Impaired bone resorption to prostaglandin E2 in prostaglandin E receptor EP4-knockout mice

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) acts as a potent stimulator of bone resorption. In this study, we first clarified in normal ddy mice the involvement of protein kinase A and induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in PGE(2)-induced bone resorption, and then identified PGE receptor subtype(s) mediating this PGE(2) action using mice lacking each subtype (EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4) of PGE receptor. In calvarial culture obtained from normal ddy mice, both PGE(2) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (Bt(2)cAMP) stimulated bone resorption and induced MMPs including MMP-2 and MMP-13. Addition of an inhibitor of protein kinase A, H89, or an inhibitor of MMPs, BB94, significantly suppressed bone-resorbing activity induced by PGE(2.) In calvarial culture from EP1-, EP2-, and EP3-knockout mice, PGE(2) stimulated bone resorption to an extent similar to that found in calvaria from the wild-type mice. On the other hand, a marked reduction in bone resorption to PGE(2) was found in the calvarial culture from EP4-knockout mice. The impaired bone resorption to PGE(2) was also detected in long bone cultures from EP4-knockout mice. Bt(2)cAMP greatly stimulated bone resorption similarly in both wild-type and EP4-knockout mice. Induction of MMP-2 and MMP-13 by PGE(2) was greatly impaired in calvarial culture from EP4-knockout mice, but Bt(2)cAMP stimulated MMPs induction similarly in the wild-type and EP4-knockout mice. These findings suggest that PGE(2) stimulates bone resorption by a cAMP-dependent mechanism via the EP4 receptor.     

Participation of prostaglandin E receptor EP4 subtype in duodenal bicarbonate secretion in rats

We examined, by using a specific PGE receptor subtype EP4 agonist and antagonist, the involvement of EP4 receptors in duodenal HCO(3)(-) secretion induced by PGE(2) and mucosal acidification in rats. Mucosal acidification was achieved by exposing a duodenal loop to 10 mM HCl for 10 min, and various EP agonists were given intravenously 10 min before the acidification. Secretion of HCO(3)(-) was dose-dependently stimulated by AE1-329 (EP4 agonist), the maximal response being equivalent to that induced by sulprostone (EP1/EP3 agonist) or PGE(2). The stimulatory action of AE1-329 and PGE(2) but not sulprostone was attenuated by AE3-208, a specific EP4 antagonist. This antagonist also significantly mitigated the acid-induced HCO(3)(-) secretion. Coadministration of sulprostone and AE1-329 caused a greater secretory response than either agent alone. IBMX potentiated the stimulatory action of both sulprostone and AE1-329, whereas verapamil mitigated the effect of sulprostone but not AE1-329. Chemical ablation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons did not affect the response to any of the EP agonists used. We conclude that EP4 receptors are involved in the duodenal HCO(3)(-) response induced by PGE(2) or acidification in addition to EP3 receptors. The process by which HCO(3)(-) is secreted through these receptors differs regarding second-messenger coupling. Stimulation through EP4 receptors is mediated by cAMP, whereas that through EP3 receptors is regulated by both cAMP and Ca(2+); yet there is cooperation between the actions mediated by these two receptors. The neuronal reflex pathway is not involved in stimulatory actions of these prostanoids.     

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of the canine prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 subtype.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important mediator of diverse biologic functions in many tissues and binds with high affinity to four cell surface, seven-transmembrane domain, G protein-coupled receptors (EP1-EP4). The EP4 receptor subtype has a long intracellular carboxy-terminal region and is functionally coupled to adenylate cyclase, resulting in elevated intracellular cyclic adenosine 5' monophosphate (cAMP) levels upon activation. To further study EP4 receptor subtype function, a canine kidney cDNA library was screened and three clones were isolated and sequenced. The longest clone was 3,103 bp and contained a single open reading frame of 1,476 bp, potentially encoding a protein of 492 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 53.4 kDa. Sequence analysis of this open reading frame reveals 89% identity to the human EP4 protein coding region at the nucleotide level and 90% identity when the putative canine and human protein sequences are compared. Northern blot analysis showed relatively high levels of canine EP4 expression in heart, lung and kidney, while Southern blot analysis of canine genomic DNA suggests the presence of a single copy gene. Following transfection of canine EP4 into CHO-KI cells, Scatchard analysis revealed a dissociation constant of 24 nM for PGE, while competition binding studies using 3H-PGE2 as ligand demonstrated specific displacement by PGE2 prostaglandin E, (PGE1), and prostaglandin A3 (PGA3). Treatment with PGE2 also resulted in increased levels of cAMP in transfected, but not in parental, CHO-KI cells. In contrast, butaprost, an EP2 selective ligand, and sulprostone, an EP1/EP3 selective ligand, did not bind to this receptor at the maximal concentration used (320 nM). To further investigate secondary signaling, the canine EP4 cDNA was truncated to produce an 1,117 bp fragment encoding a 356 amino acid protein lacking the intracellular carboxy-terminus. When transfected, this truncated cDNA produced a protein with a dissociation constant of 11 nM for PGE2 and a binding and cAMP accumulation profile similar to that of the full-length protein. Both full-length and truncated canine EP4 underwent short term PGE2-induced desensitization as shown by a lack of continuing cAMP accumulation after the initial PGE2 stimulation, suggesting no involvement of the C-terminal intracellular tail. This result is in contrast to that reported for the human EP4 receptor, where residues within the C-terminal intracellular tail were shown to mediate short term, ligand induced desensitization.     

