Phorbol ester regulates stimulatory and inhibitory pathways of the hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase system in rat reticulocytes

Treatment of rat reticulocytes with tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA), a tumor-promoting phorbol ester which activates protein kinase C, resulted in an about 50% decrease in the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity by a subsequent challenge with a beta-adrenoceptor agonist. This phenomenon mimics agonist-induced desensitization. This decline is due to a reduction in the Vmax of the adenylate cyclase system rather than to a change in affinity to the agonist. The beta-adrenoceptor number was not changed while the KD for an agonist but not for an antagonist was increased by TPA treatment. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) plus GTP, NaF plus AlCl3, and guanylyl-5'-imidodiphosphate (GppNHp) regulated adenylate cyclase activity in a biphasic manner, i.e. stimulation at lower concentrations and inhibition at higher concentrations. The same treatment also caused a dose- and time-dependent reduction of the inhibitory phase of the PGE1/GTP action but did not affect the inhibitory phase of GppNHp and NaF/AlCl3 actions. Pertussis toxin (IAP) treatment caused a reduction of the inhibitory phase of PGE1/GTP action similar to that caused by TPA treatment. No synergistic effect was observed when the cells were treated with TPA and IAP simultaneously. These results suggest that TPA treatment impairs the coupling between PGE1 receptor and Gi rather than enhances that between PGE1 receptor and Gs. Protein kinase C was involved in the regulation of hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase, the beta-agonist-induced stimulatory pathway and the PGE1-induced inhibitory pathway in rat reticulocytes, since other phorbol esters and diacylglycerol, which activate this kinase, caused the same response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Reduction in the stability of the Gs-catalytic unit complex of adenylate cyclase in isoproterenol-induced heterologous desensitization

Treatment of rat reticulocytes with isoproterenol resulted in the heterologous desensitization of adenylate cyclase, causing a reduction in NaF/AlCl3- and guanylyl 5'-imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p)-stimulated activities as well as in activity stimulated by beta-adrenoceptor agonists. Desensitization was also induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP and 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), an inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A), prevented the isoproterenol-induced desensitization, suggesting the involvement of protein kinase A in the desensitization. Gs in the desensitized cell membrane was activated by treatment with Gpp(NH)p or NaF/AlCl3 in the presence of Mg2+. The activated state, the Gs-C complex, was gradually shifted to the basal state, i.e. the Gs-C complex was dissociated by removal of Mg2+. The rate constant of the dissociation was increased in the desensitized cell membranes (0.074 min-1) as compared with that in the control cell membranes (0.022 min-1). The half life of the Gs-C complex, calculated from the rate constant, was decreased during the process of desensitization. The results indicate that reduction in the stability of the Gs-C complex is related to heterologous desensitization. Agents which increase the level of cyclic AMP in the cell also reduced the stability of the complex. The potency of such an effect was in the following order; isoproterenol approximately NaF/AlCl3 (k = 0.071 min-1) greater than forskolin (0.039 min-1) greater than Mn2+ approximately dibutyryl cyclic AMP (0.030 min-1). The former two activate Gs and form Gs-C complex, while the latter two cause intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation without activation of Gs. It may be deduced from this order that the reduction of the stability depends not only on the increase in the cyclic AMP level but also on the level of Gs-C complex formed.     

Desensitization of catecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase and down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors in rat glioma C6 cells. Role of cyclic AMP and protein synthesis

