Stereochemical course of the reaction catalyzed by the pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase.

(+/-)-S-adenosyl-DL-(3R*,4S*)-[3,4-2H2]-methionine [a 1:1 mixture of (3R,4S) and (3S,4R)] and (+/-)-S-adenosyl-DL-(3R*,4R*)-[3,4-2H2]methionine [a 1:1 mixture of (3R,4R) and (3S,4S)] were synthesized from (Z)- and (E)-[1,2-2H2]ethene, respectively. Key steps in the synthesis were the antiperiplanar addition of methanesulfenyl chloride to (Z)-[1,2-2H2]ethene, to give a 1:1 mixture of (R,R)- and (S,S)-1-chloro-2-(methylthio)[1,2-2H2)ethane, followed by alkylation with sodium acetamidomalonate and hydrolysis to give an equal mixture of four stereoisomers of [3,4-2H2]methionine [(2R,3R,4S), (2R,3S,4R), (2S,3R,4S), and (2S,3S,4R)]. The other four stereoisomers of [3,4-2H2]methionine were prepared from (E)-(1,2-2H2]ethene. The two sets of stereoisomers of [3,4-2H2]methionine were chemically converted to S-adenosylhomocysteine, methylated to give the corresponding (+/-)-S-adenosyl-DL-methionines, and then incubated with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase partially purified from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, L.) pericarp tissue. The stereochemistry of the resulting samples of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid was determined by comparison with the 1H NMR of the chemically synthesized and regio- and stereo-specifically deuterated compound. The results indicate that the hydrogens at the beta carbon of the methionine portion of S-adenosylmethionine do not participate in the reaction and that the ring closure occurs with inversion of configuration at the gamma carbon of the methionine portion of S-adenosyl-methionine, probably through a direct SN2-type displacement of the 5'-methylthio-5'-deoxyadenosine moiety by a carbanion equivalent formed at the alpha carbon of the methionine portion of S-adenosylmethionine.     

Effect of CP-96,345, a nonpeptide substance P receptor antagonist, on salivation in rats.

CP-96,345 [(2S,3S)-cis-2-(diphenylmethyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl) methyl]-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-amine) antagonism of substance P-stimulated salivation was investigated in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. Administered either intraperitoneally or orally, CP-96,345 produced dose-dependent inhibition of the sialogogic response elicited by substance P, with a median effective dose of 12-24 mumol/kg (5-10 mg/kg) of body weight, but had no effect on acetylcholine-stimulated salivation. CP-96,345 produced concentration-dependent inhibition of [3H]substance P binding to rat submaxillary gland membranes, with a median effective concentration of 34 +/- 3.6 nM. These biological activities were confined to CP-96,345 in that the 2R,3R enantiomer (CP-96,344) was without effect.     

How human neuroblastoma cells make morphine

Recently, our laboratory demonstrated that human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) are capable of synthesizing morphine, the major active metabolite of opium poppy. Now our experiments are further substantiated by extending the biochemical studies to the entire morphine pathway in this human cell line. L-[1,2,3-13C3]- and [ring-2',5',6'-2H3]dopa showed high isotopic enrichment and incorporation in both the isoquinoline and the benzyl moiety of the endogenous morphine. [2,2-2H2]Dopamine, however, was exclusively incorporated only into the isoquinoline moiety. Neither the trioxygenated (R,S)-[1,3-13C2]norcoclaurine, the precursor of morphine in the poppy plant, nor (R)-[1,3,4-2H3]norlaudanosoline showed incorporation into endogenous morphine. However, (S)-[1,3,4-2H3]norlaudanosoline furnished a good isotopic enrichment and the loss of a single deuterium atom at the C-9 position of the morphine molecule, indicating that the change of configuration from (S)- to (R)-reticuline occurs via the intermediacy of 1,2-dehydroreticuline. Additional feeding experiments with potential morphinan precursors demonstrated substantial incorporation of [7-2H]salutaridinol, but not 7-[7-2H]episalutaridinol, and [7-2H,N-C2H3]oripavine, and [6-2H]codeine into morphine. Human morphine biosynthesis involves at least 19 chemical steps. For the most part, it is a reflection of the biosynthesis in opium poppy; however, there is a fundamental difference in the formation of the key intermediate (S)-reticuline: it proceeds via the tetraoxygenated initial isoquinoline alkaloid (S)-norlaudanosoline, whereas the plant morphine biosynthesis proceeds via the trioxygenated (S)-norcoclaurine. Following the plant biosynthetic pathway, (S)-reticuline undergoes a change of configuration at C-1 during its transformation to salutaridinol and thebaine. From thebaine, there is a bifurcate pathway leading to morphine proceeding via codeine or oripavine, in both plants and mammals.     

