Intracellular Cyclic AMP Accumulation Research Articles

Use of the Cyclic AMP Antagonist, Rp-cAMPS, to Distinguish between Cyclic AMP-dependent and Cyclic AMP-independent Contractile Responses in Rat Ventricular Cardiomyocytes

Conventional inhibitors of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase lack membrane-permeability or selectively, or both. The Rp diastereomer of adenosine cyclic 3′,5′-phosphorothioate, Rp-cAMPS, is a novel membrane-permeable antagonist of cyclic AMP. We have assessed the ability of this compound to distinguish between cyclic AMP-dependent and cyclic AMP-independent contractile responses elicited in ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from the hearts of adult rats. Cardiomyocytes were stimulated to contract at 0.5 Hz in the presence of calcium ion (2 mM) and adenosine deaminase (5 units/ml). Contractile shortening was expressed as maximum shortening relative to prestimulus cell length (δL%). In the presence of a maximally-effective concentration of isoprenaline (100 nM), which acts by a cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism, Rp-cAMPS inhibited the contractile response in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. Following preincubation for 30 min with Rp-cAMPS (100 μM), the contractile response to isoprenaline (100 nM) was 14% of that elicited in the absence of this inhibitor. An incubation time of 30 min was chosen for all subsequent studies. Rp-cAMPS (≤200 μM) inhibited the contractile response to isoprenaline (100 nM) significantly and in a concentration-dependent manner, but failed to inhibit the contractile responses elicited phenylephrine (2 μM) and calcium ion (7 mM) which act by cyclic AMP-independent mechanisms. In the presence of Rp-cAMPs (200 μM), the contractile response to isoprenaline (100 nM) was 24% of that in the absence of inhibitor. Rp-cAMPS was used subsequently to investigate the contractile-coupling mechanisms associated with some novel inotropic agents. Rp-cAMPS (≤200 μM) also inhibited the contractile responses to secretin (20 nM) and VIP (20 nM) significantly. In the presence of Rp-cAMPS (200 μM), the contractile response elicited by secretin (20 nM) was 19% of that in the absence of inhibitor, while that elicited by VIP (20 nM) was abolished completely. Rp-cAMPS (≤200 μM) failed to inhibit the contractile response elicited by CGRP (1 nM).In summary, Rp-cAMPS is a membrane-permeable, selective antagonist of cyclic AMP in ventricular cardiomyocytes and can be used, in conjunction with the bioassay of the intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP, to distinguish between cyclic AMP-dependent and cyclic AMP-independent contractile coupling mechanisms in these cells. On this basis, it is concluded that secretin and VIP elicit contractile responses in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes which are mainly, if not entirely, attributable to cyclic AMP-dependent mechanisms, while the contractile response to CGRP is mediated by a cyclic AMP-independent mechanism.

Molecular and Functional Studies of Inhibitory G Protein in RINm5F Cells

Inhibitory G proteins (G1) play an important role in cell proliferation. In order to characterize G1 proteins in RINm5F (RIN) cells, we first established RIN cells in cell culture. Immunoblot analysis was performed on extracted G proteins using Western blot techniques and a G1-specific antibody. We identified three prominent bands consistent with three distinct inhibitory α subunits of membrane-bound G protein (G1) in RIN cells. In contrast, we identified only one prominent distinct inhibitory α subunit of G protein in an equal quantity of membrane-protein in our control (normal rat pancreas). In several cell types, G1 is known to mediate the inhibitory action of somatostatin on intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation. Therefore, we studied the action of the long-acting analogue of somatostatin, octreotide (SMS), on basal and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine-stimulated cAMP accumulation in RIN cells. SMS did not inhibit cAMP accumulation or tritiated thymidine incorporation into DNA (TTID) in RIN cells. However, when treatment with SMS is supplemented with the nonhydrolyzable analogue of guanine nucleotide, Gpp(NH)p (Gpp), which is known to dissociate G proteins into its constitutive subunits, then SMS + Gpp induced an inhibitory action and significantly reduced cAMP accumulation and TTID. These data are consistent with the concept of qualitatively and functionally altered inhibitory G protein expression in the insulinproducing, islet cell (RINm5F) rat insulinoma tumor cell line. Further study of human tumors will lead to new insights into the clinical implications of G proteinmediated signal transduction in insulinoma.

