Alpha AR Research Articles

Adrenergic regulation of adipocyte metabolism.

Five adrenoceptor (AR) subtypes (beta 1, beta 2, beta 3, alpha 2 and alpha 1), are involved in the control of white and brown fat cell function. A number of metabolic events are controlled by the adrenergic system in fat cells. The stimulatory effect of catecholamines on lipolysis and metabolism is mainly connected to increments in cAMP levels, cAMP protein kinase activation and phosphorylation of various target proteins. Norepinephrine and epinephrine operate through differential recruitment of alpha 2- and beta-AR subtypes on the basis of their relative affinity for the different subtypes (the relative order of affinity is alpha 2 > beta 1 > or = beta 2 > beta 3 for norepinephrine). Antagonistic actions at the level of cAMP production exist between alpha 2- and beta 1-, beta 2- and beta 3-AR-mediated lipolytic effects in human white fat cells. The role of fat cell alpha 2-ARs, which largely outnumber beta-ARs in fat cells of certain fat deposits, in human and primate has never been clearly understood. The other AR type which is not linked to lipolysis regulation, the alpha 1-AR, is involved in the control of glycogenolysis and lactate production. Pharmacological approaches using in-situ microdialysis and selective alpha 2- and beta-AR agonists and antagonists have revealed sex- and tissue-specific differences in the adrenergic control of fat cell function and nutritive blood flow in the tissue surrounding the microdialysis probe.

Pharmacology of tamsulosin: saturation-binding isotherms and competition analysis using cloned alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subtypes.

alpha 1-adrenergic receptors (alpha 1 ARs) are important in the dynamic component of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Currently, several alpha 1AR antagonists are being used in the treatment of BPH. In order to more fully characterize the pharmacology of the alpha 1AR antagonist tamsulosin, we utilized saturation-binding isotherms with [3H] tamsulosin to determine the Kd of this compound at all three cloned alpha 1AR subtypes stably expressed in rat-1 fibroblasts. To confirm these results, we performed competition binding experiments, displacing [125I]HEAT with increasing concentrations of alfuzosin, doxazosin, 5-methyl-urapidil, prazosin, tamsulosin, terazosin, and (+)YM617 (stereoisomer of tamsulosin) in the same clonal cell lines. [3H]tamsulosin binds to cloned alpha 1AR subtypes with a rank order of affinity of alpha 1a = alpha 1d > alpha 1b. Competition experiments confirmed the relative nonselectivity of alfuzosin, doxazosin, and prazosin, but revealed slight alpha 1b = alpha 1d > alpha 1a selectivity for terazosin, and clear alpha 1a = alpha 1d > alpha 1b for (+)YM617 and tamsulosin([-]YM617); alpha 1a > alpha 1d > alpha 1b selectivity for 5-methyl-urapidil was confirmed. We conclude that tamsulosin displays selectivity for alpha 1a and alpha 1d ARs. This selectivity may contribute to the tamsulosin efficacy reported in several recent clinical studies in patients with BPH.

N-arylpiperazinyl-N'-propylamino derivatives of heteroaryl amides as functional uroselective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Novel arylpiperazines were identified as alpha 1-adrenoceptor (AR) subtype-selective antagonists by functional in vitro screening. 3-[4-(ortho-Substituted phenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propylamines were derivatized with N,N-dimethyl anthranilamides, nicotinamides, as well as carboxamides of quinoline, 1,8-naphthyridine, pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, isoxazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines. Strips of rabbit bladder neck were employed as a predictive assay for antagonism in the human lower tract. Rings of rat aorta were used as a "negative screen" for the test antagonists. Binding to alpha 1-ARs was relatively sensitive to size and electronic features of the arylpiperazine portion of the antagonists and permissive to these features on the heteroaryl carboxamide side. These structure-affinity findings were exploited to produce nicotinamides (e.g. 13ii and 25x) and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines (e.g. 37f and 37y) ligands with nanomolar affinity at the alpha 1-AR subtype prevalent in the human lower urinary tract(pA2 values: 8.8, 10.7, 9.3, and 9.9, respectively) and displaying 2-3 orders of magnitude selectivity over the alpha 1D-AR.

Norepinephrine-induced contraction of isolated rabbit bronchial artery: role of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor activation.

