Inhibited Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate Research Articles

Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors inhibit phorbol myristate acetate and cytokine-induced HIV-1 expression chronically infected U1 cells.

Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) binding protein-1 (r-h TBP-1) and recombinant human soluble dimeric TNF receptor (rhu TNFR:Fc) were used to determine the relative contributions of TNF to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and cytokine-induced human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in chronically infected cell lines. Treatment of HIV-1-infected promonocytic U1 cells with r-h-TBP-1 or rhu TNFR:Fc reduced PMA-induced HIV-1 p24 antigen production in a concentration-dependent manner, with a maximal inhibition of approximately 90%. Maximal inhibition of p24 antigen production in T-lymphocytic ACH-2 cells was 47% with r-hTBP-1 and 42% with rhu TNFR:Fc. r-hTBP-1 and rhu TNFR:Fc also decreased p24 antigen synthesized by U1 cells in response to other stimuli, including phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced supernatant, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-6, and TNF. Addition of r-hTBP-1 to U1 cells during the last 4 h of a 24 h incubation with PMA still inhibited p24 antigen production by 15%. U1 cells stimulated with 10(-7) M PMA released approximately 1 ng/ml endogenous TBP-1 with an initial peak observed at 1 h and a second peak at 24 h after PMA stimulation. r-hTBP-1 also partially reversed inhibition of U1 cellular proliferation caused by PMA. Both r-hTBP-1 and rhu TNFR:Fc blocked PMA induction of nuclear factor (NK)- kappa B DNA-binding activity in U1 cells in association with decreases in HIV-1 replication. We conclude that soluble TNF receptors can inhibit stimuli-induced HIV-1 expression and NK- kappa B DNA-binding activity in chronically infected U1 cells.

Insulin-like growth factor I inhibits aromatization induced by follice-stimulating hormone in rat sertoli cell culture.

Sertoli cells in the testis and granulosa cells in the ovary convert androgen to estrogen under the primary control of FSH. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) markedly augments FSH-stimulated estrogen production in the rat granulosa cell. In this study we examined the regulation of aromatase by FSH and characterized the effects of IGF-I on FSH-induced estrogen production by Sertoli cells cultured from the testes of 16-day-old rats. FSH stimulated aromatization of androstenedione in Sertoli cell culture and achieved maximal effectiveness by 12 h of treatment. Analysis of aromatase mRNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction indicated a marked induction by FSH within 3 h of treatment that was dependent on FSH concentration. IGF-I inhibited FSH-stimulated aromatization dose-dependently; inhibition was approximately 50% by 6 h of cotreatment (p < 0.01). IGF-I was ineffective if added more than 3 h after addition of FSH. Aromatase mRNA was reduced by IGF-I (37 +/- 12%, p < 0.01), coincident with the decrease in estrogen production. To further address the mechanism of IGF-I inhibition, potential interactions with the cAMP and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways were examined. IGF-I inhibited aromatase activity induced by dibutyryl cAMP and inhibited FSH-stimulated estrogen production in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, suggesting that IGF-I action was independent of cAMP production. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and IGF-I were additive in their inhibition of FSH. However, down-regulation of PKC prevented PMA inhibition of FSH but not inhibition by IGF-I. We conclude that IGF-I specifically inhibits FSH-induced aromatization in the Sertoli cell in marked contrast to the effects of IGF-I on rat granulosa cells. Although IGF-I and PMA both inhibit aromatase induction, the independence of the IGF-I effect from PKC down-regulation suggests that the initial action of IGF-I is independent of PKC. As IGF-I treatment similarly alters FSH stimulation of both estrogen production and aromatase mRNA, it is likely that the effect of IGF-I on estrogen production in the Sertoli cell is a result, at least in part, of a decrease in aromatase mRNA.