Neuropeptide Y inhibits adenylyl cyclase activity in rabbit retina.

Neuropeptide Y is known to be present in significant amounts in the retina of most vertebrates, but its physiological actions are largely unknown. We have therefore studied its effects on the intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation in rabbit retina. Neuropeptide Y had no effect on the basal cyclic AMP level but was found to inhibit the forskolin induced cyclic AMP accumulation. There were no differences between the effects of neuropeptide Y 1-36 and neuropeptide Y 13-36 (2.4 x 10(-6) M) suggesting the presence of the Y2 subtype of neuropeptide Y receptor. D-myo-inositol-1,2,6-trisphosphate, a novel neuropeptide Y-antagonist, reduced per se the forskolin induced cyclic AMP production. The pronounced inhibitory effect of neuropeptide Y on the forskolin induced cyclic AMP production was, on the other hand, totally abolished by D-myo-inositol-1,2,6-trisphosphate. The results indicate that neuropeptide Y acts on Y2 receptors in the retina to cause an inhibition of the adenylyl cyclase activity which could be antagonized by D-myo-inositol-1,2,6-trisphosphate. Such an inhibitory action of neuropeptide Y is similar to what has been found in brain tissue, but it has not previously been reported in the retina for neuropeptide Y or any of the other retinal neuropeptides.

Suppression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 release from cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells by basic fibroblast growth factor

We investigated the release of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) from cultured vascular endothelial cells after exposure to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Treatment with human recombinant bFGF of confluent cultures of endothelial cells derived from human umbilical vein resulted in a reduction of the accumulation of PAI-1 antigen (PAI-1:Ag) in the conditioned medium. The suppressive effect of bFGF completely disappeared in the presence of anti-bFGF antibody. The reduction of endothelial PAI-1:Ag release induced by bFGF was suggested to be independent of intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP. On the other hand, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), an inhibitor of the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism, suppressed the spontaneous release of PAI-1:Ag by itself; in the presence of NDGA, bFGF failed to further suppress the PAI-1:Ag release. The effect of bFGF and indomethacin, an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase pathway, was additive on the PAI-1:Ag release. The present data suggest that bFGF reduces the endothelial PAI-1:Ag release via suppression of the putative lipoxygenase pathway which up-regulates a part of the spontaneous PAI-1:Ag release.

Bradykinin-dependent activation of adenylate cyclase activity and cyclic AMP accumulation in tracheal smooth muscle occurs via protein kinase C-dependent and -independent pathways.

