Cholinergic receptors, ion channels, neurotransmitter synthesis, and neurite outgrowth are independently regulated during the in vitro differentiation of a human neuroblastoma cell line

The differentiation of human nerve cells was investigated using a cell model comprising human neuroblastoma (IMR32) cells that were induced to differentiate by the addition of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) or N6-O2-dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3'-5' monophosphate (Bt2cAMP). As parameters of differentiation, we studied neurite outgrowth, cholinergic receptors, voltage-activated ion channels, tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and neurotransmitter content. BrdU induced marked morphological differentiation, as indicated by the number and length of neurites, as well as an increase in the number of alpha-bungarotoxin binding sites, muscarinic receptors, and voltage-dependent Na channels. In addition, BrdU induced an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity as well as in serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline content. Bt2cAMP had a less dramatic effect on the morphological appearance of the cells, induced the expression of alpha-bungarotoxin binding sites (but not of muscarinic receptors), and produced a marked increase in the serotonin and noradrenaline content. Not only the number but also the functional properties of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors were differently affected by the two drugs. We conclude that Bt2cAMP and BrdU induce a different pattern of differentiation in the same cells, and that the expression of specific neuronal markers can be modulated to yield functionally different neurons.     

Antibody binding to CD5 (Tp67) and Tp44 T cell surface molecules: effects on cyclic nucleotides, cytoplasmic free calcium, and cAMP-mediated suppression

T cells can be activated to proliferate by antibodies to the T cell antigen receptor or the molecularly associated CD3 complex if monocytes are present. We have shown previously that monoclonal antibodies to the human T cell differentiation antigens CD5 (Tp67) and Tp44 each augment and prolong proliferative responses of anti-CD3-activated T cells, even in the absence of monocytes. Here we show that the functional and biochemical mechanisms of CD5 and Tp44 signal transmission are distinct. T cell proliferation is suppressed by agents that increase the concentration of intracellular cAMP. We found that antibody binding to the Tp44 surface molecule overcomes this suppression, whereas antibody binding to CD5 does not, indicating that ligand-Tp44 interaction changes T cell sensitivity to cAMP-mediated growth inhibition. The ability of anti-CD3, anti-Tp44, and anti-CD5 monoclonal antibodies to directly alter cyclic nucleotide levels in the Jurkat T cell line was examined. Anti-CD3 alone caused a rapid four- to sixfold increase in cAMP levels, but did not affect cGMP levels. However, anti-Tp44 and anti-CD5 each caused a rapid three- to fourfold increase in cGMP levels without affecting cAMP levels. In other experiments, cytoplasmic free calcium levels were measured in resting T cells after CD5 or Tp44 stimulation by using the dye indo-1 and flow cytometry. This sensitive method showed that anti-CD5 alone caused an increase in cytoplasmic calcium free levels within 3 min of antibody addition, whereas anti-Tp44 had no effect. Finally, anti-Tp44 and IL 1 each augmented proliferation of phorbol ester-stimulated lymphocytes, whereas anti-CD5 did not. The effects of IL 1 and Tp44 could be further distinguished in that the effect of anti-Tp44 was resistant to inhibition by dBcAMP whereas IL 1 was not. These data suggest that the receptor function of both Tp44 and CD5 involves changes in cyclic nucleotides levels, and that the mechanism by which anti-Tp44 and anti-CD5 antibodies affect T cell proliferative responses may be related to their selective effects on cGMP levels and cytoplasmic calcium concentrations.     

Induction of post-aggregative differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum by cAMP: Evidence of involvement of the cell surface cAMP receptor

Exogenous cAMP is known to induce post-aggregative differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum under conditions that normal development is blocked. We have analysed the cyclic nucleotide specificity, the effect of modulation of the cAMP signal and the dose-response relationship of the induction of two independent markers of post-aggregative differentiation, i.e., a prespore cell-specific antigen detected by a monoclonal antibody, and the activity of glycogen phosphorylase. Our results confirm that high concentrations of cAMP (10(-6)-10(-3)M) are required for the induction of these markers. The cells are shown not to adapt to the cAMP signal. The cyclic nucleotide specificity of induction agrees with the specificity of the cell surface cAMP receptor, but is very dissimilar to the specificity of the intracellular cAMP-dependent protein kinase. It is thus unlikely that cAMP leaks into the cell and activates the cAMP-dependent protein kinase directly. Instead, the induction of post-aggregative differentiation by cAMP seems to be mediated by cell surface cAMP receptors.     

