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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1978

beta-adrenergic receptor and adenylate cyclase in transverse tubules of skeletal muscle.

Experiments were carried out to clarify the sites of action of beta-adrenergic agonists in skeletal muscle microsomes. Microsomes were fractionated into longitudinal reticulum, terminal cisternae, and isolated transverse tubules. Transverse tubules were selectively labeled and tracked with [3H]ouabain. beta-adrenergic receptor was identified by [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding. Assays of beta-adrenergic receptor, adenylate cyclase, and protein kinase-stimulated phosphorylation showed: 1) beta-adrenergic receptor was detected in transverse tubules with a receptor density of 0.61 pmol/mg of protein. No significant binding was detected in longitudinal reticulum or in terminal cisternae. 2) Isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase was present in microsomes but was similarly confined to the transverse tubular fraction. The activity of F- stimulated cyclase in transverse tubules was 2.3 nmol/mg of protein/min. 3) No phosphorylation of microsomes by cyclic AMP and protein kinase could be detected. We conclude that the action of epinephrine on skeletal muscle is mediated through receptors and adenylate cyclase in the external membrane.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1992

Cross-talk between tyrosine kinase and G-protein-linked receptors. Phosphorylation of beta 2-adrenergic receptors in response to insulin.

Protein kinases play a pivotal role in the propagation and modulation of transmembrane signaling pathways. Two major classes of receptors, G-protein-linked and tyrosine kinase receptors not only propagate signals but also are substrates for phosphorylation in response to stimulation by agonist ligands. Insulin (operating via tyrosine kinase receptors) and catecholamines (operating by G-protein-linked receptors) are counterregulatory with respect to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. How, on a cellular level, these two distinct classes of receptors may cross-regulate each other remains controversial. In the present work we identify a novel cross-talk between members of two distinct classes of receptors, tyrosine kinase (insulin) and G-protein-linked (beta-adrenergic) receptors. Treatment of DDT1 MF-2 hamster vas deferens smooth muscle cells with insulin promoted a marked attenuation (desensitization) of beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of adenylylcyclase. Measured by immune precipitation of beta 2-adrenergic receptors from cells metabolically labeled with [32P]orthophosphate, the basal state of receptor phosphorylation was increased 2-fold by insulin. Phosphoamino acid analysis revealed that for insulin-stimulated cells, the beta 2-adrenergic receptors showed increased phosphorylation on tyrosyl and decreased phosphorylation on threonyl residues. Phosphorylation of the beta-adrenergic receptor was rapid and peaked at 30 min following stimulation of cells by insulin. beta-Adrenergic receptor phosphorylation and attenuation of catecholamine-sensitive adenylylcyclase provide a biochemical basis for the counterregulatory effects of insulin upon catecholamine action.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Alterations in activities of cyclic nucleotide systems and in beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase during progression and regression of isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Initial and transient increases in the basal levels of cyclic GMP in the heart were noted prior to cardiac hypertrophy in rats administered isoproterenol. Increased levels of cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase (in both the soluble and particulate fractions) and stimulatory modulator of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase, however, were associated with the progression, or the state, of cardiomegaly, with their levels returning to the control values upon regression of the hypertrophy. The levels of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase in the soluble fraction were lower, whereas those in the particulate fraction were higher, in the hypertrophied heart than the control. In cardiac hypertrophy, the maximal activity ratio(--cyclic AMP/+cyclic AMP) of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase in the incubated minced heart caused by isoproterenol was lower, whereas the concentration of isoproterenol required to increase the activity ratio half-maximally was higher than controls; the reduced responsiveness to the drug, however, was reversed when the hypertrophy regressed. These observations, taken collectively, appear to suggest that the desensitization of the beta-adrenergic mechanism seen in the cardiac hypertrophy produced by repeated administration of isoproterenol is associated with adaptive modifications in certain parameters of the cyclic nucleotide systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The role of the renin-angiotensin system in the control of cell communication in the heart: effects of enalapril and angiotensin II.