Sex pheromone of the oleander scale, Aspidiotus nerii: Structural characterization and absolute configuration of an unusual functionalized cyclobutane

The sex pheromone emitted by the female oleander scale, Aspidiotus nerii (Homoptera, Diaspididae), has been isolated and characterized as (1R,2S)-cis-2-isopropenyl-1-(4′-methyl-4′-penten-1′-yl)cyclobutaneethanol acetate by using advanced MS and NMR spectroscopic methods, as well as a variety of microderivatization sequences. The structure has been confirmed by stereo- and enantioselective synthesis of the four possible stereoisomers. The absolute configuration has been determined by comparison of the activity of the cis (1S,2R) and (1R,2S) enantiomers with that exhibited by the natural material in greenhouse bioassays and field tests. The structure of this sesquiterpenoid pheromone is new in the coccids and in the pheromone field in general.     

Chemical communication in scarab beetles: reciprocal behavioral agonist-antagonist activities of chiral pheromones.

A novel mechanism of reciprocal behavioral agonist-antagonist activities of enantiomeric pheromones plays a pivotal role in overcoming the signal-to-noise problem derived from the use of a single-constituent pheromone system in scarab beetles. Female Anomala osakana produce (S, Z)-5-(+)-(1-decenyl)oxacyclopentan-2-one, which is highly attractive to males; the response is completely inhibited even by 5% of its antipode. These two enantiomers have reverse roles in the Popillia japonica sex pheromone system. Chiral GC-electroantennographic detector experiments suggest that A. osakana and P. japonica have both R and S receptors that are responsible for behavioral agonist and antagonist responses.     

On the feasibility of N2 fixation via a single-site FeI/FeIV cycle: Spectroscopic studies of FeI(N2)FeI, FeIV[triple bond]N, and related species

The electronic properties of an unusually redox-rich iron system, [PhBP(R)3]Fe-Nx (where [PhBP(R)3] is [PhB(CH2PR2)3]-), are explored by M?ssbauer, EPR, magnetization, and density-functional methods to gain a detailed picture regarding their oxidation states and electronic structures. The complexes of primary interest in this article are the two terminal iron(IV) nitride species, [PhBP(iPr)3]Fe[triple bond]N (3a) and [PhBP(CH2Cy)3]Fe[triple bond]N (3b), and the formally diiron(I) bridged-Fe(mu-N2)Fe species, {[PhBP(iPr)3]Fe}2(mu-N2) (4). Complex 4 is chemically related to 3a via a spontaneous nitride coupling reaction. The diamagnetic iron(IV) nitrides 3a and 3b exhibit unique electronic environments that are reflected in their unusual M?ssbauer parameters, including quadrupole-splitting values of 6.01(1) mm/s and isomer shift values of -0.34(1) mm/s. The data for 4 suggest that this complex can be described by a weak ferromagnetic interaction (J/D < 1) between two iron(I) centers. For comparison, four other relevant complexes also are characterized: a diamagnetic iron(IV) trihydride [PhBP(iPr)3]Fe(H)3(PMe3) (5), an S = 3/2 iron(I) phosphine adduct [PhBP(iPr)3]FePMe3 (6), and the S = 2 iron(II) precursors to 3a, [PhBP(iPr)3]Fe-Cl and [PhBP(iPr)3]Fe-2,3:5,6-dibenzo-7-aza bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene (dbabh). The electronic properties of these respective complexes also have been explored by density-functional methods to help corroborate our spectral assignments and to probe their electronic structures further.     

Neurosteroids, via sigma receptors, modulate the [3H]norepinephrine release evoked by N-methyl-D-aspartate in the rat hippocampus.

