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Biomedical subjects

V J Horn

Publications and source records attributed to V J Horn.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1993

Signaling mechanisms that regulate saliva formation.

The precipitating event in the formation of saliva is the binding of neurotransmitter molecules to cell surface receptor proteins. The principal neurotransmitters involved are acetylcholine and norepinephrine that bind, respectively, to muscarinic-cholinergic, and alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. The transduction of the extracellular signal requires an integral membrane protein capable of binding GTP, a G protein, that specifically interacts with the receptor. The components of G protein transduction systems are fairly well studied, but the pathways by which signals are routed are just being recognized. Delineation of such routing pathways is essential to understanding the regulation of saliva formation.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Characterization of polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in rat parotid gland membranes.

Hydrolysis of exogenously added, [3H]inositol-labeled, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) by rat parotid membranes was increased, dose-dependently, by the muscarinic cholinergic agonist carbamylcholine (carbachol) in the presence of guanosine 5'-O-thiotriphosphate (GTP gamma S). The stimulation was inhibited by atropine and guanosine 5'-O-thiodiphosphate (GDP beta S). GTP gamma S alone stimulated PIP2 hydrolysis, with half-maximal activation at 0.1 microM. This was inhibited by GDP beta S but not by atropine. Agonist stimulation of PIP2 hydrolysis was dependent on the presence of lipids (phosphatidylserine:phosphatidylethanolamine:PIP2 = 1:1:1). When PIP2 was added as micelles with detergent (sodium deoxycholate) only, basal hydrolysis was elevated, thus decreasing the relative stimulation by GTP gamma S and carbachol. The water-soluble hydrolysis products formed under either condition were 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate, 1,4-inositol bisphosphate, and cyclic inositol trisphosphate. Hydrolysis of exogenous phosphatidylinositol (PI) was also stimulated by carbachol in the presence of GTP gamma S but the extent of PI hydrolysis was 44-fold lower than PIP2 hydrolysis. When [Ca2+] in the medium was increased from 100 nM to 1 microM, basal hydrolysis of both PI and PIP2 increased (9.3- and 19.2-fold, respectively). However, levels of basal and stimulated PIP2 hydrolysis were higher (37.9- and 29.6-fold, respectively) than those of PI hydrolysis. Antibodies (both polyclonal and monoclonal) raised against phospholipase C (PLC beta 1) from bovine brain did not react with any component in either rat parotid membranes or cytosol, although a reactivity was detected in rat brain membranes. A monoclonal antibody against bovine brain PLC gamma 1 detected a approximately 150-kDa protein only in the parotid cytosol, while antisera against bovine brain PLC delta 1 enzyme showed no reactivity with parotid membranes or cytosol. Together, these observations suggest that while there appears to be a protein similar to bovine brain PLC gamma 1 in parotid gland cytosol, the PLC which mediates PIP2 hydrolysis in rat parotid membranes and can be regulated by the muscarinic receptor via a G-protein is distinct from the well-characterized PLC enzymes gamma 1, delta 1, and beta 1.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Muscarinic receptor antagonist effects in parotid acini and M1-CHO cells: evidence of G protein involvement.

We have examined the effects of the muscarinic antagonist atropine, on non-receptor-mediated activation of intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) mobilization events. In dispersed rat parotid acini, atropine significantly lowered basal inositol trisphosphate levels and delayed AlF4(-)-stimulated Ca2+i elevation in a dose-dependent manner. In a cell line transfected with the m1 muscarinic receptor (M1-CHO), atropine significantly lowered (approximately 60%) AlF4- stimulated Ca2+i elevation. These aggregate findings suggest that atropine, acting via the muscarinic receptor, decreases the efficacy of G protein-mediated activation of phospholipase C.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

High affinity quinuclidinyl benzilate binding to rat parotid membranes requires muscarinic receptor. G protein interactions.

The binding of the non-selective muscarinic antagonist [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) to rat parotid membranes was characterized. Under equilibrium conditions, [3H]QNB bound to a homogenous population of muscarinic receptors (Kd, 118 +/- 19 pM; Bmax, 572 +/- 42 fmol/mg membrane protein, n = 12). The addition of G protein activators AlF4- or guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) + Mg2+ increased the Kd by 77 +/- 7% (n = 4, P less than 0.05) and 83 +/- 27% (n = 7, P less than 0.05), respectively, without a change in the Bmax or homogeneity of the binding site. GTP gamma S added without exogenous Mg2+ did not affect [3H]QNB binding. Thus, optimal QNB binding requires a muscarinic receptor/G protein interaction.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1991

Activation of the inositol trisphosphate second messenger system by cAMP in a mouse fibroblast cell line.

Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization events were assessed in mouse L cells, which contain native prostaglandin E1 receptors and transfected human beta 2 adrenergic receptors. Both Fura2 (single cell measurements) and Quin 2, (cuvette assays) were used to determine [Ca2+]i levels. Our results demonstrate that in the transfected cells there is a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i in response to isoproterenol (0.1 nM-100 nM), which is inhibited by the beta-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol, and is a result of intracellular Ca2+ release. [Ca2+]i in these cells was also increased by prostaglandin E1, 8 bromo cyclic AMP, and aluminum fluoride. Both 8 bromo cAMP and isoproterenol induced a rapid increase in the levels of IP1, IP2, and IP3. The data presented demonstrate that the elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP induces an increase in IP3 production which leads to an elevation in [Ca2+]i. We propose that this cyclic AMP dependent activation of the IP3 generating system occurs at a post-receptor site.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Evidence that M3 muscarinic receptors in rat parotid gland couple to two second messenger systems.

The binding affinities of muscarinic antagonists were compared with their abilities to block carbachol (CCh)-mediated stimulation of Ca2+ mobilization and inhibition of isoproterenol-elicited adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in rat parotid cells. The binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) to membranes was inhibited by antagonists with the following potencies (dissociation constant, nM): atropine (1.1) approximately 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methbromide (4-DAMP) (1.6) much greater than pirenzepine (136) greater than 11-[[2-[(diethylamino)methyl-1-piperidinyl]-acetyl]acetyl]-5,11- dihydro-6H-pyrido[2,3-b][1,4]-benzodiazepine-6-one (AF-DX 116) (5,293). AF-DX 116 blocked Ca2+ mobilization and inhibition of cAMP accumulation with low affinities [inhibitory concentration at 50% (IC50) = 3150 and 6,528 nM, respectively], whereas 4-DAMP blocked these responses with considerably higher affinities (IC50 = 4.3 and 11.4 nM, respectively). Schild plots of 4-DAMP and AF-DX 116 antagonism of CCh-stimulated inositol trisphosphate accumulation showed inhibitor constant (Ki) values of 0.85 and 1,585 nM, respectively, whereas Schild plots of 4-DAMP, AF-DX 116, and methoctramine antagonism of CCh-induced inhibition of cAMP accumulation showed Ki values of 1.3, 1,585, and 2,754 nM, respectively. Preincubation of cells with 0.1 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine did not prevent the capacity of CCh to inhibit cAMP accumulation. Pertussis toxin blocked the CCh-elicited and Gi-mediated inhibition of cAMP formation. Northern blot analysis showed the presence of mRNA for the M3, but not for the M2, subtype in parotid gland. An immunochemical procedure using m1-m5 specific antibodies was performed in parotid membranes and showed that the m3 receptor accounts for 93% of precipitable receptors. These data suggest that M3 receptors in the rat parotid are coupled to both the stimulation of Ca2+ mobilization and the inhibition of cAMP accumulation.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed1990

Evidence against a role for a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein in Ca2+ mobilization in rat parotid acinar cells.

Hormone-induced Ca2+ mobilization in rat parotid acinar cells is reportedly mediated via an as yet uncharacterized G protein. We have studied the sensitivity to pertussis toxin (PTx) of this signal transduction mechanism. When rats were treated with Ptx (1.3-1.5 micrograms per animal) for 72 h, a 41 kDa membrane protein was ADP-ribosylated. This PTx treatment regimen, also, resulted in a more than 80% block of the ability of the muscarinic agonist carbachol to inhibit beta-adrenergic receptor-stimulated parotid adenylyl cyclase activity. However, cytosolic Ca2+ levels, in response to either carbachol or AIF-4, were comparable in cells prepared from both untreated or PTx-treated rats, when incubated either in the absence or presence of extracellular Ca2+. Further, both the sensitivity of the Ca2+ response to carbachol and the ability of the agonist-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores to be refilled by extracellular Ca2+ were unaffected by PTx treatment. Parotid membranes also contained three low-molecular-weight GTP-binding proteins (25, 22 and 18 kDa) which were unaffected by PTx. These results show that there is only one detectable substrate in parotid membranes for a PTx-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation and that hormone-induced Ca2+ mobilization events in parotid acinar cells are not mediated via PTx-sensitive components.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗
PubMed1990

Attenuation of inositol trisphosphate generation and cytosolic Ca2+ elevation in dispersed rat parotid acini stimulated simultaneously at muscarinic and alpha 1-adrenergic receptors.