The contractile effect of norepinephrine (NE) on isolated rabbit bronchial artery rings (150-300 microns in diameter) and the role of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors (AR) on smooth muscle and endothelium were studied. In intact arteries, NE increased tension in a dose-dependent manner, and the sensitivity for NE was further increased in the absence of endothelium. In intact but not in endothelium-denuded arteries, the response to NE was increased in the presence of both indomethacin (Indo; cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME; nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor], indicating that two endothelium-derived factors, NO and a prostanoid, modulate the NE-induced contraction. The alpha 1-AR antagonist prazosin shifted the NE dose-response curve to the right, and phenylephrine (alpha 1-AR agonist) induced a dose-dependent contraction that was potentiated by L-NAME or removal of the endothelium. The sensitivity to NE was increased slightly by the alpha 2-AR antagonists yohimbine and idazoxan, and this effect was abolished by Indo or removal of the endothelium. Similarly, contractions induced by UK-14304 (alpha 2-AR agonist) were potentiated by Indo or removal of the endothelium. These results suggest that NE-induced contraction is mediated through activation of alpha 1- and alpha 2-ARs on both smooth muscle and endothelium. Activation of the alpha 1- and alpha 2-ARs on the smooth muscle causes contraction, whereas activation of the endothelial alpha 1- and alpha 2-ARs induces relaxation through release of NO (alpha 1-ARs) and a prostanoid (alpha 2-ARs).

Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor stimulated calcium release is transduced by Gi-associated G(beta gamma)-mediated activation of phospholipase C.

Proposed mechanisms by which alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (alpha 2AR) regulate intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) include stimulation and inhibition of cell surface calcium channels, stimulation of calcium release via receptor coupling to Gq with subsequent activation of phospholipase C and release of IP3, or stimulation of calcium release via coupling to Gi in an IP3-independent manner. These potential mechanisms were explored in cells that expressed alpha(2A)AR endogenously (HEL cells), permanently transfected CHO cells, and transiently transfected COS-7 cells. Each cell type displayed agonist (UK14304)-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i that were blocked by yohimbine, ablated by pertussis toxin, and largely unaffected by chelation of extracellular calcium. Furthermore, calcium release was associated with IP3 accumulation and was blocked by an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC). When expressed in CHO cells, a mutated alpha(2A)AR which has the amino and carboxyl termini of the third intracellular loop substituted with beta 2AR sequence poorly coupled to Gi in adenylyl cyclase assays, and likewise displayed virtually no coupling to increased [Ca2+]i. These results all point toward a Gi- versus a Gq-mediated coupling pathway triggering release of intracellular calcium stores. The possibility that G(beta gamma) subunits released from alpha(2A)AR-Gi coupling is the mechanism of PLC activation was explored in COS-7 cells by coexpressing alpha(2A)AR with the G(beta gamma) inhibitors transducin or a carboxy-terminal portion of the beta AR kinase. Both beta gamma inhibitors markedly inhibited alpha(2A)AR modulation of [Ca2+]i while not affecting thromboxane A2 receptor mediated stimulation of [Ca2+]i via Gq coupling. Thus, alpha(2A)AR couple to calcium release via Gi-associated G(beta gamma) subunits. This coupling is present in multiple cell types and should be considered a major signal transduction pathway of this receptor.

Genetic alteration of alpha 2C-adrenoceptor expression in mice: influence on locomotor, hypothermic, and neurochemical effects of dexmedetomidine, a subtype-nonselective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist.

alpha 2-Adrenergic receptors (alpha 2-ARs) regulate many physiological functions and are targets for clinically important antihypertensive and anesthetic agents. Three human and mouse genes encoding alpha 2-AR subtypes (alpha 2A, alpha 2B, and alpha 2C) have been cloned. We investigated the involvement of the alpha 2C-AR in alpha 2-adrenergic pharmacology by applying molecular genetic techniques to alter the expression of alpha 2C-AR in mice. The effects of dexmedetomidine, a subtype-nonselective alpha 2-AR agonist, on monoamine turnover in brain and on locomotor activity were similar in mice with targeted inactivation of the alpha 2C-AR gene and in their controls, but the hypothermic effect of the alpha 2-AR agonist was significantly attenuated by the receptor gene inactivation. Correspondingly, another strain of transgenic mice with 3-fold overexpression of alpha 2C-AR in striatum and other brain regions expressing alpha 2C-AR showed normal reductions in brain monoamine metabolism and locomotor activity after dexmedetomidine, but their hypothermic response to the alpha 2C-AR agonists was significantly accentuated. The hypothermic effect of alpha 2-AR agonists thus seems to be mediated in part by alpha 2C-AR. Some small but statistically significant differences between the strains were also noted in brain dopamine metabolism. Lack of alpha 2C-AR expression was linked with reduced levels of homovanillic acid in brain, and mice with increased alpha 2C-AR expression had elevated concentrations of the dopamine metabolite compared with their controls.

