Bradykinin receptors in isolated rat duodenum

Pharmacological properties of the bradykinin receptors in the isolated rat duodenum were investigated by examining the relaxant and contractile responses to bradykinin and [des-Arg9]-bradykinin, an agonist of B1 receptors. A specific desensitization and de novo formation for B1 receptors were observed. Changes in medium pH caused a decrease in the responses to bradykinin and [des-Arg9]-bradykinin of rat duodenum. Urea incubation in test tube inhibited the responses to bradykinin and [des-Arg9]-bradykinin of rat duodenum, while urea in bathing medium was ineffective. These findings strongly suggested that (a) ionic bonds are important in the interaction between bradykinin and its receptors, and (b) B2 receptors in rat duodenum are different from those in guinea pig ileum.     

Structure-activity studies of [des-Arg9]-bradykinin on the B1 receptor of the rabbit aorta.

Eight L-alanine analogues of [des-Arg9]-bradykinin and a few other compounds substituted in positions 5 and (or) 8 have been tested on rabbit aortic strips in order to identify the group(s) responsible for binding and (or) stimulation of the B1 receptor. The results obtained with the L-Ala series have shown that the active group is located at the C-terminal end and it is probably Phe8, while the middle part and the N-terminal end of the peptide molecule are primarily involved in binding the agonist to the receptor. An aromatic ring is required in position 8 for activation of receptors, since the elimination or aromaticity (as in [Leu8,des-Arg9]-bradykinin and in [cyclohexylalanine8,des-Arg9]-bradykinin) brings about pure and competitive antagonists. Some compounds exert an angiotensin-like effect when applied at very high concentrations.     

A novel inflammatory pathway involved in leukocyte recruitment: role for the kinin B1 receptor and the chemokine CXCL5

The kinin B1 receptor is an inducible receptor not normally expressed but induced by inflammatory stimuli and plays a major role in neutrophil recruitment, particularly in response to the cytokine IL-1beta. However, the exact mechanism involved in this response is unclear. The aim of this study was to dissect the molecular mechanism involved, in particular to determine whether specific ELR-CXCL chemokines (specific neutrophil chemoattractants) played a role. Using intravital microscopy, we demonstrated that IL-1beta-induced leukocyte rolling, adherence, and emigration in mesenteric venules of wild-type (WT) mice, associated with an increase in B1 receptor mRNA expression, were substantially attenuated (>80%) in B1 receptor knockout mice (B1KO). This effect in B1KO mice was correlated with a selective down-regulation of IL-1beta-induced CXCL5 mRNA and protein expression compared with WT mice. Furthermore a selective neutralizing CXCL5 Ab caused profound suppression of leukocyte emigration in IL-1beta-treated WT mice. Finally, treatment of human endothelial cells with IL-1beta enhanced mRNA expression of the B1 receptor and the human (h) CXCL5 homologues (hCXCL5 and hCXCL6). This response was suppressed by approximately 50% when cells were pretreated with the B1 receptor antagonist des-Arg9-[Leu8]-bradykinin while treatment with des-Arg9-bradykinin, the B1 receptor agonist, caused a concentration-dependent increase in hCXCL5 and hCXCL6 mRNA expression. This study unveils a proinflammatory pathway centered on kinin B1 receptor activation of CXCL5 leading to leukocyte trafficking and highlights the B1 receptor as a potential target in the therapeutics of inflammatory disease.     

Bradykinin receptors in intestinal smooth muscles and their post-receptor events related to calcium

The effects of trifluoperazine and verapamil on bradykinin- and des-Arg(9)-bradykinin induced responses of isolated rat duodenum and guinea-pig ileum were investigated to elucidate post-bradykinin receptor events. Verapamil and trifluoperazine inhibited bradykinin induced relaxations and contractions and des-Arg(9)- bradykinin induced contractions in rat duodenum. Bradykinin induced contractions of ileum were also inhibited by trifluoperazine and. verapamil. Since non-competitive affinity constants of trifluoperazine and verapamil for the relaxant responses to bradykinin in duodenum and for the contractile responses to bradykinin in ileum are different, post-bradykinin receptor events related to calcium may be different in ileum and duodenum. In addition, affinity constants of bradykinin in guinea-pig ileum and rat duodenum are also disparate suggesting the presence of different types of bradykinin B(2) receptors in these two organs.     

