Effect Of GTP Gamma Research Articles

Binding of the novel radioligand [3H]UFP-101 to recombinant human and native rat nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous ligand for the N/OFQ peptide receptor (NOP). Binding studies have relied on [leucyl-(3)H]N/OFQ, but as this is an agonist G-protein coupling will affect affinity. In this paper, we describe a new [(3)H]labeled NOP antagonist, [Nphe(1),4'-(3)H-Phe(4),Arg(14),Lys(15)]N/OFQ-NH(2) ([(3)H]UFP-101). We have characterized [(3)H]UFP-101 at recombinant human NOP expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO(hNOP)) and native rat NOP in cerebrocortex. Radioligand saturation and competition studies were performed on membranes, and [(3)H]UFP-101 (antagonist) was compared with [(3)H]N/OFQ (agonist). The effects of GTPgammaS (10 microM) and Na(+) were investigated alone and in combination in competition experiments with both radioligands. In CHO(hNOP), B (max), and pK (D), values were 561 and 580 fmol mg protein(-1) and 9.97 and 10.19 for [(3)H]UFP-101 and [leucyl-(3)H]N/OFQ, respectively. In rat cerebrocortex B (max) and pK (D), values were 65 and 88 fmol mg protein(-1) and 10.12 and 10.34 for [(3)H]UFP-101 and [leucyl-(3)H]N/OFQ. The binding of both radioligands was displaced by a range of peptide and non-peptide NOP ligands at both isoforms with good correlation (r (2) 0.92 in Rat and 0.97 in CHO(hNOP)). Naloxone was inactive. The binding of both radioligands was Na(+)-dependent with [(3)H]UFP-101 being more sensitive (IC(50) approximately20 mM). Unlike the agonist [leucyl-(3)H]N/OFQ, the antagonist [(3)H]UFP-101 was unaffected by GTPgammaS. [(3)H]UFP-101 binds to human and rat NOP with high affinity and good agreement with standard [leucyl-(3)H]N/OFQ in competition experiments. In addition, the binding of [(3)H]UFP-101 is unaffected by GTPgammaS. This radioligand will be useful to further characterize NOP in a range of binding paradigms.

Calcium and exocytosis.

Amine secretion from electropermeabilized bovine chromaffin cells and human platelets requires Ca2+ and MgATP. There appears to be little correlation between the pH or potential of the interior of the amine storage granules of the chromaffin cells and the Ca2+ sensitivity or extent of secretion. The Ca2+ sensitivities of secretion for both preparations are increased by activators of protein kinase C. In the platelet, thrombin also increases the Ca2+ sensitivity. The thrombin-induced response is further enhanced by micromolar levels of GTP. The non-hydrolysable analogue GTP gamma S also potentiates the Ca2+-dependent secretory response, but this effect is additive to that seen by thrombin rather than synergistic, as is the case with GTP. GTP gamma S inhibits catecholamine secretion from bovine chromaffin cells. In both preparations the effects of GTP gamma S are inhibited by 10 microM GTP, even though GTP concentrations up to 1 mM are without effect when added alone. These results are consistent with there being two sites of action for the guanine nucleotides, one at the level of the agonist receptor and activated by GTP or one of its breakdown products, and the other one activated by GTP gamma S--possibly at the level of protein kinase C itself.

Regulators of GTP-binding proteins cause morphological changes in the vacuole system of the filamentous fungus, Pisolithus tinctorius.

