Neurotensin stimulates inositol phospholipid metabolism and calcium mobilization in murine neuroblastoma clone N1E-115

Neurotensin modulates ovarian vascular permeability via adherens junctions

Neurotensin (NTS) is a 13-amino acid peptide which is highly expressed in the mammalian ovary in response to the luteinizing hormone surge. Antibody neutralization of NTS in the ovulatory follicle of the cynomolgus macaque impairs ovulation and induces follicular vascular dysregulation, with excessive pooling of red blood cells in the follicle antrum. We hypothesize that NTS is an essential intrafollicular regulator of vascular permeability. In the present study, follicle injection of the NTS receptor antagonist SR142948 also resulted in vascular dysregulation. To measure vascular permeability changes in vitro, primary macaque ovarian microvascular endothelial cells (mOMECs) were enriched from follicle aspirates and studied in vitro. When treated with NTS, permeability of mOMECs decreased. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of mOMECs revealed high mRNA expression of the permeability-regulating adherens junction proteins N-cadherin (CDH2) and K-cadherin (CDH6). Immunofluorescent detection of CDH2 and CDH6 confirmed expression and localized these cadherins to the cell-cell boundaries, consistent with function as components of adherens junctions. mOMECs did not express detectable levels of the typical vascular endothelial cadherin, VE-cadherin (CDH5) as determined by RNA-Seq, qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Knockdown of CDH2 or CDH6 via siRNA abrogated the NTS effect on mOMEC permeability. Collectively, these data suggest that NTS plays an ovulation-critical role in vascular permeability maintenance, and that CDH2 and CDH6 are involved in the permeability modulating effect of NTS on the ovarian microvasculature. NTS can be added to a growing number of angiogenic regulators which are critical for successful ovulation.

Circuit coordination of opposing neuropeptide and neurotransmitter signals

Fast-acting neurotransmitters and slow, modulatory neuropeptides are co-released from neurons in the central nervous system, albeit from distinct synaptic vesicles1. The mechanisms of how co-released neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that have opposing actions-for example, stimulatory versus inhibitory-work together to exert control of neural circuit output remain unclear. This has been difficult to resolve owing to the inability to selectively isolate these signalling pathways in a cell- and circuit-specific manner. Here we developed a genetic-based anatomical disconnect procedure that utilizes distinct DNA recombinases to independently facilitate CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis2 of neurotransmitter- and neuropeptide-related genes in distinct cell types in two different brain regions simultaneously. We demonstrate that neurons within the lateral hypothalamus that produce the stimulatory neuropeptide neurotensin and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) utilize these signals to coordinately activate dopamine-producing neurons of the ventral tegmental area. We show that GABA release from lateral hypothalamus neurotensin neurons inhibits GABA neurons within the ventral tegmental area, disinhibiting dopamine neurons and causing a rapid rise in calcium, whereas neurotensin directly generates a slow inactivating calcium signal in dopamine neurons that is dependent on the expression of neurotensin receptor 1 (Ntsr1). We further show that these two signals work together to regulate dopamine neuron responses to maximize behavioural responding. Thus, a neurotransmitter and a neuropeptide with opposing signals can act on distinct timescales through different cell types to enhance circuit output and optimize behaviour.

Neurotensin and Its Involvement in Reproductive Functions: An Exhaustive Review of the Literature

Neurotensin (NTS) is a peptide discovered in 1973, which has been studied in many fields and mainly in oncology for its action in tumor growth and proliferation. In this review of the literature, we wanted to focus on its involvement in reproductive functions. NTS participates in an autocrine manner in the mechanisms of ovulation via NTS receptor 3 (NTSR3), present in granulosa cells. Spermatozoa express only its receptors, whereas in the female reproductive system (endometrial and tube epithelia and granulosa cells), we find both NTS secretion and the expression of its receptors. It consistently enhances the acrosome reaction of spermatozoa in mammals in a paracrine manner via its interaction with NTSR1 and NTSR2. Furthermore, previous results on embryonic quality and development are discordant. NTS appears to be involved in the key stages of fertilization and could improve the results of in vitro fertilization, especially through its effect on the acrosomal reaction.

Early neurogenomic response associated with variation in guppy female mate preference

Understanding the evolution of mate choice requires dissecting the mechanisms of female preference, particularly how these differ among social contexts and preference phenotypes. Here we study the female neurogenomic response after only 10 minutes of mate exposure in both a sensory component (optic tectum) and a decision-making component (telencephalon) of the brain. By comparing the transcriptional response between females with and without preferences for colorful males, we identified unique neurogenomic elements associated with the female preference phenotype that are not present in females without preference. Network analysis revealed different properties for this response at the sensory-processing and the decision-making levels, and showed that this response is highly centralized in the telencephalon. Furthermore, we identified an additional set of genes that vary in expression across social contexts, beyond mate evaluation. We show that transcription factors among those loci are predicted to regulate the transcriptional response of the genes we found to be associated with female preference.

Relamorelin for the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders

INTRODUCTION

Current treatments for gastroparesis are limited. Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) has more treatment options, but none are efficacious for severe cases. Areas covered: Molecular targets to accelerate GI motility are being identified, and relamorelin, a synthetic ghrelin analog, has been promising. In humans, relamorelin increases growth hormone levels and accelerates gastric emptying. Relamorelin was superior to placebo for symptom relief in phase IIA studies for diabetic gastroparesis (DG) and CIC. In phase IIB studies in DG, relamorelin did not significantly reduce vomiting frequency when compared to placebo, but it reduced four symptoms of DG (nausea, fullness, bloating and abdominal pain) and accelerated gastric emptying. To date, relamorelin has been well tolerated and safe in humans without cardiac or neurologic adverse effects. It is still in clinical trial stages and not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Phase III studies are underway. Expert opinion: Relamorelin shows promise in treating DG, with a reduction in core symptoms. Relative to available treatments, it appears to be efficacious and well tolerated. The absence of neurological or cardiovascular adverse effects places it at an advantage over other available therapies. Once approved, it will likely become the drug of first choice for DG.

NT Agonist Regulates Expression of Nuclear High-affinity Neurotensin Receptors

Neurotensin (NT) exerts multiple functions in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Its actions are mainly mediated by a high-affinity G-protein-coupled receptor, the NT-1 receptor. In this study we demonstrated a nuclear NT binding site in different cellular models. We first noted that a large percentage of NT-1 receptor cell body immunoreactivity was located in the nuclear soma and nuclear envelope of rat substantia nigra, a brain area rich in NT-containing axon terminals. The NT-1 receptor was also visualized in purified nuclei from CHO cells stably transfected with NT-1 receptor coupled to the enhanced green fluorescence protein by immunocytochemistry. We observed that both the nuclear envelope and the nuclear soma were labeled, and the labeling intensity significantly increased after NT agonist treatment. These results suggested that NT-1 receptors, present in both the nuclear soma and the nuclear envelope, can be modulated by the ligand. Lastly, [125I]-NT binding experiments performed on isolated nuclei from a human lung cancer cell line endogenously expressing NT-1 receptor and NT, LNM35, revealed the existence of nuclear Gpp(NHp)-sensitive binding sites. These binding sites markedly decreased when cells were chronically treated with an NT-1 receptor antagonist, SR 48692. Taken together, these data suggest that the agonist regulates the expression of nuclear NT-1 receptors.