The influence of the renin-angiotensin system on the control of cell communication was investigated in isolated ventricular cell pairs of adult rats. It was found that angiotensin II (1 microgram/ml) reduced the junctional conductance (gj) by about 55% within 20 s. This effect of angiotensin II was suppressed by DuP 753--an angiotensin receptor blocking agent. Enalapril (1 microgram/ml)--an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor--caused an increase in junctional conductance (106%) within 2 min. The effect of enalapril on gj was not related to activation of beta-adrenergic receptors or cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The effect of angiotensin II on gj was suppressed by staurosporine--a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C. This finding indicates that the peptide is changing gj through activation of protein kinase C. The increase in cell coupling caused by enalapril raises the possibility that the antiarrhythmic action of enalapril as well its effect in congestive heart failure are related to an increase in electrical synchronization of cardiac myocytes.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1976

Agonist-specific refractoriness induced by isoproterenol. Studies with mutant cells.

The beta-adrenergic catecholamine isoproterenol produces a large, rapid, but often a transient, elevation in cellular content of cyclic AMP. We have used the S49 mouse lymphoma cell line, in which genetic variants with specific defects in the pathway of cyclic AMP generation and function have been isolated, to study the increase and subsequent decrease in cyclic AMP levels (termed refractoriness) following incubation of cells with isoproterenol. In wild type S49 cells, isoproterenol produces a peak response in the cellular content of cyclic AMP within 30 min, but the cyclic AMP level falls rapidly thereafter, approaching basal levels by 6 h. Neither inactivation of the drug nor secretion of a nonspecific inhibitor of adenylate cyclase appears to account for the refractoriness. Because isoproterenol refractory cells can still be stimulated by cholera toxin, refractoriness to isoproterenol does not represent a generalized decrease in cellular cyclic AMP response. Particulate preparations from refractory cells have a selective loss of isoproterenol-responsive adenylate cyclase activity, but their activation constants and stereoselectivity for (-)- and (+)-isoproterenol are unaltered. In addition, refractory cells have decreased specific binding of the beta-adrenergic antagonist [125I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol. This decrease appears to represent a reduction in the number, but not the affinity, of beta-adrenergic receptor sites. Similar studies in an S49 clone that lacks the enzyme cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase yield essentially identical findings. Because kinase-deficient cells do not induce the cyclic AMP-degrading enzyme phosphodiesterase after the cellular content of cyclic AMP is increased, induced of phosphodiesterase cannot account for refractoriness to isoproterenol. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase does not appear to be required for either the decrease in beta-adrenergic receptors and isoproterenol-responsive adenylate cyclase, nor does it appear to be required for the development of refractoriness to isoproterenol. In contrast, an S49 clone lacking hormone-responsive adenylate cyclase activity but retaining beta-adrenergic receptors does not appear to lose receptors after being incubated with isoproterenol, either alone or together with dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Therefore, in this clone, receptor occupancy alone or in combination with elevated cyclic AMP levels is insufficient to cause refractoriness. Refractoriness thus appears to require intact adenylate cyclase. This suggests that adenylate cyclase may exert regulatory controls on beta-adrenergic receptors in addition to generation of cyclic AMP.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1979

beta-Adrenergic receptors of frog erythrocytes. Biochemical sequelae following stimulation with isoproterenol.

Following persistent stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors of frog erythrocytes with (-)-isoproterenol, the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-dependent protein kinase) (EC 2.7.1.37) was activated for several hours. This activation outlasted the duration of the increase of cAMP content. Following a persistant stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors with isoproterenol, the phosphorylation of selective membrane proteins was increased. This increase in phosphorylation lasted longer than 4 hr but less than 12 hr. Between 2 and 4 hr after receptor stimulation the loss of beta-adrenergic receptor from plasma membrane was maximal, and the phosphorylation of two membrane proteins characterized by molecular weights of 60,000 and 38,000 daltons was selectively enhanced. In addition we found that isolated erythrocytes are capable of synthesizing RNA and polypeptides and that incubation with (-)-isoproterenol indices a long-term delayed increase of the synthesis of erythrocyte proteins. This increase in the synthesis of proteins appears to require new RNA synthesis. Thus the possibility can be entertained that this delayed increase in protein synthesis participates in the new synthesis of receptor and is operative in the termination of beta-adrenergic receptor subsensitivity elicited by a persistent stimulation with (-)-isoproterenol.