When exposed to the beta-agonist (-)-isoproterenol, rat glioma C6 cells exhibited a time-and concentration-dependent reduction in isoproterenol responsiveness (desensitization) and a loss of beta-adrenergic receptors (down-regulation). Other agents, such as dibutyryl cyclic AMP, isobutylmethylxanthine, and cholera toxin, all of which elevate intracellular cyclic AMP levels, also induced receptor down-regulation but at a much slower rate than isoproterenol. Loss of beta-receptors was detected with intact cells, cell lysates, and cell membranes. Receptor loss was accompanied by a reduction in isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP production and adenylate cyclase activity. For a given amount of receptor loss, this reduction was much greater with isoproterenol than with other agents. In addition, the concentration of isoproterenol required for half-maximal stimulation of cyclic AMP production was increased in cells treated with isoproterenol but not with isobutylmethylxanthine or dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The affinity of beta-receptors for the agonist was also lower in membranes from cells treated with isoproterenol but not the other agents. Prior treatment of the cells with cycloheximide inhibited receptor loss by isoproterenol but did not prevent desensitization or reduced affinity of beta-receptors for the agonist. Cycloheximide also blocked the loss of receptors induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP and, in addition, prevented a reduction in agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. We propose that desensitization is mediated in rat glioma C6 cells only by agonists and is not dependent on either cyclic AMP or protein synthesis. Down-regulation can be induced both by agonists and by cyclic AMP and does depend on protein synthesis. Thus, desensitization and down-regulation can occur independently.     

Difference in sensitivity to alkaline phosphatase treatment between rat reticulocyte membranes in which β-adrenoceptor desensitization was induced by isoproterenol,dibutyryl cAMP and phorbol ester

The effect of alkaline phosphatase (3.1.3.1) on desensitization of β-adrenoceptor-responsive adenylate cyclase and the role of phosphorylation in desensitization were examined. Treatment of rat reticulocytes with isoproterenol, dibutyryl cAMP and tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) caused the desensitization of β-adrenoceptor-coupled adenylate cyclase. When the membranes from dibutyryl cAMP- and TPA-desensitized cells were incubated with alkaline phosphatase for 60 min at 30°C, pH 8.0, the desensitization of isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase was markedly attenuated in both preparations. When the membranes from isoproterenol-desensitized cells were treated with alkaline phosphatase under the same conditions, the attenuation of the desensitization of alkaline phosphatase was less than in the case of treatment with dibutyryl cAMP or TPA. In other words, isoproterenol-induced desensitization was more resistant to alkaline phosphatase treatment. Isoproterenol- and dibutyryl cAMP-induced desensitization of NaF-stimulated adenylate cyclase were also attenuated by alkaline phosphatase treatment. Although the stability of the G_s-catalytic unit complex of adenylate cyclase was reduced by isoproterenol treatment, the reduction of stability was also decreased by alkaline phosphatase treatment.     

Protein kinase C activation enhances morphine-induced rapid desensitization of mu-opioid receptors in mature rat locus ceruleus neurons

Recent studies have shown that morphine, in contrast to other agonists at the mu-opioid receptor, causes very little rapid mu-opioid receptor desensitization or internalization in adult rat mammalian neurons, raising important questions about how morphine tolerance is induced. Here we show that morphine can indeed cause marked rapid desensitization of mu-opioid receptors in mature rat locus ceruleus neurons when protein kinase C is also activated. Thus, activation of Gq-coupled M3 muscarinic receptors or application of a phorbol ester enhanced the desensitization of the mu-opioid receptor-evoked potassium current in rat locus ceruleus neurons. The enhancement of desensitization was reversible by the protein kinase C inhibitors chelerythrine and 2-[1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-maleimide (GF109203X) and resulted from an effect at the level of the mu-opioid receptor rather than the potassium channel. This is the first finding that morphine can induce rapid mu-opioid receptor desensitization in adult rat neurons, and because reduced protein kinase C activity in vivo attenuates morphine tolerance, we propose that G-protein coupled receptor cross-talk and the level of protein kinase C activity may play critical roles in the desensitization of the mu-opioid receptor and could underlie the development of morphine tolerance.     