Emerging treatments in Neurogastroenterology: relamorelin: a novel gastrocolokinetic synthetic ghrelin agonist

BACKGROUND

Synthetic ghrelin agonists, predominantly small molecules, are being developed as prokinetic agents that may prove useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. Relamorelin (RM-131) is a pentapeptide synthetic ghrelin analog that activates the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS)-1a (also called the ghrelin) receptor with approximately sixfold greater potency than natural ghrelin. The ability of relamorelin to stimulate growth hormone (GH) release is comparable to that of native ghrelin. Relamorelin has enhanced efficacy and plasma stability compared to native ghrelin.

PURPOSE

In this review, we discuss the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and potential indications for relamorelin. Relamorelin is administered subcutaneously, dosed daily or twice daily. Relamorelin is being studied for the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders. Phase IIA pharmacodynamic studies have demonstrated acceleration of gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 DM (T2DM) and upper gastrointestinal symptoms. In a phase IIA study in patients with diabetic gastroparesis, relamorelin accelerated gastric emptying and significantly improved vomiting frequency compared to placebo and improved other symptoms of gastroparesis in a prespecified subgroup of patients with vomiting at baseline. In patients with chronic idiopathic constipation with defined transit profile at baseline, relamorelin relieved constipation and accelerated colonic transit compared to placebo. These characteristics suggest that this new ghrelin analog shows great promise to relieve patients with upper or lower gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Preclinical gastrointestinal prokinetic efficacy and endocrine effects of the ghrelin mimetic RM-131

AIMS

The 28 amino acid hormone ghrelin, the natural ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue, or ghrelin receptor (GHR), has diverse physiological functions, including a possible role as a gastrointestinal prokinetic. The synthetic ghrelin mimetic RM-131 is in Phase II clinical trials for treatment of diabetic gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. We aimed to determine the relative potency of RM-131, when compared to other GI ghrelin mimetics, to predict efficacy and determine the role of RM-131 in models of inflammatory bowel disease.

MAIN METHODS

We evaluated and compared ghrelin, RM-131 and other synthetic ghrelin mimetics for their prokinetic potency in models of gastrointestinal disorders in the rat and we evaluated the endocrine (rats and dogs) and anti-inflammatory effects (mice) of the ghrelin mimetic RM-131.

KEY FINDINGS

The pentapeptide RM-131 increased gastric emptying in rodent models of ileus. RM-131 is about 100-fold more potent than human ghrelin and is 600 to 1800-fold more potent, when compared to several investigational ghrelin mimetics tested in clinical trials. RM-131 has anti-inflammatory effects and significantly increases survival and reduces macroscopic markers of tissue damage in a TNBS model of inflammatory bowel disease. RM-131 treatment shows a transient increase in growth hormone levels in Beagle dogs and rats, returning to baseline upon chronic treatment. Significant effects on glucose and insulin are not observed in chronic studies.

SIGNIFICANCE

RM-131's potency, efficacy and endocrine profile, are promising attributes for the treatment of diverse functional gastrointestinal disorders in humans.

Neurotensin and its high affinity receptor 1 as a potential pharmacological target in cancer therapy

Cancer is a worldwide health problem. Personalized treatment represents a future advancement for cancer treatment, in part due to the development of targeted therapeutic drugs. These molecules are expected to be more effective than current treatments and less harmful to normal cells. The discovery and validation of new targets are the foundation and the source of these new therapies. The neurotensinergic system has been shown to enhance cancer progression in various cancers such as pancreatic, prostate, lung, breast, and colon cancer. It also triggers multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, such as the PKC/ERK and AKT pathways. In this review, we discuss the contribution of the neurotensinergic system to cancer progression, as well as the regulation and mechanisms of the system in order to highlight its potential as a therapeutic target, and its prospect for its use as a treatment in certain cancers.

The potential use of the neurotensin high affinity receptor 1 as a biomarker for cancer progression and as a component of personalized medicine in selective cancers

A growing challenge in medicine today, is the need to improve the suitability of drug treatments for cancer patients. In this field, biomarkers have become the "flags" to provide additional information in tumor biology. They are a relay between the patient and practitioner and consequently, aid in the diagnosis, providing information for prognosis, or in some cases predicting the response to specific therapies. In addition to being markers, these tumor "flags" can also be major participants in the process of carcinogenesis. Neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) was recently identified as a prognosis marker in breast, lung, and head and neck squamous carcinomas. Neurotensin (NTS) was also shown to exert numerous oncogenic effects involved in tumor growth and metastatic spread. These effects were mostly mediated by NTSR1, making the NTS/NTSR1 complex an actor in cancer progression. In this review, we gather information on the oncogenic effects of the NTS/NTSR1 complex and its associated signaling pathways in order to illuminate its significant role in tumor progression and its potential as a biomarker and a therapeutic target in some tumors.

Glucocorticoid inhibition of growth in rats: partial reversal with the full-length ghrelin analog BIM-28125

Glucocorticoids are important immunosuppressive hormones; these steroids also inhibit somatic growth by decreased growth hormone (GH) secretion and induced protein catabolism. The ability of ghrelin, the endogenous ligand for the GHS-1a receptor, to increase body weight is attributed to a combination of enhanced food intake, increased gastric emptying and increased food assimilation, coupled with potent GH releasing activity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of a full-length, metabolically stabilized ghrelin agonist, BIM-28125, to reverse the dexamethasone-induced decrease of growth rate of prepubertal Sprague-Dawley male rats. Twenty-one days old rats were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Beginning on day 23 of age, 16 animals were treated ip either with saline or DEX (40 microg/kg/day). On day 33 after birth, these two groups were further subdivided and treated sc with either vehicle or BIM-28125 (80 nmol/kg, t.i.d.). On day 47 after birth, rats were killed and trunk blood was collected for hormone determinations. DEX significantly reduced final body weight and nose-anal length; BIM-28125 increased linear growth in saline-treated rats and reversed growth inhibition in DEX-treated rats. The inhibitory effects of DEX on somatic growth was paralleled by decreased 24 h food intake (FI), decreased food efficiency (FE) and lower plasma IGF-1 levels versus vehicle-treated rats. BIM-28125 induced an increase of FI, FE and plasma IGF-1 in saline-treated rats, and reversed the inhibitory effects of DEX. These preclinical results leads to the conclusion that BIM-28125 may represent a good tool to reverse the catabolic effects induced by glucocorticoids.

