Effect of a tumour-promoting phorbol ester on atrial peptide-induced testosterone production and cyclic GMP accumulation by isolated mouse Leydig cells

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (4 beta-PMA)--a potent activator of protein kinase C--on the responsiveness of mouse Leydig cells to stimulation with rat atriopeptin II (rAP-II). We report that, in these cells, the stimulation of testosterone production by rAP-II could be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by 4 beta-PMA (1-200 nM). In contrast, the basal steroidogenesis was stimulated 2-fold by 4 beta-PMA. There was no inhibition of testosterone production when the cells were stimulated with 8-bromo cyclic GMP (8Br-cGMP) in the presence of 4 beta-PMA. Furthermore, addition of 4 beta-PMA resulted in a marked reduction in the amount of cGMP accumulated in response to rAP-II stimulation. 4 alpha-Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (4 alpha-PMA) was found to have no effect at all. The inhibitory effect of 4 beta-PMA on steroidogenesis could be completely reversed by the addition of 0.25 mM 3-isobutyl 1-methylxanthine (IBMX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Also, the 4 beta-PMA-induced lowering of cGMP content could be partially reversed by IBMX. Membrane fractions from cells treated with 4 beta-PMA or 4 alpha-PMA did not differ in their contents of either basal or rAP-II-stimulated guanylate cyclase activities. We conclude that the 4 beta-PMA-mediated inhibition of testosterone production by Leydig cells stimulated with rAP-II results from an activation of a phosphodiesterase enzyme, hypothetically through an activated protein kinase C. This leads to a reduction in the cellular cGMP content through an increased metabolic removal of cGMP formed in response to rAP-II stimulation.     

Nitric oxide as a signal in thyroid.

It is now well established that agonist activation of the PIP2/calcium cascade in the thyroid results in the enhancement of cGMP accumulation presumably by activation of the soluble guanylate cyclase. In many tissues the physiological signal controlling soluble guanylate cyclase is nitric oxide (NO) and its synthesis from arginine is controlled by the intracellular Ca2+. In this report we show results that suggest that NO may be the intermediate of the cGMP response to the activation of the PIP2/calcium cascade. In dog thyroid slices, incubation with carbamylcholine or A23187 increases significantly free intracellular Ca2+ levels and the cGMP content of the slices. NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA), a competitive inhibitor of arginine for nitric oxide synthase, inhibited these cGMP responses but not the action of sodium nitroprusside which activates soluble guanylate cyclase directly. The inhibition was relieved by arginine. Methylene blue, which blocks the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by NO, also decreased the three stimulatory effects. NMMA and methylene blue also decreased the basal levels of cGMP. NO may therefore be an important autocrine and paracrine factor in thyroid.     

Ca+2 is an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase in MA-10 Leydig tumor cells

Using a clonal strain of cultured Leydig tumor cells (designated MA-10), we have examined the effects of Ca+2 on the activation of cAMP accumulation and steroid biosynthesis by hCG. Our results show that addition of Ca+2 ionophores (A23187 or ionomycin) leads to inhibition of the activation of cAMP accumulation by hCG. The magnitude of this effect is dependent on the concentrations of ionophore and hCG used, becoming more pronounced as the concentration of hCG increases. A detailed examination of the effects of A23187 and removal of extracellular Ca+2 on the rates of cAMP synthesis and degradation in intact cells revealed that A23187 inhibits the rate of cAMP accumulation activated by hCG, but does not affect the rate of degradation of cAMP. On the other hand, removal of extracellular Ca+2 had no effect on the rate of cAMP accumulation activated by hCG or on the rate of degradation of cAMP. Removal of extracellular Ca+2, however, completely prevented the inhibitory effect of A23187 on the rate of cAMP accumulation. Additional experiments show that the effects of A23187 or removal of extracellular Ca+2 on hCG-activated steroidogenesis closely parallel those described for cAMP accumulation. We conclude that Ca+2 is an inhibitor of the hCG-activated adenylate cyclase in Leydig tumor cells, and that this inhibition imposes a limitation on the ability of hCG to activate steroid biosynthesis.     

