Subtypes of P2-purinoceptors. Studies using analogues of ATP

P2X6 Knockout Mice Exhibit Normal Electrolyte Homeostasis

ATP-mediated signaling is an important regulator of electrolyte transport in the kidney. The purinergic cation channel P2X6 has been previously localized to the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), a nephron segment important for Mg²⁺ and Na⁺ reabsorption, but its role in ion transport remains unknown. In this study, P2x6 knockout (P2x6^-/-) mice were generated to investigate the role of P2X6 in renal electrolyte transport. The P2x6^-/- animals displayed a normal phenotype and did not differ physiologically from wild type mice. Differences in serum concentration and 24-hrs urine excretion of Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ were not detected between P2x6^+/+, P2x6^+/- and P2x6^-/- mice. Quantitative PCR was applied to examine potential compensatory changes in renal expression levels of other P2x subunits and electrolyte transporters, including P2x1-5, P2x7, Trpm6, Ncc, Egf, Cldn16, Scnn1, Slc12a3, Slc41a1, Slc41a3, Cnnm2, Kcnj10 and Fxyd2. Additionally, protein levels of P2X2 and P2X4 were assessed in P2x6^+/+ and P2x6^-/- mouse kidneys. However, significant changes in expression were not detected. Furthermore, no compensatory changes in gene expression could be demonstrated in heart material isolated from P2x6^-/- mice. Except for a significant (P<0.05) upregulation of P2x2 in the heart of P2x6^-/- mice compared to the P2x6^+/+ mice. Thus, our data suggests that purinergic signaling via P2X6 is not significantly involved in the regulation of renal electrolyte handling under normal physiological conditions.

Emerging role of P2X7 receptors in CNS health and disease

Purinergic signalling in the brain is becoming an important focus in the study of CNS health and disease. Various purinergic receptors are found to be present in different brain cells in varying extent, which get activated upon binding of ATP or its analogues. Conventionally, ATP was considered only as a major metabolic fuel of the cell but its recognition as a neurotransmitter in early 1970s, brought meaningful insights in neuron glia crosstalk, participating in various physiological functions in the brain. P2X7R, a member of ligand gated purinergic receptor (P2X) family, is gaining attention in the field of neuroscience because of its emerging role in broad spectrum of ageing and age related neurological disorders. The aim of this review is to provide an overview about the structure and function of P2X7R highlighting its unique features which distinguish it from the other members of its family. This review critically analyzes the literature mentioning the details about the agonist and antagonist of the P2X7R. It also emphasizes the advancements in understanding the dual role of P2X7R in brain development and disorders inviting meaningful insights about its involvement in Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuropathic pain, Spinal Cord Injury and NeuroAIDS. Exploring the roles of P2X7R in detail is critical to identify its therapeutic potential in the treatment of acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, this review also helps to raise more interest in the neurobiology of the purinergic receptors and thus providing new avenues for future research.

P2-Purinoceptors: Advances and therapeutic opportunities

The recent cloning of a number of distinct receptors belonging to the P₂-purinoceptor superfamily has provided conclusive evidence for a pivotal role for ATP and other nucleotides as effector molecules involved in cell-to-cell communication and the modulation of many basic aspects of tissue function. ATP itself is being clinically evaluated as a cytotoxic agent for the treatment of cancer and as an adjunct to inhalation anaesthetic use. The pyrimidine nucleotide, UTP, is in clinical trials for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. The stable ATP bioisostere, ARL 67085, is being developed as a novel antithrombotic agent, blocking with a superior safety profile and increased efficacy as compared to other agents. The diversity of P₂ receptors, with eleven having been defined using both pharmacological and molecular cloning criteria, indicates considerable additional potential and subtlety in regard to the effects of ATP on tissue function and pathophysiology.

Effects of ATP and derivatives on neuropile glial cells of the leech central nervous system

We investigated the effects of ATP (adenosine 5'-triphosphate) and derivatives on leech neuropile glial cells, focusing on exposed glial cells. ATP dose-dependently depolarized or hyperpolarized neuropile glial cells in situ as well as exposed neuropile glial cells. These potential shifts varied among cells and repetitive ATP application did not change their amplitude, duration or direction. In exposed neuropile glial cells, ATP most frequently induced a Na(+)-dependent depolarization and decreased the input resistance. The agonist potency ATP > ADP (adenosine 5'-diphosphate) > AMP (adenosine 5'-monophosphate) > adenosine indicates that P2 purinoceptors mediate this depolarization. The P2Y agonist 2-methylthio-ATP mimicked the ATP-induced depolarization, whereas the P2Y antagonist PPADS (pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2', 4'-disulphonic acid) reduced it. P2X agonists were without effect. Because the P1 antagonist 8-SPT (8-(p-sulphophenyl)-theophylline) also depressed ATP-induced depolarizations and some ATP-insensitive glial cells responded to adenosine, we suggest coexpression of metabotropic P2Y and P1 purinoceptors. The ATP-induced depolarization requires activation of Na(+) channels or nonselective cation channels, whereas the ATP-induced hyperpolarization indicates activation of K(+) channels. ATP also increased the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), that is independent of Ca(2+) influx but reflects intracellular Ca(2+) release possibly triggered by IP(3) formation. ADP and AMP also increased [Ca(2+)](i), but were less efficient than ATP; adenosine and 2-methylthio-ATP did not affect [Ca(2+)](i). In view of the mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+), ATP is clearly different from other leech neurotransmitters, because it enables intracellular Ca(2+) signaling without causing prominent changes in glial membrane potential. Thus disturbance of the extracellular microenvironment and the demand for metabolic energy are minimized.

Characterization of purine receptors in fetal lamb pulmonary circulation

Activation of P1 purinergic receptors by adenosine and P2 receptors by ATP plays an important role in pulmonary vasodilation that occurs at birth in fetal lambs. Purine receptors occur in several subtypes, and the effects of their stimulation vary with the specific type involved. We characterized the subtypes of P1 receptors in fetal lamb pulmonary circulation at 128-132 d gestation by investigating the effects of the following adenosine analogs: N6-cyclopentyl adenosine (A1 selective), 2-phenylaminoadenosine (A2 selective), 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethyl-amino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (A2A selective), N6-benzyl-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (A3 selective), and adenosine and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (nonselective). We repeated the studies after treatment of animals with A1 antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine or A2 antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine. Identification of P2 receptors was done by investigation of the effects of P2x agonist beta,gamma-methylene-L-ATP and P2x and P2y agonist ATP. The studies were repeated after the treatment of animals with P2x antagonist suramin and the P2y antagonist cibacron blue. N6-cyclopentyl adenosine caused a significant decrease in heart rate and did not change pulmonary blood flow or pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The effect of N6-cyclopentyl adenosine on heart rate was abolished by 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine but not by 1,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine. 2-Phenylaminoadenosine, 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, and adenosine caused significant increases in pulmonary flow and decreases in PVR, and their vasodilator effects were attenuated by the A2 antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine and not by 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine. N6-benzyl-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine did not alter pulmonary flow or PVR. The P2x agonist beta,gamma-methylene-L-ATP caused a decrease in heart rate and had no effect on pulmonary flow and PVR. ATP caused a significant increase in pulmonary flow and decrease in PVR without affecting heart rate. The vasodilator effects of ATP were attenuated by cibacron blue and not by suramin. These data demonstrate that adenosine and ATP cause pulmonary vasodilation by activation of A2A and P2y receptors, respectively, in fetal lambs.

Chemotaxis of Rat Mast Cells Toward Adenine Nucleotides

Rat mucosal mast cells express P2 purinoceptors, occupation of which mobilizes cytosolic Ca2+ and activates a potassium conductance. The primary function of this P2 system in mast cell biology remains unknown. Here, we show that extracellular ADP causes morphological changes in rat bone marrow-cultured mast cells (BMMC) typical of those occurring in cells stimulated by chemotaxins, and that the nucleotides ADP, ATP, and UTP are effective chemoattractants for rat BMMC. ADP was also a chemotaxin for murine J774 monocytes. The nucleotide selectivity and pertussis toxin sensitivity of the rat BMMC migratory response suggest the involvement of P2U receptors. Poorly hydrolyzable derivatives of ADP and ATP were effective chemotaxins, obviating a role for adenosine receptors. Buffering of external Ca2+ at 100 nM or reduction of the electrical gradient driving Ca2+ entry (by elevating external K+) blocked ADP-driven chemotaxis, suggesting a role for Ca2+ influx in this process. Anaphylatoxin C5a was a potent chemotaxin (EC50 ≈0.5 nM) for J774 monocytes, but it was inactive on rat BMMC in the presence or absence of laminin. Ca2+ removal or elevated [K+] had modest effects on C5a-driven chemotaxis of J774 cells, implicating markedly different requirements for Ca2+ signaling in C5a- vs ADP-mediated chemotaxis. This is supported by the observation that depletion of Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin completely blocked migration induced by ADP but not C5a. These findings suggest that adenine nucleotides liberated from parasite-infested tissue could participate in the recruitment of mast cells by intestinal mucosa.