Interactions of cis-fatty acids and their anilides with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, phorbol myristate acetate and dioctanoyl- s, n-glycerol in human leukocytes

Aniline-denaturated rape-seed food oils that contained anilides of linoleic and oleic acids caused a poisoning epidemic, known as Toxic Oil Syndrome, in Spain in 1981. Toxic Oil Syndrome affected mainly the lungs and the immune system of exposed individuals. Linoleic and oleic acids, and linoleic and oleic acid anilides increased the production of reactive oxygen metabolites in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Both cis-fatty acids inhibited a chemotactic peptide-, fMLP-induced production of reactive oxygen metabolites without affecting fMLP-induced elevation of intracellular calcium levels. Linoleic acid anilide slightly amplified fMLP-induced respiratory burst, whereas oleic acid anilide was without an effect. However, both fatty acid anilides decreased fMLP-induced elevation of levels of free intracellular calcium. Moreover, both cis-fatty acids and their anilides inhibited phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)- and dioctanoyl- s, n-glycerol (DiC 8)-induced production of reactive oxygen metabolites. Thus, both cis-fatty acids and their anilides inhibited agonist-stimulated production of reactive oxygen metabolites; this is most likely due to interactions with cell signalling events. These results suggest that both linoleic and oleic acids and their anilides may inhibit immunological responses of leukocytes.

Regulation of expression of the IL-2 and IL-5 genes and the role of proteins related to nuclear factor of activated T cells

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) inhibits phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced IL-2 production while it inhibits IL-5 production at the transcriptional level in EL-4, a mouse lymphoma line. The –321 to +46 region of the mouse IL-2 promoter is required for activation by PMA and inhibition by cAMP. This promoter region contains several elements that interact with transcription factors, such as nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT), NF-κB, AP-1, and octamer. With use of reporter plasmid carrying multiple copies of each element, we found that the construct that contained the NF-AT site was most effective for responding to PMA activation and cAMP inhibition. In electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), PMA-induced NF-AT binding complex was altered by cAMP. Furthermore, overexpression of the cytoplasmic component of NF-AT abrogated the inhibitory action of cAMP. These results indicate that the NF-AT site is a target of the inhibitory action of cAMP. We have previously reported that the -1200 to +33 region of the mouse IL-5 promoter can mediate transcriptional stimulation by PMA and cAMP in EL-4 cells. Here we identified the element IL-5P, which is required for maximal activation of the IL-5 promoter. We found that this element is homologous to the binding site for NF-AT and interacted with NF-AT-related factors induced by PMA and cAMP. Thus it appears that an NF-AT factor is involved in the regulation of IL-5 gene transcription. (J A LLERGY C LIN I MMUNOL 1995;96:1126-35.)

Inhibition of redox cycling of methoxatin (PQQ), and of superoxide release by phagocytic white cells

The iodonium compounds diphenyleneiodonium and diphenyliodonium, and the amine compounds, 4,5-dimethyl phenylene diamine, N,N-dimethyl 1,4-phenylene diamine, 1,2-diamino-4,5-methyleneoxybenzene, and aminomalononitrile inhibit methoxatin's (PQQ's) redox activity in vitro, that is, the methoxatin-coupled oxidation of glycine and reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium to formazan. The compounds mentioned above also inhibit phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulated superoxide release by phagocytic white cells—determined mainly as the superoxide dismutase sensitive reduction of ferricytochrome C. Related compounds, 3,4-diaminopyridine and 4-dimethylamino-benzylamine, did not inhibit redox activity of PQQ in vitro, nor did they inhibit PMA stimulated superoxide production in monocytes or neutrophils. Thus, there is a correlation between an agent's ability to inhibit PQQ redox cycling and its ability to inhibit superoxide release by phagocytes. The findings area further indication that PQQ is involved in the respiratory burst of phagocytic cells.

Differential effects of the anti-inflammatory compounds heparin, mannose-6-phosphate, and castanospermine on degradation of the vascular basement membrane by leukocytes, endothelial cells, and platelets.

Recent studies suggest that heparin, mannose-6-phosphate (M6P), and castanospermine (CS) may mediate their anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the passage of leukocytes through the subendothelial basement membrane (BM). In order to test this hypothesis, heparin, M6P, and CS were examined for their ability to prevent the in vitro degradation of a 35SO4-labeled extracellular matrix (ECM) by neutrophils, lymphocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), and platelets, the labeled ECM degradation products being analyzed by gel filtration chromatography. All three compounds inhibited 35SO4-labeled ECM degradation, but M6P and CS were cell-type specific in their effects. Heparin inhibited the heparanase activity of all cell types examined, confirming the results of previous studies using similar in vitro techniques. M6P selectively inhibited lymphocyte heparanase but not that of platelets, neutrophils, or ECs. CS selectively inhibited phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced EC heparanase and sulfatase activity but did not affect the constitutive expression of degradative enzymes by non-stimulated ECs. These findings provide important clues to the mode of action of these compounds and the characteristic inflammatory pathology associated with the use of each anti-inflammatory agent. In particular, the data support the view that leukocytes markedly differ in the mechanisms they use to degrade BM/ECM to enable extravasation and that some degree of cooperation with EC is required in this process.