Calcium dependence of somatostatin (SRIF) release and cyclic AMP levels in cultured diencephalic neurons

Calmodulin has been reported to be involved in the Ca2+-dependent hypothalamus in vitro. The present experiments were undertaken to determine whether at an early stage of development (in diencephalic primary cultures secreting SRIF, on the 11th day) the activation of a Ca2+-calmodulin kinase system is also involved in the release of the peptide. Since a calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase activity has been detected in the brain, we measured intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation as an additional parameter of calmodulin activity. SRIF release and cyclic AMP accumulation were stimulated by K+ (56 mM) and by the Ca2+ ionophores ionomycin (0.5 microM) and A 23187 (in a dose-dependent manner). Incubation of cells in Ca2+-free Locke medium or in the presence of Co2+ (1 mM) completely blocked ionophore-induced SRIF release and cyclic AMP accumulation. Three calmodulin antagonists (calmidazolium, W-7, and chlorpromazine) and two blockers of calmodulin-dependent kinase (phenytoin and diazepam) were tested on evoked-SRIF release and cyclic AMP formation. Neither W-7 nor calmidazolium modified A 23187-induced SRIF release at any dose tested, although they inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the stimulatory effect of the Ca2+ ionophore on cyclic AMP accumulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Divalent cations suppress 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate accumulation by stimulating a pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding protein in cultured bovine parathyroid cells

We used pertussis toxin to study the mechanism(s) by which divalent cations lower cellular cAMP content in bovine parathyroid cells. In cultured parathyroid cells, high extracellular Ca2+ (5 mM) or Mg2+ (5-10 mM) lowers dopamine-stimulated cAMP content by 70-90%. Pertussis toxin (0.5 microgram/ml) totally blocks the inhibitory effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on cAMP content. Ba2+ and Sr2+ (5 mM) also lower cAMP content by 80-90%, and this effect is, likewise, blocked by pertussis toxin. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin had no effect on the release of cAMP into the extracellular fluid. The toxin also did not modify phosphodiesterase activity in sonicates of parathyroid cells (42.68 +/- 3.26 vs. 47.00 +/- 2.82 pmol cAMP hydrolyzed/10(6) cells.20 min in control and toxin-treated cells, respectively). Moreover, addition of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutyl-methylxanthine did not modify the inhibition of dopamine-stimulated cAMP accumulation by 5 mM Ca2+ in control cells (85% vs. 86% inhibition, respectively, with and without isobutylmethylxanthine). Pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP ribosylation in homogenates of control cells demonstrated the presence of two substrates with mol wt of 40K and 41K. Preexposure of cells to pertussis toxin overnight resulted in the complete loss of both substrates on subsequent ADP ribosylation with [32P]NAD. Pertussis toxin pretreatment did not enhance adenylate cyclase activity indirectly via reducing the extracellular Ca2+-induced rise in cytosolic Ca2+, since the cytosolic Ca2+ level at 5 mM Ca2+ was about 60% higher in pertussis toxin-treated than in control cells (531 +/- 85 vs. 326 +/- 35 nM; P less than 0.05). In addition, ionomycin had no significant effect on cellular cAMP levels in control cells despite increasing the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration to levels as high as 1700 nM at 10(-5) M. Thus, changes in cytosolic Ca2+ phosphodiesterase activity, or efflux of cAMP from the cell cannot explain the inhibition of cAMP accumulation by divalent cations or the reversal of this effect by pertussis toxin. Instead, the present data suggest that extracellular divalent cations modulate the formation of cellular cAMP in parathyroid cells by a process involving a pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide regulatory protein, presumably inhibition of adenylate cyclase by Gi via a receptor-like mechanism.     

