Induction of integrin β3 in PGE₂-stimulated adhesion of mastocytoma P-815 cells to the Arg-Gly-Asp-enriched fragment of fibronectin

We previously demonstrated that prostaglandin (PG) E? stimulates adhesion of mastocytoma P-815 cells (P-815 cells) to the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-enriched matrix via the PGE? receptor subtype EP4 [Hatae N, Kita A, Tanaka S, Sugimoto Y, Ichikawa A. Induction of adherent activity in mastocytoma P-815 cells by the cooperation of two prostaglandin E? receptor subtypes, EP3 and EP4. J Biol Chem 2003;278:17977-81]. Here we investigated the role of various integrin subtypes in the induction of adherent activity in PGE(2)-stimulated P-815 cells. FACS analysis showed that P-815 cells express high levels of integrin α4, α5, β1 and β2 subunits and moderate levels of integrin αIIb, αv, β3 and β7 subunits. When treated with PGE?, the EP4 agonist ONO-AE1-329 or the cell permeable cAMP analogue, 8-Br-cAMP, P-815 cells showed markedly increased cell surface expression of integrin αIIb, αv and β3 subunits, and these expressions were significantly reduced by addition of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Along with increased cell surface expression, mRNA and protein levels of the integrin β3 subunit, but not of integrin αIIb and αv subunits, were simultaneously elevated. On the other hand, adhesion of P-815 cells in response to PGE? or 8-Br-cAMP was abolished by antibodies specific for integrin αv and β3 subunits, but not by antibodies for integrin α4, α5, β1, β2 and β7 subunits. Moreover, treatment with tirofiban, an integrin αIIbβ3 antagonist, or eptifibatide, an integrin αvβ3/αIIbβ3 antagonist resulted in a decrease in adhesion of P-815 cells in response to PGE? or 8-Br-cAMP. These results suggest that de novo synthesis of the integrin β3 subunit plays a pivotal role in PGE?-induced adhesion of P-815 cells to the RGD-enriched matrix through EP4-mediated cAMP signaling.     

Induction of integrin β3 in PGE2-stimulated adhesion of mastocytoma P-815 cells to the Arg-Gly-Asp-enriched fragment of fibronectin

We previously demonstrated that prostaglandin (PG) E₂ stimulates adhesion of mastocytoma P-815 cells (P-815 cells) to the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-enriched matrix via the PGE₂ receptor subtype EP4 [Hatae N, Kita A, Tanaka S, Sugimoto Y, Ichikawa A. Induction of adherent activity in mastocytoma P-815 cells by the cooperation of two prostaglandin E₂ receptor subtypes, EP3 and EP4. J Biol Chem 2003;278:17977–81]. Here we investigated the role of various integrin subtypes in the induction of adherent activity in PGE₂-stimulated P-815 cells. FACS analysis showed that P-815 cells express high levels of integrin α4, α5, β1 and β2 subunits and moderate levels of integrin αIIb, αv, β3 and β7 subunits. When treated with PGE₂, the EP4 agonist ONO-AE1-329 or the cell permeable cAMP analogue, 8-Br-cAMP, P-815 cells showed markedly increased cell surface expression of integrin αIIb, αv and β3 subunits, and these expressions were significantly reduced by addition of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Along with increased cell surface expression, mRNA and protein levels of the integrin β3 subunit, but not of integrin αIIb and αv subunits, were simultaneously elevated. On the other hand, adhesion of P-815 cells in response to PGE₂ or 8-Br-cAMP was abolished by antibodies specific for integrin αv and β3 subunits, but not by antibodies for integrin α4, α5, β1, β2 and β7 subunits. Moreover, treatment with tirofiban, an integrin αIIbβ3 antagonist, or eptifibatide, an integrin αvβ3/αIIbβ3 antagonist resulted in a decrease in adhesion of P-815 cells in response to PGE₂ or 8-Br-cAMP. These results suggest that de novo synthesis of the integrin β3 subunit plays a pivotal role in PGE₂-induced adhesion of P-815 cells to the RGD-enriched matrix through EP4-mediated cAMP signaling.     

