl cAMP (10(-4) M and Sp-cAMPS (10(-4) M), a direct stimulator of PKA also caused a progressive decrease in pHi, and calcium ionophores (A23187 and ionomycin, 10(-6) M) caused a transient decrease in pHi. Pretreatment with amiloride (0.3 mM) mostly blocked dbcAMP- and Sp-cAMPS-induced decrease in pHi but did not affect calcium ionophore-induced decrease in pHi. In the presence of amiloride, PTH and PTHrP caused a transient decrease in pHi, which was similar to the pattern of calcium ionophore-induced change in pHi. Amiloride did not affect the inhibition of TdR by PTH or PTHrP as well as that by cAMP analogues or calcium ionophores. The present study indicated that PTH and PTHrP caused cytosolic acidification through PKA-inhibited Na+/H+ exchange and increased cytosolic calcium-induced pathway and that the regulation of DNA synthesis by PTH and PTHrP was not via Na+/H+ exchange system.

Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport is stimulated by a Ca(++)-calmodulin-mediated pathway in BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts

In the present study, we investigated the role of intracellular Ca++ in the stimulation of the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport in synchronized BALB/c 3T3 cells. The Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport was stimulated by the growth factors EGF, TGF-alpha, IGF-1, and IGF-2, which do not activate protein kinase C, but do induce a transient increase in free cytoplasmic Ca++. In addition, direct activation of protein kinase C by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) did not affect the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport activity of quiescent cells. The Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport was also stimulated by the above mitogens in cells pretreated with the phorbol ester TPA. This treatment led to a progressive decline in the activity of cellular protein kinase C. This result implies that cells deficient in protein kinase C may still support stimulation of the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport. Taken as a whole, these findings suggest that the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport is stimulated predominantly by a protein kinase C-independent mechanism in BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts. Both the intracellular Ca++ antagonist 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8) and two potent calmodulin antagonists, trifluoperazine (TFP) and chloropromazine (CP), blocked serum- and mitogen-stimulated Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport. These results suggest that the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport is stimulated by an increase of intracellular Ca++ and subsequently by a Ca(++)-calmodulin-mediated pathway in the synchronized BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts.

Phorbol ester inhibition of chicken intestinal brush-border sodium-proton exchange

Phorbol esters, specific activators of protein kinase C, inhibit amiloride-sensitive Na uptake from the mucosal medium in intact intestinal mucosa as well as in isolated chicken villus enterocytes. In isolated cells, maximal inhibition is observed at 60 s, and influx returns to control values within 15 min. This effect can be measured either as initial 22Na influx rates or by following changes in intracellular pH using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye 5,6-carboxyfluorescein. The effects of amiloride and phorbol esters were not additive, suggesting inhibition of a common transport system, i.e., Na-H exchange. In brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) made from villus enterocytes, amiloride-sensitive Na-H exchange activity was significantly inhibited in phorbol ester-treated cells. The degree of inhibition of 22Na uptake by BBMV had the same time course and dose-effect relationship as phorbol ester-inhibited cellular Na uptake. Similarly, the time course of protein kinase C translocation from cytosol to particulate or brush-border membrane fractions correlated with Na uptake measurements made in whole cells and BBMV. These results suggest that protein kinase C activation in chicken villus enterocytes inhibits brush-border membrane Na-H exchange activity.

Iteration of hybridoma growth and productivity in hollow fiber bioreactors using 31P NMR

Applications of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to isolated or cultured mammalian cells have been limited because of technical difficulties in maintaining cultures at the extremely high densities required by NMR. Among the well-engineered systems available for such analyses, hollow fiber bioreactors (HFBRs) can maintain the greatest cell density. This attribute of HFBRs makes them ideal for application to NMR-based studies. These systems are currently being applied in biotechnology, where they are used for the production of mammalian cell-derived products, such as monoclonal antibodies. In this paper, the application of a HFBR system designed especially for NMR-based investigations is described. Performance of this system is monitored by NMR and the resulting stability and density of hybridoma cultures are reported. The resulting signal-to-noise per unit time is the highest seen to date for a mammalian cell system.