Alprenolol↗
PubMed1979

Catecholamine regulation of human erythrocyte membrane protein kinase.

The effect of catecholamines on membrane-associated protein kinase in the mature human erythrocyte was investigated. Protein kinase activity was assayed after isolation of membranes from intact erythrocytes incubated with and without catecholamines. Activation of the enzyme is expressed as the ratio of the extent of phosphorylation of exogenous protein substrate in the absence to that in the presence of 2.5 microM cyclic AMP (cAMP). The potent beta-adrenergic agonist, (-)isoproterenol (2 microM), (-)epinephrine (10 microM) and (-)norepinephrine (10 microM) stimulated the cAMP-dependent protein kinase in membranes, 38 +/- 7%, 31 +/- 6%, and 30 +/- 6%, respectively. Maximal stimulation of membrane protein kinase by 10 microM (-)epinephrine was obtained approximately equal to 30 min after initiation of the incubation of erythrocytes with the hormone. The concentrations of (-)catecholamines that gave half-maximal stimulation of the membrane protein kinase were 0.17 microM for isoproterenol, 0.35 microM for epinephrine, and 0.63 microM for norepinephrine. The membrane protein kinase response to beta-adrenergic agonists was found to be stereospecific. The stimulation of membrane protein kinase by 10 microM (-)epinephrine was inhibited by the beta-adrenergic antagonist, (-)propranolol with EC50 = 0.60 microM, and the inhibition of agonist stimulation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase by propranolol was stereospecific. These studies suggest that a functional beta-adrenergic receptor exists in the mature human erythrocyte.

Catecholamines↗
PubMed1978

Studies of cAMP metabolism in cultured hepatoma cells: presence of functional adenylate cyclase despite low cAMP content and lack of hormonal responsiveness.

The ability of isoproterenol, glucagon, PGE1 and cholera toxin to stimulate the synthesis of cAMP and protein kinase activity in line of liver cells (BRL) and a line of rat hepatoma cells (H35) has been determined. The concentration of cAMP in BRL cells (approximately 10 pmoles/mg protein) is in the range reported for other cultured cell lines but H35 cells contain extraordinarily low amounts of this cyclic nucleotide (approximately 0.05 pmoles/mg protein). Isoproterenol and PGE1 caused an increase in cAMP content, and protein kinase activation in BRL cells, although glucagon was ineffective. H35 cells, in contrast, were completely insensitive to all hormonal agonists. Despite this fact, cholera toxin was able to produce a marked increase in cAMP content, adenylate cyclase activity and protein kinase activation in H35 cells. binding studies with [125 I]-iodohydroxybenzylpindolol, a specific beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, revealed that each H35 cell possesses fewer than 10 beta-adrenergic receptors whereas BRL cells contain 2-5,000 receptors per cell. The low level of cAMP in H35 cells appears to result from a combination of totally unstimulated adenylate cyclase and apparently elevated phosphodiesterase activities.

Adenylate Kinase↗
PubMed1975

Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases and binding sites for cyclic AMP in rat erythrocytes.

