IP3 Formation Research Articles

Modulation of Ca2+ mobilization by protein kinase C in the submandibular duct cell line A253.

The expression of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms and the modulation of Ca2+ mobilization by PKC were investigated in the human submandibular duct cell line A253. Three new PKC (nPKC) isoforms (delta, epsilon, and theta) and one atypical PKC (aPKC) isoform (lambda) are expressed in this cell line. No classical PKC (cPKC) isoforms were present. The effects of the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and of the PKC inhibitors calphostin C (CC) and bisindolymaleimide I (BSM) on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and Ca2+ responses to ATP and to thapsigargin (TG) were investigated. Pre-exposure to PMA inhibited IP3 formation, Ca2+ release and Ca2+ influx in response to ATP. Pre-exposure to CC or BSM slightly enhanced IP3 formation but inhibited the Ca2+ release and the Ca2+ influx induced by ATP. In contrast, pre-exposure to PMA did not modify the Ca2+ release induced by TG, but reduced the influx of Ca2+ seen in the presence of this Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor. These results suggest that PKC modulates elements of the IP3/Ca2+ signal transduction pathway in A253 cells by (1) inhibiting phosphatidylinositol turnover and altering the sensitivity of the Ca2+ channels to IP3, (2) altering the activity, the sensitivity to inhibitors, or the distribution of the TG-sensitive Ca2+ ATPase, and (3) modulating Ca2+ entry pathways.

Modulation of Ca2+ mobilization by protein kinase C in rat submandibular acinar cells

The effects of protein kinase C (PKC) activation and inhibition on the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) responses of rat submandibular acinar cells were investigated. IP3 formation in response to acetylcholine (ACh) was not affected by the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), nor by the PKC inhibitor calphostin C (CaC). The ACh-elicited initial increase in [Ca2+]i in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ was not changed by short-term (0.5 min) exposure to PMA, but significantly reduced by long-term (30 min) exposure to PMA, and also by pre-exposure to the PKC inhibitors CaC and chelerythrine chloride (ChC). After ACh stimulation, subsequent exposure to ionomycin caused a significantly (258%) larger [Ca2+]i increase in CaC-treated cells than in control cells. However, pre-exposure to CaC for 30 min did not alter the Ca2+ release induced by ionomycin alone. These results suggest that the reduction of the initial [Ca2+]i increase is due to an inhibition of the Ca2+ release mechanism and not to store shrinkage. The thapsigargin (TG)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was significantly reduced by short-term (0.5 min), but not by long-term (30 min) exposure to PMA, nor by pre-exposure to ChC or CaC. Subsequent exposure to ionomycin after TG resulted in a significantly (70%) larger [Ca2+]i increase in PMA-treated cells than in control cells, suggesting that activation of PKC slows down the Ca2+ efflux or passive leak seen in the presence of TG. Taken together, these results indicate that inhibition of PKC reduces the IP3-induced Ca2+ release and activation of PKC reduces the Ca2+ efflux seen after inhibition of the endoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase in submandibular acinar cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 72:47–55, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Modulation of Ca2+ mobilization by protein kinase C in rat submandibular acinar cells.

The effects of protein kinase C (PKC) activation and inhibition on the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) responses of rat submandibular acinar cells were investigated. IP3 formation in response to acetylcholine (ACh) was not affected by the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), nor by the PKC inhibitor calphostin C (CaC). The ACh-elicited initial increase in [Ca2+]i in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ was not changed by short-term (0.5 min) exposure to PMA, but significantly reduced by long-term (30 min) exposure to PMA, and also by pre-exposure to the PKC inhibitors CaC and chelerythrine chloride (ChC). After ACh stimulation, subsequent exposure to ionomycin caused a significantly (258%) larger [Ca2+]i increase in CaC-treated cells than in control cells. However, pre-exposure to CaC for 30 min did not alter the Ca2+ release induced by ionomycin alone. These results suggest that the reduction of the initial [Ca2+]i increase is due to an inhibition of the Ca2+ release mechanism and not to store shrinkage. The thapsigargin (TG)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was significantly reduced by short-term (0.5 min), but not by long-term (30 min) exposure to PMA, nor by pre-exposure to ChC or CaC. Subsequent exposure to ionomycin after TG resulted in a significantly (70%) larger [Ca2+]i increase in PMA-treated cells than in control cells, suggesting that activation of PKC slows down the Ca2+ efflux or passive leak seen in the presence of TG. Taken together, these results indicate that inhibition of PKC reduces the IP3-induced Ca2+ release and activation of PKC reduces the Ca2+ efflux seen after inhibition of the endoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase in submandibular acinar cells.

