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Role of preoptic second messenger systems (cAMP and cGMP) in the febrile response.

The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that a decrease in preoptic cAMP mediates fever. To this end, body core temperature (T(c)) of unanesthetized, freely moving rats was monitored by biotelemetry before and after pharmacological modulation of the cAMP pathway, and cAMP levels in the anteroventral third ventricular region (AV3V), where the preoptic region (POA) is located, were determined. We observed that intra-POA administration of the cAMP agonist dibutyryl-cAMP (Db-cAMP, 40 microg) reduced T(c). PGE(2) (the proximal mediator of fever, 200 ng) raised T(c) with a concomitant decrease in AV3V cAMP levels from 22.7+/-1.8 to 17.0+/-1.0 fmol/microg protein. Moreover, PGE(2)-induced fever was impaired by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor aminophylline. In order to verify the interaction between the cAMP- and cGMP-dependent pathways in the POA, we then co-injected Db-cAMP and 8-Br-cGMP into the POA. As a result, 8-Br-cGMP augmented the drop in T(c) evoked by Db-cAMP. Lastly, we observed that intra-POA co-microinjection of the protein kinase A inhibitor (Rp-cAMPS, 1 microg) with the protein kinase G inhibitor (Rp-cGMPS, 1 microg), mimicking the effects of reduced production of cAMP and cGMP, respectively, produced a fever-like response. In summary, the present data support that a decrease in the levels of cAMP and cGMP in the POA is associated with the genesis of fever.

Aminophylline↗

Multiple second messenger systems act sequentially to mediate rolipram-induced prolongation of prostaglandin E2-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in the rat.

In this study we have evaluated the mechanisms mediating the prolonged hyperalgesia induced by administration of prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram, an inhibitor of type IV phosphodiesterase. The Randall-Selitto paw pressure device was employed to measure the effect of intradermal injection of test agents on the time course of the decrease in mechanical nociceptive threshold produced by prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram in the hairy skin of the hindpaw of the rat. The intradermal injection of prostaglandin E2 produced a dose-dependent decrease in the nociceptive threshold which lasted approximately 2 h. While rolipram alone had no significant effect on nociceptive threshold, it enhanced and prolonged (> 72 h) prostaglandin E2-induced hyperalgesia. WIPTIDE, a protein kinase A inhibitor, when administered 30 min after prostaglandin E2, or with prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram, a time when prostaglandin E2-induced hyperalgesia was at its peak, produced a significant reduction in hyperalgesia. However, at 90 or at 180 min after injection of prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram, WIPTIDE was found to be without effect. H-8, a protein kinase G inhibitor, and okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, when administered 30 min after prostaglandin E2, or 180 min after prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram, produced no significant effect. However, when administered 90 min after prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram, each produced a significant reduction in the hyperalgesia induced by prostaglandin E2 plus rolipram.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Regulation of human extraneuronal monoamine transporter (hEMT) expressed in HEK293 cells by intracellular second messenger systems.

Several transmembrane transporters of organic compounds are regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible regulation of the human extraneuronal monoamine transporter, hEMT, by these mechanisms. The experiments were performed using HEK293 cells stably transfected with pcDNA3hEMT (293hEMT). The characteristics of hEMT-mediated uptake of [3H]1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ([3H]MPP+) were studied by incubating the cells at 37 degrees C for 1 min with 200 nM [3H]MPP+. Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by 293hEMT cells was not affected or only slightly reduced by modulators of protein kinase A, protein kinase C, or protein kinase G. It was not affected by an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase and was reduced by mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors. Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by 293hEMT cells was independent of extracellular Ca2+ and strongly reduced by Ca2+/calmodulin pathway inhibitors. Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by 293hEMT cells was strongly reduced in the presence of non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors (IBMX, caffeine, theophylline). The effect of IBMX was independent of extracellular Ca2+ its IC50 was found to be 82.0 microM (66.2-101.6 microM; n=4), and its inhibitory effect resulted from a significant decrease in the maximal velocity of [3H]MPP+ uptake, with no change in the Michaelis-Menten constant. [3H]MPP+ uptake was reduced by 8-methoxy-methyl-IBMX, a selective inhibitor of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase (PDE1), but not by zaprinast, a selective inhibitor of PDE5. Uptake of [3H]MPP+ by 293hEMT cells was strongly reduced by protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors, by an alkaline phosphatase inhibitor and, by contrast. showed an increase in the presence of exogenous alkaline phosphatase. In conclusion, these results suggest that hEMT is regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms, being active in the dephosphorylated state.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗

Identification of a long-lasting form of odor adaptation that depends on the carbon Monoxide/cGMP second-messenger system.

The diffusible messenger carbon monoxide (CO) has been proposed to mediate endogenous cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) formation and sensory adaptation in vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). We have identified and characterized a long-lasting form of odor response adaptation (LLA) that operates at the level of isolated salamander ORNs and does not require any interactions from other cells. Manifestations of LLA are seen in reduced amplitude and prolonged kinetics of the cAMP-mediated excitatory odor response and the generation of a persistent current component that lasts for several minutes and is attributable to cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel activation by cGMP. Because these effects can be mimicked by micromolar amounts of exogenous cGMP or CO, we applied various inhibitors of cGMP formation. LLA is abolished selectively by heme oxygenase inhibitors known to prevent CO release and cGMP formation in ORNs, whereas odor excitation remains unaffected. In contrast, blockers of nitric oxide synthase are unable to eliminate LLA. Several controls rule out a contribution of nonspecific actions to the effects of CO inhibitors. The results indicate that endogenous CO/cGMP signals contribute to olfactory adaptation and underlie the control of gain and sensitivity of odor transduction. The findings offer a mechanism by which a single, brief odor stimulus can be translated into long-lasting intracellular changes that could play an important role in the perceptual adaptation to odors, and explain the longstanding puzzle that the olfactory CNG channels can be gated by both cAMP and cGMP.

Acclimatization↗

Effects of second messenger system activation on functional expression of tyrosine hydroxylase fusion gene constructs in neuronal and nonneuronal cells.

A genomic clone for rat tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was isolated and a fragment containing 503 bp upstream of the transcription start site was sequenced. The BamHI/AluI fragment was inserted into a plasmid carrying the coding sequence for bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). Another construct with the 5' sequence truncated to -151 bp also was prepared. When these were introduced into several mammalian cell lines, including C6 glioma, BE(2) neuroblastoma, CV-1 or Ltk- fibroblasts, different basal levels of CAT expression were observed. In the fibroblast lines, THCAT constructs were not expressed unless the cells were treated with forskolin or TPA. However, the low basal expression was not correlated to endogenous expression as THCAT constructs expressed comparably in BE(2)C, HeLa, and C6 glioma. Treatment of any of the cell lines with forskolin, TPA, or a combination of the two agents stimulated the expression by at least two-fold in all cell lines and the maximally induced levels were at least 10-fold over promoterless controls. These data indicate that the essential promoter elements as well as those conferring responsivity to cyclic AMP reside within 151 bp of the transcription start site. However, the array of elements regulating cell-type expression lie, at least in part, beyond the 500-bp region examined. Further, a role for phosphorylation in the regulation of basal and induced transcription of TH is suggested.

Animals↗

Cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript expression in the rat nucleus accumbens is regulated by adenylyl cyclase and the cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate/protein kinase a second messenger system.

Cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), a neuropeptide involved in the brain's reward/reinforcement circuit, modulates the effects of psychostimulants, including cocaine. The CART gene has been characterized, and binding sites for multiple transcription factors have been identified within the promoter region, including the cAMP-response element, which serves as a binding site for cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB). CART expression appears to be regulated via cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/CREB-mediated signaling in cell culture. Therefore, the goal of these studies was to examine the involvement of cAMP/PKA/CREB-mediated signaling in CART mRNA and peptide expression in vivo in the rat nucleus accumbens. Intra-accumbal injections of forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, stimulated the phosphorylation of CREB and increased both CART mRNA and peptide levels, an effect attenuated by inhibition of PKA with H89 [N-(2-[p-bromocinnamylamino]ethyl)-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide hydrochloride] and adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer (Rp-cAMPS). In addition, Rp-cAMPS alone decreased CART mRNA compared with saline-injected controls, suggesting that CART expression may be tonically regulated by PKA. Under certain conditions, cocaine increases CART mRNA levels; thus, we examined the effects of cocaine on forskolin-induced CART mRNA expression in the rat nucleus accumbens. Cocaine plus forskolin significantly increased CART mRNA over either of the drugs administered independently, suggesting that under conditions of heightened cAMP signaling, cocaine may impact CART gene expression. These results suggest that CART expression in vivo in the rat nucleus accumbens is regulated by adenylyl cyclase and cAMP/PKA-mediating signaling and, likely, through the activation of CREB.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Protein kinase C second messenger system mediates the antisteroidogenic effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha in the ovine corpus luteum in vivo.

Experiment I was designed to determine the optimal dose of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) that inhibited progesterone production when infused into the ovarian artery. The most efficacious dose of PMA was 2 mumol. Experiment II was designed to determine whether activation of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibited progesterone production without initiating luteolysis. Ewes received ovarian arterial infusions of 4 alpha-phorbol (2 mumol, n = 4), PMA (2 mumol, n = 8), or prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha; 1 mumol, n = 5). Concentrations of progesterone in serum decreased by 3 h in PMA-treated ewes and by 5 h in PGF2 alpha treated ewes (p < 0.05). By 48 h, serum levels of progesterone in PMA-treated ewes had returned to control values; but in PGF2 alpha-treated ewes they remained low for the duration of the experiment. Luteal weights and progesterone contents at 48 h were similar in 4 alpha-phorbol- and PMA-treated ewes but were decreased in PGF2 alpha-treated ewes (p < 0.05). Experiment III was designed to determine whether PGF2 alpha or PKC activation induced oligonucleosome formation or influenced mRNA levels for cytochrome P450sec or 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-delta 4 isomerase (3 beta-HSD). Ewes received treatments as in experiment II, and CL were collected at 3, 12, or 24 h (n = 3-4 per group). Luteal weights were decreased (p < 0.05) and oligonucleosome formation was increased (p < 0.05) in PGF2 alpha-treated ewes compared to controls or to PMA-treated ewes by 12 h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Development of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors and associated second messenger systems in fetal striatal transplants.

Stereotactic implantation of fetal brain regional anlage into adult host brain ("brain transplantation") appears to be an increasingly viable strategy for therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. We have studied implantation of fetal striatum into adult striatum, previously lesioned by neurotoxic amino acid injection, as a model for transplantation therapy of Huntington's disease. The beginning of behavioral recovery to apomorphine is not apparent until 6.5 months after implantation. By 4 months after implantation cerebral blood flow through the implants appears equal to that in the intact contralateral striatum. At this time, cerebral glucose utilization is reduced in the implants but increases following apomorphine treatment. The development of D1 and D2 dopamine (DA) receptors is markedly deficient in the striatal grafts at both 4 and 6.5 months after implantation. Very little D2 radioligand binding was observed in the grafts at either time point; D1 receptors appeared in a patchy fashion by 6.5 months at densities approaching normal striatum. In situ hybridization of D2 dopamine receptor mRNA demonstrated robust hybridization signal in normal striatum and accumbens but no signal in 6.5-month-old striatal grafts. Adenylate cyclase (AC) activity, examined with high-affinity [3H]forskolin binding, also appeared in patches similar to D1 receptors at 6.5 months. In contrast, protein kinase C activity, labeled with [3H]phorbol ester, was very apparent in the grafts at both time points. Higher and generally homogenous densities of muscarinic cholinergic receptors, assessed with [3H]QNB binding, develop in the grafts, but there appear to be few functioning cholinergic terminals, as measured by [3H]hemicholinium binding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine↗