Phorbol ester TPA inhibits the stimulation of bumetanide-sensitive Na+/K+/Cl- transporter by different mitogens in quiescent BALB/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts

In this study we examined the effect of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on the bumetanide-sensitive Na+/K+/Cl- transporter in quiescent BALB/c 3T3 cells. We have shown that exposure of quiescent BALB/c 3T3 cultures to phorbol ester did not inhibit the basal bumetanide-sensitive Rb+ influx or efflux. In fact, at high concentration (100 ng/ml), TPA slightly stimulated the bumetanide-sensitive Rb+ influx and efflux. However, when the quiescent cultures were stimulated by serum or by defined growth factors, the stimulated fraction of the bumetanide-sensitive Rb+ influx was drastically inhibited by exposure of the cells to the phorbol ester TPA. Based on the above findings, we propose that activation of protein kinase C by the phorbol ester TPA does not inhibit the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport activity; however it does suppress only the growth-factors-stimulated fraction of the cotransport in quiescent BALB/c 3T3 cells. These data propose that activation of kinase C has a regulatory feedback effect on the stimulation of the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport activity by growth factors.

WS-1 human fibroblasts contain distinct calcium and protein kinase C-mediated pathways for activation of Na+/H+ exchange: contrasting effects of thrombin and PMA

PMA and thrombin were examined for their ability to activate Na+/H+ exchange in growth-arrested WS-1 human fibroblasts. PMA or thrombin caused a cytoplasmic alkalinization that required extracellular sodium and was sensitive to 1 mM amiloride, suggesting that the rise in pH was mediated by the Na+/H+ exchanger. However, PMA and thrombin activated Na+/H+ exchange by distinctly different mechanisms. The rate of cytoplasmic alkalinization caused by 30 nM PMA was slower than 10 nM thrombin. The PMA-induced pH change was sensitive to the protein kinase inhibitors staurosporine (50 nM) and H-7 (100 microM). No increase in intracellular calcium was observed after PMA treatment and the cytoplasmic alkalinization caused by PMA was not sensitive to the drug TMB8 (200 microM) or the intracellular calcium-chelator BAPTA. In contrast, the thrombin-induced rise in cytoplasmic pH was insensitive to 50 nM staurosporine and only partially reduced with 100 microM H-7. The thrombin-induced activation of Na+/H+ exchange was inhibited by 200 microM TMB8 or pretreatment with BAPTA. PMA caused translocation of PKC activity from a cytoplasmic to membrane fraction whereas thrombin did not. Pretreatment with 50 nM staurosporine significantly reduced measurable PKC activity with or without PMA treatment. PMA and thrombin were also examined for their ability to induce DNA synthesis in growth-arrested WS-1 human fibroblasts. Unlike thrombin, PMA did not stimulate [3H]-thymidine incorporation in cells serum-deprived for 48 hours. In addition, PMA inhibited thrombin-induced DNA synthesis when added at the same time or as late as 10 hours after thrombin addition. Therefore, thrombin and PMA activate Na+/H+ exchange by distinct pathways, but only the thrombin-induced pathway correlates with a mitogenic response.

Loss of bradykinin receptors and TPA-stimulated Na+ influx in SV40-transformed WI-38 cells

Mitogenic stimulation of Na(+)-H+ exchange activity, as defined by the level of 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA)-sensitive Na+ influx, was compared in WI-38 and SV40 virus-transformed WI-38 fibroblasts. Serum or bradykinin dramatically stimulated HMA-sensitive Na+ influx in WI-38 cells, whereas in SV40-transformed WI-38 cells, serum, but not bradykinin, produced a large increase in HMA-sensitive Na+ influx. This lack of a bradykinin response was traced to a dramatic reduction in the number of bradykinin receptors, from 470 fmol/mg protein in WI-38 cells to 29 fmol/mg protein in the SV40-transformed WI-38 cells. Transformation of WI-38 cells with SV40 virus also altered the mechanism by which HMA-sensitive Na+ influx is stimulated. In WI-38 cells, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) dramatically stimulated HMA-sensitive Na+ influx. In SV40-transformed WI-38 cells, TPA alone had no effect on HMA-sensitive influx and inhibited serum-stimulated HMA-sensitive Na+ influx. Down-regulation of protein kinase C activity decreased serum- and TPA-stimulated HMA-sensitive Na+ influx in the WI-38 cells and relieved the TPA inhibition of serum-stimulated HMA-sensitive Na+ influx in the SV40-transformed WI-38 cells.

