Effects of carbachol and (-)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine on myocardial inositol phosphate content and force of contraction

Synthesis and evaluation of new N6-substituted adenosine-5'-N-methylcarboxamides as A3 adenosine receptor agonists

A number of N(6)-substituted adenosine-5'-N-methylcarboxamides were synthesised and their pharmacology, in terms of their receptor affinity, selectivity and cardioprotective effects, were explored. The first series of compounds, 4a-4f and 5a-5f, showed modest receptor affinity for the A(3)AR with K(i) values in the low to mid muM range. However, the incorporation of a 4-(2-aminoethyl)-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol group in the N(6)-position (in compounds 4g and 5g) significantly improved the affinity with K(i) values of 30 and 9 nM, respectively. Improvements in affinity, as well as selectivity were seen when a functionalized linker was introduced. The N(6)-phenyl series, compounds 7a-7d, demonstrated low to mid nanomolar receptor affinities (K(i)=2.3-45.0 nM), with 7b displaying 109-fold selectivity for the A(3)AR (vs A(1)). The N(6)-benzyl series 9a-9c also proved to be potent and selective A(3)AR agonists and the longer chain length linker 13 was tolerated at the A(3)AR without abrogation of affinity or selectivity. Cardioprotection was demonstrated by a simulated ischaemia cell culture assay, whereby 7b, 7c, 9a, 9b and 9c all showed cardioprotective effects at 100 nM comparable or better than the benchmark A(3)AR agonist IB-MECA, but which were indistinguishable by statistical analysis. For example, compound 9c reduced cell death by 68.0+/-3.6%.

Adenoprotection of the heart involves phospholipase C-induced activation and translocation of PKC-epsilon to RACK2 in adult rat and mouse

Adenosine protects the heart from adrenergic overstimulation. This adenoprotection includes the direct anti-adrenergic action via adenosine A(1) receptors (A(1)R) on the adrenergic signaling pathway. An indirect A(1)R-induced attenuation of adrenergic responsiveness involves the translocation of PKC-epsilon to t-tubules and Z-line of cardiomyocytes. We investigated with sarcomere imaging, immunocytochemistry imaging, and coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) whether A(1)R activation of PKC-epsilon induces the kinase translocation to receptor for activated C kinase 2 (RACK2) in isolated rat and mouse hearts and whether phospholipase C (PLC) is involved. Rat cardiomyocytes were treated with the A(1)R agonist chlorocyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) and exposed to primary PKC-epsilon and RACK2 antibodies with secondaries conjugated to Cy3 and Cy5 (indodicarbocyanine), respectively. Scanning confocal microscopy showed that CCPA caused PKC-epsilon to reversibly colocalize with RACK2 within 3 min. Additionally, rat and mouse hearts were perfused and stimulated with CCPA or phenylisopropyladenosine to activate A(1)R, or with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate to activate PKC. RACK2 was immunoprecipitated from heart extracts and resolved with SDS-PAGE. Western blotting showed that CCPA, phenylisopropyladenosine, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in the rat heart increased the PKC-epsilon co-IP with RACK2 by 186, 49, and >1,000%, respectively. The A(1)R antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine prevented the CCPA-induced co-IP with RACK2. In mouse hearts, CCPA increased the co-IP of PKC-epsilon with RACK2 by 61%. With rat cardiomyocytes, the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol increased sarcomere shortening by 177%. CCPA reduced this response by 47%, an action inhibited by the PLC inhibitor U-73122 and 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine. In conclusion, A(1)R stimulation of the heart is associated with PLC-initiated PKC-epsilon translocation and association with RACK2.

Adenosine: trigger and mediator of cardioprotection

Adenosine, a purine nucleoside, is ubiquitous in the body, and is a critical component of ATP. Its concentration jumps 100-fold during periods of oxygen depletion and ischemia. There are four adenosine receptors: A(1) and A(3) coupled to G(i/o) and the high-affinity A(2A) and low-affinity A(2B) coupled to G(s). Adenosine is one of three autacoids released by ischemic tissue which are important triggers of ischemic preconditioning (IPC). It is the A(1) and to some extent A(3) receptors which participate in the intracellular signaling that triggers cardioprotection. Unlike bradykinin and opioids, the other two autacoids, adenosine is not dependent on opening of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels or release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but rather activates phospholipase C and/or protein kinase C (PKC) directly. Another signaling cascade at reperfusion involves activated PKC which initiates binding to and activation of an A(2) adenosine receptor that we believe is the A(2B). Although the latter is the low-affinity receptor, its interaction with PKC increases its affinity and makes it responsive to the accumulated tissue adenosine. A(2B) agonists, but not adenosine or A(1) agonists, infused at reperfusion can initiate this second signaling cascade and mimic preconditioning's protection. The same A(2B) receptors are critical for postconditioning's protection. Thus adenosine is both an important trigger and a mediator of cardioprotection.

Adenosine induces prolonged anti-beta-adrenergic effects in guinea-pig papillary muscle

A sustained anti-beta-adrenergic effect of adenosine has been reported. This study was initiated to investigate this topic and especially elucidate the role of protein kinase C (PKC). Contractile force amplitude and action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD90) were measured in guinea-pig papillary muscles before and after 5 min challenge with 5 nm isoproterenol. Protocols contained 30 min exposure to the test agents adenosine 33 microm (ado), adenosine + PKC-inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide 20 nM (ado + BIM), PKC-activator 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol 10 microm (DOG) and alpha-agonist phenylephrine 5 microm (phe). Isoproterenol was given at the end of test exposure and after 15 min washout. Results are mean +/- SEM of percentage-change, P < or = 0.05 considered significant and labelled *. The first isoproterenol challenge significantly increased contractile force (27 +/- 7%*) in the control group. Responses in the test groups were 2 +/- 4 (ado), 1 +/- 5 (ado + BIM), 14 +/- 4* (DOG), 0 +/- 2% (phe). After washout of adenosine, DOG and phenylephrine, isoproterenol induced 3 +/- 8 (ado), 23 +/- 5* (ado + BIM), 13 +/- 5* (DOG), 15 +/- 7% (phe) increase in test groups compared with 22 +/- 5%* increase in contractile force in the control group. After 45 min washout of adenosine the inotropic response was still significantly reduced compared with control (29 +/- 4 vs. 79 +/- 8%*). Isoproterenol stimulation shortened APD90 in controls at both time points (5 +/- 1%* and 4 +/- 1%*), with no significant shortening in test groups. Adenosine induces sustained anti-beta-adrenergic effects on contractile force as well as APD90. A role for PKC in signal transduction is supported with respect to contractile force.