Transduction for Sweet Taste of Saccharin May Involve Both Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate and cAMP Pathways in the Fungiform Taste Buds in C57BL Mice

The transduction pathways for sweet and bitter tastes were investigated with assays of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in mouse fungiform taste buds. Recordings of taste responses were also made in the chorda tympani nerve. Stimulation of the tongue with saccharin elicited a significant increase in IP₃ levels in the fungiform papilla only at 20 mM but in cAMP levels at 3 and 20 mM, without affecting those of the nonsensory epithelial tissue. Formation of both IP₃ and cAMP induced by 20 mM saccharin was suppressed by pretreatment of the tongue with pronase, a proteolytic enzyme which specifically inhibits sweet responses. Quinine and denatonium elicited both significant increases in IP₃ levels at a concentration of 20 mM and slight decreases in cAMP levels at concentrations of 1–20 mM in the fungiform papilla. Recording of the chorda tympani nerve showed good responses by saccharin, quinine, and denatonium at concentrations of 1 mM and higher. These results suggest that the fungiform taste cells in C57BL mice have pronase-sensitive receptors for saccharin, coupled to both the IP₃ and the cAMP pathways; the former participates only at high concentration, while the latter acts from low to high concentrations. The results also do not rule out the possibility that a phosphodiesterase-mediated cAMP decrease may be involved in bitter transduction for quinine and denatonium.

High concentrations of tricyclic antidepressants increase intracellular Ca2+ in cultured neural cells.

We examined the effect of tricyclic antidepressants on intracellular Ca2+ signalling in cultured cells of neuronal and glial origin. High concentrations of amitriptyline and desipramine increased the intracellular Ca2+ in PC-12 and U-87 MG cells. In PC-12 cells amitriptyline induced a biphasic rise in intracellular Ca2+. A rapid and transient increase due to release of Ca2+ from intracellular pools was followed by sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i due to influx from the extracellular medium. Desipramine evoked the Ca2+ release from intracellular pools but the influx of Ca2+ was not elicited. In U-87 MG cells both the drugs induced Ca2+ release from intracellular pools, however amitriptyline also induced a transient influx of Ca2+. To delineate the mechanisms involved in mobilization of Ca2+ by the drugs pharmacological agents that inhibit IP3 formation in cells and Ca2+ channel blockers were used and changes in [Ca2+]i and membrane potential were monitored. The results show that both the drugs release Ca2+ from IP3 sensitive pools by activation of phospholipase C and amitriptyline in addition activates a non specific cation channel in the plasma membrane of cells. Paradoxically at relatively lower concentrations (< 50 microM) amitriptyline and desipramine inhibited the Ca2+ signal induced by adenosine triphosphate in both the cell types. Our data demonstrate that tricyclic antidepressants at different doses may have inhibitory or stimulatory effects on cellular Ca2+ signalling.

The effects of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on neutrophils.

The studies of dietary fish oil supplementation in healthy volunteers demonstrate a significant increase in neutrophil EPA content, a concomitant reduction in neutrophil AA content, and suppression of neutrophil LTB4 synthesis by supplementation with dietary fish oil containing approximately 3-4 g EPA daily for a minimum of 4 weeks. Suppression of neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness to LTB4 and FMLP was observed after dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation at these levels. Dietary EPA is more active than DHA in eliciting these effects in human neutrophils. Dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis to these ligands through the inhibition of the signal transduction pathway between the receptor and phospholipase C, as demonstrated by the inhibition of chemotaxin-stimulated IP3 formation, in the absence of an effect on the number or affinity of the respective chemotaxin receptors. In patients with RA, dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA resulted in decreased AA content of cellular lipids, with an augmented EPA content and decreased LTB4 generation by neutrophils. Dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA also resulted in augmentation of depressed neutrophil chemotaxis to LTB4 and FMLP. Preliminary findings suggest that the decreased responsiveness to chemotaxins of neutrophils from RA patients is due to down-regulation of chemotaxin receptor number, resulting in decreased signaling via chemotaxin receptors. Dietary fish oil PUFA partially reversed the down-regulation of the chemotaxin receptor of neutrophils of RA patients, but had a lesser effect on chemotaxin receptor signaling and function, probably due to a post-receptor inhibition induced by fish oil PUFA, as was previously observed in healthy controls. Several small clinical trials have each suggested that dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA resulted in modest improvements in disease activity. Meta-analysis of these studies confirms statistically significant improvements in tender joint count and morning stiffness after 3 months of dietary fish oil supplementation in patients with RA. Dietary supplementation with gamma-linolenic acid-rich oils also inhibits neutrophil LTB4 formation, has other anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, and shows promise of therapeutic efficacy in RA.