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↗

Short and long term regulation of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes by angiotensin in cultured adrenal medullary cells. Molecular mechanisms and nature of second messenger systems.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of angiotensin on the enzyme activities and gene expression of two catecholamine synthesizing enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), in bovine adrenal medullary (AM) cells. Short term (15 min) incubation of cultured AM cells with 2 nM [Sar1]angiotensin II (s1-AII) did not increase basal secretion of catecholamines; however, longer incubations (3, 24, or 72 h) produced 4-10-fold increases. To determine whether angiotensin affects synthesis of catecholamines, the activities of TH and PNMT were examined. Incubation with s1-AII (15-30 min) decreased the Km of TH for its biopterine cofactor [6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-biopterin dihydrochloride (BH4] without affecting the Vmax, suggesting activation of TH. After long term incubation (72 h) the Km value was identical to that of control, while increases in the apparent Vmax were observed. PNMT activity was unaffected during a 30-min treatment with s1-AII; however, 2-fold increases occurred after a 48-72-h incubation. s1-AII (24 h) increased the relative abundance of TH and PNMT mRNAs, suggesting that the long term increase in enzyme activities reflected increased expression of TH and PNMT genes. Maximal increases were observed at 2 nM s1-AII and the changes were antagonized by saralasin. Induction of TH mRNA by s1-AII was additive to the effects of veratridine or forskolin indicating that effects of angiotensin were not due to membrane depolarization or increased cyclic AMP levels. Incubation with Ca2+ ionophore A23187 increased TH and PNMT mRNA levels in AM cells raising the possibility that the increase in cellular [Ca2+] could mediate effects of angiotensin. Angiotensin-induced increases in TH and PNMT mRNA were inhibited by nifedipine indicating involvement of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. In addition, the increases in TH, but not PNMT mRNA, were antagonized by dantrolene, which inhibits mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Calmodulin involvement was suggested by the inhibition of s1-AII induced changes in mRNA with 1 microM calmidazolium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adrenal Medulla↗

Regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in depolarized non-transformed bovine adrenal medullary cells: second messenger systems and promoter mechanisms.

Activation of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene in the adrenal medulla during stress is mediated by trans-synaptic mechanisms and may involve cholinergic receptors. Stimulation of nicotinic receptors in adrenal medullary cells induces cell depolarization, influx of Ca2+ ions and increases levels of cAMP. We have shown that both cAMP and membrane depolarization produce an increase in the expression of the TH gene in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells (BAMC). Others have proposed that transcriptional activation of the TH gene by cAMP is mediated through the sequence homologous to a cAMP responsive element (CRE) located in the proximal region of the TH gene promoter. In the present study we have examined the mechanisms by which membrane depolarization increases the TH gene activity. Treatment of serum-free BAMC cultures with the depolarizing agent, veratridine, increased the extracellular concentration of catecholamines, Met5-enkephalin, and the relative abundance of TH mRNA. Veratridine treatment also increased the levels of mRNAs for the catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), and proenkephalin A (PEK). Treatment for longer than 3 h was required to increase TH mRNA levels. By contrast, our previous studies indicated that cAMP stimulation for 2 h produces a maximal increase in TH mRNA levels in BAMC. The effects of veratridine and forskolin on TH mRNA levels were additive, further indicating that depolarization and cAMP activate TH gene expression via different pathways. Calmidazolium, an antagonist of calmodulin, had no effect on the veratridine-induced increase in TH mRNA levels. Similarly sphingosine treatment or preincubation with PMA, which reduce protein kinase C (PKC) activity and attenuate the induction of TH mRNA by PMA or the hormone, angiotensin II, did not affect the induction by veratridine. To identify promoter mechanisms of TH gene activation in depolarized cells we transfected BAMC with a plasmid pTHgoodLuc and treated with veratridine for 24 h. pTHgoodLUC contains a luciferase reporter gene linked to a -428/+21 bp fragment of the bovine TH gene promoter (relative to the transcription start site). Veratridine increased the expression of luciferase from the TH promoter 2.5-fold. Deletion of the -194/-54 bp promoter region containing SP-1 and POU/Oct sites reduced veratridine stimulation by 40%. Additional deletion of the -269 to -190 bp promoter segment, including an AP-1 element, further reduced veratridine stimulation to a statistically non-significant level. In conclusion, activation of TH gene expression upon depolarization is not mediated by calmodulin and PKC. Promoter sequences involved in this activation are located upstream from the CRE. Depolarization may activate TH gene transcription by acting on more than one regulatory region.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Regulation of expression of the chicken ovalbumin gene: interactions between steroid hormones and second messenger systems.

