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Biomedical subjects

S V Jones

Publications and source records attributed to S V Jones.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

GTP-binding protein Gq mediates muscarinic-receptor-induced inhibition of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel IRK1 (Kir 2.1).

The inwardly rectifying potassium channel IRK1, a member of the Kir 2.0 family, is inhibited by m1 muscarinic receptor stimulation. In this study the mechanism of action underlying the muscarinic response was investigated by identification of the subtype of heterotrimeric G-protein involved in transduction of the signal. tsA201 cells were simultaneously transfected with cDNAs encoding IRK1, m1 and the Galpha subunit of either G(q), G(12) or G(13). The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to study the effects of G-protein transfection. Antibodies generated against the C-terminal regions of Galpha(q/11) and Galpha(12) were used to confirm G-protein expression by Western blot. When challenged with carbachol, IRK1 currents recorded from cells co-transfected with Galpha(q) were potently inhibited compared with controls. Conversely, co-transfection with Galpha(12) or Galpha(13) subunits had no effect on muscarinic-receptor-induced inhibition of IRK1. Concentration response curves revealed that carbachol was 16 times more potent at inhibiting IRK1 currents in cells co-transfected with Galpha(q) as compared with Galpha(12) co-transfected cells. Immunoblotting illustrated low levels of endogenous Galpha(q/11) and Galpha(12) in untransfected tsA cells. Transfection with Galpha(q) or Galpha(12) cDNAs greatly increased the levels of G-protein expression in both cell populations. G-protein expression did not interfere with m1 muscarinic receptor expression levels. These findings suggest that the m1 muscarinic-receptor-induced inhibition of IRK1 is mediated by the heterotrimeric G-protein, Galpha(q), in tsA cells.

Blotting, Western↗

The specific dermatoses of pregnancy: a re-appraisal.

UNLABELLED: Pregnancy is associated with immunological, endocrine, metabolic and vascular changes that may adversely affect the skin. The specific dermatoses of pregnancy are disease entities almost exclusively related to the pregnancy or the puerperium. LEARNING OBJECTIVE: At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be aware of the main entities of the specific pregnancy dermatoses, their clinical presentations, the main diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options.

Cholestasis↗

Modulation of low-threshold T-type calcium channels by the five muscarinic receptor subtypes in NIH 3T3 cells.

The modulation of a transient T-type calcium current by the five muscarinic receptor subtypes, stably expressed in NIH 3T3 cells, was studied with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Voltage-step depolarizations applied to the NIH 3T3 cells revealed a low-voltage-activated (LVA) T-type calcium current that was inhibited by Ni2+ and unaffected by omega-conotoxin GVIA. In cells transfected with the m3 and m5 muscarinic receptors, application of acetylcholine (ACh) resulted in a pertussis-toxin-insensitive increase in peak T-type calcium current amplitude. The m3-induced atropine-sensitive increase in current amplitude was accompanied by a shift in the voltage dependence of activation to more hyperpolarized potentials. The increase in peak T-type calcium current amplitude and the shift in voltage dependence was mimicked by incubation with 500 microM 8-bromo-cAMP. Conversely, T-type calcium current amplitudes were reduced by incubation with 10 microM RpcAMPS, an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Preincubation with 500 microM 8-bromo-cAMP or with 10 microM RpcAMPS abolished the increase in T-type calcium current amplitude previously noted on stimulation of the m3 muscarinic receptor by ACh. Application of ACh to NIH 3T3 cells stably transformed with the m1 muscarinic receptor resulted in no discernable change in T-type calcium current amplitude. However, on pre-incubation of the cells with calphostin C, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), application of ACh to the cells now resulted in a robust increase in T-type calcium current amplitude. Application of 500 nM PDBu, an activator of PKC, reduced the T-type calcium current amplitude. No significant changes in T-type calcium currents were observed on application of ACh to cells stably transfected with the m2 or m4 muscarinic receptors. However, after pre-incubation with forskolin, the m2 muscarinic receptor induced a decrease in T-type calcium current amplitude. Stimulation of the ml, m3 and m5 muscarinic receptors in the NIH 3T3 cell resulted in dose-dependent increases in the concentration of intracellular cAMP in comparison to control as determined by cAMP immunoassay. Conversely, stimulation of the m2 and m4 muscarinic receptors by carbachol resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in intracellular concentrations of cAMP, as compared with control basal levels. It is concluded that the m3 and m5 muscarinic receptors enhance T-type calcium channel activity. At least in the case of the m3 muscarinic receptor, the increased T-type channel activity appeared to be mediated via increased cAMP levels and subsequent activation of PKA. The lack of effect of the ml muscarinic receptor on the T-type calcium channel was probably due to the opposing actions of concomitant activation of both PKC and PKA. The physiological significance of these findings is discussed.