The renin-angiotensin and the kallikrein-kinin systems

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) each encompasses a large number of molecules, with several participating in both systems. The RAS generates a family of bioactive angiotensin peptides with varying biological activities. These include angiotensin-(1-8) (Ang II), angiotensin-(2-8) (Ang III), angiotensin-(3-8) (Ang IV), and angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]. Ang II and Ang III act on type 1 (AT(1)) and type 2 (AT(2)) angiotensin receptors, whereas, Ang IV and Ang-(1-7) act on their own receptors. The KKS also generates a family of bioactive peptides with varying biological activities. These include hydroxylated and non-hydroxylated bradykinin and kallidin peptides and their carboxypeptidase metabolites des-Arg(9)-bradykinin and des-Arg(10)-kallidin. Whereas bradykinin and kallidin act mainly via the type 2 bradykinin (B(2)) receptor, des-Arg(9)-bradykinin and des-Arg(10)-kallidin act mainly via the type 1 bradykinin (B(1)) receptor. The AT(1) receptor forms heterodimers with the AT(2) and B(2) receptors and there is cross talk between the AT(1) and epidermal growth factor receptors. The B(2) receptor also interacts with angiotensin converting enzyme and nitric oxide synthase. Both angiotensin and kinin peptides are metabolised by many different peptidases that are important determinants of the activities of the RAS and KKS, and several of which participate in both systems.     

The role of kinin B1 in the plasma extravasation of carrageenin-induced pleurisy

The role of des-Arg9-bradykinin (des-Arg9-BK) and kinin B1 receptor in the plasma extravasation of rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy was investigated employing B1 receptor agonist and antagonists and kininogen-deficient rats. Expression of the B1 receptor mRNA in pleura was induced from 3 to 5 h after the injection of carrageenin into the pleural cavity of Sprague-Dawley rats. Exogenous injection of des-Arg9-BK into the pleural cavity provoked a significant increase in plasma extravasation in 5 h carrageenin-induced pleurisy, but not in 20 min kaolin-induced pleurisy. The level of immunoreactive des-Arg9-BK in the exudate of 5 h carrageenin-induced pleurisy was higher than that of bradykinin (BK). Administration of the B1 receptor antagonists, des-Arg9-[Leu8]-BK or des-Arg9-D-Arg-[Hyp3, Thi5, D-Tic7,Oic8]-BK significantly reduced the exudation rate. However, intrapleural administration of des-Arg9-BK to plasma kininogen-deficient. Brown Norway-Katholiek rats did not result in a further increase in the plasma extravasation. In conclusion, endogenously generated des-Arg9-BK could contribute to the plasma extravasation in carrageenin-induced pleurisy via mediation of the inducible B1 receptor.     

Bradykinin receptors: functional similarities in guinea pig gut muscle and mucosa

It is well established that bradykinin can stimulate mucosal electrolyte transport. However, the receptor type which mediates this effect has not been fully characterized. Recent studies have suggested that bradykinin and related kinins may act at two types of receptors designated as B1 and B2. We have determined the effect of bradykinin on electrolyte secretion across guinea pig ileal mucosa and longitudinal muscle in vitro in the presence and absence of D-Phe7-bradykinin (B2 antagonist) and des-Arg9-(Leu8)-bradykinin (B1 antagonist). The B2 antagonist (less than 100 microM) did not affect resting muscle tension or basal electrolyte transport but at 6-30 microM it caused a parallel rightward shift in the concentration-response curves to bradykinin in the mucosa (Ki = 4 microM) and muscle (Ki = 6 microM). Changes in electrolyte transport and muscle contractility evoked by bethanechol and substance P were not affected by the B2 antagonist (30 microM) in either the muscle or the mucosa. Moreover, changes in electrolyte transport and muscle contractility produced by bradykinin were not altered by the B1 antagonist (30 microM). Finally, the B1 agonist des-Arg9-bradykinin (10 nM-1 microM) was not active in either preparation. These data suggest that under normal conditions, ileal secretion and smooth muscle contractility in the guinea pig are regulated by B2-type bradykinin receptors.     

