Stimulation of phosphatidylinositol metabolism in the isolated, perfused rat heart

Inositol phospholipids localized to caveolae in rat heart are regulated by alpha1-adrenergic receptors and by ischemia-reperfusion

Postischemic reperfusion of rat or mouse hearts causes generation of inositol (1,4,5)trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] and the initiation of arrhythmias. In the current study we investigated the possibility that the enhanced Ins(1,4,5)P3 generation in postischemic reperfusion was associated with an increased availability of the precursor lipid phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate (PIP2) for alpha1-adrenergic receptor-activated phospholipase C (PLC). Isolated-perfused rat hearts were labeled with [3H]inositol and subjected to ischemia-reperfusion or stimulation with norepinephrine under normoxic conditions. Caveolar fractions were prepared by buoyant density sucrose gradient centrifugation. [3H]PIP2 was concentrated in caveolae, along with Galphaq and PLCbeta1b. Caveolae contained only 27.3 +/- 6.9% (means +/- SE, n = 6) of the total alpha1-adrenergic receptor complement of the heart. These did not migrate to PIP2-containing caveolar fractions with norepinephrine stimulation under normoxic conditions, even though caveolar PIP2 was depleted. In contrast, [3H]PIP2 in caveolae increased during 2 min of reperfusion, independently of norepinephrine release and thus of alpha1-adrenergic receptor activation. The increased PIP2 in the caveolar fractions where signaling proteins are concentrated may be critical for the heightened generation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in early reperfusion.

Catecholamines in cardiac hypertrophy

There has been intense interest in the roles catecholamines may play in compensatory myocardial hypertrophy. This article reviews the following: (1) chronic infusions of catecholamines in experimental animals result in cardiac hypertrophy, but in many of the studies mechanical factors have played a role; (2) experiments using isolated papillary muscles and isolated hearts, stretched isolated myocytes, and denervated hearts in vivo demonstrate that mechanical activity is sufficient to cause increased protein synthesis and cell growth; (3) in neonatal myocyte cell cultures, alpha-adrenergic agonists are powerful stimulants for protein synthesis and cell growth. Beta-adrenergic stimulation of nonmyocyte myocardial cells causes release of a factor that promotes protein synthesis in neonatal myocytes. Either alpha or beta stimulation, probably through different mechanisms, appears to have growth-promoting effects on isolated adult myocytes in culture; (4) alpha stimulation is transduced through the Gq pathway and its activation of phospholipase C, cleavage of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate, and then further through the ras/raf, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase system; (5) transgenic mice with upregulation of catecholamine-related systems have not clarified the independent role of either the alpha- or beta-adrenergic pathway; and (6) observations in humans suggest that mechanical factors predominate in the development and regression of cardiac hypertrophy. Humoral mechanisms, including catecholamines, may play a role, but their quantitative importance has not been determined. It is hypothesized that catecholamines may play a role in transition from the adaptive to the maladaptive state.

Arginine vasopressin increases the rate of protein synthesis in isolated perfused adult rat heart via the V1 receptor

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is known to contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure and hypertension. However, little is known about its effect on the myocardium. The present study was conducted to determine whether AVP directly increases the rate of protein synthesis in isolated, perfused rat heart, and, if so, the mechanism involved. Elevation of the aortic pressure from 60 to 120 mmHg in perfused rat heart accelerated the rate of protein synthesis which was associated with increases in cAMP levels and Ca2+ uptake. AVP (100 microM) increased Ca2+ uptake and accelerated the rate of protein synthesis without a change in cAMP concentration. The latter events were inhibited by OPC-21268 (100 microM), a selective V1 receptor antagonist, or amiloride (100 microM), an inhibitor of the Na+/H+ exchange system. However, increases in cAMP concentrations, Ca2+ uptake, and rates of protein synthesis associated with the elevated aortic pressure were not inhibited by amiloride. Thus, AVP directly increased the rate of protein synthesis via the V1 receptor that is sensitive to amiloride, a mechanism that differs from the cAMP-dependent mechanism that is responsible for the cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload.

Alpha1-adrenergic stimulation induced hypertrophy in protein kinase C down-regulated cultured cardiac myocytes

To examine whether protein kinase C (PKC) activation is essential for the induction of cardiac myocyte hypertrophy caused by alpha1-adrenergic stimulation, we investigated the hypertrophic effect of phenylephrine in PKC down-regulated and non-treated cultured cardiac myocytes obtained from neonatal Sprague-Dawley rat ventricles. The treatment with 10 nmol/L 12-tetra decanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) for more than 2 hours decreased PKC activity by approximately 80% without marked hypertrophy. Phenylephrine increased [14C] phenylalanine (Phe) incorporation in both TPA non-treated and treated cells, 1.54- and 1.71-fold as large as control, respectively. The cell surface area also enlarged in both groups, 1.67- and 1.74-fold, respectively. Thus, phenylephrine induced the similar grade hypertrophy in cultured cardiac myocytes even when PKC was down-regulated. These results suggest that conventional PKC activation may not be essential for mediating myocyte hypertrophy by alpha1-adrenergic stimulation.

Phospholipase D in rat myocardium: formation of lipid messengers and synergistic activation by G-protein and protein kinase C

Activation of phospholipase D (PLD) and phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) by fluoride, to stimulate heterotrimeric G-proteins, and by phorbol esters, to stimulate protein kinase C (PKC), was studied in rat atria. Fluoride and 4beta-phorbol-12beta,13alpha-dibutyrate (PDB), in contrast to 4beta-phorbol-13alpha-acetate (PAc), activated PLD, catalyzing the formation of [3H]-phosphatidylethanol ([3H]-PETH), [3H]-phosphatidic acid ([3H]-PA), choline and sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG). Basal PLD activity was resistant to drastic changes in Ca2+ and to Ro 31-8220, a PKC inhibitor, but was decreased by genistein, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, and increased by vanadate, a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor; both effects were, however, very small. Fluoride-evoked PLD activity was resistant to Ro 31-8220 and to genistein, but was Ca2+-dependent. The rate of fluoride-induced PLD activation was maintained for at least 60 min. In contrast, PDB-mediated PLD activity was blocked by Ro 31-8220 and was resistant to extracellular Ca2+-depletion and desensitized within ca. 15 min. PDB markedly potentiated the fluoride-evoked generation of [3H]-phosphatidylethanol and of choline, but inhibited the formation of [3H]-inositol phosphates ([3H]-IP(1-3)). Ethanol (2%) blocked the PDB-evoked generation of both [3H]-phosphatidic acid and of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol, whereas fluoride-evoked responses were reduced only to approximately 50%. In conclusion, the trimeric G-protein-PLD pathway in heart tissue did not enclose PKC activation and was long-lasting and Ca2+-dependent; there was no evidence for an involvement of tyrosine phosphorylation. However, PKC activation modulated G-protein-coupled PLD and PI-PLC activities in opposite directions. PLD activity significantly contributed to the mass production of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol in the heart. The evidence for a pathophysiological role of PLD activation in cardiac hypertrophy and in ischemic preconditioning is discussed.

