Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate concentration in the pancreas following stimulation by secretin, cholecystokinin-pancreozymin and acetylcholine

Serotonin hormonally regulates lacrimal gland secretory function via the serotonin type 3a receptor

Tears are extracellular fluid secreted from the lacrimal gland (LG). Tears consist of a dynamic tri-layered film composed of secretions from the LG, Meibomian gland, and conjunctival goblet cells. The LG secretes the aqueous component of the tear, the Meibomian gland secretes the lipid component, and conjunctival goblet cells secrete mucin. The regulation of LG activity via the autonomic nervous system has been recognized as fundamental to maintaining aqueous tear flow. Here, we describe the role of a hormone, peripheral serotonin, in tear secretion. We found that blood serotonin concentration, changed by feeding a diet deprived of the serotonin precursor tryptophan, correlated with tear secretion, and that a sustained decrease in serotonin resulted in LG atrophy and autophagy. The combination of a decrease in serotonin with the interruption of autonomic neural stimuli to the LG preceded these alterations. Furthermore, we found that the serotonin type 3a receptor expressed in LG acinar cells is involved in tear secretion via intracellular calcium mobilization. Our findings demonstrate that hormonal regulation by serotonin, in cooperation with the autonomic nervous system, regulates tear secretion.

Characterization of single potassium channels in mouse pancreatic acinar cells

1. Single K(+)-selective channels with a conductance of about 48 pS (pipette, 145 mM KCl; bath, 140 mM NaCl + 4.7 mM KCl) were recorded in the patch-clamp whole-cell configuration in isolated mouse pancreatic acinar cells. 2. Neither application of the secretagogues acetylcholine (second messenger, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate) or secretin (second messenger, cAMP), nor addition of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A to the pipette solution changed the activity of the 48 pS K+ channel. 3. Intracellular acidification with sodium propionate (20 mM) diminished activity of the 48 pS channel, whereas channel open probability was increased by cytosolic alkalization with 20 mM NH4Cl. 4. BaCl2 (5 mM), TEA (10 mM) or apamin (1 microM) added to the bath solution had no obvious effect on the kinetics of the 48 pS channel. Similarly, glibenclamide and diazoxide failed to influence the channel activity. 5. When extracellular NaCl was replaced by KCl, whole-cell recordings revealed an inwardly rectifying K+ current carried by a 17 pS K+ channel. 6. The inwardly rectifying K+ current was not pH dependent and could largely be blocked by Ba2+ but not by TEA. 7. Since the 48 pS K+ channel is neither Ca2+ nor cAMP regulated, we suggest that this channel could play a role in the maintenance of the negative cell resting potential.

Effects of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor, Ro20,1724, on pancreatic exocrine secretion in dog

1. The effects of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, Ro20,1724, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), trifluoperazine (TFP) and amrinone on pancreatic exocrine secretion were investigated in anaesthetized dogs in comparison with those of secretion and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8). 2. Ro20,1724 (1-30 nmol/kg), IBMX (3-30 nmol/kg), secretin (0.01-0.1 pmol/kg) or CCK-8 (0.1-1 pmol/kg) injected i.a. elicited a dose-dependent increase in the secretion of pancreatic juice, but TFP and amrinone (up to 1 mumol/kg) did not. 3. The bicarbonate concentration in pancreatic juice was increased and the protein concentration was decreased by Ro20,1724, IBMX and secretin. Cholecystokinin octapeptide increased the protein concentration but did not alter the bicarbonate concentration. 4. Ro20,1724 and IBMX elicited more than the respective additive secretory response when added together with secretin, although the stimulatory effects of CCK-8 with Ro20,1724 and IBMX were additive. 5. Ro20,1724 and IBMX increased cyclic AMP concentration but did not affect cyclic GMP concentration. 6. These results suggest that Ro20,1724 and IBMX have secretory properties on pancreatic exocrine glands of the dog, which may be mediated through an increase in cyclic AMP subsequent to inhibition of PDE activity. Furthermore, pancreatic PDE enzymes in the dog may be mainly type IV.

Effects of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors, rolipram, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, amrinone and zaprinast, on pancreatic exocrine secretion in dogs

The effects of the cyclic phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, rolipram, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), amrinone and zaprinast on pancreatic exocrine secretion were investigated in anesthetized dogs. Rolipram (1-30 nmol), IBMX (44-440 nmol) or zaprinast (1-10 mumol) injected i.a. elicited a dose-dependent increase in the secretion of pancreatic juice, but amrinone (up to 53 mumol) did not. The bicarbonate concentration in pancreatic juice was increased and the protein concentration was decreased by rolipram and IBMX, but neither was affected by zaprinast. Rolipram elicited more than the respective additive secretory response when added together with secretin, although the stimulatory effects of CCK-8 with rolipram were additive. Rolipram and IBMX, but not zaprinast, increased cyclic AMP concentration but did not affect cyclic GMP concentration. These results suggest that rolipram, IBMX and zaprinast have direct secretory properties on pancreatic exocrine glands of the dog, which may be mediated through the increase of intracellular cyclic AMP concentration, by inhibiting PDE activity. Furthermore, the pancreatic PDE enzyme in the dog pancreas may be mainly a type IV.

