Acetylcholine-induced closure of gap junction channels in rat lacrimal glands is probably mediated by protein kinase C

In rat lacrimal gland cells, application of acetylcholine (ACh) opens Ca-dependent channels and closes gap junction channels. We have shown previously that the increase in intracellular calcium concentration induced by ACh, is not required for the closure of gap junctions [20]. We have examined the effects of activators of protein kinase C on gap junction conductance measured with the double patch-clamp technique. This conductance was markedly reduced by incubating the cell pairs for a few minutes with 100 nM phorbol dibutyrate (PdBu). Two membrane permeant analogues of diacylglycerol, OAG (1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol) and DOG (1,2-dioleoyl-glycerol) also induced a closure of gap junction channels. This effect was observed in the concentration range 10–100 M when the diacylglycerol was added on intact cells, and at 75M when it was applied on dialysed cells. The cell uncoupling was not mediated by phosphatidate, a degradation product of OAG, nor by a phospholipase A₂-induced increase in arachidonate concentration. The OAG-induced closure of gap junction channels reversed spontaneously upon prolonged exposure (more than 90 min at 37°C) to 25 M OAG. After a prolonged OAG treatment, the ability of ACh to uncouple the cells was markedly reduced. ACh induced uncoupling was modulated to some extent by intracellular Ca and had an absolute requirement for Mg. These results indicate that ACh-induced closure of gap junction channels may be mediated by PKC.     

Pregnancy: Activation of protein kinase C is required for oxytocin-induced contractility in human pregnant myometrium

Intracellular mediators regulating the initiation of parturitionare not fully understood. This study was designed to determinethe possible mechanism of oxytocin-induced uterine contractilityduring labour. In-vitro isometric contraction studies were performedwith longitudinal strips of human pregnant myometrium in thepresence and absence of the protein kinase C inhibitors, staurosporineand RO 31–8220, and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein.Phospholipase D activity was measured by employing the transphosphatidylationreaction. Staurosporine significantly reduced oxytocin-stimulatedcontractile activity with mean activity reduced by >50% followingthe addition of 10^–6M staurosporine (P < 0.01), whileaddition of 10^–5 M resulted in a measured mean contractileactivity of –10% of the control (P < 0.001, n = 5).Similarly, uterine activity was minimal with oxytocin applicationfollowing incubation with RO 31–8220, mean contractileactivity being reduced by -40% by the addition of 10^–7M RO 31–8220 (P < 0.05) and by –87% by the additionof either 10^–6 or 10^–5 M (P < 0.01, n = 3). Conversely,addition of genistein (10^–7 and 10^–6 M) had littleeffect on oxytocin-induced contractions, although at a higherconcentration (10^–5 M) a significant reduction in oxytocin-inducedcontractile activity was observed (P < 0.01). Oxytocin evokedphospholipase D activation in a concentration- and time-dependentmanner in cultured human pregnant myometrial cells (n = 4).These results indicate that activation of protein kinase C andtyrosine kinase are involved in the regulation of oxytocin-mediatedmyometrial contractile activity and that a coupled phospholipaseD/phosphatidate phosphohydrolase pathway may play a role inthe sustained stimulation of myometrial activity during labour.     

Carbachol-induced phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis and choline efflux in rat submandibular gland involves phospholipase D activation and is modulated by protein kinase C and calcium

