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Z Naor

Publications and source records attributed to Z Naor.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Role of protein kinase C in the acrosome reaction of mammalian spermatozoa.

Mammalian spermatozoa undergo a Ca(2+)-dependent exocytotic event before fertilization which is known as the acrosome reaction. The process of exocytosis in several cell systems is mediated by a protein kinase C (PKC)-catalysed phosphorylation. Addition of phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate or the membrane-permeant diacylglycerol analogue 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol, which are potent activators of PKC, to bovine spermatozoa resulted in stimulation of the acrosome reaction. This stimulation was inhibited by low concentrations (50% inhibition at 0.7 nM) of the PKC inhibitor staurosporine. PKC specific activity in bovine spermatozoa is extremely low in comparison with other cells; however, it is comparable with the activity found in human spermatozoa. Immunohistochemical analysis using anti-PKC antibodies revealed staining in the equatorial segment, the post-acrosomal region and the upper region of the head. We propose that PKC is involved in the mammalian sperm acrosome reaction.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1992

Paradoxical signal transduction mechanism of endothelins and sarafotoxins in cultured pituitary cells: stimulation of phosphoinositide turnover and inhibition of prolactin release.

Endothelins (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3 and vasoactive intestinal contractor, VIC) and sarafotoxins (SRTX-b and SRTX-c) appear to bind with high affinity to a homogeneous class of binding sites in cultured rat pituitary cells. All of these ligands seem to interact with the same receptor (ETA-R), except for SRTX-c which apparently binds to a separate receptor. Binding was followed by phosphodiesteric cleavage of phosphoinositides, resulting in the formation of inositol phosphates. No consistent effect on basal or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced release of luteinizing hormone (LH) was exerted by ET or SRTX during 2 h of static incubation. On the other hand, both groups of vasoactive peptides inhibited basal and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced prolactin secretion. Surprisingly, activation of phosphoinositide turnover by TRH in pituitary mammotrophs led to stimulation of prolactin secretion, whereas activation of the same pathway by ET or SRTX resulted in inhibition of prolactin secretion. ET and SRTX stimulated inositol phosphate formation in GH3 cell line and in the gonadotroph-like cell line alpha T-3 (which is capable of producing the alpha subunit of the gonadotrophins), indicating that the peptides interact with both pituitary mammotrophs and gonadotrophs. The very low concentrations (nM range) needed to stimulate phosphoinositide turnover and to inhibit prolactin secretion, as well as the recent finding that ETs are present in the hypothalamo-pituitary axis suggest that ET might participate in the neuroendocrine modulation of pituitary functions. One such possibility is that ETs might be members of the prolactin inhibiting factors (PIFs) family.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Ca(2+)-independent induction of acrosome reaction by protein kinase C in human sperm.

We report that activated protein kinase C (PKC) can induce acrosome reaction independently of elevated Ca2+. Addition of 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate or the membrane-permeable diacylglycerol analog 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol to ejaculated human sperm resulted in stimulation of acrosomal reaction (2- to 3-fold), provided the sperm underwent capacitation. Induction of acrosome reaction by 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate was blocked by the PKC inhibitor staurosporine or by down-regulation of endogenous PKC, but not by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Acrosome reaction was also enhanced by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin in a Ca(2+)-dependent, PKC-independent fashion. Immunohistochemical analysis with type-specific PKC antibodies revealed the presence of PKC alpha and PKC beta II in the equatorial segment, whereas PKC beta I and PKC epsilon staining was found in the principal piece of the tail. Acrosome reaction, thus far believed to be induced only by elevated Ca2+, can therefore be triggered by activated PKC in a Ca(2+)-independent fashion. The PKC subtypes potentially involved in acrosome reaction are most likely alpha and beta II, whereas the beta I- and epsilon-subspecies might be involved in regulation of flagellar motility of human sperm.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1991

Delayed activation of phospholipase D by gonadotropin-releasing hormone in a clonal pituitary gonadotrope cell line (alpha T3-1).