We have examined intracellular signalling events, peak cytosolic [Ca2+] and inositol trisphosphate levels, in rat parotid acini simultaneously stimulated with two Ca2+ mobilizing agonists, carbachol (muscarinic-cholinergic) and epinephrine (alpha 1-adrenergic). When the agonists were added together, either at sub-maximal (200 nM each, i.e. 400 nM total agonist concentration) or maximal (10 uM each, i.e. 20 uM total) stimulatory concentrations, the resulting elevations in both cytosolic [Ca2+] and inositol trisphosphate levels were not greater than those achieved when each agonist was added individually. However, with 400 nM carbachol these responses were significantly greater than those seen with either 200 nM carbachol or 200 nM carbachol + 200 nM epinephrine. The data indicate that when muscarinic and alpha 1-adrenergic receptors of rat parotid acini are simultaneously stimulated a novel regulatory mechanism is induced, which attenuates inositol trisphosphate generation and, consequently, intracellular Ca2+ release.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Calcium entry in rat parotid acini: activation by carbachol and aluminum fluoride.

Entry of extracellular Ca2+ into the cytosol of exocrine cells plays an important role in the process of fluid transport, especially during periods of prolonged secretion. However, in parotid acinar cells, the process of Ca2+ entry and the identity of factors which regulate it remain obscure. In this report, we demonstrate that AlF-4, like carbachol, activates Ca2+ entry into dispersed rat parotid acini. In physiological Ca2(+)-containing (1.28 mM) medium, both agents elicit three phases of cytosolic Ca2+ change, an initial transient increase (intracellular Ca2+ dependent) followed sequentially by a decrease (intra- and extracellular Ca2+ dependent) and a small sustained increase (extracellular Ca2+ dependent). Cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) during the last two phases is influenced by variations in extracellular [Ca2+]. Elevation of extracellular [Ca2+], at any time after the initial transient increase, results in a rise of cytosolic [Ca2+], thus demonstrating the existence of a Ca2+ entry pathway during the two later phases. These data suggest the likelihood that in parotid acini, G protein activation is involved in stimulating this Ca2+ entry pathway. Because in AlF-4-treated acini entry into the cytosol is detectable only after the initial intracellular Ca2+ release phase, we suggest that this Ca2+ entry process does not accompany initial intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Furthermore, the sustained cytosolic [Ca2+] elevation which can be observed 15-30 min after initial stimulation of acini is likely determined by this Ca2+ entry process which, in physiological conditions, could support sustained fluid secretion.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1989

Evidence for the convergence of beta-adrenergic and muscarinic signalling systems at a post-receptor site.

The beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol stimulates inositol trisphosphate (IP3) formation and cytosolic Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) mobilization in rat parotid acini via a cAMP-dependent process. Atropine, a muscarinic antagonist, inhibited these isoproterenol responses without affecting isoproterenol-induced amylase secretion or peak [Ca2+]i and IP3 responses elicited by alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation with epinephrine. Atropine had no effect on isoproterenol-induced [Ca2+]i responses in a cell line which lacked muscarinic receptors and did not alter beta-adrenoreceptor ligand binding. These results suggest that the inhibition by atropine results from a post-receptor effect on cAMP-mediated stimulation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis.

Amylases↗
PubMed1989

ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport in the rat parotid basolateral plasma membrane is regulated by calmodulin.