Muscarinic receptors in the mammalian heart

In the mammalian heart, cardiac function is under the control of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. All regions of the mammalian heart are innervated by parasympathetic (vagal) nerves, although the supraventricular tissues are more densely innervated than the ventricles. Vagal activation causes stimulation of cardiac muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M-ChR) that modulate pacemaker activity via I(f) and I(K.ACh), atrioventricular conduction, and directly (in atrium) or indirectly (in ventricles) force of contraction. However, the functional response elicited by M-ChR-activation depends on species, age, anatomic structure investigated, and M-ChR-agonist concentration used. Among the five M-ChR-subtypes M(2)-ChR is the predominant isoform present in the mammalian heart, while in the coronary circulation M(3)-ChR have been identified. In addition, evidence for a possible existence of an additional, not M(2)-ChR in the heart has been presented. M-ChR are subject to regulation by G-protein-coupled-receptor kinase. Alterations of cardiac M(2)-ChR in age and various kinds of disease are discussed.

Role for PKC in the adenosine-induced decrease in shortening velocity of rat ventricular myocytes

We previously demonstrated that both adenosine receptor activation and direct activation of protein kinase C (PKC) decrease unloaded shortening velocity (V(max)) of rat ventricular myocytes. The goal of this study was to further investigate a possible link among adenosine receptors, phosphoinositide-PKC signaling, and V(max) in rat ventricular myocytes. We determined that the adenosine receptor agonist R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA, 100 microM) and the alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist phenylephrine (Phe, 10 microM) increased turnover of inositol phosphates. PKC translocation from the cytosol to the sarcolemma was used as an indicator of PKC activation. Western blot analysis demonstrated an increased PKC-epsilon translocation after exposure to R-PIA, Phe, and the PKC activators dioctanoylglycerol (50 microM) and phorbol myristate acetate (1 microM). PKC-alpha, PKC-delta, and PKC-zeta did not translocate to the membrane after R-PIA exposure. Finally, PKC inhibitors blocked R-PIA-induced decreases in V(max) as well as Ca(2+)-dependent actomyosin ATPase in rat ventricular myocytes. These results support the conclusions that adenosine receptors activate phosphoinositide-PKC signaling and that adenosine receptor-induced PKC activation mediates a decrease in V(max) in ventricular myocytes.

Roles of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K channels and PKC in anti-infarct tolerance afforded by adenosine A1 receptor activation

OBJECTIVES

This study intended to assess the role of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoK ATP) channels and the sequence of signal transduction with protein kinase C (PKC) and adenosine A1 receptors in rabbits.

BACKGROUND

To our knowledge, the link between trigger receptors of preconditioning, PKC and mitoK ATP channels has not been examined in a whole heart model of infarction.

METHODS

In the first series of experiments, myocardial infarction was induced in isolated buffer-perfused rabbit hearts by 30-min global ischemia and 2-h reperfusion. Infarct size in the left ventricle was determined by tetrazolium staining and expressed as a percentage of area at risk (i.e., the whole left ventricle) (%IS/AR). In the second series of experiments, mitochondria were isolated from the heart, and their respiratory function was examined using glutamate as a substrate.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA, 1 micromol/liter), an A1-receptor agonist, reduced %IS/AR from 49.8 +/- 6.5% to 13.4 +/- 2.9%. This protection was abolished by calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, and by 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), a selective inhibitor of mitoK ATP channels. A selective mitoK ATP channel opener, diazoxide (100 micromol/liter), mimicked the effect of R-PIA on infarct size (%IS/AR = 11.6 +/- 4.0%), and this protective effect was also abolished by 5-HD. However, calphostin C failed to block the infarct size-limiting effect of diazoxide. Neither calphostin C nor 5-HD alone modified %IS/AR. State III respiration (QO2) and respiratory control index (RCI) were reduced after 30 min of ischemia (QO2 = 147.3 +/- 5.3 vs. 108.5 +/- 12.3, RCI = 22.3 +/- 1.1 vs. 12.1 +/- 1.8, p < 0.05). This mitochondrial dysfunction was persistent after 10 min of reperfusion (QO2 = 96.1 +/- 15.5, RCI = 9.5 +/- 1.9). Diazoxide significantly attenuated the respiratory dysfunction after 30 min of ischemia (QO2 = 142.8 +/- 9.7, RCI = 16.2 +/- 0.8) and subsequent 10-min reperfusion (QO2 = 135.3 +/- 7.2, RCI = 19.1 +/- 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that mitoK ATP channels are downstream of PKC in the mechanism of infarct-size limitation by A1-receptor activation and that the anti-infarct tolerance afforded by opening of mitoK ATP channels is associated with preservation of mitochondrial function during ischemia/reperfusion.

Adenosine release mediates cyanide-induced suppression of CA1 neuronal activity

The rapid suppression of CNS function produced by cyanide (CN) was studied by field, intracellular, and whole-cell recording in hippocampal slices (at 33-34 degrees C). Population spikes and field EPSPs were depressed by 4-5 min bath applications of 50-100 microM CN (IC50 was 18 miroM for spikes and 72 microM for EPSPs). The actions of CN were reversibly suppressed by the adenosine antagonists 8-sulfophenyltheophylline (8-SPT; 10 microM) and 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 0.2 microM), potentiated by the adenosine transport inhibitor dipyridamole (0.5 microM), but unaffected by the KATP channel blocker glyburide (10 microM). Therefore the CN-induced reductions of synaptic efficacy and postsynaptic excitability-demonstrated by synaptic input:output plots-are mediated mainly by adenosine. In whole-cell or intracellular recordings, CN depressed EPSCs and elicited an increase in input conductance and an outward current, the reversal potential of which was approximately -90 mV (indicating that K+ was the major carrier). These effects also were attenuated by 8-SPT. In the presence of 1 mM Ba, CN had no significant postsynaptic action; Cs (2 mM) also prevented CN-induced outward currents but only partly blocked the increase in conductance. Another 8-SPT-sensitive action of CN was to depress hyperpolarization-activated slow inward relaxations (Q current). At room temperature (22-24 degrees C), although it did not change holding current and slow inward relaxations, CN raised the input conductance; this effect also was prevented by 8-SPT (10 microM), but not by glyburide (10 microM). Adenosine release thus appears to be the major link between acute CN poisoning and early depression of CNS synaptic function.

