Protein kinase C activators sensitize cyclic AMP accumulation by intact 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells.

Pretreatment of 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells with phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate or other activators of protein kinase C led to 2.5- to 5-fold increases (sensitization) in subsequent stimulation by forskolin of intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation. These compounds caused much smaller or no increases in receptor-mediated stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation induced by isoproterenol and by prostaglandin E1. Carbachol and histamine, agonists acting at receptors coupled to polyphosphoinositide turnover in these cells, induced less sensitization of subsequent stimulation by forskolin but greater sensitization of stimulation by isoproterenol and by prostaglandin E1. The specificities of various analogs of phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate, for induction of sensitization of forskolin stimulation were consistent with involvement of protein kinase C. The effects of protein kinase inhibitors and of down-regulation of protein kinase C activity also indicated involvement of protein kinase C in sensitization of forskolin stimulation, although additional mechanisms are likely to be involved in sensitization of isoproterenol stimulation. Neither pertussis toxin pretreatment nor inclusion of isobutylmethylxanthine during assays of cyclic AMP accumulation were able to prevent or mimic these sensitization phenomena, suggesting that the primary site of modification responsible for sensitization is neither the inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein nor cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Sensitization was only observed in assays with intact cells. These results, together with those from our previous study describing protein kinase C-mediated desensitization of broken cell adenylate cyclase activity, indicate that activation of protein kinase C leads to multiple changes in the receptor-stimulated adenylate cyclase signal transduction pathway of these cells.     

Chronic muscarinic cholinoceptor stimulation increases adenylyl cyclase responsiveness in rat cardiomyocytes by a decrease in the level of inhibitory G-protein α-subunits

Exposure of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes for 3 days to the muscarinic cholinoceptor agonist carbachol led to a concentration-dependent increase in adenylyl cyclase stimulation by the \-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol by up to 115% (at 1 mmol/l carbachol). In addition, direct adenylyl cyclase stimulation by forskolin was increased in carbachol (1 mmol/l)-treated cells by 32010. Pretreatment of the rat cardiomyocytes with pertussis toxin, which enhances adenylyl cyclase activity by a functional inactivation of the inhibitory G-protein (G_i), was performed to investigate the possible role of G_i proteins in carbachol-induced sensitization of adenylyl cyclase stimulation. After pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin, the carbachol-mediated increase in forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was lost and the carbachol-mediated increase in \-adrenoceptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was attenuated. Labelling of the 40 kDa pertussis toxin substrates in cardiomyocyte membranes was decreased by carbachol in a concentration-dependent manner by up to 34010 (at 1 mmol/l carbachol). The number and affinity of \₁-adrenoceptors was unaltered following the chronic carbachol treatment.The specific protein synthesis inhibitor Pseudomonas exotoxin A was used to study whether the carbachol-induced decrease in the level of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins and increase in adenylyl cyclase activity depend on de-novo protein synthesis. Pseudomonas exotoxin A inhibits peptide chain elongation by ADP-ribosylating elongation factor 2. Treatment of the cells with 1 ng/ml Pseudomonas exotoxin A for 3 days led to a reduction in the subsequent ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor 2 in the cytosol of the heart muscle cells by 57%. Exposure of the cells to 1 mmol/l carbachol for 3 days increased ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor 2 by 40% concomitant with a slight (about 20%) increase in the total protein content of the cardiomyocytes. The partial protein synthesis inhibition by Pseudomonas exotoxin A had no influence on the carbachol-induced decrease in the level of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins. Similarly, the carbachol-induced increase in adenylyl cyclase responsiveness also remained unaltered by Pseudomonas exotoxin A.The data presented indicate that chronic muscarinic cholinoceptor agonist treatment decreases the level of -subunits of G_i- proteins. This decrease in G_i- subunits is apparently at least in part responsible for the observed increase in adenylyl cyclase responsiveness after chronic carbachol treatment.     