L-arginine, a nitric oxide precursor, attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effect of pretreatment with nitric oxide precursor before ischemia on recovery with reperfusion in rat hearts.

METHODS

Isolated rat hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer without (C group) or with 3 mmol/L L-arginine (A group) before 30 minutes of ischemia. The left ventricular function, including heart rate, developed pressure, maximal dp/dt, and coronary flow, were measured before pretreatment and after 10 and 30 minutes of reperfusion. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (by radioimmunoassay), calcium (by absorption spectrophotometry), and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate synthesized from tritiated myo-inositol (by ion-exchange chromatography preceding counting) were measured at the same times and immediately after ischemia.

RESULTS

Recovery of ventricular function was significantly greater in the A group than in the C group. Pretreatment increased postischemic cyclic guanosine monophosphate content compared with the preischemic level (from 1.06 +/- 0.12 to 1.94 +/- 0.09 pmol/mg protein, p < 0.05). No change in cyclic guanosine monophosphate was evident in the C group. In the C group, inositol triphosphate content increased after 10 minutes of reperfusion beyond the preischemic level (from 0.53 +/- 0.023 to 1.15 +/- 0.045 cpm x 10(-3)/gm, p < 0.05) as did calcium at 30 minutes (from 4.12 +/- 0.164 to 6.86 +/- 0.544 mmol/gm dry weight). In the A group, both of these increases were significantly attenuated.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that L-arginine pretreatment may reduce calcium overload by increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate production, which in turn downregulates inositol triphosphate synthesis during reperfusion.

Angiotensin II-induced phosphoinositide production and atrial natriuretic peptide release in rat atrial tissue

The effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) on inositol phosphate (IP) production and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) release was studied in sliced rat atrial tissue. The ability of Ang II (10(-7) M) to stimulate IP accumulation was detected after 1 min of incubation, and the maximal increase was observed at 5 min. In (2-3H) inositol-labeled atrial tissue, Ang II induced the formation of (2-3H) inositol monophosphate (IP1) in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of Ang II (10(-7) M) on IP1 was prevented by losartan (10(-7) M) but was not affected by PD123319 (10(-7) M). Similar effects were observed on Ang II-induced ANP release in the presence of these antagonists. The mechanism of ANP liberation induced by this peptide was independent of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and regulated by nitric oxide (NO). The role of Ca2+ in the effect of Ang II was tested by 1,2-bis (o-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetra (acetoxymethyl) ester (BAPTA-AM; 10(-5) M), a chelator of intracellular Ca2+ that prevented the release of ANP by Ang II stimulation. We concluded that Ang II induced IP production and ANP release through AT1 receptors. Stimulation of ANP release by Ang II was dependent on intracellular Ca2+.

Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate mass content in isolated perfused rat heart during alpha-1-adrenoceptor stimulation

Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) has been proposed to be a second messenger in response to alpha-1-adrenoceptor stimulation also in myocardial cells. We studied the effect of alpha-1-adrenoceptor stimulation (5 x 10(-5) mol/l phenylephrine or 5 x 10(-5) mol/l noradrenaline both in the presence of 10(-6) mol/l timolol) on IP3 mass content in isolated perfused rat hearts. IP3 content was determined by a specific receptor-binding assay-kit (TRK 1000, Amersham) after validating the method. For comparison also the effect of muscarinic stimulation (10(-4) mol/l carbachol in the presence of 10(-6) mol/l timolol) on IP3 content was measured in corresponding preparations. A basal IP3 level of about 75 pmol/mg protein was found. There were no prominent effects of alpha-1-adrenoceptor stimulation on total IP3 content in isolated perfused rat hearts. Phenylephrine gave a statistically significant increase of about 40% at 1/4 min and a statistically significant decrease of about 25% at 4 min after start of exposure. Noradrenaline, however, gave no statistically significant change of IP3 at the time-points studied. Muscarinic stimulation caused a slight, statistically insignificant, increase of IP3 at 1/4 min. The results are compatible with an assumption that agonist stimulation evokes a localized increase of IP3 which may be masked by a relatively high total IP3 mass content. The IP3 peak after phenylephrine coincided with the early positive inotropic phase of the response reported earlier in perfused rat hearts for alpha-1-adrenoceptor stimulation by phenylephrine. Although this might be compatible with a role for IP3 in this early and transient phase, a mediator function of IP3 in the inotropic response is not established.

A new method to measure cardiac inositol levels in intact animals

Inositol levels have been studied in cellular cultures and recently by perfusion of isolated hearts. The study was aimed to assess inositol turnover in rabbit hearts from intact animals. Thirty rabbits were injected i.v. three times (every 12 hr) with 25 microCi/kg of myo-3H-inositol. The rabbits 12 hr after the last injection were killed and the hearts perfused according to Langerdorff technique. Systolic and diastolic ventricular pressures (SVP, DVP), dp/dt, and coronary flow (CFl) were measured. The hearts (n = 14) were perfused under aerobic conditions and 16 hearts under ischemic conditions for 30 min. In addition, 5 hearts were perfused under aerobic conditions for 10 min, and 6 hearts were perfused under ischemic conditions for 10 min. Samples of myocardial tissue were taken from both groups at the end of 10-min and 30-min period of perfusion, and cAMP and inositol phosphates were assayed. The hearts subjected to ischaemia showed changes of cAMP and 3H-inositol. The cAMP was higher in the ischaemic (10 min and 30 min) than the control hearts, 0.22 +/- 0.09 and 0.21 +/- 0.08 versus 0.41 +/- 0.12 and 0.49 +/- 0.11 pmol 10(6) cells, respectively (p < .05, p < .001. The inositol trisphosphate was higher in control than ischemic hearts (10 min, 30 min), 0.42 +/- 0.02 and 0.39 +/- 0.01 versus 0.31 +/- 0.01 and 0.23 +/- 0.02 (percent of radioactivity) respectively, p < .001. Our data suggest that 3H-inositol may be studied by i.v. administration to intact animals. The ischemia was performed to verify the validity of this new technique.

