3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate as an intracellular second messenger of luteinizing hormone: application of the forskolin criteria

The role of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) as an intracellular second messenger of luteinizing hormone (LH) was reinvestigated in vitro with diterpene forskolin, a highly specific activator of adenylate cyclase. Treatment of cultured testicular cells from adult hypophysectomized rats with increasing concentrations (10(7)-10(-4) M) of forskolin produced dose-dependent increments in cAMP and testosterone accumulation. Concomitant blockade of cAMP-phosphodiesterase activity with 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (10(-4) M) resulted in significant (P less than 0.05) enhancement of the forskolin effect for all but the 10(-4) M forskolin dose. Potency evaluation as judged by half-maximal stimulation of testosterone accumulation revealed median effective doses (mean +/- SE) of 1.25 +/- 0.2 x 10(-5), 1.7 +/- 0.5 x 10(-5), and 2.5 +/- 0.4 x 10(-10) M for forskolin, N6, O2'-dibutyryl cAMP (Bt2cAMP), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), respectively. Examination of the time requirements of forskolin disclosed time-dependent increments in the accumulation of extracellular cAMP and testosterone, the earliest significant (P less than 0.05) increases being noted by 6 hr of treatment. In comparison, a minimal time requirement of less than or equal to 12 hr was noted for hCG- and choleragen-stimulated androgen biosynthesis, whereas the apparent onset of action of Bt2cAMP was delayed to the 24-hr time point. Although 10(-7) M of forskolin by itself did not alter the accumulation of testosterone, its addition resulted in substantial amplification of the hCG effect, producing a 4.6-fold reduction in the median effective dose (ED50) of hCG. Moreover, concurrent treatment with this functionally inert dose of forskolin rendered steroidogenically inert doses of hCG (eg, 10(-11) or 3 x 10(-11) M) steroidogenically potent. However, combined treatment with maximally stimulatory doses of Bt2cAMP (10(-4) M) and one of several testicular cell agonists [forskolin (10(-4) M), choleragen (10(-9) M) or hCG (10(-9) M)] did not prove additive. Taken together, our findings indicate that forskolin, like LH, is capable of stimulating testicular cAMP generation as well as androgen biosynthesis and that a functionally inert low dose of forskolin can significantly amplify LH hormonal action. Inasmuch as forskolin-stimulated and forskolin-amplified hormonal action are acceptable as novel criteria of cAMP dependence, our observations provide new evidence in keeping with the notion that cAMP may be in intracellular second messenger of LH.     

Cyclic 3'',5''-AMP relay in Dictyostelium discoideum III. The relationship of cAMP synthesis and secretion during the cAMP signaling response

Refinement of a perfusion technique permitted the simultaneous measurement of cAMP-elicited [3H]cAMP secretion and intracellular [3H]cAMP levels in sensitive D. discoideum amoebae. These data were compared with measurements of the rate of [32P]cAMP synthesis by extracts of amoebae sonicated at different times during the cAMP signaling response. cAMP stimulation of intact cells led to a transient activation of adenylate cyclase, which was blocked if 10(-4) M NaN3 was added with the stimulus. During responses elicited by 10(-6) M cAMP, 10(-8) M cAMP, and an increment in cAMP from 10(-8) M to 10(-7) M, the rate of cAMP secretion was proportional to the intracellular cAMP concentration. Removal of a 10(-6) M cAMP stimulus 2 min after the initiation of the response led to a precipitous decline in intracellular cAMP. This decline was more rapid than could be accounted for by secretion alone, suggesting intracellular phosphodiesterase destruction of newly synthesized cAMP. Employing these data and a simple rate equation, estimates of the time-course of the transient activation of adenylate cyclase and the rate constants for cAMP secretion and intracellular phosphodiesterase activity were obtained. The calculated rate of cAMP synthesis rose for approximately 1 to 2 min, peaked, and declined to approach prestimulus levels after 3 to 4 min. This time-course agreed qualitatively with direct measurements of the time-course of activation, indicating that the activation of adenylate cyclase is a major in determining the time-course of the cAMP secretion response.     

Serotonin increases the cAMP concentration and the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA in rat kidney, small intestine, and liver.