Modulation of cochlear blood flow by extracellular purines

Humoral adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), adenosine and uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) have been shown to have a role in controlling local blood flow in a variety of tissues. The presence of P1 and P2 receptors in the cochlea, and particularly the highly vascular region, the stria vascularis, implies a vasoactive role for these compounds in the inner ear. To test the effect of extracellular purines and pyrimidines on cochlear blood flow, cochleae from anaesthetised guinea-pigs were perfused with ATP (1 microM-10 mM), adenosine (1 microM-10 mM) and UTP (1 mM) in artificial perilymph while blood flow through the cochlea was measured. An acute perilymphatic perfusion technique was established via tubing placed through a hole in the bone overlying scala tympani of the first cochlear turn, with an outlet hole in scala vestibuli of the fourth turn. Blood flow was measured by placing the probe of a laser Doppler blood perfusion monitor on the bone overlying the stria vascularis in the third cochlear turn. ATP and adenosine produced a significant dose dependent increase in cochlear blood flow (28.8-229.0% and 35.8-258.1%, respectively). The effect of ATP (100 microM) on cochlear blood flow was reduced in the presence of reactive blue 2 (1 mM) and pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (1 mM). The blood flow response to adenosine (10 microM) was reduced in the presence of 1,3-dimethylxanthine (theophylline, 100 microM), but not with either 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (10 microM) or 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (10 microM). UTP did not produce any change in the cochlear blood flow. To determine if the ATP effect was also mediated by adenosine derived from ectonucleotidase activity, the perilymphatic compartment was perfused with either ATP plus theophylline (100 microM) or with the non-metabolisable form of ATP, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiophosphate) (ATPgammaS, 100 microM). The effect of ATP on cochlear blood flow was unaffected with the inclusion of theophylline while ATPgammaS produced an increase in cochlear blood flow similar to the one observed with ATP. These findings indicate that extracellular ATP and its metabolite adenosine have a modulatory role in cochlear blood flow possibly mediated by both P1 and P2 receptors.

ADP-induced platelet activation

Platelet activation is central to the pathogenesis of hemostasis and arterial thrombosis. Platelet aggregation plays a major role in acute coronary artery diseases, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and stroke. ADP is the first known and an important agonist for platelet aggregation. ADP not only causes primary aggregation of platelets but is also responsible for the secondary aggregation induced by ADP and other agonists. ADP also induces platelet shape change, secretion from storage granules, influx and intracellular mobilization of Ca2+, and inhibition of stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. The ADP-receptor protein mediating ADP-induced platelet responses has neither been purified nor cloned. Therefore, signal transduction mechanisms underlying ADP-induced platelet responses either remain uncertain or less well understood. Recent contributions from chemists, biochemists, cell biologists, pharmacologists, molecular biologists, and clinical investigators have added considerably to and enhanced our knowledge of ADP-induced platelet responses. Although considerable efforts have been directed toward identifying and cloning the ADP-receptor, these have not been completely successful or without controversy. Considerable progress has been made toward understanding the mechanisms of ADP-induced platelet responses but disagreements persist. New drugs that do not mimic ADP have been found to inhibit fairly selectively ADP-induced platelet activation ex vivo. Drugs that mimic ADP and selectively act at the platelet ADP-receptor have been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their therapeutic efficacy to block selectively ADP-induced platelet responses. This review examines in detail the developments that have taken place to identify the ADP-receptor protein and to better understand mechanisms underlying ADP-induced platelet responses to develop strategies for designing innovative drugs that block ADP-induced platelet responses by acting selectively at the ADP-receptor and/or by selectively interfering with components of ADP-induced platelet activation mechanisms.

Purinoceptors in neuromuscular transmission

At the neuromuscular junction, P2-purinoceptors mediate the actions of the co-transmitter ATP and P1-purinoceptors, those of its degradation product adenosine. The classification of the subtypes of P1- and P2-purinoceptors and their signal transduction routes is presented. Purinoceptor-mediated effects on the prejunctional release of acetylcholine and the postjunctional desensitization and expression of nicotinic receptors are discussed in depth. An additional section on the reversal action of the P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin on neuromuscular block underscores the importance of testing purinoceptor-targeted drugs once they will be marketed, to avoid adverse effects in patients.

Segmental pulmonary vascular responses to ATP in rat lungs: role of nitric oxide

ATP exhibits vascular pressor and depressor responses in a dose- and tone-dependent manner. The vascular site of ATP-induced contraction or dilation has not previously been characterized. Using the vascular occlusion technique, we investigated the effects of ATP in isolated rat lungs perfused with autologous blood (hematocrit = 20%) and described its action during resting and elevated tone in terms of changes in resistances of the small and large arteries and veins. During resting tone, ATP (10(-5) M) caused contraction primarily in the small arteries and, to some extent, in the small veins, suggesting that P2x purinoceptors are present in these small vessels. During hypoxia, ATP caused dilation primarily in the small arteries, suggesting that P2y purinoceptors are predominant in small arteries. During U-46619-induced contraction, which occurred evenly throughout the four segments, ATP caused dilation in the large arteries and veins but not in the small arteries and veins. After treatment with N omega-nitro-L-arginine to inhibit nitric oxide synthesis, ATP-induced contraction was potentiated, and its dilatory effects during hypoxia were attenuated. The action of ATP was independent of prostanoids, because its constrictor and dilatory responses were not affected significantly by indomethacin. In conclusion, the results indicate that the effects of ATP on the pulmonary vasculature are primarily due to P2x and P2y purinoceptors in the small arteries. Contribution of these purinoceptors in other vessels to changes in total vascular resistance in rat lung was minor.

Extracellular adenosine 5' triphosphate involvement in the death of LAK-engaged human tumor cells via P2X-receptor activation

This study reports that extracellular ATP is a critical factor involved in LAK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Human colon carcinoma LoVo cells were resistant to LAK cells as well as to ATP, while their multidrug resistant (MDR-1+) derivative, LoVo-Dx cells, were sensitive to both LAK and ATP. LoVo-Dx cells, became resistant to LAK cells and ATP after 48 h pretreatment with Phorbol 12-Myristate-13-Acetate (PMA), while 48 h pretreatment with verapamil in parallel sensitized LoVo cells to LAK cells and to ATP as well. The sensitivity to ATP and LAK cells was not related to the expression of extracellular ecto-ATPase activity on cell targets membranes. Conversely, apyrase, an enzyme with powerful ecto-ATPase activity, abolished the LAK- and ATP-mediated cytotoxicity. Furthermore, ADP-beta-S, an antagonist of ATP, abolished both LAK and ATP-mediated cell killing. Purine binding sites have been detected by radioreceptor assays with ADP-beta[35S] on the cell surface of ATP and LAK-sensitive LoVo-Dx cells. By contrast, no nucleotide receptor was found on the ATP and LAK-resistant cells. Such a putative cytotoxic purinoreceptor has been categorized as P2x purinergic receptor by a panel of synthetic nucleotides. These results demonstrate that extracellular ATP is needed for an efficient LAK cell-mediated killing of tumor cells. We propose that ATP acts as a natural amplifier of physical, or immune cytotoxic damages since it may be released in large amounts from target cells injured by several cytotoxic mediators secreted by LAK effectors.

Combined effects of ATP and its analogs on the membrane permeability in transformed mouse fibroblasts

Extracellular ATP (0.6 mM) induces a marked decrease in the membrane potential, followed by an increase in cell membrane permeability in transformed mouse fibroblasts. The effects of the ATP analogs, p[CH2]ppA and p[NH]ppA (0.6 mM), on the membrane potential and permeability are much less pronounced. ATP at 0.05 mM has no effect by itself, but markedly increases the analog-induced membrane potential dissipation and permeability. The data suggest that ATP-induced membrane permeation is composed of two processes: One is common to ATP and its analogs and appears to be a receptor-mediated process. The second is unique for ATP, effective even at low concentration (0.05 mM), and might be mediated by cell surface enzymes, for which ATP, but not its analogs, serves as a substrate.