Cooperation of two subtypes of PGE2 receptor, Gi coupled EP3 and Gs coupled EP2 or EP4 subtype

Four prostaglandin E (EP) receptor subtypes have been identified and cloned, designated as EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4. These EP receptors are members of the G-protein coupled receptor family. EP3 receptor signals are primarily involved in inhibition of adenylyl cyclase via Gi activation, while EP2 and EP4 receptor signals cause a stimulation of adenylyl cyclase via Gs activation. Immune cells, such as mast cells, express multiple EP subtypes on their cell membranes, but few studies have been conducted to understand exactly what signals the main flow for the multiple subtypes expressing immune cells. We previously demonstrated that activation of Gi-coupled EP3 receptor exhibited a cooperative effect on cAMP synthesis induced by Gs-coupled EP2 receptor in COS-7 cells. Here we report that a selective EP4 agonist-induced adenylyl cyclase activity was augmented by simultaneous addition of a selective EP3 agonist in mastocytoma P-815 cells, which express mRNAs for both EP3 and EP4 subtypes. The augmentation in cAMP synthesis was found to be pertussis toxin-sensitive. P-815 cells are demonstrated to bind to Pronectin-F, a proteolytic fragment of fibronectin, in adhesion protein of the extracellular matrix, by addition of PGE2, which is mediated by PKA. The binding of P-815 cells to Pronectin-F mediated by EP4 receptor was augmented by the EP3 receptor. These findings indicate that two subtypes of PGE2 receptors, EP3 and EP4, cooperatively activate the cAMP-mediated adhesion event through induction of fibronectin ligand elicited by PGE2 in P-815 cells. Furthermore, the PGE2-induced adhesion response may contribute to the mast cell recruitment function on extracellular matrix during inflammation.     

Inhibition of stimulated Jurkat cell adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate synthesis by the immunomodulatory compound HR325

HR325 (2-cyano-3-cyclopropyl-3-hydroxy-N-[3'-methyl-4'(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-propenamide) is an immunomodulatory compound through pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibition with antiproliferative properties which was derived from the isoxazol compound A77 1726 [2-cyano-3-cyclopropyl-3-hydroxy-enoic acid (4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-amide]. During studies of the effects on early signal transduction events of this type of compound, it was found that HR325 dose-dependently inhibited adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) synthesis by Jurkat cells stimulated with prostaglandin E(2), (PGE(2)), cholera toxin (CTX), or forskolin (FKN). The potency of inhibition by HR325 of FKN-stimulated cells (IC(50) 30.4 microM) was approximately 3-fold higher than that of the other agonists (11.6 and 11.7 microM) and was independent of time of preincubation for both PGE(2) and FKN. Interestingly, A77 1726, an analogue of HR325, displayed a markedly different profile of stimulus-dependent potencies. The inhibition of cAMP synthesis by HR325 when stimulated by both PGE(2) and FKN was unaffected by glucose supplementation, in contrast to HR325-inhibited ATP levels, which were restored under such conditions. Further studies revealed that HR325 reduced intracellular ATP levels by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation, albeit with a 1000-fold lower potency than the antihelmintic drug niclosamide. In addition, glucose supplementation experiments showed that, in contrast to HR325, the niclosamide-mediated reduction of ATP levels was wholly responsible for its inhibition of PGE(2)- and FKN-stimulated cAMP synthesis.     

GR 63799X, an EP3 receptor agonist, induced S phase arrest and 3T6 fibroblast growth inhibition

The importance of arachidonic acid metabolites on the control of cell growth, particularly those derived from cyclooxygenase pathway has long been recognized. Recently, we observed that prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) interaction with EP(1) and EP(4) receptors is involved in serum-induced 3T6 fibroblast growth due to their effect at various levels of the cell cycle machinery. This study shows that prostanoid EP(3) receptor was expressed in 3T6 fibroblast. We studied the role of EP(3) receptor agonist GR 63799X in serum-induced 3T6 cell proliferation. This was concentration-dependent inhibit (IC(50) approximately 10 microM) to a complete inhibition without any cytotoxic or proapoptotic effect. The prostanoid EP(3) receptor agonist treatment decreased the G(0)/G(1) and G(2)/M populations whereas cells were accumulated in S phase. This arrest in S phase was associated with a decrease in cyclin B levels and the enhancement of p21 expression. Our data show that EP(3) agonist decreases cAMP levels in our experimental conditions. Interestingly, the S arrest caused by prostanoid EP(3) receptor agonist seems to be cAMP dependent, at least in part, because forskolin treatment allowed S-arrested cells to progress through cell cycle and consequently growth. Thus, our results suggest that PGE(2) EP(3) receptor interaction may be involved in serum-induced 3T6 fibroblast growth due to their effects on cAMP levels and on cell cycle machinery of the S phase.     