Tubule formation is a widespread feature of the endomembrane system of eukaryotic cells, serving as an alternative to the better-known transport process of vesicular shuttling. In filamentous fungi, tubule formation by vacuoles is particularly pronounced, but little is known of its regulation. Using the hyphae of the basidiomycete Pisolithus tinctorius as our test system, we have investigated the effects of four drugs whose modulation, in animal cells, of the tubule/vesicle equilibrium is believed to be due to the altered activity of a GTP-binding protein (GTP gamma S, GDP beta S, aluminium fluoride, and Brefeldin A). In Pisolithus tinctorius, GTP gamma S, a non-hydrolysable form of GTP, strongly promoted vacuolar tubule formation in the tip cell and next four cells. The effects of GTP gamma S could be antagonised by pre-treatment of hyphae with GDP beta S, a non-phosphorylatable form of GDP. These results support the idea that a GTP-binding protein plays a regulatory role in vacuolar tubule formation. This could be a dynamin-like GTP-ase, since GTP gamma S-stimulated tubule formation has only been reported previously in cases where a dynamin is involved. Treatment with aluminium fluoride stimulated vacuolar tubule formation at a distance from the tip cell, but NaF controls indicated that this was not a GTP-binding-protein specific effect. Brefeldin A antagonised GTP gamma S, and inhibited tubule formation in the tip cell. Given that Brefeldin A also affects the ER and Golgi bodies of Pisolithus tinctorius, as shown previously, it is not clear yet whether the effects of Brefeldin A on the vacuole system are direct or indirect.

Evidence for the role of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins in the regulation of the mouse sperm adenylyl cyclase by the egg's zona pellucida.

Sperm acrosomal exocytosis is the result of a complex set of signal transduction pathways activated physiologically by the egg's extracellular matrix, the zona pellucida. In the mouse, the zona pellucida has been demonstrated to induce an increase in sperm intracellular pH, Ca2+, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations as well as to activate proteins of the Gi class (G; guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins). We recently reported that the mouse zona pellucida could activate the adenylyl cyclase of mouse sperm. It is not known, however, whether zona pellucida stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity is mediated through G proteins. In the present study, we demonstrate that the sperm membrane-bound adenylyl cyclase activity is stimulated by the G protein activators guanosine-5'-O-thiotriphosphate (GTPgammaS) and mastoparan in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximal adenylyl cyclase activity measured with these two G protein activators is similar to the stimulation observed with the zona pellucida, but the effect of GTPgammaS is not additive or synergistic with the effects of mastoparan or the zona pellucida. Pertussis toxin treatment of sperm membranes inhibits the zona pellucida stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity, while the basal or forskolin-induced activation of the enzyme is not affected. Partial inhibition of the stimulatory effect of the zona pellucida on the adenylyl cyclase activity is observed with guanosine-5'-O-thiodiphosphate (GDPbetaS), another G protein antagonist. To a reconstitution system containing Lubrol-PX, where zona pellucida or GTPgammaS stimulation of the sperm enzyme is not observed, addition of G protein betagamma subunits restores the activation of the sperm adenylyl cyclase by the zona pellucida and GTPgammaS without affecting the enzyme activity under basal or forskolin-stimulated conditions. These results support our hypothesis that mouse sperm adenylyl cyclase is stimulated by the zona pellucida through a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway involving G proteins of the Gi class.

ARF-induced lysosomal lysis in vitro.

Cytosol treated with guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) disintegrated lysosomes in a dose-dependent manner, as detected as the release of preloaded fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. The effect of GTPgammaS was suppressed by GTP or GDP, indicating a role of a GTP binding protein (G-protein) in the lysis [Sai, Y. et al. (1994) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 198, 869-877]. Gel filtration of cytosol and GTP-ligand blotting showed that a small GTP-binding protein participated in the lysosomal lysis. We partially purified the G-protein from rat liver cytosol and identified it as ARF1. GTPgammaS-stimulated lysis was reconstituted with ARF1 purified from bovine brain cytosol or recombinant ARF1. ARF bound to lysosomal membranes depending upon GTPgammaS in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the transfer of ARF from the cytosol to the lysosomal membrane is necessary for GTPgammaS-stimulated lysis of lysosomes.

