Presence Of Dibutyryl Cyclic AMP Research Articles

Regucalcin increases Ca2+‐ATPase activity in the mitochondria of brain tissues of normal and transgenic rats

The role of regucalcin, which is a regulatory protein in intracellular signaling, in the regulation of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in the mitochondria of brain tissues was investigated. The addition of regucalcin (10(-10) to 10(-8) M), which is a physiologic concentration in rat brain tissues, into the enzyme reaction mixture containing 25 microM calcium chloride caused a significant increase in Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, while it did not significantly change in Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. The effect of regucalcin (10(-9) M) in increasing mitochondrial Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was completely inhibited in the presence of ruthenium red (10(-7) M) or lanthanum chloride (10(-7) M), both of which are inhibitors of mitochondrial uniporter activity. Whether the effect of regucalcin is modulated in the presence of calmodulin or dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DcAMP) was examined. The effect of regucalcin (10(-9) M) in increasing Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was not significantly enhanced in the presence of calmodulin (2.5 microg/ml) which significantly increased the enzyme activity. DcAMP (10(-6) to 10(-4) M) did not have a significant effect on Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. The effect of regucalcin (10(-9) M) in increasing Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was not seen in the presence of DcAMP (10(-4) M). Regucalcin levels were significantly increased in the brain tissues or the mitochondria obtained from regucalcin transgenic (RC TG) rats. The mitochondrial Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was significantly increased in RC TG rats as compared with that of wild-type rats. This study demonstrates that regucalcin has a role in the regulation of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in the brain mitochondria of rats.

Topographical guidance of mouse neuronal cell on SiO2 microtracks

Three different microtrack patterns were developed on SiO 2 layer deposited on a quartz wafer for the observation of topographical contact guidance of living neurons. The patterns were linear, dashed, and zigzag types. Mouse N2a neuroblastoma cells were cultured on the pattern and differentiated into neuronal cells after 4 days in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) showing several neurites and growth cones. Among the three patterns, zigzag type pattern was the most effective for directional guiding of neuonal growth and motility. Two different types of growth cones – growth cone with relatively long filopodia and with large lamellipodia - were observed at the ends of axon shafts using a scanning electron microscope. Our research showed that continuous and complex pattern is more favorable for the stimulation of neuronal cell growth and motility, which will be helpful for the design and development of artificial tissues.

Proteasome inhibition by MG-132 induces apoptotic cell death and mitochondrial dysfunction in cultured rat brain oligodendrocytes but not in astrocytes

Proteasomal dysfunction has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders and during aging processes. In frontotemporal dementias, corticobasal degeneration, and progressive supranuclear palsy, oligodendrocytes are specifically damaged. Application of proteasomal inhibitors to cultured oligodendrocytes is associated with apoptotic cell death. The present study was undertaken to investigate the death pathway activated in oligodendrocytes by proteasomal inhibition. Our data show that the proteasomal inhibitor MG-132 causes oxidative stress, as indicated by the upregulation of the small heat shock protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and the appearance of oxidized proteins. Activation of the mitochondrial pathway was involved in the apoptotic process. Mitochondrial membrane potential was disturbed, and cytochrome c was released from the mitochondria. Concomitantly, death-related caspases 3 and 9 were activated and poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase cleavage occurred. MG-132-induced cell death, DNA-fragmentation, and caspase activation could be prevented by the broad caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk. In contrast to oligodendrocytes, cultured astrocytes showed resistance to the treatment with proteasomal inhibitors and did not reveal cytotoxic responses. This was also observed in astrocytes differentiated in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Hence, individual cells respond differently to proteasomal inhibition and the therapeutic use of proteasomal inhibitors, e.g. for the treatment of cancer or inflammatory diseases, needs to be carefully evaluated.

Role of regucalcin as an activator of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase activity in rat heart muscle.