Selected phenotypic induction of null lymphocytes from mice with thymic and nonthymic agents

Induction of phenotypic membrane markers upon null lymphocytes with five thymic and four nonthymic preparations was compared using two different bioassays. The thymic extracts thymosin fraction V and Leucotrofina and thymic peptides α₁-thymosin and thymopoietin induced Thy 1.2 antigen even in the presence of dl-propranolol, but did not induce surface membrane Ig. A synthetic analog of facteur thymique serique, isoproterenol, poly(A:U), and ubiquitin induced both T- and B-cell markers; this induction was blocked with dl-propranolol. Induction with cyclic AMP was also partially blocked with dl-propranolol. The spleen was as rich in inducible lymphocyte precursors as was bone marrow. None of the nine agents were effective at inducing T-cell antigen on null cells from aged mice. Induction with all nine agents probably involved prostaglandin synthesis, since this effect was inhibited with 1 μg/ml indomethacin.     

Cyclic nucleotides and calcium in human lymphocytes induced to divide

Intracellular concentrations of cyclic adenosine 3'-5' monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine 3'-5' monophosphate (cGMP) were measured in human lymphocytes induced to divide by the addition of lectins, 12-O-tetra-decanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and the calcium ionophore A 23187. cGMP levels rose within minutes without concomitant alterations in cAMP concentration. The cAMP and cGMP levels rose during the prereplicative and replicative phases respectively. Under calcium depleting conditions, both the fluctuations in cyclic nucleotide levels and the increase in [3H[ thymidine incorporation into DNA were abolished, suggesting a role for calcium ions in the regulation of lymphocyte proliferation.     

Effects of vitamin B6 deficiency on thymic epithelial cells and T lymphocyte differentiation.

Dietary vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency in young Lewis rats results in a reduction of T lymphocyte numbers and defects of cellular immunocompetence. In vitro studies of thymic epithelial (TE) cells, responsible for inducing T lymphocyte differentiation, revealed that maintenance on a vitamin B6 deficient diet for 2 weeks resulted in a severe defect in TE cell function. When the deficient animals were returned to a normal diet, TE cell function was restored. Exposure of lymphoid precursors from neonatally thymectomized or vitamin B6-deficient donors to normal TE monolayers resulted in their conversion to functional T lymphocytes, as measured by their response in MLR and to mitogens. However, TE monolayers from vitamin B6-deficient animals were unable to effect such a maturation of T lymphocytes. Therefore, it is suggested that the defect in cellular immunocompetence following this dietary deficiency is due, at least in part, to the inability of TE cells to effect the differentiation of T lymphocyte precursors to functional T lymphocytes. The dietary deficiency does not, however, impair lymphoid precursors, which can be stimulated to further differentiation by exposure to normal TE cell monolayers.     

Differential regulation of surface Ig- and Lyb2-mediated B cell activation by cyclic AMP. I. Evidence for alternative regulation of signaling through two different receptors linked to phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in murine B cells.

The differential effect of cAMP on the regulation of early biochemical and cellular functions mediated through two different receptors on murine B cells are reported here. Surface IgM, the Ag receptor, and Lyb2, a 45-kDa differentiation Ag are concomitantly expressed on mature murine B lymphocytes. Triggering of B cells through these molecules, independently, resulted in inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) generation, increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels, and cell enlargement associated with progression of cells from G0 to G1 ultimately resulting in DNA synthesis. Pretreatment of resting B cells with cholera toxin as well as other agents that raise the intracellular cAMP [(cAMP)i] such as forskolin, N6,2'-O-dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and 3-isobutyl-1 methyl xanthine inhibited the Ag receptor but not Lyb2-mediated DNA synthesis. The elevation of (cAMP)i inhibited the surface IgM but not Lyb2-mediated IP3 generation, Ca2+ response, and progression from G0 to G1 phase of the cell cycle. Failure of forskolin or N6,2'-O-dibutyryl cyclic AMP to inhibit Lyb2-mediated responses did not appear to be due to induction of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase activity. Concentrations of H8 [N-(2-(methylamino)-ethyl)-5-isoquinoline sulfonamide, diHCl] inhibitory to cAMP dependent PKA prevented the inhibitory effect of forskolin on surface IgM-mediated Ca2+ response, suggesting that cAMP exerted its effects through PKA. These findings suggest that distinct PLC-coupled receptors, such as sIgM and Lyb2 molecules in B cells, may use either alternative mechanisms for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis or may use different intermediary transducer molecules that differ in their sensitivity to increased (cAMP)i levels. Thus "cross-talk" among cAMP and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways was demonstrated for IgM but not Lyb2-mediated B cell activation.     