N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA, 200 microM) evokes the release of [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) from preloaded hippocampal slices. This effect is potentiated by dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA S), whereas it is inhibited by pregnenolone sulfate (PREG S) and the high-affinity sigma inverse agonist 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine, at concentrations of > or = 100 nM. Neither 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one nor its sulfate ester modified NMDA-evoked [3H]NE overflow. The sigma antagonists haloperidol and 1-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-ethyl]-4-methylpiperazine, although inactive by themselves, completely prevented the effects of DHEA S, PREG S, and 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine on NMDA-evoked [3H]NE release. Progesterone (100 nM) mimicked the antagonistic effect of haloperidol and 1-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-4-methyl-piperazine. These results indicate that the tested steroid sulfate esters differentially affected the NMDA response in vitro and suggest that DHEA S acts as a sigma agonist, that PREG S acts as a sigma inverse agonist, and that progesterone may act as a sigma antagonist. Pertussis toxin, which inactivates the Gi/o types of guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gi/o protein) function, suppresses both effects of DHEA S and PREG S. Since sigma 1 but not sigma 2 receptors are coupled to Gi/o proteins, the present results suggest that DHEA S and PREG S control the NMDA response via sigma 1 receptors.     

Toll-like receptor-1, -2, and -6 polymorphisms influence disease extension in inflammatory bowel diseases

BACKGROUND: Evidence that a deficient innate immune response toward the bacterial flora of the gut plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is growing. This is underscored by the finding of the association between CARD15 variants and Crohn's disease (CD) and D299G in Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and IBD. Our aims were to study nonsynonymous polymorphisms in other TLR genes in IBD. METHODS: Thirty-five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in TLR1-10 were identified from public databases. 284 IBD parent-child trios and a second independent cohort of 285 IBD patients and 191 healthy controls were genotyped with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Patients were pooled for genotype-phenotype analyses. RESULTS: Although none of the SNPs was involved in disease susceptibility, a number of variants influenced the disease phenotype. A positive association between TLR1 R80T and pancolitis in UC (P = .045, OR [95% CI] 2.844 [1.026-7.844]) was found. The TLR2 R753G SNP was also associated with pancolitis (P = .027, OR [95% CI] 4.741 [1.197-18.773]). The relative risks for heterozygous patients to develop pancolitis were 5.8 and 3.3 for R80T and R753G, respectively. There was a negative association between TLR6 S249P and ulcerative colitis with proctitis only (P = .026, OR [95% CI] 0.223 [0.096-0.705]). In CD, we found a negative association between ileal disease involvement and TLR1 S602I (P = .03, OR [95% CI] 0.522 [0.286-0.950]). CONCLUSION: TLR2 and its cofactors TLR1 and TLR6 are involved in the initial immune response to bacteria by recognizing peptidoglycan. An association between nonsynonymous variants in the TLR1, -2, and -6 genes and extensive colonic disease in UC and CD was found. Our findings further highlight the role of an abnormal innate immune response in the pathogenesis of IBD.     

Chiral discrimination of the Japanese beetle sex pheromone and a behavioral antagonist by a pheromone-degrading enzyme

The sophistication of the insect olfactory system is elegantly demonstrated by the reception of sex pheromone by the Japanese beetle. In this insect, two olfactory receptor neurons housed in antennal sensilla placodea are highly sensitive. One neuron specifically detects the sex pheromone produced by conspecific females (R,Z)-5-(-)-(1-decenyl)oxacyclopentan-2-one [(R)-japonilure]. The other neuron is tuned to (S)-japonilure, a sex pheromone from a closely related species and a behavioral antagonist for the Japanese beetle. These chemical signals are enzymatically terminated by antennal esterases that open the lactone rings to form physiologically inactive hydroxyacids. We have isolated a pheromone-degrading enzyme, PjapPDE, from >100,000 antennae of the Japanese beetle. PjapPDE was demonstrated to be expressed only in the antennal tissues housing the pheromone-detecting sensilla placodea. Baculovirus expression generated recombinant PjapPDE with likely the same posttranslational modifications as the native enzyme. Kinetic studies with pure native and recombinant PjapPDE showed a clear substrate preference, with an estimated half-life in vivo for the sex pheromone and a behavioral antagonist of approximately 30 and approximately 90 ms, respectively.     