The expression of regucalcin, a regulatory protein of Ca(2+) signaling, and its effect on Ca(2+) pump activity in the microsomes (sarcoplasmic reticulum) of rat heart muscle was investigated. The expression of regucalcin mRNA was demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in heart muscle using rat regucalcin-specific primers. Results with Western blot analysis showed that regucalcin protein was present in the cytoplasm, although it was not detected in the microsomes. Microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was significantly increased in the presence of regucalcin (10(-10)-10(-8) M) in the enzyme reaction mixture. This increase was not seen in the presence of thapsigargin (TP) (10(-5) M), a specific inhibitor of the microsomal Ca(2+) pump enzyme. Regucalcin (10(-10)-10(-8) M) significantly stimulated ATP-dependent (45)Ca(2+) uptake by the microsomes. The effect of regucalcin (10(-8) M) in increasing microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was completely prevented in the presence of digitonin (10(-3) or 10(-2)%), which has a solubilizing effect on membranous lipid, or N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a modifying reagent of sulfhydryl (SH) groups. Dithiothreitol (DTT; 5 mM), a protecting reagent of SH groups, increased markedly Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. In the presence of DTT (5 mM), regucalcin could not significantly enhance the enzyme activity. Also, the effect of regucalcin in increasing Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was completely inhibited by the addition of vanadate (1 mM), an inhibitor of phosphorylation of enzyme. In addition, the effect of regucalcin on Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was not significantly modulated in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10(-4) M), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (10(-3) M), or calmodulin (5 microg/ml) which is an intracellular signaling factor. The present study demonstrates that regucalcin can activate Ca(2+) pump activity in rat heart microsomes, and that the protein may act the SH groups of Ca(2+)-ATPase by binding to microsomal membranes.

Review: ligands for receptor tyrosine kinases expressed in the skin as environmental factors for melanocyte development.

Skin is the major tissue where melanocytes develop, and skin keratinocytes provide the necessary micro-environment for melanocyte survival, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. In this paper, we will discuss the ligands for receptor tyrosine kinases produced as environmental cues to support melanocyte development in the skin.

Guanosine‐induced increase in free cytosolic calcium concentration in mouse astrocytes in primary cultures: Does it act on an A3 adenosine receptor?

Purinergic receptors play an important role in the regulation of free cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in astrocytes. In the present study, 10 microM adenosine caused an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in 85% of the cultures studied, i.e., primary cultures of mouse astrocytes, differentiated by culturing in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Antagonist sensitivity and rapid desensitization suggested that it did so by acting on A3 receptors. Another biologically important purine, guanosine, also caused an increase in astrocytic [Ca(2+)](i) (at concentrations of 0.1-100 microM). Although this response did not show the same rapid desensitization as the response to adenosine, it may also have been exerted on an A3 receptor. It supports this idea that inosine also caused an increase in [Ca(2+)](i), because inosine is known to activate A3 receptors in mast cells and structurally is even more closely related to guanosine than is adenosine.

Effects of Cadmium Chloride on Neurite Outgrowth and Gene Expression in Human Neuroblastoma NB-1 Cells.

Cadmium is a well-studied environmental toxicant. The neurotoxicity of cadmium is a concern, especially in the developing human brain, because it is thought that cadmium exerts long-term and irreversible effects. In the present study cadmium toxicity using human neuroblastoma NB-1 cells was investigated in relation to gene expression and subsequent neurite extension using cDNA macroarray and image analysis techniques. The neurite outgrowth in NB-1 cells was stimulated significantly by the presence of dibutyryl-cyclicAMP (db-cAMP) and by cadmium chloride at sublethal concentrations. Db-cAMP-stimulated neurite outgrowth was associated with a three-fold increased expression of axonal membrane protein growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43), but cadmium chloride did not affect GAP-43 expression. Db-cAMP also increased dopamine β-hydroxylase gene expression eight-fold and down-regulated muscle/brain cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor gene expression. However, cadmium chloride had no effect on gene expression except for that of metallothionein II (mtII) gene among 1764 genes analyzed. The results demonstrate that the increased neurite outgrowth with cadmium chloride is not associated with the same gene expression profile of that with db-cAMP.

Cyclic AMP regulates PDGF-stimulated signal transduction and differentiation of an immortalized optic-nerve-derived cell line.

To facilitate the study of the molecular events underlying the development of optic-nerve-derived oligodendrocytes and their growth-factor-related signal transduction events, we immortalized perinatal rat optic nerve cells with a temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen, carrying the tsA58 and U19 mutations, via a retrovirus vector. The line, tsU19-9, was selected on the basis of the expression of the neural precursor marker nestin. At the permissive temperature, 33 degreesC, tsU19-9 cells had a flat epithelial morphology. In contrast, following exposure to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a factor important in the lineage progression of oligodendrocytes, or in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP at 39 degreesC (the non-permissive temperature), the cells underwent morphological and antigenic differentiation to cells characteristic of the oligodendrocyte lineage. We used this cell line to investigate the binding characteristics of PDGF and related signalling cascades. Competition binding, phosphoinositide hydrolysis and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization assays all demonstrated that the three different isoforms of PDGF (AA, AB and BB) bound to and acted on the cell line. Overnight exposure to forskolin, a treatment that initiated morphological and phenotypic progression into an oligodendrocyte lineage, decreased PDGF-BB-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and inhibited basal and PDGF-stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation. Our results demonstrate that tsU19-9 may serve as a resource to study early optic-nerve oligodendrocyte development.