Chronic muscarinic cholinoceptor stimulation increases adenylyl cyclase responsiveness in rat cardiomyocytes by a decrease in the level of inhibitory G-protein a-subunits

Exposure of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes for 3 days to the muscarinic cholinoceptor agonist carbachol led to a concentration-dependent increase in adenylyl cyclase stimulation by the ß-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol by up to 115% (at 1?mmol/l carbachol). In addition, direct adenylyl cyclase stimulation by forskolin was increased in carbachol (1?mmol/l)-treated cells by 32%. Pretreatment of the rat cardiomyocytes with pertussis toxin, which enhances adenylyl cyclase activity by a functional inactivation of the inhibitory G-protein (G _i), was performed to investigate the possible role of G _i-proteins in carbachol-induced sensitization of adenylyl cyclase stimulation. After pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin, the carbachol-mediated increase in forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was lost and the carbachol-mediated increase in ß-adrenoceptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was attenuated. Labelling of the 40?kDa pertussis toxin substrates in cardiomyocyte membranes was decreased by carbachol in a concentration-dependent manner by up to 34% (at 1?mmol/l carbachol). The number and affinity of ß ₁-adrenoceptors was unaltered following the chronic carbachol treatment. The specific protein synthesis inhibitor Pseudomonas exotoxin?A was used to study whether the carbachol-induced decrease in the level of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins and increase in adenylyl cyclase activity depend on de-novo protein synthesis. Pseudomonas exotoxin?A inhibits peptide chain elongation by ADP-ribosylating elongation factor 2. Treatment of the cells with 1?ng/ml Pseudomonas exotoxin?A for 3 days led to a reduction in the subsequent ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor?2 in the cytosol of the heart muscle cells by 57%. Exposure of the cells to 1?mmol/l carbachol for 3?days increased ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor?2 by 40% concomitant with a slight (about 20%) increase in the total protein content of the cardiomyocytes. The partial protein synthesis inhibition by Pseudomonas exotoxin?A had no influence on the carbachol-induced decrease in the level of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins. Similarly, the carbachol-induced increase in adenylyl cyclase responsiveness also remained unaltered by Pseudomonas exotoxin?A. The data presented indicate that chronic muscarinic cholinoceptor agonist treatment decreases the level of a-subunits of G _i-proteins. This decrease in G _ia-subunits is apparently at least in part responsible for the observed increase in adenylyl cyclase responsiveness after chronic carbachol treatment.     

Dopamine D2 receptor-induced heterologous sensitization of adenylyl cyclase requires Galphas: characterization of Galphas-insensitive mutants of adenylyl cyclase V.

Whereas acute stimulation of Galphai/o-coupled receptors inhibits the activity of adenylyl cyclase, a delayed consequence of persistent activation of the receptors is heterologous sensitization, an enhanced responsiveness of adenylyl cyclase to activators such as forskolin or agonists of Galphas-coupled receptors. Galphas-insensitive mutants of adenylyl cyclase type V were used to test the hypothesis that heterologous sensitization requires Galphas-dependent activation of adenylyl cyclase. When adenylyl cyclase was stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells with the D2L dopamine receptor, basal, forskolin-stimulated, and isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation were all enhanced by 2-h pretreatment with the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole. Transient expression of wild-type adenylyl cyclase and three Galphas-insensitive mutants (F379L, R1021Q, and F1093S) in HEK293 cells stably expressing the D2L receptor demonstrated that all three mutants had little or no responsiveness to beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of Galphas but that the mutants retained sensitivity to forskolin and to D2L receptor-mediated inhibition. Transiently expressed adenylyl cyclase V was robustly sensitized by 2-h pretreatment with quinpirole. In contrast, the Galphas-insensitive mutants displayed no sensitization of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation, indicating that responsiveness to Galphas is required for the expression of heterologous sensitization.     

Amplification of cyclic AMP generation reveals agonistic effects of certain beta-adrenergic antagonists

