Desensitization to parathyroid hormone in the isolated perfused canine kidney: reversal of altered receptor-adenylate cyclase system by guanosine triphosphate in vitro

Role of PTH1R internalization in osteoblasts and bone mass using a phosphorylation-deficient knock-in mouse model

Phosphorylation, internalization, and desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors, such as the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor (PTH1R), are well characterized and known to regulate the cellular responsiveness in vitro. However, the role of PTH1R receptor phosphorylation in bone formation and osteoblast functions has not yet been elucidated. In previous studies, we demonstrated impaired internalization and sustained cAMP stimulation of a phosphorylation-deficient (pd) PTH1R in vitro, and exaggerated cAMP and calcemic responses to s.c. PTH infusion in pdPTH1R knock-in mouse model. In this study, we examined the impact of impaired PTH1R phosphorylation on the skeletal phenotype of mice maintained on normal, low, and high calcium diets. The low calcium diet moderately reduced (P<0.05) bone volume and trabecular number, and increased trabecular spacing in both wild-type (WT) and pd mice. The effects, however, seem to be less pronounced in the female pd compared to WT mice. In primary calvarial osteoblasts isolated from 2-week-old pd or WT mice, PTH and PTHrP decreased phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (pERK1/2), a member of mitogen-activated protein kinase, and cyclin D1, a G₁/S phase cyclin, in vitro. In contrast to WT osteoblasts, down-regulation of cyclin D1 was sustained for longer periods of time in osteoblasts isolated from the pd mice. Our results suggest that adaptive responses of intracellular signaling pathways in the pd mice may be important for maintaining bone homeostasis.

Regulation of PTH1 receptor expression by uremic ultrafiltrate in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells

BACKGROUND

Homologous down-regulation/desensitization of the parathyroid hormone receptor (PTH1R)/adenylate cyclase system has been demonstrated in uremia, and may contribute to parathyroid hormone (PTH) resistance; however, additional studies have shown that parathyroidectomy fails to normalize the down-regulation of the PTH1R. The present studies were designed to test directly, in vitro, the hypothesis that factors circulating in the uremic environment, other than PTH, decrease the response of osteoblastic cells to PTH.

METHODS

Studies were conducted in confluent cultures of UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells. Uremic ultrafiltrate (UUF) was obtained from patients on hemodialysis. Cells were exposed to media containing 50% uremic ultrafiltrate for periods of up to 72 hours. Control cultures were exposed to a buffered salt solution containing a comparable ionic composition to that of the UUF. PTH-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generation was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA), PTH binding and PTH1R mRNA levels were determined by radioligand binding and Northern analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

PTH-stimulated cAMP generation from cultures treated with uremic ultrafiltrate for 48 hours was 1385.8 +/- 183.2 pmol/culture/5 minutes, whereas control cultures generated 2389.5 +/- 271 pmol cAMP/culture/5 minutes (P < 0.05). PTH binding was decreased by 30% in cultures incubated with UUF as compared to controls. The decrease in binding induced by UUF was accompanied by a decrease in PTH1R mRNA levels.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that factors present in UUF decrease PTH-stimulated cAMP generation by a mechanism that involves a decrease in the levels of PTH1R mRNA levels. Thus, the skeletal resistance to PTH in the setting of chronic kidney disease, may be explained, at least in part, by circulating factors other than PTH.

Metabolic acidosis up-regulates PTH/PTHrP receptors in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells

BACKGROUND

Metabolic acidosis results in skeletal demineralization by multiple mechanisms. One of these involves the inorganic phase of bone by which hydrogen ion is buffered by bone carbonate. In addition, the cellular components of bone participate by the induction and repression of several skeletal genes. Previous studies have suggested that the action of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a major regulator of bone turnover, might be altered by acidosis. The present studies were designed to test directly, in vitro, whether acidosis altered the effects of PTH in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells.

METHODS

Studies were conducted in confluent cultures of UMR 106-01 cells in modified Eagle's medium (MEM) with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at pH values varying from 7.4 to 7.1 by addition of HCl. After time periods of 4 to 48 hours, cells were tested for cyclic AMP generation in response to PTH. PTH binding and PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA levels were determined by radioligand binding assay and Northern analysis respectively.

RESULTS

After 48 hours, decreases in pH from 7.4 to 7.1 resulted in a progressive increase in PTH-stimulated cyclic-AMP generation from 1978 +/- 294 to 4968 +/- 929 pmol/culture/5 min (P < 0.05). Basal cyclic AMP concentrations were unchanged. PTH binding increased 1.5- to twofold. Competitive inhibition binding revealed an increase in receptor number supported by up-regulation of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA up to twofold from control levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that metabolic acidosis stimulates the response to PTH in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells by a mechanism that involves an increase in the levels of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA. Thus, the skeletal response to acidosis that includes an increase in bone resorption may result, at least in part, from an increase in PTH/PTHrP receptors leading to an enhanced effect of PTH on bone.