In red cell preparations from reticulocyte-poor (untreated animals; approximately 2% reticulocytes) and reticulocyte-rich blood (animals pretreated with acetylphenylhydrazide; approximately 60% reticulocytes) of rats, cAMP binding sites and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activities were determined. High affinity binding sites for cAMP were present both in membrane and cytoplasmic preparations; while the apparent binding constants determined in both cell fractions (approximately 3 x 10(-9) M for membrane, approximately 2 x 10(-8) M for cytoplasmic fractions) were independent of the reticulocyte content of the preparations, the respective numbers of sites were about twice as high in the reticulocyte-rich as in the reticulocyte-poor preparations. In membrane preparations, significant cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity could be detected only in membrane fractions from reticulocyte-rich blood which were considerably contaminated by intracellular components ("haemoglobin-containing membranes') while in washed ("haemoglobin-free') membranes no cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity was found. In cytoplasmic preparations both from reticulocyte-poor and reticulocyte-rich blood, two different protein kinases, a low and a high Ka enzyme, were tentatively differentiated by kinetic data; the apparent activation constant for the high Ka enzyme (approximately less than 5 x 10(-8) M) was in the concentration range of the binding constants determined on cytoplasmic preparations. The activity of the high Ka protein kinase was several fold higher in reticulocyte-rich than in reticulocyte-poor cytoplasmic fractions, while the activity of the low Ka enzyme was obviously independent of the reticulocyte content. From the results obtained, it is concluded that in premature rat erythrocytes, membrane protein(s) may serve as protein substrates for cAMP-dependent protein kinase(s) located in the cytoplasm. This assumption was supported by experiments with intact erythrocytes (prelabelled with inorganic 32P-phosphate) from reticulocyte-rich blood: isoprenaline, theophylline, and also dibutyryl-cAMP significantly increased phosphorylation of membrane protein of these cells. From the results presented (and others previously reported) it becomes evident that only premature rat erythrocytes, i.e. reticulocytes, are equipped with a beta-adrenergic receptor-effector system consisting of a beta-adrenergically stimulated adenyl cyclase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase(s). Obviously, the adrenergic receptor system and also part of the effector system is lost during the process of red cell maturation.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Separation of vesicles of cardiac sarcolemma from vesicles of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. Comparative biochemical analysis of component activities.

Sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane vesicle fractions were isolated from cardiac microsomes. Separation of sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane markers was documented by a combination of correlative assay and centrifugation techniques. To facilitate the separation, the crude microsomes were incubated in the presence of ATP, Ca2+, and oxalate to increase the density of the sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. After sucrose gradient centrifugation, the densest subfraction (sarcoplasmic reticulum) contained the highest (K+,Ca2+)-ATPase activity and virtually no (Na2+,K+)-ATPase activity, even when latent (Na+,K+)-ATPase activity was unmasked. In addition, the sarcoplasmic reticulum fraction contained no significant sialic acid, beta receptor binding activity, or adenylate cyclase activity. Sarcolemmal membrane fractions were of low buoyant density. Preparations most enriched in sarcolemmal vesicles contained the highest level of all the other parameters and only about 10% of the (K+,Ca2+)-ATPase activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum fraction. The results suggest that (Na+,K+)-ATPase, sialic acid, beta-adrenergic receptors, and adenylate cyclase can be entirely accounted for by the sarcolemmal content of cardiac microsomes. Gel electrophoresis of the sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane fractions showed distinct bands. Membrane proteins exclusive to each of the fractions were also demonstrated by phosphorylation. Cyclic AMP stimulated phosphorylation by [gamma-32P]ATP of two proteins of apparent Mr = 20,000 and 7,000 that were concentrated in sarcoplasmic reticulum, but the stimulation was markedly dependent on the presence of added soluble cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. Cyclic AMP also stimulated phosphorylation of membrane proteins in sarcolemma, but this phosphorylation was mediated by an endogenous protein kinase activity. The apparent molecular weights of these phosphorylated proteins were 165,000, 90,000, 56,000, 24,000, and 11,000. The results suggest that sarcolemma may contain an integral enzyme complex, not present in sarcoplasmic reticulum, that contains beta-adrenergic receptors, adenylate cyclase, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, and several substrates of the protein kinase.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Involvement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the regulation of heart contractile force. II.

The effects of histamine on heart cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity, cAMP levels, phosphorylase activity, and contractile force was investigated in the perfused guinea pig heart. To accurately determine the protein kinase activity ratio in guinea pig heart, it was necessary to measure kinase activity in whole homogenates immediately after homogenization of the tissue. Histamine produced a rapid dose-dependent increase in cAMP and the protein kinase activity ratio followed by increased in contractile force and phosphorylase activity. There was a good correlation between the degree of protein kinase activation and the increase in phosphorylase and force. The beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol did not reduce the effects of histamine, but metiamide, a potent H2-receptor antagonist, greatly attenuated all the effects of histamine. The data support the hypothesis that increases in heart cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity produce corresponding increases in contractile force and phosphorylase activity.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed1978

Mechanisms of catecholamine actions on liver carbohydrate metabolism.

