Subclasses of cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase and their role in regulating the effects of atrial natriuretic factor

Role of phosphodiesterase 5 in synaptic plasticity and memory

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that break down the phosphodiesteric bond of the cyclic nucleotides, cAMP and cGMP, second messengers that regulate many biological processes. PDEs participate in the regulation of signal transduction by means of a fine regulation of cyclic nucleotides so that the response to cell stimuli is both specific and activates the correct third messengers. Several PDE inhibitors have been developed and used as therapeutic agents because they increase cyclic nucleotide levels by blocking the PDE function. In particular, sildenafil, an inhibitor of PDE5, has been mainly used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction but is now also utilized against pulmonary hypertension. This review examines the physiological role of PDE5 in synaptic plasticity and memory and the use of PDE5 inhibitors as possible therapeutic agents against disorders of the central nervous system (CNS).

8-Substituted Analogues of 3-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy-benzyl)-8-isopropyl- adenine: Highly Potent and Selective PDE4 Inhibitors

3-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxy-benzyl)-8-isopropyl-adenine V11294 (1) has been identified as a lead structure, which selectively inhibits human lung PDE4 (436 nM) and is also active in a number of in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation. Here we describe the synthesis and pharmacology of a series of highly potent 8-[(benzyloxy)methyl]-substituted analogues, with potencies in the range 10-300 nM. In addition, several compounds showed interesting PDE4 subtype specificities, for example, the 3-thienyl derivative 5v, which showed 6-10 nM potency at PDE4B, D3, and D5 and a 20- to 200-fold selectivity over A and D2, respectively.

Pharmacology of a new cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor, V11294

V11294 is a new cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor of the rolipram class. In this report we present the pharmacological profile of V11294. V11294 inhibited PDE4 isolated from human lung with IC(50) 405 nM, compared to 3700 nM for rolipram. In contrast, V11294 inhibition of human PDE3 and PDE5 occurred only at concentrations greater than 100,000 nM. Like rolipram, V11294 inhibited PDE4D more potently than other PDE4 subtypes. V11294, when incubated with human anticoagulated whole blood in vitro, or administered to mice, caused increased cAMP concentration, consistent with inhibition of PDE4. V11294 inhibited lectin-induced proliferation and lipopolysaccharide-induced TNFalpha synthesis by human adherent monocytes in vitro and inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced TNFalpha synthesis in mice. V11294 caused relaxation of guinea pig isolated trachea and inhibited allergen-induced bronchoconstriction and eosinophilia in guinea pigs at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o. In ferrets, V11294 was not emetogenic at doses up to 30 mg/kg, p.o., despite plasma concentration reaching 10-fold the IC(50) for PDE4. In contrast, rolipram induced severe retching and vomiting at 10 mg/kg, p.o. In conclusion, V11294 is an orally active PDE4 inhibitor that exhibits antiinflammatory activity in vitro, and in vivo at doses that are not emetogenic.

KF31327, a new potent and selective inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 5

The effects of KF31327 (3-ethyl-8-[2-(4-hydroxymethylpiperidino)benzylamino]-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-g]quinazoline-2-thione dihydrochloride) on phosphodiesterase 5 (cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase) activity and platelet aggregation were investigated and compared with those of sildenafil, a well-known phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor. KF31327 inhibited phosphodiesterase 5 from canine trachea (K(i)=0.16 nM) more potently than sildenafil (K(i)=7.2 nM). The kinetic analysis revealed that KF31327 was a non-competitive inhibitor. In the presence of nitroglycerin (nitric oxide generator), both compounds inhibited the collagen-induced aggregation of rabbit platelets at less than 0.1 microM, augmenting intracellular cyclic GMP level without affecting cyclic AMP. In contrast, in the absence of nitroglycerin, a higher concentration (10 microM) of KF31327 was required to inhibit platelet aggregation and increased both cyclic nucleotide levels. However, 10 microM sildenafil did not affect aggregation despite elevation of cyclic GMP comparable to that in the presence of nitroglycerin. These results indicate that in the presence of nitroglycerin, the inhibition of platelet aggregation by KF31327 is due to the elevation of cyclic GMP, whereas the mechanism underlying the inhibition without nitroglycerin might be related to a rise in intracellular cyclic AMP.

