Regulatory role of the GTP-binding protein, G(o), in the mechanism of exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells

Humanin derivative, HNG, enhances neurotransmitter release

BACKGROUND

Humanin (HN) is an endogenous 24-residue peptide that was first identified as a protective factor against neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We previously demonstrated that the highly potent HN derivative HNG (HN with substitution of Gly for Ser14) ameliorated cognitive impairment in AD mouse models. Despite the accumulating evidence on the antagonizing effects of HN against cognitive deficits, the mechanisms behind these effects remain to be elucidated.

METHODS

The extracellular fluid in the hippocampus of wild-type young mice was collected by microdialysis and the amounts of neurotransmitters were measured. The kinetic analysis of exocytosis was performed by amperometry using neuroendocrine cells.

RESULTS

The hippocampal acetylcholine (ACh) levels were increased by intraperitoneal injection of HNG. HNG did not affect the physical activities of the mice but modestly improved their object memory. In a neuronal cell model, rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, HNG enhanced ACh-induced dopamine release. HNG increased ACh-induced secretory events and vesicular quantal size in primary neuroendocrine cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that HN directly enhances regulated exocytosis in neurons, which can contribute to the improvement of cognitive functions.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The regulator of exocytosis is a novel physiological role of HN, which provides a molecular clue for HN's effects on brain functions under health and disease.

8-Nitro-cGMP modulates exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells

Nitric oxide (NO)-mediated production of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) is a crucial signaling pathway that controls a wide array of neuronal functions, including exocytotic neurotransmitter release. A novel nitrated derivative of cGMP, 8-nitro-cGMP, not only activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), but also has membrane permeability and redox activity to produce superoxide and S-guanylated protein. To date, no studies have addressed the effects of 8-nitro-cGMP on exocytotic kinetics. Here, we aimed to assess the 8-nitro-cGMP-mediated modulation of the depolarization-evoked catecholamine release from bovine chromaffin cells. 8-Nitro-cGMP was produced in bovine chromaffin cells dependent on NO donor. Amperometric analysis revealed that 8-nitro-cGMP modulated the kinetic parameters of secretory spikes from chromaffin cells, particularly decreased the speed of individual spikes, resulting in a reduced amperometric spike height, slope β, and absolute value of slope γ. The modulatory effects were independent of the PKG signal and superoxide production. This is the first study to demonstrate that 8-nitro-cGMP modulates exocytosis and provide insights into a novel regulatory mechanism of exocytosis.

Suppression of ciliary movements by a hypertonic stress in the newt olfactory receptor neuron

Olfactory receptor neurons isolated from the newt maintain a high activity of the ciliary beat. A cilium of neuron is so unique that only little is known about regulatory factors for its beat frequency. We examined the olfactory receptor neuron immersed in various extracellular media under the video-enhanced differential interference contrast microscope. The activation of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels by K⁺ depolarization or by application of Ca²⁺ to membrane-permeabilized olfactory cells did not affect the ciliary movement, suggesting that Ca²⁺ influx through the cell membrane has no direct effect on the movement. However, when an extracellular medium contained NaCl or sucrose at concentrations only 30% higher than normal levels, ciliary movement was greatly and reversibly suppressed. In contrast, a hypotonic solution of such a solute did not change the ciliary movement. The hypertonic solutions had no effect when applied to permeabilized cells. Suction of the cell membrane with a patch pipette easily suppressed the ciliary movement in an isotonic medium. Application of positive pressure inside the cell through the same patch pipette eliminated the suppressive effect. From these findings, we concluded that the hypertonic stress suppressed the ciliary movement not by disabling the motor proteins, microtubules, or their associates in the cilia, but rather by modifying the chemical environment for the motor proteins. The ciliary motility of the olfactory receptor cell is directly sensitive to the external environment, namely, the air or water on the nasal epithelium, depending on lifestyle of the animal.

Dissociation of inositol polyphosphates from the C2B domain of synaptotagmin facilitates spontaneous release of catecholamines in adrenal chromaffin cells. A suggestive evidence of a fusion clamp by synaptotagmin

Synaptotagmins (Syts) serve as a Ca²+ sensor in the release of neurotransmitters and hormones. Inositol polyphosphates (InsPPs) such as Inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate (InsP₅) and inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP₆) bind to Ca²+-binding C2B domain of Syt I and II, and inhibit transmitter release. We have shown that the inhibition by InsPPs is reversed by Ca²+ in adrenal chromaffin cells, while a rapid accumulation of endogenous InsP₅ and InsP₆ upon depolarizing stimuli have been reported in these and some other cells. Such a rapid accumulation of InsPPs, if not all, might reflect their dissociation from C2B domain of Syt. To elucidate the functional relevance, we studied the effects of antibodies against C2A and C2B domains (anti-C2A Ab, anti-C2B Ab) on the accumulation of InsPPs induced by Ca²+ in digitonin-permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells. Anti-C2B Ab by itself caused an accumulation of InsPPs in the permeabilizing medium, and increased spontaneous release of catecholamines (CA). Anti-C2A Ab abolished Ca²+-induced increase of InsPPs in cytosolic component, and inhibited Ca²+-evoked release of CA with little effect on the spontaneous release. Microinjection of InsP₆ but not inositol hexakissulfate into intact chromaffin cells inhibited both spontaneous and nicotine-evoked exocytotic events. These results suggest that endogenous InsPPs bound to the C2B domain clamp spontaneous fusion of the docked or primed vesicles at resting level of intracellular Ca²+, and binding of Ca²+ to the C2A or/and C2B domain facilitate fusion dissociating InsPPs from Syt in adrenal chromaffin cells. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Trends in neuropharmacology: in memory of Erminio Costa'.

Augmented glucose-induced insulin release in mice lacking G(o2), but not G(o1) or G(i) proteins

Insulin secretion by pancreatic β cells is a complex and highly regulated process. Disruption of this process can lead to diabetes mellitus. One of the various pathways involved in the regulation of insulin secretion is the activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. Bordetella pertussis toxin (PTX) promotes insulin secretion, suggesting the involvement of one or more of three G(i) and/or two G(o) proteins as suppressors of insulin secretion from β cells. However, neither the mechanism of this inhibitory modulation of insulin secretion nor the identity of the G(i/o) proteins involved has been elucidated. Here we show that one of the two splice variants of G(o), G(o2), is a key player in the control of glucose-induced insulin secretion by β cells. Mice lacking G(o2)α, but not those lacking α subunits of either G(o1) or any G(i) proteins, handle glucose loads more efficiently than wild-type (WT) mice, and do so by increased glucose-induced insulin secretion. We thus provide unique genetic evidence that the G(o2) protein is a transducer in an inhibitory pathway that prevents damaging oversecretion of insulin.

Presynaptic signaling by heterotrimeric G-proteins

G-proteins (guanine nucleotide-binding proteins) are membrane-attached proteins composed of three subunits, alpha, beta, and gamma. They transduce signals from G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to target effector proteins. The agonistactivated receptor induces a conformational change in the G-protein trimer so that the alpha-subunit binds GTP in exchange for GDP and alpha-GTP, and betagamma-subunits separate to interact with the target effector. Effector-interaction is terminated by the alpha-subunit GTPase activity, whereby bound GTP is hydrolyzed to GDP. This is accelerated in situ by RGS proteins, acting as GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Galpha-GDP and Gbetagamma then reassociate to form the Galphabetagamma trimer. G-proteins primarily involved in the modulation of neurotransmitter release are G(o), G(q) and G(s). G(o) mediates the widespread presynaptic auto-inhibitory effect of many neurotransmitters (e.g., via M2/M4 muscarinic receptors, alpha(2) adrenoreceptors, micro/delta opioid receptors, GABAB receptors). The G(o) betagamma-subunit acts in two ways: first, and most ubiquitously, by direct binding to CaV2 Ca(2+) channels, resulting in a reduced sensitivity to membrane depolarization and reduced Ca(2+) influx during the terminal action potential; and second, through a direct inhibitory effect on the transmitter release machinery, by binding to proteins of the SNARE complex. G(s) and G(q) are mainly responsible for receptor-mediated facilitatory effects, through activation of target enzymes (adenylate cyclase, AC and phospholipase-C, PLC respectively) by the GTP-bound alpha-subunits.