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) receptors induce intracellular calcium changes in mouse leydig cells

Cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) changes evoked by adenosine 5(1)-triphosphate (ATP) were recorded in cultured individual Leydig cells within 10-18 h after cell dispersion. [Ca(2+)](i) was monitored using Fura-2AM loaded cells with a digital ratio imaging system. Five micromolars ATP induced biphasic [Ca(2+)](i) responses in most cells (94%,n=100), characterized by a fast increase from a basal level (126±5 nMSE,n=60 cells) to a peak (5-7 times above basal levels) within seconds, followed by a slow decrease toward a plateau level (2-3 times above basal) within 5 min. The peak phase of the [Ca(2+)](i) response increased with ATP concentrations (1-100 μM ATP) in a dose-dependent manner with an IC(50) of 5.9±1.2 μM, and it desensitized in a reversible manner with repeated application of 5 μM ATP at <5-min intervals. The [Ca(2+)](i) peak response was dependent on Ca(2+) release from an intracellular pool, whereas the plateau phase was dependent on extracellular [Ca(2+)]. ATP did not appear to induce formation of nonspecific membrane pores, since stimulation for 10 min with ATP (10-100 μM) in the presence of extracellular Lucifer yellow (LY) (5 mg/mL) did not result in dye loading of the cells. [Ca(2+)](i) transients were elicited by other adenosine nucleotides with an order of potencies (ATP>Adenosine diphosphate [ADP]>Adenosine> Adenosine monophosphate [AMP]) that was compatible with the expression of P(2) receptors. [Ca(2+)](i) responses were suppressed by the purinergic P(2) receptor antagonist, suramin. These results provide functional evidence for the expression of purinergic P(2) receptors in Leydig cells.

Different mechanisms of Ca2(+)-handling following nicotinic acetylcholine receptor stimulation, P2U-purinoceptor stimulation and K(+)-induced depolarization in C2C12 myotubes

1. The increase in intracellular CA2+ on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) stimulation, P2U-purinoceptor stimulation and K(+)-induced depolarization was investigated in mouse C2C12 myotubes by use of fura-2 fluorescence to characterize the intracellular organisation of Ca2+ releasing stores and Ca(2+)-entry process. 2. Stimulation of nAChRs with carbachol induced a rapid rise in internal Ca2+ (EC50 = 0.85 +/- 0.09 microM), followed by a sustained phase. The Ca2+ response evoked by carbachol (10 microM) was completely blocked by the nAChR antagonist, pancuronium (3 microM), but was not affected by the muscarinic antagonist, atropine (3 microM), or under conditions when Ca2+ entry was blocked by La3+ (50 microM) or diltiazem (10 microM). Addition of pancuronium (3 microM) during the sustained phase of the carbachol-evoked response did not affect this phase. 3. Stimulation of P2U purinoceptors with ATP (1 mM) induced a somewhat higher biphasic Ca2+ response (EC50 of the rapid phase: 8.72 +/- 0.08 microM) than with carbachol. Pretreatment with La3+ abolished the sustained phase of the ATP-induced Ca2+ response, while the response was unaffected by diltiazem or pancuronium. 4. Stimulation of the cells with high K+ (60 mM), producing the same depolarization as with carbachol (10 microM), induced a rapid monophasic Ca2+ response, insensitive to diltiazem, pancuronium or La3+. 5. Under Ca(2+)-free conditions, the sustained phase of the carbachol- and ATP-evoked responses were abolished. Pre-emptying of depolarization-sensitive stores by high K+ under Ca(2+)-free conditions did not affect the carbachol- or ATP-evoked Ca2+ mobilization and vice versa. Preincubation of the cells with ATP in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ decreased the amplitude of the subsequent carbachol-induced Ca2+ response to 11%, while in the reverse procedure the ATP-induced response was decreased to 65%. Ca2+ mobilization evoked by simultaneous addition of optimal concentrations of carbachol and ATP was increased compared to levels obtained with either agonist. 6. Preincubation with high K+ under normal conditions abolished the sustained phase of the ATP-evoked Ca2+ response. The carbachol response consisted only of the sustained phase in the presence of high K+. 7. The carbachol-induced Ca2+ response was completely abolished under low Na+/Ca(2+)-free conditions, while under low Na+ conditions only a sustained Ca2+ response was observed. The ATP- and K(+)-induced responses were changed compared to Ca(2+)-free conditions. 8. ATP (300 microM) induced the formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 under Ca(2+)-free conditions with a comparable time course to that found for the rise in internal Ca2+. In contrast to ATP, carbachol (10 microM) did not affect Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels under Ca(2+)-free conditions. 9. It is concluded that the Ca2+ release from discrete stores of C2C12 myotubes is induced by stimulation of nAChRs, P2U-purinoceptors and by high K+. Only the P2U-purinoceptor and nAChR activated stores show considerable overlap in releasable Ca2+. Sustained Ca(2+)-entry is activated by stimulation of nAChRs and P2U-purinoceptors via separate ion-channels, which are different from the skeletal muscle nAChR-coupled cation-channel.

Platelet activation by 2-(4-bromo-2,3-dioxobutylthio)adenosine 5'-diphosphate is mediated by its binding to a putative ADP receptor, aggregin

Platelet responses induced by ADP are mediated by a unique P21-purinergic receptor. Although a variety of ADP analogs, substituted at C2, have been used to delineate pharmacological properties of the ADP-binding site(s), the identity of the receptor protein has not been firmly established. 2-(4-Bromo-2,3-dioxobutylthio)- ADP [2-BrCH2(CO)2CH2-S-ADP], a well-characterized ADP analog, has been previously used as an affinity label to examine the structure/function relationship of ADP-requiring enzymes [Kapetanovic, E., Bailey, J.B. & Colman, R.F. (1985) Biochemistry 24, 7586-7593]. We found that it induced platelet shape change, aggregation, exposure of fibrinogen binding sites, secretion and mobilization of intracellular calcium, but was less potent than ADP. Under non-stirring conditions, incubation of platelets with this analog for longer time periods blocked ADP-induced shape change, aggregation, and the ability to ADP to antagonize the rise in intracellular levels of cAMP induced by iloprost (a prostaglandin I2 analog). Of a variety of agonists examined, only ADP-induced aggregation was almost completely inhibited in platelets irreversibly modified by the analog. An autoradiogram of the gel obtained by SDS/PAGE of solubilized platelets modified by the ADP analog followed by reduction of the dioxo group by NaB[3H], showed the presence of a single radiolabeled protein band at 100 kDa. Platelets incubated first with either ADP, ATP, or 2-methylthio-ADP were not labeled by 2-BrCH2(CO)2CH2S-ADP and NaB[3H]4-8-BrCH2(CO)2CH2-S-ADP was previously shown by us to irreversibly antagonize ADP-induced platelet responses by selectively modifying aggregin. Incubation of platelets with 2-BrCH2(CO)2CH2S-ADP completely blocked labeling of aggregin in platelets by 8-BrCH2(CO)2CH2S-[32P]ADP. These results show that 2-BrCH2(CO)2CH2S-ADP initially interacts reversibly with aggregin (100kDa), a putative ADP receptor, and induces platelet shape change and aggregation, and at longer periods of incubation reacts irreversibly to block the ability of ADP to antagonize stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. In contrast, 6-BrCH2(CO)2CH2S-ADP was found to be a weak and reversible inhibitor of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Prior incubation of platelets with the latter analog reduced labeling of aggregin by 8-BrCH2(CO)2CH2S-[32P]ADP. Taken together, the results further show that substitution by the BrCH2(CO)2CH2 group at the C2 and C8 positions is tolerated, while the presence of a free amino function at the C6 position is essential for its interaction with aggregin.

Autoradiography of P2x ATP receptors in the rat brain

1. Binding of a P2x receptor specific radioligand, [3H]-alpha,beta-methylene adenosine triphosphate ([3H]-alpha,beta-MeATP) to sections of rat brain was reversible and association/dissociation parameters indicated that it consisted of two saturable components. Non-specific binding was very low (< 7% at 10 nM ligand concentration). 2. The binding was completely inhibited by suramin (IC50 approximately 14-26 microM) but none of the ligands specific for P2y receptors such as 2-methylthio-adenosine triphosphate (2-methyl-S-ATP) and 2-chloro-adenosine triphosphate (2-C1-ATP) nor 2-methylthio-adenosine diphosphate (2-methyl-S-ADP) a ligand for the P2 receptor on blood platelets ('P2T' type) produced strong inhibitions except for P1,P4-di(adenosine-5')tetraphosphate (Ap4A). 3. Inhibitors of Na+,K(+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) ouabain, P1-ligand adenosine and an inhibitor of transport of, respectively, adenosine and cyclic nucleotides, dilazep, had no effect. 4. The highest density of P2x binding sites was found to be in the cerebellar cortex but the binding sites were present in all major brain regions, especially in areas known to receive strong excitatory innervation.