Developmental changes in alpha 1-adrenergic receptors, IP3 responses, and NE-induced contraction in cerebral arteries.

Cerebral arteries show significant developmental and artery-specific changes in noradrenergic-mediated contraction. To test the hypothesis that these changes result from differences in the density of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors (alpha 1-ARs) and/or norepinephrine (NE)-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3,IP3] synthesis, we quantified these variables and the NE-induced contraction in the common carotid artery (Com) and main branch cerebral arteries (MBC) from term fetal (approximately 140 gestational day) and newborn (2- to 5-day) sheep and compared them with adult values. In fetal and newborn Com, maximal contractions to NE (percent K+ maximum response) were 132 +/- 14 and 118 +/- 9%, respectively (adult = 92 +/- 7%). For fetal and newborn middle cerebral artery, these values were 34 +/- 10 and 43 +/- 7%, respectively (adult = 24 +/- 7%). alpha 1-AR density values in Com of fetal and newborn sheep were 113 +/- 18 and 106 +/- 4 fmol/mg protein, respectively (adult = 54 +/- 3 fmol/mg protein). For the MBC, density values were 47 +/- 2 and 24 +/- 3 fmol/mg protein, respectively (adult = 23 +/- 3 fmol/protein). In term fetal and newborn MBC, NE produced dose-dependent increases in Ins(1,4,5)P3, the maximal increases above basal values being 245 +/- 40 and 189 +/- 16%, respectively (adult = 254 +/- 35%). Neither fetus nor newborn Com showed significant Ins(1,4,5)P3 responses to NE. We concluded that in fetal and newborn Com and MBC, alpha 1-AR density and NE-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3 response varied as a function of developmental age and specific vessel. However, these variations did not correlate with NE-induced maximum contraction. Thus we reject the hypothesis that age-dependent and vessel-specific differences of cerebral artery adrenergic-mediated contraction are a function of alpha 1-AR density or Ins(1,4,5)P3 response. Rather, the differences would appear to result from other factors such as non-Ins(1,4,5)P3-mediated calcium activation and/or sensitivity to Ins(1,4,5)P3. The studies also suggest considerable potential for maturational modulation of pharmacomechanical coupling and homeostatic regulation of cerebrovascular tone.

Distribution of alpha 2C-adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system.

The distribution of alpha 2C-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in rat brain and spinal cord was examined immunohistochemically by using an affinity purified polyclonal antibody. The antibody was directed against a recombinant fusion protein consisting of a 70-amino-acid polypeptide portion of the third intracellular loop of the alpha 2C-AR fused to glutathione-S-transferase. Selectivity and subtype specificity of the antibody were demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of [125I]-photoaffinity-labeled alpha 2-AR and by immunohistochemical labeling of COS cells expressing the individual rat alpha 2-AR subtypes. In both cases the antibody recognized only the alpha 2C-AR subtype, and immunoreactivity was eliminated by preadsorption of the antibody with excess antigen. In rat brain, alpha 2C-AR-like immunoreactivity (alpha 2C-AR-LI) was found primarily in neuronal perikarya, with some labeling of proximal dendrites; analysis by confocal microscopy revealed the intracellular localization of some of the immunoreactivity. Areas of dense immunoreactivity include anterior olfactory nucleus, piriform cortex, septum, diagonal band, pallidum, preoptic areas, supraoptic nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, amygdala, hippocampus (CA1 and dentate gyrus), substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, raphe (pontine and medullary), motor trigeminal nucleus, facial nucleus, vestibular nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and hypoglossal nucleus. Labeling was found in specific laminae throughout the cortex, and a sparse distribution of very darkly labeled cells was observed in the striatum. At all levels of the spinal cord there were small numbers of large, darkly labeled cells in layer IX and much smaller cells in layer X. In general, the pattern of alpha 2C-LI throughout the neuraxis is consistent with previously published reports of the distribution of receptor mRNA detected by hybridization histochemistry.