Myocardial contractile response and IP3, cAMP and cGMP interrelationships

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

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

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

The inositol phosphate response to thrombin in rat right atria differs from the response to noradrenaline

Addition of thrombin to isolated [3H]inositol-labelled rat right atria stimulated the release of 3H-labelled inositol phosphates. The thrombin response was smaller than the response to noradrenaline and generated a different spectrum of inositol phosphates. Unlike the inositol phosphate response to noradrenaline, the thrombin response was inhibited by pertussis toxin treatment and by the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 (1-(6-((17 beta-3- methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)amino)hexyl)-1H- pyrrole-2, 5-dione). The data indicate that the thrombin stimulation involves different G-proteins and phospholipase C isoforms from those which couple alpha 1-adrenoceptors in the myocardium.

Regulation of rDNA transcription factors during cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by adrenergic agents

Ribosomal DNA transcription is important to the regulation of cardiomyocyte ribosome content and, as a consequence, the rate of protein synthesis and accumulation during cardiac hypertrophy. We studied the regulation of ribosomal RNA synthesis and the levels of RNA polymerase I and the ribosomal DNA transcription factor, UBF, during norepinephrine-induced hypertrophy of contraction-arrested neonatal cardiomyocytes in culture. Nuclear run-on assays and Western blots demonstrated that, concomitant with hypertrophy, norepinephrine (1 microM) increased the rate of ribosomal DNA transcription, without causing an increase in the amount of RNA polymerase I. However, the elevated rate of rRNA synthesis was accompanied by an increased cellular content of UBF protein as determined by Western analysis. Northern blots demonstrated norepinephrine-induced increases in UBF mRNA in neonatal cardiomyocytes indicating that the response was regulated, at least in part, at the pretranslational stage. Both alpha- and beta-adrenergic agents increased the level of UBF mRNA. The beta-adrenergic response was mimicked by forskolin (1 microM) and the cyclic AMP analog dibutyryl cAMP (10 microM). However, activation of protein kinase C by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (0.1 microM) did not increase expression of UBF. These results implicate UBF as a possible regulatory factor of the accelerated rDNA transcription observed during norepinephrine-mediated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Myocardial inositoltrisphosphate is depressed by dibutyryl cAMP. An experimental study in the isolated working rat heart

A possible interrelation between IP3 and cAMP was studied in rat myocardium through circumvention of the receptor mediated stimulatory step of adenylyl cyclase by the administration of dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP). Changes in IP3 and cyclic nucleotide contents were correlated to changes in contractility after 40 min of beta- and alpha-adrenergic stimulation. Rat hearts (n = 23) were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer in a modified Langendorff apparatus as a working preparation. The hearts were allocated to perfusion as control (n = 6); or with phenylephrine (10(-6) mol L-1, n = 6); (-)-isoproterenol (10(-6) mol L-1, n = 6); db-cAMP (2 x 10(-4) mol L-1, n = 5). All hearts were freeze-clamped after 40 min of perfusion. Phenylephrine produced a slow increase in maxdP/dt reaching a maximal value after 10 min (P < 0.05); thereafter it decreased, reaching the control level at 30 min. Isoproterenol perfusion resulted in an early (20 s) increase in maxdP/dt (P < 0.05). Over the next 10s maxdP/dt decreased markedly reaching an inflection point at 30 s. Thereafter only a slow increase during the rest of the perfusion was seen. Dibutyryl cAMP increased maxdP/dt slowly during the whole perfusion period reaching maximum after 40 min. Cyclic-AMP was increased by 21% after 40 min of phenylephrine perfusion while the corresponding increases by isoproterenol and db-cAMP were 131 and 105%, respectively (P < 0.05). Phenylephrine increased IP3 content to the same extent as isoproterenol perfusion (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Carbachol-induced increase in inositol trisphosphate (IP3) content is attenuated by adrenergic stimulation in the isolated working rat heart

The interrelated responses of concomitant adrenergic and muscarinic receptor stimulation on second messengers and mechanical activity in the isolated perfused working rat heart were studied. The hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer in a modified Langendorff apparatus. The hearts were perfused with noradrenaline (10(-6) mol L-1, n = 20), with carbachol (3 x 10(-7) mol L-1, n = 11) or with noradrenaline plus carbachol (n = 20) in the above-mentioned concentrations. The hearts were frozen at 20 s, 30 s and 40 min after addition of noradrenaline and noradrenaline plus carbachol and at 20 s and 40 min after addition of carbachol. Five hearts were freeze-clamped directly after preperfusion and another five hearts after 40 min of perfusion and used as controls. Myocardial cAMP increased at 20 s and 40 min after noradrenaline perfusion. In contrast to this cAMP was unchanged at 20 s and decreased at 40 min after perfusion with noradrenaline plus carbachol. IP3 content increased after 20 s of carbachol- and after 40 min of noradrenaline perfusion (P < 0.05). However, noradrenaline plus carbachol did not induced any significant increase in IP3 content after 20 s and 30 s, but after 40 min a decrease below basal level was found (P < 0.05). Noradrenaline stimulation attenuated muscarinic agonist induced IP3 formation. A reciprocity existed in that noradrenaline induced IP3 formation was attenuated by carbachol. No direct relationship was observed between the IP3 response and contractility, also valid for cAMP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of ischaemia, reperfusion and alpha 1-adrenergic receptor stimulation on the inositoltrisphosphate receptor population in rat heart atria and ventricles

Binding sites specific for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) have been demonstrated in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles isolated from heart muscle. Scatchard analysis of a binding isotherm indicated a high as well as a low affinity binding site [1]. In this study a comparison was made between InsP3, binding to crude microsomal membranes prepared from rat heart atria and ventricles respectively. Results obtained showed a four-fold higher incidence of binding to atrial membranes. Furthermore, the receptor populations of the atria and ventricles behaved differently during conditions causing fluctuations in tissue InsP3, levels, viz. ischaemia, reperfusion and alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation. Reperfusion, as well as phenylephrine stimulation, caused an increase in InsP3 levels associated with down-regulation of the ventricular InsP3 receptor population while binding to atrial binding sites was elevated. In the ventricular population this down-regulation was the result of a reduction in Bmax alone with no changes in the Kd values of the high- or the low-affinity binding sites. The reason(s) for the differential response of the atrial and ventricular InsP3 receptor populations to changes in InsP3 levels, remains to be established.

