Receptors Of C6 Glioma Cells Research Articles

Development of Functionally Selective, Small Molecule Agonists at Kappa Opioid Receptors

The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) is widely expressed in the CNS and can serve as a means to modulate pain perception, stress responses, and affective reward states. Therefore, the KOR has become a prominent drug discovery target toward treating pain, depression, and drug addiction. Agonists at KOR can promote G protein coupling and βarrestin2 recruitment as well as multiple downstream signaling pathways, including ERK1/2 MAPK activation. It has been suggested that the physiological effects of KOR activation result from different signaling cascades, with analgesia being G protein-mediated and dysphoria being mediated through βarrestin2 recruitment. Dysphoria associated with KOR activation limits the therapeutic potential in the use of KOR agonists as analgesics; therefore, it may be beneficial to develop KOR agonists that are biased toward G protein coupling and away from βarrestin2 recruitment. Here, we describe two classes of biased KOR agonists that potently activate G protein coupling but weakly recruit βarrestin2. These potent and functionally selective small molecule compounds may prove to be useful tools for refining the therapeutic potential of KOR-directed signaling in vivo.

Modulation of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in C6 glioma cells during hypoxia: involvement of endogenous adenosine

During hypoxia, extracellular adenosine levels are increased to prevent cell damage, playing a neuroprotective role mainly through adenosine A(1) receptors. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of hypoxia in both adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptors endogenously expressed in C6 glioma cells. Two hours of hypoxia (5% O(2)) caused a significant decrease in adenosine A(1) receptors. The same effect was observed at 6 h and 24 h of hypoxia. However, adenosine A(2A) receptors were significantly increased at the same times. These effects were not due to hypoxia-induced alterations in cells number or viability. Changes in receptor density were not associated with variations in the rate of gene expression. Furthermore, hypoxia did not alter HIF-1alpha expression in C6 cells. However, HIF-3alpha, CREB and CREM were decreased. Adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptor density in normoxic C6 cells treated with adenosine for 2, 6 and 24 h was similar to that observed in cells after oxygen deprivation. When C6 cells were subjected to hypoxia in the presence of adenosine deaminase, the density of receptors was not significantly modulated. Moreover, DPCPX, an A(1) receptor antagonist, blocked the effects of hypoxia on these receptors, while ZM241385, an A(2A) receptor antagonist, was unable to prevent these changes. These results suggest that moderate hypoxia modulates adenosine receptors and cAMP response elements in glial cells, through a mechanism in which endogenous adenosine and tonic A(1) receptor activation is involved.

Assessment of the role of sphingosine 1-phosphate and its receptors in high-density lipoprotein-induced stimulation of astroglial cell function.

It has been suggested that lipoproteins in the central nervous system are involved in the regulation of several neural functions independent of cholesterol metabolism as well as those related to lipid metabolism. We recently demonstrated that lipoproteins are carriers for sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). This raised the possibility that S1P mediates the neural cell functions induced by lipoproteins. In the current study, we examined the effects of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) on astroglial cell functions, focusing especially on the role of the lipoprotein-associated S1P. In rat type I astrocytes or C6 glioma cells, similar to S1P, HDL stimulated DNA synthesis and mRNA expression of fibroblast growth factor-2, a potent neurotrophic factor, which was associated with the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. The data from fractionation studies of HDL indicated that S1P may be a major component for the activation of ERK. In C6 glioma cells, HDL also induced phospholipase C-dependent intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. Desensitization of the C6 glioma cells with S1P abolished these HDL-induced actions. Furthermore, overexpression of S1P receptors in C6 glioma cells led to a significant enhancement of HDL-induced ERK activation and Ca(2+) mobilization. Thus, at least some HDL-induced actions may be mediated by cell-surface S1P receptors in astroglial cells. These results imply that S1P might partially mediate lipoprotein-induced cholesterol metabolism-independent neural cell functions in the central nervous system.

Mitogenic signaling via endogenous kappa-opioid receptors in C6 glioma cells: evidence for the involvement of protein kinase C and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascade.

As reports on G protein-coupled receptor signal transduction mechanisms continue to emphasize potential differences in signaling due to relative receptor levels and cell type specificities, the need to study endogenously expressed receptors in appropriate model systems becomes increasingly important. Here we examine signal transduction mechanisms mediated by endogenous kappa-opioid receptors in C6 glioma cells, an astrocytic model system. We find that the kappa-opioid receptor-selective agonist U69,593 stimulates phospholipase C activity, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, PYK2 phosphorylation, and DNA synthesis. U69,593-stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation is shown to be upstream of DNA synthesis as inhibition of signaling components such as pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, L-type Ca2+ channels, phospholipase C, intracellular Ca2+ release, protein kinase C, and mitogen-activated protein or extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase blocks both of these downstream events. In addition, by overexpressing dominant-negative or sequestering mutants, we provide evidence that extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation is Ras-dependent and transduced by Gbetagamma subunits. In summary, we have delineated major features of the mechanism of the mitogenic action of an agonist of the endogenous kappa-opioid receptor in C6 glioma cells.