Kinin B1 receptor-mediated motor responses in normal or inflamed rat urinary bladder in vivo

The rat urinary bladder is one of the few in vivo preparations in which kinin B1 receptor-mediated contractile responses have been described, but the nature (local or reflex) of these responses has not been characterized. We have investigated the motor effects of i.v. or topical (onto the bladder serosa) administration of the selective kinin B1 receptor agonist [des-Arg9]-bradykinin ([des-Arg9]-BK) in the normal or inflamed (cyclophosphamide-induced) urinary bladder in urethane-anaesthetized rats. In both normal and inflamed bladders [des-Arg9]-BK produced a tonic contraction of low amplitude (< 15 mmHg) with phasic contractions of high amplitude (> or = 15 mmHg) superimposed (micturition reflex contractions). In inflamed bladders, the response to [des-Arg9]-BK was more prominent than in controls. Similar observations were made after the topical administration of [des-Arg9]-BK. In order to evaluate any time-dependency in the expression of B1 receptor-mediated bladder responses, [des-Arg9]-BK was administered in separate groups of control animals at 30 and 240 min after the completion of surgical procedures required for set-up of the preparation: no bladder contraction was detected at 30 min whereas both local and reflex contractions could be elicited by [des-Arg9]-BK at 240 min after the set up. In ganglionectomized rats, the response to [des-Arg9]-BK or the selective tachykinin NK2 receptor agonist [betaAla8]NKA(4-10) was evaluated at 30 and 240 min after the set up in inflamed or in control animals. The response to [des-Arg9]-BK was greater after inflammation although a time-dependent increase was evident in both groups; in contrast, the response to [betaAla8]NKA(4-10) was similar in both groups and remained constant over the observation period. After induction of inflammation, the tonic contraction induced by [des-Arg9]-BK in ganglionectomized rats was dose-dependently reduced by the kinin B1 receptor antagonist [desArg10]Hoe 140. The contractile response (number of micturition reflex contractions) induced by [des-Arg9]-BK in normal rats with intact pelvic nerves at 240 min from the set up was not changed after the administration of the selective B2 receptor antagonist Hoe 140. These results indicate that stimulation of bladder kinin B1 receptors evokes a local, tonic-type contraction with reflex contractions superimposed in both normal and inflamed bladders, but in the latter situation the motor responses are magnified.     

Activation of bradykinin B2 receptors increases calcium entry and intracellular mobilization in C9 liver cells.

In C9 rat liver cells bradykinin and kallidin increased (approximately 2-fold) the intracellular concentration of calcium, but the B1 agonist, des-Arg9-bradykinin did not. The effect of bradykinin was inhibited by the B2 antagonists, Hoe 140 and N-alpha-adamantaneacetyl-D-Arg-[Hyp3, Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-bradykinin, but not by the B1 antagonist, des-Arg9-[Leu8]-bradykinin. The action of bradykinin was diminished, but not abolished, in medium without calcium. The peptide was able to increase intracellular calcium concentration in cells treated with thapsigargin. Bradykinin action was not observed in cells previously stimulated with this local mediator: however, under the same conditions, angiotensin II induced a clear increase in intracellular calcium concentration. Our data indicate that activation of bradykinin B2 receptors increase intracellular calcium concentrations by inducing both gating of the cation and intracellular mobilization in C9 liver cells. In addition, homologous desensitization was observed.     

Pharmacological and functional characterization of bradykinin receptors in rat cultured vascular smooth muscle cells