Treatment of cultured tracheal smooth-muscle cells (TSM) with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (100 nM) or bradykinin (100 nM) elicited enhanced basal and guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]-triphosphate-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities in subsequently isolated membranes. Combined stimulation of cells was non-additive, indicating that both agents activate adenylate cyclase via similar routes. Both PMA (100 nM) and bradykinin (100 nM) allowed the alpha subunit of Gs to act as a more favourable substrate for its cholera-toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation in vitro. PMA was without effect on intracellular cyclic AMP in control cells. However, constitutive activation of Gs by treatment in vivo with cholera toxin (0.5 ng/ml, 18 h) sensitized the cells to PMA stimulation, resulting in a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation (EC50 = 7.3 +/- 2.5 nM, n = 5). Bradykinin also elicited a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (EC50 = 63.3 +/- 14.5 nM, n = 3). Constitutive activation of Gs resulted in an increased maximal response (10-fold) and potency (EC50 = 6.17 +/- 1.6 nM, n = 3) to bradykinin. This response was not affected by the B2-receptor antagonist, NPC567 [which selectively blocks bradykinin-stimulated phospholipase C (PLC), with minor activity against phospholipase D (PLD) activity]. Des-Arg9-bradykinin (a B1-receptor agonist) was without activity. These results suggest that the receptor sub-type capable of activating PLD may also be stimulatory for cyclic AMP accumulation. Furthermore, pre-treatment of the cells with butan-l-ol (0.3%, v/v), which traps phosphatidate derived from PLD reactions, blocked the bradykinin-stimulated increase in intracellular cyclic AMP. These studies suggest that there may be a causal link between PLD-derived phosphatidate and the positive modulation of adenylate cyclase activity. In support of this, the concentration-dependence for bradykinin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was identical with that of bradykinin-stimulated phospholipase D activity (EC50 = 5 nM). Bradykinin, but not PMA, was also capable of eliciting the inhibition of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity in TSM cells (EC50 > 100 nM) via an unidentified mechanism. These studies indicate that cross-regulation between the cyclic AMP pathway and phospholipid-derived second messengers in TSM cells does not occur as a consequence of PLC-catalysed PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis, but may involve, in part, PLD-catalysed phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis.

Lysophosphatidic acid mimics serum‐induced sensitization of cyclic AMP accumulation

Pretreatment of 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells with serum induces a pronounced increase in subsequent stimulation by forskolin and other agents of intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation, a phenomenon referred to as sensitization (Mol. Pharmacol. 39, 399-406, 1991). Pretreatment of these cells with lysophosphatidic acid induced sensitization to a similar extent as that with serum (approximately fivefold for forskolin stimulation and twofold for isoproterenol and prostaglandin E1 stimulation), with half-maximal effects at approximately 30 nM lysophosphatidic acid. Phosphatidic acid was effective but less potent whereas other lipids were ineffective. Sensitization by serum and by lysophosphatidic acid were almost completely inhibited by pertussis toxin pretreatment and partially inhibited by prolonged phorbol ester exposure to induce protein kinase C down-regulation. Among nine cell lines tested, those that exhibited sensitization with serum showed comparable sensitization with lysophosphatidic acid. The effects of both lysophosphatidic acid and serum were markedly inhibited by treatment with phospholipase B but only minimally altered with phospholipases A2, D, and C. Exposure of cells to phospholipase C alone induced approximately threefold sensitization, but both serum and lysophosphatidic acid were able to induce further three- to fourfold sensitization above that induced by phospholipase C alone. In contrast, the effects of serum and lysophosphatidic acid were not additive with each other. Together these results suggest that lysophosphatidic acid or a closely related compound present in serum is the factor responsible for sensitization of the cyclic AMP pathway.

β-adrenergic signal transduction in fish: interactive effects of catecholamines and cortisol

The elevation of plasma catecholamine levels during acute stress initiates a series of compensatory physiological and biochemical mechanisms to alleviate the disruptive effects of stress on blood oxygen transport. Of particular importance is the β-adrenergic activation of a Na(+)/H(+) antiporter associated with the red blood cell (rbc) membrane. Upon activation, the Na(+)/H(+) antiporter extrudes H(+) from the rbc and the resultant alkalinization of the rbc interior serves to enhance both the affinity and the capacity of haemoglobin O2 binding. The activation of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger is dependent upon the intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP. The extent of cyclic AMP accumulation is determined, in part, by the number and/or affinities of cell surface β-adrenoreceptors. Recent studies have shown that the number of cell surface β-adrenoreceptors are rapidly increased during acute hypoxia and that this phenomenon may explain the enhanced responsiveness of hypoxic rbc's to exogenous catecholamines.In certain instances, plasma catecholamine and cortisol levels rise concurrently. We recently have shown that chronic (10 day) elevation of cortisol levels, in vivo, or short-term (24h) elevation, in vitro, caused significant elevation of internalized β-adrenoreceptors. Upon exposure of the rbc's to hypoxia, these additional receptors are rapidly recruited to the cell surface where they become functionally coupled to adenylate cyclase. Ultimately, therefore, chronic elevation of plasma cortisol levels increases the responsiveness of the rbc to circulating catecholamines. We recently have identified similar enhancement of cell surface β-adrenoreceptors by cortisol and increased physiological responsiveness (glycogenolysis) to catecholamines in trout hepatocytes.Thus, chronic elevation of cortisol levels appears to be generally adaptive for increasing the sensitivity of the β-adrenergic signal transduction system of at least two cell types (rbc's, hepatocytes) involved in the amelioration of acute stress when plasma catecholamine levels rise.