Prostaglandin E2 acts at two distinct pathways of T lymphocyte activation: inhibition of interleukin 2 production and down-regulation of transferrin receptor expression

The mechanism by which prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibits human T lymphocyte activation and proliferation was studied. We analyzed the effect of physiologic concentrations of PGE2 on interleukin 2 (IL 2) production, expression of IL 2 receptor (Tac antigen), and expression of the transferrin receptor after in vitro activation with phytohemagglutinin. PGE2 inhibited T lymphocyte proliferation by 80 to 90% of control values. This was associated with a similar degree of inhibition of IL 2 production while the expression of IL 2 receptor was not affected. This was in marked contrast to the expression of the transferrin receptor, which was inhibited 65% after 72 hr of in vitro activation. The addition of exogenous, purified IL 2 reconstituted lymphocyte proliferation to 50% of control values, but had no effect on transferrin receptor expression. Because PGE2 is known to increase the intracellular concentration of 3',5' cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), we investigated the effect of another adenylate cyclase activator, i.e., isoproterenol, as well as the effect of extracellular administration of the cAMP derivative dibutyryl cAMP (dBcAMP) on IL 2 production, Tac antigen expression, and transferrin receptor expression. It was demonstrated that isoproterenol, as well as dBcAMP, inhibited transferrin receptor expression on PHA-activated T lymphocytes to the same extent as PGE2, and exogenous IL 2 could not counteract the down-regulation of the receptor expression. In contrast, neither isoproterenol nor dBcAMP had any significant effect on IL 2 receptor expression. Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), which has been reported to elevate intracellular cyclic GMP levels, had no effect on lymphocyte activation and proliferation, and did not counteract the PGE2-induced depression in IL 2 production. In contrast to its effect on peripheral blood lymphocytes, PGE2 had no effect on transferrin receptor expression or cell proliferation by IL 2-dependent T cell clones and IL 2-independent T cell lines. These studies demonstrate that PGE2 exerts its inhibitory effects on T cell activation and proliferation via two distinct pathways: inhibition of IL 2 production and inhibition of transferrin receptor expression. The transferrin receptor inhibition is mediated via the cAMP pathway and is IL 2-independent.     

Differential and synergistic actions of nerve growth factor and cyclic AMP in PC12 cells

When a clonal line of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) was exposed to beta-nerve growth factor (beta NGF), N6, O2-dibutyryl adenosine 3':5' cyclic monophosphate (Bt2cAMP), or a combination of the two, 10, 26, or 70% of the cell clumps, respectively, displayed neurites after 1.d. Increases in the cellular RNA concentration were also found to be additive or greater when both agents were present. Neurites induced by Bt2cAMP alone were not maintained after replacement with beta NGF. The degree of potentiated neurite outgrowth was a function of the time of simultaneous exposure to both agents. The initiation of neurite outgrowth in the presence of Bt2cAMP was independent of RNA synthesis, in contrast to that induced by beta NGF alone. We conclude that beta NGF-induced initiation of morphological differentiation of these cells is not mediated by a cAMP-dependent mechanism. Consideration of Bt2cAMP effects upon other cell lines suggest that Bt2cAMP causes a rapid, but unstable, reorganization of the PC12 cytoskeleton, resulting in the initiation of neurite outgrowth from these cells. In contrast, beta NGF alone achieves a more stable cytoskeleton reorganization by an RNA synthesis-dependent mechanism.     

Differentiation of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells

We found that monolayer cultures of F9 cells induced to differentiate with trans-retinoic acid (RA) contain two major subpopulations of cells. These two cell types can be distinguished by their cellular morphology, their pattern of laminin accumulation, and their ability to undergo further differentiation in response to N6-O2-dibutyryl adenosine 3':5' cyclic monophosphoric acid (dBcAMP). Furthermore, the developmental pathway induced by RA appears to lead to two alternative pathways, and differentiation at the branch point is either directly or indirectly controlled by cAMP. Differentiation along one branch of this pathway can be induced by 5-bromodeoxyuridine, whereas differentiation along an unrelated pathway is induced by N'-N'-dimethylacetamide. In all cases, differentiation is closely paralleled by suppression of the tumorigenic phenotype, indicating that these two processes are tightly linked and probably share a common step.     

