Modulation of fluoroaluminate-induced inositol phosphate formation by increases in tissue cyclic AMP content in bovine tracheal smooth muscle

Airway smooth muscle in asthma: just a target for bronchodilation?

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) has long been recognized as the main cell type responsible for bronchial hyperresponsiveness. It has, thus, been considered as a target for bronchodilation. In asthma, however, there is a complex relationship between ASM and inflammatory cells, such as mast cells and T lymphocytes. Moreover, the increased ASM mass in asthmatic airways is one of the key features of airway remodeling. This article aims to review the main concepts about the 3 possible roles of ASM in asthma: (1) contractile tone, (2) inflammatory response, and (3) remodeling.

Effects of sodium fluoride on the mechanical activity in mouse gastric preparations

The aim of the present study was to investigate the responses induced by sodium fluoride (NaF) on gastric mechanical activity, using mouse whole-stomach preparations. The mechanical activity was recorded in vitro as changes of intraluminal pressure. In most of the preparations, NaF induced a tetrodotoxin-insensitive biphasic effect characterized by early relaxation followed by slowly developing contractile response. The contraction was dependent on the concentration of NaF, whereas the relaxation was observed at only 10-30 mmol/L NaF. The contractile effect was significantly reduced by nifedipine (an L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker), ryanodine or ruthenium red (inhibitors of Ca(2+) release from sarcoplasmic reticulum), and GF109203X (a protein kinase C inhibitor). Moreover, it was abolished by neomycin (an inhibitor of phospholipase C) and potentiated by SQ22536 (an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase). All the drugs significantly increased the relaxation, except SQ22536, which abolished it. The present results suggest that NaF causes a complex mechanical response in the whole-stomach, which might explain gastric discomfort after fluoride ingestion. The relaxation appears owing to production of cAMP, while the contractile effects imply activation of phospholipase C, protein kinase C, influx of Ca(2+), and release of Ca(2+) from ryanodine-sensitive intracellular store.

Mechanisms of interleukin 1beta-induced human airway smooth muscle hyporesponsiveness to histamine. Involvement of p38 MAPK NF-kappaB

We have investigated the effect of IL-1beta on histamine H(1)-receptor (H(1)R)-mediated inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation in human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMC) and on histamine-induced contraction of human bronchial rings. Stimulation of HASMC for 24 h with IL-1beta resulted in significant loss of histamine-induced IP formation, which was associated with a reduction of histamine- induced contraction of IL-1beta-treated human bronchial rings. An inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and a p38 MAPK inhibitor, blocked the IL-1beta-induced H(1)R desensitization, whereas anisomycin, an SAPK/JNK and p38 MAPK activator, mimicked the effect of IL-1beta. IL-1beta has been demonstrated to induce cox-2 expression and PGE(2) synthesis. In our study, indomethacin a cox antagonist, completely inhibited the effect of IL-1beta on H(1)R, whereas exogenously added PGE(2) was able to desensitize H(1)R. Furthermore, H-89, a selective PKA inhibitor, antagonized the effect of IL-1beta. Here, we have demonstrated that IL-1beta desensitizes H(1)R, which involves the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB, leading to the expression of cox-2 and the synthesis of PGE(2). PGE(2) increases intracellular cAMP resulting in PKA activation, which phosphorylates and functionally uncouples H(1)R. Our results suggest that IL-1beta protects airway smooth muscle against histamine-induced contractile responses and that bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine is not associated with proinflammatory cytokine-induced enhancement in H(1)R signaling.

Mechanosensitive modulation of receptor-mediated crossbridge activation and cytoskeletal organization in airway smooth muscle

Recent findings indicate that mechanical strain (deformation) exerted by the extracellular matrix modulates activation of airway smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, cytoskeletal organization in airway smooth muscle appears to be dynamic, and subject to modulation by receptor activation and mechanical strain. Mechanosensitive modulation of crossbridge activation and cytoskeletal organization may represent intracellular feedback mechanisms that limit the shortening of airway smooth muscle during bronchoconstriction. Recent findings suggest that receptor-mediated signal transduction is the primary target of mechanosensitive modulation. Mechanical strain appears to regulate the number of functional G-proteins and/or phospholipase C enzymes in the cell membrane possibly by membrane trafficking and/or protein translocation. Dense plaques, membrane structures analogous to focal adhesions, appear to be the primary target of cytoskeletal regulation. Mechanical strain and receptor-binding appear to regulate the assembly and phosphorylation of dense plaque proteins in airway smooth muscle cells. Understanding these mechanisms may reveal new pharmacological targets for controlling airway resistance in airway diseases.

Mechanical strain modulates maximal phosphatidylinositol turnover in airway smooth muscle

Mechanical strain regulates the maximal level of myosin light chain phosphorylation mediated by muscarinic activation in airway smooth muscle. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that mechanical strain regulates maximal phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover (V(max)) coupled to muscarinic receptors in bovine tracheal smooth muscle. We found that PI turnover was not significantly length dependent in unstimulated tissues. However, carbachol-induced PI turnover was linearly dependent on muscle length at both 1 and 100 microM. The observed linear length dependence of PI turnover at maximal carbachol concentration (100 microM) suggests that mechanical strain regulates V(max). When carbachol concentration-PI turnover relationships were measured at optimal length and at 20% optimal length, the results could be explained by changes in V(max) alone. To determine whether the length-dependent step is upstream from heterotrimeric G proteins, we investigated the length dependence of fluoroaluminate-induced PI turnover. The results indicate that fluoroaluminate-induced PI turnover remained significantly length dependent at maximal concentration. These findings together suggest that regulating functional units of G proteins and/or phospholipase C enzymes may be the primary mechanism of mechanosensitive modulation in airway smooth muscle.