P–645 - Dexamethasone enhances serum deprivation-induced cell death through activation of glucocorticoid receptors in C6 glioma cells

P–645 - Dexamethasone enhances serum deprivation-induced cell death through activation of glucocorticoid receptors in C6 glioma cells

Agonistic properties of alniditan, sumatriptan and dihydroergotamine on human 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors expressed in various mammalian cell lines.

1. Alniditan, a novel migraine abortive agent, is a potent 5-HT1B/5-HT1D receptor agonist of nM affinity. We compared the agonistic properties of alniditan, sumatriptan and dihydroergotamine on the cloned human 5-HT1B receptor expressed at 200 fmol mg(-1) protein (Bmax) in non-induced L929sA cells, at 740 fmol mg(-1) protein in HEK 293 and at 2300 fmol mg(-1) protein in mIFNbeta-induced L929sA cells, and on the human cloned 5-HT1D receptor expressed in C6 glioma cells (Bmax 780 fmol mg(-1) protein). 2. Sodium butyrate treatment increased the expression level of human (h)5-HT1B receptors in HEK 293 cells and h5-HT1D receptors in C6 glioma cells approximately 3 fold, the binding affinities of [3H]-5-HT and [3H]-alniditan were unaffected. 3. Agonistic properties were evaluated based on inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation in the cells after stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin or isoproterenol. Alniditan, sumatriptan and dihydroergotamine were full agonists at the hS-HT1B receptor (IC50 values were 1.7, 20 and 2 nM, respectively in HEK 293 cells) and hS-HT1D receptors (IC50 values of 1.3, 2.6 and 2.2 nM, respectively). At the h5-HT1B receptor the agonist potency of the compounds slightly increased with higher receptor density. The opposite was seen for antagonists (ocaperidone, risperidone and ritanserin). 4. This comparative study demonstrated that alniditan was 10 times more potent than sumatriptan at the h5-HT1B receptor, and twice as potent at the h5-HT1D receptor. Dihydroergotamine was more potent an agonist at the h5-HT1B receptor when expressed at high and low level in L929sA cells (but not in HEK 293 cells), and was less potent at the hS-HT1D receptor.

Expression of IGF-I and IGF-II Receptors in Rat C6 Glioma Cells as a Function of the Growth Phase

In the present study, we examined the specific binding of IGF-I and IGF-II to their receptors in C6 glioma cells taken during different growth phases in culture: phase A, early stage of the exponential growth (48 h after seeding); phase B, late stage of the exponential phase (96 h after seeding); phase C, confluent phase (at 144 h after seeding); and phase D, stopped at 48 h post-confluence. Scatchard analysis revealed higher K_a values for the IGF-IR during the exponential phases (A and B). The affinity of IGF-I for its receptor during the post-confluent phase (D) decreased to about half that at phase A (p < 0.01). Although lower at the later phase (D), the number of binding sites of the IGF-IR in the different tested growth stages in culture (A, B, and C) was not statistically different (p > 0.05). Conversely, the number of binding sites of the IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor appeared to increase during time in culture. The K_a values of the IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor decreased significantly during the culture time, phase D showing the largest decrease (50%) as compared with phase A (p < 0.005). These binding data suggest that IGF-I and IGF-II receptors are differentially expressed in rat C6 glioma cells in culture and are a function of the growth phase.

Cyclic GMP generation mediated by 5-HT-2 receptors via nitric oxide-dependent pathway and its effect on the desensitization of 5-HT-2 receptors in C6 glioma cells.

Serotonin (5-HT)-2 receptor-mediated cGMP generation was investigated in comparison with calcium (Ca2+) mobilization in C6 glioma cells. 5-HT enhanced cGMP generation, and risperidone and ketanserin potently blocked the response. These results indicate that 5-HT-2 receptors are responsible for the cGMP generation. 5-HT-induced cGMP production was completely abolished by BAPTA, an intracellular Ca2+ chelating agent, or NG-mono-methyl-L-arginine(NMMA), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, suggesting that 5-HT-induced cGMP generation was through nitric oxide (NO)-dependent pathway. 5-HT (10 microM)-elicited Ca2+ mobilization and cGMP generation were reduced to 40 and 15% after pretreatment with 10 microM 5-HT for 4 hours. NMMA did not modify 5-HT-induced desensitization of either Ca2+ mobilization or cGMP generation, suggesting that NO pathway is independent of the desensitization. The present study has demonstrated the nature of 5-HT-2 receptor-mediated cGMP generation in C6 glioma cells.