Stimulation of cultured pituitary cells from a gonadotrope lineage (alpha T3-1) by the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist analog [D-Trp6]GnRH (GnRH-A) resulted in a manifold increase in accumulation of phosphatidylethanol, a specific product of phospholipase D phosphatidyl transferase activity when ethanol is the phosphatidyl group acceptor. Levels of the natural lipid product of phospholipase D, phosphatidic acid, were increased 2-3-fold. Activation of phospholipase D by GnRH-A was dose- and time-dependent and was blocked by a GnRH receptor antagonist [D-pClPhe2,D-Trp3.6]GnRH. GnRH-A stimulated phospholipase D activity after a lag of 1-2 min. We conclude that in alpha T3-1 gonadotropes GnRH receptor occupancy results in delayed activation of phospholipase D which could participate in late phases of gonadotrope regulation by the neurohormone.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Preferential release of catecholamine from permeabilized PC12 cells by alpha- and beta-type protein kinase C subspecies.

Protein kinase C (PKC) is now recognized as comprising two groups of closely related subspecies. The PKC gamma enzyme is apparently present only in central nervous tissues, and hence was expected to participate in neurotransmitter release. We have utilized a 'depletion-insertion' method to identify the PKCs participating in the exocytotic response. PC12 cells were 'down-regulated' by prior treatment (24 h) with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 1 microM), which nearly abolished endogenous PKC activity. Down-regulated PC12 cells were loaded with [3H]dopamine, permeabilized with digitonin, and recombinant or purified PKCs were inserted and activated with a low dose of PMA (20 nM). Among group A PKCs, PKC alpha was the most effective activator of [3H]dopamine release (215%), followed by beta II (185%) and beta I (150%). PKC gamma had no consistent effect on neurotransmitter release. PC12 cells express PKC alpha and PKC beta, but not PKC gamma, as revealed by Northern-blot analysis. We therefore postulate that PKC alpha and PKC beta participate in neurotransmitter release, whereas PKC gamma might be involved in other neuronal functions.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Arachidonic acid release by basophilic leukemia cells and macrophages stimulated by Ca2+ ionophores, antigen and diacylglycerol: essential role for protein kinase C and prevention by glucocorticosteroids.

The role of protein kinase C in phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation in rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) and macrophages was investigated. 12-O-Tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) doubled ionomycin-induced PLA2 activity, assessed by [3H]arachidonate release. Protein kinase C inhibitors, staurosporine and K252a (100 nM) or H-7 (15 micrograms/ml) inhibited ionomycin-stimulation of PLA2 activity by 62, 75 and 80%, respectively. Down-regulation of protein kinase C by prolonged treatment with TPA inhibited Ca2(+)-ionophore A23187 or antigen-stimulation of [3H]arachidonate release by 80%. We examined whether the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on PLA2 activity is related to modulation of protein kinase C activity. The 50% inhibition by DEX of ionomycin elevation of [3H]arachidonate release was almost overcome by addition of TPA. The Ca2+ ionophore and antigen-induced increase in [3H]TPA binding to intact RBL cells was not impaired by DEX. However, DEX markedly reduced phosphorylation of several proteins. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (OAG) had a sustained stimulatory effect on PLA2 activity in isolated plasma membranes derived from treated bone-marrow intact mouse macrophages, while both DEX and staurosporine reduced elevated PLA2 activity by 68 and 84%, respectively. The results support an essential role for protein kinase C in regulation of PLA2 activity.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1991

Comparative stimulatory effect of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and GnRH agonist upon pulsatile human chorionic gonadotrophin secretion in superfused placental explants: reversible inhibition by a GnRH antagonist.