Bumetanide-sensitive Na+/K+/Cl- transporter is stimulated by phorbol ester and different mitogens in quiescent human skin fibroblasts

In this study we investigated the correlation between the mitogenic effect and stimulation of Rb+ (K+) fluxes in human skin fibroblasts treated by purified growth factors. Both K+ transporters, bumetanide-sensitive and ouabain-sensitive, are stimulated 2-3-fold after addition of either fetal calf serum or purified recombinant growth factors to quiescent G0/G1 human skin fibroblasts. Three groups of mitogens were compared: i) the phorbol ester 2-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA); ii) growth factors that stimulate inositol phosphate hydrolysis and subsequently activate protein kinase C--fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), and alpha-thrombin; and iii) growth factors that do not activate kinase C--insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and transforming like growth-factor-alpha (TGF-alpha). The three groups of mitogens stimulated human skin fibroblasts proliferation and Rb+ influxes in a similar dose-dependent fashion. The results indicate that both the bumetanide-sensitive and the ouabain-sensitive Rb+ fluxes are stimulated by protein kinase C-dependent and by the protein kinase C-independent pathways of the mitogenic signal.

sn-1,2-diacylglycerol levels increase in progesterone-stimulated Xenopus laevis oocytes

Full-grown Xenopus laevis oocytes resume meiosis from prophase arrest in response to progesterone stimulation. Recent studies have shown that the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a very potent activator of protein kinase C, can also induce the resumption of meiosis in amphibian oocytes. We have investigated the possibility that sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG), the intracellular activator of protein kinase C, may be involved in the pathway normally used by progesterone. We have found that full-grown oocytes arrested in meiotic prophase contain 48 +/- 5 pmoles DAG/oocyte. This level increases within the first 5 minutes following the addition of progesterone and reaches a maximum of 75 +/- 10 pmoles following 60 minutes of steroid stimulation. Progesterone induces the up-regulation of a Na+/H+ antiport in the plasma membrane of the oocyte causing an increase in pHi following 60 minutes of steroid stimulation. We have found that the addition of 200 microM DAG (1,2-dioctanoylglycerol, diC8) to the culture medium can cause a partial up-regulation of this Na+/H+ pump in the absence of hormonal stimulation. These results suggest that DAG and protein kinase C may be involved in regulating certain aspects of meiotic maturation in progesterone-stimulated Xenopus oocytes.

Epidemiologic and toxicologic evidence for chronic health effects and the underlying biologic mechanisms involved in sub-lethal exposures to acidic pollutants

Since the 1880s, a disparate and extensive literature has evolved examining the biologic effects of acidification on cells. More recently, effects on the health of human and other species of acidic agents contained, for example, in pollutants have been suggested, particularly relating to long-term exposures. This paper provides a review of the epidemiologic and toxicologic evidence concerning health effects--particularly carcinogenicity--attributable to sub-lethal acid exposure. Underlying biologic mechanisms that explain adverse health outcomes include pH modulation of toxicity for a number of xenobiotics (including carcinogens, genotoxins, and teratogens), and low-pH-induced changes of cells involving, for example, alterations in mitotic and enzyme regulation. More focused research is recommended to test the relationship between long-term exposures to acidic agents (with a consequent lowered cellular pH) and various health effects.