Dynamic changes of myocardial inositoltrisphosphate and cyclic nucleotides: relationship to contractile response in the perfused working rat heart after adrenergic and muscarinic agonist stimulation

Initial and late effects by adrenergic and muscarinic agonists on inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and cyclic nucleotide levels were determined and correlated to mechanical response in perfused rat hearts. Forty-three rat hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer in a modified Langendorff apparatus as a working preparation. The hearts were perfused as controls (n = 11), or with noradrenaline (10(-6) mol l-1) (n = 21), or with carbachol (3 x 10(-7) mol l-1) (n = 11) added to the perfusion buffer. The hearts were frozen at 20 s, 30 s and 40 min after addition of noradrenaline and at 20 s and 40 min after addition of carbachol, and after 5 and 45 min of control perfusion. cAMP and cGMP were determined by radioligand methods and IP3 by a combined fast performance liquid chromatography (FPLC)-isotachophoretic method. cAMP increased by 36% within 20 s followed by a decrease (22%) during the 10 s following noradrenaline addition. After 40 min cAMP regained its value near that of 20 s. Noradrenaline perfusion did not influence IP3 levels during the first 30 s although the value at 40 min was significantly higher (59%). IP3 increased (42%) after 20 s of carbachol perfusion followed by a 25% decrease at 40 min. Sustained stimulation of beta-receptors (after 40 min in our model) resulted in a repeated increase in cAMP only, without an increase in contractility.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of milrinone on thromboxane A2 synthesis, cAMP phosphodiesterase and 45Ca2+ uptake by human platelets

The phosphodiesterase inhibitors milrinone and isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) inhibited the conversion of [3H]cAMP to [3H]AMP by washed human platelets in concentration-dependent manners (IC50: milrinone, 2.6 x 10(-6) M; IBMX, 4.6 x 10(-6) M). Milrinone and IBMX increased cAMP levels when stimulated by a single concentration (0.3 microM) of iloprost. EC50:milrinone, 5.6 x 10(-5) M; IBMX, 3 x 10(-5) M. Milrinone was a potent inhibitor of platelet thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthesis when stimulated by median stimulatory doses of collagen (IC50: 3 x 10(-7) M), sodium fluoride (NaF) (a non-specific G protein activator; IC50: 3 x 10(-7) M) and phorbol ester myristate acetate (PMA) (a protein kinase C activator; IC50: 2.2 x 10(-7) M). In contrast, at median stimulatory doses of A23187 and arachidonate there was a marked decrease in the potency of milrinone in inhibiting TXA2 synthesis. Milrinone had a weak inhibitory effect on TXA2 synthesis when elicited by freeze fracturing. In all experiments IBMX was a weaker inhibitor of TXA2 synthesis, although the general pattern of effects was similar to milrinone. Milrinone inhibited both collagen- and adrenaline-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake by human platelets in dose-dependent manners. Since platelet TXA2 synthesis is dependent on Ca2+, and milrinone inhibited 45Ca2+ uptake, it is concluded that milrinone exerts its inhibitory effect on platelet activity, principally through an action on Ca2+ mobilisation/binding to effector proteins (protein kinase C and/or phospholipase A2).

The effect of ischaemia-reperfusion on [3H]inositol phosphates and ins(1,4,5)P3 levels in cardiac atria and ventricles--a comparative study

In this study incorporation of [3H]inositol into inositol phosphates and phosphoinositides as well as tissue Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels of the atria and ventricles of isolated, perfused rat hearts were compared. Although the incorporation of [3H]inositol into the phosphoinositides of atria and ventricles was similar, significantly higher (2-3 fold) incorporation rates into inositol phosphates were observed in atrial tissue. Using a D-myo-[3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3 assay system, the Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels observed in atria from perfused rat hearts were also significantly higher than those obtained under the same experimental circumstances in the ventricles. Since previous studies on whole hearts showed inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol (PI) pathway during ischaemia with an immediate significant stimulation upon reperfusion [12, 20], the effects of ischaemia and 1 min postischaemic reperfusion were also examined separately in atria and ventricles. The results showed that 20 min of global ischaemia significantly depressed Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels as well as incorporation of [3H]inositol into ventricular InsP2 and InsP3. Reperfusion caused an immediate (within 1 min) increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels and also [3H]inositol incorporation into all three cytosolic inositol phosphates in the ventricles. However, the effect of ischaemia and reperfusion on Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels as well as the incorporation of [3H]inositol into the inositol phosphates were less prominent in the atria. It therefore appears that the differential responses of the atria and the ventricles to an oxygen deficiency [41] are also reflected in the differences in PI metabolism during ischaemia-reperfusion.

Isolation of adult cardiomyocytes initiates a return of inositol trisphosphate phosphorylating activity

1. We have previously reported that the addition of noradrenaline to [3H]-inositol-labelled adult rat atria or isolated perfused hearts caused the release of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, which was metabolized by dephosphorylation to inositol-4-monophosphate. Inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate and its dephosphorylation products were not detected. 2. In the current study, the addition of noradrenaline to [3H]-inositol-labelled adult rat cardiomyocytes caused the release of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, which was metabolized in part by phosphorylation to inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate. 3. These results demonstrate that the isolation and culture of rat adult cardiomyocytes initiates enhanced generation of inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate. This change would be expected to enhance the calcium response of the cells to stimulation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

Transcriptional activation of the cardiac myosin light chain 2 and atrial natriuretic factor genes by protein kinase C in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes

A cultured myocardial cell model was used to examine the role of protein kinase C-dependent pathways in the transcriptional activation of two cardiac muscle genes [myosin light chain 2 (MLC-2) and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)] during alpha-adrenergic receptor-mediated hypertrophy. Phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) and the alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine both activate protein kinase C (PKC) and induce 4- to 5-fold increases in the expression of MLC-2 and ANF promoter/luciferase reporter genes with little effect on Rous sarcoma virus/luciferase or minimal prolactin promoter/luciferase genes. To further assess the role of PKC in cardiac gene regulation, PKC expression vectors encoding constitutively activated PKC-alpha or PKC-beta, or a catalytically inactive PKC, were transiently cotransfected with the cardiac promoter/luciferase constructs. Cotransfection of either activated PKC-alpha or PKC-beta cDNA induces the expression of MLC-2 and ANF promoter/luciferase genes and of a reporter gene responsive to the transcription factor AP-1. The Rous sarcoma virus/luciferase and minimal prolactin promoter/luciferase genes are not concomitantly induced by cotransfectin with the PKC genes, indicating specificity of the transcriptional effect. The finding that activated PKC increases cardiac gene transcription suggests that activation of this enzyme may be a proximal signal for coregulation of two cardiac genes, MLC-2 and ANF, during the course of myocardial cell hypertrophy.