Independent coupling of the human tachykinin NK2 receptor to phospholipases C and A2 in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells.

The human tachykinin NK2 receptor stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-hNK2R cells) was characterized by studying the effect of neurokinin A (NKA), the preferred natural ligand, and that of other agonists and antagonists in both binding experiments and functional assays. Competition experiments using [125I]NKA showed that CHO-hNK2R cells express binding sites which have high affinity for NKA (Ki=3.4+/-0.9 nM), GR 64349 (Ki=12+/-3 nM) and [betaAla8]NKA(4-10) (Ki=21+/-8 nM) and for the antagonists MEN 10627 (Ki=0.55+/-0.2 nM), and MEN 11420 (Ki=2.4+/-0.8 nM). In contrast, the tachykinin NK1 and NK3 receptor agonists [Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP and senktide, respectively, were recognized with low affinity (Ki>10 microM). NKA (EC50=68+/-18 nM) induced a rapid and concentration-dependent increase in the intracellular level of inositoltrisphosphate (IP3). The concentration-response curve to GR 64349 (EC50=155+/-14 nM) was close to that of NKA, whereas [betaAla8]NKA(4-10) (EC50=445+/-78 nM) and SP (EC50=3197+/-669 nM) were 7- and 50-fold less potent, respectively. In addition, NKA stimulated the release of arachidonic acid and the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in a concentration-dependent manner. Also in this assay, NKA was found to be more potent than the other agonists tested (the EC50 values were 3+/-0.3, 9+/-3, 7.8+/-0.9 and 217+/-37 nM for NKA, GR 64349, [betaAla8]NKA(4-10) and SP, respectively). MEN 10627 and MEN 11420 were potent and competitive antagonists in blocking NKA-induced IP3 formation and PGE2 release: MEN 10627 and MEN 11420 displayed comparable potencies in blocking the two functional responses initiated by occupancy of the NK2 receptor by NKA. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin (500 ng/ml for 18 h) did not significantly modify the basal or stimulated phosphatidylinositol turnover but reduced the basal and NKA-induced PGE2 release by about 35%. The phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 (10 microM) prevented the NKA-induced formation of IP3 but did not affect PGE2 release. Conversely, the phospholipase A2 inhibitor quinacrine (100 microM) blocked the release of arachidonic acid and PGE2 without affecting the NKA-stimulated formation of IP3. Chelation of extracellular calcium with 3 mM EGTA inhibited the NKA-induced PGE2 release by 81% but was without effect on basal and NKA-stimulated IP3 production. The calcium channel blockers verapamil (10 microM) and omega-conotoxin GVIA (0.1 microM) did not modify the basal PGE2 production and had no significant effect on the response to tachykinins while the blocker of non-selective cation channels, SKF-96365 (10 microM), inhibited the response to NKA by about 74%. SKF-96365 did not affect the basal or the NKA-induced IP3 formation. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the human tachykinin NK2 receptor expressed in CHO cells displays binding affinity and functional properties which are those of a native NK2 receptor. No pharmacological evidence for heterogeneity of the human NK2 receptor was obtained in this study. Our findings indicate that the human tachykinin NK2 receptor is independently coupled to both PLC and PLA2 signaling pathways. Activation of the PLA2 pathway may be linked to the opening of a voltage-independent cation channel which activates a Ca2+-dependent PLA2.