Multiple intracellular pathways induce expression of a zinc-finger encoding gene (EGR1): relationship to activation of the Na/H exchanger

Intracellular pathways that rapidly stimulate the expression of a mitogen-inducible, zinc-finger encoding gene, EGR1 (Sukhatme et al., Cell 53:37-43), have been characterized in two human fibroblasts strains (WI-38 and HSWP). Serum and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were each found to strongly stimulate EGR1 expression in both cell types. Comparably high levels of expression could also be induced by treatment with the phorbol ester TPA. In cells rendered deficient in PK-C, serum and EGF were each still capable of inducing high levels of EGR1 mRNA, demonstrating that additional non-protein kinase C pathways are capable of stimulating EGR1 expression. In both fibroblasts strains, stimulation of EGR1 expression by all these agents exhibited rapid, transient kinetics and could be superinduced if protein synthesis was inhibited through the addition of cycloheximide. Finally, various agents, known to stimulate/inhibit the activation of another early mitogenic response, the activation of Na/H exchange, were analyzed for their effect on EGR1 expression. Interestingly bradykinin, vasopressin, and Ca ionophores, which dramatically stimulate Na/H exchange, were only weak stimulants of EGR1 expression. Conversely, EGF, which stimulates Na/H exchange poorly, strongly activated EGR1 expression. Hence while EGR1 expression could be triggered by multiple intracellular pathways, its expression does not appear to require the prior activation of Na/H exchange.

Regulation of intracellular calcium by cell pH in vascular smooth muscle cells

Intracellular calcium (Cai2+) and intracellular pH (pHi) are important regulators of a variety of intracellular processes. Cai2+ is a regulator of muscle contraction, but the role of pHi is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of alterations of pHi on Cai2+. A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were grown to confluence on glass cover slips. Cai2+ was determined with the fluorescent probe fura-2 and pHi with 2,7-bis-carboxyethyl-5(6)-carboxy-fluorescein (BCECF). Alkalinization of the VSMC by exposure to 20 mM NH4Cl (delta pHi 0.41 +/- 0.07) resulted in a rise in Cai2+ from 99 +/- 8 to 146 +/- 13 nM (n = 5) in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ (Cao2+). In the absence of Cao2+, NH4Cl-induced alkalinization also resulted in a Cai2+ rise (delta Cai2+ = 26 +/- 4 nM, n = 5). Similar changes in Cai2+ were observed when cells were alkalinized by exposure to nigericin in a KCl buffer (pH 7.7). Neither 100 microM verapamil or 100 microM 8,8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate HCl (TMB-8) altered the alkaline-induced changes. After cellular Ca2+ stores were partially depleted by exposure to AVP in a Ca2+-free solution, subsequent cell alkalinization induced no changes in Cai2+. These results demonstrate that alkalinization of VSMCs leads to a rise in cytosolic Ca2+ via release of intracellular Ca2+ stores. The intracellular Ca2+ storage sites appear to be the same as those sites sensitive to AVP. Thus pHi may regulate Cai2+ and thereby play a role in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone.

Phosphate transport across the basolateral membrane of chick kidney proximal tubule cells

Characterization of the phosphate transport system across the basolateral membrane of renal proximal tubule has been attempted using isolated proximal tubule cells prepared from chicks. The Pi efflux system is independent of Na+ ions and is not influenced by the nature of the chief anion present in the bathing medium. Pi efflux is not sensitive to DIDS and it is concluded that a generalized anion transporter of band III type is not the chief agent for facilitating Pi exit from the cell across the basolateral membrane. Inhibition of efflux by vanadate is evidence for a specific carrier protein in the membrane. The carrier probably possesses thiol group(s) that are essential for activity. The carrier may effect electroneutral transport of Pi possibly in exchange for OH- ions. The activity of the transport process is not stimulated by depleting the cells of phosphate or inhibited by rearing the chicks on a vitamin D-deficient diet. The system is unlikely to be of great importance for the expression of various regulatory mechanisms that act on the kidney to control the excretion of Pi. The activity declines as the chicks mature however.