Relationship between NaF- and thapsigargin-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization in rat mesenteric artery

1. In isolated rat mesenteric artery with endothelium, NaF caused slowly developing hyperpolarization. The hyperpolarizing effect was unchanged in the presence of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) and indomethacin, but was markedly reduced by high K+. In Ca2+ -free medium or in the presence of Ni2+, NaF failed to produce hyperpolarization. 2. NaF-induced hyperpolarization was substantially unaffected by deferoxamine, an Al3+ chelator, okadaic acid and calyculin A, phosphatase inhibitors, and preincubation with pertussis toxin, suggesting that neither the action of fluoroaluminates as a G protein activator nor inhibition of phosphatase activity contributes to the hyperpolarizing effect. 3. The selective inhibitors of the Ca2+ -pump ATPase of endoplasmic reticulum, thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid, elicited hyperpolarization, whose properties were very similar to those of NaF. When intracellular Ca2+ stores had been depleted with these inhibitors, NaF no longer generated hyperpolarization. 4. In Ca2+ -free medium, NaF (or thapsigargin) caused a transient increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells, and subsequent application of thapsigargin (or NaF) failed to increase [Ca2+]i. 5. In arterial rings precontracted with phenylephrine, NaF produced endothelium-dependent relaxation followed by sustained contraction even in the presence of L-NOARG and indomethacin. The relaxant response was abolished by high K+ or cyclopiazonic acid. 6. These results indicate that NaF causes endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization, thereby leading to smooth muscle relaxation of rat mesenteric artery. This action appears to be mediated by the promotion of Ca2+ influx into endothelial cells that can be triggered by the emptying of intracellular Ca2+ stores, as proposed for those of thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid.

Desensitization of the histamine H1-receptor and transcriptional down-regulation of histamine H1-receptor gene expression in bovine tracheal smooth muscle

We have investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the desensitization of histamine H1-receptors and in the expression of the histamine H1-receptor gene in airway smooth muscle. Prolonged 4beta-phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (PDBu) pretreatment (4 h, 100 nM-1 microM) of bovine trachealis caused a concentration-dependent loss of contraction in response to histamine H1-receptor stimulation, which was associated with a concentration-dependent decrease in histamine-induced total [3H]-inositol phosphates accumulation. In contrast, the responses to sodium fluoride, a direct G-protein activator, were unalterd by PDBu (100-300 nM) pre-incubation and only slightly reduced following incubation with 1 microM PDBu. A selective PKC inhibitor, GF 109203X, partially blocked the PDBu (1 microM)-induced desensitization and completely blocked the effect of 100 nM PDBu, confirming the involvement of PKC. Binding experiments using [3H]-pyrilamine revealed a class of high-affinity binding sites within the range for the histamine H1 receptor in airway smooth muscle. PDBu (1 microM) pretreatment for 4 h did not change the number of histamine H1 receptors. PDBu (1 microM) exposure caused a time-dependent reduction in the steady-state levels of histamine H1-receptor mRNA, which was inhibited by pre-incubation with GF 109203X and by cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor. Nuclear run-on assays revealed a 50% reduction in the rate of histamine H1-receptor gene transcription after 17 h PDBu pretreatment, whereas mRNA stability was not affected by PDBu pretreatment (17 h). In conclusion, we have shown a PKC-mediated desensitization of the histamine H1-receptor in BTSM and a transcriptional down-regulation of the histamine H1-receptor gene expression, which requires new protein synthesis.

Cytokines induce airway smooth muscle cell hyperresponsiveness to contractile agonists

The important pathophysiological features of the airways in asthma include exaggerated narrowing to bronchoconstrictor agonists and attenuated relaxation to beta adrenoceptor stimulation. These physiological perturbations are associated with inflammation and remodelling of the airways, the latter including an increase in airway smooth muscle cell mass, disruption of the airway epithelium, and changes in the airway tissue extracellular matrix. Recent evidence suggests that cytokines, important molecules modulating airway inflammation, also directly decrease airway smooth muscle responsiveness to beta adrenergic agents, stimulate cytokine secretion, inhibit or promote airway smooth muscle proliferation, and "prime" airway smooth muscle to become hyperresponsive to bronchoconstrictors. Characterisation of the cellular and biochemical events that are involved in activation of airway smooth muscle is likely to be the major consideration in the design of future therapies for asthma. Because calcium is an essential regulatory element for cell growth and cell contraction, it is likely that alterations in calcium mobilisation may, in part, play a role in creating an airway smooth muscle phenotype that is hyperresponsive to contractile agonists. Further studies will be required to determine the precise mechanisms involved in cytokine modulation of calcium homeostasis in airway smooth muscle.

Deferoxamine blocks interactions of fluoride and carbachol in isolated mammalian cardiac preparations

In papillary muscles, carbachol reduced the positive inotropic effects of isoprenaline (10 nmol/l). The negative inotropic effects of carbachol in isoprenaline-stimulated guinea pig papillary muscles were attenuated by additionally applied sodium fluoride (3 mmol/l). These effects of sodium fluoride were blocked by deferoxamine (200 micromol/l). In guinea pig left atria, sodium fluoride alone greatly reduced force of contraction. These effects in atria were blocked by 200 micromol/l deferoxamine, and positive inotropic effects of sodium fluoride were observed. It is suggested that the cardiac effects of muscarinic M2 receptor agonists in the ventricle involve, at least in part, the activation of phosphatases which are blocked by fluoride and reactivated by deferoxamine.