Colchicine inhibits the effects of secretin on pancreatic duct cell tubulovesicles and HCO3- secretion in the pig

Secretin stimulation clears the cytoplasm of intralobular pancreatic duct cells in pigs of tubulovesicles and causes these cells to secrete HCO3- into the pancreatic juice. To determine whether the clearance of cytoplasmic tubulovesicles involves the microtubule system and is important for initiation of HCO3- secretion, the effect of the microtubule poison colchicine on duct cell morphology and pancreatic HCO3- secretion was measured in anaesthetized pigs. Before colchicine, secretin reduced the density of tubulovesicles in the cytoplasm of pancreatic duct cells from 92 +/- 8 U to 8 +/- 2 U and initiated pancreatic secretion of 176 +/- 21 mumols min-1 HCO3-. After colchicine, secretin failed to lower duct cell tubulovesicle density and caused the secretion of only 77 +/- 14 mumols min-1 HCO3-. By contrast, lumicolchicine, an isomer of colchicine that does not affect microtubules, did not inhibit pancreatic HCO3- secretion. Colchicine did not reduce carbonic anhydrase or Na,K-ATPase activities in in-vitro assays. The clearance of tubulovesicles from the cytoplasm of pancreatic duct cells therefore seems to be microtubule-dependent and important for the pancreatic HCO3- secretion.

Secretagogue and second messenger-activated Cl- permeabilities in isolated pancreatic zymogen granules

Previous studies of enzyme secretion from isolated pancreatic acinar cells and of isolated zymogen granules (ZG) have reported that both a Cl- and a K+ permeability are present on the ZG membrane. It has been suggested that ion influx via these permeability pathways, followed by water movement is required for granular swelling which appears to be intimately related to exocytosis. However, little is known about the regulation of these pathways by secretagogues. Evidence suggests that cAMP-protein kinase A and diacylglycerol-protein kinase C are second messengers in stimulation of exocytosis. In the present study we have examined ion permeability pathways in ZG isolated from control cells and from cells pretreated with the acetylcholine analog carbachol (Cch), with the peptide hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) and with second messengers of hormone action such as cAMP and the diacylglycerol analog 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Ion and water influx rates in ZG and consequent swelling and lysis of granules was monitored by measuring changes in optical densities of ZG suspensions at 540 nm following additions of the electrogenic or electroneutral ionophores valinomycin and nigericin, respectively. The data show that both a Cl- conductance and an anion exchange pathway are present in the granule membrane. Both pathways are activated by pretreatment of isolated cells with CCK or of isolated permeabilised cells with cAMP, whereas only the Cl- conductance is increased by pretreatment with Cch or with TPA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mechanism for increase of gastrin release by secretin in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

In patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, serum gastrin level is increased by secretin and is decreased by somatostatin. To elucidate the cellular mechanism for these actions, we investigated the direct effects of secretin and somatostatin on dispersed gastrinoma cells from a patient with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. In the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, secretin significantly stimulated gastrin release from dispersed gastrinoma cells, which was inhibited by somatostatin. In the presence of guanosine 5'-triphosphate, furthermore, secretin enhanced adenylate cyclase activation in the membranes from these cells, and this activation was reduced by somatostatin, whereas neither secretin nor somatostatin affected inositol phospholipid turnover. On the other hand, removal of guanosine 5'-triphosphate from incubation medium abolished both the stimulatory effect of secretin and the inhibitory effect of somatostatin on adenylate cyclase activation. Furthermore, pertussis toxin pretreatment reversed the ability of somatostatin to inhibit secretin-induced increase in gastrin release and activation of adenylate cyclase. Thus, in this gastrinoma patient, secretin and somatostatin appeared to act directly on gastrinoma cells to stimulate and inhibit gastrin secretion, respectively, by modulating adenylate cyclase activation, probably via guanine nucleotide-binding proteins.

Effects of ZSY-27, a synthesized phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on exocrine secretion and cyclic nucleotide concentration in the dog pancreas

1. Effects of intravenous injections of ZSY-27, a synthesized phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on pancreatic exocrine secretion and on pancreatic cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP concentrations of dogs were investigated. 2. ZSY-27 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) increased cyclic AMP concentration dose-dependently, which preceded the increase in pancreatic secretion but did not affect cyclic GMP concentration. 3. These results suggest that ZSY-27 causes exocrine secretion from the dog pancreas mediated through an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP concentration.

Effects of substance P on pancreatic exocrine secretion stimulated by secretin, dopamine and cholecystokinin in dogs

The effect of substance P (SP) on pancreatic exocrine responses to exogenous cholecystokinin, secretin, and dopamine, were studied in the isolated and blood-perfused pancreas of dogs. Intra-arterial injection of SP had a significant biphasic effect on pancreatic secretion: an initial transient inhibition, followed by an increase in the secretion stimulated by the infusion of cholecystokinin. However, SP caused only an inhibition of secretion stimulated by the infusion of secretin and dopamine. SP increased protein concentration but not bicarbonate concentration in juice stimulated by cholecystokinin, but SP did not affect significantly either protein or bicarbonate concentrations in juice stimulated by secretin and dopamine. These results suggest that SP has greater effects on the pancreatic secretion stimulated by cholecystokinin than that stimulated by secretin and dopamine.

Effects of a synthesized phosphodiesterase inhibitor, ZSY-27, on pancreatic exocrine secretion of the dog

The effects of a synthesized phosphodiesterase inhibitor, ZSY-27, on the secretion of pancreatic juice were investigated in dog isolated and blood-perfused pancreas, and compared with those of secretin and dopamine. Intravenous administration of ZSY-27 (0.3-1 mg/kg) elicited increases in pancreatic secretion. Intra-arterial (i.a.) administration of ZSY-27 (0.1-1 mg) also elicited increased secretion. The secretory activity of ZSY-27 (1 mg) was approximately equal to that of 0.1 units of secretin and 2.5 micrograms of dopamine. The concentration of bicarbonate in the pancreatic juice induced by ZSY-27 i.a. was increased, but the protein concentration was not increased significantly. These effects are analogous to those of secretin and dopamine. ZSY-27-induced pancreatic secretion was not modified by pretreatment with phentolamine, propranolol, atropine, sulpiride and cimetidine. Secretin-induced secretion was significantly potentiated by infusion of ZSY-27 (25 micrograms/min) but dopamine-induced one was not. These results suggest that ZSY-27 increases pancreatic secretion acting directly on the ductular cells of the dog pancreas, at least in part, through the increase of intracellular cyclic AMP concentration by inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity.

