Desensitization of serotonin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica

Incubation of the intact liver fluke Fasciola hepatica with serotonin (5-HT) resulted in a time-dependent decrease in both 5-HT-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and specific [³H]LSD binding in the subsequently prepared cell-free fluke particles. In control fluke particles, the activation of adenylate cyclase by 5-HT was biphasic, indicating a high and low affinity form of the 5-HT receptor with half-maximal activation constants (K_A) of 0.35 and 2.8 μM respectively. In contrast, 5-HT activation of desensitized particles occurred through a single set of low affinity sites having a K_A value of 6.3 μM. The maximal level of 5-HT activation of adenylate cyclase was also reduced in the desensitized particles. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was also less in the desensitized particles. However, unlike with 5-HT, activation by LSD occurred through a single set of sites for both control and desensitized particles. [³H]LSD binding studies showed that the affinity of LSD for the 5-HT receptors in the control and desensitized particles was similar. Thus, the decrease in [³H]LSD binding and serotonin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the desensitized particles appeared to be due to a preferential loss or inactivation of the high affinity form of the 5-HT receptor. A similar time-dependent loss in 5-HT-stimulated adenylate cyclase and in [³H]LSD binding occurred in cell-free fluke particles upon the addition of 5-HT or LSD. These effects were not due to protein denaturation or metabolism of the ligand during the incubation procedure. This cell-free desensitization was reversible and temperature dependent, and was not affected by ATP or other nucleotides.     

Inhibition by phenothiazine derivatives of the adenylate cyclase of amphibian oocytes

The adenylate cyclase activity of membranes of Xenopus laevis oocytes and follicle cells was affected by the presence of 2-chloro-10-(3-aminopropyl)phenothiazine (CAPP) and two other antipsychotic drugs, fluphenazine and penfluridol. CAPP, at concentrations of 10 and 100 microM, had opposite effects on the activation of the oocyte adenylate cyclase by effectors that act through the G/F regulatory subunit. Under these conditions, the drug stimulated the activation by fluoride and drastically inhibited the activation by guanyl-5'-yl-imidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p] and by cholera toxin and GTP. The activity of the catalytic subunit measured in the presence of either Mn2+ or forskolin was not affected by 100 microM CAPP. however, concentrations of this drug above 100 microM inhibited the adenylate cyclase activated by fluoride or by forskolin and also inhibited the activity of a calmodulin-independent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase present in the same oocyte membrane preparation. Oocyte adenylate cyclase has been shown previously to be inhibited by the hormone progesterone. The inhibitory effect of CAPP is additive to that measured with the hormone, indicating that these compounds act through different mechanisms. CAPP did not modify the concentration of Gpp(NH)p required to yield half-maximal activation and, although the drug inhibited more strongly at lower concentrations of Gpp(NH)p, saturating amounts of the guanine nucleotide did not reverse completely the inhibition caused by CAPP. The effects of these antipsychotic drugs on oocyte adenylate cyclase did not require the presence of free Ca2+ and were not altered by the addition of exogenous calmodulin and calcium.     

Effect of thyroid status on beta-adrenergic receptor, adenylate cyclase activity and guanine, nucleotide regulatory unit in rat cardiac and erythrocyte membranes