Mechanisms underlying TNF-alpha effects on agonist-mediated calcium homeostasis in human airway smooth muscle cells

We have previously shown that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, a cytokine involved in asthma, enhances Ca2+ responsiveness to bronchoconstrictor agents in cultured human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. In the present study, we investigated the potential mechanism(s) by which TNF-alpha modulates ASM cell responsiveness to such agents. In human ASM cells loaded with fura 2, TNF-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1 beta significantly enhanced thrombin- and bradykinin-evoked elevations of intracellular Ca2+. In TNF-alpha-treated cells. Ca2+ responses to thrombin and bradykinin were 350 +/- 14 and 573 +/- 93 nM vs. 130 +/- 17 and 247 +/- 48 nM in nontreated cells, respectively (P < 0.0001). In IL-1 beta-treated cells, the Ca2+ response to bradykinin was 350 +/- 21 vs. 127 +/- 12 nM in nontreated cells (P < 0.0001). The time course for TNF-alpha potentiation of agonist-induced Ca2+ responses requires a minimum of 6 h and was maximum after 12 h of incubation. In addition, cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, completely blocked the potentiating effect of TNF-alpha on Ca2+ signals. We also found that TNF-alpha significantly enhanced increases in phosphoinositide (PI) accumulation induced by bradykinin. The percentage of change in PI accumulation over control was 115 +/- 8 to 210 +/- 15% in control cells vs. 128 +/- 10 to 437 +/- 92% in TNF-alpha-treated cells for 3 x 10(-9) to 3 x 10(-6) M bradykinin. The PI turnover to 10 mM NaF, a direct activator of G proteins, was also found to be enhanced by TNF-alpha. The percentage of change in PI accumulation over control increased from 280 +/- 35% in control cells to 437 +/- 92% in TNF-alpha-treated cells. Taken together, these results show that TNF-alpha can potently regulate G protein-mediated signal transduction in ASM cells by activating pathways dependent on protein synthesis. Our study demonstrates one potential mechanism underlying the enhanced Ca2+ response to bronchoconstrictor agents induced by cytokines in human ASM cells.

Fluoroaluminate induces rapid release of endothelin-1 in the isolated perfused arterial and venous vessels of the rat mesentery

1. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) production from endothelial cells is generally believed to be a process that happens over the course of hours. 2. When fluoroaluminate (AIF-4) was infused in the isolated perfused arterial and venous vessels of the rat mesentery there was an increase in perfusion pressure on both sides. 3. Treatment of mesentery with the endothelin receptor antagonists FR 139317 (ETA receptor selective) or PD 145065 (ETA-ETB receptor nonselective) caused inhibition on both the arterial and venous sides, suggesting that response is mediated predominantly by endothelin-1 through ETA receptors. 4. Endothelial denudation attenuated changes in perfusion pressure of mesenteric circulation generated by fluoroaluminate, but not those caused by exogenously added PGF2 alpha. 5. Our data demonstrate that there is an immediate release of endothelin-1 following fluoroaluminate infusion which could be partially mediated by activation of phospholipase C.

Regulation by cAMP-dependent protein kinease of a G-protein-mediated phospholipase C

The heterotrimeric G proteins mediate a variety of cellular processes by coupling transmembrane receptors to different effector molecules, including adenylyl cyclases and inositol-phospholipid-specific phospholipase C (PLC)1-3. Activation of adenylyl cyclases results in the production of cyclic AMP and activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Phospholipase C catalyses the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdInsP2) to generate diacylglycerol and inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (InsP2), leading to the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and the mobilization of intracellular calcium. The various PLC isoforms appear to be activated by different receptors, and in some cases by different G-protein components. There are four well-characterized forms of PLC-beta and all of them are activated to various extents by the G alpha q family of G proteins. Specific activation of PLC isoforms beta 2 and beta 3 by G-protein beta gamma subunits has also been reported. Although it has been suggested that PLC activity might be modulated by the adenylyl cyclase pathway, no clear link has been established between the two pathways. Here we report that cAMP-dependent protein kinase specifically inhibits G beta gamma-activated PLC-beta 2 activity but not that of the G alpha-activated PLC isoforms, and that the effect of PKA is not mimicked by PKC isozymes. Furthermore, we show that PKA directly phosphorylates serine residues of the PLC-beta 2 protein both in vivo and in vitro. Our results provide an insight into the specificity and nature of the crosstalk between the two G-protein-coupled signal transduction pathways.

Regulation of histamine H1 receptor coupling by dexamethasone in human cultured airway smooth muscle

1. The regulation of histamine-induced [3H]-inositol phosphate and intracellular calcium responses in human cultured airway smooth muscle cells was studied. 2. Histamine induced concentration-dependent [3H]-inositol phosphate formation (EC50 4 microM). This response was inhibited by a range of selective H1 receptor antagonists but not by the H2-selective antagonist, tiotidone or the H3 receptor-selective antagonist, thioperamide, indicating that an H1 receptor is involved in this response in human cultured airway smooth muscle cells. 3. Preincubation of human cultured airway smooth muscle cells with concentrations of dexamethasone > 10 nM for 22 h produced concentration-dependent inhibition of histamine-induced inositol phosphate formation. The maximum inhibition observed was 45% of the response in control cells. The inhibitory effect of dexamethasone was itself reversed by prior exposure to the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, RU38486 (10 microM). Preincubation for 22 h with 1 microM dexamethasone produced inhibition of the inositol phosphate response to histamine to all concentrations of histamine inducing significant inositol phosphate formation in these cells. In contrast, the response to the G protein activator, NaF (0.1-20 mM) was unaltered by preincubation with dexamethasone. 4. Preincubation of human airway smooth muscle cells with 1 microM dexamethasone for time periods of < 6 h failed to inhibit histamine-induced inositol phosphate formation in human airway smooth muscle cells. 5. Histamine also induced concentration-dependent elevation of intracellular calcium levels in Fura 2-loaded human airway smooth muscle cells. This response was inhibited by preincubation with 1 microM dexamethasone. 6. We conclude that signal transduction through the H1 receptor in human airway smooth muscle is subject to regulation by dexamethasone and that this may in part account for the protective effect of dexamethasone against spasmogen-induced contractile responses in the airways.