The role of calcium and protein kinase C activation in carbachol-induced choline efflux from submandibular glands was investigated. The participation of phospholipase D in this signal transduction pathway was demonstrated by the formation of [¹⁴C]phospha-tidylethanol in [¹⁴C]lysophosphatidylcholine-labelled submandibular gland cells treated with carbachol or noradrenaline in the presence of ethanol. Chelation of the intracellular calcium with BAPTA/AM reduced the carbachol stimulated outflow of [³H]choline.* The calcium ionophore A23187 in a high concentration (10 μm) increased the basal [³H]choline outflow, but decreased the carbachol-induced outflow. Removal of the extracellular calcium enhanced the carbachol-stimulated outflow, which returned to control when calcium was re-added to the medium. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (100 nM) or l-oleyI-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (20 μM) was without effect per se, but enhanced the carbachol-mediated outflow of [³H]choline. Phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate in combination with 1//M A23187 induced a small efflux of [³H]choline. A 2h treatment with phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (1 μM), causing down-regulation of protein kinase C, significantly decreased the carbachol-stimulated [³H]choline outflow. In conclusion, elevation of intracellular calcium levels and protein kinase C activation are of importance for the carbachol-stimulated outflow of [³H]choline. Inflow of calcium, if anything, reduces the carbachol-stimulated outflow of [³H]choline. Since phosphatidylcholine breakdown generates diacylglycerol and this could lead to activation of protein kinase C, activation of this signal transduction pathway may be important for the protein content of the saliva and for the known trophic effects of parasympathetic innervation.     

Role of protein kinase C in Ca2+ homeostasis disorders in cultured rat neurons during hyperstimulation of glutamate receptors

The primary culture of rat cerebellar neurons was used to study protein kinase C activity, intracellular variations in calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i), changes in the mitochondrial potential, and neuronal death during hyperstimulation of glutamate receptors and after 24-h incubation with phorbol ester. Prolonged exposure of neurons to glutamate (100 μM, 45 min) was followed by the development of delayed calcium dysregulation. Protein kinase C activity depended on the time of cell incubation with glutamate. Protein kinase C activity increased in response to application of glutamate for 15 min. However, protein kinase C activity decreased after 45-min exposure to glutamate and development of delayed calcium dysregulation. Protein kinase C activity was nearly undetected after 24-h preincubation of neurons with phorbol ester. Under these conditions, delayed calcium dysregulation developed more slowly and was observed in a smaller number of neurons. Neuronal death decreased to 2±1%. Our results suggest that protein kinase C plays an important role in death of neurons, which exhibit delayed calcium dysregulation during glutamate treatment. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 145, No. 5, pp. 533–537, May, 2008     

Huperzine A regulates amyloid precursor protein processing via protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells over-expressing wild type human amyloid precursor protein 695

Alpha-secretase (alpha-secretase), cleaves the amyloid precursor protein (APP) within the amyloid-beta (Abeta) sequence, resulting in the release of a secreted fragment of APP (alphaAPPs) and precluding Abeta generation. We investigated the effects of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, huperzine A (Hup A), on APP processing and Abeta generation in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells overexpressing wild-type human APP695. Hup A dose-dependently (0-10 microM) increased alphaAPPs release. Therefore, we evaluated two alpha-secretase candidates, a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) 10 and ADAM17 in Hup A-induced non-amyloidogenic APP metabolism. Hup A enhanced the level of ADAM10, and the inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE)/ADAM17 inhibited the Hup A-induced rise in alphaAPPs levels, further suggesting Hup A directed APP metabolism toward the non-amyloidogenic alpha-secretase pathway. Hup A had no effect on Abeta generation in this cell line. The steady-state levels of full-length APP and cell viability were unaffected by Hup A. Alpha-APPs release induced by Hup A treatment was significantly reduced by muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists (particularly by an M1 antagonist), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, GF109203X and calphostin C, and the mitogen-activated kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors, U0126 and PD98059. Furthermore, Hup A markedly increased the phosphorylation of p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, which was blocked by treatment with U0126 and PD98059. In addition, Hup A inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity by 20% in neuroblastoma cells. Our results indicate that the activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, PKC and MAP kinase may be involved in Hup A-induced alphaAPPs secretion in neuroblastoma cells and suggest multiple pharmacological mechanisms of Hup A regarding the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).     