Different pathways of inositol phosphate metabolism in intact neonatal rat hearts and isolated cardiomyocytes

In most tissues stimulation of the phosphatidylinositol turnover pathway causes release of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3], which is subsequently metabolized to a wide range of inositol phosphate isomers deriving from both phosphorylation and dephosphorylation reactions. However, addition of noradrenaline to isolated intact neonatal-rat hearts generated only those inositol phosphates produced by dephosphorylation of Ins(1,4,5)P3. Products of the InsP3 kinase pathway were absent from the profiles, except after prolonged stimulation. In contrast, addition of noradrenaline to isolated cultured neonatal-rat cardiomyocytes caused the release of Ins(1,4,5)P3, which was metabolized by both phosphorylation and dephosphorylation pathways to yield a complex range of inositol phosphate isomers, as observed in many other cell types. These differences between the responses in intact tissues and in isolated cell preparations were not caused by the different conditions used for [3H]inositol labelling. Furthermore, results could not be explained by overgrowth of other cell types in the isolated cell preparations. Thus the results demonstrate that the isolation and culture of rat neonatal cardiomyocytes produces alterations in the nature of the phosphatidylinositol turnover pathway.

The role of alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation in inositol phosphate metabolism during post-ischaemic reperfusion

The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of enhanced inositol phosphate metabolism during reperfusion. Inositol phosphate stores were prelabelled by perfusing isolated rat hearts for 1 h with [3H]inositol (1.5 microCi/ml). LiCl (10 mM) and prazosin (0.3 microM) were subsequently added 15 min before (i) 20 min control perfusion; (ii) 20 min normothermic ischaemic cardiac arrest (NICA); (iii) 20 min NICA followed by 1 min reperfusion. The ventricles were freeze-clamped before determination of isotopical incorporation of [3H]inositol into the inositol phosphates (Dowex anion exchange chromatography) and InsP3 levels (Amersham InsP3 assay system). In addition, noradrenaline release into the perfusate was also assessed (HPLC and electrochemical detection). The results showed: (i) increased noradrenaline release into the perfusate immediately after the onset of reperfusion; (ii) significant depression of [3H]inositol incorporation into inositol phosphates and InsP3 levels after 20 min NICA; (iii) reperfusion caused an immediate significant increase in isotopical incorporation of [3H]inositol into inositol phosphates as well as InsP3 levels; (iv) the alpha 1-adrenergic blocker, prazosin (0.3 microM), completely inhibited the reperfusion-induced increase in inositol phosphate metabolism. These observations suggested that increased alpha 1-adrenergic receptor stimulation by noradrenaline might be responsible for the stimulation of ventricular inositol phosphate metabolism during postischaemic reperfusion.

Alpha-adrenergic regulation of phosphoinositide metabolism and protein kinase C in isolated cardiac myocytes

alpha 1-Adrenergic regulation of phosphoinositide metabolism and protein kinase C translocation was studied in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. Exposure of [3H]inositol-labeled myocytes to norepinephrine in the presence of propranolol caused a dose-dependent increase in [3H]inositol phosphates. Norepinephrine also increased the level of membrane-associated protein kinase C from approximately 10% of total activity to 18%, with a dose response similar to that for generation of inositol phosphates. Depolarization of myocytes with 30 mM KCl had no effect on inositol phosphates or membrane-associated protein kinase C but potentiated the effect of submaximal norepinephrine on both parameters. The potentiation of protein kinase C translocation was amplified when extracellular Ca2+ was increased to 4 mM, resulting in membrane association of one-third of the total cellular activity. These data show that activation of protein kinase C occurs during alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation of cardiac myocytes and that elevation of intracellular Ca2+ amplifies this effect at least in part through increased phosphoinositide metabolism.

Lithium increases the alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediated inotropic effect in rat heart

The intracellular mechanisms activated by stimulation of myocardial alpha 1-adrenoceptors are not known. As in several other tissues, however, activation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors in heart has been related to breakdown of phosphoinositides resulting in production of putative intracellular messengers: different inositol phosphates and diacylglycerol. Lithium has been shown to inhibit enzymes hydrolyzing inositol phosphates. In the present paper we report studies on the effect of lithium upon the alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediated inotropic response elicited in electrically driven rat papillary muscles. While there was no shift of the horizontal positioning of the dose-response curve to alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation in the presence of lithium, the alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediated inotropic effect was increased in a concentration dependent manner (0.25 to 3.0 mmol/l lithium). For comparison, the effect of lithium upon the beta-adrenoceptor mediated inotropic response was also studied. At 3.0 mmol/l lithium, the horizontal position of the dose-response curve to beta-adrenoceptor stimulation was shifted significantly to the right (to higher agonist concentrations) and the maximal beta-adrenoceptor mediated inotropic response was slightly although not significantly reduced. Thus the augmenting effect of lithium upon the alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediated response was specific for this receptor type. Although the effect of lithium may be complex, the data are compatible with the hypothesis that the inositol phosphates may be of functional importance during stimulation of myocardial alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

Acute alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation of cardiac protein synthesis may involve increased intracellular pH and protein kinase activity

In the presence of 5 microM-DL-propranolol and in HCO3(-)-containing buffers, 1 microM-adrenaline acutely stimulated protein synthesis by about 25% in the anterogradely perfused rat heart. This stimulation was opposed by low (1-10 nM) concentrations of prazosin, but not by similar concentrations of yohimbine, suggesting involvement of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor. Under the same conditions, adrenaline raised intracellular pH (pHi) by about 0.1 unit. The increase in pHi induced by adrenaline was prevented by 5 nM-prazosin, but not by 5 nM-yohimbine, again suggesting involvement of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor. Since an increase in pHi stimulates protein synthesis in the heart [Sugden & Fuller (1991) Biochem. J. 273, 339-346], the increase in pHi induced by adrenaline may be involved in its stimulation of protein synthesis. Adrenaline also increased phosphocreatine concentrations. As discussed, the increase in pHi induced by adrenaline may be responsible for this effect. Using second-order polynomial regression analysis, we showed that rates of protein synthesis were significantly correlated (P less than 0.0001) with phosphocreatine concentrations. We discuss two possible reasons for this correlation: (i) increases in pHi stimulate protein synthesis and separately raise phosphocreatine concentrations, or (ii) the increase in protein synthesis rates is a consequence of the raised phosphocreatine concentrations induced by the increase in pHi. Rates of protein synthesis were not significantly correlated with ATP/ADP concentration ratios, nor with any of the following: ATP, ADP, AMP or total adenine nucleotide concentrations. In freshly isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes, the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine (1 microM) prevented stimulation of protein synthesis by 0.3 microM-adrenaline (and by 1 microM-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or 1 m-unit of insulin/ml). The results are discussed within a mechanistic framework initiated by stimulation of the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids by alpha 1-adrenergic agonists.