Involvement of prostaglandin E receptor EP3 subtype in duodenal bicarbonate secretion in rats

We investigated the involvement of prostaglandin E (PGE) receptor subtype EP3 in the regulatory mechanism of duodenal HCO₃⁻ secretion in rats. A proximal duodenal loop or a chambered stomach was perfused with saline, and HCO₃⁻ secretion was measured using a pH-stat method and by adding 2 mM HCl. Mucosal acidification was achieved through 10 min of exposure to 10 mM HCl in the duodenum or 100 mM HCl in the stomach. Various EP agonists or the EP4 antagonist were given i.v., while the EP1 or EP3 antagonist was given s.c. or i.d., respectively. Sulprostone (EP1/EP3 agonists) stimulated duodenal HCO₃⁻ secretion in a dose-dependent manner, and this response was inhibited by AE5-599 (EP3 antagonist) but not AE3-208 (EP4 antagonist). AE1-329 (EP4 agonist) also increased duodenal HCO₃⁻ secretion, and this action was inhibited by AE3-208 but not AE5-599. The response to PGE₂ or acidification in the duodenum was partially attenuated by AE5-599 or AE3-208 alone but completely abolished by the combined administration. Duodenal damage caused by mucosal perfusion with 150 mM HCl for 4 h was worsened by pretreatment with AE5-599 and AE3-208 as well as indomethacin and further aggravated by co-administration of these antagonists. Neither the EP3 nor EP4 antagonist had any effect on the gastric response induced by PGE₂ or acidification. These results clearly demonstrate the involvement of EP3 receptors, in addition to EP4 receptors, in the regulation of duodenal HCO₃⁻ secretion as well as the maintenance of the mucosal integrity of the duodenum against acid injury.     

Angiotensin II and III suppress food intake via angiotensin AT(2) receptor and prostaglandin EP(4) receptor in mice

Intracerebroventricularly administered angiotensin (Ang) II and III dose-dependently suppressed food intake in mice and their anorexigenic activities were inhibited by AT(2) receptor-selective antagonist. Ang II did not suppress food intake in AT(2) receptor-knockout mice, while it did significantly in wild-type and AT(1) receptor-knockout mice. The suppression of food intake in AT(1) receptor-knockout mice was smaller than that in wild-type. The anorexigenic activities of Ang II and III were also blocked by a selective antagonist for prostaglandin EP(4) receptor. Taken together, centrally administered Ang II and III may decrease food intake through AT(2) receptor with partial involvement of AT(1) receptor, followed by EP(4) receptor activation, which is a novel pathway regulating food intake.     

Differential expression of prostaglandin E receptor subtype EP2 in rat uterus during early pregnancy

PGE2 is essential for mammalian female reproduction. This study was to examine the expression of EP2 gene in the rat uterus during early pregnancy, delayed implantation and artificial decidualization by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. There was no detectable EP2 mRNA expression in the uterus from days 1 to 4 of pregnancy (day 1 = day of vaginal sperm). A low level of EP2 immunostaining was observed in the luminal and glandular epithelium from days 1 to 4 of pregnancy. Both EP2 mRNA and protein expression were highly detected in the luminal epithelium at implantation sites on day 6 of pregnancy. EP2 expression decreased from day 7 of pregnancy and was undetectable on days 8 and 9 of pregnancy. After delayed implantation was terminated by estrogen treatment and the embryo implanted, both EP2 mRNA and protein expression were strongly observed in the luminal epithelium at the implantation site. There was no detectable EP2 expression in both control and decidualized uteri. In conclusion, these data suggest that EP2 expression at implantation site may play an important role during embryo implantation in rats.     

Cloning and expression of a cDNA for mouse prostaglandin E receptor EP3 subtype.

A functional cDNA clone for mouse EP3 subtype of prostaglandin (PG) E receptor was isolated from a mouse cDNA library using polymerase chain reaction based on the sequence of the human thromboxane A2 receptor and cross-hybridization screening. The mouse EP3 receptor consists of 365 amino acid residues with putative seven-transmembrane domains. The sequence revealed significant homology to the human thromboxane A2 receptor. Ligand binding studies using membranes of COS cells transfected with the cDNA revealed specific [3H]PGE2 binding. The binding was displaced with unlabeled PGs in the order of PGE2 = PGE1 greater than iloprost greater than PGF2 alpha greater than PGD2. The EP3-selective agonists, M&B 28,767 or GR 63799X, potently competed for the [3H]PGE2 binding, but no competition was found with EP1- or EP2-selective ligands. PGE2 and M&B 28,767 decreased forskolin-induced cAMP formation in a concentration-dependent manner in Chinese hamster ovary cells permanently expressing the cDNA. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the EP3 mRNA is expressed abundantly in kidney, uterus, and mastocytoma P-815 cells and in a lesser amount in brain, thymus, lung, heart, stomach, and spleen.     