IL-1通过PKC/MAPK通路上调泡沫细胞ACAT-1的表达及活性

 摘要 目的 研究白细胞介素1(Interleukin 1, IL-1)是否通过蛋白激酶C/丝裂原激活蛋白激酶（PKC/MAPK）信号通路上调泡沫细胞中脂酰CoA胆固醇酯酰转移酶-1（ACAT-1）的表达及活性。方法 复苏并培养人单核细胞株THP-1细胞,与200nM乙酸肉豆蔻佛波酯（PMA）共孵育48h,再与氧化低密度脂蛋白（Ox-LDL）共孵育24h,油红O染色观察细胞质内脂质沉积;检测泡沫细胞、泡沫细胞加IL-1及泡沫细胞加IL-1/IL-1单克隆抗体三组细胞中PKC和MAPK的活性;在三组细胞中分别加入PKC和MAPK抑制剂,分别以Western blot及液相闪烁计数法检测ACAT-1的蛋白表达及酶活性。结果 与PMA共孵育48h后,THP-1细胞逐渐伸出突起,由圆形、悬浮式生长转变为多角形、梭形,呈阿米巴样贴壁生长;经Ox-LDL诱导24h后,油红O染色胞质内可见大量吞噬的脂质小滴。与泡沫细胞组相比,泡沫细胞加IL-1组PKC活性（P<0.05）、MAPK活性（P<0.05）、ACAT-1蛋白表达及活性增加（P<0.05）;PKC抑制剂和MAPK抑制剂能显著抑制IL-1上调ACAT-1表达（P<0.05）及活性（P<0.05）的作用。结论 IL-1上调泡沫细胞ACAT-1表达及活性的作用是通过PKC/MAPK信号通路途径实现的。     

Noxious cold stimulation induces mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in transient receptor potential (TRP) channels TRPA1- and TRPM8-containing small sensory neurons

Two cold-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, TRPA1 and TRPM8, have been identified and considered interesting because of their possible roles in thermosensation, nociception and other functions. Recently, we have reported that the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase occurred in primary afferent neurons in response to noxious heat stimulation of the peripheral tissue, i.e. activity-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in dorsal root ganglion neurons. In the present study, we investigated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in the rat dorsal root ganglion by cold stimulation using immunohistochemistry. Cold stimuli (28-4 °C) were applied by immersion of the hind paw into a water bath (six times of 10 s stimulation and 10 s interval, total 2 min). Noxious cold stimulation induced phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated-p38, but not phosphorylated-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, in small to medium diameter sensory neurons with a peak at 2 min after stimulation. We found that a cold stimulation at 4 °C showed a marked increase in the number of activated neurons. Furthermore, double staining for phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated-p38 showed no colocalization in the dorsal root ganglion neurons. We then performed double-labeling experiments for TRPA1 and TRPM8 mRNA and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. The majority of phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-positive neurons also expressed TRPM8 mRNA, whereas phosphorylated-p38 heavily colocalized with TRPA1 mRNA after noxious cold stimulation. Our data suggest that the noxious, but not innocuous, cold stimulation in vivo induced differential activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 pathways in each subpopulation containing TRPA1 or TRPM8 in dorsal root ganglion.     

Elevated 5-HT 2A receptors in postmortem prefrontal cortex in major depression is associated with reduced activity of protein kinase A

Previous human postmortem brain tissue research has implicated abnormalities of 5-HT receptor availability in depression and suicide. Although altered abundance of 5-HT 1A, 5-HT 2A, and 5-HT 2C receptors (5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, and 5-HT_2C) has been reported, the causes remain obscure. This study evaluated the availability of these three receptor subtypes in postmortem brain tissue specimens from persons with a history of major depression (MDD) and normal controls and tested the relationships to protein kinases A and C (PKA, PKC). Samples were obtained from postmortem brain tissue (Brodmann area 10) from 20 persons with a history of MDD and 20 matched controls as determined by a retrospective diagnostic evaluation obtained from family members. Levels of 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, and 5-HT_2C receptor were quantitated via Western blot analyses. Basal and stimulated PKA and PKC activity were also determined. The depressed samples showed significantly increased 5-HT_2A receptor abundance relative to controls, but no differences in 5-HT_1A or 5-HT_2C receptors. Basal and cyclic AMP-stimulated PKA activity was also reduced in the depressed sample; PKC activity was not different between groups. 5-HT_2A receptor availability was significantly inversely correlated with PKC activity in controls, but with PKA activity in the depressed sample. Increased 5-HT_2A receptor abundance and decreased PKA activity in the depressed sample are consistent with prior reports. The correlation of 5-HT_2A receptor levels with PKA activity in the depressed group suggests that abnormalities of 5-HT_2A receptor abundance may depend on receptor uncoupling and heterologous regulation by PKA.     