The roles of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and a GnRH agonist (GnRHa) (D-Ala6-Met-Leu7-Pro-N-ethyl-amide) in controlling pulsatile human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) secretion by superfused placental explants in the first trimester were examined. One minute pulses of both GnRH and GnRHa had a biphasic effect upon pulsatile HCG secretion. GnRHa was maximally effective at 10(-10) M concentration, at 10(-11) M the effect was mild while at 10(-8) M, no effect was noted. GnRH exerted a maximal stimulatory effect at 10(-8) M; at 10(-10) M no effect was seen, while at 10(-7) M the effect was mildly stimulatory. This was evaluated by carrying out both a between and within channel type of analysis. The effect of a GnRH antagonist GnRH(ant) upon GnRH and GnRHa-induced HCG secretion was examined. Explants were incubated overnight with 10(-8) M GnRH(ant), which was also continuously administered during superfusion. The addition of 1-min pulses of GnRH and GnRHa during the exposure to GnRH(ant) failed to stimulate pulsatile HCG secretion. This effect was reversible since the response to GnRH was restored within 10 min after stopping GnRH(ant) administration. In addition, by the third cycle, co-administration of GnRH(ant) for 2 min together with 10(-10) M GnRHa for 1 min completely blocked the GnRHa-induced effect. Continuous administration of 10(-8) M GnRH(ant) decreased spontaneous HCG pulse amplitude and the area under the curve but failed to modify pulse frequency. In conclusion, GnRH appears to exert a receptor-dependent stimulatory effect upon pulsatile HCG secretion in superfusion in the first trimester placenta.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Immunocytochemical localization of protein kinase-C subtypes in anterior pituitary cells: colocalization in hormone-containing cells reveals heterogeneity.

We have examined the distribution and colocalization of protein kinase-C (PKC) in cultured rat anterior pituitary cells by light microscopic immunocytochemistry using monoclonal antibodies to group A rat brain PKC subspecies. Type I (PKC gamma) was not detected in the cells, in line with the assertion that the gamma-enzyme is expressed specifically in central nervous tissues. The other subspecies recognized by the antibodies (PKC beta and PKC alpha) were present throughout the cytoplasm in a diffused pattern, while the nuclei were apparently unstained. The number of cells stained with the antibodies in juvenile animals (12 days old) increased rapidly with age and reached a plateau between adult (5-month-old) and older (1-yr-old) rats. Type II (PKC beta) was the predominant subspecies detected in anterior pituitary cells. Double immunofluorescence staining techniques enabled the colocalization of PKC with various anterior pituitary cell types. Surprisingly, not all of the hormone-producing cells were stained with the PKC antibodies. Moreover, within the different pituitary cell types, the percentage of PKC-stained cells varied, revealing heterogeneity among the various cell populations. Thus, among somatrophs, mammotrophs, thyrotrophs, ACTH-containing cells, and gonadotrophs, only 9%, 22%, 13%, 44%, and 26%, respectively, reacted with the PKC antibodies. We suggest that activation of pituitary PKC might mobilize only a fraction of the hormone-containing cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Modulation of vertebrate brain Na+ and K+ channels by subtypes of protein kinase C.

Effects of purified subtypes I, II and III of protein kinase C (PKC) on voltage-dependent transient K+ (A) and Na+ channels were studied in Xenopus oocytes injected with chick brain RNA. The experiments were performed in the constant presence of 10 nM beta-phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Intracellular injection of subtype I (tau) reduced the A-current (IA), with no effect on Na+ current (INa). PKC subtype II (beta 1 + beta 2) and III (alpha) reduced both currents. PKC did not affect the response to kainate. Inactivated (heated) or unactivated (injected in the absence of PMA) enzyme and vehicle alone had no effect. Our results strongly suggest that INa and IA in vertebrate neurons are modulated by PKC; all PKC subtypes exert a similar effect on the A-channel while only subtypes II and III modulate the Na+ channel.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Cyclic GMP stimulates inositol phosphate production in cultured pituitary cells: possible implication to signal transduction.