Neurotensin effects on N-type calcium currents among rat pallidal neurons: an electrophysiological and immunohistochemical study

The tridecapeptide neurotensin (NT) is involved in the modulation of dopamine (DA)-mediated functions in the nigrostriatal and mesocorticolimbic pathways. Its relevance in mammalian globus pallidus (GP) is questioned. A recent electrophysiological study on GP slices described NT-mediated robust membrane depolarization, depending upon the suppression of potassium conductance and/or the activation of cation current. Here, we have studied whether NT also affected high-voltage-activated calcium (Ca(2+)) currents, by means of whole-cell recordings on isolated GP neurons. In our hands, the full peptide and the segment NT8-13 reversibly inhibited N-like Ca(2+) current in about 60% of the recorded dissociated neurons, irrespective of their capacitance. The NT-mediated modulation showed no desensitization and was antagonized by the NT1 antagonists SR48692 and SR142948. These results imply an abundant expression of NTS(1) on GP cell somata. Then, we performed a light and immunofluorescence-confocal microscopy study of NTS(1) localization among GP neurons. We found that NTS(1) is localized in about 56% of GP neurons in both subpopulations of neurons, namely parvalbumin positive and negative. We conclude that NT, likely released from the striatal terminals in GP, acts through the postsynaptic NTS(1) preferentially localized in the lateral aspects of the GP. These data suggest a new implication (neither merely presynaptic nor simply "excitatory") for NT in the modulation of GP firing pattern. In addition, NT might have a role in affecting the interplay among the endogenous release of GABA/glutamate and DA. This hypothesis might have implications on both sensori-motor and associative functions of the GP and should be tested in DA-denervated disease models.

Interactions between neurotensin receptors and G proteins

Three neurotensin (NT) receptors have been cloned to date, two of which, NTS1 and NTS2, belong to the family of seven transmembrane domain receptors coupled to G proteins (GPCRs). NTS1 and NTS2 may activate multiple signal transduction pathways, involving several G proteins. However, whereas NT acts as an agonist towards all NTS1-mediated pathways, this peptide may exert either agonist or antagonist activities, depending on the NTS2-mediated pathway in question. Studies on these receptors reinforce the concept of independence between multiple signals potentially mediated through a single GPCR, generating a wide diversity of functional responses depending on the host cell and the ligand.

Synthesis and biological studies of novel neurotensin(8-13) mimetics

Novel neurotensin (NT) (8-13) (Arg(8)-Arg(9)-Pro(10)-Tyr(11)-Ile(12)-Leu(13)) mimetics 3, 4 were designed by adopting all intrinsic functional groups of the native neurotensin(8-13) and using a substituted indole as a template to mimic the pharmacophore of NT(8-13). Biological studies at subtype 1 of the NT receptor showed that 3 has a 55 and 580 nM binding affinity at rat and human neurotensin receptors, respectively. As a comparison, compounds 5 and 6 were also synthesized. The binding difference between 3, 4 and 5, 6 argues the importance of the carboxylic group in achieving higher potency NT(8-13) mimetics.

Functional coupling with Galpha(q) and Galpha(i1) protein subunits promotes high-affinity agonist binding to the neurotensin receptor NTS-1 expressed in Escherichia coli

To analyze the coupling of Galpha subunits to the rat neurotensin receptor NTS-1 (NTR), fusion proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli with various Galpha subunits covalently linked to the receptor C-terminus. The presence of Galpha(q) or Galpha(i/q), in which the six C-terminal residues of Galpha(i1) were replaced with those from Galpha(q), increased the percentage of receptors in the agonist high-affinity state. This effect was less pronounced for wild-type Galpha(i1) and not observed for Galpha(i/s). Functional coupling of neurotensin receptor to Galpha was demonstrated by neurotensin-induced [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding for the Galpha(q), Galpha(i/q) and Galpha(i1) subunits, but not for Galpha(i/s). Our results extend previous findings of the dual coupling of NTR to pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive G-proteins in Chinese hamster ovary cells with preference for the latter.

Distribution of the neurotensin receptor NTS1 in the rat CNS studied using an amino-terminal directed antibody

The distribution of neurotensin receptor 1 immunoreactivity in the rat brain was studied using an antibody against the amino-terminal of the receptor expressed as a fusion protein with glutathione-S transferase. Affinity purified antibodies detected the fusion protein and the complete neurotensin receptor sequence expressed in Escherichia coli. The immunostaining was abolished by preabsorption with the amino-terminal fusion protein. Immunoreactive neurotensin receptor 1 immunoreactivity was detected on cell bodies and their processes in a number of CNS regions. In agreement with previous binding studies neurotensin receptor 1 immunoreactivity was particularly localised in cell bodies in the basal forebrain, nucleus basalis and substantia nigra. At the electron microscope level immunoreactivity was found both in axonal bouton and dendrites and spines in the basal forebrain indicating that neurotensin may act both pre- and post-synaptically. There were several regions such as the substantia gelatinosa, ventral caudate-putamen and the lateral reticular nucleus where the neurotensin receptor 1 positive cells had not previously been reported, indicating that distribution of this receptor is widespread.

Neurotensin stimulation of mast cell secretion is receptor-mediated, pertussis-toxin sensitive and requires activation of phospholipase C

Pretreatment of isolated rat serosal mast cells with U-73122, an aminosteroid inhibitor of phospholipase C, inhibited histamine secretion in response to neurotensin (NT). This inhibition reached a maximum after 1 h of pretreatment at 37 degrees C and was dependent upon the concentration of U-73122 (IC50 approximately 0.2 microM). The inactive analog, U-73343, had no effect on the secretory response to NT. Pretreatment of mast cells with U-73122 also blocked histamine secretion in response to substance P (SP), mastoparan (MP), compound 48/80, or amidated NT (NT-NH2). Stimulation of mast cells by NT was accompanied by a rise in the level of intracellular free calcium and a rapid (within seconds) increase in the level of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) which was inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with U-73122. Pretreatment of isolated mast cells with pertussis toxin (PTx) blocked histamine release in response to NT as well as to all peptides tested. PTx had no effect on histamine secretion elicited by anti-IgE stimulation of sensitized mast cells. Pretreatment of mast cells with SR 48692, a NT-receptor antagonist, had no effect on histamine release induced by MP. At a high concentration (100 nM) SR 48692 partially inhibited the response to NT-NH2. These results, together with our earlier findings with SR 48692, indicate that the signal transduction pathway in mast cells activated by NT requires a specific NT-receptor, the activation of phospholipase C, and the involvement of a PTx sensitive G protein. The peptides SP and MP, and compound 48/80, while also requiring the activation of PLC and a PTx sensitive G protein, are not inhibited by the NT-R antagonist, SR 48692, suggesting that they exert their actions either via a different mast cell receptor or via a receptor-independent mechanism.