Increased cGMP phosphodiesterase activity mediates renal resistance to ANP in rats with bile duct ligation

BACKGROUND

Liver disease resulting from common bile duct ligation (CBDL) causes abnormal sodium metabolism that is manifested by resistance to the natriuretic action of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). This resistance is corrected both in vitro and in vivo by zaprinast, a selective inhibitor of a guanosine cyclic-3'-5'-monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5). Several other PDEs with affinity for cGMP are expressed in kidney and could also be involved in this response.

METHODS

We measured cGMP hydrolysis in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cell homogenates from kidneys of sham-operated and CBDL rats and quantitated the amount of PDE5 protein by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation studies. We also characterized ANP responsiveness in vivo of kidneys of anesthetized sham and CBDL rats by measuring sodium excretion before and after volume expansion (VE).

RESULTS

Kinetic analysis of PDE5 activity in homogenates of IMCD cells isolated from kidneys of sham-operated rats indicated a Vmax of 85.3 +/- 1.7 versus 157 +/- 2.9 pmol/mg/min from CBDL rats (P < 0.01), without a difference in Km. Enzyme activity was inhibited competitively by 1,3-dimethyl-6-(2-propoxy-5-methanesulfonylamidophenyl)pyrazol[3,4d]-pyrimidin-4-(5H)-one (DMPPO), a potent and specific inhibitor of PDE5, with an apparent Ki of 4.5 +/- 0.7 and 4.9 +/- 0.7 nmol/L and an IC50 of 6.1 +/- 0.8 and 8.7 +/- 0.7 nmol/L in sham and CBDL rats, respectively (P = NS). DMPPO exhibited very poor inhibitory activity against the calcium-calmodulin-dependent PDE1 in IMCD homogenates from sham rats (Ki 1.3 +/- 0.1 micromol/L and IC50 1.9 +/- 0.2 micromol/L). Western analysis using an antiserum made against bovine lung PDE5 revealed a twofold increase in PDE5 protein in cytosolic extracts from IMCD of CBDL rat kidneys compared with sham-operated controls, and immunoprecipitation studies indicated that the increase in PDE5 protein accounted for the observed increase in cGMP hydrolysis. DMPPO (10 nmol/L) normalized the blunted ANP-dependent cGMP accumulation by IMCD cells from CBDL rats in vitro. Intrarenal infusion of DMPPO (0.5 nmol/min) in CBDL rats corrected both the impaired natriuretic response to VE and the blunted VE-related increase in urinary cGMP excretion from the infused, but not the contralateral kidney.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that renal resistance to ANP in CBDL rats is accompanied by heightened activity of PDE5, which is due largely to an increase in PDE5 protein. Other PDEs could contribute only a minor part to the enhanced cGMP hydrolysis observed in kidneys of CBDL rats. This PDE5-dependent ANP resistance may represent an important contributor to the sodium retention of liver disease.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition enhances vasorelaxation caused by nitroprusside in guinea pig intact heart and isolated aorta

Increased vascular smooth muscle cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP) results in vascular relaxation. The vascular effects of stimulating cGMP production with 10(-8)-10(-4) M nitroprusside (NP) and inhibiting cGMP hydrolysis with 10(-8)-10(-4) M zaprinast (ZAP), a selective type V inhibitor of cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE), were assessed in isolated guinea pig hearts and aortic rings. Coronary flow (CF) IC50 values for NP and ZAP, respectively, were 0.8+/-0.1 x 10(-6) M and 3.6+/-0.1 x 10(-6) M; for coronary sinus pO2 IC50 values were 0.7+/-0.1 x 10(-6) M and 3.7+/-0.1 x 10(-6) M. CF increased by 13+/-2% with 10(-6) NP, and by 12+/-2% with 10(-5) M ZAP; percentage O2 extraction (%O2E) decreased by 17+/-3% with NP and 28+/-4% with ZAP. Together, 10(-6) M NP + 10(-5) M ZAP augmented the increased in CF to 23+/-3% of control, and the decrease in percentage O2 extraction (%O2E) to 40+/-4% of control. Other cardiac effects of NP and ZAP were minimal. In norepinephrine preconstricted aortic rings, the IC50 for relaxation was elicited at 0.4+/-0.1 x 10(-6) M NP and 6.1+/-0.1 x 10(-6) M ZAP. NP given with ZAP gave a logarithmic relation so that IC50 [NP] = -(57 log10 [ZAP]) + 416; R2 = 0.95. NP, 3 x 10(-7) M; ZAP, 3 x 10(-6) M; and NP + ZAP combined increased aortic tissue cGMP by eight-, nine-, and 15-fold, respectively. Inhibiting cGMP hydrolysis may be an effective approach to augment vasorelaxation elicited by cGMP synthesis in the heart.