Bone disease in patients with long-term renal transplantation and normal renal function

Renal osteodystrophy may persist during the early years after renal transplantation. However, information on bone status after a successful long-term renal transplantation is limited. We examined biochemical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone histomorphometry in 25 asymptomatic men with normal renal function after 7.5 +/- 5.7 years of a renal transplantation. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) levels and urinary calcium level and cyclic andenosine monophosphate excretion were within normal range in all patients. Serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was elevated in 11 subjects (133.6 +/- 78 pg/mL) and normal in the other 14 subjects (47.9 +/- 13.6 pg/mL). Mean BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck was low in the entire group. However, it progressively increased as time after transplantation increased, approaching normal values after 10 years. Bone histomorphometric analysis showed bone resorption, osteoid volume, and osteoid surface greater than normal range in the majority of patients. Bone formation rate and mineralization surface were low, and mineralization time was delayed in most patients. These lesions were more severe in patients after 3 to 4 years of transplantation but improved with time and approached normal values after a period of 10 years. PTH values did not correlate with bone histological characteristics or BMD. These results show that the bone alterations observed after long-term renal transplantation consist of a mixed bone disease in which features of high bone turnover coexist with altered bone formation and delayed mineralization. These findings may result from the combined effect of preexisting bone disease and immunosuppressive therapy.

Coordinate regulation of PTH/PTHrP receptors by PTH and calcitriol in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells

High levels of PTH result in desensitization of target cells to further stimulation with PTH in vivo and in vitro. While studies in vitro demonstrate that the effect of PTH can be direct, it is also possible that studies in vivo may be complicated by the fact that other potential regulators of PTH action, such as increased levels of calcitriol, may play a role. Thus, we examined the actions of calcitriol and PTH on PTH/PTHrP-receptor expression in confluent cultures of UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells treated with calcitriol, PTH or both hormones for one to three days. Following these treatments, studies of PTH receptor binding, cAMP generation, and steady-state levels of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA were performed. Exposure to PTH resulted in a decrease in PTH stimulated cAMP generation by 88 +/- 2%, and PTH binding by 63 +/- 3%. Levels of PTH/PTHrP-receptor mRNA decreased progressively reaching 20% of control values after three days of PTH (100 nM) treatment. Calcitriol also resulted in a dose and time-dependent decrease in PTH/PTHrP-receptor mRNA, decreasing by 72 +/- 4% after 48 hours. PTH receptor binding and cAMP generation were diminished by 42 +/- 3% and 42 +/- 4%, respectively. Co-incubation of UMR 106-01 cells with submaximal doses of calcitriol and PTH together revealed that the levels of PTH/PTHrP-receptor mRNA were decreased by both hormones together to a greater extent than with either alone. These studies show that both calciotropic hormones, PTH and calcitriol, are potent regulators of PTH/PTHrP-receptor gene expression in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells. Thus, stimulation of calcitriol production by PTH may result in a coordinated down-regulation of PTH receptor expression by these hormones.

Retinoids modulate the effect of PTH and calcitriol on EGF receptor expression in UMR 106-01 cells

Although osteoblast proliferation is a prominent feature of osteitis fibrosa, studies in vitro using osteoblast-like cells have shown that parathyroid hormone (PTH) impairs cell growth. Recent studies in our laboratory have shown that PTH increases epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor expression in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells, and thus, osteoblast proliferation may occur as a result of an enhanced response of the osteoblast to EGF. In the present studies we investigated the effect of calcitriol and the influence of retinoids on the regulation of EGF receptors. Calcitriol increased 125I-EGF binding 2.5-3-fold after 72 hours of incubation and was maximal at a calcitriol dose of 100 nM. Scatchard analysis showed that this effect was due to increased receptor number. In contrast, all-trans retinoic acid or 9-cis retinoic acid alone, even at 10 microM, caused less than a 50% increase in 125I-EGF binding. However, the effect of calcitriol was totally abolished in the presence of all-trans retinoic acid. 9-cis retinoic acid was equivalent with all-trans retinoic acid in this regard. In the presence of either retinoid, the stimulatory effect of PTH was totally eliminated and EGF binding was actually decreased below control values. Additional studies revealed that retinoic acid decreased PTH-stimulated cAMP generation in a dose-dependent manner. These data are consistent with our previous studies which showed that the effect of PTH on the induction of EGF receptors was mediated by a cAMP-dependent mechanism. The inhibition of the calcitriol effect by retinoids is consistent with the requirement of the retinoid-X-receptor (RXR) for binding of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to its target sequences in DNA. These data indicate that EGF receptors in UMR 106-01 cells are up-regulated by PTH and calcitriol and that this process can be modulated by retinoids. Retinoids, therefore, may play a major role in the regulation of osteoblast function by PTH and calcitriol.

Role of protein kinase C on the acute desensitization of renal cortical adenylate cyclase to parathyroid hormone

The mechanisms of adenylate cyclase desensitization to parathyroid hormone are still unclear. Current evidence suggest that the signal generated after PTH binding to receptors results in activation of adenylate cyclase and stimulation of phospholipase C with subsequent activation of protein kinase C. Recent studies have suggested a role of protein kinase C on the regulation of the PTH-dependent receptor-adenylate cyclase system in cultured cells. Therefore, the present studies were conducted to examine the role of protein kinase C on the desensitization of canine renal cortical adenylate cyclase after an acute exposure in vivo to PTH. A group of normal dogs were treated with a single intravenous injection of 1 microgram/k of syn bPTH (1-34) or Nle bPTH (3-34). Ten minutes later, animals were subjected to bilateral nephrectomy and the kidney cortex processed for preparations of basolateral membranes for determinations of adenylate cyclase activity, as well as membrane and cytosolic fractions for analysis of protein kinase C activity. Animals not treated with PTH were used as controls. PTH administration in vivo resulted in a 46.9 +/- 9.3% decrease in maximal adenylate cyclase activity in vitro in response to syn bPTH (1-34) (P < 0.001). Likewise, PTH binding as measured with 125I-Nle8,18,Tyr34-bPTH (1-34)NH2 showed a 40 +/- 3% decrease. This alterations were associated with a marked translocation of protein kinase C from the cytosol to the membrane. Thus, protein kinase C activity in membrane fractions increased from 160.6 +/- 44.8 pmol Pi/min in controls to 500.4 +/- 123 in PTH treated dogs (P < 0.03).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neurotensin binding to human embryonic lung fibroblasts