Neurotensin enhances agonist-induced cAMP accumulation in PC3 cells via Ca2+ -dependent adenylyl cyclase(s)

A human prostate cancer cell line (PC3) with abundant neurotensin (NT) receptors was used to demonstrate that NT potentiated 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophate (cAMP) accumulation in response to a variety of stimuli, including both direct forskolin (F) and indirect (prostaglandin, (PGE2), isoproterenol (ISO) and cholera toxin (CTx)) activators of adenylyl cyclase. Several mechanisms were investigated and our results indicated an effect on the rate of cAMP formation and not on degradation or extrusion. For each stimulus, NT enhanced efficacy without altering EC50. The effect of NT did not involve stimulatory G-protein (Gs)-activation or interference with a tonic inhibitory G-protein (Gi)-mediated inhibition. A similar response was obtained when NT was added with the stimulus or given as a two minute pulse which was removed prior to addition of stimulus. The potentiating activity disappeared with a t1,2 of approximately 15 min. NT transiently elevated cellular [Ca2+]i and its effects on cAMP could be mimicked by [Ca2+]i-elevating agents (uridine triphosphate (UTP), thapsigargin and ionomycin). Buffering cellular [Ca2+]i with 1,2-bis (2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM) inhibited cAMP responses to ISO and F in presence and absence of NT. These data support the idea that NT potentiated cAMP formation in response to a variety of stimuli by facilitating the activation of Ca2+ -dependent adenylyl cyclases.

Activation of receptor gene transcription is required to maintain cell sensitization after agonist exposure. Study on neurotensin receptor

Neurotensin (NT) acts through specific G protein-coupled receptors to induce effects in the central nervous system and periphery. In this study we have shown that in the human neuroblastoma cell line CHP 212, an NT agonist, JMV 449, induced high affinity neurotensin receptor (NTR) gene activation. 125I-NT binding of cells challenged with JMV 449 rapidly decreased then reappeared and subsequently stabilized at 50% of the control values after 48 h of agonist exposure. These receptors, which reappeared at the cell surface, are as active as those found in control cells as demonstrated by Ca2+ mobilization. Furthermore, the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene, a known NT target gene, remained activated after prolonged NT agonist exposure in this cell line. In the murine neuroblastoma cell line, N1E-115, NT did not stimulate NTR gene activation but induced NTR mRNA destabilization after long term agonist exposure. In this cell line, NT binding dropped to 15% of control values and remained at this value after agonist treatment. The TH expression, which was originally activated upon NT agonist exposure, decreased to control values after prolonged agonist exposure. These observations combined with the data obtained from a complementary study with HT-29 cells (Souazé, F., Rostène, W., and Forgez, P. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 10087-10094) revealed the crucial role of agonist-induced receptor gene transcription in the maintenance of cell sensitivity. A model for G protein-coupled receptor regulation induced by prolong and intense agonist stimulation is proposed.

Mechanisms of regulation of neurotensin receptors

Since its discovery in 1973, the neuropeptide neurotensin has been demonstrated to be involved in the control of a broad variety of physiological activities in both the central nervous system and in the periphery. Pharmacological studies have shown that the biological effects elicited by neurotensin result from its specific binding to cell membrane neurotensin receptors that have been characterized in various tissue and in cell preparations. In addition, it is now well documented that most of these responses are subject to rapid desensitization. Such desensitization results in transient responses to sustained peptide applications, or to tachyphylaxis during successive stimulations in the same conditions. More recently, desensitization of neurotensin signalling was investigated at the cellular and molecular levels. In cultured cells, regulation at the second messenger level, receptor internalization, and receptor down-regulation processes have been reported. These are proposed to play a critical role in the control of cell responsiveness to neurotensin. This review aims to compile recent data on the different biochemical processes involved in the regulation of the neurotensin receptor and to discuss the physiological consequences of this regulation in vivo.

High affinity neurotensin receptor mRNA distribution in rat brain and peripheral tissues. Analysis by quantitative RT-PCR

Neurotensin (NT) is widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues, and its actions are mediated by a specific family of G protein-coupled receptors. In this study, the authors have measured the levels of gene expression of the high-affinity neurotensin receptor (NTR) with quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the rat brain, the highest quantities of NTR mRNA were found in the ventral mesencephalon and in the hypothalamus. Surprisingly, almost identical quantities were detected in both structures, despite results from in situ hybridization studies revealing a low expression of NTR mRNA in the hypothalamus. The RT-PCR data suggest that large scale NTR mRNA synthesis is occurring in restrictive hypothalamic nuclei. Intermediate levels of expression were detected in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, and scant levels in the cerebellum. In peripheral tissues, the highest levels of NTR mRNA were detected in the colon, followed by the liver, and then duodenum and pancreas. In this study, the sensitivity and the accuracy of the quantitative RT-PCR method provided the means to estimate the relative distribution of NTR mRNA between brain structures and peripheral tissues. Therefore, this study promotes a better understanding of the localization of NTR synthesis in relationship with the various physiological effects of NT.

Neurotensin inhibition of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) in the rat substantia nigra pars compacta implicates the protein kinase C pathway

1. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was performed from principal neurones of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). In 66% of these neurones, neurotensin (NT) induced, at -60 mV, an inward current associated with an increase in conductance. 2. Principal neurones displayed, in response to hyperpolarizing voltage steps, the voltage-dependent inward cationic current, Ih. This current activated at potentials more negative than -65 mV and reached a maximum at -106 +/- 4 mV, with a half-activation potential of -86 +/- 3 mV. Its estimated reversal potential was -43 +/- 7 mV and its activation curve was fitted with two exponentials. 3. In 41% of neurones showing the inward current, NT (0.5 microM) also reversibly reduced the amplitude of Ih. The diminution was 48.5 +/- 12% when voltage steps were made from -60 to -95 mV. The decrease in Ih resulted from a reduction in the maximal current with no change in the voltage dependence of activation. 4. Forskolin (10 microM), an activator of adenylate cyclase, increased Ih by shifting its activation range to more positive potentials, but it did not alter the NT inhibition of Ih. 5. The effect of NT was blocked by staurosporine (0.5 microM) and by PKC-(19-31) (0.5 microM), a specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, but was unaffected by Walsh's peptide (100 microM), a specific inhibitor of protein kinase A. The reduction of Ih was mimicked by 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (0.5-10 microM), an analogue of diacylglycerol, an endogenous PKC activator. 6. These results suggest that the inhibition of Ih by NT involves a phosphorylation mechanism that implies activation of PKC.