Calmodulin regulation of ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport activity was assessed in inverted basolateral plasma membrane vesicles (BLMV) isolated from rat parotid glands. The initial rate of Ca2+ transport in media containing 100 nM Ca2+ was stimulated by approximately 60% at maximal concentrations (300 nM) of exogenously added calmodulin (CAM). Half-maximal activation was obtained at 50 and 175 nM CAM in KCl and mannitol containing assay media, respectively. In the KCl medium, addition of 300 nM CAM increased the affinity of the BLMV Ca2+ transport activity for Ca2+ from approximately 70 nM, in the absence of added CAM, to approximately 50 nM. Vmax was consistently increased by approximately 20% under these conditions. When BLMV were treated with ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethylether) N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) (200 microM), the affinity of the transporter for Ca2+ decreased by 50% to approximately 150 nM, with no change in Vmax. When CAM was added to the EGTA-treated membranes, Ca2+ transport activity was comparable to that obtained when CAM was added directly to control, untreated BLMV. The CAM antagonists, trifluoperazine (TFP), W-7, and calmidazolium, inhibited Ca2+ transport in the presence of CAM. Half-maximal inhibition of transport was achieved by 12 microM TFP and 20 microM W-7. Calmidazolium (1 microM) inhibited Ca2+ transport by 75%. The inhibitory effects on ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport exerted by these agents were not due to an increase in the passive permeability of the membranes to Ca2+. Furthermore, in the absence of added CAM, the inhibitory effects of these agents on initial Ca2+ transport rate was decreased. The data presented suggest that the Ca2+-dependent interaction of CAM with the ATP-dependent Ca2+ transporter in rat parotid BLMV modifies the kinetic properties of this Ca2+ transporting mechanism.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Evidence that ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport in rat parotid microsomal membranes requires charge compensation.

ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport was investigated in a rat parotid microsomal-membrane preparation enriched in endoplasmic reticulum. Ca2+ uptake, in KCl medium, was rapid, linear with time up to 20 s, and unaffected by the mitochondrial inhibitors NaN3 and oligomycin. This Ca2+ uptake followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, and was of high affinity (Km approximately 38 nM) and high capacity (approximately 30 nmol/min per mg of protein). In the presence of oxalate, Ca2+ uptake continued to increase for at least 5 min, reaching an intravesicular accumulation approx. 10 times higher than without oxalate. Ca2+ uptake was dependent on univalent cations in the order K+ = Na+ greater than trimethylammonium+ greater than mannitol and univalent anions in the order Cl- greater than acetate- greater than Br- = gluconate- = NO3- greater than SCN-. Ca2+ uptake was not elevated if membranes were incubated in the presence of a lipophilic anion (NO3-) and carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone. Ca2+ transport was altered by changes in the K+-diffusion potential of the membranes. A relatively negative K+-diffusion potential increased the initial rate of Ca2+ accumulation, whereas a relatively positive potential decreased Ca2+ accumulation. In the presence of an outwardly directed K+ gradient, nigericin had no effect on Ca2+ uptake. In aggregate, these studies suggest that the ATP-dependent Ca2+-transport mechanism present in rat parotid microsomal membranes exhibits an electrogenic Ca2+ flux which requires the movement of other ions for charge compensation.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1988

Beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation induces inositol trisphosphate production and Ca2+ mobilization in rat parotid acinar cells.

In dispersed rat parotid gland acinar cells, the beta-adrenergic agonist (-)-isoproterenol, but not its stereoisomer (+)-isoproterenol, induced a transient 1.6-fold (at maximum stimulation, 2 x 10(-4) M) increase in cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) within 9 s, which returned to resting levels (approximately 190 nM) by 60 s. This [Ca2+]i response was not altered by chelating extracellular Ca2+ with [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and could be completely blocked by the beta-adrenergic antagonists propranolol (beta 1 + beta 2) and ICI 118,551 (beta 2) but not by atenolol (beta 1). The muscarinic-cholinergic agonist carbachol (at maximum stimulation, 10(-5) M) induced a 3-4-fold elevation in [Ca2+]i within 6 s, which slowly returned to resting levels by 8-10 min. The peak carbachol [Ca2+]i response was not substantially altered by the addition of EGTA to the extracellular medium. However, if the cells were first stimulated with isoproterenol in the EGTA-containing medium, the peak carbachol response was decreased approximately 54%. When carbachol was added to cells in the presence of high extracellular calcium, at the isoproterenol-stimulated [Ca2+]i peak, the resulting [Ca2+]i level was equal to that achieved when carbachol was either added alone or added after propranolol and isoproterenol. 8-Bromo-cyclic AMP induced a [Ca2+]i response similar to that elicited by isoproterenol, which was not additive to that by carbachol. Carbachol induced a approximately 3.5-fold increase in inositol trisphosphate (IP3) production in parotid cells within 30 s. 8-Bromo-cAMP, N6,O2'-dioctanoyl-cAMP, and isoproterenol consistently induced a significant stimulation in IP3 production. The half-maximal concentration of isoproterenol required for [Ca2+]i mobilization and IP3 production was comparable (approximately 10(-5) M). Isoproterenol-induced IP3 formation was blocked by propranolol. The data show that in rat parotid acinar cells, beta-adrenergic stimulation results in IP3 formation and mobilization of a carbachol-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pool by a mechanism involving cAMP. This demonstrates an interaction between the cAMP and phosphoinositide second messenger systems in these cells.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗
PubMed1988

Chondronectin in human synovial fluid.