Effects of androgen deprivation on prostate alpha 1-adrenergic receptors

Objectives Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the most common benign tumor in men, consists of two components—static (enlargement regulated by androgens) and dynamic (smooth muscle contraction through alpha 1-adrenergic receptors [alpha 1-ARs]). Because medical therapy of BPH involves tissue androgen deprivation, we studied the influence of androgen deprivation and replacement on regulation of rat ventral prostate alpha 1-ARs. Methods Prostate weight, alpha 1-AR density, autoradiographic images, histologic features and cell-specific protein were examined before and after castration and androgen replacement. Results Castration decreases ventral prostate wet weight, a process reversed by testosterone administration. In contrast, there is an apparent increase in alpha 1-AR density (29 ± 4 versus 65 ± 6 fmol/mg total protein, mean ± SEM) after castration, returning to baseline with testosterone replacement; alpha 1-AR density remains constant in control liver membranes. Alpha 1-ARs predominate in stroma throughout androgen deprivation therapy. Epithelially derived cells decrease (83% to 67%) after castration, resulting in a relative doubling in stroma (17% to 33%); the protein content of epithelial and stromal cells remains identical. Therefore, prostate-specific increases in alpha 1-ARs appear to result from relative increases in the ratio of smooth muscle to epithelium after castration rather than from direct upregulation of alpha 1-AR protein. Conclusions Because alpha 1-AR density does not decrease with androgen deprivation, these studies suggest that alpha 1-AR antagonists remain an important component in BPH therapy, even when 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are utilized.

Hematopoietic rescue in mice via alpha 1-adrenoceptors on bone marrow B cell precursors

We demonstrated that adrenergic agents may affect hematopoiesis via high and low affinity al-adrenergic receptors (alpha 1-ARs) present on bone marrow cells. Here we show that the high affinity, alpha 1-AR is present on Mac1(-) B220(+)sIgM(-) (pre-B) cells. The low affinity alpha 1-AR seems to be present on Mac1(+) B220(-) cells. Noradrenaline administration in mice rescued hematopoiesis from the toxic effect of carboplatin or X-rays sublethal irradiation. The protection was reflected by higher leukocyte and platelets counts as well as by increased bone marrow granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming units (GM-CFU). At its most effective dose (3 mg/kg, s.c.), noradrenaline protected 77% of the mice injected i.v. with 200 mg/kg of carboplatin (LD 100:170 mg/kg). The contemporary administration of the alpha 1-AR antagonist prazosin brought the percent of surviving mice down to 30% indicating that alpha 1-ARs mediated most of the noradrenaline-induced hematopoietic rescue. In vitro, noradrenaline (1 mu M) rescued GM-CFU in unseparated bone marrow cells containing the adherent population expressing the high affinity alpha 1-AR. Consistently, the hematopoietic rescue was counteracted by low concentrations (0.1 nM-10 nM) of the alpha 1-antagonist prazosin. Our findings describe a novel mechanism of hematopoietic regulation and might find application in preventing the myeloablative effect of anticancer treatments.

Hypotension Resistant to Therapy with alpha Receptor Agonists Complicating Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Hypotension Resistant to Therapy with alpha Receptor Agonists Complicating Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Different alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes mediate constriction of arterioles and venules.