Presenilin regulates extracellular regulated kinase (Erk) activity by a protein kinase C alpha dependent mechanism

Presenilin (PS1 and PS2) mutations cause early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition to affecting β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and Aβ generation, PSs regulate a number of signaling pathways. We previously showed that PSs regulate both phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC) α and γ activities. We also reported that PS double knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) have reduced levels of PKCα and enhanced levels of PKCδ. Here, we determined whether the PS modulation of PLC/PKC has consequences for extracellular regulated kinase (Erk) signaling. Erk has been suggested to be important in AD pathology by modulating APP processing and tau phosphorylation. We found that knocking out PS1 or PS2 alone resulted in increased Erk activity and that this effect could be reversed by the PKCα inhibitor Gö6976. We also found that Erk activity following either PLC or PKC stimulation was significantly lower in PS double knockout cells and that treatment with the PKC activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PdBu) down-regulated total-Erk levels in all cells except PS double knockouts. These results demonstrate that PSs regulate Erk activity through a PKCα dependent pathway and that disruption of PLC/PKC signaling in the absence of both PS1 and PS2 results in lower downstream activation of Erk.     

CaV2.1 channels are modulated by muscarinic M1 receptors through phosphoinositide hydrolysis in neostriatal neurons

In adult neostriatal projection neurons, the intracellular Ca²⁺ supplied by Ca_V2.1 (P/Q) Ca²⁺ channels is in charge of both the generation of the afterhyperpolarizing potential (AHP) and the release of GABA from their synaptic terminals, thus being a major target for firing pattern and transmitter release modulations. We have shown that activation of muscarinic M₁-class receptors modulates Ca_V2.1 channels in these neurons in rats. This modulation is reversible, is not membrane delimited, is blocked by the specific M₁-class muscarinic antagonist muscarine toxin 7 (MT-7), and is neither mediated by protein kinase C (PKC) nor by protein phosphatase 2B (PP-2B). Hence, the signaling mechanism of muscarinic Ca_V2.1 channel modulation has remained elusive. The present paper shows that inactivation of phospholipase C (PLC) abolishes this modulation while inhibition of phosphoinositide kinases, PI-3K and PI-4K, prevents its reversibility, suggesting that the reconstitution of muscarinic modulation depends on phosphoinositide rephosphorylation. In support of this hypothesis, the supply of intracellular phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P₂] blocked all muscarinic modulation of this channel. The results indicate that muscarinic M₁ modulation of Ca_V2.1 Ca²⁺ channels in these neurons involves phosphoinositide hydrolysis.     

Adenosine reduces the potassium conductance of guinea pig submucosal plexus neurons by activating protein kinase A

Intracellular recordings were made from S neurons of the submucosal plexus isolated from the guinea pig ileum. Adenosine or its analog 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) depolarized about 80% of neurons; previous work has shown that this results from activation of an A₂ receptor. The depolarization was associated with an increase in membrane input resistance, became smaller with membrane hyperpolarization, reversed polarity at the potassium equilibrium potential and was mimicked and occluded by calcium-free solutions or by cadmium, suggesting that it is due to a reduction in a calcium dependent potassium conductance. Both forskolin (though not 1,9-dideoxyforskolin) and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) mimicked and occluded the action of CADO. Staurosporine (a nonspecific inhibitor of protein kinases) blocked the depolarization induced by the phorbol ester within 5 min, and blocked the effects of forskolin and CADO in 15–35 min. The depolarization caused by CADO was inhibited by the specific inhibitor of protein kinase A KT5720 (8R^*,9S^*,11S^*)-(–)-9-hydroxy-9-n-hexylester-8-methyl-2,3,9,10-tetrahydro-8,11-epoxy-1H, 8H,11H-2,7b-11a-triazadibenzo [a,g]cycloocta[cde]trin-den-1-one, whereas this inhibitor did not affect the depolarization induced by PDBu. The results are consistent with the control of this potassium conductance by protein kinase C, protein kinase A and intracellular calcium, and they indicate that adenosine reduces the conductance by activating protein kinase A.     