Several neuropeptides have been shown to regulate the function of cells involved in immune response and inflammation. Neurotensin is a 13 amino acid neuropeptide localized primarily to the nervous system and gut. Neurotensin also stimulates mast cell degranulation and enhances phagocytic and cytolytic capability of macrophages, suggesting that this peptide regulates inflammatory and immune responses. Fibroblasts play an important role in inflammation and tissue healing, and these processes may be regulated by several neuropeptides that have been shown to bind to fibroblasts. However neurotensin receptors have not been identified on fibroblasts. Human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) were examined for binding and biological effects of neurotensin. 125I-neurotensin binding to adherent and confluent human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF), plated in 12mm diameter wells was specific and saturable. Computer-assisted resolution of the binding data demonstrated two classes of binding sites: a high affinity, low capacity site (Kd = 1.6 x 10(-11) M, 19.5 x 10(7) sites/well), and a low- affinity, high-capacity site (Kd = 10(-8) M, 4 x 10(9) sites/well). Neurotensin stimulated immediate, transient, dose-dependent increases of cytosolic calcium in HELF (threshold dose: 10(-11) M), suggesting release of calcium from intracellular stores. The novel finding of neurotensin receptors on fibroblasts provides further support for this neuropeptide's role as a regulator of inflammatory and immune responses.

Desensitization of calcium messenger system in parathyroid hormone-stimulated opossum kidney cells

We have studied the desensitization of the calcium message system to parathyroid hormone (PTH) by monitoring intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in an opossum kidney cell line (OKP). PTH (10(-7) M) caused a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, with an average peak height of 48.7 +/- 4.7% above baseline (n = 32). Cells stimulated with either 10(-7) or 10(-8) M PTH did not respond to a second challenge with a maximal dose (10(-7) M) of the hormone, whereas lower concentrations of PTH (10(-9) M and 10(-10) M) only partially desensitized the cells, since a [Ca2+]i transient of smaller amplitude (12.7 +/- 2.1 and 40.6 +/- 6.2% above baseline, respectively) was observed with a second stimulation. Desensitization developed within 5 min of initial hormone exposure, when PTH receptor binding was not significantly decreased. Maximal reduction of PTH binding sites (37.0 +/- 1.4%) was achieved only after 2 h. Partial desensitization was reproduced by 10(-9) M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) but not by dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, and it was blocked by staurosporine. However, staurosporine had no effect on the complete desensitization induced by high doses of PTH. At 10(-9) M, PTH also caused a time-dependent desensitization of the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) response, with maximal inhibition achieved after 2 h. PMA also decreased the cAMP response to PTH, but its inhibitory effect was less potent than that of 10(-9) M PTH. Therefore PTH induces a dose-dependent homologous desensitization of the Ca2+ message system in OKP cells, independent of receptor occupancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A new method for assessment of cultured cardiac myocyte contractility detects immune factor-mediated inhibition of beta-adrenergic responses

BACKGROUND

Potentially reversible congestive heart failure accompanies disease states associated with an immune cell myocardial infiltrate such as cardiac allograft rejection and inflammatory myocarditis. We therefore examined the hypothesis that immune cells can produce noncytotoxic alterations in cardiac function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A novel system to evaluate cultured cardiac myocyte contractility was developed using neonatal rat cardiocytes grown on human amniotic membrane segments. Spontaneous synchronous cell beating produced macroscopic distortion of these membranes. Movement of free-floating membranes anchored within a perfusion chamber was visualized under low-power microscopy and measured from recordings of the rhythmic displacement of membrane-adherent markers. Additions of graded concentrations of isoproterenol to the perfusate produced up to threefold increases in the initial contractile phase velocity (contractile index), with an EC50 of 10(-7) M. When the extracellular Ca2+ concentration was increased from 0.9 to 3.6 mM, 2.43-fold increases in this index occurred. Myocytes incubated for 72 hours in the presence of dilutions of medium conditioned by activated rat splenic macrophages and lymphocytes exhibited an isoproterenol contractile index inhibited by 62% compared with control cells. In contrast, responses of supernatant-exposed and control cells to increased extracellular Ca2+ concentrations were not significantly different. Parallel studies of increases in myocyte intracellular adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate concentrations in response to isoproterenol stimulation demonstrated correlative inhibition that was specific for exposure to medium conditioned by immune cells.

CONCLUSION

Thus, a new method of in vitro cardiac contractility assessment that has significant advantages over existing systems has been developed and characterized. This new method has enabled description of an inhibitor of cardiac contractile function produced by activated immune cells.

