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Biomedical subjects

K S Murthy

Publications and source records attributed to K S Murthy.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Somatostatin receptor-mediated signaling in smooth muscle. Activation of phospholipase C-beta3 by Gbetagamma and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by Galphai1 and Galphao.

In COS-7 cells, all five cloned somatostatin receptors are coupled via inhibitory G proteins to activation of an unidentified phospholipase C-beta (PLC-beta) isozyme and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. In the present study, intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMC) that express only one receptor type, sstr3, and possess a full complement of G proteins and PLC-beta isozymes were used to identify the PLC-beta isozyme and the G proteins coupled to it and to adenylyl cyclase. Somatostatin-14 bound with high affinity to intestinal SMC; stimulated D-myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation, Ca2+ release, and contraction; and inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation in a pertussis toxin-sensitive fashion. Somatostatin also stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in plasma membranes. Only those somatostatin analogs that shared a high affinity for sstr3 receptors elicited muscle contraction. IP3 formation, Ca2+ release, and contraction in permeabilized SMC and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in plasma membranes were inhibited (approximately 80%) by pretreatment with antibodies to PLC-beta3 but not other PLC-beta isozymes, and by antibodies to Gbeta but not Galpha. Inhibition of cAMP formation was partially blocked by antibody to Galphai1 or Galphao and additively blocked by a combination of both antibodies. Somatostatin-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS-Galpha complexes in plasma membranes were bound selectively by Galphai1 and Galphao antibodies. We conclude that in smooth muscle sstr3 is coupled to Gi1 and Go; the alpha subunits of both G proteins mediate inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, while the betagamma subunits mediate activation of PLC-beta3.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin

A new technique of arterial switch operation with in situ coronary reallocation for transposition of great arteries.

Coronary artery translocation is the most important step in achieving a successful result in arterial switch operations. Although a few centers have reported excellent results, coronary artery transfer requires a high technical expertise. We report a new technique of arterial switch operation without coronary translocation. By creating flaps in the proximal great arteries, the coronaries are transferred to the neoaorta without distortion of their original anatomic position. This technique avoids problems related to coronary translocation. Because coronary buttons are not excised, there is no need for nonviable material to be used in reconstruction of neopulmonary artery. Arterial wall is sutured to arterial wall, so postoperative bleeding is lessened. This technique can be used for any type of coronary anomaly and great arterial relationship. Coronary perfusion is well maintained. Two patients with transposition variants and ventricular septal defects have been operated on successfully with this technique. Postoperative investigations showed good coronary perfusion, without right or left ventricular outflow obstruction or leakage through the semilunar valves. This technique achieves anatomic correction for transposition of the great arteries, just as a conventional arterial switch operation does, but it avoids problems related to coronary artery translocation. We believe that it is a much simpler, more reliable, and more reproducible operation than others in current use, and it can be carried out by many cardiac surgeons with acceptable results. The early results are encouraging, although longer follow-up and more cases are essential.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures

Stoichiometry of neurally induced VIP release, NO formation, and relaxation in rabbit and rat gastric muscle.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) release, nitric oxide (NO) formation, and relaxation induced by nerve stimulation were examined in rabbit and rat gastric muscle. VIP stimulated NO formation in muscle strips, whereas NO stimulated VIP release. Nerve stimulation (0.025-16 Hz or 2-940 pulses) elicited frequency-dependent stimulation of VIP release, NO formation, and relaxation, all significant at two to three pulses. NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NMA) abolished NO formation, abolished VIP release and relaxation at low frequencies, and partly inhibited them at higher frequencies. Oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) inhibited VIP release and relaxation by 80% at low frequencies and 20-30% at higher frequencies. VIP-(10-28) abolished NO formation and relaxation at lower frequencies and partly inhibited them at higher frequencies; in contrast, VIP-(10-28) augmented VIP release in both species. The pattern of inhibition was similar in both species. Inhibition of maximal NO formation by VIP-(10-28) (82% in rabbit; 48% in rat) implied that a major component of NO is formed in muscle cells by the action of VIP. Thus 1) inhibition of relaxation by L-NNA reflects suppression of NO and VIP release from nerve terminals and NO formation in muscle cells, 2) inhibition by VIP-(10-28) partly reflects suppression of NO formation in muscle cells, and 3) inhibition by oxy-Hb reflects neutralization of extracellular NO and suppression of VIP release. The study demonstrates the dual origin of NO from nerves and muscle and its interplay with VIP in regulating relaxation.