A Domain for G Protein Coupling in Carboxyl-terminal Tail of Rat Angiotensin II Receptor Type 1A

To delineate domains essential for Gq protein coupling in the C-terminal region (C-tail) of rat angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor type 1A (AT1A), we modified the putative cytosolic regions of the receptor by truncation or alanine substitution and determined resultant changes in the guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) effect on Ang II binding and inositol trisphosphate production by the agonist. Independently, we studied the effect of synthetic C-tail peptides (P-5) and its alanine substitution analogs on [35S]GTPgammaS binding to Gq. Effects of GTPgammaS on Ang II binding (shift to a low affinity form) and inositol trisphosphate production in the deletional mutant receptor 1-317 AT1A was similar to wild type AT1A, whereas in shorter C-terminal deletion mutants 1-309, 1-311, 1-312, 1-313 AT1A, and substitutional mutants Y312A, F313A, and L314A these activities were markedly reduced. The binding of [35S]GTPgammaS to Gq was promoted by the synthetic C-terminal peptide P-5 but not when mutated at Tyr312, Phe313, or Leu314. Results indicate that Tyr312, Phe313, and Leu314 in cytosolic carboxyl-terminal region of rat AT1A are essential for coupling and activation of Gq.

High Intracellular Cl−Concentrations Depress G-Protein-Modulated Ionic Conductances

Numerous G-protein-modulated ionic conductances are present in central neurons and play major roles in regulating neuronal excitability. Accordingly, endogenous factors that alter the operation of these conductances may have profound effects on neuronal function. We now report that several G-protein-modulated ionic conductances in hippocampal neurons are very much altered when Cl- is the predominant anion in the recording electrode. We used both sharp-electrode and whole-cell techniques in rat hippocampal slices to determine whether hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell properties are altered by KCl-filled, as compared with KCH3SO3- or K-gluconate-filled, electrodes. We studied the effects of the anions on synaptically evoked GABAB responses and baclofen- and serotonin-induced currents as well as on a voltage-activated cation current, Ih. High intracellular concentrations of chloride ([Cl-]i) depressed all the responses without altering resting cell properties. Intermediate [Cl-]i reduced baclofen-induced currents as well as Ih in a dose-dependent manner. In KCH3SO3-filled cells, equimolar substitution of GTPgammaS for Tris-GTP results in activation of a K+ conductance that hyperpolarizes cells and lowers their input resistance. These effects of GTPgammaS were blocked in KCl-filled cells. In view of the tight coupling between the G-protein and activation of the GABAB-activated K+ conductance, the effect of Cl- ions is likely to be exerted either on the G-protein or the K+ channel itself. We observed substantial effects of Cli- at concentrations that are believed to exist during development in the CNS as well as during pathological conditions, such as spreading depression. Thus, the results we describe must be taken into consideration during such physiological and pathological conditions as well as in experimental studies of G-protein-modulated conductances.

Calphostin C-sensitive enhancements of force by lysophosphatidylinositol and diacylglycerols in mesenteric arteries from the rat.

1. A pharmacological characterization was made of the effects of lysophosphatidyl-inositol (lysoPI) and -ethanolamine (lysoPE) on the Ca(2+)-sensitivity of contraction in alpha-toxin permeabilized rat mesenteric arteries. The effect of GTP gamma S (G-protein activator), diacylglycerols (DAGs, dioctanoyl glycerol (diC8) and 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, protein kinase C (PKC) activator) on Ca(2+)-sensitivity was also assessed. 2. LysoPI increased the Ca(2+)-sensitivity, demonstrated by both an increase in tension induced by 1 microM [Ca2+]free and an increase in the Ca(2+)-sensitivity of Ca2+ concentration-tension curves. LysoPE did not enhance force or Ca(2+)-sensitivity. 3. GTP gamma S enhanced force at constant Ca2+, increased the Ca(2+)-sensitivity, and increased force under Ca(2+)-free conditions. PMA also increased force at constant Ca2+ and increased Ca(2+)-sensitivity, but caused no force development under Ca(2+)-free conditions. 4. DAGs, both diC8 and the more physiological relevant DAG, 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol, enhanced force at constant Ca2+ and increased the Ca(2+)-sensitivity. DiC8, in contrast to 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol, caused force development under Ca(2+)-free conditions and substantially enhanced force at maximal Ca(2+)-induced contraction. GDP-beta-S abolished the increased Ca(2+)-sensitization induced by noradrenaline, but not that by DAGs. 5. The PKC inhibitor calphostin C completely abolished Ca(2+)-sensitization induced by all of the Ca(2+)-sensitizing agents. 6. These results show that lysoPI can increase the Ca(2+)-sensitivity of smooth muscle contraction, and the Ca(2+)-sensitization induced by DAGs was not completely G-protein mediated, because it was not inhibited by GDP-beta-S. A central role for PKC in regulation of Ca(2+)-sensitization in rat mesenteric small arteries was indicated by the abolishment of Ca(2+)-sensitization by calphostin C.