The effect of thyroid hormone on the β-receptor coupled adenylate cyclase in rat crude cardiac membranes was analysed by measuring the number of DHA-binding sites, adenylate cyclase activity and the amount of cholera toxin catalysed ADP-ribosylation of a protein with a molecular weight of 42,000 in cardiac and erythrocyte membranes. In crude rat cardiac membranes, the number of DHA-binding sites (78 ± 15 fmole/mg protein in the euthyroid state) is increased to 158 ± 20 fmole/mg protein in the hyperthyroid state and decreased to 51 ± 6 fmole/mg protein in the hypothyroid state; the affinity of the binding sites remained unchanged (K_D 2.9?4.3 nM). l-Isoprenaline (10^?4 M)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity varied in parallel to the number of DHA-binding sites in hyper- and euthyroidism. Thyroid hormone, however, did not influence GppNHp (10^?4 M)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. Cholera toxin catalysed ADP-ribosylation of normal crude cardiac membranes resulted in a 1.8 fold increase in adenylate cyclase activity in the presence of GTP (10^?4) and l-isoprenaline (10^?4M), presumably as a result of inhibition of GTPase. In crude cardiac membranes cholera toxin catalyses the ADP-ribosylation of one major protein, which comigrates on sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with the putative regulatory component of adenylate cyclase (mol. wt 42,000). In different thyroid states the amount of the regulatory component (as determined by cholera toxin dependent labelling) was equal (112 fmole/mg protein in euthyroid crude cardiac membranes). Basal activity of adenylate cyclase showed a significant difference between activity in euthyroid (3.7 ± 0.2 pmole cAMP/mg protein/min) and hypothyroid (5.4 ± 0.2 pmole cAMP/mg protein/min), but not in hyperthyroid crude cardiac membranes (3.4 ± 0.2 pmole cAMP/mg protein/min). Our results indicate, that thyroid hormone regulates the number of DHA-binding sites and basal activity (in hypothyroidism) in crude cardiac membranes and thereby causes different results in l-isoprenaline-induced adenylate cyclase activity.     

Adenosine regulation of canine cardiac adenylate cyclase

Adenosine has a biphasic, [Mg²⁺]-dependent effect on the catalytic activity of dog heart adenylate cyclase. In the presence of 0.5 mM Mg²⁺, adenosine stimulated cyclic AMP formation, but when the cyclase was activated with 4 mM Mg²⁺ plus 0.5 mM Mn²⁺, adenosine inhibited catalytic activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Adenine, 3'-deoxyadenosine and selected purine-modified adenosine analogs stimulated the enzyme, whereas 2'-deoxyadenosine, 5'-deoxyadenosine and adenine-α-l-lyxofuranoside mimicked the inhibitory effect of adenosine on the Mg²⁺ plus Mn²⁺ stimulated enzyme. These results are consistent with the ‘two receptor’ model of Londos and Wolff [C. Londos and J. Wolff, Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.74, 5482 (1978)], but they raise the possibility of subtle organ and species differences in the chemical determinants of adenosine binding. Adenosine in both intracellular and extracellular compartments may modulate adenylate cyclase activity in the beating heart, in addition to its putative role in the regulation of coronary vascular resistance.     

Comparative effects of alpha-methyldopa, propranolol and hydralazine therapy on cardiac adenylate cyclase activity in normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) male rats were treated orally, one week after weaning and for 9 weeks, with alpha-methyldopa (100 mg/kg per day), propranolol (30 mg/kg per day) or hydralazine (10 mg/kg per day). Untreated WKY and SHR rats served as controls. The development of hypertension in SHR rats were attenuated by treatment but none of the drugs was able to restore the impairment in isoproterenol, secretin and glucagon responsiveness of cardiac adenylate cyclase activity which is characteristic of these animals. In heart membranes from both WKY and SHR rats, alpha-methyldopa treatment increased the number of beta-adrenoceptors by 20-32% and the maximal response of adenylate cyclase activity to isoproterenol and glucagon by 20-34%. By contrast, the beta-blocker propranolol was ineffective on these parameters. The results obtained are consistent with the hypothesis that the change in adenylate cyclase seen in SHR rats is genetic in origin and is not a consequence of hypertension.     

Two distinct α1-adrenergic receptor sites in rat liver: Differential binding of (−)-[3H]norepinephrine, [3H]prazosin and [3H]dihydroergocryptine: Effects of guanine nucleotides and proteolysis; implications for a two-site model of α-receptor regulation