Characterization of the subunit nature of nuclear estrogen receptors by chemical cross-linking and dense amino acid labeling

We have used chemical cross-linking and dense amino acid labeling of estrogen receptors to characterize the subunit nature and rate of turnover of nuclear 5S estrogen-receptor complexes. When MCF-7 human breast cancer cells are incubated with [3H]estradiol or [3H]antiestrogen [alpha-[4-pyrrolidinoethoxy]phenyl-4-hydroxy-alpha'-nitrostilbe ne (CI628M) or (Z)-1-[4-(2-[N-aziridinyl]ethoxy)phenyl] 1,2-diphenyl-1-butene (tamoxifen aziridine)] and nuclear estrogen-receptor complexes are extracted with 0.6 M KCl and then chemically cross-linked with the cross-linker 2-iminothiolane, the cross-linked receptor complexes sediment as a 5.4S species on 3 M urea-containing sucrose gradients, while the noncross-linked species are 4S. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel analyses of these cross-linked nuclear receptor complexes labeled with the covalently attaching ligand [3H]tamoxifen aziridine reveal a species of about 130,000 mol wt, while the noncross-linked or the cross-linked but mercaptan-cleaved receptor is 65,000 mol wt. Both receptor species are also detectable by interaction with an immunoadsorbent column containing antireceptor monoclonal antibody. For analyses of receptor turnover rates, cells exposed for different time periods to medium containing dense (15N, 13C, and 2H) amino acids were labeled with [3H]antiestrogen [1-[4-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)phenyl]1-[4-hydroxyphenyl] 2-phenylbut-1-(2)ene (trans-hydroxytamoxifen) or CI628M] or [3H]estradiol, and salt-extracted nuclear estrogen receptors were analyzed on sucrose gradients. The normal density 5S form shifted to a broader, more dense peak at 2 and 4 h and finally, by 8-10 h, to a more dense, sharply sedimenting species. The time course of this shift is the same as that seen for the 4S urea-dissociated nuclear receptor form (t1/2 approximately 4h), suggesting that the 5.4S nuclear receptor is composed of two species which turn over at the same rate. We conclude from these cross-linking and density shift experiments that the nuclear 5S receptor complex consists of two similarly sized units, which turn over with similar half-lives. These data provide strong evidence that the 5S nuclear receptor complex is a homodimer of two 4S, 65,000 mol wt monomers.     

Role of diaxial versus diequatorial hydroxyl groups in the tumorigenic activity of a benzo[a]pyrene bay-region diol epoxide.

Tumorigenic activities of the (7R,8S,9S,10R)-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro derivatives of benzo[a]pyrene [(+)-B[a]P diol epoxide-2] and 6-fluorobenzo[a]pyrene (6-FB[a]P diol epoxide-2) were evaluated in newborn CD-1 mice. A total dose of 14 nmol of either diol epoxide was administered to preweanling mice, and tumorigenic activity was determined when the mice were 32 to 36 weeks old. At the termination of the study, 13% of solvent-treated control mice had developed lung tumors with an average of 0.19 tumor per mouse. No other tumors were observed in control animals. (+)-B[a]P diol epoxide-2 induced pulmonary tumors in 60% of the mice with an average of 1.9 tumors per mouse, and 14% of the male mice developed hepatic tumors with an average of 0.18 tumor per mouse. In contrast, 6-FB[a]P diol epoxide-2 had no significant tumorigenic activity at the 14-nmol dose. Although both bay-region diol epoxides have the same absolute configuration, (7R,8S,9S,10R), the hydroxyl groups of (+)-B[a]P diol epoxide-2 prefer the pseudoequatorial conformation whereas the hydroxyl groups of 6-FB[a]P diol epoxide-2 prefer the pseudoaxial conformation. The tumorigenicity results reported here are the first direct demonstration that conformation of the hydroxyl groups in a bay-region diol epoxide, in addition to the documented effect of absolute configuration, is an important determinant in the tumorigenic activity of these ultimate carcinogens.     