Adenosine and preconditioning revisited

1. Myocardial tolerance against infarction is substantially increased by exposing myocytes to 3-10 min transient ischaemia. In this phenomenon, termed 'preconditioning', the adenosine receptor is one of the redundant triggers and the best characterized factor in the cardioprotective mechanism. 2. An increase in interstitial adenosine during preconditioning is thought to be derived primarily from hydrolysis of 5'-AMP in the myocyte by cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase, although a contribution of ectosolic 5'-nucleotidase remains controversial. Adenosine production during ischaemia is substantially suppressed in the preconditioned myocardium, probably due to a decrease in ATP utilization. 3. The adenosine receptor needs to be activated not only at the time of preconditioning ischemia, but also during ischaemic insult for the preconditioning to be cardioprotective. However, the extent of cardioprotection afforded by preconditioning is primarily determined by the interstitial adenosine level achieved during preconditioning ischaemia, not by the level during sustained ischaemia. These data suggest that a post-receptor mechanism downstream of the adenosine receptor may be up-regulated after preconditioning. 4. Studies in vitro suggest that the subtypes of adenosine receptor relevant to preconditioning against infarction are A1 and A3, the activation of which appears to provide additive protection. The functional interrelationship between these subtypes in vivo remains unknown. 5. An important step downstream of adenosine receptor activation is protein kinase C (PKC), which facilitates opening of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, probably leading to enhancement of myocardial tolerance. However, activation of other protein kinases, such as tyrosine kinase, may also be important in preconditioning, depending on the animal species and preconditioning protocols. The PKC isoform and location of KATP channels (i.e. sarcolemmal vs mitochondrial KATP) that induce anti-infarct tolerance in myocytes remain to be identified.

Intraneuronal [Ca2+] changes induced by 2-deoxy-D-glucose in rat hippocampal slices

Temporary replacement of glucose by 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG; but not sucrose) is followed by long-term potentiation of CA1 synaptic transmission (2-DG LTP), which is Ca2+-dependent and is prevented by dantrolene or N-methyl--aspartate (NMDA) antagonists. To clarify the mechanism of action of 2-DG, we monitored [Ca2+]i while replacing glucose with 2-DG or sucrose. In slices (from Wistar rats) kept submerged at 30 degreesC, pyramidal neurons were loaded with [Ca2+]-sensitive fluo-3 or Fura Red. The fluorescence was measured with a confocal microscope. Bath applications of 10 mM 2-DG (replacing glucose for 15 +/- 0.38 min, means +/- SE) led to a rapid but reversible rise in fluo-3 fluorescence (or drop of Fura Red fluorescence); the peak increase of fluo-3 fluorescence (DeltaF/F0), measured near the end of 2-DG applications, was by 245 +/- 50% (n = 32). Isosmolar sucrose (for 15-40 min) had a smaller but significant effect (DeltaF/F0 = 94 +/- 14%, n = 10). The 2-DG-induced DeltaF/F0 was greatly reduced (to 35 +/- 15%, n = 16) by,-aminophosphono-valerate (50-100 microM) and abolished by 10 microM dantrolene (-4.0 +/- 2.9%, n = 11). A substantial, although smaller effect, of 2-DG persisted in Ca2+-free 1 mM ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N', N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) medium. Two adenosine antagonists, which do not prevent 2-DG LTP, were also tested; 2-DG-induced DeltaF/F0 (fluo-3) was not affected by the A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-3, 7-dihydro-1,3-dipropyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione (DPCPX 50 nM; 287 +/- 38%; n = 20), but it was abolished by the A1/A2 antagonist 8-SPT; 25 +/- 29%, n = 19). These observations suggest that 2-DG releases glutamate and adenosine and that the rise in [Ca2+] may be triggered by a synergistic action of glutamate (acting via NMDA receptors) and adenosine (acting via A2b receptors) resulting in Ca2+ release from a dantrolene-sensitive store. The discrepant effects of sucrose and 8-SPT on DeltaF/F0, on the one hand, and 2-DG LTP, on the other, support other evidence that increases in postsynaptic [Ca2+]i are not essential for 2-DG LTP.

Inotropic effects of diadenosine tetraphosphate in isolated canine cardiac preparations

We studied the effects of diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) on the force of contraction in canine preparations. The force of contraction was measured in isolated electrically driven (1 Hz) atrial and ventricular cardiac trabeculae from adult dogs. AP4A (100 microM) alone and after prestimulation with 10 nM isoproterenol reduced force of contraction in atrial preparations by approximately 24%. Moreover, AP4A (100 microM) alone and after prestimulation with 10 nM isoproterenol reduced the force of contraction in ventricular preparations by 29 and 29%, respectively. The negative inotropic effects of AP4A were abolished by the A1-adenosine receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-cyclopentyl-xanthine (DPCPX). In summary, in canine myocardium, AP4A alone and after prestimulation with a beta-adrenoceptor agonist exerts negative inotropic effects, which are probably mediated via A1-adenosine receptors.

Ischemic preconditioning translocates PKC-delta and -epsilon, which mediate functional protection in isolated rat heart

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in mediating ischemic preconditioning (PC). However, the relationship between PKC isoforms and PC is still uncertain. We analyzed subcellular localization of PKC isoforms by Western blot analysis in isolated rat heart and demonstrate that PKC-alpha, -delta, and -epsilon were translocated to the membrane fraction associated with the improvement of cardiac function. Translocation of PKC-delta and -epsilon persisted after a 30-min period following PC, but the translocation of PKC-alpha was transient. Under low Ca2+ perfusion (0.2 mmol/l), PC improved the cardiac function associated with the translocation of PKC-delta. Chelerythrine (1.0 micromol/l) suppressed the translocation of all PKC isoforms associated with the loss of improvement of the cardiac function. On the other hand, bisindolylmaleimide (0.1 micromol/l) did not inhibit the improvement of cardiac function induced by PC, which was associated with the translocation of PKC-epsilon. These results indicate that the effect of PC on cardiac function is mediated by the translocation of either PKC-delta or -epsilon independently in rat hearts.