Odorants Selectively Activate Distinct G Protein Subtypes in Olfactory Cilia

Chemoelectrical signal transduction in olfactory neurons appears to involve intracellular reaction cascades mediated by heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins. In this study attempts were made to identify the G protein subtype(s) in olfactory cilia that are activated by the primary (odorant) signal. Antibodies directed against the alpha subunits of distinct G protein subtypes interfered specifically with second messenger reponses elicited by defined subsets of odorants; odor-induced cAMP-formation was attenuated by Galphas antibodies, whereas Galphao antibodies blocked odor-induced inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation. Activation-dependent photolabeling of Galpha subunits with [alpha-32P]GTP azidoanilide followed by immunoprecipitation using subtype-specific antibodies enabled identification of particular individual G protein subtypes that were activated upon stimulation of isolated olfactory cilia by chemically distinct odorants. For example odorants that elicited a cAMP response resulted in labeling of a Galphas-like protein, whereas odorants that elicited an IP3 response led to the labeling of a Galphao-like protein. Since odorant-induced IP3 formation was also blocked by Gbeta antibodies, activation of olfactory phospholipase C might be mediated by betagamma subunits of a Go-like G protein. These results indicate that different subsets of odorants selectively trigger distinct reaction cascades and provide evidence for dual transduction pathways in olfactory signaling.

Effects of the peroxisome proliferator ciprofibrate and prostaglandin F2 alpha combination treatment on second messengers in cultured rat hepatocytes.

Peroxisome proliferators induce hepatic peroxisome proliferation and hepatic tumors in rodents. These chemicals increase the expression of the peroxisomal beta-oxidation pathway and the cytochrome P-450 4A family, which metabolizes lipids, including eicosanoids. Peroxisome proliferators transiently induce increased cell proliferation in vivo. However, peroxisome proliferators are weakly mitogenic and are not co-mitogenic with epidermal growth factor (EGF) in cultured hepatocytes. Earlier study found that the peroxisome proliferator ciprofibrate is comitogenic with eicosanoids. In order to study possible mechanisms of the comitogenicity of peroxisome proliferator ciprofibrate and eicosanoids, we hypothesized that the co-mitogenicity may result from synergistic or additive increases of second messengers in mitogenic signal pathways. We therefore examined the effect of the peroxisome proliferator ciprofibrate, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and the combination of ciprofibrate and PGF2 alpha with or without growth factors on the protein kinase C (PKC) activity, and inositol-1, 4, 5-triphosphate (IP3) and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) concentrations in cultured rat hepatocytes. The combination of ciprofibrate and PGF2 alpha significantly increased particulate PKC activity. The combination of ciprofibrate and PGF2 alpha also significantly increased EGF, transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and hepatic growth factor (HGF)-induced particulate PKC activity. The combination of ciprofibrate and PGF2 alpha greatly increased [Ca2+]i. However, the increases of PKC activity and [Ca2+]i by ciprofibrate and PGF2 alpha alone were much smaller. Neither ciprofibrate or PGF2 alpha alone nor the combination of ciprofibrate and PGF2 alpha significantly increased the formation of IP3. The combination of ciprofibrate and PGF2 alpha, however, blocked the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta on particulate PKC activity and formation of IP3 induced by EGF. These results show that co-mitogenicity of the peroxisome proliferator ciprofibrate and eicosanoids may result from the increase in particulate PKC activity and intracellular calcium concentration but not from the formation of IP3.

Prostaglandin E 2 in the salivary glands of the female tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.): calcium mobilization and exocytosis

A cholera toxin-sensitive, prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) specific receptor has been identified in the plasma membrane fraction of tick salivary glands. In the present study, we report that stimulation of dispersed salivary glands of the lone star tick Amblyomma americanum (L.) with 1 nM to 10 μM PGE 2 increased the intracellular concentration of inositol trisphosphate (IP 3) in a dose-dependent manner. Incubation of dispersed tissue with 1 nM to 10 μM PGE 2 also stimulated release of 45Ca 2+ from preloaded tissue. PGE 2 (10 μM) did not stimulate an influx of 45Ca 2+. Therefore, the PGE 2 receptor in the salivary glands appears to activate a phosphoinositide phospholipase C signalling pathway to increase formation of intracellular IP 3 and, thus, mobilize Ca 2+ from intracellular stores. Incubation of dispersed salivary glands with 1 nM to 1 μM PGE 2 stimulated secretion of anticoagulant protein, but not at <1 nM or >1 μM PGE 2. In addition, the mammalian PGE 2 EP1 receptor antagonist AH-6809 affected secretion of anticoagulant by dispersed salivary gland tissue at a low concentration supporting the hypothesis that the PGE 2 receptor in tick salivary glands is EP1-like. We propose that a major function for PGE 2 in tick salivary glands is to mobilize Ca 2+ and stimulate secretion (exocytosis) of bioactive proteins into the tick's saliva during feeding.