Chondronectin is a cartilage matrix protein that specifically mediates the attachment of chondrocytes to type II collagen. A monoclonal antibody to chondronectin was used in a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot assay to detect, measure, and characterise chondronectin in human synovial fluid. Chondronectin was detected in all 18 rheumatoid and 11 osteoarthritic synovial fluids examined. Chondronectin concentrations in synovial fluid were lower than those in plasma and correlated most strongly with concentrations of synovial fluid albumin and fibrinogen. These results suggest that synovial fluid chondronectin is in part derived from plasma. The role of chondronectin as a marker of cartilage destruction and potential mediator of pannus formation is discussed.

Albumins↗
PubMed1988

Immunohistochemical localization of fibronectin and chondronectin in canine articular cartilage.

We compared the distribution of fibronectin and chondronectin within the matrix of canine articular cartilage. Fibronectin was found throughout the matrix as well as pericellularly. In contrast, chondronectin was observed predominantly associated with the cell or pericellular matrix. Interactions of these molecules with matrix components in the pericellular matrix probably differs, however, since concentrations of hyaluronidase which prevented detection of pericellular fibronectin allowed detection of chondronectin. Chondronectin and fibronectin were detected in osteoarthritic cartilage as well as in disease-free cartilage. Penetration of biotinylated fibronectin into cartilage from the external medium occurred only in osteoarthritic cartilage and proceeded only from the articular surface. Disease-free cartilage appeared to maintain a barrier to fibronectin penetration from the articular surface which was sustained even after the proteoglycan content was markedly depleted by incubation of cartilage with catabolin or lipopolysaccharide. In cartilage that was proteoglycan-depleted, the only detectable penetration of external fibronectin was from the cut surface.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Chondronectin interactions with proteoglycan.

We have investigated whether proteoglycans are involved in the attachment of embryonic chick chondrocytes to type II collagen. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, when added exogenously, promotes the binding of chondronectin, the chondrocyte attachment factor, to type II collagen substrates and thereby stimulates chondrocyte adhesion. Blockage of endogenous proteoglycan synthesis with beta-xylosides prevents chondronectin-mediated chondrocyte attachment, confirming that proteoglycan is required. The intact proteoglycan must be present since chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans did not promote chondronectin-mediated cell attachment but, rather, inhibited it in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibition, however, could be overcome with excess exogenous proteoglycan. Consequently, chondronectin interacts with proteoglycan and then the complex interacts with the collagen substrate and with the cell surface to promote cell adhesion. Further evidence for a direct interaction of chondronectin with the glycosaminoglycan portion of the proteoglycan is the selective binding of chondronectin to dextran-Sepharose, dextran having been shown to inhibit attachment to an extent similar to that of chondroitin sulfate.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Isolation and characterization of a factor from calf serum that promotes the pigmentation of embryonic and transformed melanocytes.

A protein (Mr = 63,000) from calf serum that promotes the pigmentation of cultured chick neural crest and mouse melanoma cells has been partially isolated and characterized in this study. The stimulation of melanin synthesis in cultured cells was used to follow its activity during purification. The pigment-promoting factor was isolated by sequential column chromatography on dye-agarose matrices followed by hydroxyapatite and high pressure molecular sieve chromatography. The factor was found to stimulate melanin biosynthesis at 2-4 micrograms/ml and was specific for melanin-producing cells and their precursors. Antibodies raised in rabbits against the factor inhibited its pigment-promoting activity as well as that of whole calf serum. Enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assays demonstrated that calf and bovine sera contain molecules that cross-react with the pigment-promoting factor. Horse, human, rat, and chicken sera, which lack the biological activity, also lacked immunological cross-reactivity. Extracts of certain tissues, particularly the submaxillary gland, were observed to be rich sources of pigment-promoting activity.

Animals↗