Stereospecificity of rolipram actions on eosinophil cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase

The stereospecificity of rolipram inhibition of particulate cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE IV) from guinea-pig eosinophils has been investigated. (-)-Rolipram (IC50 = 0.22 +/- 0.08 microM) was 2.5-fold more potent than (+)-rolipram (IC50 = 0.58 +/- 0.05 microM) in inhibiting membrane-bound PDE IV. Solubilization of PDE IV with deoxycholate (0.5%) and NaCl (100 mM) increased rolipram stereospecificity [IC50 (-)-rolipram = 0.020 +/- 0.002 microM; IC50 (+)-rolipram = 0.33 +/- 0.07 microM]. Partial purification of this solubilized PDE IV by DEAE-trisacryl anion-exchange chromatography reduced the enantiomeric potency difference compared with the pre-chromatographed activity, with (-)-rolipram (IC50 = 0.20 +/- 0.02 microM) being only 2.9-fold more potent than (+)-rolipram (IC50 = 0.57 +/- 0.14 microM). Vanadate-glutathione complex (V-GSH) stimulated membrane-bound PDE IV activity and increased the potency of (-)-rolipram (IC50 = 0.014 +/- 0.006 microM) but not (+)-rolipram (IC50 = 0.32 +/- 0.07 microM). In intact eosinophils, (-)-rolipram (EC50 = 0.19 +/- 0.02 microM) was 10-fold more potent than (+)-rolipram (EC50 = 1.87 +/- 0.09 microM) in enhancing isoprenaline (10 microM)-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. Strong correlations were demonstrated for displacement of [3H]rolipram binding to brain membranes by several PDE inhibitors and their inhibition of solubilized PDE IV (r = 0.98, P < 0.001, n = 7) and stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation in intact cells (r = 0.98, P < 0.001, n = 6). Rolipram was a relatively weak inhibitor of partially purified pig aortic PDE IV and only slight stereospecificity was exhibited [IC50 (-)-rolipram = 1.47 +/- 0.09 microM; IC50 (+)-rolipram = 2.73 +/- 0.38 microM]. The results indicate the presence of a partially concealed stereospecific site (Sr) on eosinophil PDE IV possibly similar to the high-affinity rolipram-binding site in brain through which rolipram can potently inhibit enzyme activity. This site, which apparently is not present on partially purified pig aortic PDE IV, is concealed in freshly prepared eosinophil membranes but is exposed by solubilization or V-GSH treatment and is important in regulating intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation in intact cells.

Cyclic AMP modulates but does not mediate the inhibition of [ 3H]norepinephrine release by activation of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in cultured rat ganglion cells