Light-Dependent Inhibition of Protein Kinase C and Superoxide Generation of Neutrophils by Hypericin, an Antiretroviral Agent

Hypericin, a photosensitizing plant pigment, has antiretroviral activity. When exposed to light, the inhibition of Friend leukemia virus (FLV)-induced splenomegaly by hypericin was increased. The ID50 was decreased to less than 2.5 μg/mouse by exposure to tungsten light (29 × 10−3 W/cm2 for 3 min). This pigment inhibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-activated protein kinase C of rat brain in a light- and concentration-dependent manner. The ID50 of hypericin and the light intensity for inhibition of PKC were 0.1 μM under a constant light of 29 × 10−3 W/cm2 for 3 min and 5 × 10−3 W/cm2 in the presence of 1 μM hypericin for 3 min, respectively. The PMA-induced respiratory burst of neutrophils was inhibited in the light but stimulated in the dark by hypericin. The ID50 for inhibition of the respiratory burst was similar to that for inhibition of PKC. These results suggest that hypericin might inhibited PKC-mediated processes of intact cells, including PMA-induced superoxide generation of neutrophils by some light-dependent mechanism, and that this mechanism might underlie its light-dependent inhibition of FLV infection.

Staurosporine inhibits phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate- and insulin-stimulated translocation of GLUT1 and GLUT4 glucose transporters in rat adipose cells.

Staurosporine, a widely used protein kinase C inhibitor, completely inhibited both phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)- and insulin-stimulated glucose transport activity in isolated rat adipocytes. The inhibition was non-competitive and was attributed to a blockade of the PMA- and insulin-induced translocation of both GLUT1 and GLUT4 glucose transporters. The PMA-stimulated glucose transport activity was more sensitive to inhibition by staurosporine than was insulin-stimulated transport activity (PMA, IC50 = 1.1 +/- 0.1 microM; insulin, IC50 = 6.4 +/- 0.7 microM; P < 0.05, n = 3). At 1 microM staurosporine the insulin-sensitivity was decreased, i.e. EC50 increased from 0.12 nM to 5.4 nM, but the maximum response to insulin and the time course for stimulation were unaffected. At 6 microM staurosporine the insulin-sensitivity was further decreased, the maximal stimulation was decreased by 25%, and the apparent half-time for stimulation was extended from 2.5 min in control cells to 9.4 min. Staurosporine (30 microM) was able to block insulin's ability to stimulate glucose transport, whether added before or after insulin, by a mechanism that did not alter the rate of GLUT4 internalization. In intact adipose cells, staurosporine (30 microM) induced a slight (30%) decrease in the maximal insulin-induced receptor autophosphorylation and a similar decrease in the tyrosine phosphorylation of pp60 and pp160 (insulin-receptor substrate-1: 'IRS-1'), but was without effect on insulin binding to its receptor. Conversely, staurosporine induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated (pp120) protein and of an insulin-stimulated protein pp53 in the cytosol. The locus of staurosporine's action appears to be distal from the initial insulin-receptor signalling, at a step that regulates the specific translocation of the glucose transporters to the plasma membranes.