Enhanced contractile responses of arteries from streptozotocin diabetic rats to sodium fluoride

1. Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated increases in tension and phosphoinositide metabolism are enhanced in the aorta and mesenteric arteries from diabetic rats. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether contractile responses to sodium fluoride (NaF), which directly stimulates GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins), are also enhanced in diabetic arteries. 2. NaF (1-20 mM) in the presence of 10 microM aluminium chloride produced slowly developing, concentration-dependent contractions in mesenteric arteries from three month streptozotocin-diabetic (60 mg kg-1, i.v.) male Wistar rats and age-matched control rats. The maximum contractile response but not the sensitivity to NaF was significantly greater in mesenteric arteries from diabetic than from control rats, as was the response to noradrenaline (NA). Maximum contractile responses of aorta and caudal artery from diabetic rats to NaF were also significantly enhanced. 3. Removal of the endothelium and denervation with 6-hydroxydopamine did not significantly alter the maximum contractile response of mesenteric arteries from either control or diabetic rats to NaF. Similarly, NaF had no effect on cyclic AMP levels in aorta, and no difference in cyclic AMP levels, either basally or in the presence of NaF, was detected between control and diabetic rat aorta. 4. Contractile responses of mesenteric arteries from both control and diabetic rats to NaF were diminished in calcium-free Krebs solution, but the NaF response remained significantly elevated in mesenteric arteries from diabetic rats compared to control. 5. Ryanodine (30 microM) which depletes intracellular calcium stores, nifedipine (3 microM) which blocks dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels and calphostin C (0.5 microM) which selectively inhibits protein kinase C, all significantly inhibited maximum contractile responses of mesenteric arteries from control and diabetic rats to NaF. There were no significant differences between control and diabetic arteries in the relative magnitude of the inhibition produce by the three antagonist. 6. These data suggest that there may be increased activation of the same signalling processes that mediate NA-stimulated vasoconstriction, perhaps contraction-associated G-proteins or the effectors coupled to these G-proteins, in response to NaF in mesenteric arteries from diabetic rats. This may also be responsible for the enhanced contractile responses of these arteries to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation.

Sodium fluoride attenuates the negative inotropic effects of muscarinic M2 and adenosine receptor agonists

Sodium fluoride increased the force of contraction in isolated guinea-pig papillary muscles concentration dependently, starting at 3 mmol/1. Sodium fluoride inhibited phosphorylase phosphatase activity in homogenates from guinea pig hearts, starting at 1 mmol/1. The positive inotropic effect of 3 mmol/1 sodium fluoride was not accompanied by an increase in cAMP content in guinea-pig papillary muscles. In papillary muscles, carbachol or (-)-N(6)-phenylisopropyladenosine reduced the positive inotropic effect of isoprenaline (10 nmol/1) or the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (60 mu mol/1). These negative inotropic effects of carbachol and (-)-N(6)-phenylisopropyladenosine were attenuated by additional sodium fluoride (3 mmol/l). It is concluded that sodium fluoride can impair the signal transduction of muscarinic M2 (carbachol) and adenosine receptor (-)-N(6)-phenylisopropyladenosine) agonists. This effect of sodium fluoride could support the hypothesis that the cardiac effects of muscarinic M2 and adenosine receptor agonists involve, at least in part, the activation of phosphatases.

G-protein involvement in muscarinic receptor-stimulation of inositol phosphates in longitudinal smooth muscle from the small intestine of the guinea-pig

1. Aluminium fluoride (AlF), pertussis toxin (PTX) and cholera toxin (ChTX) have been used to examine the involvement of G-proteins during muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) stimulation of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in fragments of longitudinal smooth muscle from the small intestine of the guinea-pig. 2. Carbachol (CCh) induced time- and concentration-dependent increases in [3H]-inositol monophosphates, [3H]-inositol (1,4) bisphosphate, [3H]-inositol (1,3,4) trisphosphate, [3H]-inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate ([3H]-Ins (1,4,5)P3) and [3H]-inositol tetrakisphosphates measured by h.p.l.c. These increases were inhibited > 95% in the presence of the muscarinic AChR antagonist atropine (0.5 microM). 3. AlF transiently increased the basal levels of [3H]-Ins (1,4,5)P3 but increases in the levels of the other [3H]-inositol phosphates occurred more slowly. CCh-induced increases in the levels of all the [3H]-inositol phosphates were strongly inhibited in the presence of AlF. 4. PTX had no effect on basal levels of any of the [3H]-inositol phosphates but reduced the effects of CCh on these; ChTX had no effects on either basal or CCh-stimulated levels. 5. It was concluded that muscarinic AChR-stimulated increases in the levels of [3H]-inositol phosphates occur via both a PTX-sensitive G-protein and a PTX-insensitive mechanism. The actions of AlF may suggest the involvement of an inhibitory G-protein in the regulation of muscarinic AChR-stimulated inositol phospholipid turnover.