3T3 Cells↗

Inhibition of the L-type calcium channel by the five muscarinic receptors (m1-m5) expressed in NIH 3T3 cells.

Modulation of L-type calcium channels by the five cloned muscarinic receptors was studied by expression of the receptors in NIH 3T3 cells. Application of acetylcholine (ACh) to cells transfected with m1-m5 resulted in a reduction in the L-type calcium current amplitude. Elevations in intracellular cAMP concentrations induced by 8-bromo-cAMP or forskolin resulted in no discernible change in the L-type calcium current. In addition, treatment with Rp-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate triethylamine (Rp-cAMPS), a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, had no effect on the L-type currents. Conversely, application of phorbol dibutyrate, an activator of protein kinase C (PKC) or 8-bromo-cGMP, an activator of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), reduced the calcium currents. Incubation of the cells with KT5823, an inhibitor of PKG, resulted in a reduction of the response to 8-bromo-cGMP. The ACh-induced depression of L-type calcium current amplitude was sensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX) in cells transfected with the m2 or m4 receptor subtype. The m2-muscarinic-receptor-induced inhibition of the L-type calcium current was attenuated by preincubation of the cells with 8-bromo-cAMP and was unaffected by KT5823 or by calphostin C. The m1-muscarinic-receptor-induced inhibition of the L-type calcium conductance was insensitive to PTX treatment. However, the m1-induced response was blocked by preincubation of the cells with calphostin C. The present data indicate that the m2 (and possibly also the m4) muscarinic receptors inhibit the L-type calcium conductance by a reduction in cAMP concentration and that the m1 (and possibly also the m3 and m5) muscarinic receptors inhibit the L-type calcium channel via activation of PKC.

3T3 Cells↗

Dual modulation of an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance.

The modulation of a constitutively active IRK1-like inwardly rectifying potassium channel, that is endogenously expressed in the RBL-2H3 cell, was studied with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Activation of G-proteins by intracellular application of GTP gamma S revealed a dual modulation of the inward rectifier. An initial increase in inward current amplitude was induced by GTP gamma S, followed by a profound inhibition of the current. The stimulation of the inward rectifier by GTP gamma S was abolished by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. The inhibitory phase of the GTP gamma S-induced response was pertussis toxin-insensitive. Stimulation of the m1-muscarinic receptor expressed in the RBL cell after stable transfection, induced an inhibition of the inwardly rectifying currents. Application of protein kinase C activators such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, resulted in a strong inhibition of the currents. Application of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase activator 8-bromo cAMP also induced an inhibition of the inward rectifier. It is concluded that the inward rectifier of the RBL-2H3 cell may be inhibited both by activation of protein kinase C and by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. As this type of inward rectifier is widely expressed in the nervous system, these data imply that the channel can be inhibited by receptors that stimulate phospholipase C and/or stimulate adenylyl cyclase, and can be activated by receptors that inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity.

Animals↗

Modulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel IRK1 by the m1 muscarinic receptor.

Modulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel (IRK1) by the m1 muscarinic receptor was studied with the whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique with the use of a mammalian expression system. After transfection with IRK1 and m1 muscarinic receptor genes, tsA cells expressed a cesium-sensitive inwardly rectifying potassium conductance that was reduced on application of the muscarinic receptor agonist carbachol. This reduction was reversible on washout of carbachol and could be completely inhibited by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine. Conversely, stimulation of the m2 muscarinic receptor, when coexpressed with IRK1, resulted in no change in IRK1 current amplitude. Phorbol-12, 13-dibutyrate, an activator of protein kinase c (PKC), mimicked the effect of m1 muscarinic receptor stimulation by inhibiting the IRK1 conductance. Preincubation with staurosporine or the specific PKC inhibitor calphostin C, before application of carbachol, fully prevented the inhibition of IRK1 by m1 muscarinic receptor stimulation. Administration of 8-bromo-cAMP, an activator of protein kinase A, and thapsigargin, a stimulator of intracellular calcium release, had no effect on IRK1, suggesting that these second messengers were not involved in the m1 muscarinic receptor-induced response. Therefore, the data indicate that the m1 muscarinic receptor inhibits IRK1, presumably via stimulation of PKC. As IRK1 is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system, it is possible that such an action on IRK1 underlies the inhibitory effects of muscarinic receptor stimulation on inwardly rectifying potassium conductances observed in the brain.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Enhancement of an L-type calcium current in AtT-20 cells; a novel effect of the m4 muscarinic receptor.

Activation of muscarinic receptors has been shown to inhibit L-type calcium conductances by mechanisms sensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX). In this study we show that agonist stimulation of the m4 muscarinic receptor leads to an increase in an L-type calcium conductance in the AtT-20 pituitary cell line, by a PTX-sensitive mechanism. The amplitude of the dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive or L-type calcium current was increased by acetylcholine (ACh), with no shift in the voltage dependence. This action of ACh was completely inhibited by PTX pre-treatment. Forskolin, cAMP and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate reduced, while RpcAMPs, an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), increased the L-type calcium conductance. We propose that the m4 muscarinic receptor activates the L-type calcium channel by inhibition of adenylyl cyclase resulting in reduced cAMP levels and, hence, reduced PKA activity. This novel increase in calcium current via the m4 muscarinic receptor appears to reflect the coupling with an L-type channel of the D class, due to the sensitivity of the L-type calcium conductance to both DHPs and omega-conotoxin, and, thus, is distinct from the skeletal muscle and cardiac L-type channels of the C class previously studied.

Acetylcholine↗

Exaggerated effects of progestogen on uterine artery pulsatility index in Turner's syndrome patients receiving hormone replacement therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of estrogen and progestogen on the resistance to blood flow in the uterine arteries of Turner's syndrome patients. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: A tertiary infertility clinic. PATIENTS: Five Turner's syndrome patients, six patients who had surgical castration, and five patients with idiopathic primary ovarian failure. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were treated with 2 mg E2 valerate to which 500 micrograms norgesterel was added for 10 days in a 28-day cycle. Transvaginal color Doppler was used to measure pulsatility index in the uterine arteries at eight regular intervals during a single cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Pulsatility index of the uterine arteries. RESULTS: The administration of norgesterel to Turner's syndrome patients resulted in an increase in pulsatility index that was significantly higher than in patients who had surgical castration (confidence interval = 0.17 to 2.42). CONCLUSION: The uterine arteries of Turner's syndrome patients are more sensitive to the tonic effect of progestogen. If manifest in cardiac arteries also this phenomenon may be partly responsible for the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and shorter life expectancy in Turner's syndrome patients. To achieve optimal protection from cardiovascular disease, Turner's syndrome patients may benefit from hormone replacement treatment containing altered doses of estrogen and progestogen.

Arteries↗

Ca(2+)-permeable large-conductance nonselective cation channels in rat basophilic leukemia cells.

Spreading of Ca2+ signals in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells occurs by release of ATP. Therefore we studied the effect of ATP on membrane currents. ATP (1-10 microM) activated large-conductance channels. Single channel events were resolved in the whole cell mode. Similar channel activity was observed in RBL cells transfected with the muscarinic M1 receptor after stimulation with carbachol as well as after intracellular infusion of aluminum fluoride. Activation was independent of internal Ca2+ (0-10 microM). The channels had a conductance of 250 pS in 135 mM Na+ and 70 pS in 100 mM Ca2+. The permeability (P) ratio was PCa/PNa/PCs/PMg = 16:1:0.6:0.6. These channels may contribute to secretory responses by allowing Ca2+ entry, leading to high Ca2+ concentrations in the vicinity of the channel pore.

Aluminum Compounds↗

Stable expression of a functional GluR6 homomeric glutamate receptor channel in mammalian cells.

This study demonstrates the stable expression of a functional ionotropic glutamate receptor in a mammalian cell line of non-neuronal origin. The kainate-selective glutamate receptor GluR6 was constitutively expressed under the control of a metallothionein promoter. Clones were isolated expressing approximately 3 pmol of receptor per mg of protein. Functionality of the recombinant GluR6 was demonstrated both by electrophysiology and by Ca2+ imaging. Application of kainate to the GluR6-transfected cells activated an inward current response at a holding potential of -60 mV. The kainate concentration needed to evoke 50% of the maximal response (EC50) was calculated to be 0.82 +/- 0.39 microM. The current-voltage relationship was found to be almost linear, with a reversal potential of -2.5 +/- 4.8 mV. Application of kainate also resulted in an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration measured by Ca2+ imaging. The pharmacological profile of [3H]kainate binding to the recombinant GluR6 resembled the high-affinity [3H]kainate binding sites in rat brain, showing high affinity for domoate (Ki = 5.1 +/- 3.0 nM) and kainate (Kd = 12.9 +/- 2.4 nM). No decrease in GluR6 expression level was observed over > 75 passages of the transfected cells. When domoate, a slowly desensitizing GluR6 agonist, was included in the growth medium for 3 weeks, the number of GluR6 binding sites decreased by 30%, indicating the importance of complete channel closure for stable expression.

Animals↗

Stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase activity by different secretory stimuli in rat basophilic leukemia cells.

Ag-induced cross-linking of IgE bound to its high affinity receptor (Fc epsilon RI) at the surface of basophils or mast cells triggers a number of biochemical events culminating in the release of several inflammatory mediators. In rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells expressing the G protein-coupled m1 muscarinic receptor, Ag/IgE-induced cross-linking of Fc epsilon RI, calcium ionophore A23187, and carbachol through M1 receptors stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, including two of 42 and 44 kDa. Proteins of identical molecular masses were recognized by anti-MAP-kinase antibodies, and these immunoreactive proteins exhibited in part a slightly increased molecular mass on SDS polyacrylamide gels after incubation of cells with secretory stimuli. All stimuli led to the activation of MAP kinase, which co-purified on Mono Q chromatography with 42- and 44-kDa proteins, which were tyrosine phosphorylated in response to secretory stimuli and reacted with anti-(MAP kinase) antibodies. Finally, 42- and 44-kDa proteins immunoprecipitated by anti-MAP-kinase antibodies and anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies were recognized by anti-phosphotyrosine and anti-MAP-kinase antibodies, respectively. Primarily threonine and tyrosine residues were found to be phosphorylated in 42- and 44-kDa proteins immunoprecipitated from [32P]phosphate-labeled cells that had been treated with secretory stimuli. The dose dependence of secretagogue-induced MAP kinase activation correlated with that of increases in serotonin release from activated cells, and the maximum of MAP kinase activation coincided with the maximum rate of secretion. Down-regulation or inhibition of protein kinase C as well as incubation of cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein markedly inhibited MAP kinase activation in parallel with serotonin release. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that 42- and 44-kDa MAP kinases are activated in response to secretory stimuli and provide some evidence for a functional link between MAP kinase activation and signaling events leading to mediator release in RBL cells.

Animals↗

Antigen and carbachol mobilize calcium by similar mechanisms in a transfected mast cell line (RBL-2H3 cells) that expresses ml muscarinic receptors.