Structural basis of action for a human ether-a-go-go-related gene 1 potassium channel activator

Activation of human ether-a-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1) K(+) channels mediates cardiac action potential repolarization. Drugs that activate hERG1 channels represent a mechanism-based approach for the treatment of long QT syndrome, a disorder of cardiac repolarization associated with ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death. Here, we characterize the mechanisms of action and the molecular determinants for binding of RPR260243 [(3R,4R)-4-[3-(6-methoxy-quinolin-4-yl)-3-oxo-propyl]-1-[3-(2,3,5-trifluoro-phenyl)-prop-2-ynyl]-piperidine-3-carboxylic acid] (RPR), a recently discovered hERG1 channel activator. Channels were heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and currents were measured by using the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. RPR induced a concentration-dependent slowing in the rate of channel deactivation and enhanced current magnitude by shifting the voltage dependence of inactivation to more positive potentials. This mechanism was confirmed by demonstrating that RPR slowed the rate of deactivation, but did not increase current magnitude of inactivation-deficient mutant channels. The effects of RPR on hERG1 kinetics and magnitude could be simulated by reducing three rate constants in a Markov model of channel gating. Point mutations of specific residues located in the S4-S5 linker or cytoplasmic ends of the S5 and S6 domains greatly attenuated or ablated the effects of 3 microM RPR on deactivation (five residues), inactivation (one residue), or both gating mechanisms (four residues). These findings define a putative binding site for RPR and confirm the importance of an interaction between the S4-S5 linker and the S6 domain in electromechanical coupling of voltage-gated K(+) channels.     

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3[1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3]-26,23-lactone inhibits 1,25-(OH)2D3-mediated fusion of mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells

Vitamin D3 and its hormonally active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] can be metabolized to a number of daughter metabolites, including 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone; this latter compound has four diastereoisomers. The 23(S),25(R)-lactone (naturally occurring) and the 23(R),25(S)-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone are both known to be able to inhibit bone resorption induced by 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 under in vivo or in vitro conditions. To understand the mechanism of the inhibitory action of these two isomers on bone resorption we investigated the effects of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone on unfractionated mouse bone marrow cells in vitro. The addition of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 to these cultures dose-dependently stimulated the formation of multinucleated cells over a range of 10(-9) - 10(-7) M. The 23(S),25(S)- and 23(R),25(R)-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactones also increased the number of multinucleated cells, whereas the 23(S),25(R)- and 23(R),25(S)-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactones failed to do so. In addition, these latter two diastereomers inhibited the 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 stimulation of multinucleated cell formation, although the 23(S),25(S)- and 23(R),25(R)-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactones and 24R,25-(OH)2D3 did not. These multinucleated cells responded to calcitonin and contained tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, both of which are characteristic of osteoclasts. The present data suggest that inhibition of multinucleated cell formation is the mechanism by which the 23(S),25(R)- or 23(R),25(S)-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone inhibits bone resorption induced by 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3.     

Benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide adducts in DNA are potent suppressors of a normal topoisomerase I cleavage site and powerful inducers of other topoisomerase I cleavages

The catalytic intermediates of DNA topoisomerase I (top1) are cleavage complexes that can relax DNA supercoiling (intramolecular reaction) or mediate recombinations (intermolecular religation). We report here that DNA adducts formed from benzo[a]pyrene bay-region diol epoxides can markedly affect top1 activity. Four oligonucleotide 22-mers of the same sequence were synthesized, each of which contained a stereoisomerically unique benzo[a]pyrene 7, 8-diol 9,10-epoxide adduct at the 2-amino group of a central 2'-deoxyguanosine residue. These four adducts correspond to either cis or trans opening at C-10 of the (+)-(7R, 8S, 9S, 10R)- or (-)-(7S, 8R, 9R, 10S)-7,8-diol 9,10-epoxides. Their solution conformations in duplex DNA (intercalated and minor-groove bound for the cis and trans opened adducts respectively) can be deduced from previous NMR studies. All four adducts completely suppress top1 cleavage activity at the alkylation site and induce the formation of new top1cleavage complexes on both strands of the DNA 3-6 bases away from the alkylation site. The trans opened adduct from the highly carcinogenic (+)-diol epoxide is the most active in inducing top1 cleavage independently of camptothecin, demonstrating that minor groove alkylation can efficiently poison top1. We also found that this isomer of the diol epoxide induces the formation of top1-DNA complexes in mammalian cells, which suggests a possible relationship between induction of top1 cleavage complexes and carcinogenic activity of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxides.     

