Immunocytology on microwave-fixed cells reveals rapid and agonist-specific changes in subcellular accumulation patterns for cAMP or cGMP

A Layered View on Focal Adhesions

Simple Summary

The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibres within cells that provide structure and support intracellular transport. Focal adhesions are protein complexes associated with the outer cell membrane that are found at the ends of specialised actin fibres of this cytoskeleton. They mediate cell adhesion by connecting the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix, a protein and sugar network that surrounds cells in tissues. Focal adhesions also translate forces on actin fibres into forces contributing to cell migration. Cell adhesion and migration are crucial to diverse biological processes such as embryonic development, proper functioning of the immune system or the metastasis of cancer cells. Advances in fluorescence microscopy and data analysis methods provided a more detailed understanding of the dynamic ways in which proteins bind and dissociate from focal adhesions and how they are organised within these protein complexes. In this review, we provide an overview of the advances in the current scientific understanding of focal adhesions and summarize relevant imaging techniques. One of the key insights is that focal adhesion proteins are organised into three layers parallel to the cell membrane. We discuss the relevance of this layered nature for the functioning of focal adhesion.

Abstract

The cytoskeleton provides structure to cells and supports intracellular transport. Actin fibres are crucial to both functions. Focal Adhesions (FAs) are large macromolecular multiprotein assemblies at the ends of specialised actin fibres linking these to the extracellular matrix. FAs translate forces on actin fibres into forces contributing to cell migration. This review will discuss recent insights into FA protein dynamics and their organisation within FAs, made possible by advances in fluorescence imaging techniques and data analysis methods. Over the last decade, evidence has accumulated that FAs are composed of three layers parallel to the plasma membrane. We focus on some of the most frequently investigated proteins, two from each layer, paxillin and FAK (bottom, integrin signalling layer), vinculin and talin (middle, force transduction layer) and zyxin and VASP (top, actin regulatory layer). Finally, we discuss the potential impact of this layered nature on different aspects of FA behaviour.

Dynamics and distribution of paxillin, vinculin, zyxin and VASP depend on focal adhesion location and orientation

Focal adhesions (FAs) are multiprotein structures that link the intracellular cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. They mediate cell adhesion and migration, crucial to many (patho-) physiological processes. We examined in two cell types from different species the binding dynamics of functionally related FA protein pairs: paxillin and vinculin versus zyxin and VASP. In photobleaching experiments ~40% of paxillin and vinculin remained stably associated with a FA for over half an hour. Zyxin and VASP predominantly displayed more transient interactions. We show protein binding dynamics are influenced by FA location and orientation. In FAs located close to the edge of the adherent membrane paxillin, zyxin and VASP were more dynamic and had larger bound fractions. Zyxin and VASP were also more dynamic and had larger bound fractions at FAs perpendicular compared to parallel to this edge. Finally, we developed a photoconversion assay to specifically visualise stably bound proteins within subcellular structures and organelles. This revealed that while paxillin and vinculin are distributed evenly throughout FAs, their stably bound fractions form small clusters within the FA-complex. These clusters are more concentrated for paxillin than for vinculin and are mostly found at the proximal half of the FA where actin also enters.

cGMP Signaling in the Cardiovascular System-The Role of Compartmentation and Its Live Cell Imaging

The ubiquitous second messenger 3′,5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) regulates multiple physiologic processes in the cardiovascular system. Its intracellular effects are mediated by stringently controlled subcellular microdomains. In this review, we will illustrate the current techniques available for real-time cGMP measurements with a specific focus on live cell imaging methods. We will also discuss currently accepted and emerging mechanisms of cGMP compartmentation in the cardiovascular system.

A surrogate analyte-based liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of endogenous cyclic nucleotides in rat brain

A robust high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed and qualified for the measurement of cyclic nucleotides (cNTs) in rat brain tissue. Stable isotopically labeled 3',5'-cyclic adenosine-¹³C₅ monophosphate (¹³C₅-cAMP) and 3',5'-cyclic guanosine-¹³C,¹⁵N₂ monophosphate (¹³C¹⁵N₂-cGMP) were used as surrogate analytes to measure endogenous 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Pre-weighed frozen rat brain samples were rapidly homogenized in 0.4M perchloric acid at a ratio of 1:4 (w/v). Following internal standard addition and dilution, the resulting extracts were analyzed using negative ion mode electrospray ionization LC-MS/MS. The calibration curves for both analytes ranged from 5 to 2000ng/g and showed excellent linearity (r²>0.996). Relative surrogate analyte-to-analyte LC-MS/MS responses were determined to correct concentrations derived from the surrogate curves. The intra-run precision (CV%) for ¹³C₅-cAMP and ¹³C¹⁵N₂-cGMP was below 6.6% and 7.4%, respectively, while the inter-run precision (CV%) was 8.5% and 5.8%, respectively. The intra-run accuracy (Dev%) for ¹³C₅-cAMP and ¹³C¹⁵N₂-cGMP was <11.9% and 10.3%, respectively, and the inter-run Dev% was <6.8% and 5.5%, respectively. Qualification experiments demonstrated high analyte recoveries, minimal matrix effects and low autosampler carryover. Acceptable frozen storage, freeze/thaw, benchtop, processed sample and autosampler stability were shown in brain sample homogenates as well as post-processed samples. The method was found to be suitable for the analysis of rat brain tissue cAMP and cGMP levels in preclinical biomarker development studies.

Fixation strategies for retinal immunohistochemistry

Immunohistochemical and ex vivo anatomical studies have provided many glimpses of the variety, distribution, and signaling components of vertebrate retinal neurons. The beauty of numerous images published to date, and the qualitative and quantitative information they provide, indicate that these approaches are fundamentally useful. However, obtaining these images entailed tissue handling and exposure to chemical solutions that differ from normal extracellular fluid in composition, temperature, and osmolarity. Because the differences are large enough to alter intercellular and intracellular signaling in neurons, and because retinae are susceptible to crush, shear, and fray, it is natural to wonder if immunohistochemical and anatomical methods disturb or damage the cells they are designed to examine. Tissue fixation is typically incorporated to guard against this damage and is therefore critically important to the quality and significance of the harvested data. Here, we describe mechanisms of fixation; advantages and disadvantages of using formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde as fixatives during immunohistochemistry; and modifications of widely used protocols that have recently been found to improve cell shape preservation and immunostaining patterns, especially in proximal retinal neurons.

AKAP signalling complexes: focal points in space and time

Multiprotein signalling networks create focal points of enzyme activity that disseminate the intracellular action of many hormones and neurotransmitters. Accordingly, the spatio-temporal activation of protein kinases and phosphatases is an important factor in controlling where and when phosphorylation events occur. Anchoring proteins provide a molecular framework that orients these enzymes towards selected substrates. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) are signal-organizing molecules that compartmentalize various enzymes that are regulated by second messengers.