Difference in sensitivity to alkaline phosphatase treatment between rat reticulocyte membranes in which beta-adrenoceptor desensitization was induced by isoproterenol, dibutyryl cAMP and phorbol ester

The effect of alkaline phosphatase (3.1.3.1) on desensitization of beta-adrenoceptor-responsive adenylate cyclase and the role of phosphorylation in desensitization were examined. Treatment of rat reticulocytes with isoproterenol, dibutyryl cAMP and tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) caused the desensitization of beta-adrenoceptor-coupled adenylate cyclase. When the membranes from dibutyryl cAMP- and TPA-desensitized cells were incubated with alkaline phosphatase for 60 min at 30 degrees C, pH 8.0, the desensitization of isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase was markedly attenuated in both preparations. When the membranes from isoproterenol-desensitized cells were treated with alkaline phosphatase under the same conditions, the attenuation of the desensitization of alkaline phosphatase was less than in the case of treatment with dibutyryl cAMP or TPA. In other words, isoproterenol-induced desensitization was more resistant to alkaline phosphatase treatment. Isoproterenol- and dibutyryl cAMP-induced desensitization of NaF-stimulated adenylate cyclase were also attenuated by alkaline phosphatase treatment. Although the stability of the Gs-catalytic unit complex of adenylate cyclase was reduced by isoproterenol treatment, the reduction of stability was also decreased by alkaline phosphatase treatment.     

Desensitization of muscarinic M1 receptors of murine neuroblastoma cells (clone N1E-115) without receptor down-regulation and protein kinase C activity

Acute desensitization of M1 muscarinic receptor-mediated responses (cyclic GMP formation and inositol phosphate release) was studied in murine neuroblastoma cells (N1E-115 clone). After a 45-min incubation at 37 degrees of N1E-115 cells either in monolayer or in suspension, with the muscarinic agonist carbachol (1 mM), the receptor-mediated cyclic GMP response to carbachol was nearly completely lost. This loss was associated with greater than 80% loss of carbachol-mediated inositol phosphate release. The protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) inhibited both responses with similar potencies. Carbachol or PMA reduced by 30-40% the number of muscarinic receptor sites for antagonist and agonist on intact cells (determined in binding assays using [3H]N-methylscopolamine) only for cells in monolayer and not for those in suspension. PMA but not carbachol pretreatment of cells in monolayer or in suspension caused a translocation of [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate binding and protein kinase C activity. In addition, desensitization to carbachol occurred in cells largely depleted of protein kinase C by chronic exposure to PMA. Thus, agonist-mediated down-regulation is not needed for muscarinic M1 receptor desensitization, which may be a result of the activation of a receptor-activated kinase different from protein kinase C.     

Adrenergic effect on the atrial natriuretic peptide secretion and vasoconstriction induced in the perfused rat heart by phorbol ester

Infusion of a phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), known to stimulate protein kinase C, caused a gradual, sustained increase in perfusate immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (IR-ANP) concentration and a more rapid increase in perfusion pressure in the isolated perfused rat heart. Administration of isoprenaline resulted in a rapid rise in IR-ANP release whereas methoxamine induced a sustained increase in IR-ANP secretion into the perfusion fluid. Methoxamine, when infused in combination with TPA, enhanced both IR-ANP secretion and the increase in perfusion pressure produced by phorbol ester. Isoprenaline also acted synergistically on TPA-induced IR-ANP release but attenuated the coronary vasoconstriction produced by phorbol ester. The TPA-induced increase in IR-ANP secretion was attenuated significantly by infusion of atenolol and slightly by infusion of prazosin, neither of which affected TPA-induced vasoconstriction. The vasoconstrictor response to infusion of phorbol ester was similar but the secretory response was attenuated in hearts from rats pretreated with reserpine. The results indicate that adrenoceptor stimulation interacts differentially with phorbol ester-induced ANP secretion and vasoconstriction in the perfused rat heart. Our results also suggest that the effect of TPA on perfusion pressure appears to be due to its direct action on vascular smooth muscle cells but that a part of the TPA effect on ANP secretion may be an indirect one.     

Rapid desensitization of adrenaline- and neuropeptide Y-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization in HEL-cells.