Synthesis and biological properties of pinane-thromboxane A2, a selective inhibitor of coronary artery constriction, platelet aggregation, and thromboxane formation.

Pinane-thromboxane A2 (PTA2, [1alpha,2 beta(Z),-3 alpha (1E,3R*),5 alpha]-7-(3-(3-hydroxy-1-octenyl)-6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-yl)-5-heptenoic acid) has been synthesized and tested for biological activity in systems responsive to thromboxane A2, stable prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGH2) analogs, and prostatacyclin (PGI2). At low concentrations, PTA2 inhibited cat coronary artery constriction induced by stable prostaglandin endoperoxide analogs, and it stabilized liver lysosomes. At slightly higher concentrations, it inhibited platelet aggregation. At still higher concentrations, PTA2 inhibited thromboxane synthetase, but it had no effect on prostacyclin synthetase. The analog also had no effect on the inhibition of platelet aggregation by PGI2 or prostaglandin D2. It is suggested that PTA2 has a suitable biochemical profile for use as an antithrombotic agent.     

Identification of the A2 adenosine receptor binding subunit by photoaffinity crosslinking.

A high-affinity iodinated agonist radioligand for the A2 adenosine receptor has been synthesized to facilitate studies of the A2 adenosine receptor binding subunit. The radioligand 125I-labeled PAPA-APEC (125I-labeled 2-[4-(2-[2-[(4- aminophenyl)methylcarbonylamino]ethylaminocarbonyl]- ethyl)phenyl]ethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) was synthesized and found to bind to the A2 adenosine receptor in bovine striatal membranes with high affinity (Kd = 1.5 nM) and A2 receptor selectivity. Competitive binding studies reveal the appropriate A2 receptor pharmacologic potency order with 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) greater than (-)-N6-[(R)-1-methyl- 2-phenylethyl]adenosine (R-PIA) greater than (+)-N6-[(S)-1-methyl-2- phenylethyl]adenosine (S-PIA). Adenylate cyclase assays, in human platelet membranes, demonstrate a dose-dependent stimulation of cAMP production. PAPA-APEC (1 microM) produces a 43% increase in cAMP production, which is essentially the same degree of increase produced by 5'-N- ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (the prototypic A2 receptor agonist). These findings combined with the observed guanine nucleotide-mediated decrease in binding suggest that PAPA-APEC is a full A2 agonist. The A2 receptor binding subunit was identified by photoaffinity-crosslinking studies using 125I-labeled PAPA-APEC and the heterobifunctional crosslinking agent N-succinimidyl 6-(4'-azido-2'-nitrophenylamino)hexanoate (SANPAH). After covalent incorporation, a single specifically radiolabeled protein with an apparent molecular mass of 45 kDa was observed on NaDodSO4/PAGE/autoradiography. Incorporation of 125I-labeled PAPA-APEC into this polypeptide is blocked by agonists and antagonists with the expected potency for A2 receptors (see above) and is decreased in the presence of 10(-4) M guanosine 5'-[beta, gamma-imido]triphosphate. Photoaffinity crosslinking of the A1 adenosine receptor binding subunit with 125I-labeled 8-[4-[2-(4- aminophenylacetylamino)ethyl]carbonylmethyloxyphenyl]-1,3-di propylxanthine (PAPAXAC) (an A1 selective photoaffinity probe) in the same tissue reveals a 38-kDa peptide that exhibits the appropriate A1 receptor pharmacology. 125I-labeled PAPA-APEC, therefore, has identified the A2 receptor binding subunit as a 45-kDa protein that is unique and distinct from the A1 binding subunit.     

Oxidation of leukotrienes at the omega end: demonstration of a receptor for the 20-hydroxy derivative of leukotriene B4 on human neutrophils and implications for the analysis of leukotriene receptors.