Specificity of DOG1 (K9 clone) and protein kinase C theta (clone 27) as immunohistochemical markers of gastrointestinal stromal tumour

Wong N A C S & Shelley‐Fraser G
(2010) Histopathology 57 , 250–258 Specificity of DOG1 (K9 clone) and protein kinase C theta (clone 27) as immunohistochemical markers of gastrointestinal stromal tumour Aims: DOG1 and protein kinase C (PKC) theta are both sensitive immunohistochemical markers of gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). However, there are conflicting data regarding the specificity of the most commonly used PKC theta antibody (clone 27), and there are no existing data regarding the specificity of the only known commercially available DOG1 antibody (K9 clone) at the time of writing. This study’s aim was to characterize the immunoreactivity patterns of both monoclonal antibodies amongst a wide range of neoplasm types including, in particular, histological mimics of GIST. Methods and results: Immunohistochemistry for DOG1 and PKC theta was performed on whole tissue sections from 23 different neoplasm types (total of 125 cases). Ten of these neoplasm types showed CD117 immunopositivity. Only three (Ewing’s sarcoma, glomus tumour and synovial sarcoma) of the 23 neoplasm types showed DOG1 immunopositivity, and such positivity was often focal and weak in intensity. In contrast, all but four (ganglioneuromas, leiomyomas, desmoplastic small round cell tumours and PEComa/angiomyolipomas) of the 23 neoplasm types showed PKC theta immunopositivity. Conclusions: Compared with CD117, DOG1 (using the K9 antibody) is a more specific marker, whereas PKC theta (using the clone 27 antibody) is a considerably less specific immunohistochemical marker for GIST.     

D(1) dopaminergic control of G protein-dependent inward rectifier K(+) (GIRK)-like channel current in pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex

Pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) exhibit dopamine-dependent prolonged depolarization, which may lead to persistent activity. Persistent activation of prefrontal cortex neurons has been proposed to underlie the working memory process. The purpose of our study was to test the hypothesis that activation of D(1) dopamine receptors leads to inhibition of G protein-dependent inward rectifier K(+) (GIRK) channels, thereby supporting the prolonged depolarization of mPFC pyramidal neurons. Experiments were performed on 3-week-old rats. GIRK-like channel currents recorded from pyramidal neurons showed the following properties at -75 mV: open probability (NPo), 2.5+/-0.3 x 10(-3); mean open time, 0.53+/-0.05 ms; and conductance, 29.9+/-1.6 pS (n=60). The channel currents were strongly inward-rectified. GIRK channel currents were reversibly inhibited by the D(1) agonists SKF 38393 (10 microM) and SKF 81297 (10 microM). This inhibition was abolished by prior application of a dopamine receptor antagonist and by application of the membrane-permeable protein kinase C inhibitors chelerythrine chloride (3 microM) and calphostin C (10 microM). It was also found that the application of D(1) dopamine receptor agonists or GIRK channel inhibitors evoked depolarization of mPFC pyramidal neurons in rats. Moreover, prior application of a GIRK channel blocker eliminated the depolarizing effect of D(1) agonists. We conclude that activation of D(1) dopamine receptors may lead to inhibition of GIRK channel currents that may, in turn, lead to the prolonged depolarization of mPFC pyramidal neurons in juvenile rats.     