Effects of three purine-related compounds on pancreatic exocrine secretion in the dog

The effects of adenosine, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and inosine on pancreatic exocrine secretion were investigated in the vascularly isolated and self-haemoperfused dog pancreas. Drugs were injected close-arterially (i.a.) in a single bolus. These three purine-related compounds per se did not affect resting rate of pancreatic secretion and the concentrations of protein and bicarbonate in the resting juice. Graded doses of adenosine (0.1-1.0 mg, i.a.) and ATP (0.1-1.0 mg i.a.) administered 1 min prior to secretin (0.025 clinical units, i.a.) increased a secretin-stimulated secretory volume dose-dependently, and the effects of adenosine and ATP were reversed by pretreatments with theophylline (0.3 mg, i.a.). Inosine (1.0 mg, i.a.) affected neither secretin- nor dopamine-stimulated (3 micrograms, i.a.) pancreatic secretion. Adenosine and ATP did not affect dopamine-stimulated pancreatic secretion. These results suggest that adenosine and ATP (or terminal phosphate hydrolyzed derivatives) enhance secretin-stimulated pancreatic exocrine secretion through 'P1' purine receptors in the exocrine cells, without conversion to inosine.

Adenosine potentiates secretin-stimulated pancreatic exocrine secretion in the dog

Pretreatment with graded doses of adenosine (0.1-1.0 mg), injected close-arterially (i.a.) to the vascularly isolated and self-hemoperfused dog pancreas, increased secretin (0.025 units i.a.)-stimulated secretory volume dose dependently and this effect of adenosine was reversed by further pretreatment with theophylline (0.3 mg i.a.). Adenosine itself did not affect the rate of resting secretion and the concentrations of protein and bicarbonate of the resting pancreatic juice. Adenosine decreased the concentration of protein and increased that of bicarbonate in the pancreatic juice stimulated by secretin. Adenosine, however, did not affect dopamine (3 micrograms i.a.)-stimulated pancreatic secretion. Adenosine (0.1-1.0 mg i.a.)-induced vasodilation was also reversed by the pretreatment with theophylline (0.3 mg i.a.). These results suggest the existence of adenosine 'R' receptors in the exocrine cells and the vasculature of the dog pancreas.

Effects of synthesized phosphodiesterase inhibitors, DM 9278 and HWA 285, on pancreatic exocrine secretion of the dog

The effects of synthesized phosphodiesterase inhibitors, DM 9278 and HWA 285, on pancreatic exocrine secretion were investigated in isolated and blood-perfused canine pancreas. Close-arterial injections of DM 9278 (10-300 micrograms) and HWA 285 (300-3000 micrograms) caused dose-dependent increases in the flow rate of pancreatic juice and perfusion blood flow. Bicarbonate concentration in the pancreatic juice stimulated by DM 9278 (300 micrograms) or HWA 285 (3000 micrograms) was significantly higher than that in the resting pancreatic juice, although neither of the compounds affected protein concentrations in the pancreatic juice. In the secretory volume, 100 micrograms of DM 9278 corresponded roughly to 1000 micrograms of HWA 285, 0.1 units of secretin or 0.3 units of pancreozymin. These secretory and vascular effects were not modified by pretreatment with atropine or sulpiride. This study suggests that both DM 9278 and HWA 285 act directly on ductular cells of the pancreas and induce secretion of water and electrolytes.

Pancreatic fluid secretion and protein hyperconcentration in cystic fibrosis

To study pancreatic protein and water secretion in 28 patients with cystic fibrosis and 21 controls matched for pancreatic acinar function as defined by trypsin secretion, we used a quantitative-marker perfusion technique and continuous intravenous secretin-pancreozymin stimulation. Regardless of the level of pancreatic acinar function, secretions from the patients contained significantly higher concentrations of protein than those from the controls. Total protein output and albumin:protein ratios were not increased in secretions from the patients, but their fluid secretion was significantly decreased at any level of pancreatic function. A significant linear correlation was found between protein and volume secretion in the patients (r = 0.86, P less than 0.001), most of whom had a fluid output of less than 4.2 ml per kilogram of body weight per hour. No such relation was found in the control subjects, whose flow was always above 4.2 ml per kilogram per hour. We conclude that fluid secretion in patients with cystic fibrosis may be a rate-limiting factor in protein output and that a limited flow of hyperconcentrated protein secretions may predispose to protein precipitation and ductal obstruction in the pancreas.

Ca2+ and cyclic nucleotide dependence of amylase release from isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells rendered permeable by intense electric fields

Enzyme digestion of rat pancreatic tissue yielded a preparation of isolated acinar cells, over 90% of which excluded trypan blue. These isolated cells responded to a variety of secretagogues, the responses being sensitive to the removal of extracellular calcium, increasing extracellular magnesium, and by trifluoperazine, an antagonist of Ca-dependent processes. When exposed to intense electric fields, isolated acinar cells became permeable to CaEGTA and MgATP, these markers gaining access to over 60% of the intracellular milieu within minutes. The accessibility to these markers seemed independent of the ionised Ca2+ level. Less than 0.5% of the cellular amylase was released when cells were rendered leaky in a medium containing about 10(-9) M Ca2+, but typically 4% was released when the Ca2+ level was subsequently raised to 10(-5)M levels, the EC50 for Ca2+ being 2 microM. This amount of amylase released was comparable to the amounts secreted from intact cells in response to a variety of agonists. The cytosolic marker lactate dehydrogenase was also released from leaky cells, but the extent was independent of Ca2+ concentration. No amylase was released at 10(-7)M Ca2+ when permeable cells were exposed to cyclic 3',5'-AMP or cyclic 3',5'-GMP. The calcium activation curve for amylase release seemed to be independent of cyclic nucleotides, but was markedly increased in both the extent of release and apparent affinity for Ca2+ in the presence of the phorbol ester 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13 acetate. These results suggest that when "functionally normal" isolated acinar cells are rendered permeable, Ca2+-but not cyclic nucleotides-acts as a second messenger for amylase secretion, and furthermore that protein kinase C may be involved in the secretory process.