Because of unresolved questions about the mechanism of Ag-stimulated Ca2+ influx, Ca2+ mobilization in response to carbachol and Ag was compared in transfected rat basophilic RBL-2H3(ml) cells that expressed both Fc epsilon and ml muscarinic receptors. Although the stimulants activated phospholipase C via different coupling mechanisms, a G protein for carbachol or a tyrosine kinase for Ag, they released Ca2+ from the same intracellular pool and used the same or very similar mechanisms for influx of Ca2+ as indicated by the similar patterns of inhibition of uptake of 45Ca2+ by various cations. With both stimulants, influx and sustained increases in free cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) were associated with relatively small increases in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). Blockade of Ca2+ influx resulted in rapid decline in [Ca2+]i to basal levels; resumption of influx caused a substantial "spike" in [Ca2+]i before [Ca2+]i reequilibrated at the same former steady-state levels but without perturbing levels of IP3. Thus, the refilling and discharge of Ca2+ from IP3-sensitive stores might occur synchronously on resumption of influx, or asynchronously during sustained influx and elevation of [Ca2+]i. Together, the results suggested that influx of Ca2+ in response to stimulation via Fc epsilon receptors occurred through a pathway, analogous to that observed with other types of stimulants, in which Ca2+ influx follows emptying of intracellular Ca2+ stores by IP3. Also, secretion was highly dependent on this IP3-dependent pathway.

Animals↗

Muscarinic receptor subtypes: modulation of ion channels.

The discovery of five muscarinic receptor subtypes by molecular genetic techniques has resulted in new approaches to understanding their function. This involves the expression of the individual genes encoding each receptor subtype in isolation, such that their effects and mechanisms of action can be studied. The coupling of the receptors with G-proteins and ion channels is the subject of this review and emphasis is placed upon the assignment of genetically defined receptor subtypes with a given physiological function. Activation of inwardly rectifying potassium conductances by m2 and m4 and inhibition by m1, as well as stimulation of calcium-dependent conductances by m1, m3 and m5 are discussed.

Animals↗

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes: localization and structure/function.

Based on the sequence of the five cloned muscarinic receptor subtypes (m1-m5), subtype selective antibody and cDNA probes have been prepared. Use of these probes has demonstrated that each of the five subtypes has a markedly distinct distribution within the brain and among peripheral tissues. The distributions of these subtypes and their potential physiological roles are discussed. By use of molecular genetic manipulation of cloned muscarinic receptor cDNAs, the regions of muscarinic receptors that specify G-protein coupling and ligand binding have been defined in several recent studies. Overall, these studies have shown that amino acids within the third cytoplasmic loop of the receptors define their selectivities for different G-proteins and that multiple discontinuous epitopes contribute to their selectivities for different ligands. The residues that contribute to ligand binding and G-protein coupling are described, as well as the implied structures of these functional domains.

Animals↗

m4 muscarinic receptor subtype activates an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance in AtT20 cells.

The modulation of an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance by muscarinic receptor stimulation was studied in the AtT-20 pituitary cell line, using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Only m4 mRNA was detected in these cells, thus, it is assumed that the actions of muscarinic receptor stimulation are mediated by the m4 receptor. AtT-20 cells express a slowly activating inwardly rectifying potassium conductance. Application of acetylcholine (ACh), resulted in an atropine sensitive, reversible increase in inwardly rectifying current. The ACh-induced current differed from the current recorded in control, in that it was fast activating, while the control current was slowly activating. Inclusion of GTP gamma S in the patch pipette activated an inward current with characteristics similar to the ACh-induced current, and the ACh-induced current response could be inhibited by pre-incubation with pertussis toxin (PTX). It is concluded that the m4 muscarinic receptor is coupled to an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance via a PTX sensitive G-protein.

Acetylcholine↗

Carbachol induces secretion in a mast cell line (RBL-2H3) transfected with the ml muscarinic receptor gene.

The possibility that the ml muscarinic receptor subtype can induce release of intracellular granules and transmitters was studied by transfecting a cultured mast cell line. RBL-2H3 cells, with the ml receptor gene. Comparisons were made between carbachol- and antigen-induced activation of various secretory responses. Like antigen, carbachol stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and release of arachidonic acid with concomitant dose-dependent secretion of granular contents. Carbachol also stimulated a biphasic increase in intracellular calcium, as measured by single cell fura-2 measurements. Although the kinetics of the carbachol-induced rise in intracellular calcium differed from that induced by antigen, they both utilized the same intracellular pool of calcium, and the second phase of the rise in intracellular calcium was dependent on extracellular calcium in both cases. Thus, the ml muscarinic receptor activates release of granules by a mechanism ostensibly similar to that of antigen.

Aminoquinolines↗