Activation of the human neutrophil 5-lipoxygenase by exogenous arachidonic acid: involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins

1. The mechanism by which incubation of human peripheral blood neutrophils with exogenous arachidonic acid leads to 5-lipoxygenase product synthesis was investigated. 2. Incubation of neutrophils with arachidonic acid caused a concentration- and time-dependent synthesis of leukotriene B4, its omega-oxidation products, and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. 3. The threshold concentration of arachidonic acid required for this effect was equal to, or greater than 3.3 microM and the synthesis increased with up to 33 microM arachidonic acid, the highest concentration used. Synthesis induced by arachidonic acid increased with time for up to 15 min and the major products detected were the omega-oxidation products of leukotriene B4. 4. Pre-incubation of neutrophils with pertussis toxin inhibited the synthesis of 5-lipoxygenase products induced by arachidonic acid by 75% or more, but had no effect on either arachidonic acid-induced synthesis of the 15-lipoxygenase product, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, or activation of the 5-lipoxygenase induced by the calcium ionophore A23187. 5. Pre-incubation of neutrophils with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor lead to enhanced leukotriene synthesis in response to arachidonic acid. 6. These results imply that exogenous arachidonic acid is not only used as a substrate, but also activates the 5-lipoxygenase. Possible mechanisms of action are discussed.     

Long term beta-adrenoceptor-mediated up-regulation of Gi alpha and G(o) alpha mRNA levels and pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins in rat heart.

Chronic stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors leads to increased mRNA and protein levels of pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) in the heart. In the present study the time course is reported of the effect of isoprenaline infusions on myocardial mRNA levels of Gi alpha-2, Gi alpha-3, G(o) alpha, Gs alpha, and G beta and myocardial levels of PTX-sensitive G proteins. Rats were treated by subcutaneous infusions, with osmotic minipumps, of 0.9% NaCl, isoprenaline (2.4 mg/kg/day), propranolol (9.9 mg/kg/day), or a combination thereof for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 8 days, and two groups were treated with NaCl or isoprenaline for 13 or 26 days. Additional groups of rats were treated with 0.24 or 0.07 mg/kg/day for 4 days to determine the dose dependency of the effects of isoprenaline. mRNA concentrations were determined by standardized slot blotting with 32P-labeled cDNA or cRNA probes. In isoprenaline-treated rats, mRNA levels of all members of the Gi alpha/G(o) alpha family increased gradually in parallel. The increase in Gi alpha-2, Gi alpha-3, and G(o) alpha mRNA levels reached significance on days 2-3, reached maximal values on days 3-4, and remained stable over the total time of treatment of up to 26 days. Compared with NaCl, maximal increases were 77% (Gi alpha-2; 16.4 versus 9.3 pg/micrograms), 58% (Gi alpha-3; 4.65 versus 2.95 pg/micrograms), and 78% (G(o) alpha; 0.40 versus 0.22 pg/microgram). Gs alpha mRNA levels (about 30 pg/micrograms) and G beta mRNA levels remained unchanged. In isoprenaline-treated rats myocardial levels of PTX-sensitive G proteins increased by maximally 54%, compared with control. The time course differed slightly from the time course of mRNA up-regulation in the first 3 days of treatment and paralleled the increase in mRNA levels from day 4 on. Propranolol had no effect on G alpha mRNA or protein levels when given alone but abolished all effects of isoprenaline when given in combination. Isoprenaline at a dose of 0.24 mg/kg/day still induced an increase in Gi alpha-2 mRNA levels of 24%, without any effects on histopathology of the myocardium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Evidence against a role of a pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding protein in the alpha1-adrenoceptor-mediated positive inotropic effect in the heart

Summary Pertussis toxin, which specifically inactivates guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (N-proteins) involved in the signal transduction in various receptor systems, did not influence the positive inotropic effect of the alpha₁-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine in rat isolated left auricles. This indicates that the alpha₁-adrenoceptor-mediated positive inotropic effect does not involve a pertussis toxin-sensitive N-protein. Send offprint requests to W. Schmitz at the above addressSupported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Differential and selective inhibition of protein kinase A and protein kinase C in intact cells by balanol congeners.