Contribution of phosphodiesterase isoenzymes and cyclic nucleotide efflux to the regulation of cyclic GMP levels in aortic smooth muscle cells

Involvement of phosphodiesterase isoenzymes (PDEs) in guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) hydrolysis was analyzed in aortic smooth muscle cells. Four families of PDEs were separated from pig aorta: PDE1 (calcium-calmodulin-activated), PDE3 (cGMP-inhibited), PDE4 (adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate [cAMP]-specific), and PDE5 (cGMP-specific). Within this PDE complement, PDE1 and PDE5 mostly contributed to the hydrolysis of cGMP both in the presence and absence of calcium-calmodulin. The role of these isoenzymes in cGMP degradation was analyzed in primary cultures of porcine aortic smooth muscle cells after stimulation with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). Pretreatment with 10 microM zaprinast, a concentration that selectively inhibits PDE5, did not potentiate the SNP- or ANF-induced rise of cGMP, questioning the widespread opinion that only PDE5 accounts for cGMP hydrolysis in this tissue. Further evidence came from experiments assessing the effect of zaprinast or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine at concentrations inhibiting both type 1 and type 5 isoenzymes, in which this potentiation was clearly seen. Contribution of cGMP egression to the control of intracellular cGMP levels after SNP or ANF stimulation was also investigated. Shortly after guanylate cyclase activation, extracellular cGMP levels surpassed intracellular levels. However, comparison of the amounts of cGMP extruded to the extracellular medium with those degraded by PDEs leads to the conclusion that efflux is of relatively minor importance in regulating intracellular cGMP levels. In cells made tolerant to SNP, selective PDE5 inhibition synergistically increased intra- and extracellular cGMP amounts after SNP stimulation. These results indicate a previously undescribed greater relevance of PDE5 after tolerance development in aortic smooth muscle cells.

Effects of zaprinast on renal nerve stimulation-induced anti-natriuresis in anaesthetized dogs

1. We examined whether zaprinast, a putative cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, affects neural control of renal function in pentobarbital-anaesthetized dogs. 2. Renal nerve stimulation (1 Hz, 1 ms duration) reduced urine flow rate, urinary Na+ excretion (UNaV) and fractional excretion of Na+ (FENa) with little change in either renal blood flow (RBF) or glomerular filtration rate (GFR). 3. Intrarenal arterial infusion of zaprinast (10 and 100 micrograms/kg per min) increased basal urine flow rate, UNaV and FENa but not RBF or GFR. Zaprinast infusion (100 micrograms/kg per min) also increased renal venous plasma cGMP concentration and urinary cGMP excretion. 4. Renal nerve stimulation-induced reductions in UNaV and FENa were attenuated during zaprinast infusion, whereas the reduction in urine flow rate was resistant to zaprinast. 5. Renal nerve stimulation increased the renal venous plasma noradrenaline concentration and renal noradrenaline efflux, which remained unaffected during infusion of zaprinast (100 micrograms/kg per min). 6. The results of the present study suggest that zaprinast induces natriuresis and counteracts adrenergically induced antinatriuresis by acting on renal tubular sites in the dog kidney in vivo.