(?)-[³H]Norepinephrine, [³H]prazosin and [³H]dihydroergocryptine bind to rat liver plasma membranes in a manner indicating a selective interaction with α₁-adrenergic receptors. All three ligands display monophasic saturation with a single component on Scatchard analysis. The binding capacities of (?)-[³H]norepinephrine, [³H]prazosin and [³H]dihydroergocryptine are 340 ± 70 fmol/mg of protein 760 ± 40 fmol/mg of protein and 1200 ± 300 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. Differential drug potencies in competing for (?)-[³H]norepinephrine and [³H]prazosin binding sites suggest that these two ligands label two distinct binding sites at the α₁-adrenergic receptor, while [³H]dihydroergocryptine labels both sites. Guanine nucleotides lower the apparent affinity of (?)-[³H]norepinephrine for its binding site, without affecting the number of sites or the binding of [³H]prazosin and [³H]dihydroergocryptine. Incubation of membranes with α-chymotrypsin slightly reduces the binding of [³H]prazosin and [³H]dihydroergocryptine, but causes a 2-fold increase in (?)-[³H]norepinephrine binding. Both the number of (?)-[³H]norepinephrine binding sites and the affinity are increased. Following proteolysis, (?)-[³H]norepinephrine binding still occurs to a single class of sites, but is no longer affected by guanine nucleotides. The effect of α-chymotrypsin is abolished by pretreatment of membranes with the irreversible α-adrenergic antagonist phenoxybenzamine. We propose that in rat liver, (?)-[³H]norepinephrine labels the physiologically active form of the α-adrenergic receptor while [³H]prazosin binds to a precursor form of the active receptor, and/or to an α₁-adrenergic binding site not coupled to an effector system.     

左旋氨氯地平对自发性高血压大鼠胸主动脉重构及内皮功能的影响

目的 观察左旋氨氯地平(降压药)对自发性高血压大鼠胸主动脉结构及内皮依赖性舒张功能的影响.方法 20只自发性高血压大鼠,分为左旋氨氯地平治疗组和高血压对照组;同周龄WKY大鼠作为正常对照.治疗组,给予左旋氨氯地平(2 mg·kg-1·d-1),12周后,观察胸主动脉对乙酰胆碱和硝普钠的舒张反应,比较各组主动脉中膜厚度及中膜截面积,检测血清一氧化氮、内皮素的水平.结果 同高血压对照组相比,治疗组的胸主动脉对乙酰胆碱的最大舒张反应明显增强,(48.39±14.86)%vs(34.71±9.23)%,P=0.03;胸主动脉中膜厚度及截面积明显减小(P<0.05),血清一氧化氮浓度明显增加(P<0.05).结论 左旋氨氯地平能够改善自发性高血压大鼠血管内皮依赖性舒张功能,抑制血管重构,机制可能与增加一氧化氮的合成和释放有关.     

Novel serotonin receptors in Fasciola: Characterization by studies on adenylate cyclase activation and [3H]LSD binding

Serotonin (5-HT) receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] in the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica have been characterized by adenylate cyclase activation studies and by direct binding studies using $\text{[}{}^3\text{H}\text{]-d-}\text{lysergic acid}$ diethylamide ([³H]LSD) as a radioligand. Inhibition of 5-HT stimulation of adenylate cyclase by a series of 5-HT antagonists revealed a potency order of LSD = 2-bromo-LSD > methiothepin > metergoline = cyproheptadine > methysergide > spiroperidol. [³H]LSD binding to a cell-free fluke particle preparation was rapid, stereospecific, and proportional to protein concentration. Scatchard analysis indicated multiple binding sites which, when resolved into two components, gave for the high affinity site an apparent dissociation constant of 25 nM and a receptor concentration of 160 fmoles/mg protein. The ability of a series of compounds to compete for [³H]LSD binding sites correlated closely with their ability to inhibit 5-HT stimulation of adenylate cyclase. [³H]LSD binding sites were most concentrated in the anterior region of the fluke which was consistent with the higher levels of 5-HT activated adenylate cyclase found in this region. GTP and 5′-guanylyl imidophosphate, a poorly hydrolyzable GTP analog, decreased the affinity of the agonist 5-HT for the binding sites but had little effect on the affinity of the antagonist 2-bromo-LSD. Calcium at concentrations above 300 μM significantly reduced both [³H]LSD binding and 5-HT activation of adenylate cyclase. The results indicate that [³H]LSD can be used to label the 5-HT receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase activity. The pharmacological specificity and other characteristics of the fluke receptors appear to differ from the properties of reported mammalian 5-HT receptors. As a result, serotonin receptors in the flukes represent sites that may be amenable to selective manipulation by new chemotherapeutic agents useful in the treatment of these parasite infections.     