Differential effects of GTP gamma S on acid and pepsinogen secretion by permeable gastric glands.

Gastric glands isolated from rabbit stomach were permeabilized with Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin. Acid secretion by parietal cells, as measured by the accumulation of weak base, was inhibited by incubation with alpha-toxin but could be restored by addition of exogenous ATP (1 mM). The permeable glands were found to retain acid secretory responses to receptor-linked secretagogues, histamine and carbachol, as well as to intracellular mediators, forskolin and 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, indicating the presence of intact, functional intracellular coupling mechanisms. Both basal and stimulated acid secretion by the permeable glands were blocked by the Mg2+ chelator, trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (CDTA; 5 mM), whereas CDTA had no effect on nonpermeabilized glands. These results are interpreted to show that alpha-toxin permeabilizes parietal cells to moderate sized molecules without causing a loss of critical intracellular components. The acid secretory responses to histamine and carbachol persisted in media containing low ( < 50 nM) levels of free Ca2+ buffered by 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (0.5 mM), indicating that changes in bulk Ca2+ are not required for these responses. Inclusion of the nonhydrolyzable analogue of GTP, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S; 100 microM), resulted in inhibition of spontaneous acid secretion, blocked responses to all agents tested, and inhibited stimulated acid secretion. GTP gamma S had no effect on nonpermeabilized glands. No effects on acid secretion by either permeable or nonpermeable glands were observed with GTP, guanosine diphosphate, or guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate). GTP gamma S had no effect on H+ gradient formation by gastric membrane vesicles, showing that it does not inhibit the gastric H(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase directly. These results are interpreted to show that GTP gamma S interacts at a postreceptor site to inhibit or reverse a critical step in stimulus-secretion coupling in parietal cells. In contrast to the effect on parietal cells, GTP gamma S was found to stimulate pepsinogen secretion by alpha-toxin-permeabilized chief cells. The differential effects of GTP gamma S on acid and pepsinogen secretions suggest unique roles for GTP binding proteins in these two secretory processes. The use of alpha-toxin-permeabilized gastric glands should prove useful in defining the stimulus-secretion coupling mechanisms involved in both acid and pepsinogen secretions.

Pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins inhibit fibroblast growth factor-induced signaling in pancreatic acini.

Signal transduction of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors is known to involve tyrosine phosphorylation of several substrates, including Grb2, phospholipase C-gamma, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, whereas the role of G-proteins in FGF receptor signaling is controversial. In the present study we investigated the role of G-proteins in FGF receptor signaling in rat pancreatic acini. Immunological analysis revealed the presence of FGF receptor and phospholipase C-gamma1 in rat pancreatic acini. Both basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and guanosine 5'-(gamma-O-thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) caused an increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) production and amylase release. Combined stimulation of the acini with GTPgammaS and FGF-2 led to a decrease of these responses as compared to the effect of the single substances. When pancreatic acini were preincubated with FGF-2 (1 nM) or vehicle (water) ADP-ribosylation of the alpha-subunit of Gi-type G-proteins by pertussis toxin was reduced in membranes prepared from FGF-2 pretreated acini as compared to control acini, suggesting functional interaction of FGF receptors with Gi-proteins. Pretreatment of acini with pertussis toxin which inhibits Gi-type G-proteins abolished the inhibitory effect of GTPgammaS on FGF-induced 1,4,5-IP3 production and amylase release, whereas the stimulatory effects of FGF-2 and GTPgammaS on these parameters remained unchanged. In conclusion, these results show communication of FGF receptors and Gi-type G-proteins and that Gi-type G-proteins exert an inhibitory influence on FGF-induced activation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in pancreatic acinar cells.