Excess K+ and phorbol ester activate protein kinase C and support the survival of chick sympathetic neurons in culture

The effects of phorbol esters were investigated on the survival of chick sympathetic neurons in a serum-free culture medium. The protein kinase C activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) supported about 40% of the plated sympathetic neurons. This number was comparable to that supported by nerve growth factor (NGF). A combination of phorbol ester and NGF did not significantly increase the number of surviving neurons. Phorbol ester-supported sympathetic neurons possessed desipramine-sensitive [3H]-norepinephrine uptake mechanism, and therefore were noradrenegic in character. Two days after the start of cultures, if NGF was replaced by phorbol ester, or phorbol ester was replaced by NGF, the number of surviving sympathetic neurons was essentially the same in both groups, and the uptake of [3H]norepinephrine was also comparable when examined 2 days after the switchover. Interchangeability between phorbol ester and NGF in the survival of sympathetic neurons suggests that both agents act on the same subpopulation of neurons of the chick sympathetic ganglia. The protein kinase C activity of cytosol and particulate fractions of NGF-supported neurons was 0.14 and 0.09 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. In phorbol ester-supported neurons the activity in the particulate fraction increased by about fivefold. Removal of the phorbol ester after 2 days resulted in restoration of the enzyme activity in less than 1 h, and readdition of the phorbol ester again increased the activity by fivefold. When NGF was added to these neurons (1 microgram for 15 min), there was no change in the enzyme activity. Phorbol 13-acetate was ineffective in supporting sympathetic neurons in culture, as well as in enhancing protein kinase C activity. We also compared the protein kinase C activity of sympathetic neurons supported in culture by NGF and excess potassium (35 mM K+) Neurons supported in culture by 35 mM K+ for 2 days had almost eightfold more protein kinase C activity in their particulate fraction than in cytosol fraction. In NGF-supported neurons were acutely treated with excess K+, the protein kinase C activity was increased in the particulate fraction by about sevenfold in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Excess K+ plus phorbol ester did not produce an additive effect on protein kinase C activity. PDB and excess K+ had no effect on cyclic AMP content of sympathetic neurons. In summary, the present data suggest that the neurotrophic action of PDB and excess K+ is probably mediated through protein kinase C.

Effect of hormones on growth and function of cultured canine tracheal epithelial cells

Insulin (INS), endothelial cell growth supplement (ECGS), transferrin (TF), cholera toxin (CT), hydrocortisone (HC), triiodothyronine (T3), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were systematically examined for their effects on proliferation, ion transport activity, and morphological differentiation of canine tracheal epithelial (CTE) cells in culture. INS, ECGS, TF, and CT increase proliferation of CTE cells cultured on plastic Petri dishes but exhibit no acute effect on the bioelectric activity of freshly excised CTE. CT increases amiloride-insensitive transepithelial ion transport across both freshly excised canine trachea and CTE cultures. EGF has no effect on proliferation of CTE cells on plastic but induces hyperplasia of CTE cells on collagen matrices. EGF does not alter basal transepithelial ion transport across cultures but increases cellular responsiveness to beta-adrenergic stimulation. HC and T3 have no effect on proliferation or transepithelial bioelectric properties of CTE cells but improve morphological differentiation yielding cultures of complex epithelia containing cuboidal ciliated and nonciliated cells. These results demonstrate that growth and function of cultured CTE cells are affected by specific growth factors.

The regulation of the intracellular pH in cells from vertebrates

Eukaryotic cells control their intracellular pH using ion-transporting systems that are situated in the plasma membrane. This paper describes the different mechanisms that are involved and how their activity is regulated.