Neurotensin and neuroendocrine regulation

More than two decades of research indicate that the peptide neurotensin (NT) and its cognate receptors participate to a remarkable extent in the regulation of mammalian neuroendocrine systems, potentially at multiple levels in a given system. NT-synthesizing neurons appear to exert a direct or indirect stimulatory influence on neurosecretory cells that synthesize gonadotropin-releasing hormone, dopamine (DA), somatostatin, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). In addition, context-specific synthesis of NT occurs in hypothalamic neurosecretory cells located in the arcuate nucleus and parvocellular paraventricular nucleus, including distinct subsets of cells which release DA, CRH, or growth hormone-releasing hormone into the hypophysial portal circulation. At the level of the anterior pituitary, NT stimulates secretion of prolactin and occurs in subsets of gonadotropes and thyrotropes. Moreover, circulating hormones influence NT synthesis in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, raising the possibility that NT mediates certain feedback effects of the hormones on neuroendocrine cells. Gonadal steroids alter NT levels in the preoptic area, arcuate nucleus, and anterior pituitary; adrenal steroids alter NT levels in the hypothalamic periventricular nucleus and arcuate nucleus; and thyroid hormones alter NT levels in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary. Finally, clarification of the specific neuroendocrine roles subserved by NT should be greatly facilitated by the use of newly developed agonists and antagonists of the peptide.

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase couples neurotensin receptor stimulation to induction of the primary response gene Krox-24

Neurotensin (NT) is a neuropeptide that is important in a variety of biological processes such as signal transduction and cell growth. NT effects are mediated by a single class of cell-surface receptors, known as neurotensin receptors (NTRs), which exhibit structural features of the G-protein-coupled receptors superfamily. We investigated NTR signalling properties with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably transformed with human NTR (hNTR). First, we showed that NTR stimulation by NT induced the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in time- and dose-dependent manners. Both p42 and p44 MAPK isoforms were retarded in gel-shift assays, which was consistent with their activation by phosphorylation. In addition we showed that NT caused a prolonged activation of MAPK as measured by in-gel kinase assay. Secondly, we demonstrated that NT induced the expression of the growth-related gene Krox-24 at the protein level, as assessed by Western-blot analysis, and at the transcriptional level, as demonstrated in CHO cells transfected with hNTR and a reporter gene for Krox-24. Activation of MAPK and induction of Krox-24 were both prevented by the NTR antagonist SR 48692, confirming the specific action on NTR. Furthermore we observed coupling of NTR to a mitogenic pathway and Krox-24 induction in the human adenocarcinoma cell line HT29, which naturally expresses NTRs. Considering coupling pathways between NTR stimulation and MAPK activation, we observed a partial inhibition by pertussis toxin (PTX) and a complete blockade by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF 109203X. Taken together, these results suggest that (1) stimulation of NTR activates the MAPK pathway by mechanisms involving dual coupling to both PTX-sensitive and PTX-insensitive G-proteins as well as PKC activation, and (2) these effects are associated with the induction of Krox-24, which might be a target of MAPK effector.

Cloning and characterization of the rat neurotensin receptor gene promoter

The 5'-terminal region of the rat neurotensin receptor (NTR) gene was isolated and characterized. Genomic Southern analysis revealed that the NTR gene occurs as a single copy in the rat haploid genome. The upstream putative promoter region did not contain canonical TATA or CAAT boxes but has a consensus sequence for the transcription factor Sp1. This promoter is embedded in a large G + C-rich domain with characteristics of an CpG island. Transfection experiments using neurotensin receptor-luciferase fusion genes demonstrated that the 5'-flanking sequence functions as a strong promoter in the NG-108-15 cell. Deletion analysis suggested the presence of a core promoter (-470 to -662) that drives the minimal expression of the NTR gene.

Neurotensin excitation of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus of the rat in vitro

Neurotensin-containing terminals and radioligand binding sites are present in the dorsal raphe nucleus. The purpose of this study was to test, in brain slices containing this nucleus, the effect of neurotensin on the electrical activity of serotonergic neurons. In extracellular recordings, the cells were identified by the ability of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine to induce firing, and serotonin to reduce this effect. After washout of phenylephrine, neurotensin (10 nM to 10 microM) induced a concentration-dependent increase in the firing rate of serotonergic neurons (EC50 = 142 nM; maximum effect approximately 1 microM). The neurotensin excitation, which was mimicked by neurotensin fragments 8-13 but not neurotensin peptide fragment 1-8 and selectively blocked by SR 48692 (100 nM), was observed mainly in the ventral part of the nucleus. Most serotonergic neurons showed marked desensitization to neurotensin, even at low concentrations. The neurotensin response was occluded by supramaximal concentrations of phenylephrine. In intracellular recordings using KCl-containing electrodes, neurotensin induced an inward current associated in some cases with a decrease in apparent input conductance. In conclusion, neurotensin was found to have an excitatory action on serotonergic neurons in the ventral part of the dorsal raphe nucleus, an effect which could be subject to desensitization and was occluded by phenylephrine. This occlusion phenomenon may be important for the physiological role of neurotensin in the dorsal raphe nucleus.

Neurotensin receptors: binding properties, transduction pathways, and structure

Neurotensin is a 13-amino acid peptide (pGlu-Leu-Tyr-Glu-Asn-Lys-Pro-Arg-Arg-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Leu) originally isolated from hypothalami (Carraway and Leeman, 1973) and later from intestines (Kitabgi et al., 1976) of bovine. The peptide is present throughout the animal kingdom, suggesting its participation to important processes basic to animal life (Carraway et al., 1982). Neurotensin and its analogue neuromedin-N (Lys-Ile-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Leu) (Minamino et al., 1984) are synthesized by a common precursor in mammalian brain (Kislauskis et al., 1988) and intestine (Dobner et al., 1987). The central and peripheral distribution and effects of neurotensin have been extensively studied. In the brain, neurotensin is exclusively found in nerve cells, fibers, and terminals (Uhl et al., 1979), whereas the majority of peripheral neurotensin is found in the endocrine N-cells located in the intestinal mucosa (Orci et al., 1976; Helmstaedter et al., 1977). Central or peripheral injections of neurotensin produce completely different pharmacological effects (Table I) indicating that the peptide does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Many of the effects of centrally administered neurotensin are similar to those of neuroleptics or can be antagonized by simultaneous administration of TRH (Table I). The recently discovered nonpeptide antagonist SR 48692 (Gully et al., 1993) can inhibit several of the central and peripheral effects of neurotensin (Table I). Like many other neuropeptides, neurotensin is a messenger of intracellular communication working as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the brain (Nemeroff et al., 1982) and as a local hormone in the periphery (Hirsch Fernstrom et al., 1980). Thus, several pharmacological, morphological, and neurochemical data suggest that one of the functions of neurotensin in the brain is to regulate dopamine neurotransmission along the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways (Quirion, 1983; Kitabgi, 1989). On the other hand, the likely role of neurotensin as a parahormone in the gastrointestinal tract has been well documented (Rosell and Rökaeus, 1981; Kitabgi, 1982). Both central and peripheral modes of action of neurotensin imply as a first step the recognition of the peptide by a specific receptor located on the plasma membrane of the target cell. Formation of the neurotensin-receptor complex is then translated inside the cell by a change in the activity of an intracellular enzyme. This paper describes the binding and structural properties of neurotensin receptors as well as the signal transduction pathways that are activated by the peptide in various target tissues and cells.