Decorin suppresses neurocan, brevican, phosphacan and NG2 expression and promotes axon growth across adult rat spinal cord injuries

The formation of misaligned scar tissue by a variety of cell types expressing multiple axon growth inhibitory proteoglycans presents a physical and molecular barrier to axon regeneration after adult spinal cord injuries. Decorin is a small, leucine-rich proteoglycan that has previously been shown to reduce astrogliosis and basal lamina formation in acute cerebral cortex stab injuries. We have therefore tested whether mini pump infusion of hr-decorin into acute stab injuries of the adult rat spinal cord can not only inhibit formation of an astroglial limitans but also deposition of the axon growth inhibitory proteoglycans neurocan, NG2, phosphacan and brevican. Combined immunohistochemical and quantitative Western blot analysis revealed major reductions in levels of core protein expression (>80% for 130-kDa neurocan, 145/80-kDa brevican, 300-kDa phosphacan) and immunoreactivity for all four chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) within decorin-treated injuries compared with untreated controls. Astrogliosis within lesion margins and the accumulation of OX42+ macrophages/microglia within lesion centres were also significantly reduced. These decorin-induced changes in scar formation combined to promote the striking ability of axons from microtransplanted adult sensory neurons to enter, grow within and exit decorin-infused spinal cord injuries, in sharp contrast to the complete failure of axons to cross untreated, CSPG-rich lesions. Decorin pretreatment of meningial fibroblasts in vitro also resulted in a three-fold increase in neurite outgrowth from co-cultured adult sensory neurons and suppression of NG2 immunoreactivity. The ability of decorin to promote axon growth across acute spinal cord injuries via a coordinated suppression of inflammation, CSPG expression and astroglial scar formation make decorin treatment a promising component of future spinal cord regeneration strategies.

Bioinformatic design of A-kinase anchoring protein-in silico: a potent and selective peptide antagonist of type II protein kinase A anchoring

Compartmentalization of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is coordinated through association with A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). A defining characteristic of most AKAPs is a 14- to 18-aa sequence that binds to the regulatory subunits (RI or RII) of the kinase. Cellular delivery of peptides to these regions disrupts PKA anchoring and has been used to delineate a physiological role for AKAPs in the facilitation of certain cAMP-responsive events. Here, we describe a bioinformatic approach that yields an RII-selective peptide, called AKAP-in silico (AKAP-IS), that binds RII with a K(d) of 0.4 nM and binds RI with a K(d) of 277 nM. AKAP-IS associates with the type II PKA holoenzyme inside cells and displaces the kinase from natural anchoring sites. Electrophysiological recordings indicate that perfusion of AKAP-IS evokes a more rapid and complete attenuation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor currents than previously described anchoring inhibitor peptides. Thus, computer-based and peptide array screening approaches have generated a reagent that binds PKA with higher affinity than previously described AKAPs.

Nuclear prostaglandin signaling system: biogenesis and actions via heptahelical receptors

Prostaglandins are ubiquitous lipid mediators that play pivotal roles in cardiovascular homeostasis, reproduction, and inflammation, as well as in many important cellular processes including gene expression and cell proliferation. The mechanism of action of these lipid messengers is thought to be primarily dependent on their interaction with specific cell surface receptors that belong to the heptahelical transmembrane spanning G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Accumulating evidence suggests that these receptors may co-localize at the cell nucleus where they can modulate gene expression through a series of biochemical events. In this context, we have recently demonstrated that prostaglandin E2-EP3 receptors display an atypical nuclear compartmentalization in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. Stimulation of these nuclear EP3 receptors leads to an increase of eNOS RNA in a cell-free isolated nuclear system. This review will emphasize these findings and describe how nuclear prostaglandin receptors, notably EP3 receptors, may affect gene expression, specifically of eNOS, by identifying putative transducing elements located within this organelle. The potential sources of lipid ligand activators for these intracellular sites will also be addressed. The expressional control of G-protein-coupled receptors located at the perinuclear envelope constitutes a novel and distinctive mode of gene regulation.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate revealed by a genetically encoded, fluorescent indicator

To investigate the dynamics of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) in single living cells, we constructed genetically encoded, fluorescent cGMP indicators by bracketing cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGPK), minus residues 1-77, between cyan and yellow mutants of green fluorescent protein. cGMP decreased fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and increased the ratio of cyan to yellow emissions by up to 1.5-fold with apparent dissociation constants of approximately 2 microM and >100:1 selectivity for cGMP over cAMP. To eliminate constitutive kinase activity, Thr(516) of cGPK was mutated to Ala. Emission ratio imaging of the indicators transfected into rat fetal lung fibroblast (RFL)-6 showed cGMP transients resulting from activation of soluble and particulate guanylyl cyclase, respectively, by nitric oxide (NO) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). Whereas all naive cells tested responded to CNP, only 68% responded to NO. Both sets of signals showed large and variable (0.5-4 min) latencies. The phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) did not elevate cGMP on its own but consistently amplified responses to NO or CNP, suggesting that basal activity of guanylate cyclase is very low and emphasizing the importance of PDEs in cGMP recycling. A fraction of RFL cells showed slowly propagating tides of cGMP spreading across the cell in response to delocalized application of NO. Biolistically transfected Purkinje neurons showed cGMP responses to parallel fiber activity and NO donors, confirming that single-cell increases in cGMP occur under conditions appropriate to cause synaptic plasticity.

Localization of functional prostaglandin E2 receptors EP3 and EP4 in the nuclear envelope

The effects of prostaglandin E2 are thought to be mediated via G protein-coupled plasma membrane receptors, termed EP. However recent data implied that prostanoids may also act intracellularly. We investigated if the ubiquitous EP3 and the EP4 receptors are localized in nuclear membranes. Radioligand binding studies on isolated nuclear membrane fractions of neonatal porcine brain and adult rat liver revealed the presence of EP3 and EP4. A perinuclear localization of EP3alpha and EP4 receptors was visualized by indirect immunocytofluorescence and confocal microscopy in porcine cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and in transfected HEK 293 cells that stably overexpress these receptors. Immunoelectron microscopy clearly revealed EP3alpha and EP4 receptors localization in the nuclear envelope of endothelial cells; this is the first demonstration of the nuclear localization of these receptors. Data also reveal that nuclear EP receptors are functional as they affect transcription of genes such as inducible nitric-oxide synthase and intranuclear calcium transients; this appears to involve pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. These results define a possible molecular mechanism of action of nuclear EP3 receptors.