Comparison of Angiotensin II Type-1 and Type-2 Receptor Antagonists on Angiotensin II– Induced IP 3 Generation in Cardiomyocytes

1. Angiotensin II (ang II) produced significant ( P<0.01) increases of inositol 1,4,5-mono-, -di- and -triphosphates (IP 1, IP 2 and IP 3) within 1 min of treatment of cardiomyocytes prepared as primary culture from 7-day-old chick embryo hearts. 2. The ang II receptor type 1 (AT 1-R) antagonist losartan blocked ang II–stimulated production of IP 3; however, the inhibition was not complete even at 10 −5 M. 3. The ang II receptor type 2 (AT 2-R) antagonist PD123319 blocked ang II–induced IP 3 production but to a lesser extent than losartan. At 10 −5 M, losartan reduced ang II–induced formation of IP 3 by 71%, whereas PD123319 reduced IP 3 formation by ang II by 40%. 4. Neither losartan nor PD123319, 10 −5 M, affected IP 3 formation in cardiomyocytes that were not treated by ang II. 5. The combination of both antagonists, at concentrations that each partly reduced IP 3, completely inhibited IP 3 formation. Thus AT 1 and AT 2 receptor blockade may be necessary to completely block the effects of ang II mediated by the IP 3 signal transduction pathway.

P-318 - Discordant changes in increase in IP3 formation with that in intracellular Ca2+ by vasopressin in A10 cells

P-318 - Discordant changes in increase in IP3 formation with that in intracellular Ca2+ by vasopressin in A10 cells

Submaximal stimulation of porcine endothelial cells causes focal Ca2+ elevation beneath the cell membrane.

1. Endothelial cell activation is correlated with increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, often monitored with cytoplasmic Ca2+ dyes, such as fura-2 and Calcium Green-1. We tested the hypothesis that during weak stimulation of porcine coronary artery endothelial cells, focal, subplasmalemmal Ca2+ elevations occur which are controlled by cell membrane Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange near mitochondrial membrane and superficial endoplasmic reticulum (SER). 2. Bulk Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]b) was monitored using fura-2 or Calcium Green-1 and subplasmalemmal Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]sp) was determined with FFP-18. The distribution of the SER network was estimated using laser scanning and deconvolution microscopy. 3. Sodium fluoride (10 mmol l-1) and submaximal concentrations of bradykinin (Bk; 1 nmol l-1) stimulated Ca2+ entry with no increase in [Ca2+]b. Although inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation and intracellular Ca2+ release in response to both stimuli were similar, Ca2+ entry in response to NaF exceeded that in response to 1 nmol l-1 BK by fourfold, suggesting additional effects of NaF on Ca+ entry pathways but stimulation via intracellular Ca2+ release. 4. Prevention of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange activity by decreasing extracellular Na+ unmasked intracellular Ca2+ release in response to NaF and 1 nmol l-1 Bk, indicated by an increase in [Ca2+]b. Thereby, NaF depleted Bk-releasable Ca2+ pools, while mitochondrial Ca2+ content (released with FCCP or oligomycin) and the amount of Ca2+ stored within the cells (released with ionomycin) was increased compared with cells treated with NaF under normal Na+ conditions. The NaF-initiated increase in [Ca2+]b and depletion of Bk-releasable Ca2+ pool(s) in the low-Na+ condition was diminished by 25 mumol l-1 ryanodine, indicating the involvement of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR). 5. In simultaneous recordings of [Ca2+]sp (with FFP-18) and [Ca2+]b (with Calcium Green-1), 1 nmol l-1 Bk or 10 mmol l-1 NaF yielded focal [Ca2+] elevation in the subplasmalemmal region with no increase in the perinuclear area. 6. Treatment with 10 mumol-1 nocodazole caused the SER to collapse and unmasked Ca2+ release in response to 1 nmol l-1 Bk and 10 mmol l-1 NaF, similar to low-Na+ conditions, while the effect of thapsigargin was not changed. 7. These data show that in endothelial cells, focal, subplasmalemmal Ca2+ elevations in response to small or slow IP3 formation occur due to vectorial Ca2+ release from the SER towards the plasmalemma followed by Ca2+ extrusion by Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange. While these local Ca2+ elevations are not detectable with Ca2+ dyes for the determination of [Ca2+]b, prevention of Ca2+ extrusion or SER disruption yields increases in [Ca2+]b partially due to CICR. 8. All of the data support our hypothesis that in weakly stimulated endothelial cells, intracellular Ca2+ release and [Ca2+] elevation are limited to the subplasmalemmal region. We propose that the SER co-operates with associated parts of the plasma membrane to control Ca2+ homeostasis, Ca2+ distribution and Ca2+ entry. The existence of such a subplasmalemmal Ca2+ control unit (SCCU) needs to be considered in discussions of Ca2+ signalling, especially when cytoplasmic Ca2+ dyes, such as fura-2 or Calcium Green-1, are used.

