Removal Of cGMP Research Articles

Ethylene promotes pollen tube growth by affecting actin filament organization via the cGMP-dependent pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana

Ethylene and cGMP are key regulators of plant developmental processes. In this study, we demonstrate that ethylene or cGMP promote pollen tube growth in a dose-dependent manner. The etr1-1 mutant was found to be insensitive to ethylene with regard to pollen tube growth, while the growth-promoting effect of ethylene in etr2-2, ein4-4, or ein4-7 did not change, suggesting that ethylene signaling was mainly perceived by ETR1. However, the function of cGMP was not inhibited in etr1-1 and pollen tubes became insensitive to ethylene when the endogenous cGMP level was artificially decreased. This shows that cGMP is necessary for the control of pollen tube growth and that it might be a downstream component of ETR1 in the ethylene signaling pathway. Our study also found that ethylene or cGMP increase the actin bundles and elevated the percentage of relative amount of F-actin, while removal of cGMP decreased actin bundles abundance and altered the ratio of F-actin in the tip and base regions of pollen tubes. In conclusion, our data suggests that ethylene functions as the upstream signal of cGMP, and that both signals promote pollen germination and tube growth by regulating F-actin, which is essential for vesicular transport and cytoplasmic streaming.

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition-induced coronary vasodilation is reduced after myocardial infarction

The balance between the production and removal of cGMP in coronary vascular smooth muscle is of critical importance in determining coronary vasomotor tone and thus in the regulation of coronary blood flow. cGMP production by soluble guanylyl cyclase is activated by nitric oxide (NO), whereas cGMP breakdown occurs through phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). We hypothesized that myocardial infarction (MI) alters the balance between the production and removal of cGMP in the coronary vasculature and thereby alters the control of coronary vasomotor tone. Chronically instrumented swine with and without a 2-wk-old MI were exercised on a treadmill in the absence and presence of the PDE5 inhibitor EMD-360527 (300 μg·kg(-1)·min(-1) iv). Inhibition of PDE5 produced coronary resistance vessel dilation, which was more pronounced at rest than during exercise in normal swine. PDE5 gene expression was markedly reduced in coronary resistance vessels isolated from the remote myocardium of MI swine, which was accompanied by a similarly marked attenuation of coronary vasodilation by PDE5 inhibition in MI swine. The coronary vasoconstriction produced by inhibition of NO synthesis with N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine (20 mg/kg iv) was only slightly smaller in swine with MI. Interestingly, inhibition of NO synthesis reduced the vasodilator response to subsequent PDE5 inhibition in normal swine but not in MI swine. Conversely, PDE5 inhibition enhanced the coronary vasoconstriction produced by NO synthesis inhibition in normal swine but not in MI swine, suggesting that downregulation of PDE5 mitigated the loss of NO vasodilator influence. In conclusion, the expression and vasoconstrictor influence of PDE5 are markedly attenuated in coronary resistance vessels in the remote myocardium after MI, which appears to serve as a compensatory mechanism to mitigate the loss of NO vasodilator influence.

Acidic pH Uncovers Desensitization and Structurally-Distinct Types of Voltage Gating in CNGA1 Channels

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are members of the superfamily of voltage gated ion channels, but in the presence Na+ and K+ they are gated primarily by cyclic nucleotides (CNs) and only weakly by voltage. Here, we show that when extracellular pH (pHo) is decreased from pH 7.4 to 5 WT CNGA1 channels desensitize, i.e. the current activated by a steady cGMP concentration declines within 5-40 s by 20-80% in a voltage dependent way. Current desensitization is completely reversible upon removal of cGMP and voltage dependency of desensitization is associated to the displacement of 0.3 equivalent electronic charges across the electrical field. A very similar desensitization is observed in several mutant channels, such as E363A and T364A at the usual pH 7.4. At the desensitized state, the I/V relations are outwardly rectifying similarly in the WT CNGA1 channels at pH 5 and mutant channels E363A at pH 7.4. In the presence of symmetrical Rb+ or Cs+, the single channel conductance gsc in WT CNGA1 channels is highly voltage dependent and this voltage dependence is abolished in mutant channels E363A and T364A. CNGA1 channels have structurally-distinct types of voltage sensors, formed by charged and polar residues located in the pore, by the usual S4 voltage sensor and by an additional voltage sensor associated to the voltage dependency of desensitization. Our results not only shed a new light on voltage gating in CNG channels, but uncover the existence of a novel component of phototrasduction: neuronal signalling within the vertebrate retina is highly dependent on the pHo and proton elevation could act as a negative feedback.