Involvement of cyclic AMP generation in the inhibition of respiratory burst by 2-phenyl-4-quinolone (YT-1) in rat neutrophils

The inhibitory effect of 2-phenyl-4-quinolone (YT-1) on respiratory burst in rat neutrophils was investigated, and the underlying mechanism of action was assessed. YT-1 caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the rate of O2.- release from rat neutrophils in response to formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), but not to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), with an IC50 value of 60.7+/-8.2 microM. A comparable effect was also demonstrated in the inhibition of O2 consumption. Unlike superoxide dismutase, YT-1 had no effect on O2.- generation in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system and during dihydroxyfumaric acid autoxidation. The fMLP-induced inositol trisphosphate (IP3) formation was unaffected by YT-1. In addition, YT-1 did not affect the initial spike of [Ca2+]i, but it accelerated the rate of [Ca2+]i decline in cells in response to fMLP. YT-1 was found to have little effect on the activity of neutrophil cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC). YT-1 increased the cellular cyclic AMP level, while having no effect on the cyclic GMP level. In addition, YT-1 increased neutrophil cytosolic protein kinase A (PKA) activity, but had no direct effect on the enzyme activity of pure porcine heart PKA. When neutrophils were treated with (8R,9S,11S)-(-)-9-hydroxy-9-hexoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-2,3,9,10-tetra hydro-8,11-epoxy- 1H,8H,11H-2,7b,11a-triazadibenzo[a,g]cycloocta[cde]trinde n-1-one, (KT 5720), a PKA inhibitor, the inhibition of O2.- generation by YT-1, as well as by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP, was attenuated effectively. YT-1 did not activate the adenylate cyclase associated with neutrophil particulate fraction but inhibited the cytosolic phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Neutrophils treated with YT-1 had a more pronounced increase in cellular cyclic AMP level by PGE1. Moreover, the ability of PGE1 to inhibit the respiratory burst in neutrophils was greatly enhanced by YT-1. These results suggest that the increase in cellular cyclic AMP levels by YT-1 through the inhibition of PDE (probably PDE4 isoenzyme) activity is involved in its inhibition of fMLP-induced respiratory burst in rat neutrophils.

Microwave applications in neuromorphology and neurochemistry: safety precautions and techniques

In science, the introduction of a new method is never easy, not even if it concerns the use of a simple microwave oven. Most scientists do not realize the numerous applications of microwave techniques. This paper gives a broad overview of the application of microwave techniques in neuromorphology and neurochemistry, starting with a historical overview ranging from the introduction of microwave techniques as a scientific method in the 1970s to present. Organizations and publication rules are highlighted in the next part. The effect of microwave irradiation is discussed in two sections relating to microwave effects on the whole organism and on the neuron. The main body of the paper discusses the application of microwave techniques in the fields of neuromorphology and neuropathology. The paper then presents aspects of microwave irradiation as applied to ELISA techniques. In addition, cell fusion and cell reproduction under microwave irradiation are discussed.

Evidence for a cyclic GMP-independent mechanism in the anti-platelet action of S-nitrosoglutathione

1. We have measured the ability of a range of NO donor compounds to stimulate cyclic GMP accumulation and inhibit collagen-induced aggregation of human washed platelets. In addition, the rate of spontaneous release of NO from each donor has been measured spectrophotometrically by the oxidation of oxyhaemoglobin to methaemoglobin. The NO donors used were five s-nitrosothiol compounds: S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), S-nitrosocysteine (cysNO), S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP), S-nitroso-N-acetyl-cysteine (SNAC), S-nitrosohomocysteine (homocysNO), and two non-nitrosothiol compounds: diethylamine NONOate (DEANO) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). 2. Using 10 microM of each donor compound, mean+/-s.e.mean rate of NO release ranged from 0.04+/-0.001 nmol min(-1) (for SNP) to 3.15+/-0.29 nmol min(-1) (for cysNO); cyclic GMP accumulation ranged from 0.43+/-0.05 pmol per 10(8) platelets (for SNP) to 2.67+/-0.31 pmol per 10(8) platelets (for cysNO), and inhibition of platelet aggregation ranged from 40+/-6.4% (for SNP) to 90+/-3.8% (for SNAC). 3. There was a significant positive correlation between the rate of NO release and the ability of the different NO donors to stimulate intra-platelet cyclic GMP accumulation (r = 0.83; P = 0.02). However, no significant correlation was observed between the rate of NO release and the inhibition of platelet aggregation by the different NO donors (r= -0.17), nor was there a significant correlation between cyclic GMP accumulation and inhibition of aggregation by the different NO donor compounds (r = 0.34). 4. Comparison of the dose-response curves obtained with GSNO, DEANO and 8-bromo cyclic GMP showed DEANO to be the most potent stimulator of intraplatelet cyclic GMP accumulation (P < 0.001 vs both GSNO and 8-bromo cyclic GMP), but GSNO to be the most potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (P < 0.01 vs DEANO, and P < 0.001 vs 8-bromo cyclic GMP). 5. The rate of NO release from GSNO, and its ability both to stimulate intra-platelet cyclic GMP accumulation and to inhibit platelet aggregation, were all significantly diminished by the copper (I) (Cu+) chelating agent bathocuproine disulphonic acid (BCS). In contrast, BCS had no effect on either the rate of NO release, or the anti-platelet action of the non-nitrosothiol compound DEANO. 6. Cyclic GMP accumulation in response to GSNO (10(-9) 10(-5) M) was undetectable following treatment of platelets with ODQ (100 microM), a selective inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase. Despite this abolition of guanylate cyclase stimulation, GSNO retained some ability to inhibit aggregation, indicating the presence of a cyclic GMP-independent component in its anti-platelet action. However, this component was abolished following treatment of platelets with a combination of both ODQ and BCS, suggesting that Cu+ ions were required for the cyclic GMP-independent pathway to operate. 7. The cyclic GMP-independent action of GSNO, observed in ODQ-treated platelets, could not be explained by an increase in intra-platelet cyclic AMP. 8. The impermeable thiol modifying agent p-chloromercuriphenylsulphonic acid (CMPS) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of aggregation of ODQ-treated platelets, accompanied by a progressive loss of detectable platelet surface thiol groups. Additional treatment with GSNO failed to increase the degree of aggregation inhibition, suggesting that a common pathway of thiol modification might be utilized by both GSNO and CMPS to elicit cyclic GMP-independent inhibition of platelet aggregation. 9. We conclude that NO donor compounds mediate inhibition of platelet aggregation by both cyclic GMP-dependent and -independent pathways. Cyclic GMP generation is related to the rate of spontaneous release of NO from the donor compound, but transfer of the NO signal to the cyclic GMP-independent pathway may depend upon a cellular system which involves both copper (I) (Cu+) ions and surface membrane thiol groups. The potent anti-platelet action of GSNO

Immunochemical visualization and quantitation of cyclic AMP in single cells

Adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) is a key second messenger in signaling pathways governing many cellular processes. To define the subcellular localization and relative abundance of cAMP, we developed a novel immunochemical approach based on acrolein fixation to visualize cAMP within cells. We describe here the fixation and immobilization of cAMP within cells and the production of specific, high titer polyclonal antibodies that recognize cAMP. Relative levels of cAMP immunofluorescence were quantitated in glial cells (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, Schwann cells, and glioma cells) that were either untreated or treated with activators of endogenous adenylyl cyclase to raise cAMP levels. In treated cells, cAMP immunofluorescence is strongly localized in the perinuclear cytoplasm.