Characterisation of an ATP receptor mediating mitogenesis in vascular smooth muscle cells

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a co-transmitter in sympathetic nerves and released from platelets, has recently been shown to stimulate growth of vascular smooth muscle cells. It might therefore contribute to the development of vascular hypertrophy seen in hypertension and atherosclerosis. We aimed at characterising the receptor mediating this mitogenic effect in rat aorta smooth muscle cells. The potency of agonists indicates a P2 purinoceptor since ATP > or = ADP >> AMP, adenosine. The P2x-receptor subtype, which is responsible for ATP induced vasoconstriction in rat aorta, does not mediate the mitogenic effect since alpha, beta-methyleneATP had no effect and beta, gamma-methyleneATP had lower potency than ATP. The P2Y-receptor subtype was excluded since the selective agonist 2-methylthioATP had weak effect with lower potency than ATP. When we studied the involvement of other nucleotides similar effects were seen of the purines ATP, GTP and ITP; also the pyrimidine UTP had powerful mitogenic effects (Emax = 52% of ATP) with similar potency. Nucleotides with fewer phosphate groups showed a stepwise fall in mitogenic effect. This indicates involvement of a nucleotide-receptor (P2U). Ap4A were of equal potency and effect as ATP. There was strong correlation between the mitogenic effects of the nucleotides and analogues with both 45Ca(2+)-influx and inositol phosphate (IP) production, indicating that they may participate in mediating the mitogenic response. This is the first study describing the potencies for the mitogenic effects of the selective ATP-analogues and other nucleotides in vascular smooth muscle cells. The receptor characterisation indicates a nucleotide-receptor similar to the receptor which stimulates 45Ca(2+)-influx and inositol phosphate-formation in rat aorta smooth muscle cells. Substances related to ATP such as GTP, ITP, UTP and Ap4A which also can be released extracellularly in vivo stimulate mitogenesis of rat aorta smooth muscle cells through the same receptor.

Effects of suramin on contractions of the guinea-pig vas deferens induced by analogues of adenosine 5'-triphosphate

1. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and some of its analogues contract the guinea-pig vas deferens, acting via receptors which have been classified as P2X-purinoceptors. We have recently shown, however, that the effects of ATP are enhanced, rather than inhibited, by the non-selective P2 antagonist, suramin, and that this enhancement could not easily be explained in terms of inhibition by suramin of the breakdown of ATP. We therefore investigated the effects of suramin on contractions induced by ATP analogues, to define the structure-activity relationships of the suramin-resistant response. 2. In the absence of suramin, the order of potency for ATP analogues was adenosine 5'-(alpha,beta-methylene)triphosphonate (AMPCPP) = P1,P5-diadenosine pentaphosphate (Ap5A) = adenosine 5'-tetraphosphate (Ap4) > adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP gamma S) = adenylyl 5'-(beta,gamma-methylene) diphosphonate (AMPPCP) > P1,P5-diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) > adenosine 5'-O-(2- thiodiphosphate) (ADP beta S) > 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate (MeSATP) > or = ATP > adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP). This is generally in agreement with previously reported structure-activity relationships in this tissue. 3. In the presence of suramin (1 mM), responses to Ap5A, Ap4A, AMPPCP, ADP beta S and ADP were abolished or greatly reduced, and contractions induced by AMPCPP, Ap4 and ATP gamma S were inhibited. Contractions induced by MeSATP however, like those induced by ATP itself, were not reduced, but at concentrations above 100 microM were enhanced. In the presence of suramin (1 mM) the order of potency of analogues was therefore AMPCPP = Ap4> ATP = MeSATP> ATP gamma S, with all other analogues tested being essentially inactive at concentrations up to 500 microM.4. Contractile responses of the vas deferens to transmural nerve stimulation (1-50 Hz) in the presence of the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, phentolamine (10 microM), were abolished by suramin (1 mM). This is in agreement with previous reports that suramin inhibits the excitatory junction potential, a response thought to be mediated by P2 purinoceptors. It is however hard to reconcile the evidence implicating ATP as the non-adrenergic transmitter responsible for this response with the failure of suramin to inhibit the contractions induced by ATP itself while abolishing nerve-mediated contractions.5. In conclusion, these results confirm our previous findings of a suramin-resistant component to the ATP-induced contraction in the guinea-pig vas deferens, and show that the structure-activity relationships of this response are not identical to those of any known P2-purinoceptor subclass. Although the inhibition by suramin of the breakdown of ATP may contribute to the suramin-resistance of some of the ATP analogues, it does not appear to provide the full explanation.

Activation of CFTR Cl- conductance in polarized T84 cells by luminal extracellular ATP

Luminal extracellular ATP evoked a bumetanide-sensitive short-circuit current in cultured T84 cell epithelia (90.2 +/- 18.2 microA/cm2 at 100 microM ATP, apparent 50% effective concentration, 11.5 microM). ATP appeared to increase the Cl- conductance of the apical membrane but not the driving force for Cl- secretion determined by basolateral membrane K+ conductance. Specifically, the magnitude of Cl- secretion stimulated by ATP was independent of basal current, and forskolin pretreatment abolished subsequent stimulation of Cl- secretion by ATP. Whereas ATP stimulated modest production of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) by T84 cells, ATP caused smaller increases in intracellular Ca2+ and inositol phosphate activities than the Ca(2+)-signaling Cl- secretagogue carbachol. An inhibitor of 5'-nucleotidase, alpha,beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-diphosphate, blocked most of the response to luminal ATP. The adenosine receptor antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline blocked both the luminal ATP-dependent generation of cAMP and Cl- secretion when administered to the luminal but not submucosal bath. These results demonstrate that the Cl- secretion stimulated by luminal ATP is mediated by a A2-adenosine receptor located on the apical cell membrane. Thus metabolism of extracellular ATP to adenosine regulates the activity of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductor regulator (CFTR) in the apical membrane of polarized T84 cells.

gamma-Aminobutyric acidA receptor function is modulated by cyclic GMP

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate nervous system. Modulatory effects of intracellular ATP on the GABA response in isolated bullfrog dorsal root ganglion neurons were examined using whole-cell voltage clamp. Investigation of the plausible mechanisms ATP might utilize to regulate the GABA response led to the discovery that intracellular cyclic GMP may play an important role in modulating inhibitory neurotransmission. This modulatory effect of cyclic GMP is likely to be mediated via a cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase.

FPL 66096: a novel, highly potent and selective antagonist at human platelet P2T-purinoceptors

1. ADP-dependent platelet aggregation is mediated by the P2T-purinoceptor and is specifically inhibited by ATP, which is a competitive P2T-purinoceptor antagonist. However, ATP functions as an agonist at other P2-purinoceptor subtypes in other tissues and is, therefore, non-selective. This paper describes the effects of the novel ATP analogue, FPL 66096 (2-propylthio-D-beta,gamma-difluoromethylene ATP), on ADP-induced and ADP-independent aggregation of human washed platelets and in standard preparations containing P2X- (rabbit ear artery) and P2Y-purinoceptors (guinea-pig aorta). 2. In suspensions of human washed platelets, FPL 66096 (1-100 nM) produced concentration-dependent rightward displacement of concentration-effect (E/[A]) curves obtained for ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Logistic fitting of E/[A] data indicated that the effect of FPL 66096 was consistent with simple competition with a pKB value of 8.66. FPL 66096 (10-1000 nM) had no effect on aggregation produced by the thromboxane A2-mimetic, U46619 (0.1-10 microM) when the response to this agent was rendered ADP-independent by inclusion of the non-selective P2-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin (100 microM). 3. The anti-aggregatory potency of FPL 66096 was not influenced by increasing the incubation time from 2 to 15 min nor by inclusion of the P1-purinoceptor antagonist 8-sulphophenyltheophylline at a concentration (300 microM) that produced a 68 fold rightward displacement of the anti-aggregatory E/[A] curve for the P1-purinoceptor agonist, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (0.1-1000 microM). 4. FLP 66096 behaved as a weak (pA" 3.68) but full P2x-purinoceptor agonist in preparations of the rabbit isolated ear artery and as a weak, competitive antagonist (apparent pKB 4.71) at P2Y purinoceptors in the guinea-pig isolated aorta, indicating a selectivity of at least 9000 fold for the P2t-subtype. In the latter preparation, non-specific relaxations were produced by concentrations of FPL 66096 >10M gM.5. These results indicate that FPL 66096 is a P2-purinoceptor antagonist of unprecedented potency and selectivity and that its effects are consistent with simple competition at the P2-purinoceptor. Therefore,FPL 66096 represents a novel pharmacological tool in the classification of P2-purinoceptors and in the elucidation of the mechanisms involved in activation of platelets by ADP.