Effects of dopamine on exocrine secretion and cyclic nucleotide concentration in the dog pancreas

The effects of intravenous injection of dopamine on pancreatic exocrine secretion and on pancreatic cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP concentrations of mongrel dogs were compared with the effects of secretin and pancreozymin. Dopamine (1--10 micrograms/kg), secretin (0.03--0.3 units/kg) and pancreozymin (0.1--1 units/kg) increased exocrine secretion dose dependently, Sulpiride (0.3--1 mg/kg) and yohimbine (0.3--1 mg/kg), D2-receptor antagonists, inhibited the dopamine-induced exocrine secretion dose-dependently but did not inhibit the secretin- or pancreozymin-induced secretion. Secretin (0.3 units/kg) increased cyclic AMp concentration by about 50% but did not affect cyclic GMP concentration. Pancreozymin (1 unit/kg) slightly increased cyclic AMp concentration but markedly increased cyclic GMP concentration by about 50%. However, dopamine (10 micrograms/kg) increased neither cyclic AMP nor cyclic GMP concentration. These results suggest that dopamine causes exocrine secretion from the dog pancreas through D2-receptors which are not linked to adenylate cyclase.

Effects of nicardipine on pancreatic exocrine secretion in the dog

1. The effects of nicardipine on the secretion of pancreatic juice were investigated in dog isolated, blood-perfused pancreas, and compared with those of papaverine, aminophylline and secretin. 2. Intra-arterial administration of nicardipine (1-10 micrograms) elicited a dose-dependent increase in pancreatic secretion. Papaverine (0.1-1 mg), aminophylline (0.3-3 mg) and secretin (0.03-0.1 units) also elicited increased secretion. The secretory activity of nicardipine (10 micrograms) was approximately equal to that of 0.5 mg of papaverine, 1.5 mg of aminophylline and 0.03 units of secretin. 3. The concentration of bicarbonate in the pancreatic juice induced by nicardipine was increased, but the protein concentration was only increased slightly. These effects are analogous to those of secretin. 4. Nicardipine-induced secretion was not modified by pretreatment with relatively large doses of phentolamine, propranolol, atropine, guanethidine, haloperidol or metiamide. 5. Secretin-induced secretion was significantly potentiated by infusion of papaverine, but not by infusion of nicardipine or aminophylline. 6. These results suggest that nicardipine acts on the exocrine cells in the dog pancreas, at least in part, through the increase of intracellular cyclic AMP concentration by inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity.

Effects of nitroprusside on pancreatic juice secretion in the blood-perfused canine pancreas

The effects of nitroprusside on the secretion of pancreatic juice were investigated in preparations of isolated and blood-perfused canine pancreas. Nitroprusside (10-30 micrograms/kg) injected intravenously elicited a dose-dependent increase in pancreatic secretion accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure. Intra-arterial administration of nitroprusside (3-300 micrograms) into the perfused pancreas also elicited an increased secretion in preparations of both constant pressure and constant flow perfusion system. The results suggest that nitroprusside-induced pancreatic secretion may not result from the peripheral vasodilatation caused by nitroprusside. The effect of 100 micrograms of intra-arterial nitroprusside corresponded roughly to that of 0.1 units of secretin or 0.3 units of pancreozymin. Nitroprusside-induced secretion was inhibited by the infusion of ethacrynic acid (1 mg/min), but was not modified by phentolamine, propranolol, atropine, haloperidol, tetrodotoxin and metiamide. Nitroprusside produced a dose-dependent increase in the bicarbonate and protein concentrations in the juice, but had little effect on chloride concentration. This action was different from that of secretin or pancreozymin. It is concluded that nitroprusside may produce an increase in pancreatic secretion by acting directly on pancreatic cells, and that this action may be mediated at least in part through the increase of intracellular cyclic GMP concentration.

Seasonal fluctuations of pancreatic activities and cyclic nucleotide levels in the frog Rana esculenta

1. Seasonal influence on pancreatic activity has been determined in the frog Rana esculenta. 2. Protein content, amylase activity and cyclic nucleotide levels, show significant changes throughout the year, being higher in the active period (spring, summer), with respect to a constant pancreas weight. 3. A significant correlation between protein content and cyclic AMP levels has been observed. 4. Results suggest that feeding habits exert a control on the pancreatic activity even if stimuli other than food intake cannot be ruled out.

Rat pancreas adenylate cyclase: VII. Effect of extracellular calcium on pancreozymin-induced cyclic AMP formation

1. The effect of stimulation of adenylate cyclase by pancreozymin-C-octapeptide on the cyclic AMP level of rat pancreatic fragments has been investigated. 2. In normal Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate medium pancreozymin-C-octapeptide causes a slight increase in pancreatic cyclic AMP level; this increase can be considerably enhanced by incubation in a calcium-free incubation medium. 3. The dose-response curve for pancreozymin-C-octapeptide in calcium-free medium is shifted to lower peptide concentrations, compared to the curve in normal Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate medium. 4. The maximal stimulatory effect of pancreozymin-C-octapeptide is obtained at a 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine concentration of 10 mM. 5. It suffices to lower the Ca2+-concentration of the medium from 2.5 to 1.5 mM to get the maximal increase in cyclic AMP content under influence of pancreozymin-C-octapeptide. 6. It is concluded that extracellular calcium antagonizes the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by pancreozymin-C-octapeptide. This suggests that a low cytoplasmic Ca2+-concentration is required for the maximal response of acinar cell adenylate cyclase to pancreozymin.