Inotropic changes induced by fluoroaluminates in rabbit left atrial muscles: possible involvement of G proteins

1. The effects of fluoroaluminate complexes (NaF plus AlCl3) on force of contraction, cyclic AMP accumulation and phosphoinositide hydrolysis were examined in rabbit left atrial muscles. 2. Fluoroaluminates (1-10 mM NaF + 10 microM AlCl3) produced a biphasic inotropic response which was composed of an early small decline and subsequent increase in force of contraction. In the presence of the Al3+ chelator, deferoxamine (100 microM), the positive inotropic response was completely abolished and a sustained negative inotropic response appeared, suggesting that only the positive inotropic response is due to the action of fluoroaluminates. 3. The positive inotropic effect of fluoroaluminates was associated with a significant increase in the total duration of a single contraction; the time to peak tension and relaxation time were prolonged. In contrast, these parameters were substantially abbreviated by isoprenaline or histamine. 4. When force of contraction was increased by isoprenaline or histamine, the addition of fluoroaluminates caused a marked negative inotropic effect, which was eliminated by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. 5. Fluoroaluminates did not cause a significant increase in cyclic AMP content at concentrations of NaF in the range of 1-10 mM. However, the content of cyclic AMP was greatly elevated by fluoroaluminates when the atrial muscles were pretreated with pertussis toxin. 6. Accumulation of [3H]-inositol monophosphate in atrial muscle strips prelabelled with myo-[3H]-inositol was significantly increased by fluoroaluminates at concentrations of NaF over 1 mM. The phosphoinositide response to fluoroaluminates remained unchanged with pertussis toxin pretreatment. 7.These results indicate that, in rabbit left atrial muscles, fluoroaluminates produce a positive inotropic effect which may be mediated by Gq but not by Gs proteins; they produce a negative inotropic effect possibly through Gi only when Gs is activated with other agents.

Endogenous expression of histamine H1 receptors functionally coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis in C6 glioma cells: regulation by cyclic AMP

1. The effects of histamine receptor agonists and antagonists on phospholipid hydrolysis in rat-derived C6 glioma cells have been investigated. 2. Histamine H1 receptor-stimulation caused a concentration-dependent increase in the accumulation of total [3H]-inositol phosphates in cells prelabelled with [3H]-myo-inositol. The rank order of agonist potencies was histamine (EC50 = 24 microM) > N alpha-methylhistamine (EC50 = 31 microM) > 2-thiazolylethylamine (EC50 = 91 microM). 3. The response to 0.1 mM histamine was antagonized in a concentration-dependent manner by the H1-antagonists, mepyramine (apparent Kd = 1 nM) and (+)-chlorpheniramine (apparent Kd = 4 nM). In addition, (-)-chlorpheniramine was more than two orders of magnitude less potent than its (+)-stereoisomer. 4. Elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation with forskolin (10 microM, EC50 = 0.3 microM), isoprenaline (1 microM, EC50 = 4 nM) or rolipram (0.5 mM), significantly reduced the histamine-mediated (0.1 mM) inositol phosphate response by 37%, 43% and 26% respectively. In contrast, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin did not increase cyclic AMP accumulation and had no effect on the phosphoinositide response to histamine. 5. These data indicate the presence of functionally coupled, endogenous histamine H1 receptors in C6 glioma cells. Furthermore, the results also indicate that H1 receptor-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis is inhibited by the elevation of cyclic AMP levels in these cells.

Guanine nucleotide binding regulatory proteins: their characteristics and identification

Many biological signals are processed by the binding of chemicals to cell surface receptors. Signals are switched to intracellular language via guanine nucleotide binding regulatory proteins (G-proteins) which are present in all eukaryotic cells. Thus, G-proteins serve as interfaces between receptor-response coupling. Two forms of G-proteins have been reported: conventional G-proteins which are heterotrimeric and consist of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits, and monomeric small molecular weight G-proteins which are generally found as single polypeptides. Recently, high molecular weight G-proteins have also been described. The family of G-proteins contains multiple genes that encode the alpha, beta, or gamma subunits. G-proteins play a pivotal role in excitation-contraction coupling in smooth muscle function and control metabolic and secretory processes. In this review article, we have given a brief overview on the characteristics and methodology for the identification of G-proteins. The heterotrimeric G-proteins are generally identified by Western blotting and ADP-ribosylation with bacterial toxins. The monomeric and high molecular weight G-proteins have been identified by [35S]GTP delta S overlay technique and photoaffinity labeling, respectively. Recently, the use of molecular genetic probes has made it possible to investigate the expression of the message for various G-proteins.

Differential actions of AlF4- and vanadate on canine trachealis muscle

Fluoride (F-) a known stimulator of G-protein, has been reported to inhibit "P"-type ATPase activity in smooth muscles. On the other hand, vanadate, a strong "P"-type ATPase inhibitor, has been reported to stimulate G-protein in some cells. This study was designed to compare the contractile actions of fluoroaluminate (AlF4-) and vanadate and to clarify their mechanisms of actions by measuring changes in the amount of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and inositol phosphates. F- and vanadate induced strong contractions in canine trachealis muscle. The F(-)-induced contraction was potentiated by the addition of aluminum (Al3+, 20 microM) and inhibited by deferoxamine (200 microM), a heavy metal chelator. Ca2+ removal and 10 microM verapamil inhibited the contraction induced by AlF4- and vanadate. AlF4- and vanadate increased 45Ca influx in the absence and presence of verapamil. AlF4(-)-induced contractions were partially relaxed by isoproterenol (38.2 +/- 7.4%) in contrast with those induced by vanadate (72.1 +/- 5.3%), which could be explained by a decrease of tissue cAMP content by AlF4- in forskolin-pretreated tissues. Vanadate increased inositol phosphate accumulation as did AlF4-, although the magnitude of the increase was smaller than that produced by AlF4-. The increases of inositol phosphate content by both drugs were not affected after the pretreatment by pertussis toxin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phosphoinositide metabolism in airway smooth muscle