Aphidicolin: a specific inhibitor of DNA synthesis in synchronous mastocytoma P-815 cells

The influence of aphidicolin on cell multiplication and DNA synthesis was examined using synchronous mouse mastocytoma P-815 cells. Aphidicolin was cytotoxic specifically to the cells of the S phase of the cell cycle. This cytotoxicity was reversed by appropriately washing the drug-treated cells, but not by the addition of deoxyribonucleosides. Aphidicolin, a potent inhibitor of DNA synthesis, selectively inhibited the activity of partially purified DNA polymerase alpha from the nucleus and the cytosol of mastocytoma cells, but did not affect the activity of DNA polymerase beta. Furthermore, aphidicolin had no effect on the synthesis of RNA and protein, and produced no changes in cell size at least for one generation.     

Effects of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid on dexamethasone-induced changes in histamine synthesis of mouse mastocytoma P-815 cells and in histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells

The effects of glycyrrhizin and its aglycone, glycyrrhetinic acid, on dexamethasone-induced changes in the histamine synthesis of mastocytoma P-815 cells and in the histamine release from antigen-stimulated rat peritoneal mast cells were investigated. Glycyrrhetinic acid but not glycyrrhizin, at concentrations from 20 to 35 microM, almost completely inhibited the dexamethasone-induced increases in both the histamine content and histidine decarboxylase activity of cultured mastocytoma P-815 cells. Glycyrrhetinic acid, however, showed practically no inhibition of [3H]dexamethasone binding to the cytoplasmic receptor. On the other hand, glycyrrhetinic acid but not glycyrrhizin markedly inhibited the release of histamine from antigen-stimulated rat mast cells, and intensified the inhibitory activity induced by dexamethasone. Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibited the antigen-induced release and incorporation of [3H]arachidonic acid in immunized rat mast cells. The administration of glycyrrhizin into rats, in contrast to the in vitro treatment of the cells with glycyrrhizin, markedly inhibited histamine release from antigen-stimulated rat mast cells. These results suggest that glycyrrhetinic acid inhibited dexamethasone-induced changes in the histamine synthesis of mastocytoma P-815 cells, and in the histamine release from rat mast cells. On the other hand, glycyrrhizin may exert its effect after conversion to glycyrrhetinic acid in vivo.     

Altered binding properties of beta-adrenergic receptors and lack of coupling to adenylate cyclase in P815 mastocytoma cells

P815, a murine mastocytoma cell line, possesses beta-adrenergic binding sites as assessed by using [3H]dihydroalprenolol (antagonist) and [3H]hydroxybenzylisoproterenol (agonist). The number of binding sites per cell was 29 000 for the agonist and 75 000 for the antagonist, as determined by direct binding assays and inhibition experiments on intact cells. On membrane preparations from the same cells, binding of alprenolol was only displaceable by antagonists, while stereospecific binding of hydroxybenzylisoproterenol was only displaceable by agonists. The P815 membranes also possessed an adenylate cyclase stimulated by Gpp(NH)p and NaF but not by 1-isoproterenol. The intracellular cAMP level of intact cells was not modulated by 1-isoproterenol or by 1-epinephrine, but was increased by forskolin. These results suggest that the beta-adrenergic receptor of P815 mastocytoma cells is non-functional. This may explain the failure of agonists to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in these cells.     