Characterization of the effect of SR48692 on inositol monophosphate, cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP responses linked to neurotensin receptor activation in neuronal and non-neuronal cells

1. Neurotensin stimulated inositol monophosphate (IP1) formation in both human colonic carcinoma HT29 cells and in mouse neuroblastoma N1E115 cells with EC50 values of 3.5 +/- 0.5 nM (n = 4) and 0.46 +/- 0.02 nM (n = 3), respectively. Neurotensin also stimulated cyclic GMP production with an EC50 of 0.47 +/- 1.2 nM and inhibited cyclic AMP accumulation induced by forskolin (0.5 microM) with an IC50 of 1.33 +/- 1.5 nM (n = 3) on the N1E115 cell line. 2. The competitive antagonism by the non-peptide neurotensin receptor antagonist, SR48692 of neurotensin-induced IP1 formation revealed pA2 values of 8.7 +/- 0.2 (n = 3) for HT29 and 10.1 +/- 0.2 (n = 3) for N1E115 cells. SR48692 also antagonized the cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP responses induced by neurotensin in the N1E115 cell line with pA2 values of 10.7 +/- 0.7 (n = 3) and 9.8 +/- 0.3 (n = 3), respectively. 3. In CHO cells transfected with the rat neurotensin receptor, neurotensin stimulated IP1 and cyclic AMP formation with EC50 values of 3.0 +/- 0.5 nM (n = 3) and 72.2 +/- 20.7 nM (n = 3), respectively. Both effects were antagonized by SR48692, giving pA2 values of 8.4 +/- 0.1 (n = 3) for IP1 and 7.2 +/- 0.4 (n = 3) for cyclic AMP responses. 4. Radioligand binding experiments, performed with [125I]-neurotensin (0.2 nM), yielded IC50 values of 15.3 nM (n = 2) and 20.4 nM (n = 2) for SR48692 versus neurotensin receptor binding sites labelled in HT29 and N1E115 cells, respectively. 5 In conclusion, SR48692 appears to be a potent, species-independent antagonist of the signal transduction events triggered by neurotensin receptor activation in both neuronal and non-neuronal cell systems.

Calcium homeostasis in fibroblasts from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder of the motor system in the CNS characterized by motor neuron death in the spinal cord, brain stem and cortex. Readily available tissues such as fibroblasts from ALS patients can serve as simple model systems to study the molecular mechanisms leading to degenerative disorders. We have used Fura-2 fluorescence microscopy and single-cell imaging to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) in primary cultures of fibroblasts from skin biopsies from ALS and normal subjects. Increases in [Ca2+]i were induced by stimulation with bradykinin (100 nM); neurotensin (50 nM); N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (chemotactic peptide) (1 microM); [Arg8]-vasopressin (1 microM) and histamine (10 microM). The levels of [Ca2+]i in 80-120 individual cells per agonist were monitored for 15 min. No significant differences were found in the resting levels of [Ca2+]i in control (102 +/- 4 nM) and ALS (98 +/- 6 nM) fibroblasts and in the maximal [Ca2+]i levels after stimulation with N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe, [Arg8]-vasopressin, and histamine. Significantly lower [Ca2+]i transients were found in fibroblasts from ALS donors compared to controls when stimulated with neurotensin (p < 0.002) and bradykinin (p < 0.005). The percentage of individual cells reacting to a given agonist (40-100%) was similar in both groups. The molecular basis of the impaired calcium homeostasis in fibroblasts from ALS patients is not known, but a generalized membrane defect can be excluded since the [Ca2+]i responses are defective only when bradykinin or neurotensin are used as agonists.

Rational design of novel neurotensin mimetics: discovery of a pharmacologically unprecedented agent exhibiting concentration-dependent dual effects as antagonist and full agonist

We report the rational design of novel neurotensin mimetics through use of the Multiple Template Approach. This approach is based on our notion that a flexible peptide can be replaced by a partially flexible molecule, identified through testing a comparatively small number of molecules possessing a different intrinsic availability of conformations of the native peptide. The Multiple Template Approach has culminated in the discovery of a pharmacologically unprecedented agent, which behaves as a neurotensin antagonist at low concentration and as a full neurotensin agonist at high concentration.

Increase in neurotensin receptor expression in rat brain induced by chronic treatment with the nonpeptide neurotensin receptor antagonist SR 48692

In the present study, we examined the regulation of neurotensin receptor following a chronic pharmacological blockade of the neurotensin transmission with a nonpeptide neurotensin receptor antagonist, SR 48692. Our results showed that treatment of the rats for five days with SR 48692, at a dose of 1 mg/kg, i.p., induced an increase of both the number of binding sites for 125I-neurotensin to whole brain membrane homogenates and neurotensin receptor mRNA levels in the ventral mesencephalon. This study brings the first evidence for an in vivo up-regulation of neurotensin receptors following their pharmacological blockade, and suggests that endogenous neurotensin exerts a tonic inhibitory control on neurotensin receptor mRNA levels.

Neurotensin receptor expression in the rat forebrain and midbrain: a combined analysis by in situ hybridization and receptor autoradiography

The aim of the present study was to examine the distribution of the levocabastine-insensitive high-affinity neurotensin binding sites in the rat forebrain and midbrain in relation to the distribution of the cloned neurotensin receptor mRNA by using a combination of both high-resolution in vitro receptor autoradiography and in situ hybridization approaches. Groups of cells rich in neurotensin receptor mRNA were observed in the basal forebrain nuclei, the ventral tegmental area, the substantia nigra and in the interfascicular and caudal linear nuclei and the retrorubral field. Cells expressing lower levels of neurotensin receptor mRNA were found in several subdivisions of the cortex; the dentate gyrus; the septofimbrial, suprachiasmatic, medial habenular, and mammillary nuclei; the dorsal part of the lateral septum; the zona incerta; and the dorsomedial and perifornical hypothalamic areas. Most of the brain areas containing neurotensin receptor mRNA demonstrated a selective association of neurotensin binding sites with neuronal cell bodies. In contrast, in several telencephalic and diencephalic structures, the presence of neurotensin binding sites was not correlated with that of neurotensin receptor mRNA, suggesting that neurotensin receptors were mainly located on axon terminals. This study provides a better understanding of the anatomical organization of neurotensin receptor expressing systems in the rat brain and gives further insight into the pre- vs. postsynaptic location of neurotensin receptors in various brain regions. Moreover, it indicates that all neurons expressing the cloned neurotensin receptor harbour neurotensin binding sites on their perikaryal membrane.