The metabolism of cyclic nucleotides in the guinea-pig pancreas. Adenylate cyclase and guanylate cyclase

Adenylate cyclase from the guinea-pig pancreas was activated in a dose-dependent manner by both secretin and cholecystokinin-pancreozymin, but in contrast with results in other species the hormones were approximately equipotent. All other hormones and transmitter substances tested were without any effect on adenylate cyclase activity. Guanylate cyclase activity was shown to have both particulate and supernatant components in the guinea-pig pancreas. The particulate enzyme, but not the supernatant enzyme, was markedly activated by Triton X-100, and most of the induced activity was released into the supernatant. The supernatant enzyme was specifically Mn2+-dependent, but, even though Mn2+ was maximally effective at a concentration of 3 mM, activity could be raised further by increasing Ca2+ concentration. The particulate enzyme, by contrast, was relatively Mn2+-independent. Activity of the particulate guanylate cyclase was enhanced by phosphatidylserine. The supernatant enzyme displayed classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics, but the particulate enzyme deviated markedly from such kinetics. Under none of the conditions used was any significant activation of guanylate cyclase observed with any of the secretogen hormones or transmitter substances.

Calcium and cyclic nucleotide interaction in secretion of amylase from rat pancreas in vitro

1. Interaction of Ca2+ and cyclic nucleotides in stimulus-secretion coupling in rat pancreas in vitro was studied utilizing the divalent cation inophore A23187. phosphodiesterase inhibitors, cyclic nucleotides and cholera toxin. 2. Amylase secretion was increased by the ionophore in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ in a dose-dependent fashion. Activation of CCK-PZ receptors simultaneously with induction of amylase secretion by A23187 did not alter amylase secretion whereas theophylline or caffeine had effects additive to A23187. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP potentiated the effect of ionophore whereas dibutyryl cyclic GMP had no effect on basal or ionophore-induced amylase secretion. Cholera toxin by itself did not effect amylase secretion whereas it potentiated the effect of ionophore. 3. A23187 increased bidirectional fluxes of 45Ca and increased efflux of 45Ca in a fashion similar to CCK-PZ. Theophylline did not alter basal efflux of 45Ca. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP increased the basal efflux of 45Ca whereas, cholera toxin, dibutyryl cyclic GMP and sodium butyrate had no effect. 4. Theophylline increased basal cyclic AMP levels with a peak effect observed at 5 min. Combination of theophylline and ionophore did not lead to an increase in levels of cyclic AMP greater than that observed with theophylline alone. Cholera toxin increased cyclic AMP levels at 30 and 60 min of incubation. 5. Ionophore and CCK-PZ increased tissue cyclic GMP levels significantly greater than that obtained with theophylline alone. This effect was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The effect of ionophore on tissue levels of cyclic GMP could be dissociated from its effect on 45Ca efflux and amylase secretion. 6. It is concluded from these studies that Ca2+ plays a predominant role in regulating amylase secretion with interactions occurring between Ca2+ and cyclic AMP and Ca2+ and cyclic GMP. It appears that by themselves cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP do not play a significant role in regulating enzyme secretion.

Effects of ethanol on the determinants of intestinal transport

The interplay between the stomach, liver, pancreas, and the small intestine and their influence on the effects of ethanol on the determinants of intestinal transport are examined.

Interaction of secretin and glucagon on exocrine pancreatic secretion

Inhibition of secretin-stimulated pancreatic secretion by glucagon was studied in anesthetized dogs. Two external pancreatic fistulas were prepared in dogs for both simultaneous and separate collection of pancreatic juice secreted by the right and left lobes. Two series of experiments were preformed. In the first, graded doses of glucagon (2.5 to 20 micrograms/kg/hr) were administered against a background infusion of 2 CHR U/kg/hr of secretin. In the second, a constant dose of glucagon (20 micrograms/kg/hr) was given against a background infusion of secretin doubling from 1 to 8 U/kg/hr. Infusion of glucagon was started when flow rate became nearly constant, and continued for 60 minutes in each dose. Glucagon produced the dose-related reduction in flow rate and bicarbonate secretion, but not in amylase secretion. This inhibitory effect was almost the same in size between the right and left lobes. No significant change of plasma secretin was observed during glucagon infusion. Michealis-Menten analysis of the dose in slopes (Km) and similar intercepts of Y-axis (CMR). These results suggest that glucagon inhibits competitively secretin-stimulated pancreatic secretion by acting probably on the same receptor as secretin.

Characterization of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase from rat pancreas, further purification of the catalytic subunit, substrate specificity, effect of the pancreatic heat stable inhibitor

In order to investigate the sequence of events triggered by cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in exocrine pancreatic cells, the identification of the various protein kinases possibly present in this tissue is of major interest. Further analysis of the two cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases previously reported [11] suggests that KI is a degraded form of KII. It is therefore likely that a single holoenzyme is present in exocrine cells. In addition no protein kinase, specifically stimulated by cyclic GMP, has been detected in any fraction obtained in the course of purification of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. A faster and more efficient method than the one previously described [11] allows the purification (5000 times) of the protein kinase catalytic subunit. Analysis of the subunit by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates a molecular weight of 40 000 +/- 1 000. The enzyme phosphorylates specifically histone H2B (Vm = 236 min(-1), Km = 1.15 10(-5) M) and to a lesser extent H2A, H5 and H1 (Vm = 55--77 min(-1), Km 5--25 10(-5) M). Histones H3 and H4 are not phosphorylated. The effect of the heat stable inhibitor, extracted from rat pancreas, on the phosphorylation of H2B has been investigated. The inhibition is of the non competitive type with respect to ATP. The inhibition at various histone concentrations cannot be described by the Michaelis-Menten equation.