Some beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR) antagonists, in addition to blocking receptor-mediated responses, possess agonistic properties or intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA). In this study we describe several techniques for amplification of cAMP levels as a measure of agonistic activity, and we apply these techniques to the study of beta AR antagonists with ISA. We show that 1) a variety of beta AR antagonists with ISA, including alprenolol and cyanopindolol, enhance cyclic AMP accumulation in S49 lymphoma cells if cells are also incubated with the diterpene forskolin; 2) beta AR blockers with ISA stimulate cAMP accumulation in the presence of a water-soluble analog of forskolin but not in the presence of 9,11-dideoxyforskolin (which does not activate adenylyl cyclase); 3) the potentiation by forskolin is not unique to S49 cells but is also observed in BC3H1 smooth muscle-derived cells; 4) stimulation of cAMP accumulation by beta-blockers with ISA occurs in S49 cells in three additional settings that do not involve the use of forskolin, after pretreatment with pertussis toxin to inactivate the inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein, after pretreatment with [D-Trp8]-somatostatin to sensitize adenylyl cyclase, and using a radioimmunoassay to quantitate levels of cellular cAMP. We conclude that beta AR antagonists with ISA can weakly stimulate intracellular cAMP accumulation, but this stimulation is not easily detected. Elevation of cAMP levels may account for the agonistic effects of these drugs or, at least provides a measure of stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein activation by these compounds.     

Thrombospondin-1 inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell responses occurs via modulation of both cAMP and cGMP

Nitric oxide (NO) drives pro-survival responses in vascular cells and limits platelet adhesion, enhancing blood flow and minimizing thrombosis. The matricellular protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), through interaction with its receptor CD47, inhibits soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activation by NO in vascular cells. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) both intracellular cGMP and cAMP regulate adhesion, contractility, proliferation, and migration. cGMP can regulate cAMP through feedback control of hydrolysis. Inhibition of the cAMP phosphodiesterase-4 selectively interfered with the ability of exogenous TSP1 to block NO-driven VSMC adhesion but not cGMP accumulation, suggesting that cAMP also contributes to VSMC regulation by TSP1. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase-4 was sufficient to elevate cAMP levels, and inhibiting guanylyl cyclase or phosphodiesterase-3, or adding exogenous TSP1 reversed this increase in cAMP. Thus, TSP1 regulates VSMC cAMP levels in part via cGMP-dependent inhibition of phosphodiesterase-3. Additionally basal cAMP levels were consistently elevated in both VSMCs and skeletal muscle from TSP1 null mice, and treating null cells with exogenous TSP1 suppressed cAMP levels to those of wild type cells. TSP1 inhibited both forskolin and isoproterenol stimulated increases in cAMP in VSMCs. TSP1 also abrogated forskolin and isoproterenol stimulated vasodilation. Consistent with its ability to directly limit adenylyl cyclase-activated vasodilation, TSP1 also limited cAMP-induced dephosphorylation of myosin light chain-2. These findings demonstrate that TSP1 limits both cGMP and cAMP signaling pathways and functional responses in VSMCs and arteries, by both phosphodiesterase-dependent cross talk between these second messengers and by inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activation.     

Regulation of responsiveness at D2 dopamine receptors by receptor desensitization and adenylyl cyclase sensitization.

The regulation of cellular responsiveness to dopamine via the D2 dopamine receptor was investigated in mouse fibroblast Ltk-cells stably expressing the rat D2-short receptor [Nature (Lond.) 336:783-787 (1988)]. Dopamine inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels in these cells (half-maximal inhibition at 3.9 +/- 1.1 nM), and the inhibition by dopamine was blocked by D2 antagonists and was pertussis toxin sensitive. Treatment of these cells with the D2 agonist quinpirole (1 microM) resulted in desensitization of dopaminergic inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, with a approximately 4-fold decrease in the potency of dopamine after 1 hr of treatment. No significant changes in total cellular D2 receptor concentrations were observed, even after prolonged agonist treatment. At longer time points, basal and forskolin-stimulated cellular cAMP levels were increased in treated cells. The effect of D2 agonist treatment on membrane adenylyl cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1) activity was examined. Basal and forskolin- and prostaglandin E1-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities were increased by quinpirole treatment for 24 hr. This sensitization of adenylyl cyclase was blocked by the presence of a D2 antagonist. Pertussis toxin pretreatment blocked the sensitization of adenylyl cyclase by quinpirole, although pertussis toxin also caused increased adenylyl cyclase activity on its own. Sensitization was not dependent upon dopaminergic inhibition of intracellular cAMP levels, because quinpirole treatment in the presence of membrane-permeable cAMP analogs or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (an inhibitor of cAMP phosphodiesterase) resulted in greater sensitization of adenylyl cyclase activity than quinpirole treatment alone. These results suggest that, in this model system, responsiveness to dopamine via the D2 receptor is regulated by both desensitization of receptor function and sensitization of the stimulatory adenylyl cyclase pathway.     