Influence of ATP and ATP agonists on the physiology of the isolated semicircular canal of the frog (Rana pipiens)

In the present study, the influence of extracellular ATP and ATP agonists in the physiology of the vestibular organs was examined, using the in vitro model of the isolated semicircular canal of the frog (Rana pipiens). The firing activity of the afferent nerve, the d.c. nerve potential and the transepithelial potential were measured in the absence and presence of mechanical stimulation of the sensory epithelium. Administration of ATP into the perilymphatic compartment, from 10(-12) to 10(-3) M, increased the firing rate of the afferent fibers recorded in the absence of mechanical stimulation. Recordings of the d.c. nerve potential indicated that the afferent fibers were hyperpolarized. The presence of the purine also modified the transepithelial potential. During mechanical stimulation of the sensory epithelium, both the evoked afferent firing and the evoked variation of the d.c. nerve potential were reduced in the presence of ATP. However, ATP did not effect the evoked modulation of the transepithelial potential, evoked by the mechanical stimulation. Administration of the P2x purinoceptor agonists, alpha, beta-methylene-ATP and beta, gamma-methylene-ATP, at concentrations between 10(-12) and 10(-3) M, did not significantly modify the different bioelectrical activities investigated. In contrast, 2-methylthio-ATP, a P2y purinoceptor agonist, more potent and efficacious than ATP in its effect on the spontaneous firing. Concurrently, no modification of the d.c. nerve potential, the transepithelial potential and their variation during mechanical stimulation was observed. In opposition to the ATP effect, the total amplitude of the evoked firing was increased in the presence of 2-methylthio-ATP. These data suggest that extracellular ATP, present in the perilymphatic compartment, may act as a neuromodulator in the vestibular physiology. The effects of the purine appear to be mediated by the activation of a P2y subtype of purinoceptor. The absence of an effect of ATP and 2-methylthio-ATP on the evoked variation of the transepithelial potential suggest that the purine did not affect the processes responsible for the generation of the receptor potential but more likely modified the mechanisms involved in the release of the neurotransmitter from the hair cells and/or acted on the afferent endings.

The phospholipase C activating P2U purinoceptor also inhibits cyclicAMP formation in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells

The P2U purinoceptor mediated effect on cellular cAMP was investigated in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells. Stimulation of these receptors by ATP or UTP caused a pronounced decrease of about 50% in cellular cAMP levels in forskolin or isoprenaline pretreated cells. This action of the nucleotides was concentration dependent with an IC50 of 9.4 +/- 0.2 microM and 29.0 +/- 0.5 microM for UTP and ATP, respectively and was inhibited by the P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin. The cAMP level appeared to be modified by intracellular Ca2+, represented by an initial decline in cAMP. Neither inactivation of protein kinase C by staurosporine nor elevated cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations interfered with the sustained decrease in cAMP levels induced by ATP or UTP, showing that this effect is not mediated via the phospholipase C pathway known to be activated after P2U purinoceptor stimulation in DDT1 MF-2 cells. Pertussis toxin inhibited the action of these nucleotides on the cellular cAMP level. It can be concluded that the P2U purinoceptor in DDT1 MF-2 cells is coupled to different G-proteins, activating phospholipase C and inhibiting adenylyl cyclase activity.

The increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by mechanical stimulation is propagated via release of pyrophosphorylated nucleotides in mammary epithelial cells

Mechanical stimulation of one mammary tumor cell in culture induced an increase in its intracellular calcium concentration which spread to surrounding cells. The increase in calcium can also be induced by addition of a solution in which cultured mammary tumor cells were stimulated by repeated pipetting (solution after pipetting cells, SAPC). The activity of the SAPC was completely abolished by treatment with snake venom phosphodiesterase or pyrophosphatase. Uridine triphosphate (UTP), uridine diphosphate (UDP) and ATP (1 microM each) were detected in the SAPC, whereas 5'-UMP and 5'-AMP were produced by phosphodiesterase digestion. A mixture of UTP, UDP and ATP (1 microM each) elicited a calcium response which was comparable to that induced by SAPC, while UTP, UDP or ATP alone at 1 microM elicited a small increase in calcium concentration in mammary tumor cells. Suramin, a competitive antagonist of P2 purinoceptors, diminished the spreading of the calcium wave induced by mechanical stimulation. It also blocked the responses to SAPC, UTP, UDP and ATP. These findings suggest that the mechanical stimulation results in the release of UTP, UDP and ATP into the extracellular space which mediates induction of the spreading calcium response via P2U-type purinoceptors.

Inhibition of platelet aggregation by adenosine receptor agonists

2-(Ar)alkoxyadenosines, which are agonists selective for the A2AAR in PC 12 cell and rat striatum membranes, are also agonists at the A2AR coupled to adenylate cyclase (AC) that mediates the inhibition of platelet aggregation. A panel of twelve well-characterized adenosine analogues stimulated human platelet AC and inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation at sub- to low-micromolar concentrations with a potency ranking CGS 21680 > adenosine > R-PIA. There were significant correlations between the EC50 of anti-aggregatory activity and either the EC50 of stimulation of platelet and PC 12 cell AC (r2 = 0.66 and 0.67, respectively) or the Ki of inhibition of [3H]NECA binding to the rat striatum membranes (r2 = 0.75). Likewise, platelet AC stimulation correlated well with stimulation of PC 12 cell AC and with [3H]NECA binding (r2 = 0.94 and 0.91, respectively). Ten 2-(ar)alkoxyadenosines stimulated platelet AC at EC50s ranging between 0.16 and 2.3 microM and inhibited platelet aggregation at EC50s ranging between 2 and 30 microM. There were no correlations between the EC50s of anti-aggregatory activity and either the EC50s of the stimulation of platelet or PC 12 AC (r2 = 0.08 and 0.06, respectively) or with the Ki of the inhibition of [3H]NECA binding to the A2aAR in rat striatum (r2 = 0.02). The EC50s of the stimulation of platelet AC correlated with those of the stimulation of PC 12 AC (r2 = 0.48), and also with the Ki of [3H]NECA binding (r2 = 0.71). Each of the 23 adenosines completely inhibited platelet aggregation and thus, functionally, all behaved as full agonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Activation of the phospholipase C pathway by ATP is mediated exclusively through nucleotide type P2-purinoceptors in C2C12 myotubes

1. The presence of a nucleotide receptor and a discrete ATP-sensitive receptor on C2C12 myotubes has been shown by electrophysiological experiments. In this study, the ATP-sensitive receptors of C2C12 myotubes were further characterized by measuring the formation of inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) and internal Ca2+. 2. The nucleotides ATP and UTP caused a concentration-dependent increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 content with comparable time courses (EC50: ATP 33 +/- 2 microM, UTP 80 +/- 4 microM). ADP was less effective in increasing Ins(1,4,5)P3 content of the cells, while selective agonists for P1-, P2X- and P2Y-purinoceptors, adenosine, alpha,beta-methylene ATP and 2-methylthio ATP, appeared to be ineffective. 3. Under Ca(2+)-free conditions, the basal level of Ins(1,4,5)P3 was lower than in the presence of Ca2+, and the ATP- and UTP-induced formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 was diminished. 4. The Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation induced by optimal ATP and UTP concentrations was not additive. ATP- and UTP-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation showed cross-desensitization, whereas cross-desensitization was absent in responses elicited by one of the nucleotides and bradykinin. 5. The change in Ins(1,4,5)P3 content induced by effective nucleotides was inhibited by suramin. Schild plots for suramin inhibition of Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation in ATP- and UTP-stimulated myotubes showed slopes greater than unity (1.63 +/- 0.09 and 1.37 +/- 0.11, respectively). Apparent pA2 values were 4.50 +/- 0.48 and 4.41 +/- 0.63 for ATP and UTP, respectively. 6. Stimulation of the cells with ATP or UTP induced a rapid increase in intracellular Ca2+, followed by a slow decline to basal levels. Ca2+ responses reached lower maximal values and did not show the slow phase in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. The ATP and UTP-evoked increase in intracellular Ca2+ was not additive and showed cross-desensitization. Cross-desensitization was absent in myotubes stimulated with one of the nucleotides and bradykinin.7. These results show that ATP- and UTP-induced formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ca2+ release from internal stores and Ca2+-influx from the extracellular space are mediated exclusively via the nucleotide type P2-purinoceptor in mouse C2C12 myotubes.