Characterization of Exocytotic Events From Single PC12 Cells: Amperometric Studies in Native PC12h, DA-Loaded PC12h and Bovine Adrenal Chromaffin Cells

Exocytotic events from rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were characterized by amperometric analysis. For single-cell amperometric recordings, PC12h cells cultured onto poly-L-lysine corted glass-base dish were incubated with 1 mM dopamine (DA) for 60 min. Amperometric recordings, with a carbon fiber microelectrode (5 mum diameter), of catecholamine release from the individual cells were conducted under an inverted microscope at 25 degrees C. To characterize a single exocytotic event that is detected as a single spike current, the spike number, spike parameters (rise time, middle width and area) and spike shape were analyzed. Exposure of DA-loaded PC12h cells to 60 mM KCl (1000 hps) for 5 min and for 4 s evoked a train of events with the event number of 114+/-19 (spikes/response for 5 min) and 12+/-3 (spikes/response for 15 s), respectively. We observed distinctive kinetics in the events (rise time=0.83+/-0.19 ms, middle width=2.89+/-0.62 ms, area=62+/-7.6 fC and the spikes with a "foot"=15.4+/-2.7% of total spikes). The number and mean height of the events were 3- to 4-fold higher than that in DA-unloaded cells, and the values of rise time and middle width in DA-loaded PC12h cells were approx. 5- and 10-fold less than those observed in cultured adrenal chromaffin cells. The successful application of amperometry to monitor DA released from secretory vesicles in DA-loaded PC12h cell suggest that this technique is applicable to characterize exocytotic events in neurons.

G protein betagamma directly regulates SNARE protein fusion machinery for secretory granule exocytosis

The activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can result in an inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent hormone and neurotransmitter secretion. This has been attributed in part to G protein inhibition of Ca(2+) influx. However, a frequently dominant inhibitory effect, of unknown mechanism, also occurs distal to Ca(2+) entry. Here we characterize direct inhibitory actions of G protein betagamma (Gbetagamma) on Ca(2+)-triggered vesicle exocytosis in permeable PC12 cells. Gbetagamma inhibition was rapid (<1 s) and was attenuated by cleavage of synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kD (SNAP25). Gbetagamma bound soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes, and binding was reduced to SNARE complexes containing cleaved SNAP25 or by Ca(2+)-dependent synaptotagmin binding. Here we show inhibitory coupling between GPCRs and vesicle exocytosis mediated directly by Gbetagamma interactions with the Ca(2+)-dependent fusion machinery.

Inactivation of Galpha(z) causes disassembly of the Golgi apparatus

We showed previously that overexpression of the alpha subunit of G(z) or G(i2) suppresses nordihydroguaiaretic acid-induced Golgi disassembly. To determine whether the active form of Galpha is required to maintain the structure of the Golgi apparatus, we examined the effects of a series of Galpha GAPs, regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins, on the Golgi structure. Expression of RGSZ1 or RGSZ2, both of which exhibit high selectivity for Galpha(z), markedly induced dispersal of the Golgi apparatus, whereas expression of RGS proteins that are rather selective for Galpha(q) or other Galpha(i) species did not. A mutated RGSZ1, which is deficient in the interaction with Galpha(z), did not induce Golgi disassembly. These results suggest that the active form of Galpha(z), but not Galpha(i2), is crucial for maintenance of the structure of the Golgi apparatus. Consistent with this idea, Golgi disruption also took place in cells transfected with a dominant-negative Galpha(z) mutant. Although previous studies showed that the expression of Galpha(z) is confined to neuronal cells and platelets, immunofluorescence and mRNA expression analyses revealed that it is also expressed, albeit at low levels, in non-neuronal cells, and is located in the Golgi apparatus. These results taken together suggest a general regulatory role for Galpha(z) in the control of the Golgi structure.

Subunit composition and functional properties of G-protein heterotrimers on rat chromaffin granules

Heterotrimeric G-proteins at the plasma membrane serve as switches between heptahelical receptors and intracellular signal cascades. Likewise endomembrane associated G-proteins may transduce signals from intracellular compartments provided they consist of a functional trimer. Using quantitative immunoelectron microscopy we found heterotrimeric G-protein subunits Galpha2, Galpha(q/11), Gbeta2 and Gbeta5 to reside on secretory granules in chromaffin cells of rat adrenal glands. Thus rat chromaffin granules are equipped with functional G-proteins that consist of a specific alpha-, beta- and probably gamma-subunit combination. Serotonin uptake into a crude rat chromaffin granule preparation was inhibited by activated Galphao2 (10 nM) to nearly the same extent as by GMppNp (50 microM) whereas GDPbetaS was ineffective. The data support the idea that vesicular G-proteins directly regulate the transmitter content of secretory vesicles. In this respect Galphao2 appears to be the main regulator of vesicular momoamine transporter activity.

G protein coupled receptor signaling through the Src and Stat3 pathway: role in proliferation and transformation

Extracellular signals when routed through signaling pathways that use heterotrimeric G proteins can engage multiple signaling pathways leading to diverse biological consequences. One locus at which signal sorting occurs is at the level of G proteins. G protein alpha-subunits appear to be capable of interacting with different effectors leading to engagement of distinct signaling pathways. Regulation of different pathways in turn leads to different biological outcomes. The process of neoplastic transformation is controlled to a large extent through the activation and inhibition of signaling pathways. Signaling pathways such as the Ras-MAPK, v-Src-Stat3 pathways are activated in the process of transformation. Expression of activated Galpha subunits have been shown to cause transformation of cells. While activation of the MAPK 1,2 pathway by various Galpha subunits has been reported for several years, recent studies show the activation and involvement of Src and Stat3 pathways in Galphao and Galphai mediated transformation of cells. Recent studies also suggest that both Galphai and Galphas may be able to interact with and activate Src. The activation of Src and Stat3 by G proteins has also been demonstrated by ligand-induced activation of G protein receptors. So increasingly it is becoming clear that the Src and Stat3 pathways are potential effectors for G proteins and that they may play a role in G protein function.

Naphazoline-induced suppression of aqueous humor pressure and flow: involvement of central and peripheral alpha(2)/I(1) receptors

The objective of this study was to examine the ocular hydrodynamic effects of topically and centrally administered naphazoline, alone and following pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) and alpha(2)/I(1)receptor antagonists. Topically and intracisternally administered naphazoline was examined for its ability to alter intraocular pressure (IOP) of rabbits in the absence and presence of receptor antagonists (rauwolscine, efaroxan) and a G(i/o)ribosylating agent PTX. In addition, the topical effects of naphazoline on pupil diameter and aqueous humor flow rate were evaluated. Topical unilateral application of naphazoline (7.5, 25 and 75 micro g; 25 micro l) elicited an ipsilateral dose-dependent mydriasis (2, 4 and 5.5 mm) that peaked at 2 hr with a duration of up to 5 hr. The IOP decreases induced by naphazoline were bilateral and dose-dependent (3, 6 and 10 mmHg); the response peaked at 1 hr and lasted for up to 5 hr. Pretreatment with efaroxan (250 micro g) elicited significantly greater antagonism of the ocular hypotensive response to naphazoline than did rauwolscine (250 micro g) suggesting an involvement of imidazoline (I(1)) receptors. Intracisternal application of naphazoline (3.3 micro g) also produced bilateral reductions (6 mmHg) of IOP that were immediate (10 min post drug) and lasted for approximately 2 hr. In PTX-pretreated (2.5 micro g kg(-1), i.a.) rabbits, the ocular hypotensive effects of naphazoline by both routes (topically and centrally) were attenuated by 50--65%. In addition to producing ocular hypotension, topical application of naphazoline (75 micro g; 25 micro l) caused significant reduction, from 2.8 to 1.5 micro l min(-1), in aqueous humor flow. These in vivo data indicate that, regardless of route of administration, alteration of aqueous humor flow by naphazoline was induced by the activation of alpha(2)and I(1)receptors. The ocular hypotensive effects produced by central administration did not result in sedation, therefore, there is the suggestion that central alpha(2)adrenergic receptors were stimulated minimally by naphazoline. Thus, these data suggest that ocular hypotensive effects and suppression of aqueous humor flow rate by naphazoline are mediated, in part, by alpha(2)and/or central I(1)at both central (brain) and peripheral (eye) sites. Moreover, these data indicate that the receptors are linked to PTX-sensitive G((i/o))proteins.