Magnesium promotes both parathyroid hormone secretion and adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate production in rat parathyroid tissues and reverses the inhibitory effects of calcium on adenylate cyclase

Reduced extracellular Ca2+ is known to promote PTH secretion, while severe Mg2+ depletion has the opposite effect. We have correlated the effects of Mg2+ and Ca2+ on parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion and cAMP accumulation by rat parathyroid tissues in vitro with the effects of these two metals on adenylate cyclase activity in broken membrane preparations. PTH secretion was maximal at 0.5 mM Ca2+, falling to low levels as the Ca2+ concentration was increased to 2.5 mM. Deletion of Mg2+ from the medium resulted in a marked decrease in PTH secretion at any given Ca2+ concentration. At a constant Ca2+ concentration of 1 mM, both PTH secretion and cAMP production rose to maximal rates as the Mg2+ concentration was increased from 0 to 2 mM. The adenylate cyclase of rat parathyroid membranes was stimulated by both GTP and guanyl-5'-yl-imidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p]. EDTA-treated membranes could not be stimulated by Gpp(NH)p. Repletion with Mg2+ was more effective than repletion with Ca2+ in restoring responsiveness to the guanine nucleotide. When membranes were maximally preactivated by Gpp(NH)p and then assayed in the presence of variable concentrations of metal ions, enzyme activity was directly inhibited by Ca2+ and stimulated by Mg2+. Adenylate cyclase sensitivity to Ca2+ inhibition was dependent upon the Mg2+ concentration; in the presence of 0.6 mM Mg2+ a 50% inhibition was produced by 0.05 mM Ca2+, while in the presence of 8 mM Mg2+ a 10-fold higher Ca2+ concentration was required for a similar inhibitory effect. The results suggest that Ca2+ may decrease PTH secretion at least in part by a direct inhibition of adenylate cyclase. Mg2+ may promote PTH secretion either by enhancing the activation of adenylate cyclase by endogenous guanine nucleotides or by competing with Ca2+ for binding to a distinct regulatory site on the enzyme.     

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in developing rat testis. Identification of somatic and germ-cell forms

Several forms of phosphodiesterase are present in the male gonad, and their relative concentrations vary during testicular development. On the basis of kinetic analysis and chromatography on DEAE cellulose, 3 forms were separated: (a) a high-affinity cGMP phosphodiesterase, regulated by Ca2+ and calmodulin, similar to a form described in different tissues (peak I); (b) a high-affinity cAMP form insensitive to Ca2+, which cannot be readily compared with forms described elsewhere (peak II); and (c) a high-affinity cAMP phosphodiesterase, Ca2+- and calmodulin-insensitive, corresponding to the "hormone-regulated" form described in several systems (peak III). The elution pattern of peak I and calmodulin stimulation were dependent on free calcium concentration during cytosol preparation and chromatography. This datum and rechromatography in the presence or absence of excess calmodulin suggested that the enzyme complexes calmodulin in a Ca2+-dependent manner and is therefore activated. Moreover, whereas peak I was observed in all cell compartments of the testis, peak II was present in germ cells and peak III was found mainly in somatic cells. During development of the testis, a relevant enhancement in the ratio between cAMP and cGMP hydrolytic activity was observed together with an overall increase of phosphodiesterase activity, thus suggesting that the previously described increase in cAMP phosphodiesterase activity during testis maturation should be ascribed to forms present in both germ cells and somatic cells.     

Barium-induced LH release from chicken pituitary cells: synergism with phorbol ester

Barium is known to elicit secretion in a number of cell systems. The mechanism of Ba2+ stimulation of LH release in cultured chicken pituitary cells was investigated in the present study. Barium-stimulated LH release was inhibited by extracellular Ca2+, indicating that Ba2+ does not act by stimulating Ca2+ entry. Simultaneous stimulation of the cells with Ba2+ and phorbol ester produced a synergistic response, similar to the synergism obtained with phorbol ester and treatments which increase cytosolic Ca2+. Both Ba2+-stimulated LH release and the synergism of Ba2+ with phorbol ester were inhibited by calcium channel blockers (Co2+, methoxyverapamil and nifedipine) and by calmodulin antagonists (trifluoperazine and chlorpromazine). These results indicate that the actions of Ba2+ are dependent on its entry through Ca2+ channels, and suggest that calmodulin activation is necessary for the synergism between Ba2+ and phorbol ester. Thus, synergism does not result from a direct effect of divalent cations on C-kinase.     