Evidence that inhibition of phorbol ester-induced superoxide anion formation by cyclosporin a in phagocytes is not mediated by direct inhibition of protein kinase C

Cyclosporin A (CsA) has been reported to inhibit phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced superoxide anion (O 2 −) formation in human neutrophils and murine macrophages. We found that CsA inhibited O 2 − formation in HL-60 cells induced by PMA (30nM) and dibutyrate (200 nM) with a half-maximal effect at 1 and 0.75 ωM, respectively. One possible targetof CsA action in protein kinase C (PKC) [EC 2.7.1.37] since phorbol esters activate this kinase. However, CsA did not inhibit PMA-mediated reduction of histamine-induced rises in cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration in, and PMA-induced differentiation of, HL-60 cells and platelet aggregation. CsA did not reduce the activity of various recombinant c-PKC isoenzymes (α, β1 and γ), n-PKC isoenzyme (δ and ϵ), an a-PKC isoenzyme (ζ) nor of PKC purified from rat brain in vitro. These data show that CsA inhibits phorbol ester-induced O 2 − formation in HL-60 cells but not other phorbol ester-mediated events and that inhibition by CsA of O 2 − formation cannot readily be attributed to direct PKC inhibition. We also show that CsA does not change the activity of nucleoside diphosphate kinase [EC 2.7.4.6] in HL-60 membranes nor the latter's physical properties.

Rapid Communication Activation of Protein Kinase C Inhibits Kainate‐Induced Currents in Oocytes Expressing Glutamate Receptor Subunits

The effect of protein kinase C (PKC) activation on maximal kainate (KA)-induced currents was studied in Xenopus oocytes expressing the glutamate receptor (GluR) subunits GluR3, GluR1 + 3, GluR2 + 3, and GluR6. The PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) inhibited peak KA responses in a time-dependent manner. The magnitude of inhibition was greatest in GluR6-expressing oocytes. Desensitizing KA currents characterized by a peak, transient current followed by a slower, desensitizing current were observed in oocytes expressing GluR3 and GluR1 + 3 receptors. PMA inhibited the desensitization, and this effect could be observed before PMA's inhibition of peak current amplitude. PMA-mediated inhibition of both desensitization and peak current amplitude was prevented by intracellular injection of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor peptide. These results suggest that the function of GluRs is regulated by PKC-dependent phosphorylation.

Adenosine 5′-triphosphate, phorbol ester, and pertussis toxin effects on atrial natriuretic peptide stimulation of guanylate cyclase in a human renal cell line

We examined adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), pertussis toxin (PT) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, modulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-stimulated cell-membrane guanylate cyclase (ANP-s-GC) activity and ANP stimulation of whole-cell cGMP accumulation (ANP-s-cGMP) in an ANP-receptor-transduction cell model, the human renal cell line (SK-NEP-1). Acute and long-term effects of PMA on PKC isotype activity are different: Acute (20-min) PMA activation of PKC inhibits ANP-s-cGMP and ANP-s-GC; whereas, long-term (36-h) PMA treatment inhibits slightly less by only partially down-regulating PKC activity, the type-III PKC isotype being 36-h resistant. Long-term 10 −7M PMA treatment of cells neither affected membrane basal GC activity nor ANP-s-GC activity but partially inhibited ATP enhancement of ANP-s-GC. This partial inhibition was completely reversed by the PKC inhibitor H7 and a PKC inhibitory antibody but only partially reversed by the antibody to the catalytic domain of PKC type III. The EC 50 for ATP and its non-phosphorylating analog ATPγS in the presence of acute PMA inhibition of ANP-s-cGMP was similar (∼10 −9). This enhancement of PMA inhibition was two orders of magnitude more sensitive (EC 50 10 −7M) than inhibition of ANP-s-cGMP that we previously reported for acute PMA treatment of whole SK-NEP-1 cells. The three- to four-fold ATP enhancement of cell membrane ANP-s-GC was not blocked by 12-hour preincubation of cells with 150 ng/mL PT but was completely blocked if 2-×-10 −7M PMA was then added for 20 minutes, indicating that acute activation of PKC by PMA does not require a functional “G-type” protein. Acute PMA inhibition of ANP-s-cGMP was reversed by permeabilizing SK-NEP-1 cells to a specific PKC inhibitory peptide, further confirming that PMA inhibition was mediated through PKC activation. These data demonstrated that ANP-s-GC and ANP-s-cGMP were modified through non-phosphorylating interactions with ATP, by multiple PMA activatable PKC isoforms, and that neither were affected by PT-sensitive guanine-nucleotide-binding (G)-protein(s).