Potassium conductance causing hyperpolarization of CA1 hippocampal neurons during hypoxia

In experiments on slices (from 100- to 150-g Sprague-Dawley rats) kept at 33 degreesC, we studied the effects of brief hypoxia (2-3 min) on CA1 neurons. In whole cell recordings from submerged slices, with electrodes containing only KMeSO4 and N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid, and in the presence of kynurenate and bicuculline (to minimize transmitter actions), hypoxia produced the following changes: under current clamp, 36 cells were hyperpolarized by 2.7 +/- 0.5 (SE) mV and their input resistance (Rin) fell by 23 +/- 2.7%; in 30 cells under voltage clamp, membrane current increased by 114 +/- 22.3 pA and input conductance (Gin) by 4.9 +/- 0.9 nS. These effects are much greater than those seen previously with K gluconate whole cell electrodes, but only half those seen with "sharp" electrodes. The hypoxic hyperpolarizations (or outward currents) were not reduced by intracellular ATP (1-5 mM) or bath-applied glyburide (10 microM): therefore they are unlikely to be mediated by conventional ATP-sensitive K channels. On the other hand, their depression by internally applied ethylene glycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N, N',N'-tetraacetic acid (1.1 and 11 mM) and especially 1, 2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (11-33 mM) indicated a significant involvement of Ca-dependent K (KCa) channels. The beta-adrenergic agonist isoprenaline (10 microM) reduced hypoxic hyperpolarizations and decreases in Rin (n = 4) (and in another 11 cells corresponding changes in Gin); and comparable but more variable effects were produced by internally applied 3':5'-adenosine cyclic monophosphate (cAMP, 1 mM, n = 6) and bath-applied 8-bromo-cAMP (n = 8). Thus afterhyperpolarization-type KCa channels probably take part in the hypoxic response. A major involvement of G proteins is indicated by the near total suppression of the hypoxic response by guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (0. 1-0.3 mM, n = 23) and especially guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (0.3 mM, n = 26), both applied internally. The adenosine antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (10-50 microM) significantly reduced hypoxic hyperpolarizations and outward currents in whole cell recordings (with KMeSO4 electrodes) from submerged slices but not in intracellular recordings (with KCl electrodes) from slices kept at gas/saline interface. In further intracellular recordings, antagonists of gamma-aminobutyric acid-B or serotonin receptors also had no clear effect. In conclusion, these G-protein-dependent hyperpolarizing changes produced in CA1 neurons by hypoxia are probably initiated by Ca2+ release from internal stores stimulated by enhanced glycolysis and a variable synergistic action of adenosine.

Loss of myocardial protection from ischemic preconditioning following chronic exposure to R(-)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine is related to defect at the adenosine A1 receptor

Exogenously administered adenosine agonist will protect myocardium against infarction during ischemia. However, long-term exposure to adenosine agonists is associated with loss of this protection. To determine why this protection is lost, isolated, perfused rabbit hearts were studied after administration of R(-)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (PIA), 0.25 mg/h IP, for 3-4 days to intact animals. All hearts experienced 30 min of regional ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion. Control groups 1 and 2 were untreated. In group 1 this ischemia/reperfusion was the only intervention, whereas group 2 hearts were preconditioned with a cycle of 5 min global ischemia/10 min reperfusion preceding the 30 min regional ischemia. Groups 3-5 had been chronically exposed to PIA. Group 3 hearts had 1 preconditioning ischemia/reperfusion cycle before the prolonged ischemia. Group 4 received a 5 min infusion of 0.1 micromol/L phenylephrine in lieu of global ischemia, whereas group 5 was instead treated with 1 micromol/L carbachol. Infarct size averaged 32% of the risk zone in group 1, whereas ischemic preconditioning limited infarction to 8.2% in group 2. Prolonged exposure of group 3 hearts to PIA resulted in the inability of preconditioning with 5 min global ischemia to protect (28.7+/-4.4% infarction). However, protection was restored by either phenylephrine, an agonist of alpha1-adrenergic receptors which couple to Gq and stimulate PKC, or carbachol, an agonist of M2-muscarinic receptors which couple instead to Gi as do adenosine A1 receptors (5.2+/-1.7% and 9.2+/-2.1% infarction, resp.). Therefore, cross tolerance to ischemic preconditioning develops after chronic PIA infusion. Since both the Gi and the PKC components of the preconditioning pathway were shown to be intact, tolerance must have been related to downregulation or desensitization of the A1 adenosine receptor.

Signal transduction in ischemic preconditioning

Ischemic preconditioning is a phenomenon in which exposure of the heart to a brief period of ischemia causes it to quickly adapt itself to become resistant to infarction from a subsequent ischemic insult. The mechanism is not fully understood but, at least in the rabbit, it is known to be triggered by occupation of adenosine receptors, opioid receptors, bradykinin receptors and the generation of free radicals during the preconditioning ischemia. All of these are thought to converge on and activate protein kinase C (PKC), which in turn activates a tyrosine kinase. This kinase cascade eventually terminates on some unknown effector, possibly a potassium channel or a cytoskeletal protein, which makes the cells resistant to infarction. If this process can be understood, it should be possible to devise a method for conferring this protection to patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Positive inotropy mediated by diacylglycerol in rat ventricular myocytes

Many neurohormones stimulate phospholipid hydrolysis and elevate diacylglycerol in the mammalian heart, but the physiological consequences of these intracellular events are unclear. Regulation of myocardial contraction by diacylglycerol was investigated in the present study by releasing the diacylglycerol analogue dioctanoylglycerol (diC8) within adult rat ventricular myocytes by using a light-sensitive caged compound. This approach permitted us to avoid exposure of myocytes to extracellular diC8 and yet to control the amount of diC8 released into the cells. Photorelease of diC8 produced a slowly developing (half-time, 1.9 +/- 0.1 minute; n = 26) but robust (406 +/- 42%) enhancement of twitch amplitude in electrically paced myocytes (0.5 Hz, 1 mmol/L Ca2+, Ringer's solution [pH 7.4], 22 degrees C). This positive inotropic effect was dose dependent, stereospecific for the S-enantiomer of diC8, synergistically enhanced by arachidonic acid, and blocked by the protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine. The data provide evidence that diacylglycerol can induce a strong positive inotropic effect in mammalian ventricular muscle, possibly by activating protein kinase C. By contrast, perfusion of diC8 extracellularly onto myocytes caused a 42 +/- 2% decline in twitch amplitude, in accordance with previous reports. To account for this dependence on how diC8 is applied, we postulate that diC8 has distinct physiological actions at intracellular and extracellular sites. The peptide neurohormone endothelin-1, which elevates diacylglycerol in cardiac tissues, produced a positive inotropic effect that was similar to the response to photoreleased diC8. The diacylglycerol/protein kinase C pathway has now become a good candidate for mediator of at least a component of the positive inotropy associated with agents that stimulate phospholipid turnover in adult mammalian myocardium.