Differential regulation of types-1 and -3 inositol trisphosphate receptors by cytosolic Ca2+

Biphasic regulation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization by cytosolic Ca2+ is believed to contribute to regenerative intracellular Ca2+ signals. Since cells typically express several IP3 receptor isoforms and the effects of cytosolic Ca2+ are not mediated by a single mechanism, it is important to resolve the properties of each receptor subtype. Full-length rat types-1 and -3 IP3 receptors were expressed in insect Sf9 cells at levels 10-40-fold higher than the endogenous receptors. The expressed receptors were glycosylated and assembled into tetramers, and binding of [3H]IP3 to each subtype was regulated by cytosolic Ca2+. The effects of increased [Ca2+] on native cerebellar and type-1 receptors expressed in Sf9 cells were indistinguishable. A maximally effective increase in [Ca2+] reversibly inhibited [3H]IP3 binding by approx. 50% by decreasing the number of IP3-binding sites (Bmax) without affecting their affinity for IP3. The effects of Ca2+ on type-3 receptors were more complex: increasing [Ca2+] first stimulated [3H]IP3 binding by increasing Bmax, and then inhibited it by causing a substantial decrease in the affinity of the receptor for IP3. The different effects of Ca2+ on the receptor subtypes were not a consequence of limitations in the availability of accessory proteins or of artifactual effects of Ca2+ on membrane structure. We conclude that Ca2+ can inhibit IP3 binding to types-1 and -3 IP3 receptors although by different mechanisms, and that IP3 binding to type-3 receptors is stimulated at intermediate [Ca2+]. A consequence of these differences is that, at resting cytosolic [Ca2+], type-3 receptors are more sensitive than type-1 receptors to IP3, but the situation reverses at higher cytosolic [Ca2+]. Such differences may be important in generating the spatially and temporally complex changes in cytosolic [Ca2+] evoked by receptors linked to IP3 formation.

Inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis and cell growth of Swiss 3T3 cells by myristoylated phospholipase C inhibitor peptides.

It has been demonstrated that the phospholipase C-gamma (PLC-gamma) molecule contains within it a phospholipase C inhibitor (PCI) region and that synthetic peptides based on the sequence of this region (PCI peptides) suppress the enzymatic activity of PLC isoforms [Y. Homma and T. Takenawa (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 21884-21889]. In order to improve the permeability of the plasma membrane to PCI peptides, we synthesized myristoylated PCI peptides, myr-GLYRKAMRLRYPV [myr-PCI(Y)] and myr-GLFRKAMRLRFPV [myr-PCI(F)], which are identical except for the replacement of the two tyrosine residues in myr-PCI(Y) by phenylalanines in myr-PCI(F), and examined their inhibitory activity on PLC enzymes in vitro and in vivo. This fatty acid modification potentiated the inhibitory activity of the original PCI peptides and both myr-PCI(Y) and myr-PCI(F) suppressed the PIP2-hydrolyzing activity of purified PLC isoforms in vitro. The Ki values of myr-PCI(Y) and myr-PCI(F) for purified PLC-gamma1 were 3.5 and 55 microM, respectively. Myr-PCI(Y) at concentrations in the sub-micromolar range significantly suppressed IP3 formation induced by EGF, PDGF, bombesin, or serum in Swiss 3T3 cells. Furthermore, myr-PCI(Y) also strongly inhibited cell proliferation induced by these stimuli. The inhibitory effect on IP3 formation and proliferation of myr-PCI(F) was much less potent than that of myr-PCI(Y). These results suggest that myristoylated PCI peptides could be applied to living cells as specific inhibitors of PLC signaling pathways and that PLC pathways are at least in part required for growth in Swiss 3T3 cells.