Recent studies indicate that rat vascular smooth muscle can express mRNAs for the alpha 1A-(alpha 1c-), alpha 1B-, alpha 1D-, alpha 2B-, and alpha 2D-adrenoceptors (ARs). The present study sought to determine which subtypes mediate constriction of resistance and capacitance vessels in rat cremaster skeletal muscle using videomicroscopy. Arterioles (125 microns internal diameter) were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized in a tissue bath. Vascularly "isolated" first-order venules (211 microns) were studied in situ in the cremaster muscle maintained in a tissue bath. Concentration-response curves for stimulation of alpha 1-ARs (norepinephrine plus 1 microM rauwolscine) and alpha 2-ARs (UK-14,304 plus 10 microM 5-methyl-urapidil) were obtained in the presence or absence of alpha-AR subtype-selective antagonists. Chloroethylclonidine (35 and 70 microM), which is most potent against alpha 1B-ARs, had no effect on alpha 1-constriction of arterioles but decreased venule alpha 1-sensitivity (50% effective concentration) by 13-fold (P < 0.01). The alpha 1A- and alpha 1D-selective AR antagonists WB-4101 (50 nM) and 5-MU (350 nM) had no effect on venule alpha 1-sensitivity but reduced arteriole alpha 1-AR sensitivity by 35-fold (P < 0.001) and 6-fold (P < 0.01), respectively. The alpha 1D-antagonist BMY-7378 (350 nM) decreased arteriole sensitivity by fourfold (P < 0.01) but had no effect on venule sensitivity. The alpha 2D-antagonist BRL-44408 (1 microM) caused a ninefold (P < 0.01) decrease in arteriole sensitivity to UK-14,304, whereas the alpha 2B-antagonist ARC-239 (1 microM) had no effect. BRL-44408 also caused a fourfold decrease (P < 0.01) in arteriole sensitivity to oxymetazoline, an agonist selective for alpha 2D- over alpha 2B-ARs. Venule sensitivity to UK-14,304 was reduced fivefold by BRL-44408 (P < 0.05), whereas ARC-239 had no effect. alpha 2 Subtype-selective antagonists inhibited UK-14,304 constriction of venules, with 50% inhibitory concentration values for BRL-44408 (alpha 2D-selective) of 6.04 +/- 0.07, and for the alpha 2B-selective antagonists ARC-239 of 4.79 +/- 0.20, spiroxatrine of 4.91 +/- 0.07, and SK&F-104856 of 5.06 +/- 0.10. These results suggest that constriction of rat skeletal muscle arterioles is mediated predominantly by an alpha 1D-like receptor and the alpha 2D-AR, whereas constriction of venules is dominated by the alpha 1B- and alpha 2D-adrenergic receptor subtypes.

Cellular and subcellular distribution of alpha 2A-adrenergic receptors in the visual cortex of neonatal and adult rats.

Activation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (alpha 2AR) in the cerebral cortex has been shown to modulate visually guided delayed response tasks as well as anxiety and depression. We used an antiserum directed specifically against the A subtype of alpha 2AR (alpha 2AAR) to determine the cell types and subcellular sites for noradrenergic reception mediated by this receptor in the adult and the developing rat visual cortices. Light microscopic examination of adult tissue revealed numerous labeled perikarya in layers II-VI, many of which appeared distinctly pyramidal. A few perikarya in layer I also were immunoreactive. In all layers, alpha 2AAR immunoreactivity (alpha 2AAR-ir) was present within proximal dendrites and fine processes. In neonatal tissue, there was an intense, distinct band of immunoreactivity spanning the layer composed of tightly packed immature cell bodies, i.e., the cortical plate. The band dissipated as this tier differentiated postnatally into the supragranular layers. Electron microscopy showed that the supragranular layers, which contain the highest density of noradrenergic fibers, also contain the highest areal density of labeled postsynaptic junctions beyond 2 weeks of age. Throughout the ages, the majority of immunoreactivity occurred at sites which, in single ultrathin sections, appeared to be nonjunctional sites of axons, dendrites, and in glial processes. Our observations indicate that (1) both pyramidal and nonpyramidal neurons are receptive to norepinephrine via alpha 2AAR, (2) alpha 2AAR synthesis is robust prior to synaptogenesis, and (3) alpha 2AAR operates both pre- and postsynaptically.

Identification of a Gs Coupling Domain in the Amino Terminus of the Third Intracellular Loop of the α2A-Adrenergic Receptor: EVIDENCE FOR DISTINCT STRUCTURAL DETERMINANTS THAT CONFER GsVERSUS Gi COUPLING