The fungal metabolite balanol is a potent inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) in vitro that acts by competing with ATP for binding (K(i) approximately 4 nM); congeners of balanol show specificity for PKA over PKC. We have characterized the effects of balanol and 10"-deoxybalanol in intact cells to determine whether these compounds cross the cell membrane and whether the potency and specificity noted in vitro are preserved in vivo. In neonatal rat myocytes and cultured A431 cells transiently transfected with a cyclic AMP response element-luciferase reporter construct, balanol inhibits the induction of luciferase activity by isoproterenol, indicating inhibition of PKA. Western analysis shows that both balanol and 10"-deoxybalanol reduce phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein in isoproterenol-stimulated A431 cells; inhibition is concentration dependent with an IC(50) value of approximately 3 microM. Balanol, but not 10"-deoxybalanol, inhibits phosphorylation of the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate protein, a PKC substrate, in phorbol ester-stimulated A431 cells (IC(50) approximately 7 microM). Our data demonstrate that balanol is a potent inhibitor of PKA and PKC in several whole-cell systems and causes no obvious toxicity. In addition, balanol congeners inhibit PKA and PKC with the specificity and potency predicted by in vitro experiments.     

Molecular interaction of the human alpha 2-C10-adrenergic receptor, when expressed in Rat-1 fibroblasts, with multiple pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins: studies with site-directed antisera.

DNA encoding the human alpha 2-C-10-adrenergic receptor was transfected into Rat-1 fibroblasts by CaPO4 precipitation, and clones expressing the receptor were isolated and expanded. One clone (1C) expressing high levels of the receptor was studied in order to determine the contacts between this receptor and guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) mediating second messenger signaling. The alpha 2-adrenergic agonist UK 14304 stimulated high affinity GTPase activity in membranes from these cells. Incubation of these membranes with Protein A-purified fractions from an antiserum able to identify the carboxyl-terminal decapeptide common to Gi1 alpha and Gi2 alpha was partially able to prevent agonist stimulation of high affinity GTPase activity. Similar results were produced with an antiserum that identifies the carboxyl-terminal decapeptide of Gi3 alpha. In contrast, equivalent fractions of antisera that identify the carboxyl-terminal decapeptides of Go alpha and Gs alpha did not inhibit receptor stimulation of high affinity GTPase activity. Coincubation of the membranes from the cells with Protein A-purified fractions from the anti-Gi1 alpha + Gi2 alpha antiserum and the anti-Gi3 alpha antiserum produced greater inhibition of UK14304-stimulated GTPase activity than did either of the two antisera in isolation. These data show direct interaction of the human alpha 2-C10-adrenergic receptor, when expressed in this clone of Rat-1 fibroblasts, with multiple pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins and demonstrate that a single receptor has the physical capacity to interact functionally with more than a single pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein in a native membrane. Furthermore, because the two antisera were able to inhibit receptor stimulation of high affinity GTPase activity to similar degrees, the G protein pools identified by these antisera must contribute similar amounts of the total receptor activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in these cells.     

Platelet-activating factor synthesis by peritoneal mast cells and its inhibition by two quinoline-based compounds.

1. Peritoneal mast cells from rat were co-incubated in vitro in a platelet aggregometer cuvette with washed rabbit platelets. In response to stimulation with calcium ionophore (A23187; 1-5 microM), the mast cells released a substance which stimulated the platelets to aggregate. These concentrations of ionophore did not stimulate platelet aggregation in the absence of mast cells, nor affect the responsiveness of the platelets to aggregation induced by thrombin or PAF. Release of a PAF-like substance was also observed in response to stimulation of the mast cells with antigen. 2. This pro-aggregatory activity is attributable to the release of PAF by the mast cells, since the activity could be abolished by preincubating the platelets with a specific PAF receptor antagonist (WEB 2086; 10 microM). Furthermore, the platelet-aggregating factor co-migrated with PAF on thin-layer chromatographs and could be abolished by incubation with phospholipase A2 (20 micrograms ml-1) or a specific antibody directed against PAF. 3. The release of PAF by peritoneal mast cells could be inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, by PF-5901 (IC50 of 3.9 microM) or Wy-50,295 (IC50 of 1.2 microM), two structurally similar compounds with inhibitory effects on leukotriene synthesis, as well as leukotriene D4 (LTD4) receptor antagonist properties. 4. Inhibition of PAF synthesis was not observed when the mast cells were incubated with a structurally unrelated 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor (A-64077), a structurally dissimilar inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (MK-886) or with a structurally related LTD4 receptor antagonist (MK-571) which lacks inhibitory effects on leukotriene synthesis, each at concentrations of up to 100 microM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Role of guanine nucleotide-binding protein in the regulation by adenosine of cardiac potassium conductance and force of contraction. Evaluation with pertussis toxin