Alteration of 1,2-diacylglycerol content in ischemic and reperfused heart

The myocardial 1,2-diacylglycerol (DG) and phospholipid levels during ischemia and reperfusion were studied in open-chest dogs by means of sequential epicardial minibiopsies, followed by quantification based on mass measurement technique. 1,2-DG level increased as early as 5 min after coronary ligation but decreased at 30 min. Also as early as 2 min after postischemic (35 min) reperfusion, 1,2-DG level increased transiently compared to pre-reperfusion level. Prazosin inhibited these changes significantly. A significant change in the incidence of reperfusion-induced ventricular tachycardia (VT) was not obtained in the prazosin-treated group. However, the 1,2-DG level 2 min after reperfusion was significantly higher in the ischemic myocardium developed reperfusion-induced VT than in the undeveloped one. Phospholipid levels remained unchanged during ischemia and reperfusion. These results suggest that alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation occurs early in ischemia and reperfusion and leads to 1,2-DG accumulation, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of ischemic and reperfusion injury.

Endothelin stimulates phosphatidylinositol turnover in rat right and left atria

The effect of endothelin on phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover has been investigated in isolated rat atria by measuring the generation of inositol phosphates (IPs) following [3H]inositol phospholipid labelling. In the presence of 10 mM LiCl, endothelin caused dose-dependent increases in the accumulations of inositol mono-, bis- and tris-phosphate (IP1, IP2 and IP3) which were maximal at 10(-6) M endothelin. The dose-response relationship was similar in right and left atria, but right atria showed a higher maximal IP response. Endothelin produced a rapid and transient stimulation of IP3 accumulation, which was maximal at 30 s followed by a slower increase which continued linearly past 20 min. During both the initial phase and the sustained phase the only isomer of IP3 present at detectable levels was the 1,4,5-isomer. As with endothelin, responses to noradrenaline also were higher in right atria compared with left atria and showed a biphasic pattern of release of IP3. These data demonstrate that endothelin receptors in rat atria are coupled to stimulation of the PI turnover pathway in an apparently similar manner to alpha 1-adrenoceptors. The PI pathway may be important in mediating the reported cardiac actions of endothelin.

Alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation increases intracellular pH and Ca2+ in cardiomyocytes through Na+/H+ and Na+/Ca2+ exchange

The effects of alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation on intracellular pH (pHi) and Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in isolated rat cardiomyocytes with fluorescence dyes, BCECF and fura-2, respectively. In the presence of 5 or 25 mM HCO3- norepinephrine (NE) increased pHi in a dose-dependent manner. Intracellular alkalinization was inhibited by prazosin and phentolamine but not by yohimbine. NE-induced alkalinization was inhibited in the presence of a Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor (5-(N,N-hexamethylene) amiloride (HMA)), a C kinase inhibitor (H-7) or a calmodulin inhibitor (W-7), or in the absence of extracellular Na+. NE also increased [Ca2+]i following the pHi increase, which was abolished in the absence of extracellular Na+ or Ca2+. This Ca2+ influx was inhibited by HMA but not by diltiazem (10(-5) M). Thus, we conclude that alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation enhances Na+/H+ exchange by activation of C kinase, thereby allowing intracellular alkalinization, and that subsequent activation of Na+/Ca2+ exchange increases Ca2+ influx.

Endothelin stimulates inositol phosphate accumulation in rat right and left atria: a comparison with noradrenaline

1. The effect of endothelin on phosphatidylinositol turnover in rat atria was investigated by measuring the generation of inositol phosphates following [3H]-inositol labelling. 2. In the presence of 10 mmol/L LiCl, endothelin caused dose-dependent increases in the accumulation of inositol mono, bis and trisphosphates which were maximal at 10(-6) mol/L endothelin. The dose-response relationship was similar in right and left atria, but right atria showed a higher maximal inositol phosphate response. 3. Endothelin produced a rapid and transient stimulation of inositol trisphosphate accumulation, which peaked at 15 s followed by a slower increase which continued linearly past 20 min. 4. The time course of inositol trisphosphate release under noradrenaline stimulation showed a similar profile but the maximum stimulation was smaller than endothelin. 5. As with endothelin, responses to noradrenaline also were higher in right atria compared with left atria. 6. These data demonstrate that endothelin receptors in rat atria are coupled to the stimulation of the phosphatidylinositol turnover pathway in an essentially similar manner to alpha 1-adrenoceptors. The phosphatidylinositol pathway may be important in mediating the reported cardiac actions of endothelin.

Effects of pertussis toxin on alpha 1-agonist-mediated phosphatidylinositide turnover and myocardial cell hypertrophy in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes

In neonatal rat ventricular myocytes pretreatment with pertussis toxin did not affect 1 microM (-)-norepinephrine stimulation of inositol phosphates or myocardial cell hypertrophy as measured either by protein radiolabelling or by myocardial cell protein content. Thus guanine nucleotide protein(s) ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin do not play a role in two alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated processes, phosphatidylinositide turnover and induction of myocardial cell hypertrophy.

Characterization of cytoplasmic and membrane-associated phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate phospholipase C activities in guinea pig ventricles

The phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) activity present in the soluble and sarcolemmal enriched membrane fraction from guinea pig hearts was characterized using phosphatidyl [3H]inositol 4,5-biphosphate (PIP2) or phosphatidyl [3H]inositol 4-monophosphate (PIP) as substrates. The PLC activities (cytosolic and membrane associated) were specific for polyphosphoinositides (PIP2 and PIP) since no other phospholipids were hydrolyzed at pH 7.0 under various ionic conditions. Both enzymic activities were Ca2(+)-dependent (half maximal activities were achieved around pCa 5.0). The pH, detergent (deoxycholate), divalent (Ca2+ and Mg2+), and monovalent (Na+ and K+) cation dependencies were very similar between the cytosolic and membrane-associated enzyme activities, using either PIP2 or PIP as substrate. Hydrolysis of the polyphosphoinositides was inhibited in the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, or phosphatidylcholine. Under optimal conditions (pH 7.0, 1 mM Ca2+, 2.5 mM Mg2+, 100 mM Na+ and 0.07% deoxycholate) the specific activities of the cytosolic and membrane-associated enzymes were 19.9 +/- 0.9 and 10.1 +/- 0.9 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively, using PIP2 as substrate. Under the same conditions these activities were 18.1 +/- 1.0 and 8.0 +/- 0.8 nmol/min/mg protein for the cytosolic and membrane fractions, respectively, using PIP as substrate. Based on the similarity of the characteristics of these two PLC enzyme activities, it is suggested that the cytosolic and membrane-associated enzyme forms may be closely related.