Animals

Opioid mu, delta, and kappa receptor-induced activation of phospholipase C-beta 3 and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase is mediated by Gi2 and G(o) in smooth muscle.

In neurons and transformed cell lines, opioid receptors are coupled to various signaling mechanisms involved in Ca2+ mobilization, including inhibition or activation of Ca2+ channels and phospholipase C-beta (PLC-beta), the enzyme responsible for generation of the Ca2+ mobilizing messenger inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]. In the current study, we used selective PLC-beta and G protein antibodies to identify the PLC-beta isozyme activated by opioid receptors in intestinal smooth muscle and the G proteins to which the PLC-beta isozyme and adenylyl cyclase are coupled. [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]Enkephalin, a delta receptor agonist, stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation, Ca2+ release, and contraction; inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation in dispersed muscle cells; and stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in plasma membranes; all of the effects were blocked by pertussis toxin. [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]Enkephalin-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation, Ca2+ release, and contraction in permeabilized muscle cells and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in plasma membranes were selectively blocked by G beta antibody and PLC-beta 3 antibody; contractions stimulated by [D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin, a mu receptor agonist, and U-69,593, a kappa receptor agonist, were also blocked by G beta and PLC-beta 3 antibodies. Inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation by delta, mu, and kappa receptor agonists was partially blocked by G alpha i2 and G alpha o antibodies and additively blocked by a combination of the antibodies. The delta, mu, and kappa receptor agonists stimulated the binding of guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate to the alpha subunits of Gi2 and G(o) but not to the alpha subunits of other G proteins. We conclude that opioid mu, delta, and kappa receptors are selectively coupled to Gi2 and G(o) in intestinal smooth muscle. The beta gamma subunits of both G proteins activate PLC-beta 3, thereby stimulating Ins(1,4,5)P3-dependent Ca2+ release and smooth muscle contraction, whereas the alpha subunits inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors

Surgical experience of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection with mid-term follow-up in a developing country.

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the incidence, the different age group, varied clinical presentation, incremental risk factors for surgery and follow-up results from this part of the world. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Retrospective study with follow-up from 3 months to 5 years. SETTING: Institutional practice with hospitalised care. SELECTION PROCEDURE: Hospitalised patients with a diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. INTERVENTIONS: All patients who were diagnosed to have total anomalous pulmonary venous connection underwent corrective surgery. RESULTS: There were 20 hospital deaths postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 1.9 year. Logistic regression analysis identified age group, timing of surgery, associated anomalies preoperative symptoms, anatomical type of lesion, pulmonary artery hypertension, duration of ventilation, low cardiac output as risk factors for surgery. The mean survival time was 4-8 years. CONCLUSION: Mortality continues to be higher from this part of the world due to severe malnourishment, late presentation. Sociodemographic factors also play a major role in affecting surgical outcome apart from the identified risk factors for surgery.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures

Coexpression of 5-HT2A and 5-HT4 receptors coupled to distinct signaling pathways in human intestinal muscle cells.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The type and function of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) receptors on intestinal muscle cells in humans are not known. 5-HT receptors were characterized pharmacologically and by radioligand binding. METHODS: Contraction, relaxation, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) formation, and 5-HT binding were measured in dispersed muscle cells and in cells in which only one receptor type was preserved by selective receptor protection. RESULTS: 5-HT binding was completely inhibited by 5-HT and partially by 5-HT2A (ketanserin), 5-HT4 (SDZ-205,557), and 5-HT1p (N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan amide; 5-HTP-DP) receptor antagonists. 5-HT caused contraction that was inhibited by ketanserin and augmented by SDZ-205,557 and 5-HTP-DP. In the presence of ketanserin, 5-HT caused relaxation of cholecystokinin-contracted cells that was inhibited by SDZ-205,557 and 5-HTP-DP. 5-HT increased IP3, which was inhibited by ketanserin, and cAMP, which was inhibited by SDZ-205,557 and 5-HTP-DP. In cells with only 5-HT2A receptors, 5-HT caused contraction only, and residual binding was inhibited by ketanserin. In cells with only 5-HT4/5-HT1p receptors, 5-HT caused only relaxation and residual binding was inhibited by SDZ-205,557 and 5-HTP-DP. CONCLUSIONS: 5-HT2A receptors mediating contraction and 5-HT4 receptors mediating relaxation coexist on human intestinal muscle cells. The 5-HT4 receptors are closely similar or identical to 5-HT1p receptors.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid

Surgical treatment of transposition of great arteries with interrupted pulmonary artery: a rare association of embryopathies.