Superoxide inhibition following different stimuli of respiratory burst and metabolism of aminosalicylates in neutrophils

Reactive oxygen species such as superoxide radicals have been proposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Some of the antiinflammatory actions of aminosalicylates have been ascribed to their capability to scavenge superoxide radicals directly or to inhibit its production in stimulated neutrophils. However, as a controversy still exists with regard to the precise mechanisms of inhibition and the metabolism within inflammatory cells, we compared scavenger properties of 5-aminosalicylic acid, 4-aminosalicylic acid, N-acetyl aminosalicylic acid, olsalazine, and benzalazine in systems with defined superoxide radical generation such as the dimethyl sulfoxide-NaOH and the potassium superoxide system. We also studied possible inhibition of the superoxide production following different stimuli of the respiratory burst in neutrophils and investigated the uptake and potential metabolism (N-acetylation) of 5-aminosalicylic acid in lipopolysaccharide-primed and resting neutrophils. We found that 5-aminosalicylic acid and 4-aminosalicylic acid had defined scavenger properties in the dimethyl sulfoxide-NaOH or potassium superoxide systems, respectively, whereas compounds with a modified aminophenolic structure had no effects. At the cellular level, 5-aminosalicylic acid inhibited phorbol myristate acetate (100 ng/ml)-activated superoxide generation to 82.3 +/- 9.3%, the formylmethionyl leucyl peptide (10(-5) M) to 61.0 +/- 6.8%, and the NaF (20 mM)-stimulated production to 32.3 +/- 3.2% (mean +/- SD, P < 0.01). The actions of the other drugs were less pronounced. Almost identical retention times (Rt = 11.2 min) of 3H-labeled phorbol myristate acetate in the presence and absence of 5-aminosalicylic acid revealed no in vitro interactions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibition of phorbol ester-induced cellular adhesion by competitive binding of NF-kappa B in vivo.

Adhesive interactions between cells are essential for the organization and function of differentiated tissues and organs and are mediated by inducible cell surface glycoproteins. In normal tissues, cell adhesion molecules contribute to immune regulation, inflammation, and embryogenesis. Additionally, they play an important role in a variety of pathogenic processes. Cell adhesion molecule expression can be induced by stimuli known to activate NF-kappa B, a ubiquitous transcription factor found in a variety of cell types. To investigate the role of NF-kappa B in cell adhesion molecule expression, we treated HL-60 cells with a double-stranded oligonucleotide which specifically inhibits NF-kappa B-mediated transcription. This treatment resulted in the inhibition of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced cellular adhesion, morphological changes, and the expression of leukocyte integrin CD11b. In a similar fashion, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on human endothelial cells induced by PMA was specifically inhibited by the NF-kappa B antagonist. We suggest that NF-kappa B activation is a necessary event for the PMA-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells and the expression of certain activation is a necessary event for the PMA-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells and the expression of certain adhesion molecules. Furthermore, the inhibition of transcription factor functions by this generally applicable mechanism can be used to define their role in cellular differentiation and function.

Inhibition of phorbol ester-induced cellular adhesion by competitive binding of NF-kappa B in vivo.

Adhesive interactions between cells are essential for the organization and function of differentiated tissues and organs and are mediated by inducible cell surface glycoproteins. In normal tissues, cell adhesion molecules contribute to immune regulation, inflammation, and embryogenesis. Additionally, they play an important role in a variety of pathogenic processes. Cell adhesion molecule expression can be induced by stimuli known to activate NF-kappa B, a ubiquitous transcription factor found in a variety of cell types. To investigate the role of NF-kappa B in cell adhesion molecule expression, we treated HL-60 cells with a double-stranded oligonucleotide which specifically inhibits NF-kappa B-mediated transcription. This treatment resulted in the inhibition of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced cellular adhesion, morphological changes, and the expression of leukocyte integrin CD11b. In a similar fashion, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on human endothelial cells induced by PMA was specifically inhibited by the NF-kappa B antagonist. We suggest that NF-kappa B activation is a necessary event for the PMA-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells and the expression of certain activation is a necessary event for the PMA-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells and the expression of certain adhesion molecules. Furthermore, the inhibition of transcription factor functions by this generally applicable mechanism can be used to define their role in cellular differentiation and function.