Ca2+-dependent modulation of renin release from isolated glomeruli: apparent independence from alterations in cGMP

This study examined the role of cGMP in the control of renin release from isolated rat glomeruli. An inverse correlation between renin release and cGMP content of isolated glomeruli was found under several conditions of incubation. Thus, incubation of isolated glomeruli in Ca2+-free media containing EGTA, or the addition of the Ca2+ and calmodulin (CaM) antagonists trifluoperazine (TFP), N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalene-sulfonamide hydrochloride (W-7), or (8-N, N-diethylamino)-octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate-HCI (TMB-8) to glomeruli incubated in Ca2+ replete buffer lowers cGMP and stimulates renin release. These same incubation conditions enhance the release of renin induced by isoproterenol (DBcAMP) in isolated glomeruli. By contrast, raising media K+ to 60 mmol/L, or the incubation of glomeruli with angiotensin II (A-II) or ouabain--all of which are thought to increase intracellular Ca2+--increased glomerular cGMP and suppressed basal glomerular renin release and the increases in renin release induced by isoproterenol (DBcAMP). However, neither exogenous DBcAMP nor nitroprusside, an agent that increased the endogenous cGMP, content of glomeruli mimicked the suppressive effects of high K+, A-II, or ouabain on renin release. Moreover, DBcGMP and nitroprusside also failed to reverse the stimulatory effects of Ca2+ deprivation, TFP, W-7, or TMB-8 on glomerular renin release, even though nitroprusside clearly enhanced cGMP under these conditions of incubation. The results suggest that changes in glomerular cGMP and renin release occur concomitantly in response to alterations in glomerular Ca2+ homeostasis, but that cGMP does not mediate the changes in glomerular renin release.     

Effects of protein kinase C activation on inositol phosphate generation and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in bovine parathyroid cells

Activators of protein kinase C, such as phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and the synthetic diacylglycerol dioctanoylglycerol (diC8), either stimulate or inhibit PTH release depending on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration. By increasing PTH release at high extracellular Ca2+, these agents, in effect, block high Ca2(+)-induced inhibition of secretion. Since raising extracellular Ca2+ increases intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) formation in parathyroid cells, we assessed the effects of PMA pretreatment on [Ca2+]i and InsP3 to ascertain whether these second messengers might be altered by protein kinase C activation. Preincubation of parathyroid cells with PMA (10(-6) M) significantly lowered the intracellular Ca2+ response to raising extracellular Ca2+ from 0.5-2.0 mM. The peak increase in [Ca2+]i averaged 475 +/- 11 nM in PMA-treated cells compared to 703 +/- 44 nM in control cells. High extracellular Ca2(+)-induced InsP3 accumulation was also reduced after incubating the cells with PMA. To determine whether intracellular Ca2+ stores and/or transmembrane Ca2+ uptake were affected by activating protein kinase C, we examined intracellular Ca2+ responses to the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin after PMA pretreatment. At 0.5 mM Ca2+, ionomycin (10(-6) M) increased [Ca2+]i to an initial peak of 738 +/- 49 nM followed by a sustained increase to 501 +/- 30 nM in control cells (n = 15). After exposure to PMA (greater than or equal to 20 min), however, peak and sustained increments in [Ca2+]i were significantly lower at 550 +/- 32 and 394 +/- 16 nM, respectively (P less than 0.02, n = 8). In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, basal [Ca2+]i was 197 +/- 5 and peaked at 323 +/- 15 nM with ionomycin (10(-6) M) in PMA-treated cells (n = 16). The latter value was significantly less than the peak increase in [Ca2+]i to 461 +/- 19 nM observed with ionomycin (10(-6) M) in control cells (P less than 0.001, n = 15). With respect to secretion, either of the protein kinase C agonists (i.e. PMA or diC8) or the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin inhibited PTH release at 0.5 mM Ca2+. To determine whether the concomitant activation of protein kinase C- and Ca2(+)-dependent pathways could additively suppress PTH release, we assessed the effects of ionomycin and either PMA or diC8 on secretion. PTH release at 0.5 mM Ca2+ was reduced in an additive manner by either of these protein kinase C agonists plus ionomycin. At 2 mM Ca2+, protein kinase C agonists stimulated PTH release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Regulation of aldosterone secretion by avian adrenocortical cells