The pharmacological properties of bradykinin receptors were characterized in rat cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) using [3H]-bradykinin as a ligand. Analysis of binding isotherms gave an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (K(D)) of 1.2 +/- 0.2 nM and a maximum receptor density (Bmax) of 47.3 +/- 4.4 fmol/mg protein. The specific binding of [3H]-bradykinin to VSMCs was inhibited by the B2 receptor-selective agonists (bradykinin and kallidin) and antagonists ([D-Arg0, Hyp3, Thi5, D-Tic7, Oic8]-bradykinin (Hoe 140) and [D-Arg0, Hyp3, Thi(5,8), D-Phe7]-bradykinin) with an order of potency as kallidin = bradykinin = Hoe 140 > [D-Arg0, Hyp3, Thi(5,8), D-Phe7]-bradykinin, but not by a B1 receptor-selective agonist (des-Arg9-bradykinin) and antagonist ([Leu8, des-Arg9]-bradykinin). Stimulation of VSMCs by bradykinin produced a concentration-dependent inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation, and initial transient peak of [Ca2+]i with half-maximal responses (pEC50) were 7.53 and 7.69, respectively. B2 receptor-selective antagonists (Hoe 140 and [D-Arg0, Hyp3, Thi(5,8), D-Phe7]-bradykinin) significantly antagonized the bradykinin-induced responses with pK(B) values of 8.3-8.7 and 7.2-7.9, respectively. Pretreatment of VSMCs with pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml, 24 h) did not alter the bradykinin-induced inositol phosphate accumulation and [Ca2+]i changes in VSMCs. Removal of external Ca2+ led to a significant attenuation of responses induced by bradykinin. Influx of external Ca2+ was required for the bradykinin-induced responses, since Ca2+-channel blockers, nifedipine, verapamil, and Ni2+, partially inhibited the bradykinin-induced IP accumulation and Ca2+ mobilization. These results demonstrate that bradykinin stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization via a pertussis toxin-insensitive G-protein in rat VSMCs. Bradykinin B2 receptors may be predominantly mediating IP accumulation and subsequently induction of Ca2+ mobilization may function as the transducing mechanism for bradykinin-stimulated contraction of vascular smooth muscle.     

Polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in endothelial cells and carotid artery segments. Bradykinin-2 receptor stimulation is calcium-independent

Bovine aortic and cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and cultured segments of canine common carotid artery possess functional receptors for the nonapeptide bradykinin which mediate a rapid increase in the formation of [3H]inositol 1-phosphate, [3H]inositol 1,4-bisphosphate, and [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate from cell membranes containing isotopically labeled myo-inositol. Bradykinin stimulated the formation of [3H]inositol phosphates from cells in culture or tissues at threshold concentrations of 0.1 nM and 1 nM, and with a half-maximal effective concentration of 0.6-1.0 nM and 30 nM, respectively. In cultured cells, the formation of [3H]inositol trisphosphate and [3H]inositol bisphosphate preceded the formation of [3H]inositol monophosphate. Similarly, [3H]inositol phosphate formation was not inhibited by addition of calcium channel blockers, a calcium chelator, or an intracellular calcium antagonist. Calcium ionophore A23187 did not promote [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. The receptor selectivity of the bradykinin response in cultured cells was most compatible with a type-2 mediated response. Kallidin stimulated with the same potency as bradykinin but was more potent than methionyl-lysyl-bradykinin or des-Arg9-bradykinin. The B1 receptor antagonists des-Arg9-[Leu8]-bradykinin and des-Arg10-[Leu9]-kallidin were without effect. The rapidity of the inositol phosphate response as well as the close correspondence between the bradykinin type-2 receptor mediated hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides and changes in prostacyclin synthesis, vessel dilation, and permeability suggests that breakdown products of inositol lipids serve as second messengers mediating the effects of bradykinin on the vascular endothelium.     

Des-Arg(10)-kallidin engagement of the B1 receptor stimulates type I collagen synthesis via stabilization of connective tissue growth factor mRNA

Expression of the kinin B1 receptor is up-regulated in chronic inflammatory and fibrotic disorders; however, little is known about its role in fibrogenesis. We examined human embryonic lung fibroblasts that constitutively express the B1 receptor and report that engagement of the B1 receptor by des-Arg(10)-kallidin stabilized connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA, stimulated an increase in alpha1(I) collagen mRNA, and stimulated type I collagen production. These events were not observed in B2 receptor-activated fibroblasts. In addition, B1 receptor activation by des-Arg(10)-kallidin induced a rise in cytosolic Ca(2+) that is consistent with B1 receptor pharmacology. Our results show that the des-Arg(10)-kallidin-stimulated increase in alpha1(I) collagen mRNA was time- and dose-dependent, with a peak response observed at 20 h with 100 nM des-Arg(10)-kallidin. The increase in CTGF mRNA was also time- and dose-dependent, with a peak response observed at 4 h with 100 nM des-Arg(10)-kallidin. The increase in CTGF mRNA was blocked by the B1 receptor antagonist des-Arg(10),Leu(9)-kallidin. Inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide did not block the des-Arg(10)-kallidin-induced increase in CTGF mRNA. These results suggest that engagement of the kinin B1 receptor contributes to fibrogenesis through increased expression of CTGF.     