The chicken ovalbumin gene is subject to multihormonal regulation. Maximal expression of it requires not only the synergistic effects of estrogen and corticosterone, but also the permissive effects of insulin. In addition to effects on transcription, the stability of its message is greatly enhanced by estrogen. Furthermore, two signal transduction pathways involving protein kinases have been implicated in the regulation of the ovalbumin gene. To better define the role of second messengers on expression of the ovalbumin gene, the effects of the protein kinase-C (PKC) and the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) pathways on the endogenous levels of ovalbumin mRNA and the transcription of an ovalbumin fusion gene were investigated. Primary cultures of oviduct cells were treated with phorbol 12-myristilate 13-acetate (an activator of PKC) or with forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (an activator of PKA) alone, activators plus estrogen and corticosterone, or activators plus both steroids and insulin. The results indicate that phorbol 12-myristilate 13-acetate causes a dramatic destabilization of ovalbumin message, resulting in a reduction in ovalbumin mRNA levels. In contrast, the activators of the PKA system can substitute for insulin and, thereby, increase expression of the ovalbumin gene synergistically with the steroids. The effect of the activators of the PKA system is at the level of transcription. Thus, in chicken oviduct cell cultures, the PKA and PKC signal transduction pathways act in opposing ways to modulate the steroid-induced expression of the ovalbumin gene.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Differential actions of second messenger systems in the corpus luteum.

Our current working hypothesis for the intracellular mechanism of action for LH and PGF-2 alpha is shown in Fig. 8. Luteinizing hormone appears to act primarily on the small luteal cell through the cAMP/protein kinase A effector system and thereby stimulates secretion of progesterone. Activation of the protein kinase C effector pathway is inhibitory to progesterone secretion from stimulated small luteal cells but it is not clear which hormones, if any, activate this effector system. Results from studies in whole animals suggest that LH may also stimulate differentiation of small luteal cells into large luteal cells (Donaldson & Hansel, 1965; Farin et al., 1988). Although there are LH receptors on large luteal cells, LH treatment does not stimulate progesterone secretion and does not appear to activate any of the second messenger pathways which we have examined. Prostaglandin F-2 alpha appears to act on the large luteal cell through free intracellular calcium and protein kinase C effector systems. Apparently, PGF-2 alpha-induced activation of protein kinase C results in the acute inhibition of progesterone production seen in the first 8 h after PGF-2 alpha treatment. The cytotoxic effects of PGF-2 alpha on the large luteal cell (Fitz et al., 1984; Braden et al., 1988) may be caused by a sustained elevation in free intracellular calcium concentrations. No direct effects of PGF-2 alpha on small luteal cells have been detected (no inhibition of progesterone production, no activation of protein kinase C, no increase in free intracellular calcium), which is consistent with an absence of high affinity PGF-2 alpha receptors on this cell type. The cytotoxic effects of PGF-2 alpha on small luteal cells and endothelial cells (Braden et al., 1988) may be caused by decreases in luteal blood flow (Niswender et al., 1975; Wiltbank et al., 1990b), actions of cytotoxic agents released by large luteal cells, or increases in cytotoxic white blood cells (Murdoch, 1987; Bagavandoss et al., 1988).