Zaprinast, a type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor, dilates capacitance vessels in anaesthetised rats

The effects of zaprinast (a type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor) on mean arterial pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, mean circulatory filling pressure, arterial and venous resistances were compared to those of sodium nitroprusside in three groups, each of intact or ganglion-blocked, Inactin-anaesthetised rats. In intact rats, zaprinast (1.5, 3.0 mg kg(-1) min(-1)) and sodium nitroprusside (8.0, 64.0,microg kg(-1) min(-1)) dose-dependently reduced mean arterial pressure and arterial resistance, but did not alter cardiac output and venous resistance. Both increased heart rate, with the effect of zaprinast less than that of sodium nitroprusside. Mean circulatory filling pressure was elevated by both doses of zaprinast but only the high dose of sodium nitroprusside. In rats given mecamylamine (3.7 micromol kg(-1), i.v. bolus) and noradrenaline (7.3 nmol kg(-l) min(-1)), zaprinast and sodium nitroprusside elicited dose-dependent reductions in mean arterial pressure, arterial and venous resistances, and mean circulatory filling pressure. Both increased cardiac output, with the effect of zaprinast greater than that of sodium nitroprusside at the low dose. Zaprinast but not sodium nitroprusside reduced heart rate. Our results indicate that zaprinast, similar to sodium nitroprusside, dilates both resistance and capacitance vessels in ganglion-blocked rats infused with noradrenaline to restore vasomotor tone. Zaprinast but not sodium nitroprusside has a direct, negative chronotropic effect on the heart.

Role of phosphodiesterase 4 isoenzyme in alkaline phosphatase activation by calcitonin in porcine kidney LLC-PK1 cells

To confirm the intracellular signal transduction in regulation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity by calcitonin in kidney tubular cells, effects of several inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) on the action of salmon calcitonin in porcine kidney tubular epithelial cells LLC-PK1 were examined. A confluent culture of LLC-PK1 cells was treated with calcitonin and inhibitors in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 0.1% bovine serum albumin, and intracellular cyclic AMP content and ALP activity were measured after incubation for 30 min and 48 hr, respectively. Calcitonin and PDE 4 inhibitors increased cyclic AMP level and ALP activity in the cells, and PDE 4 inhibitors synergistically potentiated the effects of calcitonin. Calcitonin induced ALP activation by treatment for the first 1 hr, as well as continuous treatment for 48 hr, while it never increased the enzyme activity just after 1-hr exposure. Rolipram, an inhibitor of PDE 4 isoenzyme, induced ALP activation by itself and in combination with calcitonin by only a long term treatment (48 hr). The activation of ALP by calcitonin and rolipram each alone and in combination was completely abolished by a PKA inhibitor, H-89. These results confirm that calcitonin induces ALP activation through the cyclic AMP-PKA pathway and that PDE 4 isoenzyme is closely associated with the calcitonin-receptor system and plays a major role in hydrolysis of cyclic AMP produced in the kidney tubular cells.

cGMP and atrial natriuretic factor regulate cell volume of rabbit atrial myocytes

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) reduces the volume of atrial myocytes by inhibiting Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport. We determined the role of cGMP and cAMP in ANF-induced shrinkage by using digital video microscopy to measure cell volume; volumes are reported relative to control. ANF (1 mumol/L) reversibly reduced atrial cell volume from 1.0 to 0.915 +/- 0.005 (mean +/- SEM). This effect was mimicked by 10 mumol/L 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP), which decreased myocyte volume to 0.894 +/- 0.007 with an ED50 of 0.99 +/- 0.05 mumol/L. In contrast, 100 mumol/L 8-bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP) did not affect volume, and activating the cAMP pathway with 100 mumol/L 8-Br-cAMP did not alter the volume decrease caused by 8-Br-cGMP or ANF. Inhibition of Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport with bumetanide (1 mumol/L) also reduced cell volume and prevented further shrinkage on subsequent exposure to 8-Br-cGMP. Similarly, 8-Br-cGMP (10 mumol/L) prevented further shrinkage by ANF. Block of Na(+)-H+ exchange, a participant in volume regulation in other cells, did not alter the response to 8-Br-cGMP. More evidence implicating cGMP was obtained by altering its metabolism. LY83583 (10 mumol/L), a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, blocked ANF-induced cell shrinkage. Zaprinast (100 mumol/L), a cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, markedly potentiated the effect of a threshold concentration of ANF (0.01 mumol/L). The actions of ANF, LY83583, and zaprinast on cGMP levels were verified by radioimmunoassay. These data strongly support the idea that the cGMP cascade is the intracellular signaling pathway responsible for ANF-induced atrial cell shrinkage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibition of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterases augments renal responses to atrial natriuretic factor in congestive heart failure