Accumulation of adenosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate induced by prostaglandin E1 binding to mastocytoma P-815 cells

Addition of prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) to intact mouse mastocytoma P-815 cells stimulated adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation and retarded cellular growth. To study the effects of prostaglandin (PG) binding on cAMP accumulation, specific [³H]PG binding to intact mastocytoma cells was examined. Intact mastocytoma cells have two types of binding sites for PGE₁ with high (K_d = 2.14 × 10^?9 M) and low (k_d = 1.05 × 10^?8 M) affinities and one type of binding site for PGF_2α. Mastocytoma cells, however, did not have a binding site for PGA₁ or PGD₂. The order of potencies of nonradioactive prostaglandins in competing with [³H]PGE₁ for binding sites was as follows: PGE₁ ? PGE₂ ? PGF_2α ? PGA₁ ? PGD₂ ? PGI₂. In contrast, the relative potencies of the prostaglandins in enhancing cAMP accumulation were PGI₂ ? PGE₁ ? PGE₂ ? PGA₁ ? PGF_2α = PGD₂, indicating that the receptors for E type and I type of PGs were different. Refractoriness of mastocytoma cells to PGE₁ stimulation of cAMP accumulation developed within 1 min of incubation of the cells at 37°, but disappeared immediately after decreasing the temperature to below 23°. A change in the number of PGE₁ receptors was not observed. cAMP concentrations were quickly restored by increasing temperatures from below 23° to 37°. This refractoriness did not develop in the presence of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Furthermore, the activity of phosphodiesterase in mastocytoma cells was enhanced within 2 min by PGE₁ treatment.     

Barbiturate inhibition of growth and of synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid and protein in cultured mammalian cells

Pentobarbital (PB) inhibited growth and the synthesis of nucleic acids and protein in murine, mastocytoma cells (P815Y) grown in culture. The inhibition increased with an increase in the concentration of drug and was also time-dependent with a high level of drug. For example, 0.5 mM PB (id₅₀) reduced both the rate of division of the cells and the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein by about one-half, compared with the control, over a 12-hr period. In contrast, treatment with a 2-fold higher concentration of PB (1 mM; id₁₀₀) blocked both cell division and the synthesis of protein promptly. It also reduced the synthesis of DNA and RNA by about one-half, compared with the control, during the first 4 hr of treatment. After this time, however, the synthesis of both DNA and RNA stopped abruptly. It is concluded that the inhibition of DNA synthesis caused by barbiturate in the latter case may have been secondary to the inhibition of protein synthesis. Transfer of the inhibited (1 mM PB; 12 hr) cells to drugfree medium caused the synthesis of protein and RNA to begin without apparent delay. In contrast, the synthesis of DNA proceeded slowly for about 8 hr; then the amount of DNA increased parasynchronously. Cell division, which also proceeded slowly during the first 10 hr, occurred as a parasynchronous wave some 2 hr after DNA synthesis began. The inhibitory effects of PB were also studied in murine, lymphoblastic cells (L5178Y) synchronized by sequential treatment with thymidine (5 hr) and deoxycytidine plus Colcemid (5 hr). When the mitotically inhibited cells were transferred to normal medium containing PB (1.5 mM; id₁₀₀), slightly more than one-half of the cells failed to complete mitosis and the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein was blocked by the drug. The synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein was also blocked by PB addition in the middle of the S-phase. Its addition at the onset of the second wave of mitosis prevented mitosis as before and blocked the initiation of DNA synthesis.     

On the role of cyclic AMP in the cytotoxic effect of fluoride

The possible role of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) in the cytotoxic effect of fluoride was investigated in fluoride sensitive mouse fibroblasts (LS) and a subline of LS resistant to 6 mM fluoride (FR6). In both cell lines, growth was inhibited by dibutyryl-cAMP, prostaglandin (PG)E2 and theophylline, FR6 being somewhat more sensitive to these agents than LS. FR6 had lower basal cAMP levels in the intact cells and lower basal adenylate cyclase activity in the homogenate preparation than LS, but the percentual response of intact cells or adenylate cyclase preparations to PGE1 or PGE2 was about the same in the two cell lines, and the sensitivity of the adenylate cyclase to fluoride was similar. No measurable increase in cAMP content was found in either LS or FR6 after exposure of the intact cells to various concentrations of fluoride for various times. The present results indicate that the development of fluoride resistance in these cells is not due to decreased sensitivity to cAMP, and probably not due to altered cAMP-formation in response to fluoride. The growth inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of fluoride in LS cells is probably not mediated through cAMP.     