Within 60 min of the administration of serotonin to fasted-refed rats, there was a 5-, 16-, and 20-fold stimulation of the mRNA coding for the cytosolic form of P-enolpyruvate carboxykinase in the kidney, small intestine and liver, respectively. This stimulation was 5-, 1.3-, and 2-fold higher than noted in the same tissue after 24 h of starvation. Dose- and time-response curves to serotonin in the three tissues were similar. The level of PEPCK mRNA in the liver was significantly elevated within 30 min of serotonin administration, whereas 60 min was required in the small intestine and the kidney. The direct effect of serotonin on PEPCK mRNA was also assessed in hepatocytes maintained in primary culture. Serotonin (10(-8) M to 10(-4) M) caused a dose-dependent increase in the level of PEPCK mRNA and a transient increase in cAMP concentration. Within the first min of serotonin (10(-6) M) addition to cells, cAMP concentration increased 4-fold and returned after 10 min to basal level. Therefore, these results provide functional evidence of serotonin action in the rat peripheric tissues and suggest that cAMP is involved in its intracellular signalling.     

The role of cAMP and calcium in the stimulation of proliferation of immature erythroblasts by erythropoietin

The hypothesis that cAMP or calcium are the second messengers of erythropoietin (Epo) was tested on fractionated, Epo-responsive immature erythroblasts from anemic rabbit bone marrow by examining whether the proliferative effects of the hormone could be mimicked by agents that increase the intracellular concentration of cAMP or Ca2+. None of the compounds tested (including 10(-6)-10(-4) M db-cAMP, forskolin, isoprenaline or 10(-7)-10(-6) M of the calcium ionophore A23187) alone or in combination could either initiate or potentiate the mitogenic action of the hormone. Furthermore, addition of 0.2 U/ml erythropoietin produced no permanent or transient increase in the uptake of 45Ca2+ by erythroblasts at 37 degrees C. However, cells cultured with imidazole or cordycepin (which reduce the level of intracellular cAMP), or with the calcium chelator EGTA, or the drugs verapamil or TMB-8 (which interfere with the utilization of extracellular or intracellular calcium) showed a decreased stimulation of DNA synthesis by Epo. Finally, the tumour promoter phorbol ester TPA could partially mimic the action of Epo when added to cultures containing more immature progenitor cells. We conclude then that an artificial increase in the cytoplasmic concentration of either cAMP or Ca2+ is not sufficient to elicit the proliferation of Epo-responsive cells.     

Prostaglandin inhibition of testosterone production induced by luteinizing hormone, dibutyryl cyclic AMP or 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine in dispersed rat testicular interstitial cells.

Testicular interstitial cells were utilized to study the effects of prostaglandins (PG) on in vitro testosterone production and to examine the role of cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) in this process. Testosterone production was assessed after 3 hour incubations while cAMP accumulation was examined after a 0.5 hour incubation period. Testosterone and cAMP were measured by radioimmunoassay. None of the PGs tested (PGA, PGA2, PGB1, PGE1, PGE2, PGF1alpha PGF2alpha) altered basal testosterone production when present in incubates at concentrations of 1.3 X 10(-8) M to 1.3 X 10(-4). However, at concentrations of 1.3 X 10(-4) M all of these PGs were capable of decreasing Luteinizing Hormone (LH; 100ng)-induced testosterone production. The inhibition of LH-induced testosterone production by the B, E and F series PGs was less pronounced than that for the A series. PGA1 and PGA2 exhibited 80% and 95% inhibition, respectively, at 1.3 X 10(4) M. The inhibitory action of 4 X 10(5) M PGA1 or PGA2 was evident within 30 minutes. Preincubation of interstitial cells with indomethacin (10(-5) or 10(-6) M) for 30 minutes did not alter subsequent basal or LH (100ng)-induced testosterone production. Accumulation of cAMP was stimulated by LH (10 microgram) or by PGs (1.3 X 10(-4) M PGA1, PGA2, PGB1, PGE1 or PGF2alpha). The PG-induced cAMP accumulation thus occurred at concentrations where LH-stimulated testosterone production was inhibited. Furthermore, PGA1 and PGA2 (1.3 X 10(-4) M) inhibited testosterone production induced by either 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine (MIX; 10(-4) M or 10(-3) M) or dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP; 10(-4) M or 10(-3) M). These results indicate that PGs can block testosterone production by a direct effect on testicular interstitial cells and suggest that PGs exert their inhibitory action distal to stimulation of cAMP formation. PGs do not appear to play a role in the mechanism of LH action.     