Prostaglandin receptors in NIH 3T3 cells: coupling of one receptor to adenylate cyclase and of a second receptor to phospholipase C.

In intact NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts, prostaglandins (PGs) F2 alpha and E2 induce dose-dependent stimulation of inositol monophosphate generation. PGF2 alpha is greater than 50-fold more potent than PGE2 in eliciting this response. In streptolysin O-permeabilized NIH 3T3 cells, PGF2 alpha and PGE2 induced dose-dependent accumulations of inositol bis- and trisphosphates, which were dependent on the presence of the guanine nucleotide guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) (10 microM). Pretreatment of cells for 16 hr with 100 nM PGF2 alpha resulted in a significant reduction of not only subsequent PGF2 alpha- and PGE2-induced but also GTP gamma S-induced stimulation of inositol phosphate formation in permeabilized cells. PGF2 alpha-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates was partially inhibited by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (1 microgram/ml, 4 hr). The inhibition by pertussis toxin was small but was not related to cyclic AMP formation, because forskolin, which activates adenylate cyclase, did not mimic pertussis toxin-induced inhibition. In the same cell line, PGF2 alpha and PGE2 induced a dose-dependent accumulation of cAMP and a dose-dependent potentiation of 0.5 microM forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation. PGF2 alpha and PGE2 were almost equipotent in eliciting both responses. However, PGF2 alpha was less efficacious than PGE2 and, in the presence of forskolin, PGF2 alpha at 10 microM induced an inhibitory effect on cAMP accumulation. Such inhibition may be related to PGF2 alpha-mediated phospholipase C activation and subsequent stimulation of protein kinase C, because the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate, which directly activates protein kinase C, also inhibited forskolin- and PGE2-induced cAMP accumulation. Pretreatment with PGF2 alpha for 16 hr did not reduce subsequent stimulation of cAMP accumulation by PGF2 alpha or PGE2. The results indicate that in NIH 3T3 cells two receptors for PGs are present, one that couples to adenylate cyclase, probably through Gs, and does not exhibit selectivity between PGF2 alpha and PGE2 and a second receptor that couples to phospholipase C through a guanine nucleotide-binding protein that is not sensitive to pertussis toxin pretreatment. The latter shows at least 40-fold selectivity towards PGF2 alpha over PGE2. Because long treatment with PGF2 alpha resulted in desensitization of the GTP gamma S-induced response, it is possible that long exposure to PGF2 alpha may down-regulate the guanine nucleotide-binding involved in phospholipase C signal transduction.     

P2 Receptor-mediated Inhibition of Vasopressin-stimulated Fluid Transport and cAMP Responses in AQP2-transfected MDCK Cells

We cultured canine kidney (MDCK) cells stably expressing aquaporin-2 (AQP2) on collagen-coated permeable membrane filters and examined the effect of extracellular ATP on arginine vasopressin (AVP)-stimulated fluid transport and cAMP production. Exposure of cell monolayers to basolateral AVP resulted in stimulation of apical to basolateral net fluid transport driven by osmotic gradient which was formed by addition of 500 mM mannitol to basolateral bathing solution. Pre-exposure of the basolateral surface of cell monolayers to ATP (100 µM) for 30 min significantly inhibited the AVP-stimulated net fluid transport. In these cells, AVP-stimulated cAMP production was suppressed as well. Profile of the effects of different nucleotides suggested that the P2Y₂ receptor is involved in the action of ATP. ATP inhibited the effect of isoproterenol as well, but not that of forskolin to stimulate cAMP production. The inhibitory effect of ATP on AVP-stimulated fluid movement was attenuated by a protein kinase C inhibitor, calphostin C or pertussis toxin. These results suggest that prolonged activation of the P2 receptors inhibits AVP-stimulated fluid transport and cAMP responses in AQP2 transfected MDCK cells. Depressed responsiveness of the adenylyl cyclase by PKC-mediated modification of the pertussis-toxin sensitive G_i protein seems to be the underlyihng mechanism.     