戊四唑点燃大鼠模型海马结构蛋白激酶C阳性细胞的变化

目的　利用戊四唑点燃大鼠模型 ,研究癫痫大鼠海马结构蛋白激酶C(PKC)阳性细胞的变化。方法　将大鼠分为对照组和模型组 ,模型组大鼠又分为完全点燃组和完全点燃后间歇 2 4h组。用免疫组织化学方法检测了海马和齿状回PKC阳性细胞的变化。结果　PKC阳性细胞主要分布于齿状回的颗粒层 ,在海马的分布主要在分子层 ,数量较少。点燃组大鼠海马和齿状回PKC阳性细胞数量与对照组相比 ,均显著增加 (P <0 0 5 ) ;点燃后间歇 2 4h组与对照组相比 ,无显著性变化 (P >0 0 5 )。结论　PKC阳性细胞表达的增加可能在诱导大鼠点燃中起重要的作用。     

鞘内注射右美托咪定干预慢性神经痛模型大鼠脊髓背角蛋白激酶C的表达

背景：右美托咪啶是一种高效、高选择性的α2肾上腺素受体激动剂,具有镇静、镇痛、抗焦虑等作用,对呼吸影响小。目的：观察鞘内注射右美托咪定对坐骨神经分支选择性损伤模型大鼠的镇痛作用。方法：雄性SD大鼠60只,随机均分为3组。除正常对照组外,另2组大鼠建立坐骨神经分支选择性损伤模型,右美托咪定组在造模后14 d内每天鞘内注射右美托咪定3 μg/kg,生理盐水组在同时注射等容量的生理盐水。于坐骨神经分支选择性损伤模型前、术后鞘内给药前和鞘内给药后2,7,14 d测定大鼠热刺激缩足反射潜伏期和机械刺激缩足反射痛阈值,并在术后第2,7,14天鞘内注射药物后,每组每个时间点分别处死4只大鼠,取其L_4-6脊髓,RT-PCR及Western blot法分别检测脊髓背角蛋白激酶C mRNA及蛋白水平的表达情况,苏木精-伊红染色检测脊髓背角神经元形态学变化,免疫组织化学法检测脊髓背角蛋白激酶C蛋白表达的水平及分布情况。结果与结论：与正常对照组比较,给药前、给药后各时点生理盐水组和右美托咪定组热刺激缩足反射潜伏期和机械刺激缩足反射痛阈值均明显降低(P < 0.05);与生理盐水组比较,给药后各时点右美托咪定组热刺激缩足反射潜伏期延长和机械刺激缩足反射痛阈值均明显升高(P < 0.05);右美托咪定组脊髓背角蛋白激酶C表达明显明显低于生理盐水组,且在给药14 d时达到最低接近于正常对照组。右美托咪定组脊髓背角神经元凋亡程度也较生理盐水组轻微,在给药14 d时神经元形态基本接近正常对照组。提示鞘内注射右美托咪定可减轻坐骨神经分支选择性损伤模型引起的痛敏,可能与其抑制脊髓背角蛋白激酶C的表达相关。 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程全文链接：     

Glioma invasionin vitro: regulation by matrix metalloprotease-2 and protein kinase C

A hallmark of invasive tumors is their ability to effect degradation of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) by the local production of proteolytic enzymes, such as the matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). In this paper, we demonstrate that the invasion of human gliomas is mediated by a 72 kDa MMP, referred to as MMP-2, and provide further evidence that the activity of MMP-2 is regulated by protein kinase C (PKC). The invasiveness of five human glioma cell lines (A172, U87, U118, U251, U563) was assessed in anin vitro invasion assay and was found to correlate with the level of MMP-2 activity (r ² = 0.95); in contrast, the activity of this 72 kDa metalloprotease was barely detectable in non-invasive control glial cells (non-transformed human astrocytes and oligodendrocytes). Treatment with 1,10-phenanthroline, a metalloprotease inhibitor, or with a synthetic dipeptide, containing a blocking sequence (ala-phe) specific for MMPs, resulted in a > 90% reduction in glioma invasion. Furthermore, this MMP-2 activity could be inhibited by the treatment of tumor cells with calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of PKC. Glioma cell lines treated with calphostin C demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease (IC₅₀ = 30 nm) in tumor invasiveness with a concomitant reduction in the activity of the MMP-2. Conversely, treatment of non-invasive control astrocytes with a PKC activator (phorbol ester) led to a corresponding increase in their invasiveness and metalloprotease activity. These findings support the postulate that MMP-2 activity constitutes an important effector of human glioma invasion and that the regulation of this proteolytic activity can be modulated by PKC.Joon Uhm and Nora Dooley contributed equally to this work.     