Effect of forskolin on prostaglandin synthesis by mouse resident peritoneal macrophages

The relationship between cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and prostaglandin (PG) synthesis was investigated in the mouse resident peritoneal macrophage. Macrophages were established as monolayer cultures in petri dishes. After addition of various agents, culture media and cells were removed for PG and cAMP analysis by standard radiochromatographic techniques and radioimmunoassay respectively. Forskolin, a potent receptor-independent adenylate cyclase activator, rapidly increased cAMP synthesis within 5 min in a dose related fashion in both non-treated macrophages and macrophages treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Furthermore, forskolin markedly reduced both 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and PGE2 synthesis induced by TPA and this inhibition was inversely correlated with increases with cAMP generation. In contrast, cholera toxin failed to mimic the inhibitory action of forskolin on PG synthesis even though it induced similar increases in cAMP; however this increase was only evident after a lag period of at least 1 h. Additionally, forskolin, but no cholera toxin inhibited PG synthesis and zymosan phagocytosis when these cells were activated with zymosan particles. These observations, therefore, suggest that a rise in cAMP is not always correlated with a reduction in PG synthesis.     

Fluctuation of fetal rat hepatic histidine decarboxylase activity through the glucocorticoid-ACTH system.

Our studies suggest that the fluctuation of HDC activity in fetal liver in late gestation is regulated by the plasma glucocorticoid level through the pituitary-adrenal system. Taken together, these results support the conclusion that glucocorticoid promotes a rapid increase in HDC synthesis in fetal liver histamine-forming cells, as well as in mouse mastocytoma P-815 cells and rat glandular stomachs.     

Inhibitory effect of tritoqualine (TRQ) on histamine release from mast cells

Tritoqualine (TRQ), used clinically as an antiallergic drug, did not inhibit histidine decarboxylase activity (HDC, EC. 4.1.1.22.) partially purified from fetal rats and the enzymes prepared from mastocytoma P-815 cells. However, TRQ inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80 and ATP. TRQ was also effective in inhibiting antigen-induced histamine release in rat mast cells sensitized actively or passively by the homologous anti-DNP-Ascaris antibody. Preincubation of cultured mastocytoma P-815 cells in a medium including TRQ inhibited non-cytotoxically the histamine release of mastocytoma cells induced by compound 48/80, and the effect of TRQ became more marked with lengthening of the culture period in the presence of TRQ. It was concluded from these results that one of the main actions of TRQ as an antiallergic drug was not the inhibitory action on HDC, but might be ascribed to its inhibitory effect on histamine release from mast cells.     

Enhancement of macrophage adenylate cyclase by microtubule disrupting drugs.

The accumulation of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) in guinea-pig macrophages exposed to the adenylate cyclase (AC) stimulators prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and isoproterenol (IP), was markedly enhanced by pretreatment of the cells with colchicine, vinblastine, and podophyllotoxin--agents which prevent microtubule assembly. The same agents did not augment basal cAMP levels. The facilitating effect of the drugs on the response to PGE1 and IP developed both in the absence and presence of a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. The same drugs also enhanced the accumulation of cAMP induced by cholera toxin (CT) but the presence of a PDE inhibitor was required for such enhancement to become evident. Pretreatment of macrophages with cytochalasin B, an agent interfering with microfilament function, had no effect on the responsiveness of the cells to AC stimulators. The microtubule stabilizer, deuterium oxide (D2O) partially reversed the colchicine effect. Microtubule disrupting drugs did not block the release of cAMP from the cells into the surrounding medium. Macrophages incubated as monolayers or in suspension showed the same degree of increased responsiveness to stimulators after preexposure to colchicine. Preincubation with the ionophore A23187, which elevates the intracellular concentration of Ca2+, also enhanced the stimulation of AC by PGE1 and IP. Microtubule disrupting agents did not potentiate AC activity in broken cell preparations, whether added to the intact cells before disruption or directly to the enzyme assay mixture, nor did they affect PDE activity of macrophage sonicates. Moderate enhancement of PGE1-induced cAMP formation was also seen in colchicine- and vinblastine-treated lymphocytes. It was concluded that microtubules control the activity of AC by restricting the mobility of membrane receptors. Disruption of microtubules by drugs results in the removal of such restraints and an augmented chance of productive interactions between receptors and catalytic units of AC.     