Alteration of intracellular cAMP levels and beating rates of cultured chick cardiac cells by Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase

Bordetella pertussis, the pathogen responsible for whooping cough, releases a soluble calmodulin-sensitive adenylate cyclase into its culture medium which enters several different types of animal cells and elevates intracellular cAMP. In this study, the influence of B. pertussis adenylate cyclase on intracellular cAMP levels of cultured chick cardiac cells and the beating rates of chick cardiac cell aggregates was examined. Treatment with B. pertussis adenylate cyclase caused up to a 60-fold increase in intracellular cAMP which was significantly greater than that caused by forskolin or isoproterenol. Increases in intracellular cAMP caused by B. pertussis adenylate cyclase were observed within 2 min after treating cells with the enzyme, and binding of calmodulin to the enzyme inhibited these effects. In addition, high concentrations of the enzyme completely inhibited the beating of cardiac cells. However, lower concentrations of the adenylate cyclase accelerated beating rates 30-40% and cardiac cells continued to beat at an accelerated rate for at least 30 min. These data indicate that B. pertussis adenylate cyclase invades chick cardiac cells and catalyzes significant increases in intracellular cAMP. It is proposed that the effect of the enzyme on the beating rates of heart cell aggregates may be due to alteration of intracellular cAMP levels.     

Sensitization of the adenylyl cyclase system in cloned kappa-opioid receptor-transfected cells following sustained agonist treatment: A chimeric study using G protein alpha(i)2/alpha(q) subunits

Chronic and/or sustained opioid treatment has been shown to result in development of sensitization of the adenylyl cyclase (AC) system or cAMP overshoot. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism responsible for sensitization of the AC system using CHO cells co-expressing cloned kappa-opioid receptor and some chimeric G protein alpha(i2)/alpha(q) subunits. In CHO cells co-expressing the kappa-opioid receptor and pertussis toxin-insensitive chimeric alpha(i2)/alpha(q) subunits with alpha(i2) residues Met244-Asn331, despite pretreatment with pertussis toxin, acute treatment with the kappa-opioid-receptor-selective agonist U69,593 suppressed forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, while sustained treatment with U69,593 (4 h) induced cAMP overshoot over the naive level by the kappa-opioid-receptor-selective antagonist norbinaltorphimine (sensitization of the AC system). On the other hand, in CHO cells co-expressing the kappa-opioid receptor and pertussis toxin-insensitive chimeric alpha(i2)/alpha(q) subunits without alpha(i2) residues Met244-Asn331, pretreatment with pertussis toxin completely blocked these acute and sustained effects of U69,593 on cAMP accumulation. These results suggested that the presence of the specific region of alpha(i2) (Met244-Asn331), which was reported to be responsible for the inhibition of AC, and continuous inhibition of AC by alpha(i2) is necessary for the development of sensitization.     

Role of a pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein in mediating the effects of phorbol esters on receptor activated cyclic AMP accumulation in Jurkat cells

Summary In the human T -cell line, Jurkat, the accumulation of cyclic AMP induced by adenosine is enhanced by tumor-promoting phorbol esters, whereas prostaglandin E₂ receptor-stimulated cAMP accumulation is antagonized (Nordstedt et al. 1989). In the present study we examine the involvement of pertussis toxin sensitive guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins) in producing the phorbol ester effects.Pertussis toxin pretreatment of the Jurkat cells invariably caused an ADP ribosylation of two G-proteins that inhibit adenylyl cyclase, tentatively identified as G_i2 and G_i3, using Western blots. Pertussis toxin treatment had little effect on basal cAMP accumulation, but sometimes inhibited, sometimes stimulated agonist and cholera toxin induced cAMP accumulation. The latter effect was not mimicked by the B-oligomer. Irrespective of whether pertussis toxin stimulated or inhibited NECA and cholera toxin-induced cAMP accumulation it could not block the effect of phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu). The inhibitory effect of PDBu on prostaglandin E2-induced cAMP accumulation was, however, invariably eliminated by pertussis toxin treatment.In conclusion, activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters reveals a G_i-mediated prostaglandin E receptor-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase in addition to the prostaglandin E receptor-mediated stimulation of cAMP accumulation in Jurkat cells. The enhancement of adenosine A₂ receptor stimulated CAMP accumulation by PDBu, on the other hand, does not involve a PTX sensitive G_i-protein. Send offprint requests to I. van der Ploeg at the above address     