Injury-related factors and conditions down-regulate the thrombin receptor (PAR-1) in a human neuronal cell line.

Previous studies have demonstrated that thrombin can induce potent effects on neural cell morphology, biochemistry, and viability. Nearly all of these effects are mediated by proteolytic activation of the thrombin receptor (PAR-1). Mechanisms of PAR-1 regulation in several nonneural cell types have been shown to be novel and cell type specific; however, little is known about PAR-1 regulation in neural cells. In the present study, PAR-1 cell surface expression and regulation were examined in a transformed retinoblast (Ad12 HER 10) cell line using radioiodinated anti-PAR-1 monoclonal antibodies ATAP2, which recognizes intact and cleaved receptors, and SPAN12, which is specific for the intact form of the receptor. Scatchard analysis revealed high-affinity, specific binding to a single affinity class of receptors: K(D) = 3.13 and 5.25 nM, Bmax = 190.1 and 67.8 fmol/mg of protein for 125I-ATAP2 and 125I-SPAN12, respectively. Specificity for PAR-1 was confirmed by demonstrating rapid and near complete decreases for both antibodies following treatment with thrombin or PAR-1 activating peptide (SFLLRN). Differential antibody binding was used to demonstrate rapid and near complete thrombin-induced PAR-1 cleavage and internalization, with protein synthesis-dependent replacement of intact receptors occurring over longer time intervals, but only minimal recycling of cleaved receptors. A variety of factors and conditions were screened for their effects on PAR-1 expression. Significant decreases in PAR-1 expression were induced by the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (87% at 3 h), the phospholipid inflammatory mediator lysophosphatidic acid (32% at 3 h), and the injury-related condition hypoglycemia (64 and 100% at 24 h in the absence and presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP, respectively). The effect of hypoglycemia was shown by RNase protection to be at least partially pretranslational. Finally, thrombin's ability to enhance hypoglycemia-induced cell killing correlated temporally with PAR-1 cell surface expression.

Hydrocortisone Regulates the Dynamics of Plasminogen Activator and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Expression in Cultured Murine Keratinocytes

The plasminogen activators tPA and uPA, and their inhibitors, PAI-1 and PAI-2, have been associated with epithelial homeostasis and wound healing. In these studies, we investigate the effect of the steroid hormone hydrocortisone, a commonly used therapeutic modality for skin, on PAs/PAIs in serum- and plasminogen-free primary cultures of murine keratinocytes. SDS–PAGE fibrin zymography showed that addition of 1 μM hydrocortisone to cultures significantly reduced tPA fibrinolytic activity in both cell extracts and conditioned medium. uPA activity in conditioned medium was similarly inhibited. Cells were also cultured in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP). dbcAMP (5 mM) alone enhanced uPA and tPA fibrinolytic activity in conditioned medium, but this increase was diminished in the presence of 1 μM hydrocortisone. Immunoblots revealed a three- to fivefold induction of free PAI-1 by hydrocortisone which was partially blocked by dbcAMP. Northern blots showed that PAI-1 mRNA increased threefold 2 h after addition of hydrocortisone and remained elevated at least 8 h. In contrast, uPA and tPA mRNA were unchanged over the same time course. uPA, tPA, and PAI-1 mRNA increased in the presence of dbcAMP; levels remained elevated at least 8 h. HC suppressed the induction of uPA and tPA by dbcAMP. Studies directed at identifying plasminogen mRNA showed that in this culture system, keratinocytes produce no plasminogen mRNA either in the presence or in the absence of hydrocortisone or dbcAMP. Collectively, these results show that keratinocyte plasminogen activator activity is suppressed by hydrocortisone as a function of increased PAI-1 combined with an attenuation of PA induction by agents that increase intracellular cAMP. These results provide additional information to further define the mechanism by which glucocorticoids inhibit wound healing.

Alteration in calcium content and Ca2+-ATPase activity in the liver nuclei of rats orally administered carbon tetrachloride.