Enhancement of fetal rat limb bone resorption by phorbol ester (PMA) and ionophore A-23187

The present investigation was undertaken to determine if an interaction affecting 45Ca release from prelabeled fetal rat long bones could be elicited by the Ca2+ ionophore, A-23187, and the phorbol ester, 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Treatment with either A-23187 at a concentration of 0.3 microM or PMA at concentrations of 10(-6) M, 10(-7) M, and 10(-8) M produced significant 45Ca mobilization. When A-23187 and PMA were combined, enhanced 45Ca release was observed on days 1 and 2 of culture. The stimulation of calcium mobilization noted on day 1 occurred when neither ionophore nor 10(-6) M PMA treatments alone produced significant 45Ca release. On day 2, cumulative 45Ca release elicited by the combination of A-23187 plus 10(-6) M PMA was slightly more than additive (15.9% for combination treatment vs. 13.7% for the sum of the individual treatments). Moreover, when A-23187 was combined with 10(-7) M PMA on day 2, an enhancement of 45Ca release was observed which was clearly more than additive (14.5% for combination treatment vs. 8.8% for the individual treatments), suggesting the possibility of a synergistic interaction between the two agents. These results were in marked contrast to those obtained with the inactive phorbol ester analog, phorbol 13-monoacetate. No stimulation of 45Ca release was observed with 10(-6) M and 10(-7) M phorbol 13-monoacetate alone nor was enhanced 45Ca release noted when the analog was combined with 0.3 microM A-23187.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Epidermal growth factor-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Modulation by protein kinase C

A short-term treatment with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) was found to inhibit totally the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in A431 cells, whereas long-term pretreatment with PDBu, which is known to down regulate protein kinase C, induced a greater accumulation of the EGF-triggered inositol phosphate accumulation, particularly of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. The increased Ins(1,4,5)P3/Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 formation in the PDBu long-term pretreated cells was coincident with the increased Ca2+ influx stimulated by EGF in the same cells. Since long-term pretreatment with PDBu was found to enhance the EGF signals, an explanation for the synergism between EGF and phorbol esters in the induction of DNA synthesis is provided.

Effects of phorbol ester on mitogen and orthovanadate stimulated responses of cultured human fibroblasts

Mitogenic stimulation of quiescent human fibroblasts (HSWP) with serum or a mixture of growth factors (consisting of vasopressin, bradykinin, EGF, and insulin) stimulates the release of inositol phosphates, mobilization of intracellular Ca, activation of Na/H exchange and subsequent incorporation of [3H]-thymidine. We have determined previously that pretreatment with the tumor-promoting phorbol ester 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) inhibits mitogen-stimulated Na influx in HSWP cells. We report herein that TPA pretreatment also substantially inhibits the mitogen-stimulated release of inositol phosphates in HSWP cells. Half maximal inhibition of mitogen-stimulated inositol phosphate release occurs at 1-2 nM TPA. Treatment of cells with TPA alone has no effect on inositol phosphate release. The effect of TPA pretreatment on inositol phosphate release induced by individual growth factors has also been determined. Orthovanadate, reported by Cassel et al. (1984) to increase Na/H exchange in A431 cells, has been demonstrated to stimulate both Na influx and inositol phosphate release in HSWP cells. TPA pretreatment also inhibits both orthovanadate-stimulated inositol phosphate release and Na influx. In addition, orthovanadate was determined to increase intracellular Ca activity by mobilizing intracellular calcium stores, as determined with the fluorescent intracellular calcium probe fura-2. TPA pretreatment blocks orthovanadate stimulated mobilization of intracellular Ca stores. It appears clear that in HSWP cells pretreatment of cells with phorbol ester is capable of artificially desensitizing the early cellular responses to mitogenic stimuli (growth factors, orthovanadate) by blocking the signal transduction mechanism involved at a point prior to the release of inositol phosphates. We hypothesize that in HSWP cells the normal desensitization of both inositol phosphate release and Na/H exchange is mediated via activation of protein kinase C subsequent to the stimulus-mediated activation of phospholipase C and release of protein kinase C activator diacylglycerol. However it is interesting to note that TPA-mediated inhibition of these early responses in HSWP cells does not inhibit their ability to be stimulated to incorporate [3H]-thymidine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Prostaglandin release but not superoxide production by rat Kupffer cells stimulated in vitro depends on Na+/H+ exchange