Characterization of P2-purinoceptor mediated cyclic AMP formation in mouse C2C12 myotubes

1. The formation of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3), induced by ATP and other nucleotides was investigated in mouse C2C12 myotubes. 2. ATP (100 microM) and ATP gamma S (100 microM) caused a sustained increase in cyclic AMP content of the cells, reaching a maximum after 10 min. The cyclic AMP content reached a maximum in the presence of 100 microM ATP, followed by a decline at higher ATP concentrations. ATP-induced cyclic AMP formation was inhibited by the P2-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin. 3. Myotubes hydrolysed ATP to ADP at a rate of 9.7 +/- 1.0 nmol mg-1 protein min-1. However, further hydrolysis of ADP to AMP and adenosine was negligible. 4. The cyclic AMP formation induced by ADP (10 microM-1 mM) showed similar characteristics to that induced by ATP, but a less pronounced decline was observed than with ATP. ADP-induced cyclic AMP formation was blocked by suramin, while cyclic AMP formation elicited by adenosine (10 microM-1 mM) was insensitive to suramin. 5. The ATP analogue, alpha,beta-methylene-ATP also induced a suramin-sensitive cyclic AMP formation, while 2-methylthio-ATP and the pyrimidine, UTP, did not affect cyclic AMP levels. 6. Stimulation of the myotubes with ATP or UTP (10 microM-1 mM) caused a concentration-dependent increase in the Ins(1,4,5)P3 content of the cells. ADP (100 microM-1 mM) was less effective. Adenosine did not affect Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels. 7. Incubation of the cells with UTP (30 microM- 1 mM) inhibited the ATP- and ADP-induced cyclic AMP formation, suggesting that stimulation of the 'nucleotide' type P2-receptor inhibits P2-purinoceptor mediated cyclic AMP formation in C2C12 myotubes. In contrast, UTP (30 microM-I mM) enhanced adenosine-induced cyclic AMP formation.8. Adenosine-sensitive P1-purinoceptors activating cyclic AMP formation were found in C2C12 myotubes.Further, a novel P2-purinoceptor is postulated, sensitive to ATP, ADP and ATPgammaS, which also activates the formation of cyclic AMP in C2C12 myotubes.

On the excitatory effects of ATP and its role as a neurotransmitter in coeliac neurons of the guinea-pig

1. The effects of ATP on neurons from guinea-pig coeliac ganglia were studied to evaluate the possibility that this nucleotide acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter substance. 2. In experiments with intracellular microelectrodes, ATP (> or = 10 nM) depolarized coeliac neurons from the resting potential and produced an increase in the membrane conductance. These excitatory effects of ATP were observed in isolated coeliac ganglia, in acutely dissociated neurons or in cultured neurons. ATP also produced membrane conductance increases in neurons clamped at the resting potential using a single electrode voltage clamp. 3. When studied in the whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp (intracellular Cs+ to block K+ currents; -50 mV holding potential), ATP evoked inward currents in a manner more potent and efficacious than acetylcholine (ACh). 4. Whole-cell currents induced by ATP were inwardly rectifying and reversed at -13 mV in normal Na+ solutions. Changes in extracellular Na+ concentration altered the reversal potential in a manner predicted by the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz bi-ionic equation with a ratio of Na+ to Cs+ permeability (PNa/PCs) = 0.6. 5. Single channel currents were evoked by ATP in excised (outside-out) patches. Current-voltage relationships for single channel currents exhibited inward rectification. The mean single channel conductance was 22 pS at -50 mV. 6. Antagonists of ATP-gated channels (suramin, Reactive Blue 2) reduced the effects of ATP but not ACh. 7. Antagonists at nicotinic receptors/ion channels (hexamethonium or tubocurarine) reduced the effects of ACh but not ATP. 8. Excitatory synaptic currents were observed in cultures of coeliac neurons. Synaptic currents possessed similar current-voltage relationships to currents produced by ATP, were increased in frequency by K+ depolarization in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, and were selectively antagonized by ATP antagonists. 9. Local K+ depolarization of the ends of neurites evoked single channel currents characteristic of ATP in outside-out patches when patches were positioned near the region of apparent synaptic contact but not when patches were positioned at remote regions. 10. The results suggest that ATP receptors are linked to ion channels and mediate excitatory synaptic transmission between coeliac neurons.

Effects of analogues of adenine nucleotides on increases in intracellular calcium mediated by P2T-purinoceptors on human blood platelets

1. By use of a number of analogues of adenine nucleotides, the structure-activity relationships of the human platelet receptor for adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) mediating increases in intracellular calcium were investigated, and compared with the known structure-activity relationships for induction by ADP of platelet aggregation. 2. ADP, 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-diphosphate (2-methylthio-ADP), adenosine 5'-O-(1-thiodiphosphate) (ADP-alpha-S) and adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADP-beta-S) each induced increases in intracellular calcium in a manner similar to their reported ability to induce human platelet aggregation. The effects of these agonists were antagonized by ATP, with a pA2 value in each case consistent with the inhibition by ATP of ADP-induced aggregation. In the case of ADP, the inhibition by ATP of increases in intracellular calcium was shown to be competitive by Schild analysis. 3. Of the analogues tested as inhibitors of the effect of ADP on intracellular calcium, 2-chloroadenosine 5'-triphosphate (2-chloro-ATP), adenosine 5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphate) (ATP-alpha-S), P1, P5-diadenosine pentaphosphate (Ap5A) and adenylyl 5'-(beta,gamma-methylene)diphosphonate (AMPPCP) were apparently competitive antagonists, although only one concentration of each antagonist was used. There was a good correlation between the pA2 values found here for these antagonists including ATP, and their pA2 values reported for inhibition of ADP-induced aggregation. Adenosine 5'-(alpha, beta-methylene)triphosphate (AMPCPP) and uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) (100 microM) were only very weak inhibitors of the effect of ADP on intracellular calcium, and this is consistent with their weak actions as inhibitors of aggregation. 2-Methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate (2-methylthio-ATP) (50 microM) non-competitively inhibited the effect of ADP on intracellular calcium, in a very similar way to its inhibition of ADP-induced aggregation.4. The good correspondence found for these analogues between their effect on intracellular calcium and on aggregation confirms that there is a causal relationship between these actions of ADP, and that they are mediated by the same receptor on platelets. These findings cast further doubt on the use of the affinity reagent 5'-fluorosulphonylbenzoyladenosine (FSBA) as an antagonist and label for the ADP receptor, as this compound has been reported to inhibit aggregation but not ADP-induced increases in intracellular calcium.

ADP induces desensitisation of equine platelet aggregation responses: studies using ADP beta S, a stable analogue of ADP

Pre-incubation of equine platelets in platelet-rich plasma with adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) induced a reduction in aggregation responsiveness to subsequent additions of ADP. The desensitisation was shown to be homologous since the responsiveness to platelet-activating factor, thrombin, collagen, 5-hydroxytryptamine or ionomycin remained unchanged. Adenosine 5'-(beta-thio)-diphosphate (ADP beta S), a non-hydrolysable analogue of ADP, was shown to act as an agonist inducing aggregation by interaction with the ADP receptor. ADP beta S was then used in the desensitisation studies in which residual ADP was degraded by the addition of apyrase. The desensitisation to ADP beta S fully recovered by one hour after pre-treatment with ADP and was not induced by an extracellular mediator. The mechanism of desensitisation is therefore likely to involve the ADP receptor or proximal intermediates in the signal transduction pathway for ADP.

Stimulation of astrocyte proliferation by purine and pyrimidine nucleotides and nucleosides

Proliferation of brain astrocytes as a result of cell death has been well documented in vivo. Dying cells release purine and pyrimidine nucleosides and nucleotides and their deoxy derivatives both from soluble intracellular pools and from DNA and RNA. Previously, we have observed that purine nucleosides and nucleotides stimulate chick astrocyte proliferation in vitro. To further our analysis, we questioned whether pyrimidines or the deoxy derivatives of purine nucleosides and nucleotides might also be astrocyte mitogens. Pyrimidine nucleosides, nucleotides, and their deoxynucleotide derivatives were uniformly inactive. In contrast, deoxyguanosine, deoxyadenosine, and their mono-, di-, and triphosphates stimulated thymidine incorporation into astrocytes at concentrations similar to those at which their ribonucleoside and ribonucleotide analogues were active. Inosine, IMP, ITP, and hypoxanthine were active, whereas xanthine and xanthosine were not. However, XMP, XDP, and XTP stimulated thymidine incorporation. The effects of the nucleosides and deoxynucleosides were inhibited by antagonists of adenosine A2 receptors. These data indicate that most purine nucleosides, deoxynucleosides, and their 5' mono, di-, and triphosphate derivatives released from damaged cells are capable of stimulating astrocyte proliferation in vitro and may contribute to astrocyte proliferation in vivo following injury to the CNS.