CGMP-Dependent Activation of Protein Kinase G Precludes Disulfide Activation

Protein kinase G (PKG) is activated by nitric oxide (NO)-induced cGMP binding or alternatively by oxidant-induced interprotein disulfide formation. We found preactivation with cGMP attenuated PKG oxidation. 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) blockade of cGMP production increased disulfide PKG to 13±2% and 29±4% of total in aorta and mesenteries, respectively. This was potentially anomalous, because we observed 2.7-fold higher NO levels in aorta than mesenteries; consequently, we had anticipated that ODQ would induce more disulfide in the conduit vessel. ODQ also constricted aorta, whereas it had no effect on mesenteries. Thus, mesenteries, but not aorta, can compensate for loss of NO-cGMP by recruiting disulfide activation of PKG. Mechanistically, this is explained by loss of cGMP allowing disulfide formation in response to basal oxidant production. Why aorta treated with ODQ generated less PKG disulfide that is insufficient to induce vasoconstriction was unclear. One potential explanation, especially because aorta were much less sensitive than mesenteries to exogenous H 2 O 2 -induced relaxation (EC 50 =205±24 and 33±2 µmol/L, respectively) was that conduit vessels may have higher peroxidase capacity. Indeed, we found that aorta express 49±22% and 80±25% more peroxiredoxin and thioredoxin, respectively, than mesenteries, and their 2-Cys peroxiredoxin peroxidatic cysteines were also less sensitive to hyperoxidation. The higher peroxidase capacity of aortas would explain their constriction during cGMP removal and their insensitivity to H 2 O 2 -induced relaxation compared with mesenteries. In summary, cGMP binding to PKG induces a state that is resistant to disulfide formation. Consequently, cGMP depletion sensitizes PKG to oxidation; this happens to a lesser extent in aortas than in mesenteries, because the conduit vessels generate more NO and express more peroxiredoxin.

Expression and Localization of the Multidrug Resistance Protein 5 (MRP5/ABCC5), a Cellular Export Pump for Cyclic Nucleotides, in Human Heart

The multidrug resistance protein 5 (MRP5/ABCC5) has been recently identified as cellular export pump for cyclic nucleotides with 3',5'-cyclic GMP (cGMP) as a high-affinity substrate. In view of the important role of cGMP for cardiovascular function, expression of this transport protein in human heart is of relevance. We analyzed the expression and localization of MRP5 in human heart [21 auricular (AS) and 15 left ventricular samples (LV) including 5 samples of dilated and ischemic cardiomyopathy]. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction normalized to beta-actin revealed expression of the MRP5 gene in all samples (LV, 38.5 +/- 12.9; AS, 12.7 +/- 5.6; P < 0.001). An MRP5-specific polyclonal antibody detected a glycoprotein of approximately 190 kd in crude cell membrane fractions from these samples. Immunohistochemistry with the affinity-purified antibody revealed localization of MRP5 in cardiomyocytes as well as in cardiovascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, we could detect MRP5 and ATP-dependent transport of [(3)H]cGMP in sarcolemma vesicles of human heart. Quantitative analysis of the immunoblots indicated an interindividual variability with a higher expression of MRP5 in the ischemic (104 +/- 38% of recombinant MRP5 standard) compared to normal ventricular samples (53 +/- 36%, P < 0.05). In addition, we screened genomic DNA from our samples for 20 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the MRP5 gene. These results indicate that MRP5 is localized in cardiac and cardiovascular myocytes as well as endothelial cells with increased expression in ischemic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, MRP5-mediated cellular export may represent a novel, disease-dependent pathway for cGMP removal from cardiac cells.

Light-dependent K(+) channels in the mollusc Onchidium simple photoreceptors are opened by cGMP.