Exposure of endothelial cells to cyclic strain induces elevations of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration through mobilization of intracellular and extracellular pools.

We have previously reported that exposure of endothelial cells to cyclic strain elicited a rapid but transient generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which reached a peak 10 s after the initiation of cyclic deformation. To address the effect of cyclic strain on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and its temporal relationship to IP3 generation, confluent bovine aortic endothelial cells were grown on flexible membranes, loaded with aequorin and the membranes placed in a custom-designed flow-through chamber. The chamber was housed inside a photomultiplier tube, and vacuum was utilized to deform the membranes. Our results indicate that the initiation of 10% average strain induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i which contained two distinct components: a large initial peak 12 s after the initiation of stretch which closely followed the IP3 peak, and a subsequent lower but sustained phase. Pretreatment with 5 microM GdCl3 for 10 min or nominally Ca2+-free medium (CFM) for 3 min reduced the magnitude of the initial rise and abolished the sustained phase. Repetitive 10% average strain at a frequency of 60 cycles/min also elicited a single IP3 peak at 10 s. However, there was also a large initial [Ca2+]i peak followed by multiple smaller transient [Ca2+]i elevations. Preincubation with 5 microM GdCl3 or CFM diminished the initial [Ca2+]i transient and markedly inhibited the late-phase component. Preincubation with 25 microM 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ) attenuated the initial [Ca2+]i transient. Cyclic-strain-mediated IP3 formation in confluent endothelial cells at 10 s, however, was not modified by pretreatment with 25 microM BHQ, 500 microM NiCl2, 10 nM charybdotoxin, 5 microM GdCl3 or CFM. We conclude that in endothelial cells exposed to cyclic strain, Ca2+ enters the cytosol from intracellular and extracellular pools but IP3 formation is not dependent on Ca2+ entry via the plasma membrane.

Impairment of ATP-induced Ca 2+-signalling in human thyroid cancer cells

Extracellular nucleotides like ATP that activate the Ca 2+-phosphatidylinositol (PI) signalling pathway have been suggested to participate in the regulation of normal human thyroid function. We examined, whether P 2y-purinergic receptors are expressed on human thyroid cancer cells and whether post-receptor Ca 2+ signalling is altered by malignant transformation. Extracellular ATP caused a biphasic increase in cytosolic free Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+] i) in normal human thyrocytes and in human follicular (FTC) and papillary (PTC) thyroid carcinoma cells. In FTC and PTC cell lines the dose-response curves for ATP-induced changes in [Ca 2+] i were shifted to the right when compared with normal thyrocytes, whereas in undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma (UTC) cells even high concentrations of ATP (500 μM) failed to stimulate a rise in [Ca 2+] i. By contrast, ATP stimulated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3) formation and capacitative Ca 2+ entry was operational as judged by thapsigargin in normal thyrocytes and all thyroid cancer cells. Thus, P 2y-purinergic receptors are expressed on thyroid tumor cells independent of degree of differentiation. In UTC cells, however, impairment in the Ca 2+-phosphatidylinositol (PI) signalling cascade occurs distal to the formation of IP 3 and proximal to the activation of capacitative Ca 2+ entry. Disturbed ATP-induced Ca 2+-signalling and alterations in the Ca 2+-PI signalling cascade may contribute to decreased expression or loss of specific thyroid functions in thyroid cancer cells.