过氧亚硝酸阴离子供体通过蛋白激酶C途径抑制CA1区神经元延迟整流钾电流

目的: 过氧亚硝酸阴离子(ONOO^-)是一种性质活泼的自由基,可引起强的氧化性损伤,介导了一氧化氮(NO)的大部分毒性作用。本研究探讨ONOO^-对脑片海马神经元延迟整流钾电流(I_K)和动作电位时程(APD)的影响及其作用机制。方法: 应用全细胞脑片膜片钳技术记录I_K和动作电位。结果: ONOO^-供体SIN-1可抑制I_K电流峰值,使其激活曲线向超极化方向移动,并可延长APD。脑片预处理PKC抑制剂chelerythrine (2.5 μmol/L)可抑制SIN-1对I_K的作用。PKC激动剂PDBu (6 μmol/L)不仅加强而且模拟SIN-1对I_K的影响。然而,鸟苷酸环化酶(GC)抑制剂ODQ对SIN-1的作用无影响。结论: ONOO^-可能通过PKC-I_K-动作电位信号级联反应作用于海马神经元,并不依赖环磷鸟苷(cGMP)通路,这可能是ONOO^-神经毒性的机制之一。     

Modulation of rat skeletal muscle chloride channels by activators and inhibitors of protein kinase C

The membrane electrical parameters and component conductances of rat extensor digitorum longus muscle fibres were studied in vitro at 30 °C with standard two microelectrode square pulse cable analysis in the presence of protein kinase C (PKC) activators and inhibitors. The PKC activator, 4--phorbol-12,13 dibutyrate (4--PDB), (2–90nM) blocked up to 67% chloride conductance (G _Cl) in rat skeletal muscle fibres and induced myotonic hyperexcitability. The concentration necessary to produce a 50% block of the membrane G _Cl was 23 nM. The inactive 4--phorbol-12,13 dibutyrate had no effect at 2 M. The blocking effect of 4--PDB on G _Cl was prevented by preincubation of the preparations with the PKC inhibitors, staurosporine (1–5 M) and tetrahydropapaverolone (50–100 M). The blocking effects on membrane G _Cl of 4--PDB and its antagonism by the inhibitors used support the concept of the involvement of PKC in regulating Cl channels of mammalian skeletal muscle fibres.     

Involvement of protein kinase C and nitric oxide in the modulation by insulin-like growth factor-I of glutamate-induced GABA release in the cerebellum

Insulin-like growth factor-I elicits a long-term depression of the glutamate-induced GABA release in the adult rat cerebellum that lasts at least several hours. We studied whether protein kinase C and nitric oxide may be involved in this effect of insulin-like growth factor-I on GABA release since both signalling pathways have been implicated in other forms of neuromodulation in the cerebellum. By using microdialysis in the adult rat cerebellum, we found that either an inhibitor of protein kinase C (staurosporine) or of nitric oxide synthase (Nw-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) counteracted the long-term, but not the acute effects of insulin-like growth factor-I on glutamate-induced GABA release. On the contrary, when either an activator of protein kinase C (phorbol ester), or an nitric oxide donor (l-arginine), were given with glutamate, they mimicked only the acute effects of insulin-like growth factor-I on glutamate-induced GABA release. Finally, when both protein kinase C and nitric oxide-synthase were simultaneously inhibited by conjoint administration of staurosporine and Nw-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, a complete blockage of both the short and the long-term effects of insulin-like growth factor-I on GABA release was obtained. These results, indicate that: (i) activation by insulin-like growth factor-I of either the protein kinase C or nitric oxide-signalling pathways is sufficient for the short-term inhibition of glutamate-induced GABA release; and (ii) simultaneous activation of both the protein kinase C and the nitric oxide signalling pathways is necessary for insulin-like growth factor-I to induce a long-term depression of GABA responses to glutamate.

Thus, long-term depression of glutamate-induced GABA release by insulin-like growth factor-I in the cerebellum is mediated by simultaneous activation of both protein kinase C and nitric oxide-signalling pathways.