Cyclic AMP

Cyclic AMP mediates the effects of many hormones on their target cells. Some of the mechanisms by which this occurs are discussed in this review. The role of cyclic AMP in regulating glycogen metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle is firmly established. Data suggesting that cyclic AMP mediates hormonally stimulated salivary gland amylase secretion, cardiac muscle contractility, smooth muscle relaxation, and platelet aggregation are summarized.

On the secretagogue effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP in the rat exocrine pancreas

DbcAMP greater than or equal to 0.1 mM induces the discharge of exportable enzymes from rat pancreas fragments incubated in vitro. This effect is qualitatively similar to the action of physiological secretagogues acting via hormone receptors: 1) it is accompanied by the appearance of exocytotic images at the acinar cell apex; 2) it is energy dependent but energy supply is low while that required for the carbamylcholine or caerulein response is high and can only be afforded by oxidative phosphorylation; 3) it is calcium dependent, but no alteration of inward or outward calcium movement can be observed; 4) it is altered by agents known to disrupt the microfilamentous microtubular system [41]. However, the secretory response to DbcAMP is quantitatively less than that obtained with hormonal stimuli. A damaging effect of DbcAMP on pancreatic acinar cells is ruled out on histological and biochemical grounds: there is no significant leakage of LDH; protein synthesis, 2-deoxy-D-glucose and L-leucine uptake are unaltered. The secretagogue effect of DbcAMP is reversible, dose-related and specific. It is not mediated by neurotransmitter release or by interaction with their receptors. The evidence presented points to a direct interaction of DbcAMP on the pancreatic acinar cell and suggests the last step of the secretory cycle as the most probable site of action of the nucleotide derivative.

Regulation of amylase release from dispersed pancreatic acinar cells

1. A study has been made of factors influencing release of amylase from dispersed pancreatic acinar cells. 2. In the basal, unstimulated, condition cells released 2-3% of the total amylase present in 30 min. 3. The rate of amylase release was stimulated 50-70% by C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-OP, maximally effective concentration, 3 X 10(-10) M); carbamylcholine (maximally effective concentration, 10(-5 M); secretin (maximally effective concentration greater than 10(-6) M); vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, maximally effective concentration, 10(-8) M); and adenosine 3':5' monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine 3':5' monophosphate (cyclic GMP) as well as their dibutyryl derivatives (maximally effective concentrations, 10(-3) M). 4. The responses to CCK-OP or carbamylcholine were potentiated by secretin, VIP or dibutyryl cyclic AMP. 5. The responses to secretin or VIP were potentiated by CCK-OP, carbamylcholine, or dibutyryl cyclic GMP. 6. There appear to be two pathways for the regulation of amylase release from pancreatic acinar cells: one pathway can be stimulated by cholecystokinin or cholinergic agonists, and the response to these stimuli is mediated by cyclic GMP; the other pathway can be stimulated by secretin or VIP, and the response to these stimuli is mediated by cyclic AMP.

Hormone-induced cyclic guanosine monophosphate secretion from guinea pig pancreatic lobules

Carbamylcholine (30 micronM) increased the concentration of guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) in guinea pig pancreatic lobules about eight-to tenfold over the basal concentration in 30 seconds with a concomitant increase in the rate of amylase secretion. The concentration of cyclic GMP rapidly declined to a plateau value of about 16 percent of the peak level in 10 minutes. Cellular cyclic GMP decreased, mostly because the nucleotide was secreted into medium; cellular adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP), however did not change, nor was this nucleotide secreted into the medium. An immunocytochemical technique showed that cyclic GMP was distributed in the apical plasmalemma membrane and lumen of the pancreas. Carbamylcholine increased the cyclic GMP fluorescence in tha apical plasmalemma membrane within 30 seconds, and in zymogen granules and the plasma membrane in the apical part of acinar cells in 10 minutes. The islets of Langerhans did not show any change in cyclic GMP. Fluorescence of cyclic AMP in pancreatic lobules was not altered by carbamylcholine and was localized along the apical portion of plasmalemma and cytoplasm. Cyclic GMP may thus participate either in the process of exocytosis or in the activation of enzymes secreted from the pancreas.

[The influence of extracellular calcium on volume, enzyme and calcium secretion in the isolated perfused canine pancreas (author's transl)]

1. The kinetics of Ca++ and enzyme secretion are of corresponding pattern as well at hydrokinetic as at ecbolic stimulation. 2. Physiological respectively pathophysiologically relevant changes of perfusate Ca++ concentrations do not influence pancreatic Ca++ secretion. Extracellular Ca++ concentrations beyond 12 mEq/1 initiate an enzyme independent Ca++ secretion. 3. Hydrokinetic or ecbolic stimulated pancreatic secretion do not distinguish in calcium/protein ratio. 4. Basal and stimulated enzyme secretion of isolated perfused canine pancreas remain unaffected by increments of extracellular Ca++ concentrations even at pharmacological values. 5. The stimulated enzyme- and Ca++ secretion remain constant during hypocalcemic perfusate conditions but decrease to basal values in Ca++ free media, rapidly and completely reversible by recalcification of the perfusate. 6. The secretin stimulated volume secretion remains unchanged either by extremely hypercalcemic or Ca++ depleted perfusate conditions.