Indomethacin enhances endothelial NO release--evidence for a role of PGI2 in the autocrine control of calcium-dependent autacoid production

OBJECTIVE

We studied whether NO or prostacyclin (PGI2), which are continuously released by endothelial cells, have autocrine/paracrine effects on the calcium-dependent autacoid production by modulating the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i).

METHODS

Histamine(His)-induced [Ca2+]i increases (Fura 2-method) and NO-dependent cGMP increase were measured in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) before and after cyclooxygenase inhibition or application of cAMP- and cGMP-elevating drugs.

RESULTS

0.3 microM His increased endothelial [Ca2+]i from 77 +/- 2 nM to 418 +/- 59 nM. The His-induced [Ca2+]i increases were significantly attenuated following treatment with PGI2 (by 23%) and forskolin (by 33%), both increasing the cAMP release from HUVECs (by 49% and 66%). The His-induced [Ca2+]i increases were inhibited by the protein kinase A-activator cBIMPS (by 61%) which also abolished the His-induced PGI2 release. Conversely, inhibition of the PGI2 production with indomethacin significantly augmented the His-induced [Ca2+]i increases (by 32%), resulting in a significantly augmented NO production as indicated by an enhanced LNNA-sensitive cGMP increase in HUVECs. In contrast, neither increases of cGMP (basal 0.4 +/- 0.1 pmol/mg) elicited by 10 microM SNP (21 +/- 2 pmol/mg) or 10 microM C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP, 4.6 +/- 1.6 pmol/mg) nor its reduction by 30 microM LNNA had any effect on the His-induced [Ca2+]i increases.

CONCLUSION

PGI2 attenuates agonist-induced [Ca2+]i increases by a cAMP-dependent mechanism, thereby modulating not only its own synthesis via a negative feedback but also that of NO. Consequently, reduced PGI2 levels result in an increased NO production. NO which does not cause a negative feedback control by cGMP might therefore compensate for the lack of PGI2.

The brain chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan brevican associates with astrocytes ensheathing cerebellar glomeruli and inhibits neurite outgrowth from granule neurons

Brevican is a nervous system-specific chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan that belongs to the aggrecan family and is one of the most abundant chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in adult brain. To gain insights into the role of brevican in brain development, we investigated its spatiotemporal expression, cell surface binding, and effects on neurite outgrowth, using rat cerebellar cortex as a model system. Immunoreactivity of brevican occurs predominantly in the protoplasmic islet in the internal granular layer after the third postnatal week. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that brevican is localized in close association with the surface of astrocytes that form neuroglial sheaths of cerebellar glomeruli where incoming mossy fibers interact with dendrites and axons from resident neurons. In situ hybridization showed that brevican is synthesized by these astrocytes themselves. In primary cultures of cerebellar astrocytes, brevican is detected on the surface of these cells. Binding assays with exogenously added brevican revealed that primary astrocytes and several immortalized neural cell lines have cell surface binding sites for brevican core protein. These cell surface brevican binding sites recognize the C-terminal portion of the core protein and are independent of cell surface hyaluronan. These results indicate that brevican is synthesized by astrocytes and retained on their surface by an interaction involving its core protein. Purified brevican inhibits neurite outgrowth from cerebellar granule neurons in vitro, an activity that requires chondroitin sulfate chains. We suggest that brevican presented on the surface of neuroglial sheaths may be controlling the infiltration of axons and dendrites into maturing glomeruli.

The brain chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan brevican associates with astrocytes ensheathing cerebellar glomeruli and inhibits neurite outgrowth from granule neurons

Brevican is a nervous system-specific chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan that belongs to the aggrecan family and is one of the most abundant chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in adult brain. To gain insights into the role of brevican in brain development, we investigated its spatiotemporal expression, cell surface binding, and effects on neurite outgrowth, using rat cerebellar cortex as a model system. Immunoreactivity of brevican occurs predominantly in the protoplasmic islet in the internal granular layer after the third postnatal week. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that brevican is localized in close association with the surface of astrocytes that form neuroglial sheaths of cerebellar glomeruli where incoming mossy fibers interact with dendrites and axons from resident neurons. In situ hybridization showed that brevican is synthesized by these astrocytes themselves. In primary cultures of cerebellar astrocytes, brevican is detected on the surface of these cells. Binding assays with exogenously added brevican revealed that primary astrocytes and several immortalized neural cell lines have cell surface binding sites for brevican core protein. These cell surface brevican binding sites recognize the C-terminal portion of the core protein and are independent of cell surface hyaluronan. These results indicate that brevican is synthesized by astrocytes and retained on their surface by an interaction involving its core protein. Purified brevican inhibits neurite outgrowth from cerebellar granule neurons in vitro, an activity that requires chondroitin sulfate chains. We suggest that brevican presented on the surface of neuroglial sheaths may be controlling the infiltration of axons and dendrites into maturing glomeruli.

Apoptosis induced by gliotoxin is preceded by phosphorylation of histone H3 and enhanced sensitivity of chromatin to nuclease digestion

The fungal toxin gliotoxin induces apoptotic cell death in a variety of cells. Apoptosis induced in thymocytes by gliotoxin is rapid, and DNA fragmentation is observable within 4 h treatment. Apoptosis induced by gliotoxin is calcium-independent and unaffected by protein synthesis inhibitors. We have previously shown that gliotoxin results in phosphorylation of a 16.3-kDa protein within 10 min treatment of thymocytes. Here we show that this protein is histone H3 and phosphorylation occurs on Ser-10. Cyclic AMP levels and activity of protein kinase A (PKA) are raised in cells treated with gliotoxin. Apoptosis is inhibited by genistein which also inhibits PKA and histone H3 phosphorylation. Apoptosis is also inhibited by a number of specific inhibitors of PKA suggesting apoptosis induced by gliotoxin is modulated by this kinase. The agents forskolin and cholera toxin do not induce rapid phosphorylation of H3 although some increase in phosphorylation of H3 does occur after 8 h with these agents. Forskolin and cholera toxin also induce apoptosis but over a longer time course than gliotoxin. In all cases levels of apoptosis correlate with degree of H3 phosphorylation. Cells treated with gliotoxin show an early sensitivity to micrococcal nuclease and DNase I digestion indicating a functional relationship between DNA fragmentation and H3 phosphorylation.