Endogenous expression of histamine H1 receptors functionally coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis in C6 glioma cells: regulation by cyclic AMP

1. The effects of histamine receptor agonists and antagonists on phospholipid hydrolysis in rat-derived C6 glioma cells have been investigated. 2. Histamine H1 receptor-stimulation caused a concentration-dependent increase in the accumulation of total [3H]-inositol phosphates in cells prelabelled with [3H]-myo-inositol. The rank order of agonist potencies was histamine (EC50 = 24 microM) > N alpha-methylhistamine (EC50 = 31 microM) > 2-thiazolylethylamine (EC50 = 91 microM). 3. The response to 0.1 mM histamine was antagonized in a concentration-dependent manner by the H1-antagonists, mepyramine (apparent Kd = 1 nM) and (+)-chlorpheniramine (apparent Kd = 4 nM). In addition, (-)-chlorpheniramine was more than two orders of magnitude less potent than its (+)-stereoisomer. 4. Elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation with forskolin (10 microM, EC50 = 0.3 microM), isoprenaline (1 microM, EC50 = 4 nM) or rolipram (0.5 mM), significantly reduced the histamine-mediated (0.1 mM) inositol phosphate response by 37%, 43% and 26% respectively. In contrast, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin did not increase cyclic AMP accumulation and had no effect on the phosphoinositide response to histamine. 5. These data indicate the presence of functionally coupled, endogenous histamine H1 receptors in C6 glioma cells. Furthermore, the results also indicate that H1 receptor-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis is inhibited by the elevation of cyclic AMP levels in these cells.

Functional PAF receptors in glia cells: Binding parameters and regulation of expression

Platelet activating factor is a unique phosphoglycerine which possesses a variety of biological functions exerting its biological effects via specific surface receptors. In the central nervous system, platelet activating factor has been suggested to play a role during injury especially in conditions of ischemia and trauma-induced neuronal damage. The specific cell populations expressing platelet activating factor receptor, however, have not been identified. In this study, the binding properties of platelet activating factor receptors in C6 glioma cells and primary cultures of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were characterized by using the ligand [3H]WEB 2086. Early-passage glial cells which exhibit oligodendrocytic phenotype, expressed lower levels of [3H]WEB 2086 binding than either late-passage cells which exhibit astrocytic phenotypes or primary astroglia cells. No specific binding was observed in primary cultures of oligodendrocytes. The Bmax (136 ± 15.3 fmol/mg protein) and Kd (29 ± 3.2 nM) levels obtained for primary astroglia cells were similar to those described for other cell types. The expression of platelet activating factor receptor in early-passage glia cells was up-regulated by treatment with insulin which induces astrocytic differentiation. In contrast, db-cyclic AMP exerted an inhibitory effect on the level of platelet activating factor receptor in both early- and late-passage cells. The level of functional platelet activating factor receptor in C6 cells as measured by the ability of platelet activating factor to induce 45Ca2+ influx was increased in cells expressing astrocytic phenotypes and was decreased in db-cyclic AMP-treated cells. In accordance with lack of specific [3H]WEB 2086 binding, platelet activating factor did not induce a detectable response of Ca2+ influx in cultures of oligodendrocytes. This report provides the first direct demonstration of selective expression of functional platelet activating factor receptors and their properties in astroglia cells. The findings support the suggestion that platelet activating factor may play an important role as a mediator of injury and immune responses in the nervous system.

Adrenocorticoid receptors in C6 glioma cells: Effects on cell growth

Rat C6 glioma cells contain two receptors for adrenocorticoids--the predominant glucocorticoid receptor and low densities of the Type I corticosteroid (mineralocorticoid) receptor. Nanomolar concentrations of deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone and aldosterone, which fully occupy Type I receptors, produced a slight stimulatory effect on C6 cell growth in serum-free media. However, spironolactone, a Type I receptor antagonist, and pregnenolone, which does not bind to Type I receptors, had similar effects. Therefore, the slight growth stimulation produced by low steroid concentrations is not mediated by Type I or glucocorticoid receptors, but may be due to an effect on cell membrane properties or other receptor-independent action. Occupation of glucocorticoid receptors by higher concentrations of corticosteroids inhibited C6 cell growth.

Irreversible blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors with a bromoacetyl derivative of pindolol.