Presynaptic mechanism underlying cAMP-induced synaptic potentiation in medial prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons

cAMP, a classic second messenger, has been proposed recently to participate in regulating prefrontal cortical cognitive functions, yet little is known about how it does so. In this study, we used forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, to examine the effects of cAMP on excitatory synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from visually identified layer II-III or V pyramidal cells in vitro. We found that bath application of forskolin significantly increased the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in a concentration- and age-dependent manner. This enhancement was completely abolished by coapplication of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor and p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor, but not application of either drug alone. The membrane-permeable cAMP analog adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Sp-isomer, triethylammonium salt, or activation of beta-adrenergic receptor by isoproterenol mimicked the effect of forskolin to potentiate EPSCs. However, neither exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) inhibitor brefeldin A nor hyperpolarization and cyclic nucleotide-activated channel blocker 4-ethylphenylamino-1,2-dimethyl-6-methylaminopyrimidinium chloride (ZD7288) affected forskolin response. The augmentation of EPSCs by forskolin was accompanied by a reduction of the synaptic failure rate, coefficient of variation and paired-pulse ratio of EPSCs, and an increase in release probability and number of releasable synaptic vesicles. Forskolin also significantly increased the frequency of miniature EPSCs without altering their amplitude distribution. These results indicate that cAMP acts presynaptically to elicit a synaptic potentiation on the layer V pyramidal neurons of mPFC through converging activation of PKA and p42/p44 MAPK signaling pathways.     

Short- and long-term regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity by delta-opioid receptor are mediated by Galphai2 in neuroblastoma N2A cells

Activation of the opioid receptor results in short-term inhibition of intracellular cAMP levels followed by receptor desensitization and subsequent increase of cAMP above the control level (adenylyl cyclase superactivation). Using adenovirus to deliver pertussis toxin-insensitive mutants of the alpha-subunits of G(i/o) that are expressed in neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells (Galpha(i2), Galpha(i3), and Galpha(o)), we examined the identities of the G proteins involved in the short- and long-term action of the delta-opioid receptor (DOR). Pertussis toxin pretreatment completely abolished the ability of [d-Pen(2), d-Pen(5)]-enkephalin (DPDPE) to inhibit forskolin-stimulated intracellular cAMP production. Expression of the C352L mutant of Galpha(i2), and not the C351L mutants of Galpha(i3) or Galpha(o), rescued the short-term effect of DPDPE after pertussis toxin treatment. The ability of Galpha(i2) in mediating DOR inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity was also reflected in the ability of Galpha(i2), not Galpha(i3) or Galpha(o), to coimmunoprecipitate with DOR. Coincidently, after long-term DPDPE treatment, pertussis toxin treatment eliminated the antagonist naloxone-induced superactivation of adenylyl cyclase activity. Again, only the C352L mutant of Galpha(i2) restored the adenylyl cyclase superactivation after pertussis toxin treatment. More importantly, the C352L mutant of Galpha(i2) remained associated with DOR after long-term agonist and pertussis toxin treatment whereas the wild-type Galpha(i2) did not. These data suggest that Galpha(i2) serves as the signaling molecule in both DOR-mediated short- and long-term regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity.     

Ca(2+)-dependent sensitization of adenylyl cyclase activity.

It has been shown that intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations have multiple modulatory influences on hormone-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. Here, we report that increasing intracellular Ca(2+) concentration by treating cells with the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 leads to a sensitization of the beta-adrenoceptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in Ltk(-) cells expressing the human beta(2)-adrenoceptor. The ionophore treatment led to a 20+/-5% increase of the maximal isoproterenol-stimulated cyclase activity that could be prevented by chelation of the extracellular Ca(2+) using EGTA. A similar Ca(2+)-mediated sensitization (20+/-6%) was observed when the adenylyl cyclase was directly stimulated by the diterpene forskolin indicating that the catalytic activity of the enzyme itself is modulated by the change in Ca(2+) concentration. Sensitization of both the isoproterenol- and forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities were completely blocked by treatment with KN-62[1-[N,O-bis-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpiperazine], an inhibitor of the Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CamKinase). Taken together, our data reveal the existence of a CamKinase-dependent sensitization process acting at the level of the adenylyl cyclase catalytic moiety.     