1. Desensitization of Gs-coupled receptors, the beta 2-adrenoceptor for example, involves rapid and slower components but little is known regarding the existence of rapid desensitization of Gi-coupled receptors and its possible mechanisms. In HEL-cells stimulation of alpha 2A-adrenoceptors by adrenaline or Y1-like neuropeptide Y receptors by neuropeptide Y, transiently mobilizes Ca2+ from intracellular stores via a Gi-protein. We have used this model to study the existence and possible mechanisms of rapid desensitization of a Gi-mediated cellular response. 2. Following stimulation by adrenaline or neuropeptide Y Ca2+ levels returned towards baseline a few minutes after agonist addition and were refractory to a second agonist exposure demonstrating rapid desensitization. Cross-desensitization experiments with neuropeptide Y, adrenaline and moxonidine demonstrated the presence of homologous (both receptors) and heterologous desensitization (neuropeptide Y receptors only), and that the alpha 2A-adrenoceptor desensitization was not specific for phenylethylamine (adrenaline) or imidazoline agonists (moxonidine). 3. The protein kinase C activator, phorbol ester, rapidly desensitized the hormonal Ca2+ responses and inhibitors of protein kinase C enhanced the hormonal responses inconsistently. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor, herbimycin, enhanced Ca2+ mobilization by adrenaline and neuropeptide Y, whereas the protein phosphatase inhibitor, okdadaic acid, did not affect Ca2+ mobilization or its desensitization. 4. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+ the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, reduced hormone-stimulated Ca2+ elevations, demonstrating that mobilization occurs from a thapsigargin-sensitive pool in the endoplasmic reticulum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Potentiation of cyclic AMP-mediated vasorelaxation by phenylephrine in pulmonary arteries of the rat.

Alpha1-adrenoceptor agonists may potentiate relaxation to beta-adrenoceptor agonists, although the mechanisms are unclear. We compared relaxations induced by beta-adrenoceptor agonists and cyclic AMP-dependent vasodilators in rat pulmonary arteries constricted with prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) or the alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PE). In addition, we examined whether differences were related to cyclic AMP- or nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic GMP-dependent pathways. Isoprenaline-induced relaxation was substantially potentiated in arteries constricted with PE compared with PGF2alpha. Methoxamine was similar to PE, whereas there was no difference between PGF2alpha and 30 mM KCl. The potentiation was primarily due to a marked increase in the NO-independent component of relaxation, from 9.1+/-1.7% for PGF2alpha to 55.1+/-4.4% for PE. NO-dependent relaxation was also enhanced, but to a lesser extent (50%). Relaxation to salbutamol was almost entirely NO-dependent in both groups, and was potentiated approximately 50% by PE. Relaxation to forskolin (activator of adenylate cyclase) was also enhanced in PE constricted arteries. Part of this relaxation was NO-dependent, but the major effect of PE was to increase the NO-independent component. Propranolol diminished but did not abolish the potentiation. There was no difference in response to CPT cyclic AMP (membrane permeant analogue) between PE and PGF2alpha, suggesting that mechanisms distal to the production of cyclic AMP were unchanged. Relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was the same for PE and PGF2alpha, although relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) was slightly depressed. This implies that potentiation by PE does not involve the cyclic GMP pathway directly. Mesenteric arteries constricted with PE did not show potentiation of isoprenaline-induced relaxation compared to those constricted with PGF2alpha, suggesting that this effect may be specific to the pulmonary circulation. These results clearly show that PE potentiates both the NO-independent and -dependent components of cyclic AMP-mediated relaxation in pulmonary arteries of the rat, although the effect on the former is more profound. We suggest that potentiation of both components is largely due to direct activation of adenylate cyclase via alpha1-adrenoceptors, within the smooth muscle and endothelial cells respectively.     

Evidence for protein kinase C modulation of the ciliary muscle response to carbachol and desensitization.