Mechanism of cytokine inhibition of beta-adrenergic agonist stimulation of cyclic AMP in rat cardiac myocytes. Impairment of signal transduction

Studies conducted in our laboratory have demonstrated that activated immune cells produce a soluble inhibitor(s) of cardiac myocyte contractile and cyclic AMP (cAMP) responses to beta-adrenergic stimulation. To examine the mechanism of this effect, metabolic assays were conducted on cultured rat cardiac myocytes incubated in the presence and absence of supernatants harvested from rat activated splenocyte cultures. Intracellular cAMP accumulation in response to isoproterenol was inhibited by up to 74% in a dose-dependent fashion by conditioned media containing soluble cytokines from activated immune cells. By use of myocyte cultures in which contaminating nonmyocyte proliferation was inhibited by nonlethal irradiation, this phenomenon was shown to be independent of mitogenic effects. Isobutylmethylxanthine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, did not ablate cytokine-induced inhibition of cAMP accumulation. Parameters of beta-adrenergic receptor binding and affinity were also unaffected. cAMP suppression was maintained after cholera toxin stimulation of cAMP production via stimulatory G protein ADP-ribosylation. cAMP inhibition was not apparent when cells were stimulated with forskolin, a direct adenylate cyclase activator. Importantly, pertussis toxin treatment significantly ablated cytokine-induced cAMP inhibition. Thus, interference with agonist-occupied beta-adrenergic receptor coupling to adenylate cyclase to produce cAMP and subsequent contractile responses is induced by a factor(s) elaborated by activated immune cells. This interference occurs at the level of signal transduction across the membrane, can be overridden by pertussis toxin, and may involve changes in the coupling of the stimulatory/inhibitory G proteins to adenylate cyclase. These results demonstrate a novel mechanism of cytokine-induced myocyte dysfunction and may have important pathophysiological ramifications in immune-mediated myocardial diseases.

Production of reactive oxygen species by tubular epithelial cells in culture

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of toxic, ischemic and immunologically-mediated renal injury. Although substantial evidence exists for the production of ROS by glomerular cells, little is known about production of these reactive oxygen metabolites by renal tubular cells. We examined the ability of cultured cells from different segments of the rabbit nephron to elaborate ROS. Under basal conditions, cells of the proximal tubule, cortical collecting duct, and papillary collecting duct produced superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide. Exposure to opsonized zymosan or heat-aggregated gamma globulin significantly increased ROS production by all three tubular cell types. The production of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide was time dependent and increased with increasing concentrations of the stimulating factors. These experiments indicate that renal tubular cells have the potential to participate in renal injury via elaboration of highly-reactive oxygen metabolites.

Altered response of adenylate cyclase to parathyroid hormone during compensatory renal growth

The loss of renal mass is associated with functional adaptations in the remaining nephrons to maintain homeostasis. Although parathyroid hormone (PTH) is important in the adaptations to phosphate, the mechanisms are not completely defined. In the present studies we examined the response of the adenylate cyclase system to PTH in renal cortical membranes of rat kidneys ten days after unilateral nephrectomy. The kidneys obtained at the time of the initial nephrectomy were used as controls. Unilateral nephrectomy resulted in contralateral compensatory renal growth, as demonstrated by a 24 +/- 4.7% (P less than 0.01) increase in weight in the remaining kidney. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after unilateral nephrectomy was 62% of the control, while basal fractional phosphate excretion was higher in rats with unilateral nephrectomy (7.7 +/- 2.1% vs. 2.9 +/- 0.8%, P less than 0.05). PTH infusion resulted in a similar increase of fractional phosphate excretion and urinary cAMP in both groups. In the absence of added guanine nucleotides, PTH-dependent adenylate cyclase activity in cortical membranes from kidneys with compensatory growth was decreased as compared to controls (Vmax 807.5 +/- 62.7 pmol cAMP/mg protein/30 min vs. 1,384.8 +/- 116.1, respectively, P less than 0.01). The apparent affinity for PTH stimulation of adenylate cyclase (Kact) was unchanged. Magnesium-dependent adenylate cyclase activity was also decreased in the membranes from kidneys with compensatory growth. However, the kinetics of adenylate cyclase for the substrates ATP-Mg or ATP-Mn were similar.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor inhibit cardiac myocyte beta-adrenergic responsiveness

Reversible congestive heart failure can accompany cardiac allograft rejection and inflammatory myocarditis, conditions associated with an immune cell infiltrate of the myocardium. To determine whether immune cell secretory products alter cardiac muscle metabolism without cytotoxicity, we cultured cardiac myocytes in the presence of culture supernatants from activated immune cells. We observed that these culture supernatants inhibit beta-adrenergic agonist-mediated increases in cultured cardiac myocyte contractility and intracellular cAMP accumulation. The myocyte contractile response to increased extracellular Ca2+ concentration is unaltered by prior exposure to these culture supernatants, as is the increase in myocyte intracellular cAMP concentration in response to stimulation with forskolin, a direct adenyl cyclase activator. Inhibition occurs in the absence of alteration in beta-adrenergic receptor density or ligand binding affinity. Suppressive activity is attributable to the macrophage-derived cytokines interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor. Thus, these observations describe a role for defined cytokines in regulating the hormonal responsiveness and function of contractile cells. The effects of interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor on intracellular cAMP accumulation may be a model for immune modulation of other cellular functions dependent upon cyclic nucleotide metabolism. The uncoupling of agonist-occupied receptors from adenyl cyclase suggests that beta-receptor or guanine nucleotide binding protein function is altered by the direct or indirect action of cytokines on cardiac muscle cells.