Effect of some drugs on thromboplastin activity in mouse trophoblast cells in vitro and in vivo

Mouse trophoblast cells are constitutive producers of the thromboplastin apoprotein in vitro. The effects on thromboplastin activity of the three transmethylation inhibitors 3-deazaadenosine (DZA), 3-deazaaristeromycin (DZAri) and erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine (EHNA), the four calcium antagonists TMB-8, verapamil, nifedipine and felodipine, the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 1-methyl 3-isobutylxanthine (MIX) and monensin have been studied. No cytotoxic effects were detected when trypan blue exclusion, release of lactic dehydrogenase, incorporation of 14C-leucine into protein and cell morphology were monitored. TMB-8, felodipine, nifedipine and verapamil all abolished the increase in thromboplastin when added after 68 hr or 90-96 hr in culture. EHNA and DZAri had the same effect (but were only added at 90-96 hr). DZA had a similar effect when added at 68 hr and an even more marked inhibitory effect when added at 90-96 hr. Monensin prevented the increase in thromboplastin activity at 68 hr as well as at 90-96 hr. The combination of DZA and 1-homocysteine thiolactone (Hcy) further increased the inhibition, indicating that in these cases synthesis as well as degradation of thromboplastin were altered. The combination of DZA/Hcy and one of the four calcium antagonists gave no additional inhibitory effect. PGE2 had a biphasic dose-dependent effect. The increased thromboplastin activity at low concentrations of PGE2 (10 ng/ml) was inhibited by addition of one of the compounds verapamil, felodipine, nifedipine or DZA/Hcy. PGE2 at higher levels (10 micrograms/ml) significantly inhibited thromboplastin synthesis. Combination of PGE2 (10 micrograms/ml) and one of the calcium antagonists, DZA/Hcy or MIX gave no significant additive inhibitory effect.     

Effect of serum on isoproterenol-induced cyclic AMP accumulation in human lymphocytes

The effects of autologous serum on basal and isoproterenol (IPR) or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) stimulated adenosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels were investigated in human lymphocytes. For all blood donors, serum (25% (v/v)) lowered the basal cAMP content. In contrast, the responsiveness of the lymphocyte cAMP accumulation to (-)-IPR was increased. This effect was most clearly demonstrable in bicarbonate buffered incubation medium (40-50% increase of maximal response), but was also seen in phosphate buffered medium (10-20% increase). Serum did not alter the sensitivity of the lymphocytes to IPR. The response to PGE1, which was a considerable more effective stimulator of cAMP accumulation than IPR, was not affected in any consistent way by serum. The results indicate that serum influences the regulation of lymphocyte cAMP and that this effect may partly be exerted at the level of the beta-adrenoceptors.     

Effects of membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids on opiate peptide inhibition of basal and prostaglandin E1-stimulated cyclic AMP formation in intact N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells

The effects of membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on opiate peptide-mediated inhibition of basal and prostaglandin E1-stimulated cyclic AMP formation were examined in intact N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. Addition of opiate peptides such as methionine 5-enkephalin (metEnk) to control cultures and to cultures that had been supplemented for 48 hr with 50 microM linoleic acid resulted in dose-dependent decreases in cAMP formation; these decreases were blocked by naloxone. Maximum inhibition of basal cyclase activity was 50-55% in both control and PUFA-enriched cells; however, half-maximal inhibition required ten times more metEnk in supplemented cultures than in controls. This is consistent with our observation that the affinity of binding of [tyrosyl-3',5'-3H(N)](2-D-alanine-5-D-leucine)enkephalin ([3H]DADLE) to intact PUFA-enriched cells was lower than that to control cells. Receptor density was not modified as a result of supplementation. Addition of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) to the cells produced rapid dose-dependent increases in cAMP formation. Maximum responses were higher in PUFA-enriched than in control cells (1924 and 972 pmol cAMP formed/mg protein respectively). Also, the apparent value for EC50 for PGE1 was consistently lower in supplemented cultures. MetEnk reduced PGE1-stimulated cAMP formation by 45-55% in both control and supplemented cells, and values for IC50 were similar (approximately 30 nM) in both. In the presence of the opiate peptide, values for EC50 for PGE1 were similar in control and PUFA-enriched cultures (0.07 and 0.09 microM respectively). The data from these studies suggest that membrane PUFA increase the efficiency of coupling of receptors that stimulate cAMP formation and decrease the efficiency of those that mediate inhibition.