The cyclic nucleotide specificity of eight cAMP-binding proteins in Dictyostelium discoideum is correlated into three groups

cAMP is a mediator of inter- and intracellular events in Dictyostelium discoideum and is thought to act through specific receptors. Eight forms of cAMP-binding proteins have been described in this organism: four forms of a cell surface receptor, a cell surface and extracellular phosphodiesterase, an intracellular cAMP-dependent protein kinase (CAK), and a recently identified cAMP-binding protein (CABP1) that is present on the cell surface, in the cytoplasm, and in the nucleus. In this study we have analyzed the cyclic nucleotide specificity of these cAMP-binding proteins using 13 derivatives of cAMP with modifications in the adenine, ribose, and phosphate moiety. The results suggest that the cAMP-binding proteins belong to three groups: (i) four forms of the cell surface receptor, (ii) two forms of an intracellular receptor (CABP1 and CAK), and (iii) cell surface and extracellular phosphodiesterase. cAMP is probably bound to the surface receptors in the anti conformation in a hydrophobic cleft of the receptor with essential interactions at N6H2' and O3'. In contrast, cAMP is probably bound to CAK and CABP1 in the syn conformation with essential interactions at O2', O3', O5', and exocyclic oxygen. Finally, binding of cAMP to phosphodiesterase involves only O3' and exocyclic oxygen. The cyclic nucleotide specificity of cAMP-induced processes in D. discoideum indicates that the cell surface receptors participate in the transduction of the cAMP signal during chemotaxis and cell differentiation. Functions for CABP1 and CAK in these processes are presently elusive.     

Combinative ligand-receptor interactions: effects of cAMP, epinephrine, and met-enkephalin on RAW264 macrophage morphology, spreading, adherence, and microfilaments

Cell surface ligand-receptor interactions play a central role in the regulation and expression of macrophage function. Included among these macrophage membrane receptors are the beta-adrenergic and opioid receptors. We studied the abilities of epinephrine, met-enkephalin, forskolin, and adenosine 3':5' cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analogues to affect macrophage morphology, spreading, and adherence. Cell spreading was quantitated by measuring the perimeters of adherent cell images recorded by videomicroscopy. Epinephrine induced a dose-dependent decrease in macrophage spreading; at 10(-5) M epinephrine the mean perimeter was 10.4 +/- 0.3 microns in comparison to 15.0 +/- 1.0 microns for controls. The inhibition of spreading can be blocked by the antagonist propranolol. On the other hand, met-enkephalin induced a dose-dependent increase in macrophage spreading, with a perimeter of 18.5 +/- 1.0 microns at 10(-8) M. Since catecholamines and opioids are simultaneously released from chromaffin cells of the adrenal, we examined the combinative effects due to treatment with both ligands. When macrophages were exposed to 10(-5) M epinephrine and 10(-8) M met-enkephalin, cell morphology and spreading were indistinguishable from that due to 10(-5) M epinephrine alone. The epinephrine dose-response curve in the presence of 10(-8) M met-enkephalin was similar to that of epinephrine alone. The beta-adrenergic receptor is apparently capable of diminishing or abrogating the opioid receptor signal(s). These combinative and epinephrine-mediated effects may be at least partially accounted for by the action of cAMP. Forskolin and the cAMP analogues N6-2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3':5' cyclic monophosphate (dbcAMP) and 8-bromoadenosine 3':5' cyclic monophosphate (Br-cAMP) affected cell morphology and spreading in the same fashion as epinephrine. These differences in morphology and spreading behavior were accompanied by changes in the distribution of F-actin, as judged by phalladicin staining and fluorescence microscopy. We suggest that cAMP and microfilaments play important roles in receptor-mediated neuroregulation of macrophage function.     

Studies on the stimulation of cAMP metabolism in human lymphocytes by latex polymers

The purpose of this investigation was to further characterize the marked increase in intracellular cAMP which follows the interaction of human lymphocytes and latex polymers. Six distinct cell types, each of which either bind or ingest these latex particles, were studied; however, only lymphocytes responded with increases in intracellular cAMP. The initial attachment of the latex particles to the lymphocyte surface was independent of temperature, cyclic nucleotides and divalent cations in the external milieu. The subsequent cAMP response was maximal at physiologic temperatures and modulated by agents thought to alter microfilament and microtubule function. Four different types of polymers produced increases in intralymphocytic cAMP and the maximal increases were confined to particles having a mean diameter of 0.4–2.02 μm. Within this latter size range, there was a close correlation between the number of membrane-associated particles and the magnitude of the cAMP response. Similarities to the lymphocyte-lectin activation system included:

1. 1. A requirement for binding of the latex polymers to the external plasma membrane.