Antagonism of serotonin-activated adenylate cyclase in the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica by levorphanol and dextrorphan

A highly active serotonin (5-HT)¹ -stimulated adenylate cyclase is present in particles from the liver fluke $\text{Fasciola hepatica}$ [1]. This enzyme is activated through a single class of receptors by indoleamines and LSD derivatives. Several recent reports showed that opiates can interact with adenylate cyclase from various tissues [2–4]. In this report we examine the effects of morphine-like drugs upon adenylate cyclase activity in cell free particles from $\text{F}$. hepatica. We report a non-stereospecific inhibition of both basal and serotonin-stimulated cyclase activity and discuss the possible mechanism of this inhibition.     

Effect of a new potent H2-receptor antagonist 3[[[2-[(diaminomethylene)amino]-4-thiazolyl]methyl]thio]-N2-sulfamoylpropionamidine (YM-11170) on gastric mucosal histamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase from guinea pig

The effect of 3[[[2-[(diaminomethylene)amino]-4-thiazolyl]methyl]thio]-N²-sulfamoylpro-pionamidine (YM-11170), a new thiazole H₂-receptor antagonist bearing propionamidine at the terminus of a side chain, on histamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing); EC 4.6.1.1] of gastric mucosa from the guinea pig was studied and compared with that of cimetidine. YM-11170 displaced the concentration-stimulation curve of histamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase to the right with a pA₂ of 7.65 (K_i, = 2.25 × 10^?8M). Stimulation of gastric adenylate cyclase by 0.1 mM histamine was competitively inhibited by YM-11170 and cimetidine in a dose-dependent manner, with ic₅₀ values of 5.9 × 10^?7M and 1.4 × 10^?5M respectively. Hippocampal histamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in the presence of 0.1 mM histamine was also competitively inhibited by YM-11170 with an ic₅₀ of 1.1 × 10^?7 M. YM-11170 did not affect Gpp(NH)p-, NaF-, PGE₂-stimulated or basal activity of the gastric adenylate cyclase. These data, together with other results, indicate that YM-11170 is a highly selective and potent H₂-receptor antagonist which competes with histamine at the receptor site on the histamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase.     

Inactivation of the beta-adrenergic receptor in skeletal muscle by dithiols

The effect of sulfhydryl compounds on binding of the beta-adrenergic antagonist (-)-[3H]dihydroalprenolol [(-)-[3H]DHA] to a microsomal fraction from rabbit skeletal muscle was examined. Inhibition of binding by a variety of adrenergic agonists and antagonists and the effects of these agents on adenylate cyclase were consistent with the beta-adrenergic receptor in this tissue being of the beta 2-subtype. Binding of (-)-[3H]DHA was reduced by incubating the membranes with dithiols such as dithiothreitol (DTT), 1,3-dimercapto-2-propanol and 1,4-dimercaptobutane; monothiols were much less potent. DTT-induced decline in (-)-[3H]DHA binding resulted primarily from a decrease in receptor number. Inactivation was partially reversed by the oxidant H2O2. Binding sites could be locked in the inactivated state by incubating DTT-treated membranes with the alkylating agent iodoacetamide. Both beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists protected against inactivation. Adenylate cyclase activity in the membranes was increased by DTT. The enzyme was rapidly inactivated by H2O2, and this could be partially reversed by DTT. It is concluded that the beta-adrenergic receptor of skeletal muscle contains an essential disulfide moiety which can be inactivated by reducing dithiols. Adenylate cyclase, on the other hand, contains at least one essential sulfhydryl which is preserved by dithiols.     

Irreversible binding of a novel phenylisothiocyanate tropane analog to monoamine transporters in rat brain