Dispersed chick adrenocortical cells were incubated with mammalian and avian angiotensin-II, Ca2+, K+, verapamil, nifedipine, Ca2+ ionophore (A23187), protein kinase-C activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate; TPA), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and ACTH. Secretion of aldosterone and corticosterone, and accumulation of cyclic nucleotides were assessed. Secretion of aldosterone was not affected by angiotensin-II, Ca2+ channel blockers, Ca2+ ionophore or TPA. ANP stimulated production of cyclic GMP (cGMP), and inhibited aldosterone secretion with a similar dose-response relationship. SNP also stimulated cGMP production and inhibited the ACTH-stimulated aldosterone secretion. The results indicate that ANP is an inhibitor of aldosterone secretion in birds and suggest that this inhibition is mediated by cGMP. In contrast to mammalian glomerulosa cells, angiotensin-II and the calcium-inositol phosphate-protein kinase C pathway appear not to be involved in the regulation of aldosterone secretion by avian adrenal cells.     

Inhibition of Ca2+ conductance in identified leech neurons by benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines (BZs) in micromolar concentrations inhibit Mn2+- and Co2+-sensitive regenerative divalent cation potentials, which are revealed in the presence of tetraethylammonium ion, in leech nociceptive neurons (N cells). This BZ effect is reversible and dose-dependent. The BZs, like Mn2+ and Co2+, inhibit the maximum rate of depolarization (Vmax) and duration of divalent cation potentials at concentrations that do not significantly affect resting membrane potential or Vmax of the Na+-dependent action potential. Ultraviolet-induced BZ binding to micromolar-affinity sites in ganglia and isolated cells irreversibly blocks Ca2+ conductance in neurons without significantly affecting resting membrane potentials. BZ binding studies with leech neuronal membrane show saturable, specific binding in the micromolar concentration range that was similar to BZ binding to synaptosomal membrane fractions. The apparent Kd obtained from the micromolar-affinity BZ binding curve for leech ganglionic membrane preparations agrees well with the apparent Ki estimated from the dose-response curve measuring BZ inhibition of Vmax of the divalent cation potentials. These findings indicate that BZs act like Ca2+-channel antagonists in intact neuronal preparations and are consistent with the hypothesis that BZ binding to micromolar-affinity receptors modulates voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.     

RD3, the protein associated with Leber congenital amaurosis type 12, is required for guanylate cyclase trafficking in photoreceptor cells

Guanylate cyclases, GC1 and GC2, are localized in the light-sensitive outer segment compartment of photoreceptor cells, where they play a crucial role in phototransduction by catalyzing the synthesis of cGMP, the second messenger of phototransduction, and regulating intracellular Ca(2+) levels in combination with the cGMP-gated channel. Mutations in GC1 are known to cause Leber congenital amaurosis type 1 (LCA1), a childhood disease associated with severe vision loss. Although the enzymatic and regulatory properties of guanylate cyclases have been studied extensively, the molecular determinants responsible for their trafficking in photoreceptors remain unknown. Here we show that RD3, a protein of unknown function encoded by a gene associated with photoreceptor degeneration in humans with Leber congenital amaurosis type 12 (LCA12), the rd3 mouse, and rcd2 collie, colocalizes and interacts with GC1 and GC2 in rod and cone photoreceptor cells of normal mice. GC1 and GC2 are undetectable in photoreceptors of the rd3 mouse deficient in RD3 by immunofluorescence microscopy. Cell expression studies show that RD3 mediates the export of GC1 from the endoplasmic reticulum to endosomal vesicles, and that the C terminus of GC1 is required for RD3 binding. Our results indicate that photoreceptor degeneration in the rd3 mouse, rcd2 dog, and LCA12 patients is caused by impaired RD3-mediated guanylate cyclase expression and trafficking. The resulting deficiency in cGMP synthesis and the constitutive closure of cGMP-gated channels might cause a reduction in intracellular Ca(2+) to a level below that required for long-term photoreceptor cell survival.     