The first case of TGA with VSD, ASD, and interrupted LPA and its successful surgical treatment is being reported along with a review of the relevant literature. The dominant presenting clinical features have been explained and an attempt has been made to explain the paucity of records in regard to this embryopathy. An arterial switch for TGA and a glutaraldehyde pretreated autologous pericardial roll for repair of interrupted LPA were carried out. Pre- and postoperative hemodynamics and angiography data are also presented.

Ductus Arteriosus, Patent

Interaction of cA-kinase and cG-kinase in mediating relaxation of dispersed smooth muscle cells.

The signaling pathways mediating relaxation by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), peptide histidine-isoleucine amide (PHI), isoproterenol (ISO), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were examined in dispersed rabbit and guinea pig gastric muscle cells. In rabbit muscle cells, SNP stimulated only guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cG-kinase) activity; VIP stimulated adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and cGMP, and both cG-kinase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cA-kinase) activities; PHI and ISO stimulated only cAMP and cA-kinase activity, and at higher concentrations, cross-activated cG-kinase. All four agents elicited concentration-dependent relaxation. N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H-89; 1 microM) selectively inhibited cA-kinase activity and abolished relaxation when only cA-kinase was elevated. 8R,9S, 11S-(-)-9-methoxy-carbamyl-8-methyl-2,3,9,10-tetrahydro-8,11-epoxy- 1H,8H,11H-2,7b,11a-trizadibenzo-(a,g)-cy-cloocta-(c,d,e)- trinden-1-one (KT-5823; 1 microM) selectively inhibited cG-kinase activity and abolished relaxation when only cG-kinase was elevated. When both kinases were elevated, H-89 and KT-5823 partially inhibited relaxation and abolished relaxation in combination. In permeabilized guinea pig and rabbit muscle cells, all agents elicited relaxation and inhibited inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-induced Ca2+ release. Both functions were inhibited in parallel fashion by protein kinase inhibitor PKI(6-22) and by KT-5823. We conclude that cA-kinase and cG-kinase act separately and in concert to inhibit IP3-dependent Ca2+ release and induce relaxation.

Animals

Functional characterization of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C-beta 1 and -beta 3 in intestinal smooth muscle.

Soluble and membrane phosphoinositide-specific phospholipases obtained separately from dispersed circular and longitudinal intestinal muscle cells were characterized for substrate specificity and G protein dependence using selective antibodies to various isoforms of phospholipase C (PLC) and G protein subunits. Western blot analysis disclosed the presence of the main PLC isozymes, PLC-gamma 1, PLC-delta 1, and PLC-beta 1. Soluble PLC from circular and longitudinal muscle was stimulated by guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiophosphate) and inhibited by PLC-beta 1 antibody (80-90%) and PLC-beta 3 antibody (approximately 25%) but not by G protein antibodies. Membrane PLC from circular and longitudinal muscle was stimulated by cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) and inhibited selectively by PLC-beta 1 antibody (85%), PLC-beta 3 antibody (15%), and G alpha q/11 antibody (90%). CCK-8-induced contraction in permeabilized circular muscle cells was also selectively inhibited by PLC-beta 1 antibody (76%), PLC-beta 3 antibody (24%), and G alpha q/11 antibody (86%). The combined effects of PLC-beta 1 and PLC-beta 3 antibodies on PLC activity and muscle contraction were additive, causing complete inhibition. Soluble and membrane PLC from circular and longitudinal muscle were immunologically similar but functionally different. The enzymes from circular muscle preferentially hydrolyzed endogenous and exogenous phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PIP2), confirming previous findings of preferential hydrolysis of PIP2 in dispersed intestinal circular muscle cells.

Animals

Agonist-mediated activation of PLA2 initiates Ca2+ mobilization in intestinal longitudinal smooth muscle.