Ca2+ as a mediator of ischemic preconditioning

We tested the hypothesis that elevation of [Ca2+]i during ischemic preconditioning (IPC) stimulates protein kinase C (PKC), which confers the protection against the ischemic injury. Langendorff-perfused rat hearts were subjected to 40-minute global ischemia followed by 30-minute reperfusion (I/R). In preconditioned groups, hearts were subjected to either IPC, consisting of 5-minute global ischemia and 10-minute reperfusion, or high-Ca2+ preconditioning (HCPC), ie, the 5-minute perfusion of higher Ca2+ perfusate (2.3 mmol/L Ca2+) followed by 10-minute perfusion of normal perfusate (1.8 mmol/L Ca2+), and then were subjected to I/R. A significant functional recovery and decreased lactate dehydrogenase release were observed in HCPC and IPC hearts compared with ischemic control hearts. ATP contents of preconditioned hearts were significantly higher than those of the ischemic control hearts. The cell structure in preconditioned hearts was preserved better than that in the ischemic control hearts. Furthermore, the activation and translocation of PKC from cytoplasm to sarcolemma were observed in the preconditioned hearts. Verapamil administered during IPC significantly attenuated the salutary effects of IPC. Administration of chelerythrine, a specific PKC inhibitor, completely abolished the HCPC- and IPC-induced cardioprotection. The translocation of PKC by IPC was blocked by verapamil or chelerythrine. Immunohistochemical study using rabbit polyclonal antibody against PKC isoforms indicated that stress induced by IPC or HCPC evoked the translocation of PKC alpha and PKC delta to the cell membrane. Translocation of PKC isoforms was attenuated by the treatment with verapamil or chelerythrine. These results demonstrate that (1) a transient increase in [Ca2+]i during IPC is an important trigger for the activation of PKC, which is responsible for cardioprotection; (2) the elevation of [Ca2+]i during IPC, at least partly, resulted from Ca2+ entry via voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel; and (3) activation and translocation of PKC alpha and PKC delta occur during IPC and HCPC and may be important in preconditioning.

'Cross talk' between opioid peptide and adrenergic receptor signaling in isolated rat heart

BACKGROUND

Cardiac myocyte sarcolemma contains both catecholamine and opioid peptide receptors (OPRs). Opioid peptides are coreleased with catecholamines from nerve terminals in the heart. We investigated whether OPR stimulation influences the effects of beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) stimulation in the isolated, isovolumic rat heart and whether the mechanism of such an interaction involves both beta-AR subtypes or an alteration in beta-AR-mediated increase in cAMP.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Norepinephrine (NE, 10(-7) mol/L) increased peak left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and cAMP more than twofold compared with controls. The delta-OPR agonist leucine-enkephalin (LE, 10(-8) mol/L) markedly inhibited the beta1-AR-induced positive inotropic effect and increase in cAMP but alone had no effect on basal LVSP or basal cAMP levels. The OPR antagonist naloxone 10(-8) mol/L added to LE+NE perfusate reversed the LE-induced decrease in cAMP and LVSP even though naloxone alone had no effect on LVSP and cAMP levels. LE could not counteract the twofold increase in LVSP produced by the nondegradable cAMP analog CPT-cAMP 2.3x10(-5) mol/L or a high concentration of forskolin (10(-7) mol/L) but did reverse the 173+/-11.8% and 135+/-13.6% increases in LVSP stimulated by 10(-8) and 0.5x10(-8) mol/L forskolin, respectively. LE inhibited cAMP production at all concentrations of forskolin (10(-7), 10(-8), and 0.5x10(-8) mol/L). Pertussis toxin (PTX) pretreatment abolished LE effects on beta1-AR stimulation. Zinterol 10(-5) and 10(-6) mol/L, a specific beta2-AR agonist that elicits a cAMP-independent inotropic effect in rat heart, caused 225+/-14% and 182+/-5% increases in LVSP that could not be reversed by addition of LE.

CONCLUSIONS

Potent, inhibitory "cross talk" between delta-OPR and beta1-AR signaling pathways occurs via a PTX-sensitive G(i/o) protein involved in adenylyl cyclase inhibition in rat heart.

Adenosine release mediates cyanide-induced suppression of CA1 neuronal activity

The rapid suppression of CNS function produced by cyanide (CN) was studied by field, intracellular, and whole-cell recording in hippocampal slices (at 33-34 degrees C). Population spikes and field EPSPs were depressed by 4-5 min bath applications of 50-100 microM CN (IC50 was 18 miroM for spikes and 72 microM for EPSPs). The actions of CN were reversibly suppressed by the adenosine antagonists 8-sulfophenyltheophylline (8-SPT; 10 microM) and 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 0.2 microM), potentiated by the adenosine transport inhibitor dipyridamole (0.5 microM), but unaffected by the KATP channel blocker glyburide (10 microM). Therefore the CN-induced reductions of synaptic efficacy and postsynaptic excitability-demonstrated by synaptic input:output plots-are mediated mainly by adenosine. In whole-cell or intracellular recordings, CN depressed EPSCs and elicited an increase in input conductance and an outward current, the reversal potential of which was approximately -90 mV (indicating that K+ was the major carrier). These effects also were attenuated by 8-SPT. In the presence of 1 mM Ba, CN had no significant postsynaptic action; Cs (2 mM) also prevented CN-induced outward currents but only partly blocked the increase in conductance. Another 8-SPT-sensitive action of CN was to depress hyperpolarization-activated slow inward relaxations (Q current). At room temperature (22-24 degrees C), although it did not change holding current and slow inward relaxations, CN raised the input conductance; this effect also was prevented by 8-SPT (10 microM), but not by glyburide (10 microM). Adenosine release thus appears to be the major link between acute CN poisoning and early depression of CNS synaptic function.

Phospholipase D plays a role in ischemic preconditioning in rabbit heart

BACKGROUND

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) is thought to be a critical step in ischemic preconditioning. Many receptor agonists activate PKC via stimulation of phospholipase C (PLC), which degrades membrane phospholipids to diacylglycerol (DAG), an important PKC cofactor. However, adenosine receptors, critical components of the prototypical preconditioning pathway, are not thought to couple to PLC in the cardiomyocyte. We therefore tested whether ischemic preconditioning or adenosine might instead activate phospholipase D (PLD) to produce DAG.