Irreversible tropane analogs have been useful in identifying binding sites of cocaine on biogenic amine transporters, including transporters for dopamine (DAT), serotonin (SERT) and norepinephrine (NET). The present study characterizes the properties of the novel phenylisothiocyanate tropane HD-205, synthesized from the highly potent 2-napthyl tropane analog WF-23. In radioligand binding studies in brain membranes, direct IC(50) values of HD-205 were 4.1, 14 and 280nM at DAT, SERT and NET, respectively. Wash-resistant binding was characterized by preincubation of HD-205 with brain membranes, followed by extensive washing before performing transporter radioligand binding. Results for HD-205 showed wash-resistant IC(50) values of 191, 230 and 840nM at DAT, SERT and NET, respectively. Saturation binding studies with [(125)I]RTI-55 in membranes pretreated with 100nM HD-205 showed that HD-205 significantly decreased the B(max) but not K(D) of DAT and SERT binding. To further characterize its irreversible binding, an iodinated analog of HD-205, HD-244, was prepared from a trimethylsilyl precursor. The direct IC(50) of HD-244 at DAT was 20nM. [(125)I]HD-244 was synthesized with chloramine-T, purified on HPLC, reacted with rat striatal membranes, and proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE. Results showed several non-specific labeled bands, but only a single specific band of radioactivity co-migrating with an immunoreactive DAT band at approx. 80 kilodaltons was detected, suggesting that [(125)I]HD-244 covalently labeled DAT protein in striatal membranes. These results demonstrate that phenylisothiocyanate analogs of WF-23 can be used as potential ligands to map distinct binding sites of cocaine analogs at DAT.     

Altered enzyme activities of xenobiotic biotransformation in kidneys after subchronic administration of 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX) to rats

Activities of the xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes were measured in the liver, kidney, duodenum and lung microsomes and cytosol fractions of Wistar rats after subchronic administration of 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX), a potent bacterial mutagen in chlorinated drinking water. MX was administered by gavage at the dose level of 30 mg/kg for 18 weeks (low dose), or at the dose level which was raised gradually from 45 mg/kg for 7 weeks via 60 mg/kg for 2 weeks to a clearly toxic dose of 75 mg/kg for 5 weeks (high dose). Microsomal and cytosolic preparations were made and the activities of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (PROD), NADPH-cytochrome-c-reductase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were measured. Kidneys were affected most. A dose-dependent decrease was observed in EROD (90% in males, 80% in females at the high dose) and in PROD (58% in females, at the high dose) in kidneys. An increase was, however, detected in kidney NADPH-cytochrome-c-reductase (66% in females at high dose), UDPGT (89% in males and 97% in females at high dose) and GST activities (56% in males and 50% in females at high dose). MX caused only a few changes in the enzyme activities of the liver. The EROD activity was decreased 25% to 37%, both in the livers of males and females, but the total content of P450s was not altered. Hepatic GST activity was elevated in females in a dose-dependent manner (31% and 44%). GST activity was elevated in duodenum in females (59%) at the high dose. There were no marked changes in the enzyme activities in the lungs. MX was a weak inhibitor of EROD activity both in the liver and kidney microsomes in vitro, decreasing the EROD activity by 53% and 43%, respectively at the concentration of 0.9 mM. The results indicate that MX decreases the activity of phase I metabolism enzymes, but induces phase II conjugation enzyme activities, particularly in kidneys in vivo. It is possible that these changes contribute to metabolism of MX in kidneys and renders them susceptible to MX in the course of repeated exposure.     

Enzymatic sulfation of steroids--XX. Effects of ten drugs on the hepatic glucocorticoid sulfotransferase activity of rats in vitro and in vivo

The effects of ten drugs on hepatic glucocorticoid sulfotransferase activity (HGSTA) were examined in male rats. The enzyme activity per 100 g body weight was elevated 152, 94.9, 140, 140, 73.1, 63.9, 76.9, and 140% after administration of daily i.p. doses of 111 mg spironolactone/kg (6-10 days), 66.7 mg WIN-24540/kg (6-10 days), 150 mg metyrapone/kg (19-31 days), 33.3 mg pentachlorophenol/kg (9-16 days), 16.5 mg aspirin/kg (10-16 days), 90.5 mg alloxan/kg (23.27 days), 104 mg aminoglutethimide/kg (12-20 days), and 16.8 mg propranolol/kg (21-27 days). Shorter experimental periods or lower drug doses caused smaller effects on HGSTA. Most notably, spironolactone (111 mg/kg) and WIN-24540 (66.7 mg/kg) caused 50-75% elevation of HGSTA in 2 days. Effects of WIN-24540, aspirin and pentachlorophenol were due mostly to elevation of hepatic levels of sulfotransferase III (STIII), the glucocorticoid-preferring sulfotransferase of rat liver. Effects of the other test drugs were due to elevation of hepatic levels of sulfotransferases I and II (STI and STII), which much prefer dehydroepiandrosterone as substrate, but also catalyze glucocorticoid sulfation. Enzyme inhibition studies showed that the test drugs interacted with the HGSTA in vitro in a fashion that appeared to be related to the in vivo effects already described. None of the drugs interacted exclusively with STI, STII or STIII in vitro. However, some differences of the strengths of individual drug-sulfotransferase interactions were observed. The drug effects are discussed in relation to drug and glucocorticoid actions.     