Recent studies have shown that Ca2+ mobilization in longitudinal muscle is initiated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-independent Ca2+ influx that acts as a trigger for Ca(2+)-induced Ca2R release. The present study examined whether arachidonic acid (AA) acts as mediator of the initial Ca2+ influx. Cholecystokinin octapeptide caused transient concentration-dependent increase in AA release in dispersed intestinal longitudinal but not circular muscle cells followed by sustained increase in both muscle cell types. The initial increase in AA release coincided with the initial Ca2+ transient and muscle contraction: all three events were abolished by guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), pertussis toxin (PTX), and the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor, dimethyleicosadienoic acid, but were not affected by calphostin C or neomycin. Exogenous AA caused concentration-dependent contraction and increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in longitudinal but not circular muscle cells; both events were abolished by Ca2+ channel blockers. Depletion of Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin attenuated with thapsigargin attenuated agonist- and AA-mediated increase in [Ca2+]i and contraction in longitudinal muscle cells: the residual [Ca2+]i increase (35%) and contraction (25%) reflected the component of Ca2+ influx. We conclude that AA released by agonist-mediated G protein-dependent PTX-sensitive activation of PLA2 mediates Ca2+ influx, which then triggers Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. The process is independent of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and occurs exclusively in longitudinal smooth muscle, in which Ca2+ release channels are highly sensitive to Ca2+, ryanodine, and cyclic ADP-ribose and insensitive to IP3.

Animals

Adenosine A1 receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C-beta 3 in intestinal muscle: dual requirement for alpha and beta gamma subunits of Gi3.

Four native and cloned adenosine receptors (ARs), designated A1AR, A2aAR, A2bAR, and A3AR, have been characterized functionally and by radioligand binding. In the present study, we have used selective antibodies to identify the G protein subunits and phospholipase C (PLC)-beta isoform coupled to A1ARs in smooth muscle membranes and permeabilized muscle cells from rabbit intestine. Immunoblot analysis disclosed the presence of a full complement of G proteins. Adenosine caused contraction of dispersed muscle cells and increases in D-myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, intracellular calcium, and cAMP levels. Contraction and the increases in D-myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate and intracellular calcium levels were abolished by the A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine and augmented by the A2 antagonist CGS-15943; the reverse occurred with cAMP. A selective A1AR agonist, cyclopentyladenosine, inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation; the inhibition was reversed by treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin or a G alpha i3-specific antibody. The pattern of inhibition implied coexistence of A1ARs and A2ARs coupled to interactive signaling pathways, with A2ARs mediating activation of adenylyl cyclase and A1ARs mediating activation of PLC and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Adenosine-stimulated PLC activity in muscle membranes was selectively blocked by G alpha i3- and G beta-specific antibodies, as well as by a PLC-beta 3-specific antibody, but not by antibodies to other PLC-beta isoforms or G proteins. A combination of maximally effective concentrations of G alpha i3- and G beta-specific antibodies did not elicit greater inhibition than did either alone. In contrast, cholecystokinin-stimulated PLC activity was selectively blocked by PLC-beta 1- and G alpha q/11-specific antibodies. Adenosine-stimulated contraction and 45Ca2+ efflux in permeabilized muscle cells were also selectively blocked by G alpha i3-, G beta-, and PLC-beta 3-specific antibodies, whereas cholecystokinin-stimulated contraction was selectively blocked by PLC-beta 1- and G alpha q/11-specific antibodies. The results indicate that A1ARs are coupled to PLC-beta 3 via both alpha and beta gamma subunits of Gi3.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors

Adenosine A1 and A2b receptors coupled to distinct interactive signaling pathways in intestinal muscle cells.

Adenosine receptors and the signaling pathways to which they are coupled were examined in dispersed intestinal muscle cells. The receptors were characterized by their ability to induce contraction or relaxation, mobilize Ca2+ and stimulate or inhibit cAMP, in naive cells and in cells where only one receptor type was preserved by selective receptor protection. Adenosine elicited contraction and increased [Ca2+]i and cAMP; the contraction was mimicked by the A1 selective agonist, cyclopentyladenosine. A selective A1 antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, and pertussis toxin abolished contraction and the increase in [Ca2+]i and augmented the increase in cAMP. Conversely, a preferential A2 antagonist, 9-chloro-2-(2-furyl) [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolin-5-amine augmented contraction and the increase in [Ca2+]i and abolished the increase in cAMP; a cAMP-kinase inhibitor, Rp-cAMP[S], had a similar effect, augmenting contraction and the increase in [Ca2+]i. Adenosine elicited also relaxation of maximally contracted cells that increased or decreased in parallel with cAMP. The selective A2a agonist, 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine, was a very weak relaxant agent, and the selective A2a antagonist, 8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine, had no effect on adenosine-induced relaxation. In cells where only A1 receptors were preserved, the cAMP response to adenosine was abolished, although contraction and [Ca2+]i were increased to the same extent as when naive cells were treated with the A2 antagonist. Conversely, in cells where only A2 receptors were preserved, contraction and the increase in [Ca2+]i were abolished and the increase in cAMP was augmented to the same level as when naive cells were treated with the A1 antagonist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine

Agonist-mediated activation of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C and D in intestinal smooth muscle.

The contributions of phosphoinositide (PI)- and phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific phospholipases [PI-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), PC-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC), and phospholipase D (PLD)] to diacylglycerol (DAG) formation and regulation of the enzymes by G proteins, Ca2+, and protein kinase C (PKC) were examined in dispersed intestinal circular and longitudinal muscle cells. DAG formation induced by cholecystokinin was biphasic and paralleled by PKC activity. The initial phase (approximately 1 min) was mediated by PI-PLC in circular muscle cells and by both PI- and PC-PLC in longitudinal muscle cells, whereas the sustained phase was mediated by PC-PLC and PLD in both cell types. PC-PLC activity during the initial phase was identified by rapid formation of the initial products [3H]phosphocholine (5 sec) and [3H]myristate-labeled DAG (approximately 15 sec). PLD activity did not contribute to DAG formation during the initial phase, and PI hydrolysis had no effect on PC-PLC or PLD activity during the initial or sustained phases. PLD activity during the sustained phase was evident by the formation of [3H]phosphatidylethanol, a PLD-specific transphosphatidylation product. Dephosphorylation of phosphatidic acid (PA) by phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PPH) accounted for about 50% of DAG formation; inhibition of PPH activity by propranolol or suppression of PA formation by ethanol inhibited DAG formation by 59-69% and 57-62%, respectively. Residual DAG in the presence of ethanol was augmented 55-57% by DAG kinase inhibitor, whereas residual PA was inhibited by 60-67%, implying that PA was derived from DAG, and DAG from PLC-mediated PC hydrolysis. In the presence of ethanol, calphostin C inhibited phosphatidylethanol formation but had no effect on PA or DAG levels, implying that only PLD activity was modulated by PKC. Maintenance of resting intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, rather than an agonist-induced increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, was required for optimal PC-PLC and PLD activity. Guanosine-5'-O-(beta-thio)diphosphate abolished DAG and PA formation in reversibly permeabilized muscle cells. We conclude that DAG formation in intestinal muscle is mediated by time-dependent activation of three phospholipases (PI-PLC, PC-PLC, and PLD) and two converting enzymes (DAG kinase and PPH). PC-PLC and PLD are Ca2+ dependent and appear to be G protein coupled; only PLD is PKC sensitive.

Animals

Fluoride activates G protein-dependent and -independent pathways in dispersed intestinal smooth muscle cells.

The existence of G protein-dependent and -independent mechanisms activated by sodium fluoride was examined in muscle cells isolated separately from the circular and longitudinal layers of guinea pig intestine. The cells were transiently permeabilized by incubation with Trans. Port Reagent in the presence or absence of GDP beta S (100 microM) and then re-sealed. In the absence of GDP beta S, NaF (1 mM) induced contraction and caused an increase in [Ca2+]i, IP3 and diacylglycerol levels and in protein kinase C (PKC) activity in both cell types. In the presence of GDP beta S, the increases in IP3, DAG and PKC were abolished whereas contraction and the increase in [Ca2+]i were partly inhibited. Residual contraction and [Ca2+]i were abolished by the Ca2+ channel blocker, methoxyverapamil. We conclude that contraction and Ca2+ mobilization induced by NaF is mediated by G protein activation as well as by a G protein-independent mechanism involving activation of plasmalemmal Ca2+ channels.

Animals

Vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide-dependent activation of membrane-bound NO synthase in smooth muscle mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi1-2.