B(1) and B(2) bradykinin receptors on adventitial fibroblasts of cerebral arteries are coupled to recombinant eNOS

Our previous ex vivo and in vivo studies reported that expression of the recombinant endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) gene in adventitial fibroblasts recovers NO production in arteries without endothelium in response to bradykinin. The present study was designed to characterize subtypes of bradykinin receptors on adventitial fibroblasts coupled to the activation of recombinant eNOS. Endothelium-denuded segments of canine basilar arteries were transduced with beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) gene or eNOS gene ex vivo, using a replication-defective adenoviral vector (10(10) plaque-forming units/ml) for 30 min at 37 degrees C. Twenty-four hours later, isometric force recording or cGMP measurement was carried out. B(1) bradykinin receptor agonist (des-Arg(9)-bradykinin, 10(-10)-10(-8) mol/l) did not significantly affect vascular tone in control or beta-Gal gene-transduced canine basilar arteries without endothelium. In contrast, this agonist caused concentration-dependent relaxations in recombinant eNOS gene-transduced arteries without endothelium. Relaxations to B(1) receptor agonist in the eNOS arteries were abolished by B(1) receptor antagonist (des-Arg(9)-[Leu(8)]bradykinin, 6 x 10(-9) mol/l) but not by B(2) receptor antagonist (Hoe-140, 5 x 10(-8) mol/l). Bradykinin did not significantly alter vascular tone in control or beta-gal arteries without endothelium, whereas this peptide (10(-11)-10(-8) mol/l) induced concentration-dependent relaxations, as well as an increase in cGMP formation in endothelium-denuded eNOS-transduced arteries. Stimulatory effects of bradykinin were prevented in the presence of a B(2) receptor antagonist but not in the presence of a B(1) receptor antagonist. B(1) and B(2) receptor antagonists had no effect on relaxations to substance P, confirming the selectivity of the compounds. Our results suggest that B(1) and B(2) bradykinin receptors are coupled to activation of recombinant eNOS expressed in adventitial fibroblasts.     

Role of intracellular antioxidant enzymes after in vivo myocardial ischemia and reperfusion

It has been recently claimed that the human B1 receptors for kinins bind angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors via a potential zinc-binding domain and are pharmacologically stimulated by these drugs. We verified whether ACE inhibitors stimulate B1 receptors in vitro. The isolated rabbit aorta or mouse stomach responded by negligible contractions to the application of captopril, enalaprilat, or zofenoprilat. The human isolated umbilical vein also failed to respond to enalaprilat. All of these preparations were responsive to the B1 receptor agonists des-Arg9-bradykinin (BK) or Lys-des-Arg9-BK. Furthermore, enalaprilat applied continuously had no significant interaction with the effects of Lys-des-Arg9-BK on the rabbit aorta. Enalaprilat failed to stimulate [3H]arachidonate release, translocate the receptors (confocal microscopy), or stimulate ERK1/2 phosphorylation (immunoblot) in HEK-293 cells stably expressing the rabbit B1 receptor conjugated to yellow fluorescent protein. The phospho-ERK1/2 content of arterial smooth muscle cells of human or rabbit origin was increased by treatment with Lys-des-Arg9-BK but not with enalaprilat. ACE inhibitors do not act as bona fide agonists of the kinin B1 receptors.     