METHODS AND RESULTS

PLD activity was measured in isolated rabbit hearts. Ischemic injury was evaluated in either isolated rabbit hearts or dispersed myocytes. PLD activity doubled from a control level of 74.8 +/- 10.0 to 140.0 +/- 11.5 mumol.min-1.g-1 (P < .025) after two 5-minute periods of global ischemia separated by 5 minutes of reperfusion. A similar increase was noted after the heart had been exposed to (R)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine [(R)-PIA] for 20 minutes. When sodium oleate, which activates PLD, was administered to isolated hearts before a 30-minute coronary occlusion, infarct size (15.6 +/- 2.0% of the risk zone) was significantly smaller than in untreated hearts (30.4 +/- 2.2%; P < .01). Exposure to sodium oleate significantly prolonged the rate of isolated myocyte survival during simulated ischemia. Propranolol 100 mumol/L, which blocks DAG production from metabolites produced by PLD catalysis, completely abolished the protective effects of both metabolic preconditioning and (R)-PIA exposure in myocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that PLD stimulation is involved in the protection of ischemic preconditioning in the rabbit heart.

Myocardial contractile response and IP3, cAMP and cGMP interrelationships

An experimental study in the perfused working normal and pressure overloaded rat heart. A mini review based on a doctoral thesis.

Preconditioning of bovine endothelial cells. The protective effect is mediated by an adenosine A2 receptor through a protein kinase C signaling pathway

We tested the hypothesis that anoxic preconditioning could protect coronary endothelial cells against anoxic and reoxygenation injury and that this preconditioning effect could be mediated by an adenosine A2 receptor via the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. Cells were preconditioned with 10-minute anoxia and 10-minute reoxygenation and were then subjected to anoxia for 60 minutes, followed by 120 minutes of reoxygenation. In some groups, the preconditioning effect was prevented by 8-sulfophenyltheophylline (SPT [50 mumol/L], a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist), or calphostin C (100 nmol/L, a PKC inhibitor). In other groups, 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'N-ethylcarboxyamido- adenosine (CGS-21680 [20 nmol/L], an adenosine A2 receptor agonist, R-(--)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine (R-PIA [50 nmol/L], an adenosine A1 receptor agonist), or 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA [100 nmol/L], a PKC activator) was given as a pretreatment to mimic the preconditioning effect. Endothelial cells were also pretreated with 100 nmol/L calphostin C to confirm whether inhibition of PKC can block the effects of adenosine A2 receptor activation by CGS-21680 on anoxia and reoxygenation injury. Preconditioning reduced LDH release, increased adenosine release, promoted translocation of PKC from cytosol to membrane, increased cell viability, and preserved ATP content and cell morphology. Pretreatment with either CGS-21680 or PMA resulted in protection similar to that seen with anoxic preconditioning. The protection was totally abolished by SPT or calphostin C. The results suggest that (1) preconditioning protects coronary endothelial cells against anoxia and reoxygenation injury, (2) the protection is probably mediated by activation of adenosine A2 receptors through the PKC pathway, and (3) the preservation of endothelial cells may be one of the mechanisms of myocardial preconditioning.

Adenosine A1 stimulation activates delta-protein kinase C in rat ventricular myocytes

By making use of immunoblotting and immunocytochemical analysis, we explored whether stimulation of adenosine A1 receptors would promote the activation of delta-protein kinase C (delta-PKC) immunolabeled with a polyclonal antibody. Immunoblot analysis of Triton X-100-soluble cell membrane and cytosolic fractions revealed the presence of a specific 75-kD band reactive to the delta-PKC polyclonal antibody. In freshly isolated rat cardiac myocytes, 28% of the total immunoreactive delta-PKC was associated with the membrane fraction, whereas 72% was associated with the soluble fraction. Under stimulation with the tumor-promoting phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 50 nmol/L) used as a positive control, delta-PKC translocated to the cell membrane, with the membrane fraction representing 88% and the cytosolic fraction representing 12% of the total immunoreactive delta-PKC. Transverse optical sections performed with confocal laser microscopy showed that immunostaining with anti-delta-PKC antibody was distributed in the cytosol membrane under PMA stimulation. In the membrane fraction of cells pretreated with adenosine (100 mumol/L) or with the adenosine A1 agonist (--)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine (R-PIA, 1 mumol/L), the 75-kD band corresponding to delta-PKC increased by 57% and 66%, respectively, when compared with nonstimulated cells processed under the same experimental conditions. In cells exposed to either of the purine agonists, specific fluorescence staining decorated the cell membrane, a pattern that was not observed in control cells. Activation of membrane delta-PKC produced either by adenosine itself or by its analogue R-PIA was fully antagonized by the specific A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (1 mumol/L). From these data, we conclude that adenosine A1 stimulation activates delta-PKC in freshly isolated rat ventricular myocytes.

Ischemic preconditioning against infarction: its mechanism and clinical implications

Exposing the myocardium to brief ischemia followed by reperfusion enhances myocardial resistance to infarction from a subsequent sustained ischemia. This phenomenon, termed preconditioning, is most likely to be triggered by adenosine A1 receptor activation, and the dependence of the preconditioning effect on the duration of preconditioning ischemia and the number of its repetition is probably through the interstitial adenosine level achieved by each preconditioning protocol. Our studies support the theory that activation of protein kinase C subsequent to stimulation of the A1 receptor enhances myocardial ischemic tolerance. The ATP-sensitive potassium channel may be involved in preconditioning, but its relation with protein kinase C is unclear, and the relative importance of this channel might be species dependent. The mechanism of preconditioning needs to be further elucidated in animal models and preconditioning in the human heart needs to be further characterized before we can adapt its biochemical basis to clinical therapy.