Blunted cGMP response to agonists and enhanced glomerular cyclic 3',5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase activities in experimental congestive heart failure

The natriuretic peptide (NP) and nitric oxide (NO) systems are activated in congestive heart failure (CHF), resulting in increased synthesis of cGMP, which serves as a second messenger for both humoral systems. These two regulatory systems play functional roles in the preservation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and sodium excretion in both acute and chronic CHF. A progressive decline in glomerular responsiveness to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) characterizes the terminal stage of chronic CHF despite elevation of plasma ANP. Phosphodiesterase isozymes (PDEs) are integral factors in determining cellular content and accumulation of cGMP, and up-regulation of PDE activity could participate in the glomerular resistance to ANP in severe CHF. To date, characterization of possible alteration of glomerular PDE isozyme activities in CHF is unknown, as is the in vitro glomerular response to the nitric oxide-soluble guanylyl cyclase pathway. We, therefore, first determined cGMP generation in response to particulate and soluble guanylyl cyclase activation by ANP and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in isolated glomeruli from normal (N = 6) and CHF dogs (N = 5) in which CHF was induced by rapid ventricular pacing for 18 to 28 days. Secondly, we explored the presence of major PDE isozymes in glomeruli isolated from the control and CHF dogs. When ANP or SNP (10(-10) to 10(-4) M) were incubated with the suspension of isolated glomeruli, cGMP accumulation was lower by -72 to -96% with ANP and -42 to -77% with SNP in all glomerular medias obtained from CHF compared to controls. PDE hydrolyzing activity of both cAMP and cGMP were higher in the glomerular homogenates obtained from the kidneys of the CHF group (N = 5) compared to those of the control group (N = 5). We conclude that in severe chronic experimental CHF, glomerular cGMP accumulation decreases in response to both ANP and SNP, and CHF is characterized by enhanced cGMP- and cGMP-PDE activities that may participate in glomerular maladaptation to this cardiovascular syndrome.

Activation of Raf-mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in normal human keratinocytes

The biologic effects of the vitamin D hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) are believed to be mediated by an intracellular vitamin D receptor, which after ligand binding acts as a transcription factor modulating expression of a variety of genes. Besides having a well-known role in calcium metabolism, this hormone is an important regulator of proliferation in a majority of normal and neoplastic cells. Keratinocytes provide a convenient model for investigating the growth-related effects of vitamin D in normal cells. Growth of keratinocytes may be either stimulated or inhibited by 1,25(OH)2D3, depending on the degree of cell differentiation. We show here that 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulates DNA synthesis via sequential activation of Raf and the mitogen-activated protein kinase. Activation of these kinases is independent on protein and mRNA synthesis and is preceded by rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of an adaptor protein p66 (Shc) and formation of a complex between p66 Shc, a bridging molecule Grb2, and a Ras activator, mSos. Vitamin D receptor protein associates with Shc, indicating that this steroid hormone is able to signal through the transcription-independent pathways similar to those used by peptide hormones and cytokines.

Phosphorylation of aquaporin-2 does not alter the membrane water permeability of rat papillary water channel-containing vesicles

Antidiuretic hormone modulates the water permeability (Pf) of epithelial cells in the rat kidney by vesicle-mediated insertion and removal of the aquaporin-2 (AQP-2) water channel. AQP-2 possesses a single consensus cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation site (Ser-256) hypothesized to regulate channel Pf(Kuwahara, M., Fushimi, K., Terada, Y., Bai, L., Sasaki, S., and Marumo, F. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 10384-10387). To test whether PKA phosphorylation of AQP-2 alters channel Pf, we compared the Pf values of purified AQP-2 endosomes after incubation with either PKA or alkaline phosphatase. Studies using [gamma-32P]ATP reveal that AQP-2 endosomes contain endogenous PKA and phosphatase activities that add and remove 32P label from AQP-2. However, the Pf (0.16 +/- 0.06 cm/s) of endosomes containing phosphorylated AQP-2 (0.7 +/- 0. 3 mol of PO4/mol of protein) is not significantly different from the same AQP-2 endosomes where 95 +/- 8% of the phosphate has been removed (Pf 0.14 +/- 0.06 cm/s). These data do not support a role for PKA phosphorylation in alteration of AQP-2's Pf. Instead, AQP-2 phosphorylation by PKA may modulate AQP-2's distribution between plasma membrane and intracellular vesicle compartments.

Identification and characterization of the type-IVA cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase RD1 as a membrane-bound protein expressed in cerebellum

An antiserum was generated against a dodecapeptide whose sequence is found at the C-terminus of a cyclic AMP (cAMP)-specific, type-IVA phosphodiesterase encoded by the rat 'dunc-like' cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (RD1) cDNA. This antiserum identified a single approximately 73 kDa protein species upon immunoblotting of cerebellum homogenates. This species co-migrated upon SDS/PAGE with a single immunoreactive species observed in COS cells transfected with the cDNA for RD1. Native RD1 in cerebellum was found to be predominantly (approximately 93%) membrane-associated and could be found in isolated synaptosome populations, in particular those enriched in post-synaptic densities. Fractionation of lysed synaptosomes on sucrose density gradients identified RD1 as co-migrating with the plasma membrane marker 5'-nucleotidase. Laser scanning confocal and digital deconvolution immunofluorescence studies done on intact COS cells transfected with RD1 cDNA showed RD1 to be predominantly localized to plasma membranes but also associated with the Golgi apparatus and intracellular vesicles. RD1-specific antisera immunoprecipitated phosphodiesterase activity from solubilized cerebellum membranes. This activity had the characteristics expected of the type-IV cAMP phosphodiesterase RD1 in that it was cAMP specific, exhibited a low Km cAMP of 2.3 microM, high sensitivity to inhibition by 4-[3-(cyclopentoxyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pyrrolidone (rolipram) (Ki approximately 0.7 microM) and was unaffected by Ca2+/calmodulin and low concentrations of cyclic GMP. The phosphodiesterase activities of RD1 solubilized from both cerebellum and transfected COS cell membranes showed identical first-order thermal denaturation kinetics at 50 degrees C. Native RD1 from cerebellum was shown to be an integral protein in that it was solubilized using the non-ionic detergent Triton X-100 but not by either re-homogenization or high NaCl concentrations. The observation that hydroxylamine was unable to cause the release of RD1 from either cerebellum or COS membranes and that [3H]palmitate was not incorporated into the RD1 protein immunoprecipitated from COS cells transfected with RD1 cDNA, indicated that RD1 was not anchored by N-terminal acylation. The engineered deletion of the 25 residues forming the unique N-terminal domain of RD1 caused both a profound increase in its activity (approximately 2-fold increase in Vmax) and a profound change in intracellular distribution. Thus, immunofluorescence studies identified the N-terminal truncated species as occurring exclusively ion the cytosol of transfected COS cells. The cDNA for RD1 thus appears to encode a native full-length type-IVA phosphodiesterase that is expressed in cerebellum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Enhanced tumor necrosis factor suppression and cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation by combination of phosphodiesterase inhibitors and prostanoids