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the desensitization of muscarinic receptor-mediated responses in bovine ciliary muscle was examined. Exposure of the bovine ciliary muscle to phorbol esters, used to activate PKC, resulted in antagonism of muscarinic receptor-mediated contraction. On the other hand, staurosporine, a known PKC inhibitor, caused a significant potentiation of the contractile effect induced by carbachol. Staurosporine reduced the desensitization induced by repeated additions of carbachol and completely suppressed that induced by phorbol esters. The results also indicate that desensitization mediated by phorbol esters as well as that mediated by muscarinic receptor agonists is heterologous.     

Role of cyclic AMP in cardiac beta-adrenoceptor desensitization: studies using prenalterol and inhibitors of phosphodiesterase

We examined the effects of prolonged exposure of cardiac cells in primary culture to the partial beta-adrenoceptor agonist prenalterol and inhibitors of phosphodiesterase on their subsequent ability to increase intracellular cyclic AMP during a 5-min exposure to 50 microM isoprenaline (receptor responsiveness). Although prenalterol possesses only 7% of the agonist activity of isoprenaline on adenylate cyclase, it induces extensive beta-adrenoceptor desensitization. Three hours after exposing the cells to 1 microM prenalterol, beta-adrenoceptor responsiveness was reduced by 40% (p less than 0.05), whereas after 12 h the reduction averaged 55%. Prolonging the incubation time to 48 h had no further effect on the magnitude of receptor desensitization. The magnitude of the desensitization was concentration dependent. On exposure of cells to 10(-8) M prenalterol for 16 h, receptor responsiveness was reduced by 19%, and at concentrations of 1 microM and higher responsiveness was reduced by 60% (p less than 0.01). Receptor desensitization appeared to be due to an inability of receptors to activate adenylate cyclase as well as to receptor loss. To investigate if beta-adrenoceptor desensitization as well as receptor loss could be mediated by cyclic AMP, the cells were exposed for 16 h to inhibitors of phosphodiesterase. Exposure of cells to the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine (0.1 mM) (which increased intracellular cyclic AMP by between 50 and 150%) also induced receptor desensitization. The reduction in receptor responsiveness averaged 62% (p less than 0.01). The loss in responsiveness could be accounted for by an inability of receptors to activate adenylate cyclase as well as by receptor loss.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

Protein kinase C phosphorylates a 15 kDa protein but not phospholamban in intact rat cardiac myocytes.

In the present study the effects of the protein kinase C activator 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) as well as the alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor agonists methoxamine and isoproterenol on protein phosphorylation of intact rat cardiac myocytes were investigated. TPA, isoproterenol and methoxamine were shown to stimulate phosphorylation of a 15 kDa protein. EC50 for TPA and isoproterenol were 4 x 10(-8) M and 5 x 10(-9) M respectively. The time course of phosphorylation by TPA and isoproterenol greatly differed, revealing a maximal phosphorylation (2.9-fold) after 10 min and 1 min respectively. Cell fractionation showed a significant enrichment of the 15 kDa protein in a crude membrane preparation. While the 15 kDa protein was the only phosphoprotein stimulated by TPA and methoxamine, isoproterenol additionally enhanced the 32Pi incorporation into four proteins corresponding to 6 kDa (phospholamban), 28 kDa, 97 kDa and 140 kDa. Furthermore, dephosphorylation of a 21 kDa substrate upon beta-adrenoceptor stimulation was observed. Phospholamban phosphorylation was effectively (max. 9.1-fold) stimulated by isoproterenol (EC50 of 5 x 10(-9) M), reaching a maximal phosphorylation state within 1 min. The present study clearly demonstrates: (1) TPA stimulates the phosphorylation of a membrane-localized 15 kDa protein and this effect can be mimicked by both isoproterenol and methoxamine; (2) TPA, in contrast to isoproterenol, does not change the phosphorylation state of phospholamban. Whilst phospholamban under in vitro conditions is known to be a substrate for protein kinase C, it does not appear to be accessible for the enzyme in intact cardiac myocytes.     