2. 2. A biphasic cAMP response characterized by an early rise followed by a later fall.

3. 3. Modulation of this response by pharmacologic agents which compromise microtubule and microfilament function.

In contrast to the lectin-induced activation, latex beads inhibited amino acid transport and phosphatidylinositol turnover and did not lead to later increases in DNA synthesis. These data suggest that latex polymers attach to receptors on the plasma membrane different from those responsible for lymphocyte activation, and through cAMP induce metabolic responses dissimilar to those associated with lectin activation.     

A 16 amino acid synthetic peptide derived from human C3d triggers proliferation and specific tyrosine phosphorylation of transformed CR2-positive human lymphocytes and of normal resting B lymphocytes.

We demonstrate herein that p16, a 16 amino acid synthetic peptide derived from human C3d, which carried LYNVEA sequence of C3d reacting with CR2 and C3d present in trypsin-cleaved C3, triggered "in vitro" and "in vivo" phosphorylations and "in vitro" proliferation of human B lymphocytes, depending on the stage of cell differentiation. Indeed, p16 and C3dT induced "in vivo" tyrosine phosphorylation of pp105 and "in vitro" proliferation only of CR2-positive and not of CR2-negative cell lines. In addition, p16 and C3dT also induced "in vivo" tyrosine phosphorylation of pp100 and "in vitro" proliferation of only small dense resting B lymphocytes and not other B lymphocyte subpopulations nor T lymphocytes. These data suggest that induction of pp100 and pp105 phosphorylation by p16 and C3dT could represent an early event associated with expression of CR2 in the regulation of human B lymphocyte proliferation.     

Chicken Harder's gland: evidence for a relatively pure bursa-dependent lymphoid cell population

Theophylline, caffeine, and dibutyryl cAMP, agents that elevate intracellular levels of cyclic AMP, were found to inhibit cytotoxin elaboration by PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes. Cytotoxins in diluted supernatants from 3-day lymphocyte cultures were assayed by ⁵¹Cr release from L cells. Addition of the agents to the lymphocyte cultures inhibited cytotoxin elaboration 70–90% at 10^?3M and 20–50% at 10^?5M. In addition, it was found that the inhibition is reversible and occurs at a step other than the initial mitogen triggering.The inhibition of cytotoxin elaboration by these agents correlates strikingly with their inhibition of lymphocyte-mediated target cell lysis. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that cytotoxin is the mediator of target cell killing by lymphocytes.     

Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate modulates the mitogenic responses of murine B lymphocytes

Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) acts to inhibit a number of lymphocyte activities. The extent of this inhibition was tested by evaluating the effects of two cAMP-raising agents on B cell S phase entry induced by several different mitogenic regimens. It was found that both dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) and isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) enhanced S phase entry induced by some regimens but inhibited S phase entry induced by others. The observed enhancing activity stands in contrast to the general notion of cAMP as being a "negative regulator," and it confirms that the observed inhibiting activity does not simply reflect cytotoxicity. Mitogenic regimens that appear to mimic each other, such as F(ab')2 fragments of goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin and the combination of a calcium ionophore and a phorbol ester, were distinguished by their responses to the addition of the two cAMP-raising agents. B cell responses were enhanced or inhibited even when dbcAMP was added 18-24 hr after the establishment of cultures. Cyclic AMP may regulate in a complex fashion S phase entry in cells of the immune system.     

Activation of protein kinases A and C increase lymphocyte penetration through endothelial monolayers

A brief incubation of lymphocytes with either PMA, stimulating protein kinase C, or with dibutyryl-cAMP, leading to protein kinase A activation, led to increased lymphocyte penetration through intact endothelial monolayers in vitro. The PMA-induced penetration could be dose-dependently down-regulated with a protein kinase C inhibitor, H7. Similarly HA 1004, being mainly a protein kinase A inhibitor, decreased the dibutyryl-cAMP induced penetration. Treatment of lymphocytes with PMA and cAMP did not alter the expression of CD44 homing receptors on lymphocytes. Stimulation of lymphocytes with dibutyryl-cGMP or calcium ionophore had no effect on lymphocyte penetration. These results suggest that activation of both protein kinases A and C is important in the lymphocyte binding to endothelium.