Leukotriene B4 [LTB4; (5S,12R)-5,12-dihydroxy-6,14-cis-8,10-trans-icosatetraenoic acid] and its 20-hydroxy derivative [20-OH-LTB4; (5S,12R)-5,12,20-trihydroxy-6,14-cis-8,10-trans-icosatetraenoic acid] are principal metabolites produced when human neutrophils (hPMNs) are stimulated by the calcium ionophore A23187. These compounds were purified to homogeneity by Nucleosil C18 and silicic acid HPLC and identified by UV absorption and gas chromatographic/mass spectral analyses. 20-OH-LTB4 is considerably more polar than LTB4 and interacts weakly with the hydrophobic Nucleosil C18 resin, whereas LTB4 interacts strongly, reflecting the hydrophobic C13-C20 domain in LTB4. Specific binding of highly purified [3H]LTB4 and [3H]20-OH-LTB4 to hPMNs was assessed. Binding of [3H]20-OH-LTB4 could be largely displaced by an excess of nonlabeled LTB4 or 20-OH-LTB4 but not by 15-hydroxyicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), (5S,12S)-5,12-dihydroxy-6,10-trans-8,14-cis-icosatetraenoic acid [(5S,12S)-diHETE], or the 6-trans stereoisomer of LTB4 at 1 microM. In contrast, [3H]LTB4 displays a high level of nonspecific binding to human PMNs, which makes assessment of the Kd for LTB4 binding unobtainable. Binding measurements for [3H]LTB4 were performed in a buffer containing bovine serum albumin, and under these conditions significantly less nonspecific binding was observed. The apparent Kd for high-affinity binding sites on human PMNs at 0 degrees C was 31.3 X 10(-9) M for LTB4 and 14.3 X 10(-9) M for 20-OH-LTB4. In addition, we observed a saturable low-affinity receptor for 20-OH-LTB4 with a Kd of approximately 100 X 10(-9) M and 2 X 10(5) receptors per cell. The data from this study suggest that omega oxidation represents a major pathway for metabolism of LTB4 as well as other arachidonate metabolites. LTB4 and 20-OH-LTB4 express similar functional activities and share common binding properties to hPMNs but differ significantly in their physical properties. It is the unique physical characteristics of 20-OH-LTB4 that suggest that arachidonate metabolites oxidized at the omega position may be more important agents in inflammation than LTB4.     

Cannabinoid receptor agonists inhibit sensory nerve activation in guinea pig airways

We examined the effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists on various respiratory reactions induced by the activation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent sensory nerves (C-fibers). (R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(4-merpholino)methyl]pyrrolo-[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl](1-naphthyl)methanone (WIN 55212-2) dose-dependently inhibited electrical field stimulation- and capsaicin-induced guinea pig bronchial smooth muscle contraction, but not the neurokinin A-induced contraction. A cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist, [N-[(1S)-endo-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]-5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide] (SR 144528), reduced the inhibitory effect of WIN 55212-2, but not a cannabinoid CB1 antagonist, [N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamidehydrochloride] (SR 141716A). A cannabinoid CB2 agonist, JWH 133, also inhibited electrical field stimulation-induced guinea pig bronchial smooth muscle contraction and its inhibitory effect was blocked by SR 144528. The inhibitory effect of WIN 55212-2 on electrical field stimulation-induced bronchial contraction was reduced by the pretreatment of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel (Maxi-K+ channel) blockers, iberiotoxin and charybdotoxin, but not other K+ channel blockers, dendrotoxin or glibenclamide. A Maxi-K+ channel opener, 1-(2'-hydroxy-5'-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-2(3H)benzimidazolone (NS1619), inhibited bronchial contraction induced by electrical field stimulation. WIN 55212-2 and JWH 133 blocked the capsaicin-induced release of substance P-like immunoreactivity from guinea pig airway tissues. These findings suggest that WIN 55212-2 inhibit the activation of C-fibers via cannabinoid CB2 receptors and Maxi-K+ channels in guinea pig airways.     