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

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

Pharmacological evaluation of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist and thromboxane antagonist properties of N-substituted trimetoquinol analogues

The beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist and U46619 (a thromboxane A2 agonist) antagonist properties of trimetoquinol (TMQ, I) and its optical isomers, and N-substituted TMQ analogues (methyl, II; 2-hydroxyethyl, III; cyclic sulfite N-2-chloroethyl, IV; 2-chloroethyl, V; benzyl, VI) were studied in guinea pig atria and trachea and rat aorta, respectively. All compounds gave concentration-dependent responses in atria and trachea, and the rank order of beta-adrenoceptor agonist potency was I greater than II greater than III greater than IV greater than V greater than VI. Whereas N-substitution reduced potency for beta-agonism, the beta 2/beta 1-selectivity ratio was enhanced by increasing the size of the N-substituent. All analogues possessed equal or greater (up to 41-fold more) beta 2-selectivity than I. Propranolol was a competitive antagonist of selected TMQ analogues in guinea pig trachea and atria, thus confirming the beta-adrenoceptor actions of these drugs. The optical isomers of TMQ gave a rank order of agonist potency of S(-)-TMQ greater than R(+)-TMQ, and a beta 2/beta 1-selectivity equal to or greater than racemic-TMQ. Each TMQ analogue also blocked the contractile responses of U46619 in rat aorta in a competitive manner, and the rank order of inhibition of U46619-induced contraction in rat aorta was I greater than VI greater than II = III greater than IV greater than V. N-Benzyl TMQ (VI) possessed the greatest potency for U46619 blockade and beta 2/beta 1-selectivity ratio of the N-substituted analogues. The results show that varying the N-substituents on TMQ produces compounds which retain beta 2-selectivity and give a different activity profile for beta-adrenoceptor activation vs. endoperoxide/thromboxane A2 antagonism.     

Characterization of homologous 5-hydroxytryptamine4 receptor desensitization in colliculi neurons.

Exposure of mouse colliculi neurons to selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)4 agonists was accompanied by a rapid desensitization of the receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase response. Half-maximal desensitization occurred after 2 min. Only exposure of neurons to selective 5-HT4 agonists led to a potent desensitization of the 5-HT4-mediated response. Neurons exposed to other agents, like isoproterenol, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or forskolin, that increase cAMP levels did not undergo any desensitization of 5-HT4 receptors. Activation of protein kinase A with either 8-bromo-cAMP or dibutyryl-cAMP or application of inhibitors of protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation did not change the rate of 5-HT4-induced desensitization. No shift to lower potency of 5-HT4 agonists in the concentration-response curve was observed. These results suggest that 5-HT4 receptor agonists induced homologous but not cAMP-mediated heterologous desensitization. A good correlation was found between the affinities of nine 5-HT4 agonists and their abilities to desensitize the adenylyl cyclase response. This may indicate that homologous desensitization is a function of the mean occupancy time of the receptors by agonists. When permeabilized neurons were loaded with heparin, an inhibitor of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK), 5-HT4 receptor desensitization was reduced by 30-40%. Interestingly, Zn2+, an other inhibitor of beta ARK, totally prevented 5-HT4-induced desensitization. Pretreatment of neurons with concanavalin A, reported to inhibit sequestration of beta-adrenergic receptors from the cell surface, reduced the desensitization process by 70%. These data suggest that both sequestration and phosphorylation by beta ARK, or another specific agonist-dependent receptor kinase, are involved in homologous desensitization of 5-HT4 receptors coupled to adenylyl cyclase.     

Differential modulation of the adenylate cyclase/cyclic AMP stimulatory pathway by protein kinase C activation in rat adipose tissue and isolated fat cells. Influence of collagenase digestion.