Agonist-stimulated hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, which generates inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and sn-1,2-diacylglycerol, is thought to be one of the major mechanisms underlying pharmacomechanical coupling in airway smooth muscle. This article is a review of the currently available information on phosphoinositide and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate metabolism in this tissue and includes data on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release and the receptor mediating this effect. The final section outlines the potential mechanisms underlying physiological regulation of phosphoinositide metabolism by other second-messenger pathways operative in this tissue.

The effects of elevated cyclic AMP levels on histamine-H1-receptor-stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and calcium mobilization in the smooth-muscle cell line DDT1MF-2

The effects of raising cyclic AMP levels, by forskolin stimulation, beta-adrenoceptor activation or cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibition, on inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and increases in intracellular free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) elicited by a range of agonists have been investigated in the hamster vas deferens smooth-muscle cell line DDT1MF-2. Isoprenaline (log [EC50 (M)] = -7.7 +/- 0.2), forskolin and the type IV cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram elicited significant increases in the accumulation of cyclic [3H]AMP. Pretreatment with forskolin (10 microM) attenuated histamine (100 microM)- and N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA; 300 nM)-induced release of intracellular Ca2+, observed when cells are stimulated in Ca(2+)-free buffer containing 0.1 mM EGTA. Forskolin had no effect on ATP (100 microM)- or bradykinin (1 microM)-stimulated release of intracellular Ca2+. Histamine-induced intracellular Ca2+ release was also inhibited by pretreatment with rolipram (100 microM) or the membrane-permeant cyclic AMP analogue (Sp)-adenosine 3',5'-monophosphothioate (100 microM). Isoprenaline (1 microM) pretreatment (in the presence of 10 microM rolipram, a concentration which on its own did not decrease the histamine response) attenuated histamine-induced intracellular Ca2+ release. Forskolin inhibited histamine (100 microM)- and CPA (100 nM) stimulated accumulation of [3H]-inositol phosphates, but was without effect on ATP or bradykinin responses. Addition of forskolin (in the presence of 100 microM rolipram) after the cells had been stimulated with histamine (in experiments initiated in Ca(2+)-free buffer) inhibited the rise in [Ca2+]i observed when extracellular Ca2+ (2 mM) was re-applied (owing to receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx). Finally, the refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores (after receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx is blocked by mepyramine) can be demonstrated in the presence of raised cyclic AMP levels.

Aluminofluoride activates hyperpolarization- and stretch-activated cationic channels in single smooth muscle cells

Aluminofluoride (AF) has a variety of biological actions such as activation of GTP binding proteins and inhibition of phosphatases. In the present study, the effects of AF on hyper-polarization- and stretch-activated cationic channels (HA-SACs) were investigated in isolated gastric smooth muscle cells from the toad, Bufo marinus, using the patch-clamp technique. In cell-attached patches extracellular application of AF (20 mM KF plus 20 microM AlCl3) reversibly increased HA-SAC activity without changing its voltage sensitivity. The single channel current amplitude of HA-SACs was not affected during this procedure. The mechanism of AF-induced activation of HA-SACs remains unclear. However, this activation may play a role in contraction of smooth muscle induced by AF.

Effects of niflumic acid on polyphosphoinositide and oxidative metabolism in polymorphonuclear leukocytes from healthy and thermally injured rats

Thermal injury in rats leads to an impairment of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions, particularly oxidative metabolism and phosphoinositide turnover. As prostaglandin E2, which has immunosuppressive properties, is released in high levels after burn trauma, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, niflumic acid, on oxidative and phosphoinositide metabolism in PMNs from healthy and burned rats. Given the role of fluoride ions on PMN, the influence of niflumic acid was compared with that of sodium fluoride (NaF) at equivalent doses of F-. In vitro, niflumic acid and sodium fluoride had no effect on oxidative metabolism in stimulated by formyl methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) or opsonized zymosan (OZ) or nonstimulated PMNs from healthy and burned rats. Niflumic acid slightly increased the production of inositol phosphate by nonstimulated PMNs from healthy and burned rats. Niflumic acid and NaF partly restored the stimulating effect of FMLP on inositol phosphate production by PMNs from burned rats. In vivo treatment with niflumic acid and NaF increased the oxidative metabolism of PMNs from burned rats but not healthy rats. Niflumic acid, more than NaF, restored the activity of both stimulants on phosphoinositide metabolism in PMNs from burned rats. In conclusion, at non-antiinflammatory doses, while inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity, niflumic acid exerts a complex effect on the burn-induced depression of PMN functions. The fluoride anion induces similar but generally weaker effects and seems to be involved in the restoring effects of niflumic acid on PMN functions in burned rats.