Rat pancreatic adenylate cyclase. IV. Effect of hormones and other agents on cyclic AMP level and enzyme release

1. The effects of secretin and pancreozymin-C-octapeptide and phosphodiesterase inhibitors on the concentration of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and on the release of enzymes from rat pancreas have been studied. 2. In determininging cyclic AMP by means of the saturation assay of Brown et al. ((1971) Biochem. J. 121, 561-563) it is found essential to purify the pancreatic tissue extract by ion-exchange chromatography prior to the assay. 3. Injection of synthetic secretin or pancreozymin-C-octapeptide in anaesthetized rats in a secretory active dose (0.1 nmol) has no effect on the pancreatic cyclic AMP level. 4. Incubation for up to 10 min of pancreatic slices in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate glucose medium containing 10(-2) M theophylline as phosphodiesterase inhibitor does not result in an increase of the cyclic AMP level. With 10(-2) M 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine as phosphodiesterase inhibitor the level is more than doubled after the first min of incubation and remains constant thereafter. 5. Addition of 3-10(-7) M secretin to slices incubated in the presence of 10(-2) M theophylline causes 84% increase of the cyclic AMP level above control, whereas the addition of 3-10(-7) M pancreozymin-C-octapeptide has no significant effect. In the presence of 10(-2) M 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine the latter hormone causes significant increases of up to 34% above control during 10 min of incubation. Secretin in this condition augments the cyclic AMP level by up to 296% above control during a 10 min incubation period. Addition of secretin and pancreozymin-C-octapeptide together has no greater effect than of secretin alone. 6. A broken cell fraction of rat pancreas contains adenylate cyclase activity which can be stimulated to 457 and 600% above the basal activity by 3-10(-7) M pancreozymin-C-octapeptide and secretin, respectively. Incubation of pancreatic slices with either hormone has no effect on the cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity in the homogenate of these slices. 7. Pancreozymin-C-octapeptide, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine and carbamylcholine cause an elevated release of chymotrypsin from pancreatic slices incubated for 2 h in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate medium, containing 10 mM glucose, while secretin, cyclic AMP and butyric acid have no significant effect. The release of the cytoplasmic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase is also elevated by dibutyryl cyclic AMP, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine and carbamylcholine, but not significantly by pancreozymin-C-octapeptide. 8. The results support the role of cyclic AMP in the action of secretin, and do not exclude a mediating function of this nucleotide in the actions of pancreozymin in rat pancreas.

Secretion of fluid and amylase in the perfused rat pancreas

1. The isolated rat pancreas was perfused with physiological salt solutions of varying composition. Flow of pancreatic juice and output of amylase during rest and after stimulation with pure secretin, pure cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ), caerulein or acetylcholine (ACh) were measured. 2. Basal fluid secretion was abolished replacing perfusion fluid NA+ or Cl- by Tris+ or SO42- respectively. Readmission of Na+ or Cl- caused a transient increase above the normal control level of both fluid and amylase output. Exposure to K+-free solution severely reduced fluid output and K+ readmission resulted in a transient increase in secretory rate. 3. Maximal stimulation with ACh (10(-7) M), CCK-PZ (1-5 X 10(-10) M) or caerulein (10(-10) M) caused marked sustained fluid and amylase secretion. Maximal secretin stimulation (5-7 X 10(-9) M) caused marked sustained fluid but only a small sustained amylase secretion following an initial transient. 4. Under continuous secretin stimulation, replacement of the CO2/HCO3-buffered control fluid by a CO2/HCO3-free Tris buffered solution caused a sharp decrease in pancreatic juice flow. In the absence of extracellular CO2/HCO3-secretin did not evoke fluid or enzyme secretion. In contrast the effects of ACh, CCK-PZ or caerulein were independent on CO2/HCO3-. Monobutyryl cyclic AMP (10(-3) M) caused marked sustained fluid secretion and transient enzyme secretion. The effect was entirely dependent on the presence of CO2/HCO3-in the perfusion fluid. 5. Ouabain (10(-4)-10(-3) M) markedly inhibited both secretin- and caerulein-evoked fluid secretion while caerulein-evoked amylase secretion was hardly affected. Similar findings were made with K+-free solution. 6. The effect of maximal secretin stimulation on amylase secretion was greatly augmented in the presence of a maximally stimulating concentration of caerulein. The effects on fluid secretion of secretin and caerulein were simply additive. The effects of secretin on both amylase and fluid secretion, in the presence of caerulein, were entirely dependent on the presence of CO2/HCO3- in the perfusion fluid. 7. We conclude that two different fluid secretion processes occur in the rat exocrine pancreas. One stimulated by ACh and CCK-PZ, that is independent of extracellular CO2/HCO3- and another stimulated by secretin involving H+ or HCO3-transport. Only the effects of secretin seem to be mediated by intracellular cyclic AMP.

Cyclic AMP

Cyclic AMP is believed to be the intracellular agent which mediates the action of many hormones on their target cell. The mechanisms by which the nucleotide controls glycogen metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle seem to be firmly established. Data relevant to this area of research are selectively reviewed. In addition, the evidence is reviewed for and against a role for cyclic AMP in the regulation of a variety of other cellular functions including: cardiac contractility, smooth muscle relaxation, platelet aggregation, salivary gland amylase secretion, pancreatic exocrine secretion, and gastric acid secretion.

The interaction of secretin with pancreatic membranes

1. 125I-labelled secretin bound rapidly and specifically to membranes from cat pancreas. Binding of labelled hormone was competitively inhibited by unlabelled secretin in the same range of concentrations that stimulated pancreatic adenylate cyclase in these membranes. The dissociation constant of the membrane binding sites for unlabelled secretin as evaluated by these displacement experiments was 4.1-10(-9) M and the number of binding sites 1.0 pmol per mg of membrane protein. 2. Studies using different concentrations of [125I]secretin (at a constant ratio of labelled to unlabelled hormone) revealed a similar value of 4-4-10(-9) M for the dissociation constant. 3. Both the association and dissociation rate constants of [125I]secretin binding were temperature sensitive; the dissociation rate constant increased more rapidly with increase in temperature. The ratio k-1/k+1 (at 22 degrees C) gave a dissociation constant of 3.7-10(-9)M which agrees closely with the figure obtained from equilibrium data. These data indicate that 125I-labelled secretin and unlabelled secretin bind to the same binding site on pancreatic membranes, with high affinity. 4. Unlabelled secretin stimulated pancreatic adenylate cyclase with an apparent Km of 8.4-10(-9) M, while [125I]secretin apparently did not stimulate the adenylate cyclase. Together with the binding data this might suggest that different portions of the secretin molecule are responsible for binding and adenylate cyclase activation. 5. Studies on the specificity of [125I]secretin binding carried out with various peptide hormones (glucagon, human gastrin, pancreozymin and caerulein) which are all inefficient in stimulating pancreatic fluid secretin, showed that these hormones have no influence on the binding of [125I]secretin. In contrast, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, which stimulates pancreatic fluid and bicarbonate secretion, showed a competitive inhibition of secretin binding to the plasma membrane preparation.