Regulation of expression of the CYP11A (P450scc) gene in bovine ovarian luteal cells by forskolin and phorbol esters

This study examines the transcriptional regulation of the bovine CYP11A (P450scc) gene by activators of protein kinase A and protein kinase C in bovine ovarian luteal cells. Cells were transfected with reporter gene constructs containing deletion mutations of the 5'-flanking region of the bovine CYP11A gene linked to the minimal beta-globin gene. A construct containing -118/-101 base pairs of CYP11A sequence retains the same degree of stimulation by forskolin and inhibition by co-treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate as larger constructs. This sequence contains two putative binding sites for nuclear proteins, an AP1-like sequence and an overlapping GA box element. Gel shift analysis using nuclear extracts of bovine ovarian luteal cells demonstrated that both the wild-type -118/-101-base pair sequence and a consensus GC box bound Sp1 or Sp1-like proteins. Mutation of the GA box element completely suppressed stimulation by forskolin. Absence of binding using the same mutated sequence correlated with the reporter gene transcription results. Mutation of the AP1-like site had little effect on forskolin induction of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate inhibition. These results indicate that both stimulation by forskolin and inhibition by phorbol esters are mediated by the same GA box element, which binds Sp1 or an Sp1-like protein.

Effect of sphingosine and its N-methyl derivatives on oxidative burst, phagokinetic activity, and trans-endothelial migration of human neutrophils

Neutrophils display three major functions: (i) oxidative burst, (ii) phagokinetic activity, and (iii) trans-endothelial migration. Sphingosine (SPN) is known to inhibit oxidative burst in human neutrophils via inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC). SPN is metabolically converted into N, N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS) in some tissues and cell lines. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that the PKC-inhibitory effect of DMS is stronger than that of SPN, and that of the synthetic analogue N, N, N-trimethylsphingosine (TMS) is even stronger. Therefore, in the present study, we compared the effects of SPN, DMS, and TMS on the neutrophil functions mentioned above. These three compounds, at 10–20 μM, showed equal inhibition of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-dependent superoxide (O 2 −) production and O 2 consumption. They and other known PKC inhibitors (H-7, staurosporine, calphostin C), at 1–5 μM, showed equal inhibition of the phagokinetic activity of neutrophils. On the other hand, trans-endothelial migration of neutrophils was suppressed by SPN, DMS, and TMS at 5–10 μM, but was relatively unaffected by the other PKC inhibitors. All of these compounds inhibited PMA-induced phosphorylation of major neutrophil proteins with a M r of 60 and 47 kDa; this effect is ascribable to inhibition of PKC. Despite the similar effects of SPN, DMS, and TMS on neutrophil function, TMS was considerably less cytotoxic to neutrophils under the same experimental conditions. Furthermore, SPN and DMS at 10–20 μM caused obvious morphological changes of the endothelial cells, but TMS did not. SPN undergoes rapid metabolic conversion to various sphingolipid compounds, but TMS is stable. In view of all these findings, TMS appears to be a superior pharmacological agent, compared to SPN derivatives or other PKC inhibitors, for suppression of neutrophil overfunction associated with inflammatory processes and tissue injury.

Effects of gaseous anesthetics and ultrashort and short-acting barbiturates on human blood platelet free cytosolic calcium: relevance to their effects on platelet aggregation.

The effects of elevated pressures (to 6 atmospheres absolute (ATA)) of nitrous oxide (N2O) and of xenon (Xe), and barbiturates on platelet free cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) and platelet aggregation were studied. N2O inhibited the ADP-induced rise in [Ca2+]i whereas Xe had no effect. Neither affected basal levels. Pentobarbital and methohexital had little effect on basal or stimulated levels in the presence or "absence" of extracellular Ca2+; but both, at concentrations > 10(-4) M, inhibited platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate. Thiopental increased basal and stimulated [Ca2+]i when extracellular Ca2+ was present, but not when it was absent, and displayed a bimodal effect with low and high doses being more active than intermediate ones. It also potentiated aggregation. Methitural displayed similar, but nonsignificant, effects. These patterns held for all agents whether or not acetylsalicylic acid was present. Pentobarbital and methohexital inhibited phorbol myristate acetate aggregation in low extracellular calcium and no potentiation was seen with thiopental. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, no potentiation was observed in stimulated platelets. Potentiation of aggregation previously reported for Xe does not involve increased Ca2+ uptake and did not occur in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. A common mechanism of action for these agents cannot be inferred from their effects on platelet aggregation or [Ca2+]i, as their pharmacological profiles differ markedly. It is evident that their inhibitory properties in this cell are not dependent on extracellular Ca2+, whereas the potentiation observed with pentobarbital, and formerly with Xe, is so dependent.

Effects of phenobarbital on leukocyte activation: membrane potential, actin polymerization, chemotaxis, respiratory burst, cytokine production, and lymphocyte proliferation.

Leukocyte activation is known to involve cell membrane potential changes. Phenobarbital, an anesthetic and anticonvulsant that can inhibit neuronal membrane depolarization, may also affect leukocyte activation. Measuring membrane potential, actin polymerization, chemotaxis, superoxide production, lymphocyte proliferation, intracellular calcium concentration, and cytokine production, we found that phenobarbital at a concentration of 15-30 micrograms/ml, which is considered a therapeutic serum level for controlling seizures, did not affect polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) activation. At levels higher than 100 micrograms/ml, phenobarbital significantly suppressed formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced chemotaxis. Concentrations greater than 300 micrograms/ml also inhibited phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated membrane potential change. In contrast, 30 micrograms/ml phenobarbital significantly inhibited lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen. This concentration of phenobarbital also suppressed the increase of intracellular free calcium induced by PHA. However, only a higher concentration of phenobarbital (300 micrograms/ml) was able to inhibit PHA-induced interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and suppress the proliferation of PHA-induced IL-2 receptor-bearing lymphocytes. These results suggest that concentrations of phenobarbital associated with anticonvulsive levels do not affect PMN activation but suppress lymphocyte activation, possibly by affecting intracellular signal transduction.

Protein kinase C activation causes inhibition of Na/K-ATPase activity in Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial (MDCK) cells.

To evaluate the influence of protein kinase C (PKC) activation on Na/K-ATPase activity in MDCK cells, we studied the effect of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and two diacylglycerol analogues, oleoylacetylglycerol and dioctanoylglycerol, on the enzyme activity. Na/K-ATPase activity was determined by cytochemistry. PMA induced a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of Na/K-ATPase activity and at 100 ng/ml decreased the enzyme activity by 55% of the initial value. These effects were mimicked by oleoylacetylglycerol and dioctanoylglycerol, and were abolished by two inhibitors of PKC, 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulphonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7) and sphingosine. A phorbol ester that does not activate PKC, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, did not inhibit Na/K-ATPase activity. PMA inhibition persisted in the presence of cycloheximide and actinomycin D but not in the presence of amiloride. Dopamine (10 microM) inhibition of Na/K-ATPase activity was abolished in a dose-dependent manner by sphingosine. Results suggest that in MDCK cells Na/K-ATPase is an effector protein for PKC and that dopamine inhibition of its activity may be mediated by PKC.

Inhibition of neutrophil priming and tyrosyl phosphorylation by cepharanthine, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug.

Receptor-mediated superoxide (O2.-)-generation and tyrosyl phosphorylation of neutrophil proteins, such as 58, 65, 84, 108 and 115 kDa, were enhanced by priming cells with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) [Akimura, K. et al. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 298: 703-709, 1992]. To elucidate the possible involvement of tyrosyl phosphorylation of neutrophil proteins in the enhancing mechanism of O2.- generation, the effect of cepharanthine, a biscoclaurine alkaloid that inhibits phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)- and receptor-mediated O2.- generation, on the priming of human peripheral neutrophils (HPPMN) was studied. Both enhancement of formyl-methionyl-leucyl- phenylalanine (FMLP)-mediated O2.- generation and tyrosyl phosphorylation of some neutrophil proteins, i.e., 115, 108 and 84 kDa proteins, by HHPMN after treatment with G-CSF were strongly inhibited by cepharanthine in a concentration- and treatment-time-dependent manner. In contrast, inhibition of PMA-mediated O2.- generation by cepharanthine was weak and independent of treatment time. These results suggest that cepharanthine might inhibit the priming step of neutrophil activation concomitantly with its inhibition of the tyrosyl phosphorylation of some neutrophil proteins that might underlie the mechanism for priming of neutrophils with G-CSF.