The release of the prostaglandins E2 and D2, induced by zymosan and phorbol ester in cultured rat Kupffer cells, was found to depend on the extracellular concentration of Na+. Eicosanoid formation following the administration of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 or of arachidonic acid, however, did not require the presence of sodium ions in the medium. A half-maximal rate of prostaglandin release by zymosan-treated Kupffer cells was obtained between 4 mM and 5 mM Na+; and a Na+ concentration of greater than or equal to 30 mM was required to maximally stimulate prostaglandin E2 and D2 formation in the cultured liver macrophages. In contrast, the superoxide production following the administration of zymosan or of phorbol ester was quite independent of extracellular Na+. The zymosan and phorbol-ester-stimulated release of prostaglandins E2 and D2 was inhibited by amiloride. Artificial intracellular alkalization enhanced the prostanoid production of unstimulated and of zymosan-stimulated cells whereas artificial intracellular acidification inhibited the zymosan-elicited prostaglandin synthesis. In contrast, the superoxide formation was independent of the pH changes. The data presented here suggest that the prostaglandin production elicited by zymosan or phorbol ester in cultured rat Kupffer cells requires an activated Na+/H+ exchange.

Mitogen stimulation of Na+-H+ exchange: differential involvement of protein kinase C

The mitogen-induced activation of Na+-H+ exchange was investigated in two cultured human fibroblast strains (HSWP and WI-38 cells) that, based on previous studies, differed in their response to the tumor-promoting phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) (L. M. Vincentini and M. L. Villereal, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82: 8053-8056, 1985). The role of protein kinase C in the activation of Na+-H+ exchange was investigated by comparing the effects of TPA on Na+ influx, in vitro phosphorylation, and in vivo phosphorylation in both cell types. Although both cell types have significant quantities of protein kinase C activity that can be activated by TPA in intact cells, the addition of TPA to intact cells stimulates Na+ influx in WI-38 cells but not in HSWP cells, indicating that in HSWP cells the stimulation of protein kinase C is not sufficient to activate the Na+-H+ exchanger. Cells were then depleted of protein kinase C activity by chronic treatment with high doses of TPA. Both HSWP and WI-38 cells were rendered protein kinase C deficient by this treatment as determined by in vitro and in vivo phosphorylation studies. Protein kinase C-deficient HSWP cells lose the ability for TPA to inhibit the serum-induced activation of Na+-H+ exchange, but there is no reduction in the stimulation of Na+ influx by serum, bradykinin, vasopressin, melittin, or vanadate, indicating that protein kinase C activity is not necessary for the mitogen-induced activation of Na+-H+ exchange in HSWP cells by agents known to stimulate phosphatidylinositol turnover (G. A. Jamieson and M. Villereal. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 252: 478-486, 1987). In contrast, depletion of protein kinase C activity in WI-38 cells significantly reduces both the TPA- and the serum-induced activation of the Na+-H+ exchange system, suggesting that protein kinase C activity is necessary for at least a portion of the mitogen-induced activation of the Na+-H+ exchanger in WI-38 cells. These results indicate that the mechanisms for regulating Na+-H+ exchange can differ dramatically between different types of fibroblasts.

Inhibition of proto-oncogene c-fos transcription by inhibitors of protein kinase C and ion transport

Both 4 beta-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (PDD) and calcium ionophore A23187 induced c-fos mRNA accumulation with similar kinetics in human monocyte-like cells (U937). Their effects were additive. Cells pretreated with PDD were not induced to accumulate c-fos mRNA by PDD but remained responsive to the induction by A23187. Similarly cells pretreated with A23187 responded to PDD but not to A23187. Nuclear run-off transcription assay indicated that increase in the c-fos mRNA level after the second inducer treatment corresponded to transcriptional activation of the c-fos gene. The accumulation of c-fos mRNA and the transcriptional activation of c-fos induced by PDD or A23187 were inhibited by the protein kinase inhibitor H-7 and by quinidine and amiloride. The induction by A23187, but not that by PDD, was also inhibited by 4-aminopyridine, or tetraethylammonium. From these results, it is proposed that activation of protein kinase C and Na+ or K+ transport are required for c-fos induction caused by PDD and A23187.