Intracellular fragments of the natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPR-C) attenuate dopamine efflux

Natriuretic peptides suppress adrenergic neurotransmission by a mechanism apparently involving the natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPR-C) rather than particulate guanylyl cyclase receptors. The bulk of evidence implicating the NPR-C in neuromodulatory effects relies on the pharmacological specificity of peptides believed to be specific for the NPR-C. This study tests for NPR-C effects on neurotransmitter release by examining fragments of the receptor for biological activity in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells permeabilized with digitonin. A pentadecapeptide segment of the cytoplasmic portion of the NPR-C mimicked the effect of natriuretic peptides to suppress dopamine efflux evoked by calcium approximately 40%. Furthermore, an antibody generated against the pentadecapeptide fragment abolished the neuromodulatory effect of C-type natriuretic peptide in permeabilized cells. In contrast, the carboxy terminal nonadecapeptide portion of the NPR-C failed to attenuate dopamine efflux. These data are consistent with the proposed role of the NPR-C in transducing the biological activity of natriuretic peptides in adrenergic tissue. The most novel aspect of these observations involves the potency of the small cytosolic region of the NPR-C with the region closest to the membrane accounting for neuromodulatory effects.

Effects of T-588, a novel cognitive enhancer, on ADP-ribosylation of G(s alpha) by cholera toxin and cyclic AMP accumulation in rat cerebral cortex

We investigated the effects of R(-)-1-(benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl)-2-[2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethoxy]ethan ol hydrochloride (T-588), a novel cognitive enhancer, on trimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) and cyclic AMP accumulation in rat cerebral cortex. T-588 (0.1-1.0 mM) inhibited the ADP-ribosylation of alpha subunit of Gs in a concentration-dependent manner. Auto-ADP-ribosylation of CTX was not inhibited by T-588. The stimulatory effect of guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) on CTX-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation was attenuated by adding T-588 in assay mixture. ADP-ribosylation of Gi/Go by pertussis toxin was slightly inhibited by T-588. Isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation was inhibited by adding 3 mM T-588 to rat cerebral cortical slices. Next, we investigated the effects of isoproterenol and T-588 on GTPgammaS binding. Membranes were first incubated with or without isoproterenol and T-588 in the presence of 0.2mM GTPgammaS, then cholate extract preparations were prepared from the washed membranes. Interestingly, the [32P]ADP-ribosylation of G(s alpha) was enhanced not only by isoproterenol but also by T-588. Although the obtained results are apparently inconsistent, T-588 seems to interact with G proteins, specifically Gs.

Inhibition of noradrenaline release from PC12 cells by the long-term treatment with cholera toxin

Guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins are required for intracellular vesicular transport and endocytosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of short-term (2 h) and long-term (24 h) treatment with cholera toxin (CTX), which ADP-ribosylates proteins having arginine residues such as the alpha subunit of Gs (G(s alpha)), on exocytosis from the neurosecretory rat pheochromocytoma PC 12 cell line. Short-term treatment with CTX stimulated the accumulation of cyclic AMP, and synergistically enhanced both extracellular Ca2+-dependent [3H]noradrenaline (NA) releases (induced by high K+ and ATP) and Ca2+-independent release (induced by mastoparan, a peptide in wasp venom). Long-term treatment with CTX for 24h inhibited Ca2+-dependent and -independent stimulated [3H]NA release. The inhibitory effect of long-term CTX treatment was not derived from a cyclic AMP-dependent system, because (1) H-89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A, had no effect on the inhibition induced by CTX, (2) the long-term treatment with forskolin did not show an inhibitory effect. [32P]ADP-ribosylation of G(s alpha) and its immunoreactivity with anti-G(s alpha) antiserum in the crude membrane fraction was inhibited in the long-term CTX-treated cells, but not in the long-term forskolin-treated cells. [32P]ADP-ribosylation of G(s alpha) in the membrane fraction of short-term CTX-treated cells was approximately 90% of the level in the control cells. These findings suggest that CTX stimulates [3H]NA release via a cyclic AMP-dependent system in the short-term, and that long-term CTX treatment inhibited its release, maybe via ADP-ribosylation of CTX-sensitive proteins such as G(s alpha).

Molecular mechanisms and regulation of insulin exocytosis as a paradigm of endocrine secretion

Secretion of the peptide hormone insulin from pancreatic beta cells constitutes an important step in the regulation of body homeostasis. Insulin is stored in large dense core vesicles and released by exocytosis, a multistage process involving transport of vesicles to the plasma membrane, their docking, priming and finally their fusion with the plasma membrane. Some of the protein components necessary for this process have been identified in beta cells. The export of potent and potentially harmful substances has to be tightly controlled. The secretory response in pancreatic beta cells requires the concerted action of nutrients together with enteric hormones and neurotransmitters acting on G-protein coupled receptors. It is well established that glucose and other metabolizable nutrients depolarize the beta-cell membrane and the ensuing Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent channels constitutes a main stimulus for insulin exocytosis. Theoretical considerations and recent observations suggest in addition an organizing role for the Ca2+ channel similar to neurotransmission. A second regulatory control on exocytosis is exerted by monomeric and heterotrimeric G-proteins. The monomeric GTPase Rab3A controls insulin secretion through cycling between a guanosine triphosphate liganded vesicle-bound form and a guanosine diphosphate liganded, cytosolic form. The effect of neurohormones is transduced by the heterotrimeric GTPases. Whereas pertussis-toxin sensitive alpha-subunits exert direct inhibition at the level of exocytosis, the Gbeta gamma-subunits are required for stimulation. It is possible that these GTPases exert immediate regulation, while protein kinases and phosphatases may modulate long-term adaptation at the exocytotic machinery itself. The molecular nature of their activators and effectors still await identification. Insights into the progression of the exocytotic vesicle from docking to fusion and how these processes are precisely regulated by proteins and second messengers may provide the basis for new therapeutic principles.

C-type natriuretic peptide attenuates evoked dopamine efflux by influencing Goalpha

-Natriuretic peptides suppress adrenergic neurotransmission by a mechanism sensitive to pertussis toxin, suggesting that GTP-binding proteins are involved in the response. The major GTP-binding proteins present in the pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells used in this report are Goalpha and Gialpha2. We tested the hypothesis that the more abundant GTP-binding protein, Goalpha, mediates natriuretic peptide effects in PC12 cells by selectively ablating Goalpha from the cells with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides. The results indicate that a selective ablation of Goalpha with this technique eliminated C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) effects and suppressed dopamine efflux evoked by a depolarizing stimulus. However, the activation of guanylyl cyclase (GC) by CNP was sustained after the Goalpha ablation. Further, Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester suppressed evoked dopamine efflux equally in the presence and absence of Goalpha. These results suggest that CNP attenuates evoked catecholamine efflux from PC12 cells by a mechanism requiring Goalpha but independent of GC activation.