The alteration in calcium transport in the liver nuclei of rats orally administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was investigated. Rats received a single oral administration of CCl4 (5, 10, and 25%, 1.0 ml/100 g body weight), and 5, 24 and 48 h later the animals were sacrificed. The administration of CCl4 (25%) caused a remarkable elevation of calcium content in the liver tissues and the nuclei of rats. Liver nuclear Ca2+-ATPase activity was markedly decreased by CCl4 (25%) administration. The presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP(10(-4) and 10(-3) M) or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (10(-6) and 10(-5) M) in the enzyme reaction mixture caused a significant decrease in Ca2+-ATPase activity in the liver nuclei obtained from normal rat, while the enzyme activity was significantly increased by calmodulin (1.0 and 2.0 microg/ml). These signaling factor's effects were completely impaired in the liver nuclei obtained from CCl4 (25%)-administered rats. DNA fragmentation in the liver nuclei obtained from CCl4-administered rats was significantly decreased by the presence of EGTA (2 mM) in the reaction mixture, suggesting that the endogenous calcium activates nuclear DNA fragmentation. The present study demonstrates that calcium transport system in the liver nuclei is impaired by liver injury with CCl4 administration in rats.

Primary cell culture of human type II pneumonocytes: maintenance of a differentiated phenotype and transfection with recombinant adenoviruses.

Studies of the regulation of surfactant lipoprotein metabolism and secretion and surfactant protein gene expression have been hampered by the lack of a cell culture system in which the phenotypic properties of type II cells are maintained. We have developed a primary culture system that facilitates the maintenance of a number of morphologic and biochemical properties of type II pneumonocytes for up to 2 wk. Cells were isolated by collagenase digestion of midgestation human fetal lung tissue that had been maintained in organ culture in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (Bt2cAMP) for 5 days. The isolated cells were enriched for epithelial components by treatment with DEAE-dextran, plated on an extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, and incubated at an air/liquid interface in a minimal amount of culture medium containing Bt2cAMP. The cell cultures were comprised of islands of round epithelial-like cells containing numerous dense osmiophilic granules, surrounded by sparse spindle-shaped cells with the appearance of fibroblasts. Ultrastructural examination revealed that the osmiophilic granules had the appearance of lamellar bodies, the distinguishing feature of type II pneumonocytes. Additionally, the cultures maintained elevated levels of SP-A gene expression for up to 2 wk. The expression of mRNAs encoding SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C were regulated in the cultured cells by glucocorticoids and cyclic AMP in a manner similar to that observed in fetal lung tissue in organ culture. The differentiated phenotype was most apparent when the cells were cultured at an air/liquid interface. In order to utilize the cultured type II cells for study of the effects of overexpression of various proteins and for promoter analysis, it is of essence to transfect DNA constructs into these cells with high efficiency. Unfortunately, we found the cells to be refractory to efficient transfer of DNA using conventional methods (i.e., lipofection, electroporation, or calcium phosphate-mediated transfection). However, replication-defective recombinant human adenoviruses were found to provide a highly efficient means of introducing DNA into the type II pneumonocytes. Furthermore, we observed in type II cell-enriched cultures infected with recombinant adenoviruses containing the lacZ gene under control of a cytomegalovirus promoter, that beta-galactosidase was expressed uniformly in the islands of type II cells and surrounding fibroblasts. By contrast, in cultures infected with recombinant adenoviruses containing the human growth hormone (hGH) gene under control of the SP-A gene promoter and 5'-flanking region, hGH was expressed only in the type II cells. Thus, this culture system provides an excellent means for identifying genomic elements that mediate type II cell-specific gene expression.

Transcriptional regulation of amyloid precursor protein during dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced differentiation of NG108-15 cells.

Early expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) during development of the nervous system suggests that this protein may play an important role first in axogenesis and later in synaptogenesis. To study regulation of APP mRNA expression in neuronal cells, NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma cells were induced to differentiate in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Steady-state levels of APP mRNA and APP isoforms increased gradually, concomitantly with the appearance of differentiated phenotype. Northern blot analysis showed a three-fold increase in APP expression at day 6 of dibutyryl cyclic AMP treatment. Nuclear run-on assays and transient transfections performed using APP promoter/reporter constructs confirmed a twofold increase in the rate of APP gene transcription. The stability of the mRNA was unchanged, with differentiated and nondifferentiated cells having the same half-life of about 21 h. These results strongly suggest that APP mRNA induction in the differentiated NG108-15 cells is due to an increase in the rate of transcription of the gene.