A potent irreversible beta-adrenergic derivative of pindolol possessing a chemically reactive group (Br-AAM-pindolol) was synthesized. This compound devoid of agonist properties, competed for all (3H)-dihydroalprenolol (3H-DHA) binding sites in C6 glioma cell and rat cerebellum membranes. Pretreatment of C6 glioma cell membranes with Br-AAM-pindolol and subsequent washing resulted in a time- and dose-dependent blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors. A 50% blockade was achieved in the presence of 1.6 nM Br-AAM-pindolol. This blockade occurs specifically at the beta-adrenergic receptor level, as: 1) it induced a decrease of maximal isoproterenol stimulated adenylate cyclase activity with no modification of basal and sodium fluoride stimulated activity and 2) decreases of (3H)-DHA binding and stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity by the agonist were suppressed in the presence of isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist. Furthermore, Br-AAM-pindolol treatment did not affect (3H)-diazepam binding in C6 glioma cell membranes. Pretreatment of C6 glioma cells with Br-AAM-pindolol also reduced the response of adenylate cyclase to isoproterenol and the number of beta-adrenergic receptors. The blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors of C6 glioma cells by Br-AAM-pindolol was non-competitive, whereas the blockade obtained with AM-pindolol, a derivative of pindolol devoid of alkylating properties, was competitive. The irreversible blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors by Br-AAM-pindolol in rat erythrocyte membranes was substantiated by the demonstration that no recovery of beta-adrenergic receptors occurred during long term incubation of the membranes (48 h) following Br-AAM-pindolol treatment and subsequent washing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Beta adrenergic receptor repopulation of C6 glioma cells after irreversible blockade and down regulation.

C6 glioma cells possess beta adrenergic receptors coupled with adenylate cyclase which can be irreversibly blocked by bromoacetylaminomethylpindolol (Br-AAM-pindolol), a beta adrenergic antagonist. With 1 microM Br-AAM-pindolol, more than 80% of beta adrenergic receptors, labeled by (3H)-dihydroalprenolol [3H)-DHA), were blocked. After this blockade, new beta adrenergic receptors were synthesized only during cell division. However, at cell confluency when the cell number was constant, turnover of beta adrenergic receptors was barely detectable. Cycloheximide (1 microgram/ml) inhibited cell growth as well as reappearance of beta adrenergic receptors. A 90% loss of beta adrenergic receptors in C6 glioma cells was obtained after down-regulation for 15 h with 10 microM isoproterenol, a beta adrenergic agonist. After removal of the agonist, recovery of beta-adrenergic-sensitive adenylate cyclase was complete within 2 to 3 days, whereas beta adrenergic receptors reached 90% of control value within 6 days. The half-life of the receptor recovery was 2 to 3 days. Pretreatment of C6 glioma cells by Br-AAM-pindolol and subsequent cell exposure to isoproterenol indicated that down regulation and recovery of unblocked beta adrenergic receptors did occur; however isoproterenol did not accelerate the biosynthesis of beta adrenergic receptors. The recovery of both biological response and beta adrenergic receptor occupancy was restored both in the presence or absence of cycloheximide (1 microgram/ml), a concentration which blocked 90% of protein synthesis. Our results suggest that reappearance of beta adrenergic receptors in C6 glioma cells, following isoproterenol-induced down regulation, was not due to synthesis of new receptors but to recycling of the beta adrenergic receptors.

Reappearance of beta-adrenergic receptors after isoproterenol treatment in intact C6-cells.

The reappearance of beta-adrenergic receptors in C6-glioma cells after desensitization with isoproterenol was studied using the antagonist [3H]CGP-12177. Reappearance had the following properties: (a) it occurred in intact cells only, (b) it was temperature dependent, (c) it required an Na+/H+ gradient, low intracellular Ca2+ activity, and (d) it required ATP, and (e) intact lysosomes. The results suggest endocytosis and recycling of the beta-adrenergic receptor after agonist treatment.

Replacement of serum with a defined medium increases β-adrenergic receptor number in cultured glioma cells

β-Adrenergic receptors of C6 glioma cells were compared following growth in serum or in a serum-free defined medium. In the absence of serum there was an increase in β-receptor number by approx. 50% as measured by the binding of [ 125I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol. Other receptor properties, such as the affinities for β-adrenergic agonists and antagonists, were not different in the two growth conditions. The alteration in receptor number took over 3 days to occur and was not readily reversible. The increase in β-adrenergic receptor number of cells grown in a serum free medium indicates that replacement of serum with a defined medium is able to alter the expression of at least one cell surface marker, the β-adrenergic receptor. These results imply that growth of cells in defined media yields cells with properties of the plasma membrane that differ from those of cells grown in serum-containing media.