Light-dependent K+ channels underlying a hyperpolarizing response of one extraocular (simple) photoreceptor, Ip-2 cell, in the marine mollusc Onchidium ganglion were examined using cell-attached and inside-out patch-clamp techniques. A previous report (Gotow, T., T. Nishi, and H. Kijima. 1994. Brain Res. 662:268–272) showed that a depolarizing response of the other simple photoreceptor, A-P-1 cell, results from closing of the light-dependent K+ channels that are activated by cGMP. In the cell-attached patch recordings of Ip-2 cells, external artificial seawater (ASW) was replaced with a modified ASW containing 150 mM K+ and 200 mM Mg2+ to suppress any synaptic input and to maintain the membrane potential constant. When Ip-2 cells were equilibrated with this modified ASW, the internal K+ concentration was estimated to be 260 mM. Light-dependent single-channels in the cell-attached patch on these cells were opened by light but scarcely by voltage. After confirming the light-dependent channel activity in the cell-attached patches, an application of cGMP to the excised inside-out patches newly activated a channel that disappeared on removal of cGMP. Open and closed time distributions of this cGMP-activated channel could be described by the sum of two exponents with time constants τo1, τo2 and τc1, τc2, respectively, similar to those of the light-dependent channel. In both the channels, τo1 and τo2 in ms ranges were similar to each other, although τc2 over tens of millisecond ranges was different. τo1, τo2, and the mean open time τo were both independent of light intensity, cGMP concentration, and voltage. In both channels, the open probability increased as the membrane was depolarized, without changing any of τo2 or τo. In both, the reversal potentials using 200- and 450-mM K+-filled pipettes were close to the K+ equilibrium potentials, suggesting that both the channels are primarily K+ selective. Both the mean values of the channel conductance were estimated to be the same at 62 and 91 pS in 200- and 450-mM K+ pipettes at nearly 0 mV, respectively. Combining these findings with those in the above former report, it is concluded that cGMP is a second messenger which opens the light-dependent K+ channel of Ip-2 to cause hyperpolarization, and that the channel is the same as that of A-P-1 closed by light.

Immunolocalization of Multidrug Resistance Protein 5 in the Human Genitourinary System

The intracellular messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) has an important role in regulating smooth muscle tone. An increase in intracellular cGMP levels is a prerequisite for penile erection. Inhibition of cGMP degradation by cGMP specific phosphodiesterase 5 has been used for treating erectile dysfunction. In addition to degradation by phosphodiesterase, cGMP is exported from cells by multidrug resistance protein 5 (MRP5), also called ABCC5, which we recently identified as an adenosine triphosphate dependent export pump for cGMP. MRP5 is potently inhibited by substances known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors, including sildenafil and trequinsin. Therefore, we analyzed whether MRP5 is expressed in tissues of the human genitourinary system and whether MRP5 and phosphodiesterase 5 proteins are localized in the same cell types. Localization of MRP5 and phosphodiesterase 5 was analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy in cryosections of various tissues of the human genitourinary system. MRP5 and phosphodiesterase 5 were co-expressed in smooth muscle cells of the corpus cavernosum, ureter, urethra and bladder. In addition, MRP5 and phosphodiesterase 5 were localized in epithelial cells of the mucosa in the ureter and urethra, and in blood vessels of the lamina propria. The co-expression of MRP5 and phosphodiesterase 5 in smooth muscle cells of the genitourinary system indicates 2 distinct pathways for cGMP removal. Thus, MRP5 inhibition represents a new approach for enhancing cGMP levels in smooth muscle cells and developing drugs for erectile dysfunction.

Rebound Contraction by Nitric Oxide in the Longitudinal Muscle of Porcine Gastric Fundus