Interrelationships among prostaglandins, vasopressin and cAMP in renal papillary collecting tubule cells in culture

To determine the influence of prostaglandins on cAMP metabolism in renal papillary collecting tubule (RPCT) cells, intracellular cAMP levels were measured after incubating cells with prostaglandins (PGs) alone or in combination with arginine vasopressin (AVP). PGE1, PGE2 and PGI2, but not PGD2 or PGF2 alpha, increased intracellular cAMP concentrations. At maximal concentrations (10(-5) M) the effects of PGE2 plus PGI2 (or PGE1), but not of PGI2 plus PGE1, were additive suggesting that at least two different PG receptors may be present in RPCT cell populations. Bradykinin treatment of RPCT cells caused an accumulation of intracellular cAMP which was blocked by aspirin and was quantitatively similar to that observed with 10(-5) M PGE2. PGs, when tested at concentrations (e.g. 10(-9) M) which had no independent effect on intracellular cAMP levels, did not inhibit the AVP-induced accumulation of intracellular cAMP in RPCT cells. These results indicate that PGs do not block AVP-induced accumulation of intracellular cAMP in RPCT cells at concentrations of PGs which have been shown to inhibit the hydroosmotic effect of AVP on perfused collecting tubule segments. However, at higher concentrations of PGs (e.g. 10(-5) M), the effects of AVP plus PGE1, PGE2, PGI2 or bradykinin on intracellular cAMP levels were not additive. Thus, under certain conditions, there is an interaction between PGs and AVP at the level of cAMP metabolism in RPCT cells.     

Cholinergic inhibition of follicle-stimulating hormone-induced progestin production by cultured rat granulosa cells

The influence of cholinomimetics on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced progestin production was studied in a primary culture of rat granulosa cells. Cells were cultured for 2 days with FSH and delta 4-androstenedione in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of cholinergic agonists. Although ineffective as stimulators of steroidogenesis by themselves, the three nicotinic receptor-selective agonists lobeline, dimethylphenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP), and phenyltrimethylammonium iodide (PTMA) inhibited FSH-induced progesterone and 20 alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one production in dose-dependent fashions. The rank order of inhibitory potencies was lobeline greater than DMPP greater than PTMA with IC50 values of 2 X 10(-6) M, 3 X 10(-5) M, and 3 X 10(-4) M, respectively. In contrast, the muscarinic receptor-selective agonists muscarine and bethanechol failed to inhibit steroid production. The inhibitory effect of lobeline on the time course of FSH-induced induced steroid production indicated an immediate inhibitory action; however, this inhibition was readily reversed upon removal of the drug. Further studies demonstrated that the FSH-stimulated increase in intracellular cAMP levels, as well as progesterone production induced by cholera toxin and forskolin (agents that stimulate cAMP production) and by dibutyryl cAMP (a cAMP analog), were also suppressed by lobeline. The present observations indicate that nicotinic, but not muscarinic, cholinergic agonists inhibit progesterone biosynthesis in cultured granulosa cells and suggest that endogenous acetylcholine may play a modulatory role in ovarian steroidogenesis.     

Regulation of rat and bovine adrenal metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by adrenocorticotropin and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

The effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolism and steroidogenesis in primary cultures of bovine adrenal cortical (BAC) and rat adrenal cortical (RAC) cells have been examined. Remarkably TCDD is an ineffective inducer (15-50%) of PAH metabolism in confluent BAC cells and completely antagonizes a 5-fold induction by benz[alpha]anthracene (BA). In the same concentration range (EC50 5 X 10(-11) M) TCDD suppresses steroidogenesis through an effect on cholesterol metabolism. Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cAMP also suppress PAH metabolism at concentrations which stimulate steroidogenesis (10(-7) M). In RAC cells ACTH potently induces PAH metabolism (7-fold) at a comparable concentration to the stimulation of steroidogenesis. Parallel stimulation of PAH metabolism and steroidogenesis by cAMP suggest that ACTH induction of PAH metabolism is mediated by cAMP. TCDD induces PAH metabolism (2.8-fold, EC50 8 X 10(-11) M) at similar concentrations to the inhibitory effect in BAC cells and this action is additive with ACTH induction. In male rats in vivo TCDD induces adrenal microsomal PAH metabolism (72%) and is more effective in this respect than 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC). Rabbit antibodies against rat liver cytochrome P-450c (the major TCDD-inducible liver form) inhibited the TCDD-induced adrenal metabolism of 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA), which also exhibited regioselectivity typical of metabolism by P-450c. Constitutive adrenal microsomal metabolism, which exhibited regioselectivity of DMBA metabolism comparable to the ACTH-sensitive cellular metabolism, was not affected by anti-P-450c. It is concluded that ACTH and TCDD induce distinct forms of cytochrome P-450 in RAC cells and that the latter represents a typical Ah-receptor mediated response. The anomalous effect on PAH metabolism in BAC cells that parallels inhibition of steroidogenesis may derive from repression of a distinct adrenal form of P-450 by the TCDD-Ah-receptor complex.     

Activators of Protein Kinase C Act at a Postreceptor Site to Amplify Cyclic AMP Production in Rat Pinealocytes

Activation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors appears to amplify beta-adrenergic stimulation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation in rat pinealocytes severalfold by a mechanism involving activation of a Ca2+-, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C). The mechanism of action of protein kinase C was investigated in this report using intact cells. Activation of protein kinase C with 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 10(-7) M) or the alpha 1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (PE; 10(-6) M) did not inhibit cAMP efflux in beta-adrenergically stimulated cells. The amplification of the beta-adrenergic cAMP response by these agents also occurred in the presence of isobutylmethylxanthine (10(-3) M) and Ro 20-1724 (10(-4) M), an observation suggesting that inhibition of cAMP phosphodiesterase activity is not the mechanism of action. Furthermore, although PMA (10(-7) M) caused a sixfold increase in the magnitude of the cAMP response to isoproterenol, it did not alter the EC50 of the response (1.7 X 10(-8) M), a result indicating that protein kinase C activation does not alter beta-adrenoceptor sensitivity. The cAMP response following cholera toxin pretreatment (60-120 min) was rapidly and markedly enhanced by alpha 1-adrenergic agonists (cirazoline greater than PE greater than methoxamine), by phorbol esters (PMA greater than 4 beta-phorbol 12,13,-dibutyrate much greater than 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate), and by synthetic diacylglycerols (1,2-dioctanoylglycerol greater than 1-oleoyl 2-acetylglycerol much greater than diolein). The cAMP response to forskolin (10(-5)-10(-3) M) was also increased by PE (3 X 10(-6) M) and PMA (10(-7) M).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of silicoorganic compounds on protein biosynthesis in granulation-fibrous tissue]

The authors studied the effect of propoxysilatran (POS) on the biosynthesis of the main connective tissue biopolymeres. The use of POS in the form of 0.5 and 2.0% ointments on lanolin-vaseline base caused stimulation of cellular proliferation in the granulation fibrous tissue developing in the open skin defects of albino rats. Stimulation of cellular proliferation in these animals was accompanied by increase of collagen biosynthesis and of noncollagen proteins. In concentrations of 10(-3)--10(-4) M POS caused intensification of collagen biosynthesis (formation of peptide-bound nondialyzed 14C-oxyproline) in vitro in the cartilage tissue of chick embryos. Thus, silatrans are biologically-active substances producing a regulating effect on the course of the reparative-proliferative processes in the connective tissue.     

Vasoactive intestinal peptide: a novel stimulator of steroidogenesis by cultured rat granulosa cells