Calcium, cyclic AMP and protein kinase C--partners in mitogenesis

Evidence is steadily mounting that the proto-oncogenes, whose products organize and start the programs that drive normal eukaryotic cells through their chromosome replication/mitosis cycles, are transiently stimulated by sequential signals from a multi-purpose, receptor-operated mechanism (consisting of internal surges of Ca2+ and bursts of protein kinase C activity resulting from phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate breakdown and the opening of membrane Ca2+ channels induced by receptor-associated tyrosine-protein kinase activity) and bursts of cyclic AMP-dependent kinase activity. The bypassing or subversion of the receptor-operated Ca2+/phospholipid breakdown/protein kinase C signalling mechanism is probably the basis of the freeing of cell proliferation from external controls that characterizes all neoplastic transformations.

Calcium mobilization in permeabilized fibroblasts: effects of inositol trisphosphate, orthovanadate, mitogens, phorbol ester, and guanosine triphosphate

Utilizing a digitonin-permeabilized cell system, we have studied the release of calcium from a non-mitochondrial intracellular compartment in cultured human fibroblasts (HSWP cells). Addition of 1 mM MgATP to a monolayer of permeabilized cells in a cytosolic media buffered to 150 nM Ca with EGTA rapidly stimulates 45Ca uptake, and the subsequent addition of the putative intracellular messenger inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) induces rapid release of 85% (+/- 6% n = 6) of the 45Ca taken up in response to ATP. Mitogenic peptides (bradykinin, vasopressin, epidermal growth factor [EGF], and insulin) and orthovanadate, which are effective in mobilizing intracellular Ca in intact cells, have little or no effect when added alone to permeabilized cells. However, in the presence of GTP these agents stimulate accumulation of inositol phosphates and release Ca from the InsP3-sensitive pool. These data suggest that a GTP binding protein is involved in receptor mediated activation of phospholipase C, which leads to release of inositol phosphates. The GTP-dependent release of InsP3 and the mobilization of 45Ca from the intracellular compartment are inhibited by pretreatment of cells, prior to permeabilization, with the protein kinase C activator 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). TPA pretreatment does not affect the InsP3 stimulated Ca release. These results suggest that protein kinase C is involved in down-regulation or inhibition of phospholipase C, or the GTP binding protein responsible for relaying the mitogenic signal from the cell surface receptor to the phospholipase C activity.

Ca2+ and phorbol ester synergistically induce HL-60 differentiation

Exposure of HL-60 cells to subthreshold concentrations of TPA caused monocytic differentiation only when cells were cotreated with the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Phorbol ester dose-response curves for growth arrest and enzymatic markers of differentiation were shifted to lower concentrations when the ionophore was present. Expression of a monocyte/granulocyte cell surface antigen also occurred only when cells were treated with both agents. Similar effects were seen with other active but not inactive phorbol esters and with another Ca2+ ionophore. The Ca2+ component of phosphoinositide-based signalling may thus play a role in HL-60 differentiation.

Modulation of cytosolic protein kinase C activity by ferricyanide: priming event seems transmembrane redox signalling. A study on transformed C3H/10T1/2 cells in culture

Transformed 3T3/10T1/2 cultured cells incubated with ferricyanide caused a decrease of 2 mM EDTA extractable cytosolic protein kinase C activity in 2 min, whereas 5 or 20 min ferricyanide treatment reverted the enzyme activity to that observed without ferricyanide. The ferricyanide effect in 2 min was abolished by amiloride and sustained by ouabain. Thus, deactivation-activation of cytosolic protein kinase C is attributed to an unknown signal generation during H+ accumulation coupled with the Na+/H+ exchange phase. In this mechanism the priming event concerns the transmembrane redox process shedding H+ into the cell interior while impermeant ferricyanide acts as a unique electron acceptor.