We investigated cooperative effects of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors and prostanoids on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha synthesis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PDE inhibitors alone induced only a small increase in cAMP levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PBMC. Cicaprost (a stable analogue of prostacyclin) and pentoxifylline added simultaneously to LPS-stimulated PBMC (2.0 x 10(6)/ml) induced a rapid increase of cAMP to a level of 100 nM that peaked within 10 min and remained at a plateau for up to 4 h. Thus combined prostanoids and PDE inhibitors enhanced cAMP accumulation. TNF-alpha suppression in the presence of pentoxifylline and prostanoids exceeded that of either drug alone. The potency of different PDE inhibitors (theophylline, pentoxifylline, penthydroxifylline, albifylline, torbafylline, A 80 2715, amrinone and rolipram) to increase cAMP levels in combination with cicaprost was evaluated after 1 h of incubation. The dose-dependent increase of cAMP for all PDE inhibitors tested in this combined stimulation provided a useful tool for evaluating the potency of PDE inhibitors on cAMP accumulation. The effective concentration of PDE inhibitors, which raised cAMP levels to 300% of control, (EC300), correlated with the IC50 for TNF-alpha suppression (r = 0.930, p = 0.007, with theophylline excluded from the analysis). Interestingly, by contrast, the specific type IV PDE inhibitor rolipram caused only a moderate rise of accumulated cAMP in the same cells. Our data support cAMP as an essential mediator for TNF-alpha suppression by PDE inhibitors. Furthermore, an enhanced inhibiting effect on TNF-alpha production may prove therapeutically advantageous. It may occur in inflammatory and infectious diseases in vivo, since high levels of endogenous prostaglandins are liberated in these conditions.

Single-cell analysis of cyclic AMP response to parathyroid hormone in osteoblastic cells

We previously demonstrated that the [Ca2+]i response to PTH is heterogeneous in single UMR-106-01 osteogenic sarcoma cells. To verify whether response heterogeneity is a universal feature of PTH signal transduction, cAMP production was monitored in monolayer cultures of UMR-106-01 cells and human trabecular bone osteoblasts (HOB) using the cAMP-sensitive fluorescent indicator FlCRhR. FlCRhR was microinjected into single cells, and the 500-530/> 560 nm fluorescence ratio was monitored by confocal laserscanning video imaging as a measure of cAMP concentration ([cAMP]). Virtually all UMR-106-01 cells exposed to bovine PTH(1-34) (10(-7) M) exhibited an increase in intracellular [cAMP], with an average fluorescence ratio change of 145 +/- 17% of baseline (n = 15), corresponding to nearly maximal dissociation of protein kinase A. In the continued presence of the hormone (10(-7) M), [cAMP] remained elevated for at least 30 minutes. This effect was accompanied by a slow translocation of the fluorescein-labeled catalytic subunit of protein kinase A from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In contrast, PTH(1-34) caused no detectable increase in [cAMP] in HOB cells, although PGE2 (3 x 10(-6) M) stimulation was able to increase the FlCRhR ratio (154 +/- 27%, n = 10). The truncated fragment PTH(2-34) was only 67% as potent at PTH(1-34), but deletion of the first two amino acids at the N terminus abolished the hormone's ability to stimulate cAMP production in UMR-106-01 cells. Brief exposure to 10(-7) M of either PTH(3-34) or PTH(7-34) did not affect the amplitude of the fluorescence ratio change induced by equimolar doses of PTH(1-34). Thus, in osteoblast-like cells stimulated with PTH, the [cAMP] response is much more homogeneous from cell to cell than the [Ca2+]i response.

Anchoring of protein kinase A is required for modulation of AMPA/kainate receptors on hippocampal neurons

Phosphorylation of molecules involved in synaptic transmission by multifunctional protein kinases modulates both pre- and post-synaptic events in the central nervous system. The positioning of kinases near their substrates may be an important part of the regulatory mechanism. The A-kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAPs; ref. 3) are known to bind the regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A with nanomolar affinity. Here we show that anchoring of protein kinase A by AKAPs is required for the modulation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA)/kainate channels. Intracellular perfusion of cultured hippocampal neurons with peptides derived from the conserved kinase binding region of AKAPs prevented the protein kinase A-mediated regulation of AMPA/kainate currents as well as fast excitatory synaptic currents. This effect could be overcome by adding the purified catalytic subunit of protein kinase. A control peptide lacking kinase-binding activity had no effect. To our knowledge, these results provide the first evidence that anchoring of protein kinase A is crucial in the regulation of synaptic function.

A-kinase anchoring proteins: a key to selective activation of cAMP-responsive events?

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) regulates a variety of diverse biochemical events through the phosphorylation of target proteins. Because PKA is a multifunctional enzyme with a broad substrate specificity, its compartmentalization may be a key regulatory event in controlling which particular target substrates are phosphorylated. In recent years it has been demonstrated that differential localization of the type II holoenzyme is directed through interaction of the regulatory subunit (RII) with a family of A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs). In this report, we review evidence for PKA compartmentalization and discuss the structural and functional properties of AKAPs.

Adenylate cyclase-mediated vascular responses of rabbit aorta, mesenteric artery and skin microcirculation

1. The importance of adenylate cyclase-mediated vascular relaxation in the macro and microcirculation was assessed in rabbit aortic and coeliac artery bioassay rings in vitro and skin microvessels in vivo. 2. The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP38), the beta-agonist, isoprenaline, and the prostaglandins, PGE1 and PGE2, were compared with the activity of nitroprusside, which acts by stimulating guanylate cyclase. 3. In aortic tissue the relative relaxant potencies were (-log M EC50, 100% = response to nitroprusside 10(-6) M): nitroprusside 7.0, PACAP38 6.8, isoprenaline 6.3; PGE1 and PGE2 were weak constrictors. In coeliac artery rings relative potencies were (-log M EC50, 100% = response to nitroprusside 10(-5) M): PACAP38 6.6, PGE1 6.6, nitroprusside 6.5, PGE2 4.9, and isoprenaline 4.3. 4. Comparative potencies when injected into anaesthetized rabbit skin in vivo were (-log mol/site required to increase blood red cell flux by 75%): PACAP38 13.0, PGE2 10.7, isoprenaline 9.7, PGE1 9.1, nitroprusside < 7. 5. Nitroprusside, the most effective relaxant tested in the aorta, was 10(7) fold less potent than PACAP in its effect on skin blood flow. PGE1 and PGE2 were constrictors of the aorta, of intermediate effect in the coeliac artery, but potent vasodilators of the microcirculation. 6. In this model, the importance of adenylate cyclase-mediated vascular relaxation increases with decreasing vessel size.

Spatially resolved dynamics of cAMP and protein kinase A subunits in Aplysia sensory neurons

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase, labeled with fluorescein and rhodamine on the catalytic and regulatory subunits, respectively, was injected into Aplysia sensory neurons either in culture or in intact cell clusters. Energy transfer between the subunits, a measure of cytosolic cAMP concentration ([cAMP]), and compartmentation of the dissociated subunits were monitored by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Bath application of serotonin produced a much greater elevation of [cAMP] in the processes than in the central bodies of the neurons. The resulting gradients must drive a sizable centripetal flux of cAMP because direct microinjection of cAMP showed that it diffused readily. Perinuclear increases in [cAMP] slowly caused the translocation of the freed catalytic subunit into the nucleus to an extent proportional to the percentage of its dissociation from the regulatory subunit.