Subtype-specific signaling mechanisms of somatostatin receptors SSTR1 and SSTR2.

Somatostatin regulates diverse cellular effectors, including adenylyl cyclase, ion channels, and ion exchangers. We expressed two somatostatin receptor subtypes, SSTR1 and SSTR2, stably in mouse fibroblast Ltk- cells and transiently in human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells to investigate subtype-specific pharmacological and functional properties. The effects of GTP gamma S and pertussis toxin on [125I-Tyr11]somatostatin-14 binding indicated that SSTR2 may couple exclusively to pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, whereas SSTR1 may couple to both pertussis-sensitive and -insensitive G proteins. When expressed either stably or transiently, both receptor subtypes mediated somatostatin inhibition of cAMP accumulation by a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism. In contrast, only SSTR1 mediated somatostatin inhibition of Na(+)-H+ exchange activity, and this action was insensitive to pertussis toxin. We generated two chimeric receptors by replacing sequential residues of SSTR2 with cognate sequences of SSTR1 to identify molecular determinants unique to SSTR1 that may confer coupling to the exchanger. SSTCR4 included a SSTR1 segment encompassing determinants within the fifth and sixth hydrophobic domains and the entire third cytoplasmic loop, while SSTCR5 contained a SSTR1 segment spanning the second through sixth hydrophobic domains, including both second and third cytoplasmic loops. Although both chimeric receptors mediated somatostatin inhibition of cAMP accumulation, only SSTCR5 mediated the inhibition of Na(+)-H+ exchange activity, and this effect was pertussis-insensitive. These findings demonstrate both pharmacological and functional differences between SSTR1 and SSTR2. The ability of SSTR1 to selectively attenuate Na(+)-H+ exchange activity requires determinants outside the third cytoplasmic domain.

Cl- current activation in choroid plexus epithelial cells involves a G protein and protein kinase A.

The involvement of GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) in the regulation of the Cl- conductance in rat choroid plexus epithelial cells was investigated, using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. Intracellular application of a nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S; 0.1-0.2 mM), evoked a transient increase in the Cl- conductance. The activated Cl- current exhibited inward rectification and was independent of time at hyperpolarizing or depolarizing voltage pulses. The effect of GTP gamma S was inhibited by a nonhydrolyzable GDP analogue, guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (2 mM), and by an inhibitor of protein kinase A, H-89, but was not affected by chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ with 5 mM 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. GTP gamma S failed to activate the current when ATP was omitted from the pipette solution. Intracellular application of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP; 0.25 mM) or the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A activated a similar Cl- current. These results suggest that G proteins activate Cl- channels via a cAMP-dependent pathway in rat choroid plexus.

Effects of guanine nucleotides on bombesin-stimulated signal transduction in rat pancreatic acinar cells.