Epinephrine rapidly activates phosphorylase in hepatocytes, mainly by a mechanism(s) involving alpha-adrenergic and not beta-adrenergic receptors. The alpha-adrenergic mechanism does not involve accumulation of cAMP or activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. It is impaired when hepatocytes are depleted of calcium by EGTA treatment and is rapidly restored by readdition of calcium. Basal phosphorylase is also lowered by calcium deficiency and rapidly increased by calcium but not other divalent cations. The divalent cation ioniphore A23187 increases phosphorylase a levels in hepatocytes in a calcium-dependent manner. Calcium deficiency does not modify the effects of glucagon, cAMP, or beta-adrenergic activation on phosphorylase. Activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors rapidly increases 45Ca fluxes in hepatocytes. Glucagon produces similar effects, but supraphysiological concentrations are required. The hypothesis is advanced that alpha-adrenergic activation of phosphorylase involves alterations in cell calcium such that there is an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration leading to increased phosphorylase kinase activity. Epinephrine induces greater cAMP accumulation in calcium-depleted cells than in normal cells. The effect is mediated by alpha-adrenergic and not beta-adrenergic receptors. Calcium deficiency also cuases cAMP accumulation in hepatocytes incubated with phenylephrine but does not modify the responses of the cells to isoproterenol, glucagon, or cAMP. Low concentrations of calcium rapidly reverse alpha-adrenergic receptor-mediated cAMP accumulation in calcium-depleted cells. The hypothesis is advanced that calcium normally exerts an inhibitory effect on a linkage between alpha-adrenergic receptors and adenylate cyclase in hepatocytes.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Mechanism of beta-adrenergic relaxation of smooth muscle.

The mechanism of beta-adrenergic relaxation was investigated in isolated smooth muscle cells. Beta-adrenergic agents stimulate cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation, enhance Na+/K+ transport and induce relaxation. The stimulation of Na+/K+ transport is obligatory for relaxation, and we suggest that this stimulation induces relaxation through enhanced Na+/Ca2+ exchange.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Sensitivity and cyclic nucleotides in the rat pineal gland.

beta-Adrenergic stimulation induces serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT) activity in the rat pineal gland. The magnitude and some of the characteristics of this response vary as a function of the gland's previous exposure to stimulation. A period of stimulation results in a subsensitive response to subsequent stimulation. A period without stimulation provides a supersensitive response to subsequent stimulation. Investigations concerned with the mechanisms regulating the rat pineal's sensitivity to beta-adrenergic stimulation are described. These have focused on the regulation of cyclic AMP metabolism. Several of the components involved in the induction of SNAT activity appear to participate in the regulation of sensitivity. These include the beta-adrenergic binding sites, the catecholamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase, the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, and the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. Thus, the rat pineal's sensitivity to beta-adrenergic stimulation appears to be regulated at multiple sites. Other investigations have focused on the regulation of pineal cyclic GMP metabolism. Unlike cyclic AMP, the stimulation of cyclic GMP synthesis requires the presence of intact nerve endings and of extracellular calcium. Some of the characteristics of pineal cyclic GMP regulation are described.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed1992

Beta-adrenergic regulation of H+ secretion by cultured outer medullary collecting duct cells.

The effects of the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (Iso) on cells of the inner stripe portion of the rabbit outer medullary collecting duct (OMCDi) grown in primary culture were examined using whole cell patch-clamp techniques and measurements of intracellular pH (pHi) and Ca2+. Iso (10(-6) M) increased the cellular Cl- conductance, and this effect was mimicked by treatment of the cells with dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP, 10(-5) M) or protein kinase A (PKA, 0.4 U/ml). Iso did not alter the baseline pHi, but it did increase the activity of both the Cl-/HCO3- antiporter and the H(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (H(+)-ATPase). The increase in Cl-/HCO3- antiporter rate was mimicked by dibutyryl-cAMP plus 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (cAMP + IBMX, 10(-4) M + 10(-5) M). However, the Iso-induced stimulation of the H(+)-ATPase activity was not mimicked by cAMP + IBMX. Measurements of intracellular Ca2+ showed that Iso also increased intracellular Ca2+ levels. This response was not dependent on extracellular Ca2+, nor did cAMP + IBMX appreciably alter intracellular Ca2+. Consequently, we postulate that beta-adrenergic agonists are potential stimulators of OMCDi H+ secretion. These agonists stimulate cellular HCO3- efflux through a signal transduction pathway involving cAMP and PKA. However, a different signal transduction pathway appears to mediate the stimulation of cellular H+ efflux. This second pathway may involve an elevation of intracellular Ca2+.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed1992