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a decrease in cyclic AMP accumulation mediates the inhibition of norepinephrine release in response to alpha-2 adrenergic receptor activation in cultured rat superior cervical ganglion cells. Superior cervical ganglia from neonatal rats were dissociated and cultured on collagen-coated plastic strips. Neurotransmitter release was assessed by measuring the fractional overflow of tritium in superfused cells prelabeled with [ 3H]norepinephrine. Intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation was measured using radioimmunoassay. Electrical field stimulation at 1 Hz, 30 pulses, 1 ms duration at 20 min intervals produced an increase in the fractional overflow of tritium that was composed predominantly of intact [ 3H]norepinephrine. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist UK-14,304 dose-dependently attenuated the increase in fractional tritium overflow elicited by electrical field stimulation. The adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, increased cyclic AMP accumulation in superior cervical ganglion cells and UK-14,304 dose-dependently inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. UK-14,304 had no effect on basal cyclic AMP accumulation or cyclic AMP accumulation during electrical field stimulation. Forskolin (1–10 μM) or the non-hydrolysable cAMP analog, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (1–100 μM), slightly increased basal and dose-dependently potentiated the increase in fractional tritium overflow in response to electrical stimulation. Despite enhancement by forskolin and 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate of fractional tritium overflow caused by electrical field stimulation, UK-14304 (1–10 μM) reduced release to a similar degree as that observed in the absence of forskolin or 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate. These data suggest that in cultured rat superior cervical ganglion cells, stimulation of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors decreases cyclic AMP accumulation when adenyl cyclase is activated. A decrease in cyclic AMP does not mediate the inhibition of [ 3H]norepinephrine release in response to alpha-2 adrenergic receptor activation, although elevations in cyclic AMP can enhance electrically-stimulated release of [ 3H]norepinephrine.

Adenosine receptors on human airway epithelia and their relationship to chloride secretion.

1. We have characterized an adenosine receptor subtype present in human airway epithelial cells by measuring the changes in the intracellular levels of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and the rate of transepithelial Cl- secretion. 2. Primary cultures of human nasal epithelium obtained from excised surgical airway epithelial tissues and the cell lines BEAS39 and CF/T43 derived from human airway epithelium were grown on plastic dishes and labelled with [3H]-adenine for measurement of intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation. Primary cultures were loaded with the calcium indicator fura-2 to measure [Ca2+]i and studied as polarized, ion transporting epithelia on collagen matrix supports for measurement of Cl- secretion. 3. Adenosine analogues stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation with a rank order of potency characteristic of an A2-receptor: 5-N-ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine (NECA) greater than adenosine greater than R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA), 6-N-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) greater than S-PIA. NECA increased cyclic AMP accumulation in normal and cystic fibrosis (CF) primary cells as well as in the CF/T43 and BEAS39 cell lines with K0.5 values ranging from 0.3 to 3 microM. Preincubation with NECA resulted in the homologous desensitization of airway epithelial cells. The effect of NECA was specifically inhibited by the adenosine receptor antagonist, aminophylline, in a competitive manner. 4. The A1-adenosine receptor agonists CPA and R-PIA did not inhibit isoprenaline-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in CF/T43 cells, and potentiating effects of the adenosine analogues were observed on forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. Adenosine analogues did not cause significant changes in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in airway epithelium.5. Adenosine analogues, applied to either the serosal or mucosal side of the polarized amiloride pretreated primary cultures, induced changes in I,, with a rank order of potency of agonists similar to that observed for stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation. Intracellular microelectrode studies indicated that the locus of action was the apical membrane Cl- conductance. Adenosine failed to stimulate C1- secretion in CF airway epithelium.6. These results provide evidence for the existence of an A2-adenosine receptor that modulates intracellular levels of cyclic AMP in human airway epithelium. Activation of this receptor might lead to stimulation of Cl- secretion in amiloride pretreated normal but not CF cells.