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), a cardiac peptide hormone with potent natriuretic and vasodilator actions, mediates its biologic responses via increases in intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Recognizing that phosphodiesterases degrade cGMP and that congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by reduced renal responses to ANF, the authors hypothesized that cGMP phosphodiesterases limit the renal actions of exogenous and endogenous ANF in the presence of experimental CHF. In anesthetized dogs with severe CHF and avid sodium retention produced by rapid ventricular pacing, the authors explored the renal actions of M&B 22,948 (Rhône-Poulenc, Essex, UK), an inhibitor of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterases. High-dose intrarenal cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibition (PDI), with minimal effects upon systemic hemodynamics and hormones, significantly enhanced sodium excretion. This occurred primarily by decreasing distal nephron sodium reabsorption while enhancing renal cGMP generation. In separate groups of dogs, low-dose intrarenal cGMP PDI potentiated the actions of exogenous ANF on glomerular filtration and distal nephron sodium reabsorption, leading to enhanced natriuresis in the presence or absence of severe CHF. These studies support a link between ANF and the renal actions of cGMP PDI, and indicate that cGMP phosphodiesterases may contribute to sodium retention in advanced CHF by limiting the renal actions of increased endogenous ANF.

Comparison of the ability of nicardipine, theophylline and zaprinast to restore cardiovascular haemodynamics following inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis

1. The use of pharmacological inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis to treat patients with septic shock is limited by the observation that they cause a fall in cardiac output in some subjects. The aim of this work was to investigate this fall and to test whether it was reversible by subsequent administration of nicardipine, theophylline or the cyclic GMP-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, zaprinast (M&B 22948). 2. In pentobarbitone-anaesthetized pigs, haemodynamic indices were measured before and after intravenous administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in a dose-response protocol (0.2-20 mg kg-1; n = 6) and as a single bolus of 10 mg kg-1 either alone or followed by increasing doses of nicardipine, theophylline or zaprinast (n = 8 in each group). 3. L-NAME caused a dose-dependent rise in systemic vascular resistance and mean systemic arterial pressure and a dose-dependent fall in cardiac output. A single bolus of L-NAME (10 mg kg-1) produced these effects within 15 min. 4. Subsequent administration of nicardipine (0.05-0.2 mg kg-1) caused complete reversal of systemic vasoconstriction and hypertension and in doing so completely restored cardiac output. Theophylline (7.5-10 mg kg-1) partially reversed the rise in systemic vascular resistance and partially restored cardiac output but the effect was small compared to that of nicardipine. Zaprinast (1-5 mg kg-1) had no significant effect on any of these variables. 5. These results suggest that reduced cardiac output following inhibition of NO synthesis is an effect of increased afterload on the heart and is reversible by nicardipine and to a lesser extent by theophylline.These findings may have potential value for those using NO synthase inhibitors to treat patients with septic shock.

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate, phorbol ester, and pertussis toxin effects on atrial natriuretic peptide stimulation of guanylate cyclase in a human renal cell line