Exposure of rat epididymal fat pad to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA), an activator of protein kinase C, results in an 85% increase in isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation, an effect which was antagonized by H7, a protein kinase C inhibitor. This promoting action of TPA appears to be related to (i) an increase in the catalytic activity of adenylate cyclase, (ii) an increase in the maximal response of adenylate cyclase to fluoride and guanylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp) with no change in the EC50 value for GppNHp, and (iii) a reduction of the isoproterenol-stimulated low-Km cAMP phosphodiesterase activity present in the 30,000 g pellet of fat pad homogenates. In contrast with fat pads, exposure of isolated rat fat cells to TPA failed to influence their adenylate cyclase response to GppNHp and their cAMP accumulation and lipolysis. However, the other alterations caused by TPA in fat pads were still observed in fat cells. These results suggest that (i) the major alteration responsible for the promoted isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP response observed in fat pads after exposure to TPA is an increased interaction between the alpha s subunit of Gs and the catalytic site of adenylate cyclase and (ii) this increased interaction is dependent on protein kinase C activation and is abolished by collagenase digestion.     

Roles of the α1A-adrenergic receptor carboxyl tail in protein kinase C-induced phosphorylation and desensitization

Noradrenaline- and tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA)-induced phosphorylation and functional desensitization of the following receptors were studied: (1) wild-type bovine α(1A)- and hamster α(1B)-adrenergic receptors (ARs), (2) chimeric ARs in which the carboxyl terminus tails were exchanged (α(1AB)- and α(1BA)-ARs), and (3) carboxyl terminus-truncated α(1A)-ARs fussed to enhanced green fluorescent protein. Noradrenaline and TPA pronouncedly increased α(1B)-AR phosphorylation while TPA markedly desensitized these receptors. In contrast, TPA-induced desensitization and TPA- and noradrenaline-induced phosphorylation of α(1A)-ARs were clearly of lesser magnitude. Chimeric ARs with exchanged carboxyl terminus tails showed that the extent of phosphorylation reflected the carboxyl domain rather than the receptor core. Surprisingly, there was no correlation between phosphorylation and functional desensitization, i.e., activation of protein kinase C clearly desensitized both chimeric receptors to a similar extent. Interestingly, TPA and noradrenaline increased carboxyl terminus-truncated α(1A)-AR phosphorylation and TPA also induced receptor desensitization. We were unable to detect carboxyl terminus-truncated α(1A)-AR internalization after 5-min stimulations with noradrenaline or TPA. Our results suggest the following: (a) the α(1A)-AR carboxyl terminus tail was not essential for signaling or desensitization; (b) carboxyl terminus tail exchange "transplanted" the phosphorylation pattern of the receptors, but the functional consequences of such a transplant were very limited; (c) α(1A)-AR desensitization was not associated to receptor internalization.     

Alterations in blood levels of carbohydrate and lipid metabolites and of cyclic AMP mediated by beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors in beagle dogs: effects of procaterol, a new selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist.

The intravenous injection of isoprenaline (10 nmole/kg) into conscious beagle dogs caused significant increases in the blood level of lactate, glucose, FFA, insulin and cyclic AMP. These metabolic alterations induced by isoprenaline were blocked completely by pretreatment of the dog with propranolol (1 mg/kg). Butoxamine (10 mg/kg) antagonized isoprenaline-induced increases in glucose, lactate and insulin, but not the increases in FFA. Practolol (10 mg/kg) diminished the increase in blood FFA very strongly. Salbutamol, which is known to be an agonist of the beta 2-subtype in its bronchomotor and cardiovascular actions, produced marked increases in the blood concentrations of lactate, glucose and insulin but were without effect on the FFA level. Thus metabolic responses of conscious beagle dogs to beta-adrenoceptor agonists appeared to depend differentially on two types of beta-adrenoceptors: beta1-adrenoceptors are largely involved in lipolysis while beta2-adrenoceptors are involved in the regulation of blood glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. A new beta-adrenoceptor agonist, 5-(1-hydroxy-2-isopropylaminobutyl)-8-hydroxycarbostyril hydrochloride hemihydrate (Procaterol), was classified as a beta 2-agonist, because it markedly increased plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate and insulin but increased the plasma level of FFA to a lesser degree. The order of potency of beta2-agonists was procaterol greater than salbutamol greater than trimetoquinol. Metabolic responses of beagle dogs would be useful for appreciating the selectivity and potency of beta-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists.