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Biomedical subjects

R M Richardson

Publications and source records attributed to R M Richardson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Role of phospholipase Cbeta3 phosphorylation in the desensitization of cellular responses to platelet-activating factor.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) stimulates a diverse array of cellular responses through receptors coupled to G proteins that activate phospholipase C (PLC). Truncation of the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor to remove phosphorylation sites (mutant PAF receptor, mPAFR) results in enhancement of PAF-stimulated responses. Here we demonstrate that PAF or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) pretreatment inhibited wild type PAFR-induced PLC-mediated responses by approximately 90%, whereas these responses to the phosphorylation-deficient mPAFR were inhibited by approximately 50%, despite normal G protein coupling, suggesting a distal inhibitory locus. PAF and PMA, as well as a membrane permeable cyclic AMP analog, stimulated phosphorylation of PLCbeta3. A protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor blocked phosphorylation of PLCbeta3 stimulated by PAF and PMA but not by cAMP. Activation of protein kinase A (PKA) by cAMP did not result in inhibition of Ca2+ mobilization stimulated by PAF. In contrast, cAMP did inhibit the response to formylpeptide chemoattractant receptor. These data suggest that homologous desensitization of PAF-mediated responses is regulated via phosphorylation at two levels in the signaling pathway, one at the receptor and the other at PLCbeta3 mediated by PKC but not by PKA. Phosphorylation of PLCbeta3 by PKA could explain the inhibition of formylpeptide chemoattractant receptor signaling by cAMP. As PAF and formylpeptide chemoattractant receptors activate PLC via different G proteins, phosphorylation of PLCbeta3 by PKC and PKA could provide distinct regulatory control for classes of G protein-coupled receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Sodium nitroprusside exacerbates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: The role of nitric oxide in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion is controversial. Although many studies claim that nitric oxide ameliorates reperfusion injury, others suggest that it exacerbates such injury, possibly through peroxynitrite production. These discordant results may be attributable to a dose-dependent phenomenon. METHODS: Isolated rabbit hearts sustained sequential periods of blood perfusion (20 minutes), warm ischemia (30 minutes), and reperfusion (20 minutes). During reperfusion, four groups underwent intracoronary infusion of saline solution (n = 6), or the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (100 nm/min [SNP100, n = 6], 1 nmol x L(-1)/min(-1) [SNP1, n = 6], or 0.01 nmol x L(-1) x min(-1) [SNP0.01]). Left ventricular-developed pressure and oxygen consumption were measured after preischemic perfusion and reperfusion. Levels of myocardial nitrotyrosine, a marker for peroxynitrite, were measured after reperfusion with an immunoradiochemical assay. RESULTS: Postischemic-developed pressure and myocardial oxygen consumption were significantly higher in the saline group than all nitroprusside-reperfused groups (p < 0.01 for both parameters). However, there were no differences in either parameter between SNP100, SNP1, or SNP0.01. Nitrotyrosine levels were similar among the four groups (p = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: Nitroprusside exacerbates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury over a wide range of doses, although the mechanism does not appear to be mediated by peroxynitrite.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Mechanisms of inflammation and leukocyte activation.

This article reviews the current status of the knowledge of mechanisms of activating inflammatory responses. It also describes inflammatory mediators, adhesion proteins, the inflammatory process itself, and the molecular mechanisms controlling inflammatory cell activation and regulation.

Antigen Presentation↗
PubMed1997

Prediction of early death in end-stage renal disease patients starting dialysis.

Demand for dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease is growing, as is the comorbidity of dialysis patients. Accurate prediction of those destined to die quickly despite dialysis could be useful to patients, providers, and society in making decisions about starting dialysis. To determine whether age and comorbidity accurately predict death within 6 months of first dialysis for end-stage renal disease, a prospective cohort study of 822 patients starting dialysis at one of 11 Canadian centers was performed. Patient characteristics were recorded at first dialysis. Follow-up continued until death or study end (at least 6 months after enrollment). One hundred thirteen of 822 (13.7%) patients died within 6 months. Although an existing scoring system predicted prognosis, adverse scores greater than 9 were found in only 9.7% of those who died; only 52% of those who scored higher than 9 died within 6 months. No score cutoff point combined high true-positive and low false-positive rates for predicting early death. Age, severity of heart failure or peripheral vascular disease, arrhythmias, malnutrition, malignancy, or myeloma were independent prognostic factors identified in multivariate models. However, the best fit discriminant and logistic models were also unable to accurately predict death within 6 months. Clinicians were very accurate in assigning patients to prognostic groups up to a 50% risk of death by 6 months, above which they tended to overestimate risk. However, clinicians were only marginally better than the predictive models in determining whether a given high-risk patient would die. The inability of a scoring system or clinical intuition to accurately predict death soon after starting dialysis for end-stage renal disease suggests that limiting access to dialysis on the basis of likely short survival may be inappropriate in Canada.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Cross-desensitization among receptors for platelet activating factor and peptide chemoattractants. Evidence for independent regulatory pathways.

Cross-desensitization among receptors for peptide chemoattractants have been shown to involve two independent processes, receptor phosphorylation and inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) activation. Receptors for lipid chemoattractants, i.e. platelet activating factor (PAF) and leukotriene B4, did not inhibit the responses of peptide chemoattractant receptors, suggesting distinct signaling pathways. To examine cross-desensitization between receptors for lipid and peptide chemoattractants, cDNA encoding the PAF receptor (PAFR) was co-expressed into RBL-2H3 cells with cDNAs encoding receptors for either formylated peptides (FR), a product of the fifth component of complement (C5aR) or interleukin-8 A (IL-8RA). PAFR was homologously phosphorylated and desensitized by PAF, and cross-phosphorylated and cross-desensitized by fMet-Leu-Phe, C5a, and IL-8. In contrast, the receptors for peptide chemoattractants were neither cross-phosphorylated nor cross-desensitized by PAF. Staurosporine blocked cross-phosphorylation and cross-desensitization of the PAFR by peptide chemoattractants. Truncation of the cytoplasmic tail of PAFR (mPAFR) abolished its homologous and cross-phosphorylation. mPAFR was also resistant to cross-desensitization by peptide chemoattractants at the level of PLC activation. Interestingly, mPAFR mediated a sustained Ca2+ mobilization in response to PAF and was more active in inducing GTPase activity, phosphoinositide hydrolysis, secretion, and phospholipase D activation than the wild type PAFR. In contrast to PAFR, stimulation of the mPAFR cross-phosphorylated and cross-desensitized responses to IL-8RA. As expected, FR, which is resistant to cross-phosphorylation by C5aR and IL-8RA, was not phosphorylated by mPAFR. However, unlike C5aR and IL-8RA, mPAFR did not inhibit the ability of FR to activate PLC. Blocking Ca2+ influx inhibited mPAFR-mediated sustained Ca2+ response, phospholipase D activation and secretion, but not phosphoinositide hydrolysis and cross-phosphorylation and cross-desensitization of IL-8RA. The data herein suggest that cross-desensitization of PAFR by peptide chemoattractants is solely due to receptor phosphorylation. The PAFR and the peptide chemoattractant receptors do not cross-regulate each other at the level of PLC, suggesting distinct regulatory pathways.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Thrombin primes responsiveness of selective chemoattractant receptors at a site distal to G protein activation.

To define the molecular basis of human chemoattractant receptor regulation, rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells, which are thrombin-responsive, were transfected to stably express epitope-tagged receptors for C5a, interleukin-8 (IL-8), formylpeptides (e.g. N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)), and platelet-activating factor (PAF). Here we demonstrate that both thrombin and a synthetic peptide ligand for the thrombin receptor (sequence SFLLRN) caused phosphorylation and heterologous desensitization of the receptors for C5a, IL-8, and PAF but not that for formylpeptides as measured by agonist-stimulated [35S]guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate binding to membranes. Consistent with the PAF receptor phosphorylation, both thrombin and thrombin receptor peptide inhibited phosphoinositide hydrolysis, Ca2+ mobilization, and degranulation stimulated by PAF. Unexpectedly, despite heterologous desensitization at the level of receptor/G protein activation, there was enhancement ("priming") by thrombin of subsequent activities stimulated by C5a and IL-8 as well as fMLP. The priming effect of thrombin was blocked by its inhibitor, hirudin. However, two other activators of the thrombin receptor, the peptide SFLLRN and trypsin, stimulated Ca2+ mobilization in RBL-2H3 cells but did not cause priming. In addition, SFLLRN and the thrombin receptor antagonist peptide FLLRN both inhibited thrombin-induced Ca2+ mobilization but not priming. Furthermore, the proteolytically active gamma-thrombin, which does not stimulate the tethered ligand thrombin receptor and caused little or no Ca2+ mobilization in RBL-2H3 cells, effectively primed the response to fMLP. These data demonstrate that heterologous receptor phosphorylation and attenuation of G protein activation are not, by themselves, sufficient for the inhibition of biological responses mediated by C5a and IL-8. Moreover, thrombin appears to utilize mechanism(s) independent of its tethered ligand receptor to selectively prime phospholipase C-mediated biological responses of the C5a, IL-8, and formylpeptide receptors but not PAF. Because C5a, IL-8, and formylpeptide activate phospholipase Cbeta2, whereas PAF stimulates a different phospholipase C, the striking selectivity of thrombin's priming may be mediated via its ability to enhance receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase Cbeta2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Cross-desensitization of chemoattractant receptors occurs at multiple levels. Evidence for a role for inhibition of phospholipase C activity.

To define the molecular mechanisms of cross-regulation among chemoattractant receptors, we stably coexpressed, in a rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cell line, epitope-tagged receptors for the chemoattractants formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP), a peptide of the fifth component of the complement system (C5a), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). All the expressed receptors underwent homologous phosphorylation and desensitization upon agonist stimulation. When co-expressed, epitope-tagged C5a receptor (ET-C5aR) and epitope-tagged IL-8 receptor (ET-IL-8RA) were cross-phosphorylated by activation of the other. Activation of epitope-tagged fMLP receptor (ET-FR) also cross-phosphorylated ET-C5aR and ET-IL-8RA, but ET-FR was totally resistant to cross-phosphorylation. Similarly, C5a and IL-8 stimulation of [35S]guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio) triphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding and Ca2+ mobilization were cross-desensitized by each other and by fMLP. Stimulation of [35S]GTP gamma S binding by fMLP was also not cross-desensitized by C5a or IL-8, however, Ca2+ mobilization was, suggesting a site of inhibition distal to G protein activation. Consistent with this desensitization of Ca2+ mobilization, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate release in RBL-2H3 cells expressing both ET-C5aR and ET-FR revealed that fMLP and C5a cross-desensitized each other's ability to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Taken together, these results indicate that receptor cross-phosphorylation correlates directly with desensitization at the level of G protein activation. The ET-FR was resistant to this process. Of note, cross-desensitization of ET-FR at the level of phosphoinositide hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization was demonstrated in the absence of receptor phosphorylation. This suggests a new form of chemoattractant cross-regulation at a site distal to receptor/G protein coupling, involving the activity of phospholipase C.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Regulation of human interleukin-8 receptor A: identification of a phosphorylation site involved in modulating receptor functions.

The human type A interleukin-8 receptor (IL-8RA) was modified to express an amino-terminal epitope tag and stably overexpressed in a rat basophilic leukemia cell line (RBL-2H3). This receptor (ET-IL-8RA) displayed functional properties similar to those of the native receptor in neutrophils in that exposure to IL-8 stimulated GTPase activity, phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis, intracellular calcium mobilization, and degranulation in a pertussis toxin (PTx) susceptible fashion. IL-8 induced dose- and time-dependent phosphorylation of ET-IL-8RA. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment also resulted in phosphorylation of the receptor although to a lesser extent. Staurosporine totally blocked PMA-induced phosphorylation but only partially inhibited IL-8-mediated phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of ET-IL-8RA correlated with its desensitization as measured by GTPase activation and calcium mobilization. To determine the role of phosphorylation in IL-8RA signal transduction, three mutants lacking specific serine and threonine residues located at the C-terminal of this receptor were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis (M1, M2, and M3). The mutated receptors expressed in RBL-2H3 cells displayed pharmacological properties (Kd approximately 2-2.8 nM and Bmax approximately 3-3.5 pmol/mg of protein) similar to those of the wild-type ET-IL-8RA. M2 and M3, but not M1, showed a marked decrease in IL-8-induced phosphorylation compared to the wild-type receptor. M2 and M3 but not M1 were resistant to PMA-mediated phosphorylation and desensitization and were also more resistant to homologous desensitization than M1 or ET-IL-8RA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1995

Multiple mechanisms involving protein phosphorylation are linked to desensitization of muscarinic receptors.

Agonists induce phosphorylation of m2 muscarinic receptors (mAChR) in several cell types. This phosphorylation correlates with desensitization. The mechanisms underlying mAChR phosphorylation have been investigated using several in vitro approaches. Protein kinase C phosphorylated the purified and reconstituted m2 mAChR to a stoichiometry of approximately 5 mols P/mol receptor; this phosphorylation resulted in the decreased ability of receptors to activate G-proteins. Although the phosphorylation by PKC was not modulated by agonist binding to the mAChR, heterotrimeric G-proteins were able to completely block the PKC-mediated effects. If significant receptor/G-protein coupling occurs in vivo, agonists would be required to promote dissociation of the G-proteins from the receptors and reveal the phosphorylation sites for PKC. Members of the G-protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK) family also phosphorylated the purified and reconstituted m2 mAChR. In contrast to PKC, the GRKs phosphorylated the m2 mAChR strictly in an agonist-dependent manner. GRK mediated phosphorylation perturbed receptor/G-protein coupling. In addition, phosphorylation allowed for arrestin binding to the m2 mAChR which should further contribute to desensitization. Using a new strategy that does not require purification and reconstitution of receptors for GRK studies, the m3 mAChR were revealed as substrates for the GRKs. For both the m2 and m3 receptor subtypes, the most effective kinases were GRK 2 and 3. Phosphorylation of the receptors by these enzymes was stimulated by low concentrations of G-proteins and by membrane phospholipids. Thus, multiple mechanisms involving protein phosphorylation appear to contribute to the overall process of mAChR desensitization.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Life-sustaining treatment preferences of hemodialysis patients: implications for advance directives.

The purpose of this study was to describe the life-sustaining treatment preferences of dialysis patients and to compare the acceptability of two generic and a disease-specific advance directive (AD). Of 532 potentially eligible hemodialysis patients, 95 (17.9%) participated in the study. These patients completed two generic (the Centre for Bioethics Living Will and the Medical Directive) and one disease-specific (the Dialysis Living Will) AD in a randomized cross-over trial. Treatment preferences were measured by using the Centre for Bioethics Living Will. Acceptability of the AD was measured by using a 13-item advance directive acceptability questionnaire (ADAQ) for each AD, and the advance directive choice questionnaire (ADCQ) to elicit participants' preferred AD. Twenty-five percent of the participants wanted to continue dialysis in case of severe stroke, 19% in severe dementia, and 14% in permanent coma. Averaged across treatments, proportions of participants wanting treatment in various health states were: current health (86%), mild stroke (84%), moderate stroke (60%), severe stroke (21%), mild dementia (78%), moderate dementia (51%), severe dementia (14%), terminal illness (41%), and permanent coma (10%). Averaged across health states, proportions of participants wanting various types of treatment were: dialysis (58%), antibiotics (53%), transfusion (53%), surgery (48%), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (48%), respirator (47%), and tube feeding (41%). Mean ADAQ scores were: Dialysis Living Will, 71%; Centre for Bioethics Living Will, 70%; and Medical Directive, 60% (F = 8.27, P < 0.001 (repeat measures analysis of variance); the Dialysis Living Will and Centre for Bioethics Living Will scored significantly higher than the Medical Directive). The proportion of participants who said they would choose to complete each AD was: Dialysis Living Will, 28%; Centre for Bioethics Living Will, 38%; Medical Directive, 31%; and unsure, 3% (chi 2 = 1.465, df = 2, P = 0.48). In conclusion, twenty-five percent or less of hemodialysis patients want to continue dialysis in three specific health states: severe stroke, severe dementia, and permanent coma. Health states and illness severity, far more than treatment descriptions, influence preferences. Dialysis patients should be offered a generic AD, and some generic AD are more acceptable than others. Only a minority of dialysis patients will complete any AD, but the completion of written AD forms is only one element in the process of advance care planning.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Regulation of stably transfected platelet activating factor receptor in RBL-2H3 cells. Role of multiple G proteins and receptor phosphorylation.

Platelet activating factor (PAF) interacts with cell surface receptors to mediate inflammatory responses. To determine the mechanisms of PAF receptor regulation, we constructed epitope-tagged human PAF receptor cDNA (ET-PAFR) and generated stable transfectants in a rat basophilic cell line (RBL-2H3 cells). The expressed receptors displayed ligand binding and functional properties similar to the native receptors in neutrophils. PAF-stimulated intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was not inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTx), whereas phosphoinositide hydrolysis and secretion were blocked by approximately 40%. The PTx-resistant secretion mediated by PAF was, however, inhibited by guanosine 5'-O-(2-thio-diphosphate) in permeabilized RBL-2H3 cells, indicating a role for PTx-insensitive G protein. In contrast to the PAF receptor, responses mediated by formylpeptide and C5a chemoattractants were inhibited by PTx. PAF stimulated a dose- and time-dependent phosphorylation of its receptor. ET-PAFR was also phosphorylated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Staurosporine caused complete inhibition of ET-PAFR phosphorylation by PMA but only partial inhibition by PAF. Receptor phosphorylation by PAF and PMA correlated with desensitization as measured by a decrease in both PAF-stimulated GTPase activity in membranes and Ca2+ mobilization in intact cells. Phosphorylation of ET-PAFR by dibutyryl cyclic AMP was not, however, associated with desensitization. These data demonstrate that a single PAF receptor population interacts with multiple G proteins to mediate its biological responses. Moreover, ET-PAFR, unlike the formylpeptide or C5a receptors, is phosphorylated by at least three kinases (most likely protein kinases A and C and a receptor kinase). The functional consequences of cellular activation by various chemoattractants may depend upon the G protein to which their receptor is coupled.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1994

Cross-desensitization of receptors for peptide chemoattractants. Characterization of a new form of leukocyte regulation.

The formylpeptide (fMLP) and C5a chemoattractants were previously shown to cross-desensitize each other's ability to mobilize Ca2+ in leukocytes but not to affect nonchemoattractant Ca(2+)-mobilizing receptors, and vice versa. Our data show that all receptors studied underwent homologous desensitization. Interestingly, peptide chemoattractants (fMLP, C5a, and IL-8) desensitized each other's Ca(2+)-mobilizing responses, but had no effect on a Ca(2+)-mobilizing purinergic receptor. Lipid chemoattractant receptors (PAF and leukotriene B4) were also desensitized by peptide chemoattractants but not vice versa. In the presence of cytochalasin B, only fMLP and C5a caused the activation of phospholipase D in intact leukocytes and enhanced desensitization of IL-8 and C5a but not fMLP receptors. To measure receptor/G protein interactions, agonist-stimulated GTP gamma S binding to leukocyte membranes was measured. Whereas all peptide receptors underwent homologous desensitization, C5a and IL-8, but not fMLP, receptors were cross-desensitized by other peptide chemoattractants. Furthermore, PMA caused inhibition of C5a- and IL-8- but not fMLP-stimulated GTP gamma S binding. These data suggest that in addition to homologous desensitization, peptide chemoattractant receptors cross-desensitize one another by at least two processes. One can be detected at the level of receptor/G-protein interaction and possibly involves receptor phosphorylation by protein kinase C. The fMLP receptor is resistant to this process. The second process is distal to receptor/G-protein interaction and utilizes an undefined pathway to cross-desensitize the Ca2+ mobilization response to all peptide chemoattractants. We propose that receptor cross-desensitization in leukocytes is orchestrated at several levels by mechanisms with selectivity for types of chemoattractant receptors.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1993

Differences in phosphorylation of formylpeptide and C5a chemoattractant receptors correlate with differences in desensitization.

To define the regulation of chemoattractant receptors, epitope-tagged human formyl peptide and C5a receptor cDNAs (ET-FR and ET-C5aR) were stably expressed in rat basophilic leukemia, RBL-2H3 cells. An antibody (12CA5) specific to "ET" was used to immunoprecipitate ET-FR and ET-C5aR. fMLP and C5a caused time- and dose-dependent phosphorylation of their respective receptors. Phosphorylated ET-FR migrated as a single broad band between 50 and 70 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, whereas ET-C5aR exhibited both fast (39-45 kDa) and broadly (39-52 kDa) migrating forms. Fast form phosphorylation alone was observed at low concentrations of C5a (0.001-0.01 microM), or at early times (5-30 s) with a higher concentration of C5a (0.1 microM). Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, thrombin, or antigen caused no phosphorylation of ET-FR but stimulated exclusively fast form phosphorylation of ET-C5aR. The protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine did not inhibit phosphorylation of ET-FR but blocked the fast migrating component of phosphorylated ET-C5aR. Homologous desensitization correlated with ligand-induced phosphorylation of both receptors. Of note, ET-C5aR but not ET-FR underwent heterologous desensitization by antigen, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and thrombin. The data suggest that protein kinase C mediates heterologous phosphorylation and desensitization of C5aR but not FR, yet, both receptors are homologously desensitized by a staurosporine-resistant kinase.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1993

Binding of wild type and chimeric arrestins to the m2 muscarinic cholinergic receptor.