alpha2-Adrenergic receptors (alpha 2AR) functionally couple not only to Gi but also to Gs. We investigated the amino-terminal portion of the third intracellular loop of the human alpha 2AAR (alpha 2C10) for potential Gs coupling domains using site-directed mutagenesis and recombinant expression in several different cell types. A deletion mutant and four chimeric receptors consisting of the alpha 2AAR with the analogous sequence from the 5-HT1A receptor (a Gi-coupled receptor) and the beta 2AR (a Gs-coupled receptor) were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, Chinese hamster fibroblasts, or COS-7 cells and examined for their ability to mediate stimulation or inhibition of membrane adenylyl cyclase activity or whole cell cAMP accumulation. In stably expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells, deletion of amino acids 221-231, which are in close proximity to the fifth transmembrane domain, eliminated alpha 2C10-mediated stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity, while alpha 2C10-mediated inhibition was only moderately affected. This suggested that this region is important for Gs coupling, prompting construction of the chimeric receptor mutants. Substitution of amino acids 218-235 with 5-HT1A receptor sequence entirely ablated agonist-promoted Gs coupling, as compared with a 338 +/- 29% stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity observed with the wild-type alpha 2C10. In contrast, Gi coupling for this mutant remained fully intact (57 +/- 2% versus 52 +/- 1% inhibition for wild-type alpha 2C10). Similar substitution with beta 2AR sequence had no effect on Gi coupling but did reduce Gs coupling. Two additional mutated alpha 2C10 containing smaller substitutions of the amino-terminal region with 5-HT1A receptor sequence at residues 218-228 or 229-235 were then studied. While Gi coupling remained intact with both mutants, Gs coupling was ablated in the former but not the latter mutant receptor. Similar results were obtained using transfected Chinese hamster fibroblasts (which exclusively display alpha 2AR-Gi coupling) and COS-7 cells (which exclusively display alpha 2AR-Gs coupling). Thus, a critical determinant for Gs coupling is contained within 11 amino acids (218-228) of the amino-terminal region of the third intracellular loop localized directly adjacent to the fifth transmembrane domain. Taken together, these studies demonstrate the presence of a discrete structural determinant for agonist-promoted alpha 2AR-Gs coupling, which is distinct and separable from the structural requirements for alpha 2AR-Gi coupling.

Sympatholytic effect of tricyclic antidepressants: site and mechanism of action in anesthetized rats.

Intravenous desipramine (DMI) and amitriptyline, but not fluoxetine, dose dependently inhibited splanchnic sympathetic nerve discharge (sSND; -64 +/- 3% after 4 mg/kg iv DMI, 172 ng/ml plasma) in urethan-anesthetized debuffered rats. Inhibition was reversed or prevented by microinjection of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor (alpha 2-AR) antagonist 2-methoxyidazoxan (MOI) into the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM, 1 nmol/side). sSND inhibition (-58 +/- 12%) by baclofen (8 mg/kg iv, a gamma-aminobutyric acid-B receptor agonist) was unaffected by MOI. MOI alone raised sSND 46 +/- 9%. Microinjection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the RVLM (2 micrograms/side, 10-13 days, to destroy noradrenergic terminals) did not change the effect of intravenous DMI or MOI on sSND. Slow-firing presympathetic neurons of the RVLM were activated by iontophoretic MOI (26 +/- 4%) and inhibited by 4 mg/kg iv DMI (-44 +/- 12%, effect reversed by alpha 2-AR antagonists iv). We interpret these findings as follows: 1) alpha 2-ARs in the RVLM are activated at rest, probably by catecholamines released by C1 adrenergic cells, 2) this activation reduces sSND, 3) DMI and amitriptyline reduce sSND by increasing alpha 2-AR activation in the RVLM, and 4) these effects are due to neither serotonin uptake inhibition nor blockade of norepinephrine uptake by noradrenergic fibers.

Agonist Regulation of α1B-Adrenergic Receptor Subcellular Distribution and Function

We have monitored agonist-induced alpha 1B-adrenergic receptor (alpha 1BAR) redistribution by immunocytochemical procedures in concert with functional measurements of agonist-elicited [3H]inositol phosphate (InsP) production in human embryonal kidney 293 cells stably expressing alpha 1BAR cDNA (HEK293/alpha 1B). Anti-peptide antibodies directed against the carboxyl-terminal decapeptide of the alpha 1BAR were prepared and shown to react specifically with alpha 1BAR on immunoblots and in situ in HEK293/alpha 1B transfectants. Treatment of HEK293/alpha 1B cells with norepinephrine (10 microM) results in a rapid (5-15 min) and striking internalization of cell surface receptor as visualized by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Receptor redistribution is sustained in the presence of agonist, rapidly reversed upon agonist removal, and prevented by the alpha 1 antagonist prazosin. Receptor internalizes to endosomes, as shown by colocalization with transferrin receptor, an endosomal marker. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (50 nM) causes receptor endocytosis similar to agonist; agonist-induced internalization is blocked by the PKC inhibitor staurosporine (0.5 microM). In parallel experiments, agonist-induced [3H]InsP production is abolished by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate but potentiated by staurosporine. Inhibition of receptor internalization with hypertonic sucrose attenuates agonist-induced [3H]InsP formation; this effect is reversed by concomitant inhibition of PKC with staurosporine. These results suggest that PKC-dependent phosphorylation occurring as a consequence of alpha 1AR stimulation induces receptor desensitization and internalization. Internalized receptor is reactivated and continuously recycled to the cell surface during agonist exposure.