A review of macromolecular transport and secretion at the cellular level

This is a review of current information concerning mechanisms involved in transport and secretion of macromolecules in exocrine glands. Emphasis has been placed on information available for pancreatic acinar cells. The review was prompted by the availability of considerable amounts of new information developed during the past several years. Exportable proteins in the pancreatic acinar cells are synthesized on ribosomes attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. Following synthesis, nascent proteins are transported from ribosomes attached to the endoplasmic reticulum into intracisternal spaces bound by the endoplasmic reticulum. The proteins are then carried to the Golgi complex by transitional elements. Zymogen granules are formed in the Golgi complex and migrate to the cell apex. Appropriate stimulation leads to fusion of the zymogen granule membrane and apical plasmalemma followed by a break in the membrane and consequent release of the granule content into the ductules. The extact molecular events involved in the process of secretion are not known. The roles of cAMP and cGMP in pancreatic secretion are supported by indirect evidence only. The role of calcium in secretion is apparent, but further investigation is needed to delineate the exact mechanism of its action. Membrane depolarization and associated ionic fluexes seem to play a significant role.

Calcium ion uptake in isolated pancreas cells induced by secretagogues

1. Secretagogues of pancreatic enzyme secretion: pancreozymin, carbamylcholine, gastrin I, the octapeptide of pancreozymin, caerulein and the Ca2+ ionophore A 23187 stimulate 45Ca uptake into isolated rat pancreatic cells, whereas adrenaline, isoproterenol, secretin, dibutyrylic cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and dibutyrylic cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate have no effect on 45Ca uptake. 2. A graphical analysis of the Ca2+ uptake curves reveals at least two phases: a fast phase, probably due to binding of Ca2+ to the membrane and a slow phase representing Ca2+ transport into cells. Both phases are stimulated by pancreozymin and carbamylcholine. 3. The 45Ca-exchangeable pool size is increased by both carbamylcholine and pancreozymin, whereas a significant increase of total content of cell calcium was too small to be detected. 4. Atropine blocks the stimulatory effect of carbamylcholine completely but not that of pancreozymin. The Ca2+ antagonist D600 blocks the stimulatory effects of both carbamylcholine and pancreozymin only partially. 5. The data suggest that secretagogues of pancreatic enzyme secretion act by increasing the rate of Ca2+ transfer into the cell most probably through an increase of the cell membrane permeability for Ca2+.

Effects of glucagon on pancreatic secretion in the dog

1. The effects of glucagon on the secretion of pancreatic juice were investigated using blood-perfused canine pancreas preparations. 2. Intravenous administration of glucagon (3-30 mug/kg) to the donor dog elicited a dose-dependent increase in pancreatic secretion. Intra-arterial administration of glucagon (10-100 mug) into the perfused pancreas also elicited increased secretion. 3. There were slight increases in amylase concentration of the pancreatic juice with the largest doses of glucagon given by either route. 4. Glucagon-induced secretion was not modified by treatment with phentolamine, propranolol, atropine, guanethidine, tetradotoxin, haloperidol, prostaglandin F2alpha or calcitonin. 5. The results suggest that glucagon acts directly on the exocrine cells of the canine pancreas.

Cellular cyclic nucleotides and enzyme secretion in the pancreatic acinar cell

Cellular levels of cAMP and cGMP were measured in guinea pig pancreatic lobules incubated in vitro, during basal or stimulated secretion. Stimulation with optimal concentrations of carbamylcholine (carbachol) (10(-5) M), pancreozymin (0.1 unit/ml), and caerulein (10(-9) M) resulted within seconds in a sharp rise in cGMP levels, from five to more than 20 times that of basal levels. cAMP levels did not change significantly. cGMP increases were maximal at 2 min then subsided by 4-7 min to a plateau about two to three times that of basal level. This plateau was maintained for the duration of the secretagogue stimulus. Removal of the carbachol stimulus resulted in a rapid decrease in cGMP levels to that of the basal state. The cellular cGMP levels observed within the first 2 min of stimulation correlated closely with the dose of carbachol and the secretory response. Atropine at 10(-4) M blocked the cGMP elevation due to carbachol but not that due to pancreozymin, while carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone, an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, blocked the response to both secretagogues. Similar though less extensive findings were observed using rabbit pancreatic lobules incubated in vitro. High concentrations (10(-2)-10(-3) M) of the dibutyryl and 8-bromo analogues of both nucleotides were effective, though suboptimal, secretagogues. In the case of the cAMP analogues, the secretory response was associated with a rise in endogenous cGMP levels, similar to that observed during suboptimal carbachol stimulation. These findings suggest that cGMP may be an intracellular mediator in the process of stimulus secretion coupling in the acinar cell of the exocrine pancreas.

Purification and properties of cyclic AMP dependent and independent protein kinases from rat pancreas

Three protein kinases Ko, K1, and KII have been extracted from rat pancreas homogenate, Ko is not stimulated by cyclic AMP. K1 is poorly stimulated by cyclic AMP (1.3 times), Ku is highly stimulated (6 times). The specificity of KII with respect to various nucleotides and cyclic nucleotides has been determined. K1 and KII account for the total cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase activity in the homogenate.