Summary In atrial cardiac preparations adenosine exerts a receptor-mediated negative inotropic effect due to an increased potassium conductance. Pretreatment of guinea pigs with pertussis toxin abolished the negative inotropic and action potential shortening effect of adenosine and the adenosine analogue (–)-N⁶-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA). As pertussis toxin specifically inactivates guanine nucleotide-binding proteins involved in the signal transfer from receptor binding to specific cell functions, it is concluded that a guanine nucleotide-binding protein is involved in the regulation of the receptor-mediated change in potassium conductance and force of contraction.Parts of the results have been presented at the Joint Meeting of the Belgian, Dutch, and German Pharmacological Societies at Aachen (Böhm et al. 1985a)     

Fluoride stimulates in vitro vascular prostacyclin synthesis: interrelationship of G proteins and protein kinase C

The role of G proteins in mediating adrenoceptor-prostacyclin synthesis coupling was investigated using the G protein activator, sodium fluoride. Sodium fluoride (NaF) stimulated in vitro rat aortic prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis (EC50 = 5 x 10(-3) mol.l-1), an action inhibited completely by the presence of EDTA (10(-2) mol.l-1). The NaF-PGI2 dose-response curve was moved to the left by the presence of adrenaline, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBU) and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 in the incubation media. NaF-stimulated (5 x 10(-3) mol.l-1) PGI2 synthesis was inhibited by the Ca2+ channel blockers, verapamil and nifedipine, the protein kinase C inhibitor, H7, and lanthanum. Prazosin and yohimbine were without effect on NaF action, but partially inhibited adrenaline-potentiated NaF-stimulated PGI2 synthesis. Cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and dibutyryl cAMP were without effect on de novo or NaF-, adrenaline-, PDBU- or A23187-stimulated PGI2 synthesis. Since fluoride is known to stimulate adenyl cyclase and phospholipase C, these data suggest that: (1) NaF stimulates in vitro rat aortic PGI2 synthesis by initiating Ca2+ influx; (2) this Ca2+ influx is mediated by protein kinase C, probably through G protein activation of phospholipase C and the generation of the protein kinase C activator, diacyl glycerol; and (3) adenyl cyclase and protein kinase A are not involved in NaF-stimulated PGI2 synthesis by the rat aorta.     

Selective inhibition of excitatory amino acid-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the rat hippocampus by activation of protein kinase C

The relative roles of protein kinase C in regulating excitatory amino acid-, cholinoceptor-, and adrenoceptor-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis were studied. Slices of rat hippocampus were prelabeled with [3H]-myo-inositol, and agonist-induced [3H]-phosphoinositide hydrolysis was measured by the formation of [3H]-inositol monophosphate ([3H]-IP) in the presence of lithium ion. Activation of protein kinase C with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) (10(-6) M) completely inhibited ibotenate (IBO) (10(-3) M)-induced [3H]-phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Half-maximal inhibition was observed at about 10(-7) M PDB. Higher concentrations of PDB were required to inhibit stimulation of [3H]-IP by either carbachol (CARB) (10(-3) M) or norepinephrine (NE) (10(-4) M, and only partial inhibition could be attained. Preincubation with staurosporine (STAURO) (10(-5) M) or 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7) (10(-4) M), inhibitors of protein kinase C, potentiated IBO- but not CARB- or NE-induced stimulation of [3H]-IP. PDB inhibition of IBO- or NE-stimulated [3H]-phosphoinositide hydrolysis was reversed by co-addition of STAURO or H-7. In the case of IBO + STAURO, this reversal was to the potentiated level observed with STAURO alone. Enhanced agonist stimulation and reversal of PDB inhibition were also produced by STAURO when [3H]-phosphoinositide hydrolysis was stimulated by either L-glutamate or quisqualate. These experiments show that direct activation of protein kinase C by PDB leads to inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis mediated by excitatory amino acid receptors, cholinoceptors, or adrenoceptors. However, the enhanced agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis elicited by inhibitors of protein kinase C suggests that, when protein kinase C is indirectly activated, only excitatory amino acids rapidly inhibit further receptor-coupling.     