Characterization of neurotensin-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in brain regions of long sleep and short sleep mice

Previous studies have shown that long sleep (LS) and short sleep (SS) mice, which were selectively bred for differences in brain sensitivity to ethanol, differ in neurotensin (NT) receptor densities in specific brain regions. The present study was designed to determine whether these receptor differences mediate differences in the effects of NT on the phosphoinositide (PI) second messenger system in four brain regions from LS and SS mice. Baseline and NT- or carbachol-stimulated PI hydrolysis were Ca(2+)-dependent. Stimulation of PI hydrolysis by NT or carbachol was region specific; NT effect was approximately equal in ventral midbrain (VMB) and entorhinal cortex (EC) with slightly less stimulation in nucleus accumbens (NA) and no effect in the cerebellum (CE). Carbachol-enhanced PI hydrolysis was greatest in the VMB followed by EC and NA with no stimulation in the CE. There were no between line (LS vs. SS) differences in carbachol effects, but stimulation by NT was greater in EC and NA from LS than from SS mice. Ethanol enhanced NT-stimulated, but not carbachol-stimulated, PI metabolism in SS and LS NA brain slices. Results with levocabastine, an inhibitor of low-affinity NT receptor (NTL) binding, suggest that NT may stimulate PI hydrolysis via NTL, as well as high-affinity receptors.

Expression of a rat neurotensin receptor in Escherichia coli

With the goal of obtaining sufficient quantities of seven-helix G-protein-coupled receptors for structural analysis, we have studied the functional expression of a rat neurotensin receptor cDNA in Escherichia coli with and without a signal sequence and as a fusion with the gene coding for maltose-binding protein. The addition of an N-terminal signal peptide resulted in increased expression levels. In vitro translation at a high level revealed that the codon usage of the rat neurotensin receptor cDNA was not critical for overproduction. Expression of neurotensin receptor cDNA fused to the 3' end of the gene encoding maltose-binding protein resulted in a 40-fold increase in neurotensin-binding sites. Binding of [3H]neurotensin to intact bacteria or E. coli membranes was saturable, with a dissociation constant, KD, of 0.23 nM (Bmax. = 450 sites/bacterium or 15 pmol/mg of crude membrane protein). The binding properties of all recombinant receptors presented in this study were similar and corresponded to those of the high-affinity binding sites in rat brain. For immunological detection and future purification of neurotensin receptor, a C-terminal pentahistidine/c-myc tail was introduced. Western-blot analysis revealed the association of neurotensin receptor with E. coli membranes.

Calmodulin mediates melatonin cytoskeletal effects

In this article, we review the data concerning melatonin interactions with calmodulin. The kinetics of melatonin-calmodulin binding suggest that the hormone modulates cell activity through intracellular binding to the protein at physiological concentration ranges. Melatonin interaction with calmodulin may allow the hormone to modulate rhythmically many cellular functions. Melatonin's effect on tubulin polymerization, and cytoskeletal changes in MDCK and N1E-115 cells cultured with melatonin, suggest that at low concentrations (10(-9) M) cytoskeletal effects are mediated by its antagonism to Ca2+-calmodulin. At higher concentrations (10(-5)M) non-specific binding of melatonin to tubulin occurs thus overcoming the specific melatonin antagonism to Ca2+-calmodulin. Since the structures of melatonin and calmodulin are phylogenetically well preserved, calmodulin-melatonin interaction probably represents a major mechanism for regulation and synchronization of cell physiology.

Further characterization of neurotensin receptor desensitization and down-regulation in clone N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells

Murine neuroblastoma clone N1E-115 cells possess neurotensin receptors that are coupled to polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis and cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) formation. These responses rapidly desensitize and these receptors rapidly down-regulate nearly completely in about 15 min. Although neurotensin is rapidly degraded by peptidases, in this study we show that at 37 degrees neurotensin (100 nM) in the absence of peptidase inhibitors caused this rapid desensitization and down-regulation (32 +/- 5 and 24 +/- 2% of control, respectively) of neurotensin receptors in N1E-115 cells. In addition, we demonstrated that this desensitization, resensitization, down-regulation and recovery of binding sites were temperature dependent. These data suggest that a certain degree of phospholipid fluidity or activity of some enzymes is required for these processes to occur. After addition of sodium nitroprusside or ionomycin to cells, cGMP increased in desensitized cells to the same degree as in control cells. Additionally, desensitization and down-regulation occurred in the absence of a change in the affinity of neurotensin for the remaining sites. These data suggest that desensitization is not caused by changes in nitric oxide synthesis, guanylyl cyclase activity or receptor affinity, but predominantly by a decrease in receptor number.

The effects of beta-phorbol-12,13 dibutyrate on agonist-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in N1E-115 cells. Differential modulation of responses to angiotensin II and bradykinin

Addition of angiotensin II (A2; 500 nM) to populations of fura-2-loaded N1E-115 cells resulted in a transient increase in intracellular calcium which was abolished by pre-treatment with the phorbol ester, beta-phorbol-12,13 dibutyrate (PDBu) (1.5 microM). The inhibitory effects were reversed by the protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine (150 nM), and down-regulation of protein kinase C was observed over 48 hr. Responses to maximally effective concentrations of histamine (300 microM), ATP (100 microM), UTP (100 microM) and carbachol (100 microM) were similarly inhibited by phorbol pre-treatment but the response to bradykinin (BK) (100 nM) was unaffected. When the concentrations of BK and A2 were adjusted to produce the same-sized calcium signals, PDBu pre-treatment abolished the response to A2 but only partially inhibited the response to BK. From the data presented here we can conclude that the calcium response to BK in N1E-115 cells is less susceptible to the inhibitory effects of protein kinase C activation than the response produced by A2.

Effects of ethanol exposure on neuropeptide-stimulated calcium mobilization in N1E-115 neuroblastoma

The effects of acute and chronic (100 mM for 7 days) ethanol exposures on resting intracellular free calcium, [Ca2+]i as well as bradykinin and neurotensin mediated [Ca2+]i mobilization were determined in intact N1E-115 neuroblastoma. [Ca2+]i was monitored fluorometrically with the calcium indicator, fluo-3/AM. Acute exposure to ethanol resulted in an inhibition of bradykinin mediated [Ca2+]i mobilization with significant effects observed only at 400 mM ethanol. Neurotensin mediated [Ca2+]i mobilization was not significantly affected by any of the ethanol concentrations tested. Similarly, resting [Ca2+]i (64 +/- 2 nM) was unaffected by either chronic or acute ethanol as high as 400 mM. However, chronic exposure to ethanol significantly reduced the magnitude of bradykinin mediated [Ca2+]i mobilization both in the absence and presence of extracellular [Ca2+]. In contrast, [Ca2+]i mobilization in the presence of various concentrations of neurotensin was not significantly affected by chronic ethanol exposure. The results suggest that neuropeptide mediated [Ca2+]i mobilization is relatively insensitive to the acute presence of ethanol. In addition, chronic ethanol exposure appears to have selective effects on receptor mediated [Ca2+]i mobilization because this response to bradykinin, but not neurotensin, was significantly reduced in cells exposed to ethanol. The results also suggest that the reduction in bradykinin stimulated [Ca2+]i mobilization in chronically exposed cells is due in part to an inhibition of the release of intracellularly bound [Ca2+].