Role of phosphodiesterases in the regulation of endothelial permeability in vitro

Neutrophil-derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular injury and pulmonary edema. H2O2 time- and dose-dependently increased the hydraulic conductivity and decreased the selectivity of an endothelial cell monolayer derived from porcine pulmonary arteries. Effects of H2O2 on endothelial permeability were completely inhibited by adenylate cyclase activation with 10(-12) M cholera toxin or 0.1 microM forskolin. 10(-8) M Sp-cAMPS, a cAMP-dependent protein kinase A agonist, was similarly effective. The phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors motapizone (10(-4) M), rolipram (10(-6) M), and zardaverine (10(-8) M), which specifically inhibit PDE-isoenzymes III, IV, and III/IV potently blocked H2O2-induced endothelial permeability when combined with 10(-6) M prostaglandin E1. Overall cellular cAMP content and inhibition of H2O2 effects on endothelial permeability were poorly correlated. H2O2 exposure resulted in a rapid and substantial decrease in endothelial cAMP content. The analysis of the PDE isoenzyme spectrum showed high activities of isoenzymes II, III, and IV in porcine pulmonary endothelial cells. The data suggest that adenylate cyclase activation/PDE inhibition is a powerful approach to block H2O2-induced increase in endothelial permeability. This concept appears especially valuable when endothelial PDE isoenzyme pattern and PDE inhibitor profile are matched optimally.

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) does not affect ion transport in human intestine but does in porcine intestine

The aim of this study was to test whether atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) exerts any effect on human intestinal ion transport, and the porcine intestine was used as a positive control of ANF's effects. Tissues from human proximal (n = 6) and distal (n = 6) colons, and from distal ileum (n = 6) were mounted in Ussing chambers, and short circuit current (Isc) was measured subsequent to serosal application of ANF (10(-6) M), 8-Br-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) (10(-4) M), and theophylline (10(-2) M). ANF did not affect Isc whereas 8-Br-cGMP increased Isc by 28 (8-53), 16 (3-36), and 16 (5-41) microA cm-2 in the distal colon (DC), proximal colon (PC) and distal ileum (DI), respectively. Likewise, transepithelial potential difference (PD) became more negative by 5.0 (0.6-8.9), 2.5 (0.4-4.0) and 0.9 (0.3-2.3) mV in DC, PC, and DI, respectively, subsequent to addition of 8-Br-cGMP. Isc and PD were further increased by theophylline. Additional radio-isotope flux studies in human colon revealed that ANF did not affect electroneutral sodium and chloride transport either. For comparison, ANF (10(-6) M) was administered to large intestinal tissues from young pigs in which ANF induced a significant increase in Isc which was comparable to the 8-Br-cGMP response in humans. The porcine Isc response was partly inhibited by chloride-free solution on the serosal side, by serosal application of bumetanide (10(-4) M) and BaCl2 (10(-3) M), and mucosal application of the chloride-channel blocker diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) (10(-3) M). Mucosal amiloride (10(-5) M) pre-treatment reduced baseline Isc but did not affect the porcine intestinal Isc response to ANF. In vitro radio-autography demonstrated specific binding sites for ANF in porcine distal colon, whereas no apparent labelling was observed in human distal colon. These findings suggest that the lack of effect of ANF on sodium and chloride transport in human distal ileum and colon is probably due to lack of ANF receptors. In the porcine intestine, however, the Isc response induced by ANF seems to involve stimulation of electrogenic chloride secretion, whereas electrogenic sodium absorption seems unaffected.

A review of rapid microwave fixation technology: its expanding niche in morphologic studies

Microwave (MW) fixation methods are important because excellent preservation of both cell structure and antigenicity can be attained several orders of magnitude faster than by routine chemical fixation methods. However, because of the limitations of commercial MW ovens, fixation results are often irreproducible. We present a standardization protocol for MW fixation in household MW ovens that emphasizes magnetron warm-up; the use of a water load during sample irradiation, of an agar/saline/Giemsa model to evaluate uniformity of irradiation within the MW cavity, and of specimen containers with one dimension less than 1.5 cm; and fast specimen handling to prevent conductive heating artifacts after irradiation. We describe a prototypic MW device that improves the precision of sample irradiation and fixes blocks of tissue and cells in suspension in milliseconds. The solutions used to immerse the specimen during irradiation influence the specimen morphology. Aldehyde- or osmium-containing solutions used simultaneously with MW irradiation resulted in the best morphologic preservation of specimens up to 1 cm3. Using MW fixation methods and a postembedding, ultrastructural immunogold-labeling approach, we have localized granule chymase and histamine in rat mast cells and amylase in rat parotid acinar cells.

Intracellular signal transduction in four dimensions: from molecular design to physiology

Designed fluorescent indicators are the basis for a major new technique in cell physiology, the quantitative measurement and dynamic imaging of intracellular concentrations of important ions and messengers such as Ca2+, Na+, H+, and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. Molecular engineering has now produced indicators with quite good selectivity and sensitivity for these analytes. In many cases, these probes can be introduced into large populations of cells by means of membrane-permeant chemical derivatives, so that the plasma membrane need never be disrupted or physically breached at any point. Like many other optical microscopic techniques, fluorescent indicators are readily applied to study living cells and tissues, with an unparalleled combination of spatial and temporal resolution. They offer one of the few methods for continuous nondestructive monitoring of dynamic intracellular biochemistry and signal transduction in single cells or subregions of cells.

Rapid effects of insulin on cyclic GMP location in an intact protozoan

We studied rapid changes in location of cyclic GMP in Tetrahymena pyriformis. Insulin caused cGMP localization in cilia and near the plasma membrane (0.5-1 min). Later (1-5 min) cGMP localization was diffuse in cytoplasm with perinuclear accentuation. Inactive insulin analogs did not elicit these changes.

Phorbol ester induced osteoclast-like differentiation of a novel human leukemic cell line (FLG 29.1)

Studies on human osteoclast formation have been hampered by lack of a defined isolated progenitor cell population. We describe here the establishment of a human leukemic cell line (designated FLG 29.1) from bone marrow of a patient with acute monoblastic leukemia. The cultured cells are predominantly undifferentiated leukemic blasts, but addition of 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA; 0.1 microM) induces irreversible differentiation into adherent, non-dividing, multinucleated cells. TPA-treated cells bear surface antigens typical of fetal osteoclasts, degrade 45Ca-labeled devitalized bone particles, display tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in both mononuclear and multinuclear cells and receptors for calcitonin. Calcitonin increases intracellular cAMP accumulation in TPA-treated cells. TPA-treated cells show some ultrastructural features of osteoclasts as evidenced by transmission EM. These results indicate that FLG 29.1 cells may represent an osteoclast committed cell population, which upon induction with TPA acquire some morphological, phenotypical, and functional features of differentiated osteoclasts.

Isozymes of cyclic-3′,5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterases in renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells

Metabolism of cAMP and cGMP by the major types (families) of cyclic-3',5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE) was studied in confluent renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells grown in vitro. LLC-PK1 cells mainly contain the cAMP-specific rolipram-sensitive PDE type-IV (PDE-IV), the Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent PDE type-I and cGMP-specific PDE type-V; all these PDEs are mainly localized in cytosol. Analysis of PDE activities in soluble extract of LLC-PK1 cell homogenate by FPLC ionex chromatography on Mono-Q column also disclosed the presence of low activities of cGMP-stimulated PDE-II and PDE-III. Moreover, activity of PDE-IV was resolved into four distinct chromatographic peaks. The increase of cAMP level in response to incubation of intact LLC-PK1 cells with vasopressin (AVP) was markedly enhanced in the presence of rolipram, but not in the presence of other PDE isozyme-specific inhibitors. Incubation with AVP and atriopeptin (ANP) together resulted in increase in cGMP and a small decrease of cAMP accumulation in LLC-PK1 cells. Results of these studies first show that the LLC-PK1 cells contain all five major types of PDE isozymes where PDE-IV, PDE-I and PDE-V are quantitatively predominant. The rolipram-sensitive PDE-IV, present in several chromatographically distinct forms, appears to be the key PDE isozyme involved in control of cAMP generated in response to stimulation by AVP in LLC-PK1 cells.

Influence of selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors on human neutrophil functions and levels of cAMP and Cai

Chromatographic analysis of 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes in the cytosol of human neutrophils shows the predominant presence of PDE IV (cAMP specific) and PDE V (cGMP specific). PDE IV is characterized by (1) cAMP selectivity, (2) a KM for cAMP of 1.2 microM and (3) a typical rank order of IC50-values for PDE inhibitors: 0.13, 0.17, 47 and 9.5 microM for PDE IV selective rolipram, PDE III/IV selective zardaverine, PDE III selective motapizone and unselective 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), respectively. Functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) such as N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated superoxide release and fMLP/thimerosal elicited leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis are inhibited by these PDE inhibitors with the same rank order and even lower IC50-values. Measurements of changes in cytosolic Cai in Fura-2 loaded PMN demonstrate a transient Cai increase after stimulation with 0.1 microM fMLP and an additional sustained elevation of Cai levels in the presence of thimerosal. PDE inhibitors suppress this sustained phase of Cai release with the same rank order of IC50-values as LT biosynthesis. The correlation between fMLP/thimerosal-induced LT biosynthesis and Cai levels reveal a Cai threshold of 150 nM for arachidonic acid metabolism. cAMP levels in PMN were elevated by PDE inhibitors alone by less than 2-fold. In the presence of fMLP however, cAMP was increased up to 10-fold and the efficacy of PDE inhibitors to increase cAMP paralleled their potency to inhibit PDE IV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction between cAMP elevation, identified growth factors, and serum components in regulating Schwann cell growth

Most previous studies on Schwann cell proliferation in vitro have used serum-containing media. This complicates the analysis of agents required for cell division since serum contains an ill-defined mixture of hormones and growth factors. Serum-free medium has therefore been used to analyse the response of Schwann cell to previously identified Schwann cell mitogens. Serum factors were not necessary for DNA synthesis in response to platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, or glial growth factor, provided they were used in combination with forskolin to elevate intracellular cAMP. Transforming growth factor beta 1, a Schwann cell mitogen in serum, was not mitogenic under these conditions. Neither the growth factors nor forskolin were effective when used alone. Growth control was analysed further using long-term cultured Schwann cells that had spontaneously immortalized. Measurements of endogenous cAMP levels in short- and long-term Schwann cells revealed that long-term cells had two to three times higher basal cAMP levels. As predicted by these findings, platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and glial growth factor stimulated DNA synthesis in long-term cells without requiring costimulation by agents which elevate cAMP (while transforming growth factor beta 1 had no effect).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intracellular distribution of microinjected antisense oligonucleotides

Antisense oligomers constitute an attractive class of specific tools for genetic analysis and for potential therapeutic applications. Targets with different cellular locations have been described, such as mRNA translation initiation sites, pre-mRNA splicing sites, or the genes themselves. However the mechanism(s) of action and the intracellular distribution of antisense oligomers remain poorly understood. Antisense oligomers conjugated with various fluorochromes or with BrdUrd were microinjected into the cytoplasm of somatic cells, and their cellular distribution was monitored by fluorescence microscopy in fixed and nonfixed cells. A fast translocation in the nuclei and a concentration on nuclear structures were observed whatever probe was used. Nuclear transport occurs by diffusion since it is not affected by depletion of the intracellular ATP pool, temperature, or excess unlabeled oligomer. Accumulation of the oligomers in the nuclei essentially takes place on a set of proteins preferentially extracted between 0.2 M and 0.4 M NaCl as revealed by crosslinking of photosensitive oligomers. The relationship between nuclear location of antisense oligomers and their mechanism of action remains to be ascertained and could be of major interest in the design of more efficient antisense molecules.

Rapid accumulation of cyclic GMP near activated vitamin D receptors

The mechanisms of early calcitriol (1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) effects, including its receptor activation process as well as its "nongenomic" effects, are poorly understood. Calcitriol causes a rapid accumulation of cGMP, dependent on the presence of normal vitamin D receptors (VDRs). We recently developed an immunocytology method based on rapid microwave fixation suitable to detect the locations of agonist-induced intracellular cGMP accumulation. With the same technique we found that calcitriol induces stepwise and rapid reorganization of VDRs. Here we used this technique to study the subcellular compartmentalization of cGMP accumulation after exposure of cells to various steroid-related agonists and to study the spatial relationship between cGMP accumulation and VDRs. Calcitriol (10 nM) within 15 sec caused clumping of VDRs and accumulation of cGMP around VDR clumps; thereafter (up to 5 min), the cGMP accumulation surrounded VDRs throughout their stepwise reorganization. In fibroblasts from subjects with mutations affecting VDR function, we found disruptions of the calcitriol-induced patterns of cGMP accumulation analogous to the disruptions of VDR reorganization. The colocalization of cGMP accumulation with reorganizing VDRs at early moments after calcitriol addition indicates transduction of the cGMP increase by VDRs inside the cell, rather than by components in the plasma membrane. Other steroid-related agonists caused compartmentalized and sequential changes in cGMP accumulation that seemed specific for each class of agonist. Our findings suggest that compartmentalized cGMP accumulation is an early and common step during activation of steroid-related receptors.