Dissociation of the striatal D-2 dopamine receptor from adenylyl cyclase following 6-hydroxydopamine-induced denervation

Intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation following exposure to dopamine (DA) agonists and and antagonists was measured in striatal slices from rats with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway and which showed contralateral circling to apomorphine. Both DA (10–320 μM) and the D-1 agonist SKF 38393 (0.1–32 μM) increased cyclic AMP accumulation in striatal slices from the lesioned and intact hemispheres. The EC 50 for DA to increase cyclic AMP accumulation in slices was greater in the 6-OHDA-lesioned striata compared to the intact striatum, but the EC 50 for SKF 38393 was not affected. The D-1 antagonist SCH 23390 (10 μM) completely inhibited the ability of DA and SKF 38393 to increase cyclic AMP accumulation in striatal slices from both denervated and intact sides of the brain. In slices from the intact hemisphere the increase in DA-induced cyclic AMP accumulation was enhanced by the D-2 antagonist (±)-sulpiride (50 μM) but (±)-sulpiride had no effect on the DA response in slices from the lesioned side. Similarly, the ability of SKF 38393 to enhance cyclic AMP accumulation was blocked by the D-2 agonist quinpirole (10 μM) in striatal slices from the intact hemisphere but not in tissue from the lesioned side. The density of striatal D-1 and D-2 receptors assessed by [ 3H]SCH 23390 and [ 3H]spiperone binding did not differ between the hemispheres although there was an increase in the affinity of D-1 receptors for [ 3H]SCH 23390 in the lesioned striatum. After striatal deafferentiation there appears to be an uncoupling of the “inhibitory” D-2 receptor from the D-1 receptor-associated adenylyl cyclase.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) interacts directly with recombinant human TSH receptors.

We have previously shown that highly purified urinary hCG has the potential to both stimulate the intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP and induce growth of immortalized rat thyroid cells. We have now compared the ability of recombinant human TSH and purified urinary hCG preparations to stimulate Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells which have been transfected with the human TSH receptor. Only transfected CHO cells expressing recombinant TSH receptors, but not control CHO cells, were stimulated by hCG to release cyclic AMP in a dose-related manner and the effect of 100 IU of HCG was equivalent to approximately 9.2 uU of rec-hTSH. These data demonstrate that hCG interacts directly with the human TSH receptor.

Adenosine receptors on human leukocytes. IV. Characterization of an A1/Ri receptor.

Adenosine (10(-9)-10(-6) mol/l) and R-phenylisopropyladenosine (10(-9)-10(-7) mol/l) partially inhibited the intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP induced by isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1, histamine and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine in lymphocytes. In contrast, S-phenylisopropyladenosine, which is a poor agonist of the adenosine A1/Ri receptor, had essentially no inhibitory effect. 8-Phenyltheophylline, in low concentrations that do not inhibit cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase, completely blocked the inhibitory effect of R-phenylisopropyladenosine on the increase in cyclic AMP induced by prostaglandin E1. R-Phenylisopropyladenosine (10(-8)-10(-6) mol/l) also inhibited the cyclic AMP accumulation in lymphocytes induced by forskolin (10(-5) mol/l), which activates adenylate cyclase through direct interaction with the enzyme. We also investigated the presence of the adenosine A1/Ri receptor on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. R-Phenylisopropyladenosine (3 x 10(-9)-10(-7) mol/l) abolished the stimulating effects of prostaglandin and forskolin on cyclic AMP accumulation in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. This effect was blocked by 8-phenyltheophylline and was not observed with the stereoisomer S-phenylisopropyladenosine. The results support the existence of an A1/Ri receptor that regulates cyclic AMP metabolism of human lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

2-Aminopurine inhibits RNA and protein synthesis and reduces catecholamine desensitization in C6-2B rat glioma cells

We previously proposed that intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation induces a putative, rapidly turning over protein inhibitory to further hormone activation of adenylate cyclase. In the present study, 2-aminopurine, which has been reported to selectively block c- fos gene expression, was used to test the hypothesis that c-fos protein might be involved in the desensitization process. Indeed, a reduction in heterologous desensitization to catecholamines was observed in 2-aminopurine-treated C6-2B rat glioma cells. However, we found 2-aminopurine to inhibit, in a concentration-dependent manner, total cellular RNA and protein synthesis in C6-2B. HeLa, Swiss 3T3 and BALB/e cells. mRNA synthesis was also markedly reduced in 2-aminopurine-treated cells. These unexpected findings, while supporting our hypothesis of a protein synthesis-sensitive step in the development of refractoriness, raise concern about the specificity of action of 2-aminopurine to inhibit c- fos induction and thus any cellular process, including desensitization, which might be regulated by c- fos gene expression.