Protein kinase C controls the priming step of regulated exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells

1. To investigate the mechanism whereby protein kinase C enhances secretory function in adrenal chromaffin cells, we examined the effects of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbor-13-acetate (TPA) on Ca(2+)-induced catecholamine release from digitonin-permeabilized cells, resolving the release into a MgATP-dependent priming step and a MgATP-independent Ca(2+)-triggered step. Treatment with TPA selectively potentiated the priming activity of MgATP, with little increase in the MgATP-independent release. The potentiation by TPA of the MgATP-dependent priming was blocked by [Ser25]protein kinase C(19-31), a specific substrate of protein kinase C. Gö 6976, an inhibitor selective for protein kinase C alpha and beta isoforms, also blocked the potentiation by TPA. These results suggest that activation of protein kinase C, probably the alpha isoform, potentiates the MgATP-dependent priming step. 2. The antibody raised against GAP-43, a known substrate of protein kinase C, also potentiated the MgATP-dependent priming. The effect of TPA and that of the anti-GAP-43 antibody were not additive. Calmodulin, which binds to GAP-43 and inhibits its phosphorylation by protein kinase C, abolished the effect of TPA. Thus, the present results suggest that protein kinase C potentiates MgATP-dependent priming, at least in part, through phosphorylation of GAP-43.

Differential interactions of the C terminus and the cytoplasmic I-II loop of neuronal Ca2+ channels with G-protein alpha and beta gamma subunits. II. Evidence for direct binding

The present study was designed to obtain evidence for direct interactions of G-protein alpha (Galpha) and beta gamma subunits (Gbeta gamma) with N- (alpha1B) and P/Q-type (alpha1A) Ca2+ channels, using synthetic peptides and fusion proteins derived from loop 1 (cytoplasmic loop between repeat I and II) and the C terminus of these channels. For N-type, prepulse facilitation as mediated by Gbeta gamma was impaired when a synthetic loop 1 peptide was applied intracellularly. Receptor agonist-induced inhibition of N-type as mediated by Galpha was also impaired by the loop 1 peptide but only when applied in combination with a C-terminal peptide. For P/Q-type channels, by contrast, the Galpha-mediated inhibition was diminished by application of a C-terminal peptide alone. Moreover, in vitro binding analysis for N- and P/Q-type channels revealed direct interaction of Galpha with C-terminal fusion proteins as well as direct interaction of Gbeta gamma with loop 1 fusion proteins. These findings define loop 1 of N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels as an interaction site for Gbeta gamma and the C termini for Galpha.

Exocytotic stimulation promotes association of the ADP-ribosylation factor with PC12 cell membranes

ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) are a family of small molecular, monomeric GTP-binding (G) proteins, initially identified by their ability to enhance cholera toxin (CTX) ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. ARFs have been implicated in protein transport and vesicle and endosome fusion. Although several reports show that synthetic peptides of the N-terminus of ARF inhibited Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis in permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells, the role of ARFs in exocytosis has not been established. In this study, we investigated the translocation of ARFs to the membrane fraction from the cytosol fraction in PC12 cells after exocytotic stimulation by measuring the immunoreactivity of ARFs (with anti-ARF anti-serum and with anti-ARF3 antibodies) and enzymatic ARF activity, which enhances the CTX effect. Both the immunoreactivity and the enzymatic activity of ARF in the membrane fraction increased about twofold, significantly, after exocytotic stimulation with ATP and KCl. The translocation of ARF and noradrenaline release was observed in the presence of extracellular CaCl2, but not in the absence of CaCl2. The ARF translocated to the membrane fraction after stimulation in intact cells seemed to be an inactive, perhaps is the GDP form, because ARF did not activate CTX in the absence of guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S). As previously reported, ARF in the active, GTP gamma S-bound state bound to the membrane fractions. Thus ARF may have been active during translocation and inactivated later. The immunoreactivity of Gs alpha, one of the trimeric G proteins, was not changed before or after stimulation. These findings suggest that ARFs translocate to membranes from the cytosolic fraction after exocytotic stimulation in PC12 cells, and raise the possibility that ARFs regulate exocytosis.

Exocytosis in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla

The chromaffin cell has been used as a model to characterize releasable components present in secretory granules and to understand the cellular mechanisms involved in catecholamine release. Recent physiological and biochemical developments have revealed that molecular mechanisms implicated in granule trafficking are conserved in all eukaryotic species: a rise in intracellular calcium triggers regulated exocytosis, and highly conserved proteins are essential elements which interact with each other to form a molecular scaffolding, ensuring the docking of granules at the plasma membrane, and perhaps membrane fusion. However, the mechanisms regulating secretion are multiple and cell specific. They operate at different steps along the life of a granule, from the time of granule biosynthesis up to the last step of exocytosis. With regard to cell specificity, noradrenaline and adrenaline chromaffin cells display different receptor and signaling characteristics that may be important to exocytosis. Characterization of regulated exocytosis in chromaffin cells provides not only fundamental knowledge of neurosecretion but is of additional importance as these cells are used for therapeutic purposes.

Involvement of calcium and G proteins in the acute release of tissue-type plasminogen activator and von Willebrand factor from cultured human endothelial cells

In this study, we investigated the role of Ca2+ and G proteins in thrombin-induced acute release (regulated secretion) of tissue-type plasminogen activator (TPA) and von Willebrand factor (vWF), using a previously described system of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The acute release of TPA and vWF, as induced by alpha-thrombin, was almost zero after chelation of Ca2+i, showing that an increase in [Ca2+]i was required. It did not matter whether the increase in [Ca2+]i came from an intracellular or extracellular Ca2+ source. Thrombin-induced release of TPA and vWF already started at low [Ca2+]i, around 100 nmol/L. Half-maximal release was found at a [Ca2+]i, of 261 nmol/L for TPA and at 222 nmol/L for vWF. The Ca2+ signal was transduced to calmodulin, as calmodulin inhibitors inhibited TPA and vWF release. The Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin dose dependently released vWF; half-maximal vWF release occurred at a [Ca2+]i of 311 nmol/L. In contrast, no TPA release was found at all below a [Ca2+]i of 500 nmol/L. Thus, below 500 nmol/L [Ca2+]i, an increase in [Ca2+]i alone was sufficient to induce vWF release but not sufficient to induce TPA release. Protein kinase C did not appear to be involved in TPA or vWF release, as neither an activator nor an inhibitor of protein kinase C significantly influenced release. Inhibition of phospholipase A2 also did not reduce thrombin-induced TPA and vWF release. The involvement of G proteins was studied by using both saponin-permeabilized and intact cells. GDP-beta-S, which inhibits heterotrimeric and small G proteins, significantly inhibited thrombin-induced vWF and TPA release from permeabilized cells. AlF-4, which activates heterotrimeric G proteins, induced TPA and vWF release in both intact and permeabilized HUVECs. Preincubation of HUVECs with pertussis toxin significantly inhibited thrombin-induced vWF release, due to inhibition of thrombin-induced Ca2+ influx. Pertussis toxin did not affect ionomycin-induced release. The inhibitory effect of pertussis toxin was less obvious in thrombin-induced TPA release, because it was counterbalanced by a positive effect of the toxin on TPA release. Thus, both inhibitory and stimulatory (pertussis toxin-sensitive) G proteins were involved in TPA release. Therefore, thrombin-induced acute release of TPA and vWF differed in two respects. First, below a [Ca2+]i of 500 nmol/L, an increase in Ca2+ was sufficient for vWF release but not for TPA release. Second, pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins were differentially involved in acute TPA and vWF release.