Differential interactions of the catalytic subunits of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin analogs

The diterpene forskolin (FS) binds to, and activates, mammalian membranous adenylyl cyclase (AC) isoforms I-VIII. Diterpenes without C₁-OH group do not activate ACs. The C₁-OH group forms a hydrogen bond with the backbone oxygen of Val506 of the C1 catalytic subunit of AC (isoform V numbering). To better understand the mechanism of AC activation we examined the interactions of FS and eight FS analogs with purified catalytic AC subunits C1 (AC V) and C2 (AC II) by fluorescence spectroscopy, using 2′,3′-O-(N-methylanthraniloyl)-guanosine 5′-triphosphate (MANT-GTP) as fluorescent reporter probe, and by enzymatic activity. FS analogs induced C1/C2 assembly as assessed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer from Trp1020 of C2 to MANT-GTP and by increased direct MANT-GTP fluorescence in the order of efficacy FS ∼ 7-deacetyl-FS ∼ 6-acetyl-7-deacetyl-FS ∼ 9-deoxy-FS > 7-deacetyl-7-(N-methylpiperazino-γ-butyryloxy)-FS > 1-deoxy-FS ∼ 1,9-dideoxy-FS ∼ 7-deacetyl-1-deoxy-FS ∼ 7-deacetyl-1,9-dideoxy-FS. In contrast, FS analogs activated catalysis in the order of efficacy FS > 7-deacety-FS ∼ 6-acetyl-7-deacetyl-FS ∼ 9-deoxy-FS > 7-deacetyl-7-(N-methylpiperazino-γ-butyryloxy)-FS ? 1-deoxy-FS, 1,9-dideoxy-FS, 7-deacetyl-1-deoxy-FS and 7-deacetyl-1,9-dideoxy-FS (all ineffective). 1-Deoxy-FS analogs inhibited FS-stimulated catalysis by an apparently non-competitive mechanism. Our data suggest a two-step mechanism of AC activation by diterpenes. In the first step, diterpenes, regardless of their substitution pattern, promote C1/C2 assembly. In the second and yet poorly understood step, diterpenes that form a hydrogen bond between C₁-OH and Val506 promote a conformational switch that results in activation of catalysis. The apparent non-competitive interaction of FS with 1-deoxy-FS analogs is explained by impaired ligand exchange due to strong hydrophobic interactions with C1/C2.     

G protein-coupled receptor for nicotinic acid in mouse macrophages

The use of the HDL-elevating drug nicotinic acid in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic disease is limited by the frequent induction of skin flushing. The therapeutic effects of nicotinic acid are attributed to inhibition of lipolysis in adipose tissue via a G protein-coupled receptor, whereas the mechanism of flush induction by release of prostaglandin D(2) from macrophages is not understood. In this study, we investigated if macrophages contain nicotinic acid receptors. Specific guanine nucleotide sensitive binding sites for [(3)H]nicotinic acid were detected in membranes from mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nicotinic acid and related heterocycles stimulated activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. The rank orders of potency in macrophage membranes were identical for inhibition of [(3)H]nicotinic acid binding and G protein activation, and were pharmacologically indistinguishable from that of the G protein-coupled nicotinic acid receptor in spleen membranes. These results indicate that the effects of nicotinic acid on macrophages, spleen and probably adipocytes are mediated via an identical, unique G protein-coupled receptor.     

In vitro interactions of agonists and antagonists with beta-adrenergic receptors

Neurotransmitters and hormones mediate their effects through interaction with specific receptors. A complete understanding of the effects of these chemical signals requires detailed knowledge, at the molecular level, of agonist/receptor interactions. It is likely that agonists and antagonists interact with the same site on a receptor. Agonists, however, are by definition different from antagonists in that agonists are responsible for transducing information across the cell membrane, ultimately resulting in a biological response, while antagonists appear to act through passive occupancy of receptors. Implicit in this concept is the idea that these fundamental differences between agonists and antagonists arise from the sequelae induced by agonist-specific interactions with receptors.     