Stimulation of Na absorption by the antiasthmatic kampo drug Saiboku-to in cultured airway epithelium.

To study the effect of the Kampo drug Saiboku-to (TJ-96) on ion transport function of airway epithelial cells, we studied bioelectric properties of cultured tracheal epithelium from dogs under short-circuit conditions in vitro. Addition of TJ-96 (1 mg/ml) to the mucosal solution of the Ussing chamber increased the epithelial short-circuit current (SCC) from 6.5 +/- 0.7 to 11.4 +/- 1.6 microA/cm2 (P less than 0.001). This effect was dose-dependent, with the maximal increase from the baseline value and the concentration required to produce a half-maximal effect (EC50) being 70.5 +/- 12.6% (P less than 0.001) and 3 micrograms/ml, respectively; and there were corresponding increases in transepithelial potential difference and cell conductance. Submucosal addition of TJ-96 likewise increased SCC, although the magnitude of the response was smaller as compared with the response to the mucosal addition. The TJ-96-induced increase in SCC was not affected by diphenylamine-2-carboxylate or furosemide but abolished by amiloride. Intracellular cyclic AMP levels were dose-dependently increased by TJ-96. These results indicate that TJ-96 may selectively stimulate Na absorption across the tracheal epithelium, probably through intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP.

Stimulation of Na Absorption by the Antiasthmatic Kampo Drug Saiboku-to in Cultured Airway Epithelium

To study the effect of the Kampo drug Saiboku-to (TJ-96) on ion transport function of airway epithelial cells, we studied bioelectric properties of cultured tracheal epithelium from dogs under short-circuit conditions in vitro. Addition of TJ-96 (1 mg/ml) to the mucosal solution of the Ussing chamber increased the epithelial short-circuit current (SCC) from 6.5 ± 0.7 to 11.4 ± 1.6 µA/cm2 (P < 0.001). This effect was dose-dependent, with the maximal increase from the baseline value and the concentration required to produce a half-maximal effect (EC50) being 70.5 ± 12.6% (P < 0.001) and 3 µgrams/ml, respectively; and there were corresponding increases in transepithelial potential difference and cell conductance. Submucosal addition of TJ-96 likewise increased SCC, although the magnitude of the response was smaller as compared with the response to the mucosal addition. The TJ-96-induced increase in SCC was not affected by diphenylamine-2-carboxylate or furosemide but abolished by amiloride. Intracellular cyclic AMP levels were dose-dependently increased by TJ-96. These results indicate that TJ-96 may selectively stimulate Na absorption across the tracheal epithelium, probably through intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP.

Tumor necrosis factor α inhibits the stimulatory effect of the parathyroid hormone-related protein on cyclic AMP formation in osteoblast-like cells via protein kinase C

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) are both factors that have been implicated in the mechanism of hypercalcemia of malignancy. In this study we investigated the effect of TNF alpha on the PTHrP-stimulated accumulation of intracellular cyclic AMP in osteoblast-like cells. In the clonal cell line Saos-2 and in primary cell cultures from fetal rat calvaria, PTHrP-stimulated accumulation of cAMP was time- and dose-dependently inhibited by exposure to TNF alpha. Significant inhibition occurred at concentrations as low as 2 x 10(-12) M and was maximal at 1 x 10(-9) M. Inhibition was observed after 6 h and was maximal after 18 h. Inhibition by TNF alpha was probably mediated by protein kinase C, since the phorbol ester PMA mimicked the effect of TNF alpha, and the protein kinase C inhibitor H-7 completely abolished the effect of TNF alpha. In conclusion, these observations suggest a possible mechanism by which TNF alpha may modulate the effect of PTHrP on osteoblast function in the syndrome of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.