Effects of GTP analogs and metal ions on the binding of neurotensin to porcine brain membranes

Using 125I-labeled neurotensin (NT), porcine brain membranes were found to contain two types of high-affinity receptors, one class (approximately 1/3 of total) with an apparent Kd of 0.12 nM and another with an apparent Kd of 1.4 nM. Nonhydrolyzable analogs of GTP inhibited NT binding in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of 60 microM guanosine 5'-(3-thio) 5'-(beta, gamma-imino) triphosphate. NT binding was decreased by 35% with an associated decrease in the number of binding sites and little change in the Kd. Cross-linking of 125I-labeled NT to brain membranes using disuccinimidyl suberate was found to specifically label two substances of approximately 120 kDa and approximately 160 kDa, which could represent different binding proteins or complexes. For a series of NT analogs, there was close agreement between the IC50 in the binding assay and the ED50 in a bioassay based on ability to contract the guinea pig ileum. In addition, metal ions inhibited NT binding and the contractile action of NT with the same order of potency (Hg++ > Zn++ > Cu++ > Mn++ > Mg++ > Li++). There was a linear relationship between the standard reduction potential for these ions and the logarithm of the IC50 in the binding assay. The results suggest that porcine brain contains high-affinity, G-protein-linked receptors for NT, the functioning of which depends upon group(s), perhaps sulfhydryl(s), which can interact strongly with certain heavy metal ions.

The rat neurotensin receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells mediates the release of inositol phosphates

To study second messenger synthesis mediated by the cloned rat neurotensin receptor, we derived a cell line stably expressing this receptor. The cDNA clone of this receptor was subcloned into the pcDNA1neo expression vector. This construct was then used to transfect Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells. Colony clones, selected for resistance to antibiotic G-418 sulfate, were isolated and grown separately. Nineteen individual clones were screened for total [3H]neurotensin binding as an indication of neurotensin receptor expression. The clone (CHO-rNTR-10) showing the highest level of specific [3H]neurotensin binding was characterized further. With intact cells, the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) for specific [3H]neurotensin binding was 18 nM, and the maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) was 900 fmol/mg of protein or 740 fmol/10(6) cells (approximately 4.4 x 10(5) sites on the cellular surface). Whereas the KD was similar to that found in other cellular systems, for example, the murine neuroblastoma clone N1E-115, the Bmax exceeded previously reported values. Incubation of intact CHO-rNTR-10 cells with neurotensin caused the release of inositol phosphates in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 3 nM), results indicating that the expressed transfected receptor was functional. Neurotensin did not inhibit cyclic AMP levels stimulated by forskolin. As with other systems, neurotensin (8-13) was more potent than neurotensin Neurotensin-mediated inositol phosphate release is the first report of second messenger synthesis for this receptor expressed in a transfected cell line. These results suggest that the relation between structure and function of the neurotensin receptor can be readily studied in transfected cell lines.

Phospholipase C activation by neurotensin and neuromedin N in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the rat neurotensin receptor

The rat neurotensin receptor cDNA sequence was transfected in Chinese hamster ovary cells and cellular clones which stably express the corresponding protein were isolated and characterized. The Scatchard analysis of the specific binding of [3H]neurotensin indicated a Kd value of 0.45 +/- 0.08 nM and a Bmax value of 3.27 +/- 0.29 pmol/mg of protein. Displacement experiments using peptidic analogs of neurotensin and levocabastine confirmed that the transfected receptor exhibits the binding properties of the neurotensin receptor characterized in the rat brain. Neurotensin stimulated the phosphoinositides hydrolysis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and this effect was mimicked by neurotensin(8-13) and by neuromedin N. The stimulation of phosphoinositides hydrolysis was not inhibited by pertussis toxin. These results indicate that the transfected cells actively express the rat neurotensin receptor which is functionally coupled to phospholipase C through a pertussis toxin-insensitive GTP-binding protein, and that neuromedin N is able to induce the phosphoinositides turnover by interaction with the neurotensin receptor.

Agonist-induced changes in [Ca2+]i in N1E-115 cells: differential effects of bradykinin and carbachol

The addition of bradykinin to populations of fura-2 loaded N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells produced an increase in intracellular calcium which rapidly reached a peak and returned to baseline within 60 s. The response was concentration dependent and unaffected by removal of extracellular calcium or addition of the inorganic channel blocker Ni2+. Similar transient responses were seen with histamine and angiotensin II and experiments monitoring manganese entry suggest that agonist responses in this cell line involve mainly release of calcium from intracellular stores. However, unlike bradykinin, the response to carbachol, at all concentrations, failed to return completely to baseline suggesting a small secondary influx component and highlighting possible differences between the mechanisms of calcium elevation by these two agonists.

Stimulus-induced accumulation of inositol tetrakis-, pentakis-, and hexakisphosphates in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells

When [3H]inositol-prelabelled N1E-115 cells were stimulated with carbamylcholine (CCh) (100 microM), high K+ (60 mM), and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) (10 microM), a transient increase in [3H]inositol pentakisphosphate (InsP5) accumulation was observed. The accumulation reached its maximum level at 15 s and had declined to the basal level at 2 min. CCh, high K+, and PGE1 also caused accumulations of [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3], [3H]inositol 1,3,4,6-tetrakisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4,6)P4], and [3H]inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6). Muscarine and CCh induced accumulations of [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3, [3H]-Ins(1,3,4,6)P4, [3H]InsP5, and [3H]InsP6 with a similar potency and exerted these maximal effects at 100 microM, whereas nicotine failed to do so at 1 mM. With a slower time course, CCh, high K+, and PGE1 caused accumulations of [3H]-inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4)P3] and [3H]inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4,5)P4]. In an N1E-115 cell homogenate, [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3, [3H]Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, and [3H]Ins(1,3,4)P3 were converted to [3H]InsP5 through [3H]-Ins(1,3,4,6)P4. The above results indicate that Ins(1,3,4,6)P4, InsP5, and InsP6 are rapidly formed by several kinds of stimulants in N1E-115 cells.

Effects of neurotensin on caudate nucleus protein phosphorylation

The tridecapeptide, neurotensin (NT), is heterogenously distributed in the mammalian central nervous system and exhibits many neurotransmitter-like characteristics. However, the molecular mechanisms of NT signal transduction remain obscure. In this report, we demonstrate NT-induced stimulation of specific protein substrate phosphorylation in the rat caudate nucleus. Rat caudate nucleus was dissected, a P2 fraction prepared and proteins phosphorylated in vitro with [32P]ATP for 1 min. Phosphorylated proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and autoradiograms prepared. NT preincubation in the absence of calcium resulted in markedly increased phosphorylation in vitro of proteins with apparent molecular weights of 80,000 and 50,000. These effects were not observed if calcium was present during the NT preincubation period. Both calcium and cAMP enhanced phosphorylation of the 80 kDa protein, but phosphorylation of the 50 kDa protein was responsive only to calcium.