Inhibition by melittin and fluphenazine of melanotropin receptor function and adenylate cyclase in M2R melanoma cell membranes

Melanotropin (MSH) receptor activity in the M2R mouse melanoma cell line is tightly controlled by calcium by an unknown mechanism. The possibility that calcium regulation is mediated by calmodulin or a calmodulin-related calcium binding protein has been addressed in this report by studying the effects of two known calmodulin antagonists, fluphenazine and melittin, on MSH receptor function. Stimulation of adenylate cyclase (AC) in M2R plasma membranes by beta MSH was strongly inhibited by both antagonists. The concentrations of fluphenazine and melittin yielding half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of AC were 16 microM and 2.4 microM, respectively. Both fluphenazine and melittin also inhibit prostaglandin E1-, GTP gamma S, and forskolin-stimulated AC activity, as well as that of unstimulated enzyme, although inhibition is shown to occur at significantly higher concentrations of antagonist. We have shown that the calcium-dependent rate-limiting step in MSH stimulation of adenylate cyclase, that of hormone binding, is strongly inhibited by these antagonists at concentrations identical to, if not lower than, those required for the inhibition of AC activity (fluphenazine-IC50, 14 microM; melittin-IC50, 0.7 microM). The actions of these antagonists, furthermore, appear to be calcium insensitive, as melittin affects the stability of both the high affinity (calcium containing) and low affinity (calcium depleted) receptor-MSH complexes. The sensitivity of the MSH receptor to inhibition by calmodulin antagonists resembles that described for purified calmodulin-sensitive enzyme systems, which suggests a possible role for calmodulin in MSH receptor function. Among peptide hormone receptors, this effect by calmodulin antagonists appears to be unique for the MSH receptor.     

Cytosolic Ca2+ attenuates ANF-induced cyclic GMP response in vascular smooth muscle cells

Despite a high density of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) receptors, cultured vascular smooth muscle cells of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) manifest a blunted cyclic GMP (cGMP) response to ANF. We explored the role of cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in the ANF-induced cGMP response of cultured aortic vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR and two normotensive rat strains: Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and American Wistar. Exposure to 500 nmol/l A23187 in Ca2+-containing but not in Ca2+-deficient medium resulted in a decline in the ANF-induced cGMP response at maximal ANF concentration (500 nmol/l; SHR from 1004 +/- 98 to 423 +/- 67, P less than 0.001; WKY from 1791 +/- 209 to 625 +/- 90, P less than 0.001; American Wistar from 1496 +/- 125 to 559 +/- 96 fmol/10(6) cells/4 min, P less than 0.001). The same phenomenon was observed by depolarization with 50 mmol/l KCl in Ca2+-containing medium. There were no significant differences among the rat strains in basal levels of [Ca2+]i. If Ca2+ plays a role in the blunted cGMP response to ANF in vascular smooth muscle cells of the SHR, this effect may be exerted by a distinct pool of the ion in the submembrane domain which is associated with the particulate guanylate cyclase system.     