Cardiac troponin I mutants. Phosphorylation by protein kinases C and A and regulation of Ca(2+)-stimulated MgATPase of reconstituted actomyosin S-1

The significance of site-specific phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I (TnI) by protein kinase C and protein kinase A in the regulation of Ca(2+)-stimulated MgATPase of reconstituted actomyosin S-1 was investigated. The TnI mutants used were T144A, S43A/S45A, and S43A/S45A/T144A (in which the identified protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, Thr-144 and Ser-43/ Ser-45, were, respectively, substituted by Ala) and S23A/S24A and N32 (in which the protein kinase A phosphorylation sites Ser-23/Ser-24 were either substituted by Ala or deleted). The mutations caused subtle changes in the kinetics of phosphorylation by protein kinase C, and all mutants were maximally phosphorylated to various extents (1.3-2.7 mol of phosphate/mol of protein). Protein kinase C could cross-phosphorylate protein kinase A sites but the reverse essentially could not occur. Compared to wild-type TnI and T144A, un-phosphorylated S43A/S45A, S43A/S45A/T144, S23A/ S24A, and N32 caused a decreased Ca2+ sensitivity of Ca(2+)-stimulated MgATPase of reconstituted actomyosin. S-1. Phosphorylation by protein kinase C of wild-type and all mutants except S43A/S45A and S43A/S45A/T144A caused marked reductions in both the maximal activity of Ca(2+)-stimulated MgATPase and apparent affinity of myosin S-1 for reconstitued (regulated) actin. It was further noted that protein kinase C acted in an additive manner with protein kinase A by phosphorylating Ser-23/Ser-24 to bring about a decreased Ca2+ sensitivity of the myofilament. It is suggested that Ser-43/Ser-45 and Ser-23/Ser-24 in cardiac TnI are important for normal Ca2+ sensitivity of the myofilament, and that phosphorylation of Ser-43/Ser-45 and Ser-23/Ser-24 is primarily involved in the protein kinase C regulation of the activity and Ca2+ sensitivity, respectively, of actomyosin S-1 MgATPase.

Role of bradykinin in protection of ischemic preconditioning in rabbit hearts

Bradykinin receptor activation has been proposed to be involved in ischemic preconditioning. In the present study, we further investigated the role of this agent in preconditioning in both isolated and in situ rabbit hearts. All hearts were subjected to 30 minutes of regional ischemia followed by reperfusion for 2 hours (in vitro hearts) and 3 hours (in situ hearts). Infarct size was measured by tetrazolium staining and expressed as a percentage of the size of the risk zone. Preconditioning in situ hearts with 5 minutes of ischemia and 10 minutes of reperfusion significantly reduced infarct size to 10.2 +/- 2.2% of the risk region (P < .0005 versus control infarct size of 36.7 +/- 2.6%). Pretreatment with HOE 140 (26 micrograms/kg), a bradykinin B2 receptor blocker, did not alter infarct size in nonpreconditioned hearts (40.6 +/- 5.3% infarction) but abolished protection from ischemic preconditioning (34.1 +/- 1.6% infarction). However, when HOE 140 was administered during the initial reflow period following 5 minutes of ischemia, protection was no longer abolished (15.6 +/- 3.9% infarction versus 13.3 +/- 3.8% without HOE 140, P = NS). Bradykinin infusion in isolated hearts mimicked preconditioning, and protection was not affected by pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin but could be completely abolished by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors polymyxin B and staurosporine as well as by HOE 140. HOE 140 could not block the protection of ischemic preconditioning in isolated hearts. That failure was apparently due to the absence of blood-borne kininogens rather than autonomic nerves. When the preconditioning stimulus in the in situ model was amplified with four cycles of 5-minute ischemia/10-minute reperfusion, HOE 140 pretreatment could no longer block protection (infarct size was 10.7 +/- 3.5% versus 6.4 +/- 2.0% without HOE 140, P = NS). We propose that bradykinin receptors protect by coupling to PKC as do adenosine receptors, and blockade of either receptor will diminish the total stimulus of PKC below threshold and prevent protection. A more intense preconditioning ischemic stimulus can overcome bradykinin receptor blockade, however, by simply enhancing the amount of adenosine and possibly other agonists released.

Acute pharmacologic preconditioning as a new concept and alternative approach for prevention of skeletal muscle ischemic necrosis

The phenomenon of ischemic preconditioning for augmentation of ischemic tolerance has been well documented in the myocardium of common laboratory animals and human cardiomyocytes. The cellular mechanism of ischemic preconditioning is unclear, but adenosine is most likely the mediator in the rabbit, dog, pig and human. We have demonstrated recently that the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning and adenosine against ischemic injury can also be induced in pig skeletal muscles [116]. We speculate that adenosine is a potential treatment modality for prevention of skeletal muscle ischemic injury in vascular and musculoskeletal reconstructive surgery and in muscle and limb procurement for transplantation in the future. It is hoped that this review will stimulate workers at other laboratories to join the adventure in exploring the cellular mechanism and clinical application of adenosine for augmentation of skeletal muscle ischemic tolerance.

Stimulation of protein phosphatases as a mechanism of the muscarinic-receptor-mediated inhibition of cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels

Acetylcholine decreases currents through cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels after stimulation with agents which elevate levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, such as isoproterenol, but there is still a controversy over the mechanisms of this muscarinic effect. We tested the hypothesis of whether, after isoproterenol stimulation, protein phosphatases are activated by acetylcholine. Whole-cell currents were recorded from guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. The effect of 10(-5) M acetylcholine on currents induced by 10(-8) M isoproterenol was studied in the absence or presence of protein phosphatase inhibitors. Three agents reduced the acetylcholine response: okadaic acid (3 or 9 x 10(-6) M) and cantharidin (3 x 10(-6) M) added to the pipette solution, and bath-applied fluoride (3 mM). In contrast, pipette application of other phosphatase inhibitors, namely the inhibitor PPI2 (1000 U/ml), ciclosporin (10(-5) M), or calyculin A (10(-6) M) did not significantly diminish the acetylcholine effect. Interestingly, there was no correlation between the effects of the compounds on basal Ca2+ current and their interference with the muscarinic response. An activation of type 2A phosphatases by acetylcholine would explain these findings. Indeed, okadaic acid is 3 orders of magnitude more potent in vitro in its inhibition of this isoform (purified from cardiac myocytes) than is calyculin A, while type-1 phosphatases are inhibited equally. The data support the attractive possibility that stimulation of protein phosphatases is part of the signal transduction cascade of Ca2+ channel inhibition by acetylcholine.