Micromolar aluminum levels reduce 3H-thymidine incorporation by cell line UMR 106-01

Aluminum-induced osteomalacia is a frequent complication observed in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. However, it is not known whether there are direct effects of aluminum on osteoblasts, or alternatively, whether the observed changes are due to changes in PTH or other factors. We sought to determine the effect of micromolar levels of aluminum on osteoblasts using a well-defined cell line derived from a 32P induced osteosarcoma of rat, UMR 106-01, which is alkaline-phosphatase positive, responds to PTH, and synthesizes type I collagen. Aluminum exposure was controlled using tissue culture media with [Al ] less than 1 microgram/liter (40 nM), produced by precipitation of aluminum salts at pH 8.5. The effect of defined [Al ], from 20 to 800 micrograms/liter (0.7 to 30 microM), was then determined by adding back aluminum while measuring DNA and protein synthesis. We found that aluminum depressed DNA synthesis, as determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation, by 60%, with half maximal effect at 20 micrograms/liter (740 nM) in cells at a density of 20,000/cm2. Alternatively, protein synthesis, as determined by 3H-leucine incorporation, did not decline, and in some cases increased. However, qualitative analysis of matrix proteins produced with and without 800 micrograms/liter (30 mM) [Al ] showed no differences. Direct measurements of cell number and protein synthesis confirmed these findings. Al does not alter the PTH-induced cAMP response of these cells. Thus, aluminum has a direct effect on cell division, and probably on protein synthesis, in this osteoblast-like cell line. These effects occur at levels of aluminum below those commonly contaminating tissue culture media, and thus are seen reproducibly only in media of defined [Al ].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Separate binding sites for intact PTH 1-84 and synthetic PTH 1-34 in canine kidney

The present studies examine the characteristics of parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor binding in canine basolateral renal cortical membranes using iodinated preparations of intact bovine PTH 1-84 and [Nle8,Nle18,Tyr34] bPTH 1-34 amide. A solid phase lactoperoxidase technique was used to iodinate the bPTH 1-84. The PTH 1-34 analog was iodinated using chloramine T. Both radioligands were purified by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Specific binding of 125I PTH 1-84 reached equilibrium at 3 hours whereas binding of the 125I PTH 1-84 analog reached equilibrium at 45 minutes. Excess bPTH 1-84 resulted in complete inhibition of binding of 125I bPTH 1-84, whereas 22 +/- 1.6% of the bound radioligand remained bound in the presence of excess synthetic bPTH 1-34. These data suggested the possibility of a binding site for the carboxy-terminal region of intact PTH, or binding sites selective for intact hormone. Therefore, additional studies were performed with PTH fragments, PTH 28-53, PTH 35-84, and PTH 53-84. In contrast to previous studies in other systems, these fragments did not result in significant displacement of 125I PTH 1-84. Analysis of binding of 125I PTH 1-84 and 125I [Nle8,Nle18,Tyr34] PTH 1-34 amide, using LIGAND, both indicated a single site model with similar affinities. Thus, the data are consistent either with multiple receptors with similar affinities or a second binding site for bPTH 1-84 on the same receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Desensitization to parathyroid hormone in renal cells from aged rats is associated with alterations in G-protein activity

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity, but not forskolin-sensitive Na+-dependent Ca2+ efflux, was blunted in renal cortical cells from aged rats. PTH-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in renal membranes from senescent rats also declined, but forskolin-stimulated activity did not change. In addition, cholera toxin- and pertussis toxin-stimulated Na+-dependent Ca2+ efflux and cAMP formation were blunted in cells from aged animals. Further, cells from aged rats had decreased Gs-alpha and Gi-alpha proteins, as detected by ADP-ribosylation. These findings would be consistent with the proposal of an age-associated heterologous desensitization that involved the G-proteins. Serum concentrations of iPTH were increased in the old rat, suggesting that the desensitization to PTH in the aging rat represented an adaptive response to prolonged stimulation by the hormone. This hypothesis was supported by the findings that the attenuated PTH-sensitive Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity, cAMP formation, and adenylate cyclase activity in cells from old rats could be reversed by parathyroidectomy. The decreased label in cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylated Gs-alpha and pertussis toxin catalyzed ADP-ribosylated Gi-alpha found in cells from aged rats was also largely negated by the surgery. In conclusion, the results suggest that the age-related blunting in the responses of renal cells to PTH was associated with a deficit in G-protein function and that this alteration could be reversed by removal of the parathyroid gland.

Immune cytokine inhibition of beta-adrenergic agonist stimulated cyclic AMP generation in cardiac myocytes

We hypothesize that reversible depression of cardiac function in cardiac allograft rejection and lymphocytic myocarditis reflects down modulation of the beta-adrenergic receptor system by a soluble product of activated immune cells. Thus, exposure of cultured cardiac myocytes to mixed lymphocyte culture or activated splenocyte supernatants produces 70% inhibition of isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP concentrations (Ki = 5% supernatant) in the absence of gross cellular injury or control media effects. This cAMP suppressive factor is not dialyzable and is ammonium sulfate precipitable. Beta-adrenergic receptor density, binding constant and affinity states are unaffected. These results demonstrate the existence of a cytokine inhibitor of cAMP accumulation that may mediate, in part, depression of cardiac contractility observed when immune cells invade the myocardium.