Kinin-B1 receptors in ischaemia-induced pancreatitis: functional importance and cellular localisation

In this study we compare the role of kinin-B1 and B2 receptors during ischaemia/reperfusion of rat pancreas. Our investigations were prompted by the observation that infusion of a kinin-B2 receptor antagonist produced significant improvement in acute experimental pancreatitis. In an acute model with two hours of ischaemia/two hours of reperfusion, application of the kinin-B1 receptor antagonist (CP-0298) alone, or in combination with kinin-B2 receptor antagonist (CP-0597), significantly reduced the number of adherent leukocytes in post-capillary venules. In a chronic model with five days of reperfusion, the continuous application of kinin-B1 receptor antagonist or a combination of kinin-B1 and B2 receptor antagonists markedly reduced the survival rate. In kinin-receptor binding studies kinin-B1 receptor showed a 22-fold increase in expression during the time of ischaemia/reperfusion. Carboxypeptidase M activity was up-regulated 10-fold following two hours of ischaemia and two hours of reperfusion, provided the appropriate specific ligand, des-Arg10-kallidin and/or des-Arg9-bradykinin, was used. The occurrence of kinin-B1 receptor binding sites on acinar cell membranes was demonstrated by micro-autoradiography. With a specific antibody, the localisation of kinin-B1 receptor protein was confirmed at the same sites. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the up-regulation of the pancreatic acinar cell kinin-B1 receptors during ischaemia/reperfusion. The novel functional finding was that antagonism of the kinin-B1 receptors decreased the survival rate in an experimental model of pancreatitis.     

Characterization of bradykinin receptors in a human osteoblastic cell line.

Bradykinin receptor subtypes linked to prostaglandin release have been assessed in a human osteosarcoma cell line with osteoblastic phenotype (MG-63). Bradykinin (BK; 1 micromol/l) caused a burst of prostaglandin E(2) release that was maximal at 10 min. When the effect on the burst of PGE(2) and PGI(2) release by a variety of kinins and kinin analogues was assessed, the following rank order of response was found: Lys-BK>BK> or =Met-Lys-BK>Ile-Ser-BK>[Tyr(8)]-BK> or =[Hyp(3)]-BK>des-Arg(9)-BK=des-Arg(10)-Lys-BK=des-Arg(1)-BK, [Thi(5,8),D-Phe(7)]-BK=Sar-[D-Phe(8)]-des-Arg(9)-BK=Tyr-Gly-Lys-Aca-Lys-des-Arg(9)-BK. The rapid effect of BK on PGE(2) and PGI(2) release was unaffected by des-Arg(9)-[Leu(8)]-BK, des-Arg(10)-[Leu(9)]-Lys-BK and des-Arg(10)-[Hoe 140], but strongly inhibited by Hoe 140 in a concentration-dependent manner. When the incubation time was extended to 48 h, it was found that des-Arg(9)-BK and des-Arg(10)-Lys-BK caused a delayed enhancement of the formation of PGE(2). When PGE(2) formation was assessed in 24-h experiments, the following rank order of response was obtained: Tyr-Gly-Lys-Aca-Lys-des-Arg(9)-BK>BK=Lys-BK>des-Arg(10)-Lys-BK>Sar[D-Phe(8)]-des-Arg(9)-BK>des-Arg(9)-BK. The stimulatory effect of BK at 24 h was unaffected by des-Arg(9)-[Leu(8)]-BK, des-Arg(10)-[Leu(9)]-Lys-BK and des-Arg(10)-[Hoe 140] but inhibited by Hoe 140. The stimulatory effect of des-Arg(10)-Lys-BK in 24-h experiments was inhibited by des-Arg(9)-[Leu(8)]-BK, des-Arg(10)-[Leu(9)]-Lys-BK and des-Arg(10)-[Hoe 140]. Similarly, the stimulatory effects of Sar[D-Phe(8)]-des-Arg(9)-BK and Tyr-Gly-Lys-Aca-Lys-des-Arg(9)-BK was inhibited by des-Arg(10)-[Hoe 140].The following rank order of response was seen for inhibition of [3H]-BK binding to MG-63 cells: Lys-BK=BK=Hoe 140>des-Arg(10)-Hoe 140=des-Arg(10)-Lys-BK=des-Arg(9)-BK=Tyr-Gly-Lys-Aca-Lys-des-Arg(9)-BK. Using [3H]-des-Arg(10)-Lys-BK, the following rank order of response for inhibition of binding was seen: des-Arg(10)-Lys-BK=Tyr-Gly-Lys-Aca-Lys-des-Arg(9)-BK>des-Arg(10)-Hoe 140>des-Arg(9)-BK=Lys-BK=BK=Hoe 140. MG-63 cells expressed mRNAs for BK B1 and B2 receptors, as assessed by RT-PCR.These data indicate that the human osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 is equipped with functional BK receptors of both B1 and B2 receptor subtypes. The B2 receptors are linked to a burst of prostanoid release, whereas the B1 receptors mediate a delayed prostaglandin response, indicating that the two receptor subtypes are linked to different signal transducing mechanisms or that the molecular mechanisms involved in prostaglandin release are different.     