Evidence for the interaction of mast cell-degranulating peptide with pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in mast cells.

K(+)-channel blocker properties have been reported for mast cell-degranulating peptide (MCD) in the central nervous system, but its action mechanism in mast cells remains unknown. We studied the effect of MCD on the membrane potential of rat peritoneal mast cells using the fluorescent probe bis-oxonol. Unexpectedly, MCD induced a decrease in bis-oxonol fluorescence, in a rapid and then a slower phase, suggesting hyperpolarization of mast cells. Other K(+)-channel blockers, tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine, did not significantly modify the bis-oxonol fluorescence and did not alter the effect of MCD. The late phase of bis-oxonol fluorescence decrease was inhibited by ouabain and by potassium deprivation, whereas histamine release was not affected. The first phase of putative hyperpolarization induced by MCD coincided with histamine release and with the generation of inositol polyphosphates. Prior treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin inhibited these effects of MCD. MCD stimulated the GTPase activity of purified G proteins (G0/Gi) in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that the effect of MCD on mast cells is unrelated to K+ channels but that it is relevant to the activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins leading to the activation of phospholipase C. A direct interaction of MCD with G proteins is proposed, which, unlike mastoparan, does not require positive cooperativity.     

Calcium-dependent effects of maitotoxin on phosphoinositide breakdown and on cyclic AMP accumulation in PC12 and NCB-20 cells

The marine dinoflagellate toxin maitotoxin (MTX) stimulates phosphoinositide breakdown in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and in neuroblastoma hybrid NCB-20 cells. In both cell lines, the stimulation of phosphoinositide breakdown by MTX is dependent on extracellular calcium, but it is not reduced by organic or inorganic calcium channel blockers. In PC12 cells, the maximal stimulation of phosphoinositide breakdown occurs at 1.5 mM [Ca2+]o, whereas in NCB-20 cells the maximal stimulation is observed at 2.5-4.5 mM [Ca2+]o. Phosphoinositide breakdown is known to lead to formation of both inositol phosphates and diacylglycerols. The latter, through stimulation of protein kinase C, would, like phorbol esters, be expected to augment cyclic AMP accumulation in PC12 cells and to inhibit receptor-mediated cyclic AMP accumulation in NCB-20 cells. MTX does potentiate forskolin-induced accumulation of cyclic AMP in PC12 cells and does inhibit prostaglandin E2-induced accumulation of cyclic AMP in NCB-20 cells. The effects of MTX on accumulation of cyclic AMP are calcium dependent and the concentrations of calcium required for maximal responses are the same as the ones required for maximal stimulation of phosphoinositide breakdown. MTX increases intracellular calcium in both cell lines, as measured by calcium-quin2 fluorescence. But the effects of MTX on forskolin- and prostaglandin E2-mediated cyclic AMP accumulation are not mimicked by a calcium ionophore and are not blocked by nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker. Translocation of protein kinase C occurs after treatment with MTX in both cell lines; the protein kinase C activity and content are reduced in the cytosol and increased in membranes after exposure to either MTX or a phorbol ester. The results confirm previous studies on the heterogeneous input of protein kinase C to cyclic AMP-generating systems performed with phorbol esters and demonstrate the utility of MTX as a unique tool for studies of systems that involve second messengers generated through stimulation of phosphoinositide breakdown.     