Regulation of the priming of exocytosis and the dissociation of SNAP-25 and VAMP-2 in adrenal chromaffin cells

The MgATP-dependent priming step of exocytosis has been suggested to be regulated negatively by GTP-binding protein G0 in permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells. We have reported that synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) and vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP-2) form a complex in chromaffin cells, and the complex dissociates during MgATP-dependent priming. In this study, we examined whether G0 controls such dissociation of the SNAP-25/VAMP-2 complex in the regulation of priming. In digitonin-permeabilized cells, MgATP-gamma-S which can be a phosphate donor for protein phosphorylation failed to cause priming and dissociation of the SNAP-25/VAMP-2 complex. Mastoparan, which directly activates G0, selectively inhibited priming and blocked dissociation of the SNAP-25/VAMP-2 complex. These results suggest that ATP hydrolysis and dissociation of the SNAP-25/VAMP-2 complex are responsible for priming. These results also suggest that dissociation of the complex is one of the sequential steps for priming controlled by G0.

Heterotrimeric G-protein Gq/11 localized on pancreatic zymogen granules is involved in calcium-regulated amylase secretion

The heterotrimeric G-protein Gq/11 was identified on pancreatic acinar zymogen granules and its function in calcium-regulated exocytosis was examined. Western blotting showed alphaq/11, but not alphas or alphao, to be localized to the zymogen granule membrane along with G-protein beta-subunit; all three alpha subunits were present in a plasma membrane fraction and the alphaq/11 signal was 30-fold more enriched in the plasma membrane as compared with granule membrane. Neither CCK receptors nor alpha subunits of the sodium pump, both plasma membrane markers were present on granule membranes. Immunohistochemistry of pancreatic lobules showed that alphaq/11 localized to the zymogen granule-rich apical region of acinar cells together with a much stronger signal at the basolateral plasma membrane. When the substance-P-related peptide GPAnt-2a, an antagonist of Gq/11, was introduced into streptolysin-O permeabilized acini to bypass the plasma membrane, the amylase release induced by 10 microM free calcium was potentiated in a concentration-dependent manner. By contrast, another substance-P-related peptide, GPAnt-1, an antagonist of Go and Gi, showed no effect on calcium-induced amylase release from permeabilized acini. GPAnt-2a peptide also exerted an inhibitory effect on the total GTPase activity of the purified zymogen granules and a larger inhibitory effect on the GTPase activity of the Gq/11 protein immunopurified from zymogen granules. GPAnt-1, however, did not inhibit GTPase activity of either zymogen granules or immunopurified Gq/11. These results suggest that GPAnt-2a peptide augmented calcium-induced amylase release from permeabilized acini by inhibiting GTPase activity of the Gq/11 protein on zymogen granules. We conclude that Gq/11 protein on zymogen granules plays a tonic inhibitory role in calcium-regulated amylase secretion from pancreatic acini.

Mastoparan-stimulated prolactin secretion in rat pituitary GH3 cells involves activation of Gq/11 proteins

Mastoparan has been reported to induce a wide variety of cellular actions by activating GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) in various cells. Here, we demonstrate that mastoparan is able to stimulate the secretion of PRL from rat anterior pituitary tumor GH3 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Mastoparan had no effect on the accumulation of intracellular cAMP; however, it induced a rapid increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in GH3 cells. Extracellular Ca2+ was required for mastoparan-induced PRL secretion, which was inhibited by nifedipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker. Incubation of mastoparan with myo-[3H]inositol-labeled GH3 cells also resulted in the increased formation of inositol phosphates (InsPs) compared with control cells. Neomycin sulfate and U73122, both phospholipase C inhibitors, suppressed mastoparan-induced PRL secretion. Guanosine 5'-1beta-thioldiphosphate (GDPbetaS) encapsulated in GH3 cells by reversible electropermeabilization suppressed the response to mastoparan. However, pretreatment with pertussis toxin had no effect on the stimulation of PRL secretion by mastoparan, and both Mas7 (a highly active analogue of mastoparan) and Mas17 (an inactive analogue) enhanced the secretion of PRL to a similar level to that of mastoparan-induced GH3 cells. In contrast, the substance P-related peptide GPant-2A, a Gq antagonist, inhibited mastoparan-induced PRL release, whereas GPant-2, a G(i/o) antagonist, did not in electropermeabilized GH3 cells. Moreover, a specific G(q/11) antibody against the carboxyl terminus of the G(q/11) alpha-subunit blocked the stimulatory effect of mastoparan on secretion and mastoparan-stimulated InsPs production in digitonin-permeabilized GH3 cells. These results indicate that mastoparan induces the Ca2+-regulated secretion of PRL from GH3 cells by activating G(q/11) and the phospholipase C pathway.

Exocytosis in single chromaffin cells: regulation by a secretory granule-associated Go protein

1. Besides having a role in signal transduction, trimeric G proteins may also be involved in membrane trafficking events. In chromaffin cells, G alpha o has been found associated with the membrane of secretory granules. Here we examined the role of Go in regulated exocytosis using pressure microinjection combined with amperometric measurement of catecholamine secretion from individual chromaffin cells. 2. Microinjection of GTP gamma S and mastoparan strongly inhibits the amperometric response to either nicotine or high K+. 3. The presence of mastoparan in the cell incubation medium had no effect on K(+)-evoked secretion, suggesting that mastoparan blocks the exocytotic machinery through an intracellular target protein not located just beneath the plasma membrane. 4. Microinjection of anti-G alpha o antibodies potentiates by more than 50% the K(+)-evoked secretion, whereas anti-G alpha i1/2 antibodies have no effect. 5. Thus an inhibitory Go protein, probably associated with secretory granules, controls exocytosis in chromaffin cells. The intracellular proteins controlling organelle-associated G proteins are currently unknown. The neuronal cytosolic protein GAP-43 stimulates G alpha o in purified chromaffin granule membranes and inhibits exocytosis in permeabilized cells. We show here that microinjection of a synthetic peptide corresponding to the domain of GAP-43 that interacts with Go inhibits secretion. We suggest that GAP-43 or a related cytosolic protein controls the exocytotic priming step in chromaffin, cells by stimulating a granule-associated Go protein.

Distinct roles of C2A and C2B domains of synaptotagmin in the regulation of exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells

Synaptotagmin that contains two repeats of C2 regulatory domains is considered to be involved in neurotransmitter release. To reveal the roles of synaptotagmin in the regulation of exocytosis, we examined the effects of antibodies against C2A and C2B domains on Ca2+-evoked catecholamine (CA) release from digitonin-permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells, resolving the Ca2+-evoked release into ATP-dependent priming and ATP-independent Ca2+-triggered steps. Anti-C2A antibody clearly reduced the ATP-independent release, suggesting that the C2A domain directly facilitate or promote Ca2+-triggered step, vesicular fusion. In contrast, anti-C2B antibody did not affect Ca2+-evoked release by itself, but significantly increased the spontaneous Ca2+-independent release. In addition, inositol high-polyphosphate series (IHPS) that bind the C2B domain inhibited both the ATP-independent Ca2+-evoked release and the spontaneous release in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition by IHPS was totally reversed by anti-C2B antibody and significantly reversed by high concentration of Ca2+. These results suggest that IHPS binding to C2B domain arrests membrane fusion by presumably preventing interaction of synaptotagmin with phospholipids or with proteins of plasma membrane. Thus, IHPS binding to the C2B domain might keep the docked or primed vesicles away from spontaneous fusion at resting level of intracellular Ca2+. Binding of the increased intracellular Ca2+ to the C2A domain may facilitate or trigger the vesicular fusion by releasing this suppression by IHPS.