YC-1, a novel activator of platelet guanylate cyclase

YC-1 [3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole] inhibited the aggregation of and ATP release from washed rabbit platelets induced by arachidonic acid (AA), collagen, U46619, platelet-activating factor (PAF), and thrombin in a concentration-dependent manner. YC-1 also disaggregated the clumped platelets caused by these inducers. The thromboxane B2 formation caused by collagen, PAF, and thrombin was inhibited by concentrations of YC-1 that did not affect formation of thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin D2 caused by AA. YC-1 suppressed the increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate caused by these five aggregation inducers. Both the cAMP and cGMP contents of platelets were increased by YC-1 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Like sodium nitroprusside, YC- 1 potentiated formation of cAMP caused by prostaglandin E1 but not that by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Adenylate cyclase and cAMP phosphodiesterase activities were not altered by YC-1. Activity of cGMP phosphodiesterase was unaffected by YC-1. Activities of guanylate cyclase in platelet homogenate and cytosolic fraction were activated by YC-1, whereas particulate guanylate cyclase activity was unaffected. The antiplatelet effect of sodium nitroprusside but not that of YC-1 was blocked by hemoglobin and potentiated by superoxide dismutase. After intraperitoneal administration for 30 minutes, YC-1 prolonged the tail bleeding time of conscious mice. These data indicate that YC-1 is a direct soluble guanylate cyclase activator in rabbit platelets. It may also possess antithrombotic potential in vivo.     

Calcium is an inhibitor of luteinizing hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase in the luteal cell

Both prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and LHRH inhibit LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation and progesterone secretion in the intact luteal cell, but have no effect on LH-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in isolated membranes. The present studies were conducted to assess the possibility that calcium (Ca2+) may mediate the inhibitory activity of PGF2 alpha and LHRH in the rat luteal cell. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ significantly enhanced cAMP accumulation in response to LH by about 2-fold, but blunted LH-stimulated progesterone secretion. Incubation of luteal cells with A23187 caused a highly significant and dose-related decrease in LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation with a concentration for half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of about 1 microM. No effect of A23187 was seen on LH-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity, but the ionophore elicited significant inhibition of LH-stimulated intracellular cAMP accumulation in the presence of isobutyl-methylxanthine (MIX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Inhibition by A23187 was Ca2+ dependent, since a decrease in extracellular Ca2+ to less than 100 microM completely blocked the effect of the ionophore. A23187 also significantly inhibited LH-stimulated progesterone secretion in response to LH or cholera toxin and inhibited cholera toxin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in the absence or presence of MIX. In incubations of isolated luteal membranes, Ca2+ produced a dose-dependent inhibition of LH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the absence or presence of MIX at free Ca2+ levels between 5-20 microM (IC50, approximately 10 microM). Depletion of extracellular Ca2+ had no effect on inhibition of LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation by PGF2 alpha in the intact cell, and the inhibitory activity of LHRH was slightly reduced, but not abolished, by depletion of extracellular Ca2+. Verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, had no effect on inhibition of LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation by PGF2 alpha or LHRH. It is concluded that an acute increase in intracellular Ca2+ inhibits activation of adenylate cyclase by LH in the rat luteal cell. This conclusion is based on studies that showed enhanced cAMP accumulation by LH in Ca2+-depleted media, Ca2+-dependent inhibition of LH-stimulated cAMP production by a Ca2+ ionophore, and direct inhibition of LH-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity by Ca2+ in luteal membranes. It is suggested that a similar effect occurs in response to PGF2 alpha or LHRH in the luteal cell, but inhibition by these luteolytic agents is not dependent on an influx of extracellular Ca2+, but, rather, is due to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ by other mechanisms.     

Calmodulin independence of human duodenal adenylate cyclase.

The calmodulin and calcium dependence of human adenylate cyclase from the second part of the duodenum was assessed in washed particulate preparations of biopsy specimens by investigating (a) the concentration dependent effects of free [Ca2+] on enzyme activity, (b) the effects of exogenous calmodulin on enzyme activity in ethylene glycol bis (b-aminoethyl ether)N,N'-tetra-acetic acid (EGTA) washed particulate preparations, and (c) the effects of calmodulin antagonists on enzyme activity. Both basal (IC50 = 193.75 (57.5) nmol/l (mean (SEM)) and NaF stimulated (IC50 = 188.0 (44.0) nmol/l) adenylate cyclase activity was strongly inhibited by free [Ca2+] greater than 90 nmol/l. Free [Ca2+] less than 90 nmol/l had no effect on adenylate cyclase activity. NaF stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was inhibited by 50% at 2.5 mmol/l EGTA. This inhibition could not be reversed by free Ca2+. The addition of exogenous calmodulin to EGTA (5 mmol/l) washed particulate preparations failed to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity. Trifluoperazine and N-(8-aminohexyl)-5-IODO-1-naphthalene-sulphonamide (IODO 8) did not significantly inhibit basal and NaF stimulated adenylate cyclase activity when measured at concentrations of up to 100 mumol/l. These results suggest that human duodenal adenylate cyclase activity is calmodulin independent but is affected by changes in free [Ca2+].     