Animals↗

Effects of enprostil on platelets, endothelial cells, and other cell types, and second messenger systems by which these effects are mediated.

In human blood platelets, thromboxane A2, prostaglandin E2, and its analogue enprostil activate protein kinase C and promote the second phase of aggregation, whereas prostacyclin and prostaglandin E1 activate adenylate cyclase and inhibit aggregation. In each case, a characteristic group of proteins is phosphorylated following agonist binding. These observations may be related to the inhibitory effect of enprostil on the activation of adenylate cyclase in gastric parietal cells, which follows binding of histamine to H2 receptors. Another system in which enprostil opposes the effect of histamine is the microvasculature. Histamine binds to H1 sites on endothelial cells and induces changes in their shape that allow macromolecules to pass between them into the extravascular compartment. This effect may be mediated by activation of protein kinase C. Pretreatment with enprostil antagonizes the increase in vascular permeability induced by histamine and presumably other inflammatory mediators. Preservation of the integrity of the microvasculature of the gastric mucosa against the effects of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, ethanol, and other damaging agents may contribute to the mucosal protective effects of enprostil and some other prostaglandins.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Cloned human neuropeptide Y receptor couples to two different second messenger systems.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant neuropeptides in the mammalian nervous system and exhibits a diverse range of important physiological activities, including effects on psychomotor activity, food intake, regulation of central endocrine secretion, and potent vasoactive effects on the cardiovascular system. Two major subtypes of NPY receptor (Y1 and Y2) have been defined by pharmacological criteria. We report here the molecular cloning of a cDNA sequence encoding a human NPY receptor and the corrected sequence for a rat homologue. Analysis of this sequence confirms that the receptor is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. When expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) or human embryonic kidney (293) cells, the receptor exhibits the characteristic ligand specificity of a Y1 type of NPY receptor. In the 293 cell line, the receptor is coupled to a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein that mediates the inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation. In the CHO cell line, the receptor is coupled not to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase but rather to the elevation of intracellular calcium. These results demonstrate that second messenger coupling of the NPY-Y1 receptor is cell type specific, depending on the specific repertoire of G proteins and effector systems present in any cell type.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Mapping second messenger systems in the brain: differential localizations of adenylate cyclase and protein kinase C.

[3H]Forskolin and [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate have been used to map the adenylate cyclase and phosphatidylinositol systems respectively in brain slices by light-microscopic autoradiography. [3H]Forskolin binding to brain sections is displaced potently by forskolin (KD approximately equal to 15 nM) and is enhanced by fluoride and GTP analogs, agents which activate the stimulatory GTP-binding regulatory protein of adenylate cyclase, Gs. Highest [3H]forskolin binding occurs in the corpus striatum, substantia nigra, hippocampus, and molecular layer of the cerebellum. Lesion studies demonstrate that binding sites in the substantia nigra are associated with striatal afferents, while hippocampal sites are localized to granule cell dendrites and mossy fiber terminals, and the intense binding in the cerebellar molecular layer is largely associated with granule cell axons and terminals. Protein kinase C mediates the activity of hormones and neurotransmitters, which act through the phosphatidylinositol cycle, and is labeled with high affinity by [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. At many synapses, maps of adenylate cyclase and protein kinase C reveal reciprocal distributions, which may have implications for second messenger regulation of synaptic transmission.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

The "second messenger" system in brown adipose tissue of developing rats. Its molecular composition and mechanism of function.

Our studies of the hormonal receptor system and of the sequence of enzymatic events interconnecting the initial hormonal stimulus to the brown adipocyte with its final subcellular effect are summarized here. The hormone-mediated regulatory pathway consists of the adenyl cyclase and the protein kinase systems; the former is composed of the receptor and catalytic sites, the latter of regulatory and catalytic subunits. Emphasis is given currently to the diversity and characteristics of the individual components of the protein kinase system, since it seems to carry out the ultimate unifying mechanism involved in a variety of hormone-mediated functions, i.e. the phosphorylation of a protein molecule.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