Complex involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in the regulation of type 1alpha metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling in baby hamster kidney cells

Previously, we demonstrated that the coupling of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu1alpha to phosphoinositide hydrolysis is enhanced by pertussis toxin (PTX) in stably transfected baby hamster kidney cells (BHK). Here, we show that the PTX effect on agonist-stimulated [(3)H]inositol phosphate accumulation can be resolved into two components: an immediate increase in agonist potency, and a more slowly developing increase in the magnitude of the response observed at maximally effective agonist concentrations. Using G(q/11)alpha- and G(i/o)alpha-selective antibodies to immunoprecipitate [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate-bound Galpha proteins, we also show that agonist stimulation of mGlu1alpha in BHK membranes increases specific [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding to both G(q/11) and G(i/o) proteins. Preincubation of BHK-mGlu1alpha with L-glutamate (300 microM) results in a progressive loss (60% in 30 min) of L-quisqualate-induced [(3)H]inositol phosphate accumulation (without a change in potency), providing evidence for agonist-induced receptor desensitization. Although such desensitization of mGlu receptor signaling was mimicked by a phorbol ester, agonist-induced phosphorylation of the receptor was not observed and protein kinase C inhibition by Ro 31-8220 did not prevent L-glutamate-mediated desensitization. In contrast, PTX treatment of the cells almost completely prevented L-glutamate-mediated desensitization. Together, these data provide evidence for a multifunctional coupling of mGlu1alpha to different types of G proteins, including PTX-sensitive G(i)-type G proteins. The latter are involved in the negative control of phospholipase C activity while also influencing the rate of desensitization of the mGlu1alpha receptor.     

Prevention of vascular nitroglycerin tolerance by inhibition of protein kinase C.

We investigated whether in vivo inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) can prevent the development of vascular tolerance and restore the sensitivity of isolated vessels to nitroglycerin (NTG). Tolerance was induced in male Wistar rats by a constant i.v. infusion of NTG 1 mg kg-1 h-1, a dose which did not alter blood pressure. After 72 h, the aorta was removed and the sensitivity of aortic rings to NTG tested. Chronic NTG infusion resulted in a 5.5 fold decrease in NTG-sensitivity as compared with controls (vehicle), indicating the development of vascular tolerance. The simultaneous in vivo administration of the specific PKC inhibitor N-benzoyl-staurosporine (30 mg kg-1 day-1) prevented this decrease in NTG sensitivity. These results suggest a role for PKC activation in the development of vascular NTG tolerance.     

Differential inhibition of histamine release from mast cells by protein kinase C inhibitors: staurosporine and K-252a.

Pretreatment of rat peritoneal mast cells with either staurosporine or an analog K-252a [(8R*,9S*,11S*)-(-)-9-hydroxyl-9-methoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-2,3, 9,10-tetrahydro-8,11-epoxy-1H,8H,11H-2,7b,11-atrizadibenzo- [a,g]cycloocta[cde]trinden-1-one] led to a concentration-related inhibition of histamine release when the cells were stimulated with anti-IgE (IC50: staurosporine = 110 nM; K-252a = 100 nM). In contrast, the two protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors (1-1000 nM) partially (less than 15%) inhibited histamine release induced by compound 48/80 (0.5 to 1 micrograms/mL). Furthermore, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis mediated by anti-IgE from rat peritoneal mast cells was also inhibited by staurosporine and K-252a (IC50 = 100 nM). Exposure of anti-arsenate IgE (anti-Ars-IgE) sensitized mouse bone marrow derived mast cells to arsenate-bovine serum albumin (Ars-BSA) led to the release of both histamine (510 +/- 12.6 ng/10(6) cells) and immunoreactive leukotriene C4 (LTC4) (27.0 +/- 2.6 ng/10(6) cells). Both histamine and LTC4 release was inhibited by staurosporine and K-252a with an IC50 of 50 nM for both compounds. We also characterized a 45K molecular weight protein which is phosphorylated by PKC after Ars-BSA or phorbol, 12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation. This protein is phosphorylated in a broken cell preparation in which PKC is activated by phosphatidylserine/Diolein and Ca2+. Peptide mapping by V8 protease of the phosphorylated 45K protein revealed that the 45K protein phosphorylation patterns induced by IgE or PMA or in the broken cell preparation are identical. Pretreatment of 32P-labeled mouse bone marrow derived mast cells with either staurosporine or K-252a led to a concentration-related inhibition of 45K protein phosphorylation induced by PMA or Ars-BSA. This inhibition of protein phosphorylation correlated well with the inhibition of histamine and leukotriene release in bone marrow derived mast cells.     