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and VIPergic nerve fibers are present in the ovaries of several mammalian species, suggesting a possible ovarian action of VIP. We have investigated the direct effects of synthetic porcine VIP on rat granulosa cell steroidogenesis in vitro. The cells were obtained from immature, hypophysectomized, estrogen-primed rats, and cultured in a serum-free medium for 24 h in the absence or presence of varying amounts of VIP. Medium steroids were then determined by specific radioimmunoassay. Vasoactive intestinal peptide dose-dependently stimulated progesterone, 20 alpha-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3-one (20 alpha-OH-progesterone), and estrogen production with an approximate ED50 value of 3 X 10(-8) M. Maximum steroid production induced by VIP ranged from 15% to 28% of that seen with maximal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation. In contrast to the ability of FSH to induce luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor formation, treatment with VIP did not increase [125I]iodo-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) binding to granulosa cells. The ability of several gastrointestinal peptides, having 17-44% sequence identity to VIP, to stimulate granulosa cell steroidogenesis was also tested. The most closely related peptide, PHM-27 was less effective than VIP, and the least closely related, secretin and glucagon, were ineffective at 10(-6) M. Vasoactive intestinal peptide seems to act at least partly through cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent processes: addition of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor significantly potentiated the VIP stimulation of granulosa cell steroidogenesis, and VIP was capable of producing a dose- and time-dependent increase in both intracellular and medium cAMP levels. Vasoactive intestinal peptide stimulation of estrogen production seemed to be a result of increased aromatase activity. The increased progesterone production was associated with increased pregnenolone production, increased rate of conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone via 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and decreased metabolism of progesterone via 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. These results indicate that VIP exerts a specific action on granulosa cells to increase estrogen and progestin production. The observed direct effects of VIP, coupled with its identification in the ovary, suggest that VIP may be a physiologically important regulator of ovarian activity.     

Uptake of cyclic adenosine-3,5-monophosphate by cultured mammalian cells and frog muscles

Uptake of 3H-cAMP by isolated frog sartorii muscles and cultured mouse 3T3 and 3T6 cells was studied. It was shown that after 1-2 hours of incubation the intracellular level of cAMP in frog muscles reached 10-20% of its concentration in the incubation medium. About 50% of intracellular radioactivity was represented by chromatographically pure cAMP which testifies to the insignificant cAMP metabolism rate. In the experiments with 3T3 and 3T6 cells the influence of possible admixtures and degradation products on 3H-cAMP uptake was revealed. To avoid these influences it is necessary to measure the uptake of cAMP in the presence of theophylline and with abundance of adenosine. In such experimental conditions the intracellular level of cAMP after 1 hour of incubation did not exceed 10% of its extracellular level, which is similar to values obtained on frog muscles. Permeability coefficient of cAMP for membrane of frog muscles and 3T3 and 3T6 cells was about 10(-9)-10(-8) cm X sec-1.     

Cyclic 3'',5'' AMP relay in Dictyostelium discoideum. II. Requirements for the initiation and termination of the response

The secretion of 3H-cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) by prelabeled and suitably differentiated Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae was elicited in a perfusion apparatus by 10(-10) to 10(-5) M [14C]cAMP stimuli of defined magnitude and duration. Exogenous stimuli evoked an immediate increase in the rate of [3H]cAMP secretion which accelerated continuously to reach a peak of up to 100 times the unstimulated rate after 2--3 min of stimulation. Withdrawal of the stimulus at any time during the response led to a rapid decline to basal levels. Furthermore, a spontaneous decline in secretion rate was observed during prolonged cAMP stimulation, with a return to basal levels after 3--8 min of stimulation. After the initial secretory event, cells did not respond further to the continued presence of external [14C]cAMP unless (a) it was interrupted by a brief recovery period or (b) the level of the stimulus was increased sufficiently. Since the second increment could follow the first at any time, continuous secretion of [3H]cAMP could be sustained for up to 30 min by progressively increasing the stimulus between 10(-10) and 10(-5) M cAMP. The total magnitude of spontaneously terminated responses depended on the size of the increment in applied cAMP, larger stimuli evoking both a more rapid acceleration and a slower deceleration in [3H]cAMP secretion rate. The integrated response to a given increment in stimulus level was apparently independent of its "shape" - i.e., the duration, magnitude, and number of sub-steps in the increment. These data support two mechanistic inferences: that amoebae respond in proportion to relative increases in extracellular cAMP concentration, but adapt to the concentration of cAMP itself. The data further suggest that the initiation and termination of the response are mediated by cellular component(s) beyond cAMP-occupied receptors.     