To study the role of guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) in bombesin receptor signal transduction, we investigated the effects of guanine nucleotide analogues and of the G protein activator NaF on bombesin-induced amylase release, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) production and release of intracellular Ca2+ in rat pancreatic acini. In digitonin-permeabilized acini, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S), a well-known activator of G proteins, potentiated bombesin-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3 production and increased amylase release at low bombesin concentrations (< 10 nM). By contrast, GTP gamma S decreased bombesin-stimulated amylase release at high bombesin concentrations (> 10 nM). Fluoride (10 mM), another G protein activator, had similar effects to GTP gamma S on amylase release. However, unlike GTP gamma S it had no effect on Ins(1,4,5)P3 production and release of intracellular Ca2+ induced by high bombesin concentrations. GDP and its analogues, such as 2'-desoxyguanosine 5'-diphosphate (dGDP) or guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP beta S), inhibit activation of G proteins. GDP and dGDP both inhibited amylase release and Ins(1,4,5)P3 production at all bombesin concentrations tested. In contrast, GDP beta S mimicked the effects of GTP gamma S on bombesin-stimulated amylase release and Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation. In conclusion, we suggest that bombesin receptor-mediated signal transduction involves G proteins in pancreatic acini. The correlation between inhibition of maximum-stimulated enzyme secretion and further increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 production in response to GTP gamma S at high bombesin concentrations suggests that overstimulation of phospholipase C inhibits amylase release. The discrepant effects of GDP and of GDP beta S on phospholipase C activity and amylase release might be due to the ability of GDP beta S, but not of GDP to activate G proteins persistently after phosphorylation by G protein-associated GDP kinases.

GTP gamma S inhibits organelle transport along axonal microtubules.

Movements of membrane-bounded organelles through cytoplasm frequently occur along microtubules, as in the neuron-specific case of fast axonal transport. To shed light on how microtubule-based organelle motility is regulated, pharmacological probes for GTP-binding proteins, or protein kinases or phosphatases were perfused into axoplasm extruded from squid (Loligo pealei) giant axons, and effects on fast axonal transport were monitored by quantitative video-enhanced light microscopy. GTP gamma S caused concentration-dependent and time-dependent declines in organelle transport velocities. GDP beta S was a less potent inhibitor. Excess GTP, but not GDP, masked the effects of coperfused GTP gamma S. The effects of GTP gamma S on transport were not mimicked by broad spectrum inhibitors of protein kinases (K-252a) or phosphatases (microcystin LR and okadaic acid), or as shown earlier, by ATP gamma S. Therefore, suppression of organelle motility by GTP gamma S was guanine nucleotide-specific and evidently did not involve irreversible transfer of thiophosphate groups to protein. Instead, the data imply that organelle transport in the axon is modulated by cycles of GTP hydrolysis and nucleotide exchange by one or more GTP-binding proteins. Fast axonal transport was not perturbed by AlF4-, indicating that the GTP gamma S-sensitive factors do not include heterotrimeric G-proteins. Potential axoplasmic targets of GTP gamma S include dynamin and multiple small GTP-binding proteins, which were shown to be present in squid axoplasm. These collective findings suggest a novel strategy for regulating microtubule-based organelle transport and a new role for GTP-binding proteins.

Contractile Responses to Histamine and GTPγS in β-Escin-Treated Skinned Smooth Muscle of Guinea Pig Ileum

To characterize the calcium (Ca2+)-releasing effects of histamine and GTP gamma S, the drug-induced tension developments were measured in beta-escin-treated skinned longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum. Intracellular Ca2+ stores were loaded with Ca2+ by incubating the muscle for 10 min in a Ca(2+)-containing solution. Histamine (10-100 microM), applied after Ca(2+)-loading, produced a transient rise in tension. The effect of histamine was not preserved after treatment with 20 mM caffeine, a Ca(2+)-store releaser. The effect of histamine was potentiated by GTP; inhibited by GDP beta S, an antagonist of GTP for binding to G-proteins; or heparin, an antagonist of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) for binding to its receptor; and mimicked by IP3. When GTP gamma S (20 microM) was applied and continued to be present for 15 min, a transient rise in tension followed by a small, sustained rise in tension was elicited. The effect of GTP gamma S was completely inhibited by GDP beta S. The initial, transient component of the biphasic GTP gamma S response was abolished or markedly inhibited after treatment with caffeine, heparin or the calcium ionophore A23187. The present results suggest that histamine and GTP gamma S cause a release of Ca2+ from caffeine-sensitive stores which is mediated by IP3 formed through a G-protein-coupled mechanism. The GTP gamma S-induced Ca2+ release is not considered to involve such an IP3-independent process as described in chemically-skinned arterial muscle.