Correlation of nitric oxide and atrial natriuretic peptide changes with altered cGMP homeostasis in liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Cyclic GMP (cGMP) concentration is increased in plasma of patients with liver cirrhosis. Three possible mechanisms may contribute: increased cGMP synthesis by soluble (activated by nitric oxide), or particulate (activated by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)) guanylate cyclase or increased release from cells. AIM: The aim of this work was to analyze the possible contributors to increased plasma cGMP and to assess whether changes in the parameters of the system vary with the degree of liver disease (Child Pugh score) or by the presence of ascites. METHODS: We measured cGMP in plasma and lymphocytes, soluble guanylate cyclase activation by nitric oxide in lymphocytes, nitrates and nitrites and ANPs (activator of particulate guanylate cyclase) in plasma. We analyzed the correlation between changes in different parameters to discern which parameters contribute to increased plasma cGMP. RESULTS: The plasma content of nitrates+nitrites, ANP and cGMP are increased. Activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by nitric oxide is increased in patients while basal cGMP in lymphocytes is decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Both increased ANP and increased activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by nitric oxide contribute to increased plasma cGMP in patients. The concentrations of ANP and cGMP in plasma increase with the degree of disease and are higher in patients with ascites.     

Atrial natriuretic peptide, oxytocin, and vasopressin increase guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate in LLC-PK1 kidney epithelial cells

The effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), arginine vasopressin (AVP), and oxytocin (OT) on cAMP and cGMP accumulation was investigated in LLC-PK1 kidney epithelial cells. The addition of ANP, AVP, and OT to intact cells produced a time- and concentration-dependent increase in cGMP accumulation. ANP produced a 1.7-fold increase in cGMP at 10 pM and a maximal 28-fold increase in cGMP at 1 microM. ANP had no effect on basal or AVP-induced stimulation of cAMP accumulation. OT was 10-fold more potent than AVP at increasing cGMP levels, producing a 2.1-fold increase in cGMP at 0.1 nM, whereas AVP was 100-fold more potent at increasing cAMP levels. At a concentration of 1 microM, AVP and OT produced a maximal 12 to 14-fold increase in cGMP, while OT and AVP produced 50- and 90-fold increase in cAMP, respectively. The selective OT agonist [Thr4, Gly7]oxytocin was very effective at increasing cGMP, but not at increasing cAMP levels. The V2-vasopressin agonist [deamino-Pen1,Val4, D-Arg8]vasopressin did not increase cGMP levels, but produced a 20-fold increase in cAMP levels. The addition of ANP together with either AVP or OT produced an additive increase in cGMP content. Simultaneous addition of AVP and OT did not lead to a greater increase in cAMP or cGMP levels. These results suggest that the AVP- and OT-induced increase in cGMP is mediated by OT receptors, whereas the increase in cAMP is probably mediated by vasopressin receptors. ANP increased the activity of particulate guanylate cyclase by 6-fold, while AVP and OT has no effect on particulate guanylate cyclase activity. The relatively selective inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, methylene blue, had no effect on the ANP-induced increase in cGMP content in intact cells, but produced a 50% inhibition of the increase in cGMP by AVP and OT. Methylene blue did not alter the stimulation of cAMP by AVP or OT. These results demonstrate that ANP, AVP, and OT increase cGMP in LLC-PK1 kidney epithelial cells. The increase in cGMP by ANP is mediated by particulate guanylate cyclase, whereas AVP and OT probably increase cGMP by interacting with OT receptors coupled to soluble guanylate cyclase.