Conversion of estrogen receptor from a state with low affinity for estradiol into a state of higher affinity does not require 4S to 5S dimerization

This study was undertaken to establish whether the heat-promoted conversion of receptor-estradiol complex (RE2) from a state with fast into a state with slow E2 dissociation requires 8S/4S to 5S transformation. The calf uterine estrogen receptor labeled with [3H]E2 at 0 C (state with low affinity for E2) was immobilized on hydroxylapatite (HAP) in the absence (8S oligomer) or presence (4S monomer) of 0.4 M KCl and heated at 28 C in the presence of unlabeled diethylstilbestrol. Under these conditions, the dissociation of [3H]E2 was biphasic and occurred at rates similar to those obtained with R[3H]E2 free in cytosol. In contrast to the latter, however, the heat-promoted conversion of HAP-immobilized R[3H]E2 into a state of higher affinity for E2 was not accompanied by receptor dimerization, since the HAP eluate (0.4 M phosphate buffer) contained only the 4S monomer; upon reheating or desalting of this eluate, 4S to 5S dimerization occurred. The heat-promoted formation of 4S RE2 monomers with higher affinity for E2 was not due to monomer-HAP interactions, since even after elution from HAP, the 4S RE2 remained in the state of higher affinity for E2. Addition of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate to slow dissociating, high affinity 5S R[3H]E2 dimers free in cytosol induced rapid [3H]E2 dissociation, although the receptor remained unaltered in the transformed dimerized state. The effect of PLP was readily reversed by the addition of lysine. It is proposed that the 4S receptor monomers exist in two conformational states; upon E2 binding to the low affinity state, conformational changes result in stronger interactions between the steroid and the amino acid residues of the estrogen-binding domain; thus, the rate of E2 dissociation decreases. The formation of this 4S RE2 state with higher affinity for E2 is independent from receptor dimerization. A model is presented in which 4S to 5S transformation may lead to stabilization of 4S monomers in the conformation with higher affinity for E2.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of an adenosine receptor: the A3 adenosine receptor.

We have previously reported the selective amplification of several rat striatal cDNA sequences that encode guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein)-coupled receptors. One of these sequences (R226) exhibited high sequence identity (58%) with the two previously cloned adenosine receptors. A full-length cDNA clone for R226 has been isolated from a rat brain cDNA library. The cDNA clone encodes a protein of 320 amino acids that can be organized into seven transmembrane stretches. R226 has been expressed in COS-7 and CHO cells and membranes from the transfected cells were screened with adenosine receptor radioligands. R226 could bind the nonselective adenosine agonist tritiated N-ethyladenosine 5'-uronic acid ([3H]NECA) and A1-selective agonist radioiodinated N6-2-(4-amino-3-iodophenyl)-ethyladenosine ([125I]APNEA) but not A1-selective antagonists tritiated 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine ([3H]DPCPX) and 8-(4-[([[(2-aminoethyl)amino]carbonyl]methyl)oxy]-phenyl)-1, 3-dipropylxanthine ([3H]XAC) or the A2-selective agonist ligands tritiated 2-[4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenyl]ethyl-amino 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine ([3H]CGS21680) and radioiodinated 2-[4-([2-[(4-aminophenyl)methylcarbonylamino] ethylaminocarbonyl]ethyl)phenyl]ethylamino 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine. Extensive characterization with [125I]APNEA showed that R226 binds [125I]APNEA with high affinity (Kd = 15.5 +/- 2.4 nM) and the specific [125I]APNEA binding could be inhibited by adenosine ligands with a potency order of (R)-N6-phenyl-2-propyladenosine (R-PIA) = NECA greater than S-PIA greater than adenosine greater than ATP = ADP but not by antagonists XAC, isobutylmethylxanthine, and DPCPX. In R226 stably transfected CHO cells, adenosine agonists R-PIA, NECA, and CGS21680 inhibited by 40-50% the forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein with an EC50 of 18 +/- 5.6 nM, 23 +/- 3.5 nM, and 144 +/- 34 nM, respectively. Based on these observations we conclude that R226 encodes an adenosine receptor with non-A1 and non-A2 specificity, and we thus name it the A3 adenosine receptor. mRNA analyses revealed that the highest expression of R226 was in the testis and low-level mRNAs were also found in the lung, kidneys, heart, and some parts of the central nervous system such as cortex, striatum, and olfactory bulb. The high-expression level of the A3 receptor in the testis suggests a possible role for adenosine in reproduction.