Role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on the skeletal resistance to parathyroid hormone

Hypocalcemia in chronic renal failure (CRF) has been attributed in part to a skeletal resistance (S.R.) to the calcemic action of parathyroid hormone (PTH) as a consequence of low levels of 1,25(OH)2D3. To further elucidate the role of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the genesis of S.R., the calcemic effect of infusion of synthetic b-PTH 1-34 was examined in dogs before and after 7, 90 and 180 days of CRF. The maximum increment in ionized calcium after the infusion of PTH in the normal dogs was 1.15 +/- 0.13 mg/dl, decreased to 0.84 +/- 0.09 after 7 days, 0.68 +/- 0.1 after 90 days and to 0.66 +/- 0.11 mg/dl after 180 days of CRF. Thereafter, the dogs received 1,25(OH)2D3, 0.5 microgram daily for seven days and the studies were repeated. No improvement in the calcemic response to PTH was observed (0.57 +/- 0.26 mg/100 ml). Subsequently, a parathyroidectomy (PTX) was performed and 24 hours later the studies were repeated. After the infusion of PTH the calcemic response returned to normal (0.93 +/- 0.14 mg/dl). Further studies were performed in a group of four uremic dogs receiving no 1,25(OH)2D3, in which a PTX was performed 24 hours prior to the infusion of PTH. For this group, the increase in serum ionized calcium was 0.99 +/- 0.11 mg/dl. These values were not statistically different from normal dogs. In summary: (1) renal insufficiency was characterized by an abnormal calcemic response to PTH; (2) the administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 did not correct the S.R. to PTH; and (3) PTX performed 24 hours before the infusion of PTH restored the calcemic response to normal. These data suggest that high levels of endogenous parathyroid hormone desensitized the skeleton to the administration of exogenous PTH. These studies indicate that low values of 1,25(OH)2D3 are not directly responsible for the skeletal resistance to PTH in chronic renal failure.

Differences in the response to intact b-PTH I-84 and synthetic b-PTH I-34 in isolated perfused bones from young and adult dogs

Controversy exists over the relative effects of intact b-PTH I-84 and synthetic b-PTH I-34 on the generation of cyclic-AMP (cAMP) by the skeleton. Some experimental models demonstrate that these parathyroid hormone (PTH) peptides are equipotent while other systems show that the synthetic amino-terminal PTH fragment is more potent. The present studies examine the release of cAMP by isolated perfused bone from adult and young dogs in response to intact PTH I-84 and synthetic b-PTH I-34 in order to examine if age is important in determining the response of bone to PTH peptides. The results show that there is a remarkable difference in the release of cAMP between bones from adult and young animals. The release of cAMP in response to synthetic b-PTH I-34 is greater in bones from puppies than in bones from adult dogs. The release of cAMP in response to b-PTH I-84 is minimal in bones from adult dogs which is in agreement with previous studies from our laboratory. In puppies, however, there is a definite response to b-PTH I-84 albeit less than that of synthetic b-PTH I-34.

Receptor-associated resistance to growth hormone-releasing factor in dwarf "little" mice

Anterior pituitaries from the dwarf mouse strain "little" did not release growth hormone or accumulate adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in response to human and rat growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF). Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, as well as the adenylate cyclase stimulators forskolin and cholera toxin, markedly stimulated growth hormone (GH) release. The basis of the GH deficiency in the little mouse may therefore be a defect in an early stage of GRF-stimulated GH release related either to receptor binding or to the function of the hormone-receptor complex.

Bradykinin-induced changes in phosphatidyl inositol turnover in cultured rabbit papillary collecting tubule cells

Rabbit renal papillary collecting tubule cells were isolated as a homogeneous population and grown in primary culture. These cells were maintained in fully defined medium to inhibit fibroblast overgrowth and to facilitate labeling of endogenous inositol phospholipids with myo-[2-3H]inositol with high specific activity. These cells demonstrated the morphology, cyclic AMP responsiveness, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) elaboration, consistent with previous published characterizations. When cells labeled with myo-[2-3H]inositol were stimulated by bradykinin at 10(-7) M, time-dependent and reversible changes in the distribution of inositol polyphosphates were observed. Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and inositol 1,4-diphosphate showed time-dependent and dose-dependent increases to maximal levels of 225 and 223% of control, respectively. These data indicate that the elaboration of inositol polyphosphates is a biochemical correlate to bradykinin stimulation and may play a role in PGE2 release in renal papillary collecting tubule cells.

Effect of renal function on renal responsiveness to parathyroid hormone in primary hyperparathyroidism and chronic renal failure

The effect of renal function on the cyclic AMP (cAMP) response to exogenous parathyroid hormone (PTH) was examined in patients with chronic renal failure (n = 22) and primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 19). In the patients with chronic renal failure there was marked resistance to the effect of exogenous PTH. In primary hyperparathyroidism the cAMP responses were variable; most of the patients with an abnormally small response having impaired renal function. After parathyroidectomy, responsiveness improved to varying degrees. In three patients repeatedly tested up to several months after parathyroidectomy, the recovery of responsiveness was a gradual process which began within days but did not, however, return to normal. Thus, there was an irreversible component to the resistance to PTH in these patients. A strong negative correlation between plasma creatinine and the cAMP response to PTH (P less than 0.001) was found in a group of patients, some with treated primary hyperparathyroidism and some with chronic renal failure. Thus, renal impairment is an important, but probably not the sole, contributory factor involved in the irreversible resistance to the action of PTH in hyperparathyroidism.