Extracellular nucleotides elevate [Ca2+]i in rat osteoblastic cells by interaction with two receptor subtypes

Extracellular nucleotides, through interaction with specific cell-surface receptors, mediate a variety of biological responses, including elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a number of cell types. The effects of nucleotides on [Ca2+]i in the rat osteoblastic cell line UMR-106 were studied by fluorescence spectrophotometry of indo-1-loaded cells. In response to ATP (100 microM), [Ca2+]i rose to peaks 228 +/- 16 nM (n = 59) above baseline (85 +/- 3 nM) before returning to near basal levels. Half-maximal elevation of [Ca2+]i was observed at an ATP concentration of 3 +/- 1 microM, consistent with a high-affinity interaction. The response arose primarily by release of Ca2+ from internal stores. UTP, ADP, and 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate also induced Ca2+ transients, whereas adenosine, AMP, CTP, and TTP did not, demonstrating specificity. Responsiveness to adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) and inhibition by Mg2+ of the response to ATP indicated that signaling was not dependent on nucleotide hydrolysis. Ca2+ responses to ADP, ATP, and UTP, added sequentially or simultaneously, were consistent with the presence of two distinct P2-purinoceptor subtypes, both linked to Ca2+ mobilization. ADP appeared to interact selectively with one receptor, whereas ATP and UTP interacted selectively with the other. After maximal stimulation with ATP, subsequent responses to ATP were abolished. However, removal of ATP from the extracellular medium rapidly restored responsiveness, suggesting that, with continued receptor occupation, there is time-dependent inactivation of the Ca2+ signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that extracellular nucleotides elevate [Ca2+]i in osteoblastic cells through interaction with two receptor subtypes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

P2Y purinoceptors in normal NIH 3T3 and in NIH 3T3 overexpressing c-ras

The ability of purinergic agonists to induce Ca2+ responses has been tested in two lines of murine fibroblasts: normal NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and NIH 115.14, a clone expressing high levels [1] of the c-ras protooncogene. Both kinds of cells are responsive to ATP in the range 1 microM-1 mM; ADP and ATP gamma S are almost as potent as ATP, while AMP is unable to elicit a response. Ca2+ measurements performed in single cells by image analysis show great variability among cells but in each individual responding cell the Ca2+ rise occurs in an all-or-none fashion. The transient Ca2+ response does not depend on influx from the extracellular medium. Electrophysiological experiments reveal the activation of an outward current (at -50 mV) by ATP, probably due to Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels, confirming the absence of a substantial Ca2+ influx. Finally, stimulation by ATP produces a small but significant increase in the production of inositol phosphates. These results indicate that these cell lines possess purinergic receptors which are not integral membrane channels and which are coupled to InsP3 formation and may be therefore classified as P2Y.

The nucleotide receptors on mouse C2C12 myotubes

1. The response of C2C12 mouse myotubes to stimulation with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and other nucleotides was studied by measuring changes in membrane potential. 2. A transient hyperpolarization followed by a slowly declining depolarization of the cells was observed in the presence of ATP (10 microM-1 mM). 3. The hyperpolarization was not observed in the absence of external calcium, and was abolished in the presence of tetraethylammonium (20 mM) or the bee toxin, apamin (0.1 microM). The depolarization was reduced under low sodium conditions. 4. A biphasic change in membrane potential was also recorded in the presence of adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP gamma S) and the pyrimidine uridine triphosphate (UTP), while the ATP derivatives and analogues, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine, alpha,beta-methylene ATP and 2-methylthio ATP and the nucleotides, guanosine triphosphate and cytidine triphosphate, did not affect the membrane potential of the myotubes. 5. The hyperpolarization elicited by ATP gamma S or UTP was also blocked by apamin and abolished under Ca(2+)-free conditions. 6. In contrast to ATP and ATP gamma S, the depolarization evoked by UTP was unaffected under low Na+ and less sensitive to the antagonistic action of suramin. 7. The ATP and UTP responses at maximal concentration were not additive after simultaneous application. ATP elicited a depolarization if applied after UTP, while UTP did not change membrane potential following the application of ATP. 8. The concentration-response curves of the effective nucleotides were shifted to the right in the presence of suramin, suggesting competitive antagonism.9. These results can be explained by the presence of 'nucleotide receptors' mediating the ATP/UTPinduced hyperpolarization and depolarization in C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, an increase in Na+-conductivity can be exclusively activated by ATP.

Purine nucleosides and nucleotides stimulate proliferation of a wide range of cell types

Presumptive astrocytes isolated from 10-day white Leghorn chick embryos, Factor VIII-positive human brain capillary endothelial cells, meningeal fibroblasts from 10-day chick embryos, Swiss mouse 3T3 cells, and human astrocytoma cell lines, SKMG-1 and U373, were rendered quiescent when placed in culture medium that contained 0 or 0.2% serum for 48 h; their proliferation was markedly reduced and they incorporated [3H]thymidine at a low rate. [3H]Thymidine incorporation and cell proliferation were induced in all types of cells by addition of guanosine, GMP, GDP, GTP, and to a lesser extent, adenosine, AMP, ADP or ATP to the culture medium. The stimulation of proliferation by adenosine and guanosine was abolished by 1,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine (DPMX), an adenosine A2 receptor antagonist, but not by 1,3-dipropyl-8-(2-amino-4-chorophenyl)xanthine (PACPX), an A1 antagonist. Stimulation of proliferation by the nucleotides was not abolished by either DPMX or PACPX. The P2 receptor agonists, alpha, beta-methyleneATP and 2-methylthioATP, also stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into the cells with peak activity at approximately 3.5 and 0.03 nM, respectively. These data imply that adenosine and guanosine stimulate proliferation of these cell types through activation of an adenosine A2 receptor, and the stimulation of cell proliferation by the nucleotides may be due to the activation of purinergic P2y receptors. As the primary cultures grew older their growth rate slowed. The capacity of the purine nucleosides and nucleotides to stimulate their growth diminished concomitantly. The 3T3 cells showed neither decreased growth with increased passages nor reduced response to the purines. In contrast, although the doubling time of the immortalized human astrocytoma cell lines SKMG-1 and U373 remained constant, the responsiveness to purinergic stimulation of the U373 cells decreased but that of the SKMG-1 did not. These data are compatible with a decrease in the number, or the ligand-binding affinity of the purinergic receptors, or a decreased coupling of purinergic receptors to intracellular mediators in primary cells aged in tissue culture.

Suramin reverses non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade in rat diaphragm

Unexpectedly, it was observed that the P2-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin (10 microM to 1 mM), reversed the muscle paralysis caused by structurally unrelated non-depolarizing relaxants. Suramin competitively reversed the blocking action of pancuronium. Both the pre- and postsynaptic blockade of nicotinic receptors by pancuronium was counteracted, as shown by the action of suramin, using train-of-four stimulation. Suramin did not affect the paralysis caused by the depolarizing relaxant, succinylcholine. The reversal action of suramin was not due to an increase in the acetylcholine concentration in the synaptic cleft, since neither the contraction of preparations partially paralysed by diminished acetylcholine release in the presence of low Ca2+ or high Mg2+ nor acetylcholinesterase activity were affected. Suramin did not affect the reduction in twitch tension caused by adenosine and potentiated the ATP-induced reduction in twitch, indicating that ATP-sensitive receptors are not involved in the reversal action of suramin. Consequently, these results suggest that the action of suramin is due to binding with a site on the acetylcholine receptor also occupied by non-depolarizing relaxants, but different from the site occupied by succinylcholine.

Effects of purines on the longitudinal muscle of the rat colon

1. Adenosine and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) have been reported to cause relaxation of the rat colon longitudinal muscle preparation; the purinoceptors mediating this effect were investigated by use of a series of agonists and antagonists. 2. The tissue was precontracted with carbachol (1 microM), and the purines induced reversible relaxations with a potency order of 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) greater than N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) = adenosine 5'-(alpha, beta-methylene) triphosphonate (AMPCPP) greater than adenosine = adenylyl 5'-(beta, gamma-methylene) disphosphonate (AMPPCP) = ATP. The P1-selective antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) (3 microM) shifted to the right the log concentration-response curves of all these agonists except for AMPCPP, indicating that they all act via P1-purinoceptors. The order of potency of the adenosine analogues and the relatively high concentrations of the antagonist required indicated that these receptors are of the A2 subtype. The P2-selective antagonist suramin (300 microM) inhibited responses to AMPCPP, but not to the other agonists. 3. The dephosphorylation of the nucleotides was studied by high performance liquid chromatography following incubation with the longitudinal muscle preparation for up to 30 min. ATP was rapidly degraded, largely to adenosine, and AMPPCP and AMPCPP were also degraded, although more slowly, to adenosine and adenosine 5'-(alpha, beta-methylene) diphosphonate (AMPCP) respectively. AMPCP, like AMPCPP, caused relaxations by acting on P2-purinoceptors, as it was also inhibited by suramin (300 microM). Incubation of the tissue with adenosine deaminase abolished responses to adenosine, reduced those to ATP and AMPPCP, but had no effect on those to AMPCPP.ATP and AMPPCP therefore appear to be acting on the A2 receptors in this tissue largely via their degradation product adenosine.4. The longitudinal muscle of the rat colon therefore contains both P.- and P2-purinoceptors, which both mediate relaxation. The P,-purinoceptors are of the A2 subtype and the P2-purinoceptors are probably of the P2Y subtype, although the rapid degradation of the nucleotides means that it is difficult to classify them with certainty.