On the mechanism of positive inotropic effects of alpha-adrenoceptor agonists

The positive inotropic effect of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine is accompanied by an increase in the presumed second messengers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (1,3,4,5-IP4). Both 1,4,5-IP3 and 1,3,4,5-IP4 sensitize myocardial contractile proteins in chemically skinned fibers. In addition to the Ca++ releasing effect of 1,4,5-IP3 from the sarcoplasmic reticulum the Ca++-sensitizing effect of the inositol phosphates may play a role in alpha 1-adrenergic positive inotropism. In isolated heart muscle preparations from patients with endstage heart failure (due to dilated cardiomyopathy) beta-adrenergic as well as alpha 1-adrenergic effects are reduced compared to preparations from healthy hearts. The reduced beta-adrenergic effects can in part be explained by an increased content of signal transducing G1-proteins. It is tempting to investigate whether other G proteins are also altered in severe congestive heart failure.

Inotropic effect of phenylephrine and myocardial alpha-adrenergic receptor in newborn and adult animals

Developmental changes in the myocardial alpha-receptor density were studied using rabbit, rat and dog hearts. In all species studied, alpha-receptor density in the newborn was greater than in the adult. The inotropic effect of phenylephrine was measured using the isolated arterially perfused heart preparation of rabbit and rat. The heart was stimulated electrically at 40/min. In the presence of propranolol, phenylephrine caused a significant positive inotropic effect which was significantly less in the newborn than in the adult. Since alpha-adrenergic stimulation activates protein kinase C, the inotropic effect of protein kinase C activation was studied in the rabbit and rat using phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). PMA caused a negative inotropic effect and the decrease in contractile function in the newborn was greater than in the adult. These data suggest that myocardial alpha-receptor density decreases and the positive inotropic effect of alpha-agonist increases with development. The reasons for this discrepancy remain unclear but there may be developmental differences in the signal transduction processes of alpha-stimulation. The greater negative inotropy of protein kinase C activation in the premature heart may be one of the mechanisms of the reduced inotropy of alpha-agonist in this age group.

Metabolism of inositol phosphates in alpha 1-adrenoceptor-stimulated and homogenized cardiac myocytes of adult rats

Previous studies demonstrated the accumulation of inositol mono- and poly-phosphates in carbamoylcholine-stimulated cultured cardiac ventricular myocytes of adult rats [Berg, Guse & Gercken (1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1010, 100-107]. Stimulation with noradrenaline (50 microM) in the presence of propranolol (10 microM) led to a time-dependent pattern of inositol mono- and poly-phosphates in cultured cardiac-ventricular myocytes. Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 increased in a rapid initial phase. The degradation products of Ins(1,4,5)P3, namely Ins(1,4)P2 and Ins(4)P, accumulated between 1 and 15 min. Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 was rapidly dephosphorylated to Ins(1,3,4)P3, which was then metabolized to Ins(1,3)P2 and Ins(3,4)P2. The last two InsP2 isomers and their degradation products, Ins(1)P and Ins(3)P (determined as an enantiomeric mixture), increased at extended stimulation periods. To confirm the pathway of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 degradation, homogenates of isolated ventricular myocytes were incubated with [3H]INs(1,3,4,5)P4. The subsequent products were Ins(1,3,4)P3, Ins(3,4)P2, Ins(1,3)P2 and InsP. The effect of noradrenaline was antagonized by prazosin (0.1 microM), but not by yohimbine (0.1 microM), indicating phosphoinositidase activation via the alpha 1-adrenoceptor.

The inotropic effect of endothelin-1 on rat atria involves hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol

Endothelin-1 induces a positive inotropic response in isolated left atria of the rat with an IC50 value of 20 nM. The contractile effect of endothelin is larger than that of other inotropic hormones such as phenylephrine and epinephrine and smaller than that of Bay K8644. In the spontaneously active right atria, endothelin induces a positive inotropic effect with no chronotropic effect. Endothelin does not modify intracellular levels of cAMP under basal conditions or after stimulation with isoproterenol but stimulates the formation of inositol phosphates. Mobilization of inositol phospholipids is observed in the same range of concentrations as for the contractile action of endothelin. The contractile action of endothelin is not mediated by protein kinase C. It is antagonized by blockers of L-type Ca2+ channels, low external Ca2+ concentrations and drugs such as caffeine and ryanodine that interfere with Ca2+ release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Enhanced inositol trisphosphate response to alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation in cardiac myocytes exposed to hypoxia

Myocardial ischemia elicits an enhanced responsivity to alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation and a reversible increase in alpha 1-adrenergic receptor number. In adult cardiac myocytes, alpha 1-adrenergic receptor number increases two- to threefold after 10 min of hypoxia, an increase similar to that seen during ischemia in vivo. To determine whether this increase in alpha 1-adrenergic receptor number leads to an enhanced synthesis of inositol trisphosphate, the intracellular second messenger for the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor, the mass of inositol trisphosphate was quantified by a novel procedure developed in our laboratory that circumvents problems associated with using labeled precursors. The peak increases in inositol trisphosphate levels of three- to fourfold were measured after 30 s of norepinephrine stimulation and exhibited a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 7.9 x 10(-8) M. Hypoxia produced a marked leftward shift in the dose-response curve for the production of inositol trisphosphate in response to norepinephrine stimulation (EC50 = 1.2 x 10(-8) M). Hypoxia also induced a 100-fold reduction in the concentration of norepinephrine required to elicit a threshold increase in inositol trisphosphate (10(-9) M), compared with control normoxic myocytes (10(-7) M). Thus, hypoxia, which increases alpha 1-adrenergic receptor density, also leads to an enhanced production of inositol trisphosphate and could account for the enhanced alpha 1-adrenergic responsivity in the ischemic heart in vivo, which is known to facilitate arrhythmogenesis.

Dilatation of the right atrium stimulates phosphatidylinositol turnover

1. Dilatation of the rat right atria caused a stimulation of the phosphatidylinositol turnover pathway as measured by an increase in the accumulation of inositol phosphates in isolated, perfused hearts. 2. In right atria, increases were detected after 1 min dilatation and maximal increases were observed after 10 min. Dilatation for 10 min caused an increase in inositol monophosphate inositol bisphosphate and inositol trisphosphate from 23.3 +/- 0.9, 15.4 +/- 0.4, and 9.5 +/- 0.3 (mean and s.e.m., n = 7 ct/min per mg tissue) to 74.6 +/- 2.3, 20.2 +/- 1.3 and 13.6 +/- 1.5 (n = 8), respectively (P less than 0.01 for all inositol phosphates.) 3. These results show that the myocardium can respond to dilatation by an activation of the phosphatidylinositol turnover pathway.