Bradykinin B2 receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in bovine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells

1. Bovine tracheal smooth muscle cells were established in culture to study agonist-induced phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis in this tissue. 2. Bradykinin (0.1 nM-10 microM) evoked a concentration-dependent increase (log EC50 (M) = -9.4 +/- 0.2; n = 8) in the accumulation of total [3H]-inositol phosphates in cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells whereas the selective B1 receptor agonist des-Arg9-bradykinin (10 microM) was significantly less effective (16% of bradykinin maximal response; relative potency = 0.2 with respect to bradykinin = 100). 3. The bradykinin-induced increase in PI hydrolysis was unaffected by the B1 receptor antagonist des-Arg9[Leu8]-bradykinin (1 nM-1 microM) but showed marked attenuation in the presence of the B2 receptor antagonists D-Arg,[Hyp3,D-Phe7]-bradykinin (10 nM-10 microM) or D-Arg[Hyp3,Thi5,8,D-Phe7]-bradykinin (10 nM-10 microM). The estimated KB values obtained for these two compounds, assuming competitive antagonism, were 40 +/- 14 nM and 8.6 +/- 2.8 nM for D-Arg,[Hyp3,D-Phe7]-bradykinin and D-Arg[Hyp3,Thi5,8,D-Phe7]-bradykinin respectively. 4. We conclude that bradykinin B2 receptors are expressed in cultured bovine tracheal smooth muscle cells and are coupled to PI hydrolysis mechanisms.

Polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis and protein kinase C activation in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle cells in culture by leukotriene D4 involve a pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein

Leukotriene D4 (LTD4) at concentrations greater than 1 nM induced phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis and protein kinase C (PKC) activation in primary culture of airway smooth muscle cells. Within seconds of activation, an increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) was observed reaching a maximum at 5 min. The level of IP3 decreased after 5 min and was followed by an increase in inositol 1,4-bisphosphate (IP2) and inositol 1-monophosphate (IP1). LTD4-induced PIP2 hydrolysis was inhibited by 1 h pretreatment of cells with 10 micrograms/ml of pertussis toxin (PTX). LTD4 activated both soluble and particulate forms of PKC by 2-3-fold. The LTD4-induced PKC activation was blocked by treatment of cells with PTX, suggesting the involvement of a PTX-sensitive G-protein. To assess the involvement of G(i) in smooth muscle cell receptor activation, the modulation of adenylyl cyclase activity was investigated. LTD4 did not stimulate cAMP formation in smooth muscle cells, and did not inhibit forskolin-induced cAMP formation. These data suggest that the LTD4 receptor in airway smooth muscle cells is coupled to a PTX-sensitive G-protein, possibly G(o).

Control of cyclic AMP levels in primary cultures of human tracheal smooth muscle cells

1. [3H]-adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate ([3H]-cyclic AMP) responses were studied in primary cultures of human tracheal smooth muscle cells derived from explants of human trachealis muscle and in short term cultures of acutely dissociated trachealis cells. 2. Isoprenaline induced concentration-dependent [3H]-cyclic AMP formation with an EC50 of 0.2 microM. The response to 10 microM isoprenaline reached a maximum after 5-10 min stimulation and remained stable for periods of up to 1 h. After 10 min stimulation, 1 microM isoprenaline produced a 9.5 fold increase over basal [3H]-cyclic AMP levels. The response to isoprenaline was inhibited by ICI 118551 (10 nM), (apparent KA 1.9 x 10(9) M-1) indicating the probable involvement of a beta 2-adrenoceptor in this response in human cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells. However, with 50 nM ICI 118551 there was a reduction in the maximum response to isoprenaline. Prostaglandin E2 also produced concentration-dependent [3H]-cyclic AMP formation (EC50 0.7 microM, response to 1 microM PGE2 6.4 fold over basal). 3. Forskolin (1 nM - 100 microM) induced concentration-dependent [3H]-cyclic AMP formation in these cells. A 1.6 fold (over basal) response was also observed following stimulation with NaF (10 mM). 4. The nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) (0.1 mM) and the type IV, cyclic AMP selective, phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram (0.1 mM) both elevated basal [3H]-cyclic AMP levels by 1.8 and 1.5 fold respectively. IBMX (1-100 microM) and low concentrations of rolipram (< 10 microM), also potentiated the response to 1 microM isoprenaline. Inhibitors of the type III phosphodiesterase isoenzyme (SK&F 94120 and SK&F 94836) were without effect upon basal or isoprenaline-stimulated cyclic AMP responses in these cells.5. Carbachol (1 nM-I 00 microM) produced concentration-dependent inhibition of the [3H]-cyclic AMP response to 1 microM isoprenaline in human cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (IC50 0.24 JM). Carbachol(1 JM) inhibited the [3H]-cyclic AMP response to 1 JM isoprenaline by 60%. This effect of carbachol was itself inhibited by atropine (50 nM) (KA 2.3 x 109 M-') indicating the involvement of a muscarinic receptor.6. These results show that primary cultures of human tracheal smooth muscle cells demonstrate cyclic AMP responses to direct receptor stimulation, adenylyl cyclase activation and inhibition with nonselective and type IV-selective cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase isoenzyme inhibitors, and that the cyclic AMP response to isoprenaline can be inhibited by muscarinic receptor stimulation.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide and helodermin inhibit the release of cyclo-oxygenase products induced by leukotriene D4 and bradykinin from guinea-pig perfused lung

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, 10 nM) inhibited the release of cyclo-oxygenase products, detected by both bioassay and radioimmunoassay, induced by leukotriene (LT) D4 (3-30 pmol) and bradykinin (BK, 3-30 nmol) from guinea-pig isolated perfused lung. Helodermin (10 nM), a peptide that is structurally related to VIP, and salbutamol (10 nM), a beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, evoked a similar inhibitory effect on LTD4-induced release of cyclo-oxygenase products. The generation of TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha following stimulation with exogenously administered arachidonic acid (30-300 nmol) was not significantly attenuated in the presence of either VIP, helodermin or salbutamol. These results show that VIP, helodermin and salbutamol are potent inhibitors of the release of cyclo-oxygenase products induced by agonists known to activate endogenous arachidonic acid metabolism in guinea-pig lung. Since the metabolism of exogenously administered arachidonic acid was not inhibited these results suggest that the inhibitory effect may be exerted on events preceding the mobilisation of arachidonic acid and may involve cyclic AMP.