Pertussis toxin-insensitive effects of mastoparan, a wasp venom peptide, in PC12 cells

Recent studies have shown that mastoparan, an amphiphilic peptide derived from wasp venom, modifies the secretion of neurotransmitters and hormones from a variety of cell types. Mastoparan interacts with heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) such as Gi and G(o), which are ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin (PTX) and thereby uncoupled from receptors. Previously, some of the effects of mastoparan including secretion were reported to be modified selectively by PTX but not by cholera toxin (CTX). In the present study, we examined the influence of bacterial toxins on the effects of mastoparan in PC12 cells. Mastoparan stimulated [3H]noradrenaline (NA) release from prelabeled PC12 cells in the absence of CaCl2, although high K+ or ATP-stimulated the release in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Pretreatment with CTX, not PTX, for 24 h inhibited mastoparan-stimulated [3H]NA release. Mastoparan inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in a dose-dependent manner, although mastoparan had no effect by itself. Pretreatment with PTX completely abolished the inhibitory effect of carbachol via Gi on cyclic AMP accumulation and partially reduced the effect of mastoparan. However, the inhibitory effect of 20 microM mastoparan was not modified by pretreatment with PTX. Thus, we investigated the effect of mastoparan on CTX-catalyzed [32P]ADP-ribosylation of proteins in PC12 cells. A subunit of CTX (CTX-A) catalyzed [32P]ADP-ribosylation of many proteins in the cytosolic fraction of PC12 cells. One of these was a 20 kDa protein, named ADP-ribosylating factor (ARF). The addition of mastoparan to assay mixtures inhibited ADP-ribosylation of many proteins including ARF and CTX-A in the presence of the cytosolic fraction. In the absence of the cytosolic fraction, however, mastoparan slightly enhanced ADP-ribosylation of bovine serum albumin and auto-ADP-ribosylation by CTX-A. Mastoparan did not inhibit ADP-ribosylation of the alpha subunit of Gs in the membrane fraction. These findings suggest that 1) mastoparan interacts with PTX-insensitive and CTX-sensitive factor(s) to stimulate NA release, and 2) mastoparan interacts with ARF inhibiting its activity to enhance the ADP-ribosylation reaction by CTX. ARF may be an exocytosis-linked G protein.

Dissociation of SNAP-25 and VAMP-2 by MgATP in permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells

In digitonin-permeabilized adrenal chromaffin cells, Ca(2+)-induced catecholamine release can be resolved into at least two sequential steps: a MgATP-dependent priming step and a MgATP-independent Ca(2+)-triggered step. Botulinum neurotoxins types A and E cleaved SNAP-25, and blocked MgATP-independent Ca(2+)-induced catecholamine release from the permeabilized chromaffin cells. When the permeabilized cells were primed by pretreatment with MgATP, the amount of SNAP-25 associated with VAMP-2 decreased, and the fraction of SNAP-25 proteolyzed by the neurotoxins increased. These results suggest that dissociation of SNAP-25 and VAMP-2 occurs during the MgATP-dependent priming step, and SNAP-25 plays some important roles in the subsequent MgATP-independent step.

Membrane fusion protein synexin (annexin VII) as a Ca2+/GTP sensor in exocytotic secretion

Exocytotic membrane fusion and secretion are promoted by the concerted action of GTP and Ca2+, although the precise site(s) of action in the process are not presently known. However, the calcium-dependent membrane fusion reaction driven by synexin (annexin VII) is an in vitro model for this process, which we have now found to be further activated by GTP. The mechanism of fusion activation depends on the unique ability of synexin to bind and hydrolyze GTP in a calcium-dependent manner, both in vitro and in vivo in streptolysin O-permeabilized chromaffin cells. The required [Ca2+] for GTP binding by synexin is in the range of 50-200 microM, which is known to occur at exocytotic sites in chromaffin cells, neurons, and other cell types. Previous immunolocalization studies place synexin at exocytotic sites in chromaffin cells, and we conclude that synexin is an atypical G protein that may be responsible for both detecting and mediating the Ca2+/GTP signal for exocytotic membrane fusion.

Activation of delta-opioid receptors inhibits neuronal-like calcium channels and distal steps of Ca(2+)-dependent secretion in human small-cell lung carcinoma cells

Human small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cells express neuronal-like voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs) and release mitogenic hormones such as serotonin (5-HT). Opioid peptides, on the other hand, have been shown to reduce SCLC cell proliferation by an effective autocrine pathway. Here we show that in GLC8 SCLC cells, only delta-opioid receptor subtype mRNA is expressed. Consistently, the selective delta-opioid agonist [D-Pen2-Pen5]-enkephalin (DPDPE), but not mu and kappa agonists, potently and dose-dependently inhibits high-threshold (HVA) VOCCs in these cells. As in peripheral neurons, this modulation is largely voltage-dependent, mediated by pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G-proteins, cAMP-independent, and mainly affecting N-type VOCCs. With the same potency and selectivity, DPDPE also antagonizes the Ca(2+)-dependent release of [3H]serotonin ([3H]5-HT) from GLC8 cells. However, DPDPE inhibits not only the depolarization-induced release, but also the Ca(2+)-dependent secretion induced by thapsigargin or ionomycin. This suggests that besides inhibiting HVA VOCCs, opioids also exert a direct depressive action on the secretory apparatus in GLC8 cells. This latter effect also is mediated by a PTX-sensitive G-protein but, contrary to VOCC inhibition, it can be reversed by elevations of cAMP levels. These results show for the first time that opioids effectively depress both Ca2+ influx and Ca(2+)-dependent hormone release in SCLC cells by using multiple modulatory pathways. It can be speculated that the two mechanisms may contribute to the opioid antimitogenic action on lung neuroendocrine carcinoma cells.

Potential roles of heterotrimeric G proteins of the endomembrane system

Heterotrimeric G proteins are recognized as versatile switches linking cell surface receptors to cellular effectors. Beside their location at the plasma membrane G proteins are found on intracellular membranes. Studies with modulators of G protein activity suggest that G proteins associated with organelle membranes are involved in various steps of secretion and vesicular function. In contrast to hormonal responses involving G proteins little is currently known about possible receptors or activators and effectors interacting with intracellular G proteins. This short review focuses on recent developments elucidating the role of organelle-associated G proteins.

Transmitter release by non-receptor activation of the alpha-subunit of guanine nucleotide regulatory protein in rat striatal slices

The effects of 5 mM NaF + 10 microM AlCl3, a direct activator of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), on the release of [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA), [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA), and [3H]acethylcholine ([3H]ACh) were investigated in slices of rat striatum. When the tissue was exposed to NaF + AlCl3 the release of [3H]DA, [3H]GABA, and [3H]ACh was enhanced significantly. In a calcium-free solution the release of [3H]GABA and [3H]DA was increased by NaF+AlCl3 much more than in the presence of [Ca2+]o. In slice preparations taken from reserpinized animals, in which the vesicular storage of [3H]DA was therefore prevented, NaF + AlCl3 had no effect on [3H]DA release. HPLC analysis of the radioactivity of the perfusate showed that, in the presence of NaF + AlCl3, the content of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in perfusate samples increased significantly, while in pargyline-treated animals only the DA content was increased. Inhibition of DA carriers by nomifensine or low temperature prevented the effect of NaF + AlCl3. N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) preincubation did not modify the effect of NaF + AlCl3 on [3H]DA release Neomycin (0.1 mM), a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, significantly decreased the effect of NaF + AlCl3 on [3H]DA and [3H]GABA release. The internal concentration of Ca2+ in synaptosomes was enhanced by NaF + AlCl3 in normal solution. However, [Ca2+]i was not influenced by NaF + AlCl3 in Ca(2+)-free medium. It is concluded that a non-receptor-mediated activation, by NaF + AlCl3, of the alpha-subunit of a G protein, results in a [Ca2+]o-independent release of DA and GABA, but not that of ACh.