Arrestins play an important role in regulating the activity of the G protein-coupled receptors rhodopsin and the beta 2-adrenergic receptor. Recently, we described the expression and functional characterization of visual arrestin using an in vitro translation system. Here we report the expression of beta-arrestin and development of a direct binding assay to study the interaction of arrestins with a muscarinic cholinergic receptor. In vitro translated beta-arrestin was found to specifically bind to purified reconstituted human m2 muscarinic cholinergic receptor (hm2 mAChR) in an agonist- and phosphorylation-dependent manner. Visual arrestin also bound to the hm2 mAChR, albeit to a lesser extent and with lower affinity. In an attempt to dissect the major domains responsible for determining the receptor binding specificity of arrestin and beta-arrestin, we generated several chimeric arrestins. One contained the first 340 residues of beta-arrestin followed by residues 346-404 of arrestin (BRV4), another consisted of the first 207 residues of beta-arrestin and residues 214-404 of visual arrestin (BV3), and a third had residues 1-43 of beta-arrestin replaced by residues 1-47 of arrestin (VIN1). All of these arrestins were able to specifically bind to the activated and phosphorylated form of both the hm2 mAChR and rhodopsin, with a clear preference for the muscarinic receptor. The Kd values for beta-arrestin, BRV4, BV3, VIN1, and visual arrestin binding to the hm2 mAChR were 0.48 +/- 0.06, 0.51 +/- 0.19, 1.38 +/- 0.26, 1.13 +/- 0.26, and 7.2 +/- 1.2 nM, respectively. These data demonstrate that: 1) beta-arrestin binds to the hm2 mAChR in an activation- and phosphorylation-dependent fashion, 2) visual arrestin has 15-fold lower affinity for the hm2 mAChR as compared to beta-arrestin, and 3) the N-terminal half of beta-arrestin plays a key role in determining receptor binding specificity. The use of in vitro translated arrestins to directly assess receptor binding may serve as a viable approach for elucidating the specificity and molecular mechanisms involved in receptor-arrestin interaction.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Phosphorylation and desensitization of human m2 muscarinic cholinergic receptors by two isoforms of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase.

Studies of the human m2 (hm2) muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChR) have been performed to provide further insights into the potential regulation of these receptors by isoforms of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK). The hm2 mAChR and the isoforms beta ARK1 and beta ARK2 were individually expressed in, and purified from, insect Sf9 cells infected with recombinant baculoviruses. The expressed hm2 receptors were tested as substrates for beta ARK1 and beta ARK2 in vitro using concentrations of receptors and kinases similar to those found in intact cells. The hm2 mAChR were phosphorylated in an agonist-dependent manner to 4-5 mol of phosphate/mol of receptor by beta ARK1 or beta ARK2. The reactions were highly dependent on agonist; the antagonist atropine, and heparin, a beta ARK inhibitor, both prevented the beta ARK-mediated phosphorylation. The rates of phosphorylation catalyzed by both isoforms were similar, with half-maximal phosphorylation occurring in less than 5 min. Under the conditions employed the stoichiometries, but not the rates, of phosphorylation catalyzed by both kinases were increased 2-3-fold by either the heterotrimeric G-protein G(o) or the beta gamma subunits of transducin. Phosphopeptide mapping experiments indicated that similar sites were phosphorylated by the two beta ARK isoforms. In order to test for functional effects of the phosphorylation mediated by the beta ARK isoforms, the receptors were reconstituted with purified G(o) and were tested for their ability to stimulate guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding. The conditions leading to maximal receptor phosphorylation resulted in a 30-50% reduction in the ability of the receptors to stimulate GTP gamma S binding to G(o). The results demonstrate that the hm2 mAChR are excellent substrates in vitro for both beta ARK1 and beta ARK2 and that extensive phosphorylation by these enzymes occurs in the presence of the beta gamma subunits of G proteins. The beta ARK-mediated phosphorylation of the m2 mAChR causes a perturbation of receptor/G-protein coupling.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Intracranial schwannoma as atypical facial pain. Case report.

Facial pain is a common complaint that leads those who have it to seek professional help. Often times, the general dentist is the first clinician that a patient consults because of a presumed odontogenic origin of the pain. Occasionally a small number of these patients will be found to have an intracranial tumor. The case reported here is one such patient who was diagnosed and treated for a seventh nerve schwannoma.

Adult↗