Characterization of P1-purinoceptors on rat duodenum and urinary bladder

1. The P1-purinoceptors mediating relaxation of the rat duodenum and inhibition of contraction of the rat urinary bladder were characterized by use of adenosine and its analogues 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and 2-p-((carboxyethyl)phenethylamino)-5'- carboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680), as well as the A1-selective antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX). The stable analogue of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), adenylyl 5'-(beta,gamma-methylene)diphosphonate (AMPPCP), was also used as previous work had indicated that it has a direct action on some P1 receptors in addition to its P2-purinoceptor activity. 2. In the rat duodenum, the order of potency of the adenosine agonists was NECA greater than or equal to CPA greater than AMPPCP = adenosine greater than CGS 21680, and DPCPX antagonized CPA and AMPPCP at a concentration of 1 nM whereas equivalent antagonism of NECA and adenosine required a concentration of 1 microM. This suggests the presence of a mixture of A1 and A2 receptors in this tissue, with CPA and AMPPCP acting on the A1 and NECA and adenosine acting on the A2 receptors. 3. In the rat bladder, the order of potency of the adenosine agonists for inhibition of carbachol-induced contractions was NECA much greater than adenosine greater than CPA = CGS 21680, and a concentration of DPCPX of 1 microM was required to antagonize responses to NECA and adenosine. This suggests the presence of A2 receptors in this tissue. ATP and AMPPCP each caused contractions which were not enhanced by DPCPX (1 microM) which suggests that in this tissue AMPPCP was acting only via P2 receptors and had no P1 agonist activity. That AMPPCP was active on the A1 receptors in the duodenum but inactive on the A2 receptors in the bladder implies that it has selectivity for the A1 subtype.4. That CGS 21680, which has been reported to bind selectively to the high affinity A2a subclass of A2 receptors, had a very low potency on the A2 receptors in the duodenum and in the bladder suggests that these receptors are of the low affinity A2b subclass.

Characterization of the P1-purinoceptors mediating contraction of the rat colon muscularis mucosae

1. Previous studies had shown that adenosine and adenine nucleotides including adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) caused contraction of the rat colon muscularis mucosae via P1 and P2Y-purinoceptors respectively, and that the stable ATP analogue adenylyl 5'-(beta,gama- methylene)diphosphonate (AMPPCP) had an unexpected direct action on the P1-purinoceptors. The P1-purinoceptors have now therefore been further characterized by use of the adenosine analogues 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and N6-cyclopropyladenosine (CPA) and the antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), which is selective for the A1 subtype. The P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin was also used, to investigate the selectivity of the P2 agonists. 2. The order of potency of P1 agonists for contraction was CPA greater than NECA greater than AMPPCP greater than or equal to adenosine, and DPCPX (1 nM) caused greater than two fold shifts to the right of the log concentration-response curves for each of these agonists, although the shifts were not always parallel and Schild analysis of the inhibition of the effect of adenosine resulted in a plot with a slope greater than unity. These results indicate that the P1-purinoceptor mediating contraction is of the A1 subtype, as has been found in other tissues in which adenosine causes contraction. 3. The P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin (300 microM) had no effect on the responses to adenosine or to AMPPCP, but abolished contractions induced by the related stable ATP analogue adenosine 5'-(alpha,beta-methylene)triphosphonate (AMPCPP). Contractions induced by ATP, which were not affected by DPCPX (10nM) alone, were only partially inhibited by suramin (300microM), revealing an A1 component to its action which could be blocked by DPCPX (10 nM).4. In conclusion, these results show that the rat colon muscularis mucosae possesses contractile A, receptors in addition to the previously characterized P2y receptors, and confirms our finding that the stable ATP analogue, AMPPCP, has an unexpected direct action on these Al receptors.

Effects of the P2-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin, on human platelet aggregation induced by adenosine 5'-diphosphate

1. The effects of suramin, a trypanocidal drug which has been reported to be a P2-purinoceptor antagonist on smooth muscle, were investigated in human platelets, where adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) induces aggregation by acting on a subtype of purinoceptors which has been called P2T. 2. Suramin (100 microM) had no inhibitory effect on ADP-induced platelet aggregation in plasma, even after 40 min incubation in the presence of bacitracin, a peptidase inhibitor, and did not affect the ability of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) (40 microM) to inhibit competitively ADP-induced aggregation. This lack of effect of suramin on platelets in plasma is probably due to its extensive binding to plasma proteins. 3. In washed platelets, suramin (50-400 microM) acted as an apparently competitive antagonist, causing parallel shifts to the right of the log concentration-response curve to ADP. No depression of the maximal response to ADP was observed at concentrations of suramin (50-150 microM) for which full log concentration-response curves to ADP could be obtained, but the slope of the Schild plot was around 2, indicating that this antagonism was not simply competitive. The apparent pA2 value for suramin, taken from this Schild plot, was 4.6. 4. Suramin (200-400 microM) also noncompetitively inhibited aggregation induced by U46619 (a thromboxane receptor agonist) or by 5-hydroxytryptamine in the presence of adrenaline (100 microM), and caused a depression of the maximal response to these agonists. This nonspecific effect of suramin may explain the high Schild plot slope obtained against ADP.5. These results provide evidence that the ADP receptor on human platelets is indeed similar to the P2-purinoceptors responding to adenine nucleotides on smooth muscle and other tissues, and show that suramin cannot distinguish between the proposed subtypes of the P2-purinoceptors.

Adenosine and its nucleotides stimulate proliferation of chick astrocytes and human astrocytoma cells

Aqueous extracts of the brains of 18-day-old white Leghorn chicken embryos contain several substances that stimulate proliferation of primary cultures of chick brain astrocytes. Most of the mitogens are peptides. Purification of one mitogenic fraction was obtained by centrifugation, passage through Amicon Diaflo membranes of nominal molecular weight cutoffs 30, 1 and 0.5 kDa, ion exchange chromatography and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a Deltapak C18 column. The mitogenic fraction contained no amino acids. On the basis of its behaviour on thin layer chromatography, its ultraviolet absorption spectrum, its 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and its behaviour on positive and negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, the mitogenic material was identified as adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP). Other adenosine compounds including adenosine, ADP and ATP also stimulated proliferation of and [3H]leucine incorporation into primary cultures of astrocytes. Nitrobenzylthyioinosine (NBTI), an inhibitor of nucleoside transport, did not prevent the stimulation of [3H]leucine incorporation into cultured astrocytes. Polyadenylic acid (Poly A), that mimics the effect of adenosine at adenosine receptors, also stimulated proliferation of the astrocytes. The effects of adenosine and Poly A were not inhibited by 1,3-dipropyl-8-(2-amino-4-chlorophenyl)xanthine (PACPX) but were inhibited by 1,3-dipropyl-7-methyl-xanthine (DPMX), indicating that adenosine and Poly A acted at the cell surface, likely through adenosine A2 receptors. The stimulatory effect of ATP was biphasic. The proliferative effect of low, but not of high, concentrations of ATP were abolished by DPMX. The purinergic P2 receptor agonist 2-methylthioATP and, at higher concentrations, the P2y agonist, alpha,beta-methyleneATP also stimulated incorporation of [3H]thymidine. These data indicate that high concentrations of ATP stimulate cell proliferation through at a P2, possibly a P2y receptor. These results have considerable biological significance. After brain injury, or when cells in brain die or become hypoxic, nucleotides and nucleosides are released from the cells. Their extracellular concentrations can exceed those required to stimulate astrocyte proliferation in vitro. Therefore they may be partly responsible for gliotic changes following cell death in brain.

Recent developments in the classification and functional significance of receptors for ATP and UTP, evidence for nucleotide receptors

The presence of a nucleotide receptor activated with similar potencies by UTP and ATP is suggested by recent data from a variety of different cell types. This receptor type appears distinct from previously described ATP-sensitive P2-purinoceptor subtypes and, probably, from other UTP-sensitive receptors, however further studies using selective antagonists are necessary to provide a definitive characterisation. Although the functional role of endogenous extracellular ATP has already achieved recognition there are also many diverse examples of cells and tissues which respond to UTP at micromolar or sub-micromolar concentrations. Therefore, the possible physiological importance of UTP is a fertile area for further investigation. The functional significance of ATP/UTP receptors is underlined by recent demonstrations that UTP and ATP modulate chloride ion secretion in human airways epithelium, possibly by activation of a nucleotide receptor, an effect which may have potential clinical utility in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.