Effects of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) on 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding in the chicken lung, brain and kidney: hypothesis of different subtypes of high affinity melatonin receptors.

Effects of 10 mumol/l guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), a non-hydrolyzable analog of guanosine 5'-triphosphate, on 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding were investigated. In the chicken lung, 10 mumol/l GTP gamma S significantly increased (p < 0.05) the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) values, but did not affect the maximum number of binding sites (Bmax). Conversely, in the chicken brain, GTP gamma S significantly depressed (p < 0.05) the Bmax, but did not change the Kd of the 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the brain tissue. A third variation was observed in the chicken kidney with GTP gamma S altering (p < 0.05) both the Kd and the Bmax of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites. The reason underlying the different effects of GTP gamma S on 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding in the tissue preparations is not clear. However, we would like to hypothesize that they may represent distinct subtypes of the ML-1-type melatonin receptor with different receptor-G-proteins-effector complex. The group represented by the 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites found in the chicken lung, which is downregulated by GTP gamma S with a consequent increase in the Kd value, has been designated ML-1 alpha. The second group, exemplified by the brain 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites, which respond to GTP gamma S with a change in Bmax, has been labelled ML-1 beta. The third group, characterized by GTP gamma S-mediated alterations in both Bmax and Kd and found in the chicken kidney, has been called ML-1 gamma. Different subtypes of melatonin receptors may address the issue of the different physiological actions of melatonin reported in individual tissues within the same species or similar tissues but different species. Specialized responses could be generated depending on the predominant subtype of ML-1 receptors associated with the target tissue.

Involvement of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein-coupled phospholipase A2 in agonist-stimulated arachidonic acid release in membranes isolated from bovine iris sphincter smooth muscle.

We have shown that in bovine iris sphincter membranes G proteins are involved in coupling muscarinic-, PGF2 alpha-, endothelin- and platelet-activating factor receptors to the activation of phospholipase A2 and the release of arachidonic acid. GTP gamma S and GTP gamma S plus carbachol stimulated arachidonic acid release in the membranes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Nucleotide stimulation was specific to GTP gamma S, since GDP, GDP beta S and ATP had no effect. The stimulatory effect of GTP gamma S plus carbachol was blocked by atropine and it required the presence of physiological concentrations of Ca2-. AIF4-, which bypasses the receptor and directly activates the G protein, induced arachidonic acid liberation in the intact iris sphincter, but was ineffective in the membranes. Addition of GTP gamma S plus carbachol to sphincter muscle membranes prelabeled with [3H]inositol or 3H-arachidonic acid resulted in the formation of lysophosphatidylinositol and the liberation of arachidonic acid, thus suggesting the involvement of phospholipase A2. In vitro treatment of the iris membranes with pertussis toxic inhibited arachidonic acid release by the agonists. This is in contrast to the pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein that activates phospholipase C in this tissue (22). These data demonstrate that in the iris sphincter a G protein is involved in the step between receptor activation and the activation of phospholipase A2, and that arachidonic acid release in this tissue is mediated by a pertussis-toxin-sensitive G protein-coupled phospholipase A2. Thus, GTP can regulate arachidonic acid release and its subsequent conversion into eicosanoids by stimulating its formation.

Role of Mg 2+ in activation of nadph oxidase of human neutrophils: Evidence that Mg 2+ acts through G-protein

The membrane fraction and three cytosolic proteins of neutrophils, p47-phox, p67-phox and a G-protein, are involved in the cell-free activation of the O2(-)-generating NADPH oxidase in the presence of SDS, though it has been controversial whether the G-protein is required or just enhancing the activity. We have used the three cytosolic factors, the solubilized membrane fraction, GTP gamma S and SDS, and found that both G-protein and GTP gamma S are essential for the activation of the NADPH oxidase. The effect of GTP gamma S is modified by Mg2+: the cations enhance the O2- generation at low concentrations of GTP gamma S, whereas they attenuate the activity at higher concentrations of GTP gamma S. In presence of 10 microM GTP gamma S, the maximal activity is observed at 0.1 microM Mg2+, which is several-fold higher than that at 1 mM Mg2+. The omission of Mg2+ followed by the chelation with EDTA results in loss of the activation, which is completely restored by the addition of Mg2+. Thus, Mg2+ seems to modulate the activation of the NADPH oxidase at the level of the G-protein.