Evidence for deactivation of both ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase by adenosine A1 receptor activation in the rat cardiomyocytes

Adenosine, an important regulator of many cardiac functions, is produced by ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase. The activity of these enzymes is influenced by several ischemia-sensitive metabolic factors, e.g., ATP, ADP, H+, and inorganic phosphate. However, there is no clear evidence that adenosine itself affects 5'-nucleotidase activity. This study tested whether adenosine decreases the activity of ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase. Cardiomyocytes were isolated from adult male Wistar rats and suspended in the modified Hepes-Tyrode buffer solution. After stabilization, isolated cardiomyocytes were incubated with and without adenosine (10(-9) - 10(-4) M). Ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity was decreased by exogenous adenosine (ectosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity, 20.6 +/- 2.3 vs. 8.6 +/- 1.6 mumol/min per 10(6) cells [P < 0.05]; cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity, 2.47 +/- 0.58 vs. 1.61 +/- 0.54 mumol/min per 10(6) cells [P < 0.05] at 10(-6) M adenosine) after 30 min. The decrease in ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity was inhibited by 8-phenyltheophylline and pertussis toxin, and was mimicked by N6-cyclohexyladenosine, an adenosine A1 receptor agonist. Neither CGS21680C, and A2 receptor agonist, nor cycloheximide deactivated ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase. Thus, we conclude that activation of adenosine A1 receptors is coupled to Gi proteins and attenuates ectosolic and cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase activity in rat cardiomyocytes.

alpha 1-adrenergic agonists precondition rabbit ischemic myocardium independent of adenosine by direct activation of protein kinase C

Ischemic preconditioning in the rabbit is initiated by adenosine A1-receptor stimulation, which activates protein kinase C (PKC). Additionally, alpha 1-adrenergic agonists can similarly protect ischemic myocardium, but there has been confusion about the role adenosine receptors play in this protection. To characterize the interaction between adrenergic and adenosine receptors and to study the possible role of PKC in this protection, we used isolated rabbit hearts perfused with oxygenated Krebs' buffer. All hearts were subjected to 30 minutes of regional myocardial ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion. Infarct size was determined by triphenyltetrazolium staining. Pharmacologic preconditioning in hearts with a 5-minute phenylephrine (PE) infusion 10 minutes before the prolonged regional ischemia resulted in significantly smaller infarcts (9.7 +/- 1.3% of risk area) than in control hearts (31.0 +/- 2.6%, P < .05). This protection could be effectively blocked by administration of the alpha-adrenergic blocker phenoxybenzamine. Methoxamine, an alpha 1a-selective agonist, failed to protect, whereas the alpha 1b-selective antagonist chloroethylclonidine aborted the protective effect of PE. Polymyxin B, an inhibitor of PKC, also blocked the protective effect of PE, implying that PKC has an important role in preconditioning. The adenosine receptor blocker 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (SPT) given at the same time as the PE infusion did not affect the protection, implying that an alpha 1-agonist could initiate protection independent of adenosine, presumably by direct coupling to PKC. However, the protective effect of PE could be blocked if SPT were administered during the 30-minute regional ischemia. This observation suggested that adenosine receptor occupancy is necessary during long ischemia to reactivate PKC and mediate the protection. However, the addition of a second PE infusion beginning 5 minutes before and continuing throughout the long ischemic period restored the protective effect of PE despite the presence of SPT. Thus, as long as at least one of the receptors (alpha 1-adrenegic or adenosine A1) is activated during long ischemia, protection will be realized. These data indicate that alpha 1 receptors do not precondition through an adenosine intermediate but that alpha 1-adrenergic and adenosine receptors activate parallel pathways within the myocyte that can trigger and mediate protection.

A1 adenosine receptors expressed in CHO-cells couple to adenylyl cyclase and to phospholipase C

A1 adenosine receptors are in general coupled to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, but have more recently been reported to be capable of also activating phospholipase C. The present study was done in order to investigate whether these different effects can be elicited by a single A1 receptor, or whether A1 receptor subtypes have to be invoked. The cDNA of a rat brain A1 adenosine receptor was stably expressed in CHO-cells, resulting in clones with varying receptor densities; a clone expressing 1.9 pmol receptors/mg membrane protein was used for further characterization. The ligand binding properties of the expressed receptors were typical for the rat A1 adenosine receptor. A1 receptor agonists caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity in the membranes, with maximal inhibition by 70%. A1 receptor stimulation also caused concentration-dependent stimulation of inositol phosphate generation in these cells, with maximal effects of 300%. Both adenylyl cyclase inhibition and enhancement of inositol phosphate generation were essentially abolished after pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. These results indicate that a single A1 adenosine receptor can couple to two effector pathways, and that both effectors are activated via pertussis toxin sensitive G proteins.

Characterization of protein kinase C isotype expression in adult rat heart. Protein kinase C-epsilon is a major isotype present, and it is activated by phorbol esters, epinephrine, and endothelin

The pattern of protein kinase C (PKC) isotype expression in whole extracts of dispersed, freshly isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes and adult rat heart ventricle was examined by immunoblot analysis using antisera specific for PKC-alpha, -beta 1, -gamma, -delta, -epsilon, -zeta, or -eta isotypes. This analysis revealed significant levels of expression of the Ca(2+)-independent isotype PKC-epsilon, which was detected as band of 97-kd molecular mass. PKC-zeta was detected principally as a 66-kd band that probably represented a proteolytic product of the holoenzyme. PKC-eta was detected only in whole ventricle as a doublet at 75 and 81 kd and was therefore probably present in nonmyocytic cells. PKC-alpha, -beta 1, -gamma, and -delta could not be detected. Because of our inability to detect PKC-alpha, -beta 1, -gamma, and -delta in whole extracts, PKC isotypes were partially purified from whole heart by DEAE Sepharose chromatography. PKC-alpha, -beta 1, -gamma, and -delta could still not be detected in the appropriate fractions. All PKC isotypes were detectable in appropriate positive control extracts (brain or certain cultured cell lines). In unstimulated isolated cardiomyocytes, the majority (80-95%) of the PKC-epsilon immunoreactivity was present in the soluble fraction of the extract. On exposure of the cardiomyocytes to 1 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), PKC-epsilon undergoes a rapid (< 30 seconds), sustained (at least 60 minutes), and virtually complete association with the Triton X-100-soluble membrane fraction. There was an associated loss of PKC-epsilon from the soluble fraction. The EC50 for PMA of the translocation event was 15-37 nM. Exposure of cardiomyocytes to 1 microM 4 beta-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate or 1 microM phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate also resulted in translocation of PKC-epsilon to the membrane fraction, whereas exposure to 1 microM 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate was without effect. PKC-epsilon also translocated on exposure of cardiomyocytes to 50 microM epinephrine or 100 nM endothelin-1. However, in both cases, the extent of translocation was significantly less than that after exposure to PMA. We conclude that interventions that lead to hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes (phorbol esters, epinephrine, and endothelin-1) activate PKC-epsilon.