Angiotensin II induces transcription and expression of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Angiotensin II (ANG II) induces vascular smooth muscle contraction and functions as a growth factor stimulating vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hypertrophy. We wondered whether ANG II might induce expression of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in cultured VSMCs, which would then potentially accentuate the effects of catecholamines in the cells. Rat VSMCs were preincubated with phenoxybenzamine to inactivate alpha 1-ARs; the cells were then treated with ANG II for 24 h. ANG II-treated cells expressed an increased number of alpha 1-ARs compared with controls, suggesting that ANG II increased the rate of alpha 1-AR synthesis. ANG II markedly induced accumulation of alpha 1A/D- and alpha 1B-AR mRNAs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This effect of ANG II was blocked by the specific ANG II-receptor agonist [Sar1-Ile8]ANG II. ANG II-induced accumulation of alpha 1A/D-AR mRNAs was completely abolished by transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D. ANG II markedly increased the transcriptional rate of the alpha 1A/D-AR gene without changing stability of alpha 1A/D-AR mRNAs. Protein kinase C (PKC) activator 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also induced accumulation of alpha 1A/D-AR mRNAs, and PKC inhibitor H-7 completely blocked ANG II-induced accumulation of the alpha 1A/D-AR mRNAs. Neither the biologically inactive ANG II analogue des-Phe8-ANG II nor the calcium ionophores A-23187 and BAY K-8466 induced alpha 1A/D-AR mRNAs. Finally, ANG II preincubation increased alpha 1-AR agonist phenylephrine-stimulated expression of the c-fos gene.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of alpha 2A-adrenergic receptors in GT1 neurosecretory cells.

In this paper, we report the endogenous expression of functional alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (alpha 2-ARs) in the immortalized hypothalamic cell line, GT1. Membranes from GT1 cells exhibited high-affinity binding for the specific alpha 2-AR radioligand [3H]RX821002 (Kd = 0.2 +/- 0.03 nM, Bmax = 29.5 +/- 2.1 fmol/mg protein, n = 3). The Ki values for the adrenergic ligands, oxymetazoline (1.6 +/- 0.3 nM, n = 3) and prazosin (287 +/- 89 mM, n = 3), were consistent with the pharmacological properties of the A subtype of alpha 2-AR (alpha 2A-AR). The presence of mRNA encoding the alpha 2A-AR in GT1 cell extracts was confirmed by Northern blot analysis. alpha 2-ARs in GT1 cells were found to be coupled to the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase through the pertussis toxin-sensitive class of heterotrimeric G-proteins. A maximal dose of the alpha 2-AR agonist UK 14304 inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in GT1 cells by 53% (EC50 = 316 nM). Double labeling of rodent brain sections with antibodies specific for GnRH and the alpha 2A-AR indicated a large proportion of neurons labeled with the GnRH antibody also contained alpha 2A-AR-like immunoreactivity. In both GT1 cells and GnRH-immunopositive neurons in brain, clusters of alpha 2A-AR-like immunoreactivity were associated with cell bodies and occasionally with neuritic processes. Punctate alpha 2A-AR-like immunoreactivity was localized to intracellular compartments in GT1 cells as determined by confocal microscopy. Whole cell radioligand binding techniques were used to show that at least one third of the alpha 2-AR population in GT1 cells was intracellular. In view of these data, GT1 cells may serve as a representative system in which to study the biology of alpha 2A-ARs in relation to neuronal and neurosecretory functions.

The palmitoylated cysteine of the cytoplasmic tail of alpha 2A-adrenergic receptors confers subtype-specific agonist-promoted downregulation.