Tripeptidyl carboxypeptidase activity of kininase II (angiotensin-converting enzyme)

The degradation of des-Arg9-brady kinin and its analogues by highly purified preparations of hog lung and kidney kininase II (angiotensin-converting enzyme; peptidyldipeptide hydrolase, EC 3.4.15.1) was studied. The degradative peptides fragments were separated and isolated by high performance liquid chromatography and identified by amino acid analysis. Both enzymes released C-terminal tripeptides from des-Arg9-bradykinin, des-Arg9-(Leu8)-bradykinin, Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe, Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe, Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe, Bz-Gly-Ser-pro-Phe and Bz-Gly-Ala-Pro-Phe. Hydrolysis of Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe, Bz-Gly-His-Pro-Phe, Bz-Gly-Phe-Pro-Phe and Bz-Gly-Gly-Pro-Phe by both enzymes was negligible. These data indicate that kininase II can release C-terminal tripeptides of substrates having a proline residue in the penultimate position such as des-Arg9-bradykinin and its analogues, and that this enzyme is able not only to act as a dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase but also acts as a tripeptidyl carboxy-peptidase. The tripeptidyl carboxypeptidase enzyme was sensitive to inhibition by kininase II inhibitors.     

Differential role of kinin B1 and B2 receptors in ischemia-induced apoptosis and ventricular remodeling

We investigated the role of kinin receptors in cardiac remodeling after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Bradykinin injection improved cardiac contractility, diastolic function, reduced infarct size and prevented left ventricular thinning after I/R, whereas des-Arg(9)-BK injection had no protective effects. Bradykinin, but not des-Arg(9)-BK, reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increased Akt and GSK-3beta phosphorylation. Furthermore, myocardial infarct size was similar between wild type and B2 knockout mice after I/R, but significantly reduced in kinin B1 receptor knockout mice. These results indicate that the kinin B2 receptor, but not the B1 receptor, protects against I/R-induced cardiac dysfunction by inhibiting apoptosis and limiting ventricular remodeling.     

Insight into the mechanism of dopamine D1-like receptor activation. Evidence for a molecular interplay between the third extracellular loop and the cytoplasmic tail

A chimeric D1A dopaminergic receptor harboring the cytoplasmic tail (CT) of the D1B subtype (D1A-CTB) has been used previously to show that CT imparts high dopamine (DA) affinity and constitutive activity to the D1B receptors. However, the D1A-CTB chimera, unlike the D1B subtype, exhibits a significantly lower DA potency for stimulating adenylyl cyclase and a drastically lower maximal binding capacity (Bmax). Here, using a functional complementation of chimeric D1-like receptors, we have identified the human D1B receptor regions regulating the intramolecular relationships that lead to an increased DA potency and contribute to Bmax. We demonstrate that the addition of variant residues of the third extracellular loop (EL3) of the human D1B receptor into D1A-CTB chimera leads to a constitutively active mutant receptor displaying an increased DA affinity, potency, and Bmax. These results strongly suggest that constitutively active D1-like receptors can adopt multiple active conformations, notably one that confers increased DA affinity with decreased DA potency and Bmax and another that imparts increased DA affinity with a strikingly increased DA potency and Bmax. Overall, we show that a novel molecular interplay between EL3 and CT regulates multiple active conformations of D1-like receptors and may have potential implications for other G protein-coupled receptor classes.