Forskolin as an activator of cyclic AMP accumulation and lipolysis in rat adipocytes

Forskolin increased cyclic AMP accumulation in isolated adipocytes and markedly potentiated the elevation of cyclic AMP due to isoproterenol. In adipocyte membranes, forskolin stimulated adenylate cyclase activity at concentrations of 0.1 microM or greater. Forskolin did not affect the EC50 for activation of adenylate cyclase but did increase the maximal effect of isoproterenol. Neither the soluble nor particulate low-Km cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity was affected by forskolin. Low concentrations of forskolin (0.1-1.0 microM), which significantly elevated cyclic AMP levels, did not increase lipolysis, whereas similar increases in cyclic AMP levels due to isoproterenol elevated lipolysis. Forskolin did not inhibit the activation of triacylglycerol lipase by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase or the subsequent hydrolysis of triacylglycerol. Higher concentrations of forskolin (10-100 microM) did increase lipolysis. Both the increased cyclic AMP production and lipolysis due to forskolin were inhibited by the antilipolytic agents insulin and N6-(phenylisopropyl)adenosine. Hypothyroidism reduced the ability of forskolin to stimulate cyclic AMP production and lipolysis. These results indicate that forskolin increases cyclic AMP production in adipocytes through an activation of adenylate cyclase. Lipolysis is activated by forskolin but at higher concentrations of total cyclic AMP than for catecholamines.     

Expression and characterization of the long and short splice variants of GS alpha in S49 cyc- cells.

The alpha subunit of the guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein GS mediates stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity. This subunit, GS alpha, exists as two molecular weight forms, termed long and short, that differ by 14 or 15 amino acids. A physiological distinction between these two forms has yet to be defined. To compare the activities of these GS alpha isoforms, long and short forms of rat GS alpha were expressed in the cyc- variant of S49 murine lymphoma cells, which is deficient in endogenous GS alpha expression. By immunoblot analysis, the level of recombinant proteins in the clones expressing the long form of GS alpha was about twice that present in the clones expressing the short form of GS alpha or in the S49 wild-type cells. Both recombinant GS alpha proteins were sensitive to cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation, although the short form was labeled preferentially in both recombinant and S49 wild-type cell lines. In whole-cell assays, the clones expressing the long and short forms of GS alpha and the S49 wild-type cells gave comparable responses for stimulation of cAMP accumulation after challenge with (-)-isoproterenol, cholera toxin, or forskolin. In adenylyl cyclase assays with partially purified membranes, clones expressing the long form of GS alpha gave approximately twice the levels of cAMP in response to isoproterenol, guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate, NaF, or forskolin, compared with membranes from the clones expressing the short form of GS alpha or the S49 wild-type cells. However, when maximal adenylyl cyclase activity was normalized to the level of GS alpha protein in S49 wild-type cells, the cAMP productions were similar between all of the cell lines. In other membrane-based assays, the long and short forms of GS alpha were also equivalent in their dose response to isoproterenol and GTP, their kinetics of guanine nucleotide exchange and GTPase activity, and the induced high and low affinity states of the beta-adrenergic receptor in response to isoproterenol. In the latter radioligand binding analysis, membranes from the two clones expressing the long form of GS alpha consistently gave a greater proportion of the agonist high affinity state; however, this variation likely reflects the greater expression levels of GS alpha in these membranes. Thus, we conclude that the long and short forms of GS alpha expressed in S49 cyc- cells are very similar in their ability to stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity and to couple to beta-adrenergic receptors.     

Regulation of cAMP metabolism in mouse parotid gland by cGMP and calcium.