We examined adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), pertussis toxin (PT) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, modulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-stimulated cell-membrane guanylate cyclase (ANP-s-GC) activity and ANP stimulation of whole-cell cGMP accumulation (ANP-s-cGMP) in an ANP-receptor-transduction cell model, the human renal cell line (SK-NEP-1). Acute and long-term effects of PMA on PKC isotype activity are different: Acute (20-min) PMA activation of PKC inhibits ANP-s-cGMP and ANP-s-GC; whereas, long-term (36-h) PMA treatment inhibits slightly less by only partially down-regulating PKC activity, the type-III PKC isotype being 36-h resistant. Long-term 10(-7)M PMA treatment of cells neither affected membrane basal GC activity nor ANP-s-GC activity but partially inhibited ATP enhancement of ANP-s-GC. This partial inhibition was completely reversed by the PKC inhibitor H7 and a PKC inhibitory antibody but only partially reversed by the antibody to the catalytic domain of PKC type III. The EC50 for ATP and its non-phosphorylating analog ATP gamma S in the presence of acute PMA inhibition of ANP-s-cGMP was similar (approximately 10(-9)). This enhancement of PMA inhibition was two orders of magnitude more sensitive (EC50 10(-7)M) than inhibition of ANP-s-cGMP that we previously reported for acute PMA treatment of whole SK-NEP-1 cells. The three- to four-fold ATP enhancement of cell membrane ANP-s-GC was not blocked by 12-hour preincubation of cells with 150 ng/mL PT but was completely blocked if 2-x-10(-7)M PMA was then added for 20 minutes, indicating that acute activation of PKC by PMA does not require a functional "G-type" protein. Acute PMA inhibition of ANP-s-cGMP was reversed by permeabilizing SK-NEP-1 cells to a specific PKC inhibitory peptide, further confirming that PMA inhibition was mediated through PKC activation. These data demonstrated that ANP-s-GC and ANP-s-cGMP were modified through non-phosphorylating interactions with ATP, by multiple PMA activatable PKC isoforms, and that neither were affected by PT-sensitive guanine-nucleotide-binding (G)-protein(s).

Relationship between inotropic activity and phosphodiesterase inhibition for flosequinan and milrinone

The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between the positive inotropic response to high concentrations of the vasodilators flosequinan and BTS 53 554 (the sulfone metabolite of flosequinan) and the effect of both compounds on different forms of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. In addition, the relationship between inotropic activity and phosphodiesterase inhibition for the cardiotonic milrinone was also evaluated. All three agents exerted a positive inotropic effect on human cardiac muscle fibers. The concentration of milrinone required to increase cardiac contractility was comparable to the concentration required to inhibit the milrinone-sensitive subclass of cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase (type III phosphodiesterase). However, no such relationship was observed for flosequinan and BTS 53 554. These results suggest that the cardiac response to high concentrations of flosequinan and BTS 53 554 is not mediated by inhibition of type III phosphodiesterase.

Endothelium-dependent and independent relaxation of the rat aorta by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors

1. The effects of selective inhibitors of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) phosphodiesterases (PDEs) were investigated on PDEs isolated from the rat aorta and on relaxation of noradrenaline (1 microM) precontracted rat aortic rings, with and without functional endothelium. 2. Four PDE forms were isolated by DEAE-sephacel chromatography from endothelium-denuded rat aorta: a calmodulin-activated PDE (PDE I) which hydrolyzed preferentially cyclic GMP, two cyclic AMP PDEs (PDE III and PDE IV) and one cyclic GMP-specific PDE (PDE V). The latter was selectively and potently inhibited by zaprinast. The two cyclic AMP PDEs were discriminated by specific inhibitors: one was inhibited by cyclic GMP (PDE III) and by new cardiotonic agents (milrinone, CI 930, LY 195115 and SK&F 94120); the other was inhibited by denbufylline and rolipram (PDE IV). None of these drugs significantly inhibited PDE I. 3. The PDE III inhibitors caused endothelium-independent relaxations of rat aortic rings with the following EC50 values (microM concentration producing 50% relaxation): LY 195115: 3.4, milrinone: 5.7, CI 930; 7.8, SK&F 94120: 14.7. Neither NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 300 microM), an inhibitor of the L-arginine-NO pathway, nor L-arginine (1 mM) modified the effect of PDE III inhibitors. However, methylene blue (10 microM) an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase abolished relaxation induced by PDE III inhibitors except in the case of compound CI 930. 4. The specific PDE IV and PDE V inhibitors both produced endothelium-dependent relaxations which were inhibited by L-NMMA and by methylene blue (10 microM). In the presence of L-NMMA, relaxation was restored by subsequent addition of L-arginine. 5. The relaxant effects of denbufylline and rolipram were studied in the presence of drugs stimulating either adenylate cyclase (forskolin and isoprenaline) or soluble guanylate cyclase (sodium nitroprusside, SNP), or inhibiting PDE III (milrinone). In endothelium-denuded rings, a relaxing effect of both denbufylline and rolipram was found in the presence of milrinone (EC5o values 1.7 and 12 microM, respectively) or SNP (EC50 values 12.3 and 124 microM, respectively), but not in the presence of forskolin or isoprenaline. However in the presence of functional endothelium, relaxations produced by PDE IV inhibitors were significantly potentiated by forskolin, isoprenaline, milrinone and SNP (respective EC50 values for denbufylline: 2, 2, 0.4 and 0.7 microM and for rolipram: 7, 13, 7 and 1.2 microM). 6. These results indicate that the relaxant effects of inhibitors of the cyclic AMP-specific PDE IV are markedly enhanced by cyclic GMP elevating agents and by the PDE III inhibitor milrinone. They support the hypothesis that cyclic GMP enhances cyclic AMP-mediated relaxation, possibly through the inhibition of the cyclic GMP-inhibited PDE III.