Effects of isoproterenol and forskolin on carbachol- and fluoroaluminate-induced polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, inositol trisphosphate production, and contraction in bovine iris sphincter smooth muscle: interaction between cAMP and IP3 second messenger systems

We have investigated the effects of isoproterenol (ISO) and forskolin on carbachol(CCh)- and fluoroaluminate (AlF4-)-induced phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis, myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production, 1,2-diacylglycerol, measured as phosphatidic acid (PA) formation, and contraction in the bovine iris sphincter smooth muscle. The data from these studies can be summarized as follows. (1) CCh (20 microM) stimulated significantly PIP2 hydrolysis, IP3 production, PA formation, and contraction. (2) Addition of ISO (0.1-25 microM), which raises the tissue cAMP level, to muscle precontracted with CCh attenuated PIP2 hydrolysis, IP3 production, PA formation and contraction in a time- and dose-dependent manner. (3) AlF4- (10 microM) induced a slow but progressive hydrolysis of PIP2, accompanied by parallel production of IP3, formation of PA, and contraction of the smooth muscle. The effects of AlF4- were dose-dependent and inhibited by deferoxamine, an Al3+ ion chelator. (4) Both forskolin (1-25 microM), which directly stimulates adenylate cyclase, and ISO inhibited the responses induced by AlF4- (10 microM) in a dose-dependent manner. (5) NaF (1-5 mM) had no effect on the activity of phospholipase C (PLC), purified from bovine iris sphincter. Furthermore, phosphorylation of the enzyme by catalytic subunit of protein kinase A had no inhibitory effect on PLC activity against PIP2. In conclusion, neither the muscarinic receptor nor PLC are the target sites for cAMP inhibition; instead the putative G-protein, which couples the activated muscarinic receptor to PLC, may be phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. This could attenuate the stimulation of PLC by the G-protein, thus resulting in inhibition of PIP2 hydrolysis and consequently leading to muscle relaxation. These results demonstrate cross-talk between the cAMP and IP3-Ca2+ second messenger systems and suggest that this could constitute a regulatory mechanism for the process of contraction-relaxation in smooth muscle.

Inositol phosphates formed in rat aorta after alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation are inhibited by forskolin

Rat aortic smooth muscle rings without endothelial cells were subjected to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation. We measured the contractile state of the smooth muscle cells and the formation of inositol phosphates (InsPs) on receptor stimulation. Using different extracellular calcium-containing solutions (2.5 mM, 0.1 mM and Ca(2+)-free) enabled us to discriminate three contractile phases after noradrenaline (10(-5) M) stimulation: an initial fast contraction (15 s) and a fast and slow component of the sustained contraction, which was established 10 min after stimulation. Under normal calcium conditions in the presence of 10 mM LiCl the formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 was increased predominantly after stimulation, while the formation of Ins(1,3,4)P3, Ins(1,3,4,6)P4, Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 and InsP5/InsP6 was also stimulated. The cAMP-inducing agent forskolin (0.5 microM) induced a relaxation of the basal tone and increased the level of the InsP4 isomers. The noradrenaline-induced contractile responses as well as the formation of InsP fractions mentioned were inhibited by forskolin. Further an increase in the formation of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate was observed. It is concluded that in rat aorta InsPs and in particular Ins(1,4,5)P3 is involved in the different contractile phases caused by alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation. The relaxation induced by forskolin under these circumstances could be explained by an interaction of forskolin, most likely via the formation of cAMP, with InsPs formation at the level of phospholipase C activation.

Fluoride is a contractile agent of guinea pig airway smooth muscle

1. Guinea pig parenchymal lung strips and tracheal smooth muscle contract potently after NaF-addition. Maximal contractions of lung strips and tracheal rings induced by NaF were 208 +/- 17% (n = 6) and 151 +/- 8% (n = 4) of the maximal histamine response respectively. 2. The -log EC50-value for NaF on lung strips and tracheal rings was 2.38 +/- 0.01 (n = 6) and 2.28 +/- 0.01 (n = 4) respectively. 3. Contractions induced by NaF were augmented after Al3+ pretreatment, suggesting the involvement of a G-protein. NaF responses were not affected by blockade of H1-, muscarinic-, leukotriene C4- or leukotriene D4-receptors, indicating that mast cell degranulation or nerve activation is most probably not implicated. 4. Contractions after NaF-addition were relatively insensitive to removal of extracellular calcium and were reversed via cAMP- and cGMP-mediated pathways. 5. Relaxation studies with (-)isoprenaline and 8-bromo-cGMP on lung strips, precontracted to similar levels with either a H1-agonist, KCl or NaF, showed that the level of relaxation depends on the contractile agent that is used. 6. After precontraction with KCl (-)isoprenaline relaxes lung strips only to 58 +/- 9% (n = 5) of the initial contraction, whereas lung strips precontracted with NaF or a H1-agonist relax 114 +/- 8% (n = 4) and 120 +/- 7% (n = 5) respectively with (-)isoprenaline. 7. Similar results were obtained with relaxation induced with 8-bromo-cGMP. 8. These findings suggest that NaF-induced contractions are elicited via a mechanism, that is probably similar to that of the H1-receptor. The involvement of a G-protein in the observed NaF-responses is therefore likely.