ヒト末梢血リンパ球機能に対するヒスタミン受容体の役割 ＩＬ‐６産生能

We examined the effects of histamine on interle-ukin-6 (IL-6) production in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) .PBL obtained from healthy volunteers were cultured in RPMI 1640 with 1% FCS for 72 hours. The effects of histamine, 2-pyridylethylamine (H1 receptor agonist) and dimaprit (H2 receptor agonist) on phyto-hemagglutinin (PHA) -driven IL-6 production and intra-cellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation were analyzed with time course.The production of IL-6 in PBL was gradually increased by 24 hours with reaching plateau after PHA activation. Both histamine and dimaprit significantly reduced the production of IL-6 in PBL, but 2-pyridylethylamine did not. The content of intra-cellular cAMP in PBL was rapidly increased after incubation with both histamine and dimaprit.These results indicated that histamine increased intra-cellular cAMP and then reduced IL-6 production in PBL through H2 receptor.

Hymenopteran venom stimulates adenylate cyclase in cultured human cells through a histamine receptor.

We have examined the effect of venom sac extract (VSE), prepared from two hymenopteran species, on intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation in a cultured human cell line. VSE prepared from the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) and from the paper wasp (Polistes carolina) induced an increase in accumulation of cAMP in human, transformed, non-pigmented, ciliary epithelial cells. The effect of V. orientalis VSE on intracellular cAMP was dose-dependent. Blocking the response of adenylate cyclase-linked beta-adrenergic receptors was without effect on this cellular response to VSE. On the other hand, the response to VSE prepared from both species was suppressed almost totally by the H2-histamine receptor-specific antagonist, cimetidine. The findings are discussed in the light of earlier observations that described a significant reduction in intraocular pressure in vertebrate animals treated with V. orientalis VSE.

Mu and delta opiate receptors in neuronal and astroglial primary cultures from various regions of the brain—coupling with adenylate cyclase, localisation on the same neurones and association with dopamine (D 1) receptor adenylate cyclase

Primary cultures, enriched in neurones or astroglial cells, from three phylogenetically different regions of the brain of the rat, the cerebral cortex, the striatum and the brain stem, were used to investigate the presence of opiate receptors, coupled to adenylate cyclase. Morphine was used as a μ-receptor agonist and [ d-Ala 2, d-Leu 5]-enkephalin (DADLE) was used as a δ -receptor agonist. In the neuronal cultures, both ligands inhibited the prostaglandin (PG)E 1 -stimulated intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP dose-dependently, with the most prominent effects seen in the cultures of striatum and with DADLE being more potent than morphine. The opiate receptor antagonist, naloxone reversed the effects. Morphine and DADLE, added together, inhibited the PGE 1-stimulated accumulation of cyclic AMP, less than the sum of the effects of each drug. Therefore, it might be that these opioid receptors are localized together on the same neurone. Striatal neurones contained dopamine receptors coupled to cyclic AMP, as second messenger. It was shown that the D 1 (dopamine) receptor-stimulated activity of adenylate cyclase was inhibited by the μ and δ opioid receptor ligands. Thus, interactions at the level of adenylate cyclase seem to exist between D 1, μ and δ opiate receptors. In the astroglial enriched cultures, DADLE inhibited the PGE 1-induced accumulation of cyclic AMP, however, with a less prominent effect in the brain stem cultures. Morphine did not influence the basal or the PGE 1-stimulated intracellular accumulation of cyclic AMP in the cultures used and DADLE was less effective in inhibiting the PGE 1-induced accumulation of cyclic AMP in the astroglial cultures, than in the neuronal enriched cultures, indicating less developed δ receptor-second messenger efficacy in the astroglial cultures, than in the neuronal cultures. These results thus suggest the presence of δ receptors on astroglial cells in culture, while no μ receptors with cyclic AMP as second messenger were identified.