Cutaneous irritation in the topical application of 30 antineoplastic agents to New Zealand white rabbits

Of 30 antineoplastic agents studied for their primary irritation potential in rabbits, 9 showed some potential for irritation. Five of these 9 agents produced a significant dermal irritation. None of the irritation observed was considered to be irreversible skin damage. The study further showed a strong correlation between irritation observed by the Draize method and acute inflammation evaluated histopathologically. There was a tendency toward increased epidermal thickness of irritated skin sites. None of the agents produced gross or microscopically visible lesions in the internal organs observed.     

Modifying rates of reductive elimination of leaving groups from indolequinone prodrugs: a key factor in controlling hypoxia-selective drug release

3-(4-Methylcoumarin-7-yloxy)methylindole-4,7-diones were synthesised as model prodrugs in order to investigate the correlation between rates of reductive elimination from the (indolyl-3-yl)methyl position with reductive metabolism by hypoxic tumor cells and NADPH: cytochrome P450. Rates of elimination of the chromophore/fluorophore (7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin) following one-electron reduction of indolequinones to their semiquinone radicals (Q*-) was measured by pulse radiolysis utilising spectrophotometric and fluorometric detection. Incorporation of a thienyl or methyl substituent at the (indol-3-yl)CHR-position (where R=thienyl or methyl adjacent to the phenolic ether linking bond) significantly shortened the half-life of reductive elimination from 87 to 6 and 2 ms, respectively. Elimination from the methyl substituted analogue can thus compete effectively with the reaction of the semiquinone radical with oxygen at levels typically present in tumours (half-life approximately 1.8 ms at 0.5% O2). Chemical kinetic predictions were confirmed by metabolism in breast tumour MCF-7 cells between 0-2.1% O2. Rates of reductive release of the fluorophore from the non-fluorescent parent indolequinones (R=H, Me, thienyl) were similar under anoxia ( approximately 1.7 nmol coumarinmin(-1)mg protein(-1)) reflecting the similarity in one-electron reduction potential. Whereas coumarin release from the indolequinone (R=H) was completely inhibited above 0.5% O2, the enhanced rate of reductive elimination when R=thienyl or Me increased the metabolic rate of release to approximately 0.35 and 0.7 nmol coumarinmin(-1)mg protein(-1), respectively at 0.5% O2; complete inhibition occurring by 2.1% O2. Similar 'oxygen profiles' of release were observed with NADPH: cytochrome P450 reductase. In conclusion, it is possible to modify rates of reductive elimination from indolequinones to control the release of drugs over a range of tumour hypoxia.     

Cytoprotective role of taurine in a renal epithelial cell culture model

Taurine (TAU) is a sulfur-containing amino acid that has been shown to decrease during aging and is believed to be important for cytoprotection. A decrease in TAU could exacerbate the accumulation of free radical-induced damage that may lead to cell death during the aging process. We have shown previously that TAU directly inhibits dopamine (DA) and (-)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine (L-dopa) oxidation. Experiments were conducted to establish a cytoprotective role for TAU. Porcine renal epithelial cells were treated for 1 hr with iron and catecholamines (L-dopa and DA) to produce cytotoxicity by a free radical and quinone mechanism in the absence and presence of 10 or 20mM TAU. Viability assays, protein, and DNA measurements were performed after a 24hr recovery period. In some experiments, cells were extracted immediately after the insult for DA and TAU content measurements using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Catecholamine-induced cytotoxicity caused a 50% loss in cell viability, and 10 or 20mM TAU provided significant protection from cytotoxicity and maintained the functional integrity of the cells. Photomicrographs showed attenuation in cell loss and swelling in the presence of TAU. Pretreatment with 1mM TAU followed by exposure to iron and L-dopa in the presence of 1mM TAU caused a moderate but non-significant increase in cell survival. These data conclusively show that TAU can play a cytoprotective role in the LLC-PK(1) cell culture model.