Effects of benzyl alcohol on PTH receptor-adenylate cyclase system of canine kidney

In many systems, perturbations of membrane architecture by changes of lipid and phospholipid composition have been shown to alter the activity of membrane-bound enzymes. The present studies examined the effect of benzyl alcohol, an agent that has been shown to increase membrane fluidity, on the parathyroid hormone (PTH)-sensitive adenylate cyclase system of canine kidney. Benzyl alcohol progressively increased basal adenylate cyclase activity up to fourfold and maximal enzyme activity in the presence of PTH, GTP, guanylimidodiphosphate, and sodium fluoride by four- to sixfold. In the presence of 20 mM Mn2+ (no Mg2+), conditions under which enzyme activity is devoid of influence of guanine nucleotides or hormones, benzyl alcohol was without effect. PTH binding was increased by 25% in the presence of benzyl alcohol without a change in binding affinity. Fluorescent polarization studies using diphenylhexatriene showed a decrease in fluorescence anisotropy in the presence of benzyl alcohol. The results suggest that benzyl alcohol facilitates the interaction of the components of the adenylate cyclase system, presumably by increasing membrane fluidity. Alterations of membrane fluidity may be a potent means of regulating hormone sensitive adenylate cyclase activity.

Effect of parathyroid hormone on Na+-dependent phosphate transport and cAMP-dependent 32P phosphorylation in brush border vesicles from isolated perfused canine kidneys

Concentrative uptake of 32Pi induced by the dissipation of a Na+ gradient (overshoot) was demonstrated in brush border membrane vesicles obtained from isolated perfused canine kidneys. Na+-dependent 32Pi transport was decreased in brush border vesicles from isolated kidneys perfused with parathyroid hormone (PTH) for 2 h compared to uptake measured in vesicles from kidneys perfused without PTH. Cyclic AMP-dependent 32P phosphorylation of a 62,000 Mr protein band was demonstrable on autoradiograms of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels of membrane suspensions from kidneys perfused +/- PTH. Evidence that perfusion with PTH resulted in cAMP-dependent phosphorylation in isolated kidneys from parathyroidectomized dogs (decreased cAMP-dependent 32P phosphorylation of the 62,000-Mr band in brush border vesicles) was obtained after 2-h perfusion with PTH. Decreased 32P phosphorylation was not observed if membranes were allowed to dephosphorylate prior to 32P phosphorylation in vitro. We conclude that brush border vesicles from isolated perfused canine kidneys can be used to study the action of PTH on Na+-Pi cotransport in brush border membranes and on cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of the membrane. It is strongly suggested that PTH effects changes in Na+-dependent 32Pi transport in isolated brush border vesicles and changes in 32P phosphorylation of vesicles via a direct action on the renal cortical cell rather than as a consequence of extrarenal actions of the hormone.

Rapid development of renal resistance to low doses of synthetic bovine parathyroid hormone fragment 1-34. Dissociation of urinary cyclic adenosine monophosphate, phosphaturic, and calciuric responses

The designing of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-renal dose-response studies in human beings is complicated by the possibility of rapid homologous receptor down-regulation, a phenomenon that is clearly shown to occur in vitro. Large amounts of PTH given to human subjects as serial injections or prolonged infusions cause decreased urinary 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responses to subsequent PTH doses, but it is uncertain whether lower doses given over shorter periods similarly cause renal tachyphylaxis to PTH action. Thus, in seven water-loaded adults, we infused in ascending order 10, 30, 75, 150, and 300 U of synthetic bovine PTH fragment 1-34 (bPTH 1-34) per 70 kg body wt over 15 min on widely separated days ("separate day administration"). On another day, each subject received all five 15-min doses in ascending order at 75-min intervals ("single day administration"). Urine collection intervals were control, 0-30 min (including the PTH infusion), and 30-60 min. Peak nephrogenous cAMP (NcAMP, nmol/100 ml glomerular filtrate) response was linearly related to the dose of PTH (separate day study, r = 0.94, P less than 0.001; single day study, r = 0.88, P less than 0.001). However, the slope of NcAMP responses plotted against PTH dose for the single day study was only 36% of that derived from separate day administration of the same PTH doses (P less than 0.001). After only 40 U (10 + 30) of bPTH 1-34/70 kg, the NcAMP response to 75 U was reduced 44%, and the effect of 300 U/70 kg, when given as the last of the sequential single day infusions, was 64% less than the response to 300 U of bPTH 1-34 given alone (P less than 0.001). The phosphaturic response (fractional excretion of phosphorus, FEP [percent]) was also linearly related to bPTH 1-34 dose, but combined administration of the PTH infusions on one day increased FEP at each dose identically with the effects of separate day administration. A transient, dose-related, early hypercalciuric response to bPTH 1-34 also occurred, and was of equal magnitude in both protocols. These studies demonstrate that significant blunting of the NcAMP response to bPTH 1-34 occurs rapidly and follows brief exposure to relatively low doses of hormone. In contrast, there is no effect of recent PTH administration on the phosphaturic and early hypercalciuric actions of bPTH 1-34. This seeming dissociation of PTH effects makes unclear the physiologic importance of PTH-induced cAMP tachyphylaxis in the regulation of final PTH actions. In any case, studies of NcAMP responses in which the occurrence of tachyphylaxis would be undesirable should be designed to avoid prolonged or closely spaced administrations of the hormone.