The contribution of nonreentrant mechanisms to malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

Evidence obtained from experimental animals and man indicates that reentry is a major mechanism underlying arrhythmogenesis. However, focal or nonreentrant mechanisms also appear to be operative under a wide variety of pathophysiologic conditions. For example, results obtained using three-dimensional (3D) mapping from 232 simultaneous sites in the feline heart in vivo revealed that nonreentrant or focal mechanisms were prominent during both ischemia and reperfusion. During early ischemia, nonreentrant mechanisms were responsible for initiation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 25% of cases and, in cases where VT was initiated by reentry, it often could be maintained by a nonreentrant mechanism. During reperfusion of ischemic myocardium, nonreentrant mechanisms were responsible for initiation of VT in 75% of cases. Most importantly, the transition from VT to ventricular fibrillation in response to reperfusion was secondary to acceleration of a nonreentrant mechanism in either the subendocardium or subepicardium. Potential cellular mechanisms include: 1) sarcolemmal accumulation of amphiphiles such as long-chain acylcarnitines and lysophosphatidylcholine; 2) alpha- and beta-adrenergic mediated effects of catecholamines on the transient inward current (ITI) secondary to an increase in intracellular Ca2+; and 3) alpha-adrenergic receptor-induced decrease in IK mediated by activation of protein kinase C. Recent findings obtained using 3D intraoperative mapping in patients with refractory VT and a previous myocardial infarction also indicate that both reentrant and nonreentrant or focal mechanisms contribute. For example, in 13 selected patients, mapping was of a sufficient resolution to define the mechanisms of 10 runs of VT. Intraoperative mapping indicated that five runs of VT were initiated by intramural reentry, whereas five runs of VT were initiated by a focal or nonreentrant mechanism. The mechanisms underlying ventricular arrhythmias associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy have recently been delineated in dogs after multiple sequential intracoronary embolizations with microspheres (with a decrease in mean ejection fraction from 64% to 25%). Spontaneous VT initiated by focal mechanisms from the subendocardium in 82% and epicardium in 18%, with no evidence of macroreentry. Thus, in divergent pathophysiologic settings, nonreentrant mechanisms appear to contribute importantly to the genesis of lethal ventricular arrhythmias, suggesting that development of novel therapeutic approaches should be directed at inhibition of not only reentrant circuits, but also nonreentrant mechanisms, including triggered activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Role of intracellular Ca2+ sequestration in beta-adrenergic relaxation of a smooth muscle.

Various mechanisms have been proposed for beta-adrenergically mediated relaxation of smooth muscle. All theories suggest the involvement of cyclic AMP as a second messenger: beta-agonists stimulate adenylate cyclase which converts ATP to cyclic AMP and protein kinase, activated by cyclic AMP, is then thought to catalyse a protein phosphorylation that leads to a reduction in free Ca2+, thus effecting relaxation. How this last step is accomplished is much debated, but the following possibilities are currently considered as the mechanisms responsible for cyclic AMP-induced reduction of cytoplasmic Ca2+: activation of a Ca2+-ATPase in the plasma and/or sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes which lowers cytoplasmic [Ca2+] in a direct manner or stimulation of (Na+-K+)ATPase in the cell membrane which may indirectly effect Ca2+ extrusion. Among the hypotheses suggested, those of Ca2+ sequestration by the sarcoplasmic reticulum and of Ca2+ extrusion across the cell membrane are consistent with each other if it is assumed that both processes are effected by a cyclic AMP-sensitive Ca2+-ATPase. However, quite a different mechanism is implied by involving the Na+-K+ pump and Na+-Ca2+ exchange carrier. In this report, we present evidence that suggests intracellular Ca2+ sequestration is the mechanism involved.

4-(3-Butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone↗