The involvement of protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase in vanadate-induced contraction

Gastric smooth muscle of cats was used to investigate the involvement of protein kinase in vanadate-induced contraction. Vanadate caused a contraction of cat gastric smooth muscle in a dose-dependent manner. Vanadate-induced contraction was totally inhibited by 2 mM EGTA and 1.5 mM LaCl₃ and significantly inhibited by 10 μM verapamil and 1 μM nifedipine, suggesting that vanadate-induced contraction is dependent on the extracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, and the influx of extracellular Ca²⁺ was mediated through voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channel. Both protein kinase C inhibitor and tyrosine kinase inhibitor significantly inhibited the vanadate-induced contraction and the combined inhibitory effect of two protein kinase inhibitors was greater than that of each one. But calmodulin antagonists did not have any influence on the vanadate-induced contraction. On the other hand, both forskolin (1 μM) and sodium nitroprusside (1 μM) significantly inhibited vanadate-induced contraction. Therefore, these results suggest that both protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase are involved in the vanadate-induced contraction which required the influx of extracellular Ca²⁺ in cat gastric smooth muscle, and that the contractile mechanism of vanadate may be different from that of agonist binding to its specific receptor.     

Staurosporine-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells is independent of protein kinase C inhibition.

The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine, a member of the K252a family of fungal alkaloids that are known as protein kinase inhibitors, induces neurite outgrowth in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. The progressive staurosporine-induced neurotropic effect (EC50 = 50 nM) has the following characteristics: it is evident after 4 hr of incubation, requires the continuous presence of staurosporine, occurs at 37 degrees but not at 4 degrees, and is not blocked by K252a derivatives. Scanning electron micrographs showed long neurites, ruffling, and dense networks in nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated cells and short neurites, flattening, and smooth cell surface in staurosporine-treated cells. [3H]Staurosporine binding, which was time, temperature, and dose dependent, saturated at 5-10 nM. Other kinase inhibitors were poor competitors. The [3H]staurosporine bound over 20 hr at 37 degrees was poorly dissociated by acetic acid wash or unlabeled staurosporine. These results suggest an uptake process occurring at 37 degrees that is required for the neurotropic effect of staurosporine. NGF did not interfere with staurosporine binding, and staurosporine did not affect NGF receptor binding. At neurotropic concentrations of staurosporine, PKC in PC12 cells was completely inhibited. When PKC activity was down-regulated by prolonged exposure to phorbol myristate acetate, PC12 cells responded to staurosporine with neurite outgrowth similar to that of untreated cells. Although the target and mechanism of the neurotropic effects of staurosporine remain to be determined, the observed effects on PKC-deficient cells indicate that PKC may not be required for the neurotropic effect of this compound in PC12 cells. These results suggest that caution should be taken in the interpretation of staurosporine action in vivo, and they provide a pharmacological tool for the development of potential neurotropic drugs.     

Differential inhibition of epidermal growth factor binding by photoactivated psoralens and the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate in cells overexpressing protein kinase C.

A rat fibroblast cell line, R6PKC3, that stably overexpresses the beta-1 form of protein kinase C was used to analyze sensitivity to inhibitors of epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding. R6PKC3 cells overexpress protein kinase C activity 53-fold relative to non-overexpressing control R6C1 cells. Inhibition of EGF binding by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and photo-activated psoralens was compared in these cells. We found that 125I-EGF bound both of the cell lines and was rapidly internalized in a temperature-dependent process and metabolized. Binding of EGF to the R6 cells overexpressing protein kinase C was markedly less than binding to R6C1 control cells. In both of the cell lines, TPA and photoactivated psoralens inhibited 125I-EGF binding but the response of these cells to these inhibitors was distinct. R6PKC3 cells were markedly more sensitive to TPA and were resistant to recovery from TPA-induced inhibition of 125I-EGF binding when compared to control cells. These differences were not observed in other subclones of cells overexpressing protein kinase C, suggesting that they may be unique to R6PKC3 cells. In contrast, no major differences in sensitivity to photoactivated psoralens were observed in R6C1 and R6PKC3 cells. These data indicate that TPA and photoactivated psoralens inhibit 125I-EGF binding to these cell lines by distinct mechanisms.     