Regucalcin increases Ca2+-ATPase activity and ATP-dependent calcium uptake in the microsomes of rat kidney cortex.

The effect of regucalcin, a Ca2+-binding protein, on Ca2+ transport system in rat renal cortex microsomes was investigated. The presence of regucalcin (10[-8] to 10[-6] M) in the reaction mixture caused a significant increase in Ca2+-ATPase activity and ATP-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake in the microsomes. Regucalcin (10[-7] M) increased Ca2+-ATPase activity independently of increasing concentrations of CaCl2. The microsomal Ca2+-ATPase activity and 45Ca2+ uptake were markedly decreased by the presence of vanadate (0.1 mM) or N-ethylmaleimide (NEM; 5 mM) in the absence or presence of regucalcin. Dithiothreitol (DTT; 5 mM) markedly elevated Ca2+-ATPase activity and 45Ca2+ uptake in the microsomes. The DTT effects were not further enhanced by regucalcin (10[-7] M). Meanwhile, the microsomal Ca2+-ATPase activity and 45Ca2+ uptake were significantly decreased by the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DcAMP; 10[-5] and 10[-3] M) or inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3; 10[-7] and 10[-5] M). The effect of regucalcin (10[-7] M) on Ca2+ATPase activity and 45Ca2+ uptake was weakened in the presence of DcAMP or IP3. The present results demonstrate that regucalcin has a stimulatory effect on ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in the microsomes of rat renal cortex due to acting on the thiol groups of Ca2+-ATPase.

Alpha 2 adrenoceptor potentiates glycine receptor-mediated taurine response through protein kinase A in rat substantia nigra neurons.

1. The modulatory effect of alpha 2 adrenoceptor on the taurine response was investigated in substantia nigra (SN) neurons acutely dissociated from the rat using a nystatin perforated-patch recording mode under voltage-clamp conditions. 2. Complete cross-desensitization was observed between 10(-3) M glycine and 3 x 10(-3) M taurine-induced currents. Both currents were antagonized by 10(-6) M strychnine, thus indicating that taurine acts on strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor on the SN neurons. 3. The simultaneous application of norepinephrine (NE) with prazosin (10(-5) M) and propranolol (10(-5) M) potentiated the taurine response (Itau) in an NE concentration-dependent manner at a holding potential (VH) of -40 mV. Clonidine mimicked the NE effect on the Itau, thus indicating the involvement of alpha 2 adrenoceptor activation in the potentiation of Itau. 4. Alpha 2 adrenoceptor activation by NE with prazosin and propranolol significantly potentiated the peak amplitude of Itau without shifting the taurine concentration-response relationships either to left or right side. The respective concentrations of taurine for the threshold, half maximal and maximal responses in the presence of 10(-4) M NE with prazosin (10(-5) M) and propranolol (10(-5) M) were 3 x 10(-5) M, 3.1 x 10(-4) M, and 3 x 10(-3) M. The same concentrations in the absence of NE were 3 x 10(-5) M, 3.2 x 10(-4) M, and 3 x 10(-3) M, respectively. 5. The reversal potentials of Itau with and without NE were very close to the theoretical Cl- equilibrium potential, thus indicating that the potentiation of Itau by alpha 2 adrenoceptor activation was due to an increase in the taurine-induced Cl- currents. 6. Forskolin (3 x 10(-5) M) and isobutylmethylxanthine (3 x 10(-5) M) suppressed the peak amplitude of Itau. In the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10(-4) M), which also suppressed Itau, alpha 2 adrenoceptor activation failed to potentiate Itau. 7. N-[2(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline sulfonamide dihydrochloride (H-89) mimicked the effect of alpha 2 adrenoceptor activation on Itau. In addition, the potentiation of Itau by alpha 2 adrenoceptor was not observed in the presence of 10(-6) M H-89. 8. The treatment of SN neurons with pertussis toxin (500 ng/ ml) for 18 h completely abolished the facilitatory effect of alpha 2 adrenoceptor on Itau. 9. These results suggest that the activation of alpha 2 adrenoceptor coupled with IAP-sensitive GTP binding protein decreases the intracellular cyclic AMP and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity, thus resulting in the potentiation of glycine receptor-mediated taurine response in rat SN neurons.

Sequential onset of three 5-HT receptors during the 5-hydroxytryptaminergic differentiation of the murine 1C11 cell line.