Canine renal receptors for parathyroid hormone. Down-regulation in vivo by exogenous parathyroid hormone

Chronic elevation of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) is associated with decreased target cell responsiveness to PTH. To study the subcellular mechanism of this phenomenon we evaluated PTH receptors and adenylate cyclase activity in renal cortical membranes prepared before and after infusion of bovine parathyroid gland extract (PTE) into thyroparathyroidectomized dogs. PTE infusion resulted in a 53% decrease in the number of high-affinity receptors (P less than 0.01) associated with a 66% decrease in PTH-stimulated adenylate cyclase (P less than 0.01) relative to paired base-line values. Both the equilibrium constant of dissociation (KD) for PTH binding and the concentration of PTH that caused half-maximal stimulation of adenylate cyclase were in the range of 1 to 4 nM, and were unaffected by the PTE infusion. Responsiveness of the renal adenylate cyclase to sodium fluoride was 88% of base-line values. Infusion of the PTE vehicle alone did not affect PTH receptor number or blunt the adenylate cyclase response to PTH. Pretreatment of the membranes made after PTE infusion with guanosine triphosphate (GTP), which is known to produce dissociation of receptor-bound PTH, failed to restore either receptor number or PTH-stimulated adenylate cyclase. This finding was not due to a lack of efficacy of the GTP pretreatment, because identical GTP pretreatment restored PTH binding to base-line values in membranes partially occupied by incubation with PTH in vitro. Thus, simple residual occupancy of PTH receptors by the infused hormone did not appear to account for the observed receptor loss. The results of this study suggest that target cell resistance to PTH in patients with hyperparathyroidism might occur, at least in part, due to down-regulation of PTH receptors by circulating hormone.

Effects of dietary-induced hyperparathyroidism on the parathyroid hormone-receptor-adenylate cyclase system of canine kidney. Evidence for postreceptor mechanism of desensitization

The present studies were designed to examine the consequences of chronic mild elevations of endogenous parathyroid hormone (PTH) in vivo on the PTH receptor-adenylate cyclase system of canine kidney cortex. Hyperparathyroidism was induced in normal dogs by feeding a diet low in calcium, high in phosphorus to the animals for a period of 6-9 wk. This maneuver resulted in a two to threefold increase in the plasma levels of carboxy-terminal immunoreactive PTH. This degree of hyperparathyroidism is similar to that seen in patients with hyperparathyroidism and normal renal function. After 6-9 wk on the diet the animals were killed and basolateral renal cortical membranes prepared for the study of the PTH receptor-adenylate cyclase system in vitro. The dietary hyperparathyroidism resulted in desensitization of the PTH-responsive adenylate cyclase (Vmax 3,648 +/- 654 pmol cyclic (c)AMP/mg protein per 30 min in hyperparathyroid animals vs. 5,303 +/- 348 in normal controls). The Kact (concentration of PTH required for half-maximal enzyme activation) was unchanged. However, PTH receptor binding (125I-norleucyl8-norleucyl18-tyrosinyl34, 125I[Nle8, Nle18, Tyr34] bPTH (1-34) NH2 as radioligand) was not different in the two groups of animals. Thus, dietary hyperparathyroidism resulted in an uncoupling of the PTH receptor-adenylate cyclase system. This defect was not corrected by guanyl nucleotides in vitro, and the effects of guanyl nucleotides on PTH binding and enzyme activation appeared normal. NaF-stimulated enzyme activity was reduced in the hyperparathyroid animals (8,285 +/- 607 pmol cAMP/mg protein per 30 min vs. 10,851 +/- 247 in controls). These data indicate that desensitization of the PTH-responsive adenylate cyclase system of canine kidney as a result of mild chronic elevations of endogenous PTH is due to a postreceptor defect, demonstrable by NaF activation, not corrected by guanyl nucleotides, leading to abnormal PTH-receptor adenylate cyclase coupling.

Cholera-like enterotoxin produced by Campylobacter jejuni. Characterisation and clinical significance

The presence and clinical significance of enterotoxins produced by Campylobacter jejuni were investigated. The supernatant of a prototype virulent strain grown in supplemented medium induced intraluminal fluid secretion in rat ileal loop but not in rabbit ileal loop or the infant mouse assay. It induced elongation and increased intracellular cyclic AMP levels in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Toxin activity was blocked by cholera antitoxin and was destroyed by heat and high or low pH; its molecular weight is in the range 10(4)-10(5) daltons. Toxin production was detected in 24 of 32 C jejuni strains from patients with diarrhoea and 1 of 6 from carriers. Antibody response to autologous C jejuni somatic antigen was investigated in 19 subjects for whom serial serum specimens were available. A fourfold rise was observed in all 10 patients with enterotoxigenic C jejuni diarrhoea, in 1 of 3 patients with non-enterotoxigenic C jejuni, and in none of the symptomless carriers of non-enterotoxigenic strains. These findings demonstrate that C jejuni produces an enterotoxin that may be important in pathogenesis of diarrhoea.