Plasma membranes isolated from dispersed gastric muscle cells exhibited calmodulin-dependent NOS activity that was stimulated by Ca2+ in the range 0.1-1 mM (maximum 10 microM). Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) (in the presence of GTP), and GTP gamma S (guanosine 5'-O-(gamma-thio)triphosphate) stimulated NOS activity in a concentration-dependent fashion above that maximally stimulated by Ca2+. The increase in NOS activity induced by VIP, PACAP, and GTP gamma S was abolished by GDP beta S (guanosine 5'-O-(beta-thio)diphosphate), which had no effect on NOS activity stimulated by Ca2+. The NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine and the calmodulin antagonist calmidazolium abolished NOS activity stimulated by all agents including Ca2+. NOS activity stimulated by GTP gamma S, VIP, and PACAP was inhibited by Gi alpha 1-2 antibody but not by Gq alpha, Gs alpha, and Gi alpha 3 antibodies. NOS activity stimulated by VIP and PACAP was inhibited by 80-83% in membranes derived from pertussis toxin-treated cells. We conclude that a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent NOS present in plasma membranes of gastric muscle cells is activated by two homologous peptide transmitters, VIP and PACAP, via a common receptor coupled to pertussis toxin (PTx)-sensitive Gi1-2. The study provides the first evidence of receptor-mediated G protein activation of NOS in smooth muscle cells.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin

Agonist-activated, ryanodine-sensitive, IP3-insensitive Ca2+ release channels in longitudinal muscle of intestine.

We have previously shown that Ca2+ mobilization in longitudinal muscle is not mediated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and depends on an obligatory influx of Ca2+. The present study examined whether Ca2+ influx activates ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channels to cause Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. Ryanodine bound with high affinity to longitudinal muscle cells [dissociation constant (Kd) 7.3 +/- 0.3 nM] and microsomes (Kd 7.5 +/- 0.4 nM) and induced concentration-dependent 45Ca2+ efflux [50% effective concentration (EC50) 1.3 +/- 0.5 nM], increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ (EC50 2.0 +/- 0.7 nM), and contraction (EC50 0.9 +/- 0.2 nM) but had no effect in circular muscle cells. Ryanodine binding and ryanodine-induced Ca2+ release were enhanced by caffeine and inhibited by dantrolene and ruthenium red but were not affected by IP3 or heparin. Changes in Ca2+ concentration (50-500 nM) caused Ca2+ release from permeabilized longitudinal but not circular muscle cells loaded with 45Ca2+. The contractile agonist cholecystokinin-8 elicited 45Ca2+ efflux in both circular and longitudinal muscle cells; efflux in longitudinal muscle cells was abolished by Ca2+ channel blockers and by pretreatment of the cells with ryanodine. Pretreatment with thapsigargin abolished agonist-induced 45Ca2+ efflux in both cell types. We conclude that ryanodine-sensitive IP3-insensitive Ca2+ release channels with properties similar to those in cardiac muscle are present in longitudinal but not circular muscle cells of intestine and that agonist-mediated Ca2+ influx activates these channels, leading to Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release.

Animals

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity in dispersed gastric muscle cells by protein kinase C.

The present study examined whether NO synthase (NOS) activity in gastric muscle cells was inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC). Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) increased L-[3H]citrulline production (a coproduct and index of NO synthesis) in muscle strips (81.9 +/- 11.6%) and dispersed muscle cells (80.9 +/- 4.6%) of rabbit stomach. Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), carbachol, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) inhibited VIP-induced L-[3H]citrulline production in muscle cells and muscle strips; the inhibition was reversed by pretreatment with the PKC inhibitor, calphostin C. The Ca(2+)-mobilizing agents, CCK-8, acetylcholine, ionomycin, and KCl, all of which increased PKC activity in dispersed muscle cells, did not increase L-[3H]citrulline production. After treatment of the cells with calphostin C, all four agents stimulated L-[3H]citrulline production, although to a lesser extent than VIP (approximately 50%). VIP-induced relaxation of basal but not carbachol-stimulated tension was accompanied by increase in L-[3H]citrulline production and was inhibited by the NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). Preincubation of carbachol-treated muscle strips with calphostin C restored the ability of VIP to stimulate L-[3H]citrulline production and the ability of L-NNA to inhibit VIP-induced relaxation. We conclude that 1) VIP-stimulated NOS activity is inhibited by agents that increase PKC activity in gastric smooth muscle cells, and 2) agents that increase both cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration and PKC activity stimulate NOS activity only when PKC activity is suppressed.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases