A study of cyclic nucleotides as second messengers after interleukin 2 stimulation of human T lymphocytes

Expression and function of beta-adrenergic receptors in human hematopoietic cell lines

We investigated the expression and functional characteristics of beta-adrenoceptors in a panel of 10 phenotypically different human hematopoietic cell lines. A binding assay with [125I]iodocyanopindolol as the ligand revealed that cell lines of myelomonocytic or histiocytic derivation (HL-60, ML-2, RC-2A, U-937) expressed high numbers of beta-adrenoceptors. An intermediate density of receptors was found in a non-T, non-B cell leukemia line (Nall-1), whereas T-cell (JM, CCRF-CEM), B-cell (Raji) or erythroleukemic cell lines (K-562, HEL) displayed minimal or undetectable binding of the radioligand. Isoprenaline-stimulated cAMP production by the cells correlated to their extent of beta-adrenoceptor expression. Southern blot hybridization analysis of genomic DNA from the cell lines with a 32P-labelled beta 2-adrenoceptor cDNA probe revealed no evidence for major rearrangement or amplification of the receptor gene. Incubation with isoprenaline in vitro suppressed the proliferation of the receptor-rich RC-2A cells but did not affect the growth rate of the receptor-deficient K-562 cells. Treatment with propranolol slightly enhanced the proliferation of the RC-2A cells but did not markedly alter the growth rate of two other cell lines, regardless of their beta-adrenoceptor status. These findings indicate a regulatory influence by the sympathoadrenergic system on selected cells of the myelomonocytic lineage.

Effects of cyclic AMP and butyrate on cell cycle, DNA, RNA, and purine synthesis of cultured astrocytes

Dibutyryl cyclic monophosphate (dBcAMP) has been shown to inhibit growth, and alter the morphology of astrocytes. However, the potential contribution of its hydrolytic product, butyrate, in inducing some of the changes that have been attributed to dBcAMP, is not clear. DNA, RNA, and purine synthesis were therefore studied in primary astrocyte cultures after 24 hours of exposure to varying concentrations of butyrate, dBcAMP, and agents that increase intracellular cAMP levels. Progression of cells through cell cycle was also studied by flow cytometry. Dibutyryl cAMP partially arrested cells in Go/G1 phase of cell cycle while sodium butyrate increased the percentage population of cells in G2/M phase. DNA synthesis and de novo purine synthesis were inhibited after treatment with dBcAMP, sodium butyrate, and various drugs that increase intracellular cAMP levels. RNA synthesis was increased with cAMP but was not affected by sodium butyrate. Our study shows that at millimolar concentrations, butyrate is capable of altering the cell cycle and inhibiting DNA synthesis in primary astrocyte cultures, in a manner that is similar although not identical to the effects of dBcAMP.

Response of the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 long terminal repeat to cyclic AMP

The sequences that control transcriptional initiation of the provirus of the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) are shown to be responsive to intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. A heptanucleotide sequence present within the 21-nucleotide repeat sequence that is similar to the cyclic AMP-responsive consensus (CRE) sequence was required for cyclic AMP-mediated increase in gene expression. Although the CRE-like sequences were contained within sequences that were responsive to the virally encoded trans-activator (tax), the evidence presented indicates that the mechanisms of promoter induction by the tax product and cyclic AMP are independent. The implication of cyclic AMP stimulation of HTLV-1 provirus gene expression for long-term persistence of infected T cells and for virus-induced transformation is discussed.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Modulates Lymphocyte Proliferation VIA Affecting Activation Step

The effect of CRP on lymphocyte activation and proliferation in vitro was estimated on the basis of measurement of 3H-thymidine incorporation, analysis of distribution of subsequent cell divisions and analysis of IL-2 receptor expression. Low doses of CRP (less than 3μg/ml) stimulated and high doses (over 5μg/ml) inhibited lymphocyte activation, with little effect on proliferating lymphoblasts. The presence of foetal bovine serum or autologous serum modified CRP action on lymphocytes. The inhibitory effect of CRP on lymphocyte proliferation was similar in cultures stimulated by PHA or by allogeneic cells. On the basis of results obtained, CRP is considered a possible immunomodulator.