Regulation of cytosolic free Ca2+ in cultured rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383)

Ca2+ mobilization in the rat alveolar macrophage cell line NR8383 was examined with the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent probe Fura-2. ATP and norepinephrine elicited a 108 and 46% increase, respectively, in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Acetylcholine, nicotine, isoproterenol, substance P, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide did not alter [Ca2+]i. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation was also activated by ATP. The carbohydrate-rich cell wall preparation, zymosan, induced a gradual [Ca2+]i, increase only in the presence of external Ca2+, but did not activate IP3 formation. This increase was abolished by laminarin and by removal of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that the [Ca2+]i increase was activated by beta-glucan receptors and mediated by Ca2+ influx. This influx was significantly reduced by SKF96365, but not by nifedipine, (omega-conotoxin GVIA, (omega-agatoxin IVA, or flunarizine. These results suggest that release of intracellular Ca2+ in NR8383 cells is regulated by P2-purinoceptors and that zymosan causes Ca2+ influx via a receptor-operated pathway.

Inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells by phorbol ester.

1. Regulation of the increase in inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i by protein kinase C (PKC) was investigated in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). Stimulation of TSMCs by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) caused an initial transient [Ca2+]i peak followed by a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. 2. Pretreatment of TSMCs with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 microM) for 30 min blocked the 5-HT-induced IP3 formation and Ca2+ mobilization. This inhibition was reduced after the cells had been incubated with PMA for 8 h, and within 48 h the 5-HT-induced Ca2+ mobilization reached the same extent as control cells. 3. The concentration of PMA that gave half-maximal inhibition of 5-HT-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was 4 nM. Pretreatment of TSMCs with staurosporine (1 microM) of GF109203X (0.1 microM), PKC inhibitors, inhibited the ability of PMA to attenuate 5-HT-induced responses, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of PMA was mediated through the activation of PKC. 4. In parallel with the effect of PMA on 5-HT-induced IP3 formation and Ca2+ mobilization, the translocation and down-regulation of PKC isozymes were determined by Western blot analysis in TSMCs. Analysis of cell extracts by Western blotting with antibodies against different PKC isozymes revealed that TSMCs expressed PKC-alpha, beta I, beta II, delta, epsilon, theta and zeta. With PMA treatment of the cells for various times, translocation of PKC-alpha, beta I, beta II, delta, epsilon, and theta from the cytosol to the membrane was seen after 5 min, 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h treatment. However, 24 h treatment caused a partial down-regulation of these PKC isozymes PKC-zeta was not significantly translocated and down-regulated at any of the times tested. 5. In conclusion, these results suggest that activation of PKC may inhibit the receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and consequently attenuate the [Ca2+]i increase or inhibit both responses independently. The translocation of PKC-alpha, beta I, beta II, delta, epsilon, and theta induced by PMA caused an attenuation of 5-HT-stimulated IP3 accumulation and Ca2+ mobilization in TSMCs.

Substance P(6–11) and natural tachykinins interact with septide-sensitive tachykinin receptors coupled to a phospholipase C in the rat urinary bladder

The rat urinary bladder possesses NK 1, NK 2 (but not NK 3) and ‘septide-sensitive’ tachykinin receptors coupled to a phospholipase C. The present study performed with SR48968 (10 −6 M) to avoid any interaction of the tested peptides with NK 2 receptors, indicates that substance P(6–11) (with a high potency), neurokinin A, neurokinin B and to a lesser extent neuropeptide K (with a lower potency) stimulate [ 3H]-inositol monophosphate ([ 3H]-IP1) formation in this tissue by acting on the ‘septide-sensitive’ tachykinin receptors. Substance P(6–11) had little affinity for NK 1 binding sites and stimulated [ 3H]-IP1 formation with an EC 50 value and a maximal amplitude similar to those of septide. As previously observed with septide, this maximal response of substance P(6–11) (insensitive to 10 −6 M SR48968) which was about three-fold that of substance P, was blocked by the NK 1 receptor antagonist RP67580 and prevented by [Pro 9]substance P (NK 1 receptor agonist). Similarly, substance P and several substance P C-terminal fragments prevented the substance P(6–11)-evoked response. In addition, neurokinin A, neuropeptide K and neurokinin B induced SR48968-resistant responses which exhibited a maximal amplitude similar to that of substance P (6–11) and were blocked by RP67580 and totally or partially (neuropeptide K) prevented by [Pro 9]substance P.