The rebound contraction induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) and nitric oxide (NO) donor, S-nitroso-L-cysteine (cysNO), were investigated in the longitudinal muscle of porcine gastric fundus (LM-PGF). Under the presence of atropine and guanethidine, cysNO and EFS produced sequential relaxation-contraction in LM-PGF. Tetrodotoxin abolished the EFS-induced response, while leaving the cysNO-induced one unaffected. A soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, lH-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-α]-quinoxalin-1-one, inhibited both cysNO and EFS-induced biphasic response. A cGMP analogue only relaxed LM-PGF. A phosphodiesterase V inhibitor, zaprinast, prolonged the cysNO and the EFS-induced relaxation and inhibited the rebound contraction. The rebound contraction was inhibited by verapamil, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker. The cysNO and the EFS-induced biphasic response were inhibited by ryanodine plus cyclopiazonic acid or by ruthenium red, a ryanodine-receptor blocker. LM-PGF was relaxed on exposure to caffeine and then produced a verapamil-sensitive rebound contraction during the washout period. CysNO and EFS did not induce the rebound contraction in the presence of caffeine. These results suggest that the NO-induced rebound contraction involves both Ca2+-release from the ryanodine-sensitive store and Ca2+-influx through L-type channels. Although the NO-induced biphasic response is dependent on cGMP, rapid removal of cGMP seems necessary for the rebound contraction.

Vectorial efflux of cGMP and its dependence on sodium in the cortical collecting duct.

Guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) is an important second messenger that regulates transport in the nephron. We propose that the transport mechanisms that remove cGMP from the cell are different in the luminal and basolateral membranes of the cortical collecting duct (CCD). We examined efflux of cGMP from cultured and isolated perfused CCDs in response to atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and nitric oxide (NO). In the presence of phosphodiesterase inhibition, these compounds resulted in preferential efflux of cGMP across the basolateral membrane in both cultured and isolated CCDs. In the presence of ANF, efflux was five times higher across the basolateral than the luminal membrane in cultured CCD cells (n = 14). In isolated CCDs, effluxes across the basolateral and luminal membranes were 1.02 +/- 0.2 and 0.03 +/- 0.01 fmol.mm-1.min-1, respectively, in the presence of ANF (n = 6; P < 0.007) and 0.87 +/- 0.21 and 0.02 +/- 0.01 fmol.mm-1.min-1, respectively, in the presence of NO (n = 6; P < 0.011). Efflux across the basolateral membrane in the presence and absence of sodium was 37 +/- 7.3 and 19.9 +/- 5 fmol.cm-2.min-1, respectively, in cultured cells (n = 12; P < 0.044) and 1.02 +/- 0.2 (n = 6) and 0.41 +/- 0.12 (n = 5) fmol.mm-1.min-1 in isolated perfused tubules (P < 0.042). There was no difference in luminal transport in the presence and absence of sodium in either model. We conclude that there are at least two different mechanisms involved in the removal of cGMP from the cell, one sodium dependent and the other sodium independent. The basolateral membrane appears to contain both, whereas the luminal membrane contains only the sodium-independent mechanism.

Effect of a tumour-promoting phorbol ester on atrial peptide-induced testosterone production and cyclic GMP accumulation by isolated mouse Leydig cells

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 4β-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (4β-PMA) — a potent activator of protein kinase C — on the responsiveness of mouse Leydig cells to stimulation with rat atriopeptin II (rAP-II). We report that, in these cells, the stimulation of testosterone production by rAP-II could be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by 4β-PMA (1–200 nM). In contrast, the basal steroidogenesis was stimulated 2-fold by 4β-PMA. There was no inhibition of testosterone production when the cells were stimulated with 8-bromo cyclic GMP (8Br-cGMP) in the presence of 4β-PMA. Furthermore, addition of 4β-PMA resulted in a marked reduction in the amount of cGMP accumulated in response to rAP-II stimulation. 4α-Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (4α-PMA) was found to have no effect at all. The inhibitory effect of 4β-PMA on-steroidogenesis could be completely reversed by the addition of 0.25 mM 3-isobutyl 1-methylxanthine (IBMX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Also, the 4β-PMA-induced lowering of cGMP content could be partially reversed by IBMX. Membrane fractions from cells treated with 4β-PMA or 4α-PMA did not differ in their contents of either basal or rAP-II-stimulated guanylate cyclase activities. We conclude that the 4β-PMA-mediated inhibition of testosterone production by Leydig cells stimulated with rAP-II results from an activation of a phosphodiesterase enzyme, hypothetically through an activated protein kinase C. This leads to a reduction in the cellular cGMP content through an increased metabolic removal of cGMP formed in response to rAP-II stimulation.