Peroxides of vanadate induce activation of phospholipase D in HL-60 cells. Role of tyrosine phosphorylation.

To determine the role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the activation of phospholipase D (PLD), electropermeabilized HL-60 cells labeled in [3H]alkyl-phosphatidylcholine were treated with vanadate derivatives. Micromolar concentrations of vanadyl hydroperoxide (V(4+)-OOH) induced accumulation of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. Concomitantly, V(4+)-OOH or a combination of vanadate and NADPH elicited a concentration- and time-dependent accumulation of phosphatidic acid (PtdOH). In the presence of ethanol a sustained formation of phosphatidylethanol was observed, indicating that a type D phospholipase was activated. A good correlation was found to exist between the accumulation of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins and activation of PLD. The V(4+)-OOH concentration dependence of the two responses was nearly identical, and the time course of activation was similar, with tyrosine phosphorylation preceding PLD activation by approximately 1 min. The ability of V(4+)-OOH to induce both responses was found to be strictly dependent on the presence of ATP and/or Mg2+, suggesting that PLD activation involves phosphotransferase reactions. Accordingly, ST638, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, reduced concomitantly tyrosine phosphorylation and PLD activation elicited by V(4+)-OOH. The mechanism of action of V(4+)-OOH was investigated. The diacylglycerol kinase inhibitors, dioctanoylethylene glycol and R59022 potentiated PLD stimulation by exogenous diacylglycerol but not by V(4+)-OOH. Moreover, stimulation by V(4+)-OOH and by phorbol esters was synergystic. Therefore, diacylglycerol-induced activation of protein kinase C is unlikely to mediate the effects of V(4+)-OOH. The response of PLD to V(4+)-OOH was larger than that to guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate. Moreover, the effects of GTP gamma S and V(4+)-OOH were additive. Hence, activation of G proteins cannot account for the stimulation of PLD by V(4+)-OOH. V(4+)-OOH also triggers a burst of O2 consumption by the NADPH oxidase. Inhibition of PtdOH accumulation by addition of ethanol or by ST638 abolished this respiratory burst. Together, the results establish a strong correlation between tyrosine phosphorylation, PLD activation, and stimulation of the NADPH oxidase in HL-60 cells, suggesting a causal relationship.

Thrombin stimulates PDGF production and monocyte adhesion through distinct intracellular pathways in human endothelial cells.

Thrombin stimulates multiple functions in cultured endothelial cells (EC), including an increase in cell surface adhesion sites for monocytes and the production of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). We have initiated studies to define the intracellular signaling pathways involved in these two thrombin-induced EC functions by focusing on the possible roles of the Na(+)-H+ antiporter and guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins). Amiloride suppressed thrombin-stimulated PDGF production by human aortic EC without affecting either basal PDGF production or overall protein synthesis. The steady-state mRNA levels of PDGF-A and PDGF-B chain were not reduced by amiloride. In replicate EC cultures, amiloride had no effect on thrombin-stimulated monocyte adhesion. In addition, thrombin induction of PDGF production, but not monocyte adhesion, was abrogated in the absence of extracellular sodium. Thrombin stimulation of both monocyte adhesion and PDGF production appeared to involve a pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein. Thrombin induced an increase in [35S]guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) binding to human EC membranes. GTP gamma S, in the presence of a suboptimal concentration of thrombin, caused maximal stimulation of both monocyte adhesion and PDGF production. The effect of GTP gamma S on PDGF production was at the level of transcription. These results indicate that the EC is capable of responding to a pluripotent agonist such as thrombin through multiple signaling pathways, which converge and diverge to achieve differential cellular responses.