Most guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors have a conserved cysteine in the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail near the seventh transmembrane spanning region. This cysteine is known to be palmitoylated in rhodopsin, the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2AR) and the alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor (alpha 2AAR). For the beta 2AR, this cysteine has been shown to be important for stimulatory G protein (Gs) coupling and agonist-promoted desensitization. For the alpha 2AAR (human alpha 2 C10) palmitoylation occurs at Cys-442, but it is not known what function such fatty acid acylation subserves. The closely related alpha 2CAR subtype denoted alpha 2C4 lacks a cysteine in this region and has different G-protein-coupling characteristics and agonist regulatory properties as compared to alpha 2C10. To assess the role of the palmitoylcysteine in alpha 2AR function, we constructed a mutated alpha 2C10 having a phenylalanine (the analogous amino acid in the alpha 2C4 in this position) substituted for Cys-442, denoted alpha 2C10(Phe-442), and expressed this along with wild-type alpha 2C10 and alpha 2C4 in CHO cells. Functional coupling to inhibitory G protein (Gi) and to Gs was identical between wild-type alpha 2C10 and alpha 2C10(Phe-442). Agonist-promoted desensitization of both the Gi and Gs-mediated pathways was also found to be unaffected by this mutation. Cellular trafficking induced by agonist exposure was evaluated by delineation of intracellular (sequestered) versus cell surface receptors and by determination of net receptor loss. Mutation of Cys-442 did not alter the extent or rate of agonist-promoted sequestration induced by agonists or the recovery from sequestration. However, the downregulation of receptor number after prolonged agonist exposure was completely abolished by this mutation and converted alpha 2C10 to an alpha 2C4 phenotype in regard to this adaptive response. Another mutated alpha 2C10, in which Cys-442 was replaced by alanine, also failed to downregulate. Thus, the function of this cytoplasmic palmitoylcysteine is distinctly different between the alpha 2AR and other G-protein-coupled receptors such as the beta 2AR and rhodopsin, and this suggests that this molecular attribute may subserve diverse roles among members of this family of receptors. For the alpha 2ARs, this may represent an evolved feature that provides for differing needs for regulation of the alpha 2C10 and alpha 2C4 subtypes by agonist.

Localization of messenger RNA for three distinct alpha 2-adrenergic receptor subtypes in human tissues. Evidence for species heterogeneity and implications for human pharmacology.

alpha 2-Adrenergic receptor (alpha 2AR) agonists have become important adjuncts as anesthetic agents. They act by binding to alpha 2ARs on the surface of cell membranes and cause centrally mediated sedation and analgesia. alpha 2ARs also contribute to other aspects of physiologic regulation. Three subtypes of alpha 2ARs (alpha 2-C2, alpha 2-C4, and alpha 2-C10) have been described using molecular and pharmacologic techniques. We recently demonstrated species heterogeneity in the distribution of alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subtypes, therefore making it imperative to analyze the distribution of alpha 2AR subtypes in human tissues. This information may have importance in the understanding of potential side effects of administration of alpha 2AR subtype-selective agonists for anesthesia in humans. RNA extracted from human tissues was analyzed by using quantitative ribonuclease protection assays to determine alpha 2AR subtype messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in cardiovascular, central nervous system, and peripheral tissues. alpha 2AR mRNA is present in greatest concentrations in human kidney, followed by aorta > spleen > heart = lung. alpha 2-C4 mRNA predominates in heart, lung, aorta, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, spleen, kidney, and adrenal gland; alpha 2-C2 mRNA in liver; and alpha 2-C10 mRNA in pancreas and small intestine. Hence alpha 2AR subtype mRNA distribution is tissue-selective and differs from that reported for rat. (1) On comparison with previous research we find possible species heterogeneity in alpha 2AR subtype mRNA distribution (rat vs. human) for all three alpha 2AR subtypes. (2) We demonstrate the presence and subtype heterogeneity of alpha 2AR subtype mRNA in both brain and peripheral tissues. (3) Significant concentrations of alpha 2AR mRNA are present in adult human heart. These findings have important implications for our understanding of human adrenergic physiology, provide a possible explanation for the existence of pharmacologically similar yet distinct alpha 2AR subtypes, and may be important for the rational development of alpha 2AR subtype-selective anesthetics and other therapeutic agents for use in treating human diseases.