Calcium and calmodulin regulate atrial natriuretic factor stimulation of cyclic GMP in a human renal cell line

We examined calcium and calmodulin regulation of atrial natriuretic factor stimulation of particulate-membrane guanylate cyclase (ANF-s-GC) in SK-NEP-1 cells. W7 and trifluoropiperazine, but not W5, inhibited whole cellular ANF-stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation (ANF-s-cGMP). EGTA and LaCl3 decreased ANF-s-GC and calmodulin reversed this inhibition. A23187-induced inhibition of ANF-s-cGMP was only partly reversible by IBMX. H7 or staurosporine counteracted the inhibitory effect of A23187. Calcium inhibited basal and ANF-s-GC. These data suggest that at low concentrations of calcium, ANF-s-GC was calcium-calmodulin dependent but high concentrations of calcium inhibited ANF-s-GC through phosphodiesterase, through inhibition of GC, and probably through protein kinase C.

Phorbol and calcium decreased atriopeptin response in a human renal cell line

We investigated regulation of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)-stimulated cellular cGMP accumulation (ANF-s-cGMP) in an ANF-responsive human renal cell line, SK-NEP-1. Dose-response data indicated that the EC50 for ANF(99-126) was 1.1 x 10(-9) M. Brain natriuretic peptide (10(-6) M) increased cGMP to a level indistinguishable from that of ANF (10(-6) M). [Met-(O)]ANF was only half as potent as ANF, and atriopeptin I (10(-6) M) did not increase cGMP over basal levels. Preincubation of SK-NEP-1 cells with ANF, but not atriopeptin I (API), for two hours or longer, caused a concentration-dependent down-regulation of ANF-s-cGMP. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, and A23187 and its 4-bromo derivative, calcium ionophores, inhibited ANF-s-cGMP in a dose-dependent manner. A23187 inhibition was calcium dependent and promoted net cGMP degradation. Thirty-six hour preincubation with PMA, a procedure used to down-regulate PKC, abolished acute PMA inhibition of ANF-s-cGMP without having an effect on ANF-s-cGMP or on 4-bromo-A23187 inhibition thereof. These data indicate that PKC activation specifically inhibited ANF-s-cGMP but that PKC was not required for ANF-s-cGMP in SK-NEP-1 cells. Thus structurally related ANF peptides, protein kinase C (PKC) activators, calcium ionophores are potential modulators of ANF-s-cGMP in cells from this human renal cell line.

Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases and Ca2+ current regulation in cardiac cells

At least four different isoforms of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are responsible for the hydrolysis of cAMP in cardiac cells. However, their distribution, localization and functional coupling to physiological effectors (such as ion channels, contractile proteins, etc.) vary significantly among various animal species and cardiac tissues. Because the activity of cardiac Ca2+ channels is strongly regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, Ca(2+)-channel current (ICa) measured in isolated cardiac myocytes may be used as a probe for studying cAMP metabolism. When the activity of adenylyl cyclase is bypassed by intracellular perfusion with submaximal concentrations of cAMP, effects of specific PDE inhibitors on ICa amplitude are mainly determined by their effects on PDE activity. This approach can be used to evaluate in vivo the functional coupling of various PDE isozymes to Ca2+ channels and their differential participation in the hormonal regulation of ICa and cardiac function. Combined with in vitro biochemical studies, such an experimental approach has permitted the discovery of hormonal inhibition of PDE activity in cardiac myocytes.