Addition of the stable and permeable analog 8-bromo cyclic GMP (8-BR-cGMP) to myo-[2-3H]inositol prelabeled cultured rat pituitary cells results in enhanced formation of [3H]-myo-inositol monophosphate (IP1). The stimulatory effect of the cyclic nucleotide analog is additive to the effect of Li+, which accumulates IP1 via inhibition of inositol 1-monophosphatase, and also to the effect of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which stimulates the formation of IP1, as well as that of inositol 1,4-bisphosphate (IP2) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) via enhanced hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides. Many Ca2(+)-mobilizing hormones acting via phosphoinosite turnover also stimulate cGMP formation. The cyclic nucleotide might then serve as a modulator by further hydrolysis of phosphoinositides needed for protein kinase C activation.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Mechanism of action of gonadotropin releasing hormone upon gonadotropin secretion: involvement of protein kinase C as revealed by staurosporine inhibition and enzyme depletion.

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the mechanism of action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) upon gonadotropin secretion is controversial and therefore was investigated in primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells. A relatively selective PKC inhibitor, staurosporine, inhibited both GnRH- and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) release with half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of about 80 nM. Inhibition of GnRH action was not complete suggesting also a PKC-insensitive component in GnRH-induced gonadotropin release. Staurosporine had no effect on basal LH release, or on cellular LH content, neither did the drug interfere with the binding of [125I]iodo-[D-Ser(t-Bu)6]des-Gly10-GnRH N-ethylamide to its receptor in pituitary cells. When cultured pituitary cells were incubated with TPA (1 microM) for 24-48 h no measurable cellular PKC activity could be detected. The decrease in total PKC activity was accompanied by an increase in Ca2+, phosphatidylserine (PS), diacylglycerol (DG)-insensitive activity suggesting the release of a portion of the catalytic domain of PKC (M-kinase) by the phorbol ester treatment. TPA-induced LH release was nearly abolished in PKC-depleted cells and the response to GnRH was markedly reduced (40%). The stimulatory effect of the Ca2+ ionophore, ionomycin, was not impaired in PKC-depleted cells. Impaired responses to GnRH in PKC-depleted cells were only noticed at a later phase (2-4 h) of the exocytotic response of the neurohormone. The data strongly suggest a role for PKC during the second phase of GnRH-induced gonadotropin secretion.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1990

Effect of nerve growth factor and fibroblast growth factor on SCG10 and c-fos expression and neurite outgrowth in protein kinase C-depleted PC12 cells.

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in mediating nerve growth factor (NGF) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-stimulated SCG10 and c-fos expression as well as neurite outgrowth was studied in PC12 cells. Activators of PKC such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or 1-oleoyl 2-acetyl glycerol mimicked the stimulatory effect of NGF and bFGF on SCG10 mRNA levels. Induction involved a protein synthesis-dependent mechanism and was maximal within 12-24 h of exposure. Chronic treatment of the cells with PMA for up to 8 days resulted in a substantial decrease (approximately 90%) in total PKC activity in the continued presence of PMA. PKC depletion did not affect NGF- or bFGF-stimulated SCG10 mRNA induction and bFGF-stimulated c-fos mRNA induction. However, NGF-stimulated c-fos mRNA induction was attenuated. In addition, induction of neurite outgrowth was not abolished in PKC-depleted cells. The results imply that PKC is not involved in NGF- and bFGF-stimulated SCG10 mRNA induction and neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, while the effect of bFGF on c-fos mRNA induction is PKC-independent, that of NGF is mediated by PKC-dependent and -independent pathways.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1990

Protein kinase C is present in human sperm: possible role in flagellar motility.

We report the presence of protein kinase C (PKC) in ejaculated human sperm as revealed by enzymatic activity assay and indirect immunohistochemistry. PKC is localized in the equatorial segment and in the principal piece of the tail. Addition of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate resulted in increased flagellar motility that was blocked by known PKC inhibitors such as sphingosine, staurosporine, and 1-(5-isoquinoylinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine. A very good correlation (r = 0.9, P less than 0.001) was found between the percentage of PKC-stained sperm cells and motility. We propose that PKC is involved in the regulation of flagellar motility in human sperm.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗
PubMed1990

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor: signals involved in gonadotropin secretion and biosynthesis.

The neurohormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide which is synthesized in the hypothalamus and released into the hypophysial portal system in a pulsatile manner. GnRH exerts its effect on the anterior pituitary gonadotrophs where it regulates the secretion and synthesis of gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone) through receptor-mediated actions. The GnRH receptor has been characterized and shown to be coupled to the formation of 'second messengers' which participate in signal transduction mechanisms. GnRH stimulation of luteinizing hormone release is a Ca2(+)-dependent process. G protein, phosphoinositide hydrolysis, protein kinase C as well as arachidonic acid and some of its metabolites were identified as possible mediators in the process.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Signal transduction mechanisms of Ca2+ mobilizing hormones: the case of gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

Multiple (at least seven) steps are involved in GnRH-induced gonadotropin secretion and gonadotropin gene expression. After binding to specific receptors located exclusively on pituitary gonadotrophs, GnRH stimulates a rapid phosphodiesteric hydrolysis of phosphoinositides for which no rise in [Ca2+]i is required. Activation of PLC is most likely mediated by a pertussis toxin-insensitive GTP-binding protein (Gp). In its activated state (Gp-GTP) the binding affinity of GnRH to is receptor is reduced. Rapid formation of IP3 will enhance Ca2+ release from intracellular sources most likely via a specific IP3 receptor. The transient Ca2+ rise might be responsible for a burst phase of LH release lasting for about 100 sec, which is not dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The backbone moiety of the phosphoinositides, DG, and the elevated [Ca2+]i are most likely responsible for translocation of PKC subspecies from the cytosol to the membrane. The most likely candidates are alpha- and beta II-PKC. The activated PKC subspecies phosphorylate substrate proteins which activate secretory reactions and participate in gonadotropin gene expression. In parallel Ca2(+)-influx via nifedipine-sensitive and insensitive channels further elevates [Ca2+]i, which participates in the sustained phase of gonadotropin secretion in concert with the activated PKCs. GnRH also triggers the release of AA and the formation of lipoxygenase and/or epoxygenase products of the fatty acid which are also involved in the process of the exocytosis. We predict that the continuous supply of DG and AA needed for GnRH action is also provided via activated PLD which will also supply phosphatidic acid, the role of which is as yet unclear. The interaction of the various second messengers involved in GnRH action (IP3, Ca2+, DG, AA) and their relative roles in gonadotropin secretion and gonadotropin gene expression await further investigation. In several aspects GnRH action on gonadotropin secretion is unique when compared to other Ca2(+)-mobilizing ligands: 1) At physiological concentrations GnRH up-regulates its own receptors whereas most ligands down-regulate the respective receptor; 2) PKC up-regulates GnRH receptors whereas in most cases PKC down-regulates the ligand receptor; 3) GnRH stimulation of PLC activity is most likely mediated by Gp whereas some Ca2(+)-mobilizing ligands operate via Gi; 4) Activated PKC does not exert negative feedback upon GnRH-induced inositol phosphate production as is the case with several other peptides; 5) Activated PKC might be responsible for Ca2+ influx whereas in several other systems PKC is inhibitory to Ca2+ influx.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Further characterization of protein kinase-C subspecies in the hypothalamo-pituitary axis: differential activation by phorbol esters.

Three forms of protein kinase-C were resolved from rat hypothalamus: types I, II, and III, which correspond to the brain subspecies gamma, beta, and alpha, respectively. The rat pituitary contains the type II and type III enzymes but not type I. The hypothalamic type II enzyme is a mixture of beta I (24%) and beta II (76%), whereas the pituitary type II enzyme contains most likely only the beta II enzyme. The hypothalamic type I enzyme is relatively resistant to activation by the tumor-promoting phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or diacylglycerol (DG). Both type II and type III enzymes of hypothalamus and pituitary were responsive to TPA or DG stimulation, with the hypothalamic subspecies being less responsive. Binding of [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate revealed different binding properties among the various subspecies, with the pituitary enzymes displaying higher affinities than the respective hypothalamic counterparts. The results demonstrate heterogeneity in protein kinase-subspecies expression and responsiveness to TPA and DG and suggest specific roles for the subspecies in the hypothalamo-pituitary axis.

Animals↗