Ca(2+)-independent fusion of secretory granules with phospholipase A2-treated plasma membranes in vitro

The fusion of secretory granules with plasma membranes prepared from rat parotid gland was studied in vitro to clarify the mechanism of exocytosis. Fusion of the granules with plasma membranes was measured by a fluorescence-dequenching assay with octadecyl rhodamine B, and release of amylase was also measured to confirm the fusion as a final step of the secretory process. Plasma membranes that had been pretreated with porcine phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in the presence of 20 microM Ca2+ fused with the granules within 30 s, and induced amylase release by reacting with the membranes of granules, whereas without this pretreatment they had no significant effect. The fusion process accompanied by amylase release was induced in the presence of 10 mM EGTA, and therefore was apparently Ca(2+)-independent. On the other hand, the presence of EGTA or 100 microM quinacrine, an inhibitor of PLA2, during treatment of plasma membranes with PLA2 inhibited their fusogenic activity, suggesting the importance of activation of PLA2. Arachidonic acid and linoleic acid were released from the plasma membranes during the PLA2 treatment. The presence of albumin, an adsorbent of fatty acids, during the treatment also inhibited the activity. Pretreatment of the membranes with arachidonic acid or linoleic acid did not have any effect, but the presence of exogenously added arachidonic acid during PLA2 treatment enhanced the membrane-fusion-inducing effect of PLA2. Pretreatment of the membranes with lysophosphatidylcholine induced fusogenic activity. These findings suggest that the conformational change in the plasma-membrane phospholipids induced by PLA2 and the presence of arachidonic acid or linoleic acid produced by PLA2 are important in the process of fusion of secretory granules with the plasma membranes of rat parotid acinar cells and that the fusion process itself is independent of Ca2+.

Antidiuretic hormone and exocytosis: lessons from neurosecretion

Many cells, both single and epithelial, are programmed for exocytosis. In most cases, the contents of cytoplasmic vesicles are delivered rapidly and directly to the extracellular fluid. The process has been intensively studied in the chromaffin cell and the nerve terminal, where, as in other cells, exocytosis is under a complex type of cytoskeletal control. An array of vesicle-associated proteins mediates attachment of the vesicles to the cytoskeleton, their release, and their fusion with the plasma membrane. Two functional pools of vesicles, the releasable and reserve pool, carry out immediate and long-term secretory activity. Some of the mediators of neurotransmitter vesicle fusion, originally thought to be restricted to neurosecretory cells, have now been found in nonneuronal cells. The mammalian collecting duct and the amphibian bladder are also engaged in exocytosis. In both epithelia, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) induces the transfer of water channels from cytoplasmic vesicles to the apical cell membrane. The process is slower than in the nerve terminal and ends with channel placement rather than the extrusion of vesicular contents. Nevertheless, there are several respects in which cytoskeletal control, vesicle positioning in the cell, docking, and fusion may prove to resemble the events in neurosecretion. This review begins with a survey of cytoskeletal structure and function in the erythrocyte, the chromaffin cell, and the nerve terminal and then presents current studies of ADH-induced exocytosis, emphasizing common themes in cytoskeletal control.

Pertussis toxin pretreatment enhances catecholamine secretion induced by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide in cultured porcine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells: a possible role of the inositol lipid cascade

We determined how pertussis toxin (PTX) pretreatment alters PACAP-induced catecholamine secretion in cultured porcine adrenal medullary cells. Pretreatment of these cells with PTX (1 ng/ml for 24 h or 10 ng/ml for 6 h) markedly enhanced PACAP-induced catecholamine secretion. PTX pretreatment also produced a small increase in basal secretion and secretion in response to nicotine and carbachol, but the effect of the PACAP-induced secretion was most striking. We examined the role of the phosphoinositol cascade in potentiating the PACAP-induced catecholamine secretion by PTX and found that PACAP-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates in PTX-pretreated cells was significantly greater than that in untreated cells. Furthermore, removal of extracellular Ca2+ and addition of Ca2+ channel blockers inhibited the catecholamine secretion induced by PACAP in PTX-pretreated cells. From these results, we speculate that a PTX-sensitive G-protein tonically inhibits phospholipase C. PTX enhances the PACAP-induced secretion of catecholamine by blocking the action of this inhibitory G-protein.

Requirements for exocytosis in permeabilized neuroendocrine cells. Possible involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins associated with secretory vesicles

Exocytosis in neuroendocrine cells, such as chromaffin cells, is under the regulatory control of heterotrimeric G proteins. LDCV from bovine adrenal medulla contains alpha o-, beta-, and gamma-subunits of G-protein heterotrimers. Probably G proteins associated with the secretory vesicles control the final steps of secretion. G(o), associated with LDCV, could be the pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein that either inhibits exocytosis in PC12 cells or activates it in chromaffin cells. So far, it is unclear whether the other effects of GTP analogues are mediated by heterotrimeric G proteins or by small GTP-binding proteins. The other type of secretory vesicle, SSV from rat brain, also possesses functional sets of G-protein heterotrimers, each consisting of an alpha-, a beta- and a gamma-subunit. In addition to alpha o-subunits, however, alpha i-subunits were found on SSV. Their functional role remains to be determined. Thus, two types of secretory vesicles of the regulated pathway possess functional sets of G-protein heterotrimers. Besides exocytosis, heterotrimeric G proteins on secretory vesicles may control their maturation, transmitter storage, and endocytotic retrieval. So far, it is unclear whether the pattern of G proteins on LDCV and SSV analogues differs within various types of neuroendocrine cells and whether it will change after neoplastic transformation. An altered G-protein setup, not only at the plasma membrane but also on secretory vesicles, may play a role in pathophysiological processes occurring in neuroendocrine cells and tumors derived from them. Such changes might explain the altered secretion observed in neuroendocrine tumor diseases.

The fusion pore interface: a new biological frontier

The development of micro-voltammetry to detect the release of secretory products from single cells has yielded surprising information, which suggests that the release of secretory products is regulated after the fusion of secretory vesicles with the plasma membrane. This technique has also been used to demonstrate that the release of secretory products can occur during transient fusion events, which leads one to question the current models for membrane recycling. In the past year, strong evidence has emerged in support of a role for rab3 and G alpha i3 proteins in regulating a putative scaffold of proteins that cause bilayer fusion during exocytosis. These findings parallel the biochemical identification of several new cytosolic, secretory vesicle and plasma membrane proteins that may also play a role in regulating fusion.

Exocytosis in chromaffin cells: evidence for a MgATP-independent step that requires a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein

We have previously described that mastoparan, an amphiphilic tetradecapeptide that activates heterotrimeric G-proteins, inhibits Ca(2+)-induced MgATP-dependent secretion from streptolysin-O-permeabilized chromaffin cells [Vitale, Mukai, Rouot, Thiersé, Aunis and Bader (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 14715-14723]. Our observations suggest the involvement of an inhibitory G(o)-protein, possibly located on the membrane of secretory granules, in the final stages of the exocytotic pathway in chromaffin cells. Here, we demonstrate that mastoparan is also able to stimulate the Ca(2+)-dependent secretion of catecholamines in the absence of MgATP in the medium. This MgATP-independent secretion is totally blocked by tetanus toxin, a potent inhibitor of exocytosis in all neurosecretory cells so far investigated, suggesting that the mastoparan target is a component of the exocytotic machinery. Mas17, a mastoparan analogue inactive on G-proteins, had no effect on catecholamine secretion whereas both Mas7, a highly active analogue of mastoparan, and AlF4-, which selectively activates trimeric G-proteins, triggered MgATP-independent secretion. Non-hydrolysable GTP analogues (GTP[S] and p[NH]ppG) mimicked the dual effects of mastoparan on secretion: they inhibited exocytosis in the presence of MgATP and stimulated MgATP-independent secretion. The different potencies displayed by these two analogues suggest the involvement of two distinct G-proteins. Accordingly, the mastoparan-induced MgATP-independent secretion is highly sensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX) whereas the inhibition by mastoparan of secretion in the presence of MgATP is resistant to PTX treatment. When permeabilized cells were incubated with mastoparan, the release of arachidonic acid increased in a PTX-sensitive manner. 7,7-Dimethyl-5,8-eicosadienoic acid, a potent inhibitor of intracellular phospholipase A2, inhibited both the arachidonate release and the MgATP-independent catecholamine secretion evoked by mastoparan. In contrast, neomycin, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, had no significant effect on either the release of arachidonic acid or the secretion of catecholamines provoked by mastoparan. We conclude that two distinct heterotrimeric G-proteins act in series in the exocytotic pathway in chromaffin cells: one controls an ATP-dependent priming step through an effector pathway that remains to be determined, and the second is involved in a late Ca(2+)-dependent step which does not require MgATP but possibly involves the generation of arachidonic acid.