1. The murine 1C11 clone, which derives from a multipotential embryonal carcinoma cell line, has the features of a neuroectodermal precursor. When cultured in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP, the 1C11 cells extend bipolar extensions and express neurone-associated markers. After 4 days, the resulting cells have acquired the ability to synthesize, take up, store and catabolize 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). We have thus investigated the presence of 5-HT receptors during the 5-hydroxytryptaminergic differentiation of this inducible 1C11 cell line. 2. As shown by the binding of [125I]-GTI and the CGS 12066-dependent inhibition of the forskolin-induced cyclic AMP production, functional 5-HT1B/1D receptors become expressed on day 2 of 1C11 cell differentiation. The density of these receptors remained unchanged until day 4. 3. The same holds true for the 5-HT2B receptor, also identified by its pharmacological profile and its positive coupling to the phosphoinositide cascade. 4. On day 4 of 1C11 cell differentiation, a third 5-HT receptor, pharmacologically and functionally similar to 5-HT2A, had become induced. 5. Strikingly, the amounts of each transcript encoding 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptor did not very significantly during the time course of the 1C11 5-hydroxytryptaminergic differentiation. 6. The clone 1C11 may thus provide a useful in vitro model for studying regulation(s) between multiple G-linked receptors as well as the possible role of 5-HT upon the expression of a complete 5-hydroxytryptamine phenotype.

Pharmacological characteristics of potassium-induced, glycogenolysis in astrocytes

Elevated extracellular concentrations of the potassium ion ([K +] o) stimulate glycogenolysis in primary cultures of mouse astrocytes that have been grown in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP but not in corresponding cultures which have not been treated in this manner. The response is potently inhibited by nifedipine, suggesting that it is evoked by entry of calcium ions through voltage dependent L-channels. The benzodiazepine midazolam, which is known to enhance calcium entry at concentrations of [K +] o causing sub-maximum calcium entry, increases the glycogenolytic effect by such levels of [K +] o.

Time-course experiment involving glycosaminoglycan synthesis by normal human dermal fibroblasts cultured in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP and retinoic acid.

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis by cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts was examined. Hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis reached a maximum on day 3 (0.3 microgram/ml medium) and then decreased to a low level (0.15 microgram/ml medium). The amounts of dermatan sulfate (DS) and chondroitin sulfate (ChS) synthesized by the cells increased with increasing cell numbers during the initial stage to attain constant levels (0.092 microgram DS/ml, 0.026 microgram ChS/ml medium) after the cells reached confluence. We also tested the effects of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) and retinoic acid (RA) on GAG synthesis by the cells. The synthesis of HA and ChS by cells was stimulated, when the cells were cultured in medium containing dbcAMP (0.1 mM), whereas DS synthesis was scarcely affected. However, addition of RA (5 mM) suppressed GAG synthesis by the cells.

Cyclic AMP inhibits c-Ha-ras protooncogene expression and DNA synthesis in rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

Fetal bovine serum (10%) markedly increased ras transcript levels in growth-arrested (G0-synchronized) smooth muscle cells by 8 h. This elevation was maintained for up to 18 h and returned to pre-stimulation levels within 24 h. Challenge of quiescent cells with serum in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1-100 microM, a growth inhibitor for smooth muscle cells, attenuated serum-induced elevation of c-Ha-ras in a dose dependent fashion and prevented progression of the cells into S phase. These results demonstrate that expression of c-Ha-ras in rat aortic smooth muscle cells is cell-cycle dependent and that cAMP prevents the induction of this protooncogene by serum.

Tylosin inhibits the steroidogenesis in mouse Leydig cells “in vitro”

Former investigations in rats revealed effects of tylosin on the pituitary gonadal axis. After 15 days treatment the animals showed reduced weights of the seminal vesicles, increased pituitary weights, diminished LH/FSH stores in the pituitary and reduced peripheral levels of LH. To investigate if, in addition, the antibiotic exerts a direct effect on the steroidogenesis, the reactivity of Leydig cells was determined: a) after 8 days pretreatment of the donor mice in vitro; b) after addition of the antibiotic in vitro; c) after addition of the antibiotic in vitro in presence of dibutyryl cyclic AMP or hydrocholesterol. Tylosin caused an inhibition of basal and stimulated testosterone production, all the same if it was applied in vivo or in vitro. Moreover the increase in testosterone production caused by dibutyryl cyclic AMP was inhibited as well as that caused by addition of hydrocholesterol. These data give rise to the suspicion that tylosin inhibits directly intracellular steps of testosterone biosynthesis of Leydig cells.