Characterization of phospholipase C-mediated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in rat heart ventricles

Phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated degradation of polyphosphoinositides (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP] was found to be present in rat heart ventricular soluble and total membrane fractions (100,000g supernatant and pellet). Distribution of polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C activity between the membrane and soluble fraction was approximately 63 and 33% of total activity, respectively, whereas, phosphatidylinositol (PI) degradation could be detected only in the soluble fraction. Optimal PIP2-PLC activity occurred at a pCa2+ of 4.5. A similar peak in PIP-PLC activity could be demonstrated in soluble and membrane preparations; however, the rate of PIP degradation in the soluble fraction continued to increase at the highest calcium level tested (pCa2+ 3). With the exception of Sr2+, other noncalcium polycations did not support homogenate PIP2-PLC activity. In the presence of Ca2+, addition of Mg2+, La3+, or Sr2+ (10(-3) M) inhibited PIP2-PLC while Mn2+ and Gd3+ stimulated activity. In both the total membrane and soluble fractions, maximal polyphosphoinositide degradation occurs at pH 5.5 and 6.8. The detergents deoxycholate, cholate, and saponin exert a biphasic effect on PIP2-PLC activity (stimulating at lower concentrations and inhibiting at higher concentrations). The deoxycholate effect is observed in both the cytosolic and membrane fractions. Neutral and cationic detergents inhibit PIP2-PLC activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Similar to cytosolic PI-PLC activity, PIP2-PLC appears to depend on intact sulfhydryl groups. In the presence of a mixture of all three inositol phospholipids or the three phosphoinositides plus noninositol phospholipids, polyphosphoinositides are preferentially degraded.

Carbamoylcholine-induced accumulation of inositol mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakisphosphates in isolated cardiac myocytes from adult rats

The effect of carbamoylcholine on the phosphoinositide cycle in isolated ventricular myocytes from adult rats was studied. Separation of the phosphoinositides by high-performance thin-layer chromatography showed a constant ratio of incorporation of myo-[2-3H]inositol into phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol 4-monophosphate and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate of cultured cardiac myocytes after at least 2 h. Carbamoylcholine caused a dose-dependent and time-dependent accumulation of inositol mono-, bis- and trisphosphates, which was antagonized by atropine. Using anion-exchange HPLC the existence of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, inositol 1,3,4-triphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate was confirmed in rat ventricular myocytes. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate accumulated within 20 s, while inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate, inositol 1,4-bisphosphate and inositol monophosphate increased within 5 min.

On the mechanism of muscarinic hydrolysis of choline phospholipids in the heart

In the heart, choline phospholipids were by far the largest fraction (about 50%) of phospholipids, much larger than that of inositol phospholipids (less than 6%) and phosphatidic acid (0.3%). The choline phospholipids (11 mumol/g) maintained a constant efflux of choline of about 1.5 nmol g-1 min-1 into the perfusate. Carbachol (10 microM) rapidly enhanced the choline efflux by a muscarinic mechanism, that was independent of mepacrine, an inhibitor of phospholipase A2, as well as of extracellular Ca2+; the maximum acceleration was reached within 2 min. In contrast, the accumulation of inositol phosphates by carbachol was blocked in the presence of a Ca2+-free perfusion medium. Similar to the carbachol-evoked choline efflux, the increase in tissue content of phosphatidic acid by carbachol was unaffected by infusion of a Ca2+-free, EGTA-containing solution. Sodium oleate (20 microM), an activator of phospholipase D, imitated the effects of carbachol on choline and phosphatidic acid, whereas NaF (5 mM), which has been reported to inhibit phospholipase D, blocked carbachol-evoked efflux of choline. In conclusion, muscarinic receptor stimulation enhanced the hydrolysis of choline phospholipids presumably via activation of phospholipase D. The immediate formation of choline, phosphatidic acid and presumably diacylglycerol is discussed including its possible physiological importance.

Transient accumulation of inositol (1,3,4,5)-tetrakisphosphate in response to alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation in adult cardiac myocytes

To investigate the response to catecholamine stimulation of adult cardiac myocytes and the metabolism of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) and inositol (1,3,4,5)-tetrakisphosphate (IP4), we have employed a procedure developed in our laboratory to directly measure the mass of inositol phosphates after separation of individual isomers of inositol phosphates by high performance liquid chromatography. Control, unstimulated myocytes, contained low levels of inositol (1,4)-bisphosphate (1,4-IP2), inositol (1,3)-bisphosphate (1,3-IP2), inositol (3,4)-bisphosphate (3,4-IP2), inositol (1,3,4)-trisphosphate (1,3,4-IP3), 1,4,5-IP3 and IP4. Stimulation with norepinephrine for 30 seconds produced peak 1,4,5-IP3 and IP4 levels which rapidly returned to basal values by 60 seconds of norepinephrine stimulation. 1,4-IP2, 1,3-IP2 and 1,3,4-IP3 were increased markedly but only after stimulation with norepinephrine for 60 seconds. These results indicate a rapid yet transient increase in 1,4,5-IP3 and IP4 in response to norepinephrine stimulation and are the first quantitative measurements of the isomers of inositol phosphates in cardiac tissue.

Right atrial dilatation increases inositol-(1,4,5)trisphosphate accumulation. Implications for the control of atrial natriuretic peptide release

Stretching the right atrium of isolated perfused [3H]inositol-labelled rat hearts was shown to stimulate the phosphatidyl-inositol turnover pathway as demonstrated by the accumulation of [3H]inositol-(1,4,5)trisphosphate and its degradation products. Stimulation was detectable after 1 min with larger increases observed after 10 or 20 min. These findings demonstrate that the myocardium can respond to dilatation by an activation of the phosphatidylinositol turnover pathway. Such a mechanism has implications for the release of atrial natriuretic peptide following right atrial distention.

An unusual phosphatidylinositol turnover pathway in noradrenaline-perfused rat hearts

1. The phosphatidylinositol turnover pathway has been studied in noradrenaline-perfused rat hearts using anion-exchange high performance liquid chromatography. 2. The active calcium-releasing compound inositol-(1,4,5)trisphosphate was detected together with its degradation products inositol-(1,4)bisphosphate and inositol monophosphate. All these products increased in response to noradrenaline stimulation. 3. At noradrenaline perfusion times from 5 s to 20 min there was no appearance of inositol-(1,3,4,5)tetrakisphosphate or its degradation products: inositol-(1,3,4)trisphosphate or inositol-(1,3) and (3,4)bisphosphates. 4. These data suggest the absence of the inositol-(1,4,5)trisphosphate phosphorylation/dephosphorylation pathway in heart.