Modulation of insulin secretion from normal rat islets by inhibitors of the post-translational modifications of GTP-binding proteins

Many GTP-binding proteins (GBPs) are modified by mevalonic acid (MVA)-dependent isoprenylation, carboxyl methylation or palmitoylation. The effects of inhibitors of these processes on insulin release were studied. Intact pancreatic islets were shown to synthesize and metabolize MVA and to prenylate several candidate proteins. Culture with lovastatin (to inhibit synthesis of endogenous MVA) caused the accumulation in the cytosol of low-M(r) GBPs (labelled by the [alpha-32P]GTP overlay technique), suggesting a disturbance of membrane association. Concomitantly, lovastatin pretreatment reduced glucose-induced insulin release by about 50%; co-provision of 100-200 microM MVA totally prevented this effect. Perillic acid, a purported inhibitor of the prenylation of small GBPs, also markedly reduced glucose-induced insulin secretion. Furthermore, both N-acetyl-S-trans,trans-farnesyl-L-cysteine (AFC), which inhibited the base-labile carboxyl methylation of GBPs in islets or in transformed beta-cells, and cerulenic acid, an inhibitor of protein palmitoylation, also reduced nutrient-induced secretion; an inactive analogue of AFC (which did not inhibit carboxyl methylation in islets) had no effect on secretion. In contrast with nutrients, the effects of agonists that induce secretion by directly activating distal components in signal transduction (such as a phorbol ester or mastoparan) were either unaffected or enhanced by lovastatin or AFC. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that post-translational modifications are required for one or more stimulatory GBPs to promote proximal step(s) in fuel-induced insulin secretion, whereas one or more inhibitory GBPs might reduce secretion at a more distal locus.

Involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive mechanisms in alpha-adrenoceptor modulation of noradrenaline release from rat sympathetic neurones in tissue culture

1. Sympathetic neurones derived from superior cervical ganglia of neonatal rats and maintained in tissue culture were used to investigate the modulation of neurotransmitter release by presynaptic receptors. Three week old cultures of neurones were loaded with [3H]-noradrenaline to label endogenous neurotransmitter stores. Release of noradrenaline was evoked by depolarization with raised extracellular K+ in the presence of desipramine and corticosterone to prevent uptake of released catecholamine. 2. Potassium (55 mmol l-1) depolarization for 30 s caused more than a four fold increase in 3H overflow from basal levels but this increase was reduced by up to 40% in the presence of exogenous noradrenaline (1 mumol l-1). The inhibition by noradrenaline of depolarization-evoked overflow was blocked by the alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, phentolamine. Phentolamine alone did not increase K(+)-evoked 3H overflow. 3. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine, produced a concentration-dependent block of the inhibition by noradrenaline of K(+)-evoked overflow, while the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin, was without effect at concentrations up to 0.1 mumol l-1. 4. The beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol, neither reduced K(+)-evoked overflow nor increased the degree of inhibition caused by the addition of 1 mumol l-1 noradrenaline. 5. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine (1 mumol l-1) was less effective than noradrenaline at inhibiting K(+)-evoked overflow, while the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine (1 mumol l-1) had no significant effect. 6. The L-channel calcium blocker, nicardipine (1 mumol l-1) significantly inhibited 3H overflow evoked by K+. In the presence of L-channel block, however, noradrenaline still inhibited residual evoked overflow.7. In the presence or absence of nicardipine, pertussis toxin pretreatment (1 nmol 1-1) reduced, but did not prevent, the effect of noradrenaline (1 micromol 1-1). Pertussis toxin alone caused a significant enhancement of K+-evoked 3H overflow.8. The data indicate that on postganglionic neurones of cultured rat sympathetic ganglia there are alpha 2-adrenoceptors that modulate neurotransmitter release, but no functional beta-adrenoceptors that mediate an enhancement of transmitter release. The data suggest further that in this preparation the mechanism of alpha2-adrenoceptor modulation may involve pertussis toxin sensitive and insensitive G-proteins and effects on calcium channels other than L-type.

Muscarinic potentiation of excitatory amino acid-evoked dopamine release in mesencephalic cells: specificity for the NMDA response and role of intracellular messengers

Of the five cloned muscarinic receptor subtypes, dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental areas have been shown to be selectively enriched with the mRNA for the m5 subtype, suggesting that muscarinic modulation of DA neurons may have a distinct pharmacology. In the present study we have used dissociated cell cultures of fetal rat ventral mesencephalon to characterize muscarinic modulation of DA neurons. [3H]DA release stimulated by activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors was potentiated by carbachol, a mixed muscarinic-nicotinic agonist, and by oxotremorine-M, a muscarinic agonist. Neither carbachol nor oxotremorine-M had an effect on [3H]DA release evoked by the non-NMDA agonists, kainate or quisqualate. A nicotinic agonist, DMPP, had no effect on NMDA-stimulated release. Potentiation of NMDA-stimulated [3H]DA release by oxotremorine-M was inhibited by the broad spectrum muscarinic antagonist, QNB, and by low concentrations of a putative M1 antagonist, pirenzepine, while much higher concentrations of a purported M2 antagonist, AF-DX 384, were required to reverse the oxotremorine-M effect. The muscarinic antagonist, 4-DAMP, was active in a concentration range between that required for pirenzepine and AF-DX 384. Further experiments examined intracellular messenger mechanisms coupled to the muscarinic receptors modulating NMDA-stimulated [3H]DA release. In contrast to oxotremorine-M, two muscarinic agents with only weak partial agonism with respect to phosphoinositide turnover, pilocarpine and arecoline, had no effect on NMDA-stimulated [3H]DA release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulated exocytosis

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Mechanisms underlying facilitation by dopamine of ATP-activated currents in rat pheochromocytoma cells

Mechanisms underlying facilitation by dopamine of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-activated current were investigated in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells using the whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques. Dopamine (10 and 100 microM) augmented the peak amplitude of an inward current elicited by ATP (3-100 microM). The activation time course of the ATP-evoked current was accelerated by dopamine; the presence of 10 microM dopamine shifted the dependence of activation rate constants on the concentration of ATP toward a lower concentration range two fold. Dopamine also accelerated the inactivation and the deactivation, which was determined from the current decay upon washout of ATP. Intracellular mediators responsible for the dopamine-induced facilitation was estimated by loading various compounds in patch pipettes. Facilitation was not observed when K-252a (1 microM), a protein kinase inhibitor, was included in the intracellular solution. In addition, facilitation was also attenuated by intracellular adenosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate)tetralithium salt (ATP gamma S (1 mM) or alpha-beta-methylene ATP (1 mM). Inclusion of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt (cAMP, 100 microM), guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt (cGMP, 100 microM), 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 1 microM) or phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (1 microM) in the intracellular solution did not affect the facilitation. Guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate)tetralithium salt (GTP gamma S, 500 microM) or guanosine 5'-O(2-thiodiphosphate)-trilithium salt (GDP beta S, 500 microM) did not modify the facilitation either.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)