The interaction of hormones acting via the mobilization of calcium and stimulation of cAMP levels in cells was examined by determining the effects of carbachol and forskolin on cAMP and cGMP accumulation in mouse parotid gland. Treatment of isolated acini with either carbachol (0.01 to 20 microM) or forskolin (1 microM) alone produced little or no increase in cAMP levels; carbachol, however, augmented the effect of forskolin on cAMP accumulation approximately 3- to 4-fold. The effects of carbachol on forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels were further augmented approximately 10-fold in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (MIX) but not in the presence of "low Km" cGMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase inhibitor milrinone. Augmentation of cAMP levels also occurred in the presence of carbachol plus the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (0.01 microM). In either the presence or absence of forskolin, carbachol increased cGMP levels independently of the inclusion of MIX and in a fashion parallel to that observed for cAMP accumulation. In the presence of forskolin (1 microM), the concentration of carbachol that produced half-maximal effects on cAMP and cGMP levels was 0.62 and 0.72 microM, respectively. Similar values were obtained in the presence of MIX. Cyclic GMP levels were also enhanced by carbachol plus isoproterenol. Hydroxylamine, as well as dibutyryl-cGMP and 8-bromo-cGMP in combination with forskolin, mimicked the effects of carbachol plus forskolin on cAMP levels. LY83583 (6-anillino-5,8-quinolinedione), an agent that lowers cGMP by inhibiting guanylate cyclase, reduced basal levels of cGMP and also completely prevented the increase in cGMP caused by carbachol plus forskolin. In these experiments, however, the augmentation of forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels by carbachol was reduced by approximately 50%. Additional studies suggest that calcium is also required for carbachol augmentation of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation by effects on the adenylate cyclase complex. Augmentation of cAMP levels by carbachol did not involve effects on cAMP degradation. The results suggest that, when cAMP synthesis is stimulated by forskolin or isoproterenol, the muscarinic agonist carbachol augments cAMP accumulation by mechanisms involving cGMP and calcium in mouse parotid gland.     

Altered patterns of agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation in cells expressing mutant beta 2-adrenergic receptors lacking phosphorylation sites

As with many other receptor-effector systems, the responsiveness of the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR)/adenylyl cyclase system undergoes desensitization upon agonist exposure. Phosphorylations of the receptor by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A) and the beta AR kinase appear to play roles in such desensitization phenomena, but the functional significance of the receptor phosphorylation in intact cells has not been previously assessed. In this study, we constructed and expressed in a mammalian fibroblast line the normal (wild type) human beta 2 AR and mutant forms of the receptor that lack the putative phosphorylation sites for these two protein kinases. The two consensus sequences for phosphorylation by protein kinase A were altered by changing serines 261, 262 and 345, 346 to alanines. In another mutant, the 11 serines and threonines at the carboxy terminus of the protein that constitute the putative beta AR kinase phosphorylation sites were changed to alanines or glycines. The mutated receptors did not differ from the wild type in their affinities for agonists or antagonists or in their ability to mediate agonist stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. Moreover, their levels of expression in the cultured cells were the same. When stimulated with the beta AR agonist isoproterenol, cells bearing either the wild type or mutant receptors generated cAMP at essentially identical rates for the first 2 min. Cells bearing wild type receptors then showed a rapid desensitization characterized by a markedly diminished rate of cAMP production after the first few minutes of stimulation. However, cells bearing either of the mutated forms of the receptor showed much less desensitization and continued to generate cAMP at a rate 3-4 times greater than that observed in cells expressing the wild type receptor. In contrast, intact cell cAMP levels stimulated by prostaglandin E1 and forskolin were not different between cells bearing wild type or mutant beta AR. These results suggest an important physiological role for phosphorylation of the beta AR in regulating rapid agonist-induced desensitization in intact cells.     

Polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis and protein kinase C activation in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle cells in culture by leukotriene D4 involve a pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein.

Leukotriene D4 (LTD4) at concentrations greater than 1 nM induced phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis and protein kinase C (PKC) activation in primary culture of airway smooth muscle cells. Within seconds of activation, an increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) was observed reaching a maximum at 5 min. The level of IP3 decreased after 5 min and was followed by an increase in inositol 1,4-bisphosphate (IP2) and inositol 1-monophosphate (IP1). LTD4-induced PIP2 hydrolysis was inhibited by 1 h pretreatment of cells with 10 micrograms/ml of pertussis toxin (PTX). LTD4 activated both soluble and particulate forms of PKC by 2-3-fold. The LTD4-induced PKC activation was blocked by treatment of cells with PTX, suggesting the involvement of a PTX-sensitive G-protein. To assess the involvement of G(i) in smooth muscle cell receptor activation, the modulation of adenylyl cyclase activity was investigated. LTD4 did not stimulate cAMP formation in smooth muscle cells, and did not inhibit forskolin-induced cAMP formation. These data suggest that the LTD4 receptor in airway smooth muscle cells is coupled to a PTX-sensitive G-protein, possibly G(o).