Deregulated hepatic metabolism exacerbates impaired testosterone production in Mrp4-deficient mice

The physiological role of multidrug resistance protein 4 (Mrp4, Abcc4) in the testes is unknown. We found that Mrp4 is expressed primarily in mouse and human Leydig cells; however, there is no current evidence that Mrp4 regulates testosterone production. We investigated its role in Leydig cells, where testosterone production is regulated by cAMP, an intracellular messenger formed when the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor is activated. Because Mrp4 regulates cAMP, we compared testosterone levels in Mrp4(-/-) and Mrp4(+/+) mice. Young Mrp4(-/-) mice had significantly impaired gametogenesis, reduced testicular testosterone, and disruption of Leydig cell cAMP homeostasis. Both young and adult mice had impaired testosterone production. In Mrp4(-/-) primary Leydig cells treated with LH, intracellular cAMP production was impaired and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation was strongly attenuated. Notably, expression of CREB target genes that regulate testosterone biosynthesis was reduced in Mrp4(-/-) Leydig cells in vivo. Therefore, Mrp4 is required for normal Leydig cell testosterone production. However, adult Mrp4(-/-) mice are fertile, with a normal circulating testosterone concentration. The difference is that in 3-week-old Mrp4(-/-) mice, disruption of gonadal testosterone production up-regulates hepatic Cyp2b10, a known testosterone-metabolizing enzyme. Therefore, defective testicular testosterone production de-regulates hepatic Cyp-mediated testosterone metabolism to disrupt gametogenesis. These findings have important implications for understanding the side effects of therapeutics that disrupt Mrp4 function and are reported to alter androgen production.     

Vasoactive intestinal peptide enhances dopamine accumulation in primary cell culture of rat hypothalamus.

The effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and PHI-27 on dopamine accumulation in cultured rat hypothalamic cells was investigated. VIP enhanced [3H]dopamine accumulation dose dependently. This effect was significant at 10(-8)-10(-5) M VIP with a concomitant increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), and reached its plateau level at 10(-6) M VIP. VIP increased [3H]dopamine accumulation significantly within 15 min. PHI-27 and dibutyryl cAMP ((Bu)2-cAMP) also enhanced [3H]dopamine accumulation. These results suggest that VIP enhances dopamine accumulation in hypothalamic cells by increasing intracellular cAMP.     

Oxytocin and vasopressin have no effect on progesterone production and cyclic AMP accumulation by rat luteal cells in vitro

Enzymically dispersed luteal cells obtained from PMSG-hCG-treated immature pseudopregnant rats were incubated with oxytocin and vasopressin. In response to increasing doses of hCG the rat luteal cells produced progesterone and accumulated intracellular cAMP in a dose-dependent manner. A neuropeptide GnRH agonist (4 X 10(-6) M) produced a significant inhibition of hCG-stimulated progesterone production and of accumulation of intracellular cAMP. However, neither the basal nor the hCG-stimulated rate of progesterone production and level of intracellular cAMP was affected by the neurohypophysial peptides tested. Therefore, it is concluded that oxytocin and vasopressin do not have a direct action on steroidogenesis by rat luteal cells.     

Prostaglandin E2 promotes IL-4-induced IgE and IgG1 synthesis

PG of the E series are generally known to suppress immune responses, however, we have found that PGE synergizes with IL-4 to induce IgE and IgG1 production in LPS-stimulated murine B lymphocytes. PGE2 and PGE1 (10(-6) to 10(-8) M) significantly increase IgE and IgG1 production (up to 26-fold) at all concentrations of IL-4 tested. In addition to its effects on IgE and IgG1, PGE also causes a significant decrease in IgM and IgG3 synthesis, suggesting that PGE may promote IL-4-induced class switching. The specificity of the E series PG effect is demonstrated by the fact that PGF2 alpha (10(-6) M) does not alter production of any of these isotypes. Because PGE can mediate its effects through cAMP in some cases, we investigated the importance of cAMP levels in regulation of isotype expression. Other agents that increase intracellular cAMP levels (cholera toxin and dibutyryl cAMP) were assessed for their ability to regulate isotype differentiation. Cholera toxin (100 pg/ml) and dibutyryl cAMP (100 microM) significantly enhanced IgE and IgG1 production and diminished IgM and IgG3 synthesis. We also show that PGE and cholera toxin elevate intracellular cAMP in B lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, PGF2 alpha (10(-6) M) and the B subunit of cholera toxin (100 pg/ml) did not increase cAMP and did not regulate the isotype of Ig produced, reiterating the importance of cAMP in enhancing isotype differentiation. Although PGE is known to inhibit a number of immune responses, our data show that it is not always inhibitory. PGE may play a role in atopy in vivo where PGE-secreting cells such as macrophages, follicular dendritic cells, and fibroblasts can promote IgE synthesis. This research emphasizes the importance of PGE in regulation of the humoral immune response and adds a new stimulatory action to the repertoire of known PGE effects.     