Effect of lysophosphatidylglycerol on several signaling molecules in OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cells: involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein coupled receptor

In this study, we observed that lysophosphatidylglycerol (LPG) stimulated intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) increase in OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cells. LPG-stimulated [Ca(2+)](i) increase was inhibited by U-73122 but not by U-73343, suggesting that LPG stimulates calcium signaling via phospholipase C activation. Moreover, pertussis toxin (PTX) almost completely inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) increase by LPG, indicating the activation of PTX-sensitive G-proteins. LPG-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase was only observed in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells and SK-OV3 ovarian cancer cells among tested several cell types. LPG also induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt phosphorylation in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells. Pertussis toxin did not affect the LPG-induced activation of ERK and Akt phosphorylation. We also found that LPG failed to stimulate NF-kappaB-driven luciferase activity in exogenously LPA(1), LPA(2), or LPA(3)-transfected HepG2 cells. Taken together we suggest that LPG stimulates a membrane bound receptor which is different from well-known LPA receptors (LPA(1), LPA(2), and LPA(3)), resulting in at least two different signaling cascades; one involves a pertussis toxin-sensitive and phospholipase C-dependent [Ca(2+)](i) increase, and the other involves a pertussis toxin-insensitive activation of ERK and Akt in ovarian cancer cells.     

Role of protein kinase C in the phosphatidylserine-induced inhibition of DNA synthesis in blood mononuclear cells.

The mechanism of immunosuppressant activity of phosphatidylserine has been studied in peripheral blood mononuclear cells depleted or not of monocytes. After the addition of phosphatidylserine, mass determinations and uptake of labeled compound demonstrate its transfer into the cells. Phosphatidylserine incorporation causes a 2.5-fold increase of membrane-bound protein kinase C activity. The activation of translocated enzyme is indicated by the inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis, and early feedback effect induced by activated protein kinase C. This action of phosphatidylserine is reproduced by tetradecanoylphorbolacetate and is prevented by the protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine. Consistently, phosphatidylserine (8 nmol/10(6) cells) decreases by 46% the production of inositol phosphates in cells responding to phytohemagglutinin. The decrease of phosphoinositide signal pathway as well as the inhibition of mitogen-induced DNA synthesis are produced at the same phosphatidylserine concentration and are equally manifest in total mononuclear cells or in preparations depleted of monocytes. However, only in the presence of monocytes does tetradecanoylphorbolacetate enhance the action of phospholipid, decreasing its IC50 from 13-15 microM to 7 microM. Thus, the data suggest that a reaction driven by protein kinase-C and a factor released by activated monocytes are involved in the phosphatidylserine-induced inhibition of lymphocyte DNA synthesis.     

Intracellular cross-talk between receptors coupled to phospholipase C via pertussis toxin-sensitive and insensitive G-proteins in DDT1MF-2 cells.

1. The effect on intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of simultaneous activation of receptors coupled to phospholipase C via pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive and -insensitive G-proteins has been investigated in the hamster vas deferens smooth muscle cell line, DDT1MF-2. 2. In fura-2-loaded DDT1MF-2 cells, activation of adenosine A1-receptors (which are linked to PTX-sensitive G-proteins) with a maximal concentration of N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA; 300 nM) increased [Ca2+]i from 121 +/- 5 nM to 254 +/- 20 nM (n = 8). These experiments were performed in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Stimulation of histamine H1-receptors (which are linked to PTX-insensitive G-proteins) with a low concentration of histamine (1 microM) increased [Ca2+]i from 128 +/- 8 nM to 150 +/- 13 nM (n = 8). When combined, CPA (300 nM) and histamine (1 microM) synergistically raised [Ca2+]i from 134 +/- 6 nM to 607 +/- 61 nM (n = 8). 3. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ (experiments performed in Ca(2+)-free buffer containing 0.1 mM EGTA) had no effect on the synergistic interaction between CPA (300 nM) and histamine (1 microM). 4. The addition of maximal concentrations of CPA (300 nM) and histamine (100 microM) resulted in a rise in [Ca2+]i which was additive when compared to the Ca2+ responses obtained with the two agonists alone. Low (30 nM) and subthreshold (3 nM) concentrations of CPA did not alter the Ca2+ response elicited by maximal concentrations of histamine (100 microM). 5. Subthreshold concentrations of CPA (3 nM) and low concentrations of histamine (1 microM) elicited synergistic rises in [Ca2+]i.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)