Effects of glucagon and insulin on fatty acid synthesis and glycogen degradation in the perfused liver of normal and genetically obese (ob/ob) mice.

1. Rapid effects of hormones on glycogen metabolism and fatty acid synthesis in the perfused liver of the mouse were studied. 2. In perfusions lasting 2h, of livers from normal mice, glucagon in successive doses, each producing concentrations of 10(-10) or 10(-9)M, inhibited fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. In perfusions lasting 40--50 min, in which medium was not recycled, inhibition of fatty acid synthesis was only observed with glucagon at concentrations greater than 10(-9)M. This concentration was about two orders of magnitude higher than that required for the stimulation of glycogen breakdown. Glucagon did not inhibit the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, assayed 10 or 20 min after addition of glucagon (10(-9) or 10(-10)M). It is proposed that the action of glucagon on hepatic fatty acid biosynthesis could be secondary in time to depletion of glycogen. Insulin prevented the effect of glucagon (10(-10)M) on glycogenolysis, but not that of vasopressin. 3. Livers of genetically obese (ob/ob) mice did not show significant inhibition of lipid biosynthesis in response to glucagon, although there was normal acceleration of glycogen breakdown. This resistance to glucagon action was not reversed by food deprivation. Livers of obese mice exhibited resistance to the counteraction by insulin of glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis, which was reversible by partial food deprivation.     

Effect of prostaglandin E1 on the cyclic adenosine-3',5'--monophosphate system and radiosensitivity of B-82 cells cultured in vitro

The cyclic AMP (cAMP) system of mice fibroblasts L, clone B-82 has been studied. B-82 cells possess receptors to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and are deficient in beta-adrenoreceptors. It has been shown that 10 mM NaF, 1.10(-4) M GTP and 1.10(-5) M PGE1 stimulate adenylate cyclase of B-82 cells. PGE1 causes increase in the intracellular content of cAMP and protects B-82 cells against irradiation. Specifict beta-agonist isoproterenol fails to modulate adenylate cyclase activity and does not change cAMP content in B-82 cells. Isoproterenol has no effect on the B-82 cells radiosensitivity, although it is known to be a potent radioprotector. It is presumed that the stimulation of cAMP system by radioprotector is necessary for the performance of radioprotective effect.     

Prostaglandin production in cultured gastric mucosal cells: role of cAMP on its modulation

The effect of cAMP on prostaglandin production may depend on cell types. To clarify the relationship between PG and cAMP, we examined arachidonate's effects on PG synthesis and intracellular cAMP accumulation in monolayers of rat gastric mucosal cells. These cells produced PGE2, PGI2 and thromboxaneA2 (TXA2) in amounts of 316 +/- 18, 100 +/- 7 and 30 +/- 5 pg per 10(5) cells in 10 min, respectively, in response to 10 microM arachidonic acid (AA). The production of these PG, however, leveled off subsequently. Cells initially exposed to AA responded poorly to a subsequent stimulation by AA. AA simultaneously stimulated intracellular cAMP accumulation; this stimulatory effect on cAMP production was abolished by the pretreatment with indomethacin. Nevertheless, the pretreatments with dibutyryl cAMP (0.1-5 mM) did not alter the amount of subsequent AA-induced PGE2 production. Furthermore, the preincubation with 1mM isobutyl methyl xanthine also failed to affect PGE2 synthesis, while it increased intracellular cAMP accumulation. Our studies suggest AA stimulates intracellular cAMP formation in cultured gastric mucosal cells, linked with conversion of AA to cyclooxygenase metabolites, AA-induced PG production is limited in these cells, and it seems, however, unlikely that intracellular cAMP modulates AA metabolism to PG.