Involvement of prostaglandin E receptor EP3 subtype and prostacyclin IP receptor in decreased acid response in damaged stomach.

We investigated the roles of cyclooxygenase (COX) isozymes and prostaglandin E (PGE) receptor EP1 and EP3 subtypes or prostacyclin IP receptors in the decrease in acid secretion in the damaged mouse stomach. Male C57/BL6 mice, both wild type and animals lacking EP1, EP3, or IP receptors, were used after 18 h of fasting. Under urethane anesthesia, the stomach was mounted on an ex-vivo chamber and perfused with saline, and acid secretion as well as transmucosal potential difference (PD) was measured before and after exposure to 20 mM taurocholate Na (TC) for 20 min. Indomethacin, SC-560 or rofecoxib was given i.d. 30 min before TC. Mucosal exposure to TC in wild-type mice caused a reduction in PD, followed by decrease in acid secretion. Indomethacin attenuated the decrease in acid secretion after exposure to TC in wild-type mice, an effect mimicked by SC-560 but not rofecoxib, yet none of these drugs affected the decrease in PD. An altered acid response after exposure to TC was similarly observed in EP1 (-/-) mice but mitigated in mice lacking either EP3 or IP receptors, although a decrease in PD was observed in all groups. Furthermore, the decreased acid response was also attenuated by prior administration of the EP3- but not EP1- antagonist. Mucosal levels of PGE(2) and 6-keto PGF(1a) increased after exposure to TC in all groups of mice. In conclusion, the decrease in acid secretion in the damaged stomach is mediated by endogenous PGs derived from COX-1, through PGE(2)/EP3 receptors and prostacyclin/IP receptors.     

Prostaglandin E2 suppresses chemokine production in human macrophages through the EP4 receptor

Pro-inflammatory pathways participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the role of endogenous anti-inflammatory pathways in atheroma has received much less attention. Therefore, using cDNA microarrays, we screened for genes regulated by prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), a potential endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human macrophages (MPhi). PGE(2) (50 nm) attenuated LPS-induced mRNA and protein expression of chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-8, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha and -1beta, and interferon-inducible protein-10. PGE(2) also inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-, interferon-gamma-, and interleukin-1beta-mediated expression of these chemokines. In contrast to the case of MPhi, PGE(2) did not suppress chemokine expression in human endothelial and smooth muscle cells (SMC) treated with LPS and pro-inflammatory cytokines. To assess the potential paracrine effect of endogenous PGE(2) on macrophage-derived chemokine production, we co-cultured MPhi with SMC in the presence of LPS. In these co-cultures, cyclooxygenase-2-dependent PGE(2) production exceeded that in the mono-cultures, and MIP-1beta declined significantly compared with MPhi cultured without SMC. We further documented prominent expression of the PGE(2) receptor EP4 in MPhi in both culture and human atheroma. Moreover, a selective EP4 antagonist completely reversed PGE(2)-mediated suppression of chemokine production. Thus, endogenous PGE(2) may modulate inflammation during atherogenesis and other inflammatory diseases by suppressing macrophage-derived chemokine production via the EP4 receptor.     

Suppression of prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype EP2 by PPARgamma ligands inhibits human lung carcinoma cell growth

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), a major cyclooxygenase (COX-2) metabolite, plays important roles in tumor biology and its functions are mediated through one or more of its receptors EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4. We have shown that the matrix glycoprotein fibronectin stimulates lung carcinoma cell proliferation via induction of COX-2 expression with subsequent PGE(2) protein biosynthesis. Ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) inhibited this effect and induced cellular apoptosis. Here, we explore the role of the PGE(2) receptor EP2 in this process and whether the inhibition observed with PPARgamma ligands is related to effects on this receptor. We found that human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines (H1838 and H2106) express EP2 receptors, and that the inhibition of cell growth by PPARgamma ligands (GW1929, PGJ2, ciglitazone, troglitazone, and rosiglitazone [also known as BRL49653]) was associated with a significant decrease in EP2 mRNA and protein levels. The inhibitory effects of BRL49653 and ciglitazone, but not PGJ2, were reversed by a specific PPARgamma antagonist GW9662, suggesting the involvement of PPARgamma-dependent and -independent mechanisms. PPARgamma ligand treatment was associated with phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase (Erk), and inhibition of EP2 receptor expression by PPARgamma ligands was prevented by PD98095, an inhibitor of the MEK-1/Erk pathway. Butaprost, an EP2 agonist, like exogenous PGE(2) (dmPGE(2)), increased lung carcinoma cell growth, however, GW1929 and troglitazone blocked their effects. Our studies reveal a novel role for EP2 in mediating the proliferative effects of PGE(2) on lung carcinoma cells. PPARgamma ligands inhibit human lung carcinoma cell growth by decreasing the expression of EP2 receptors through Erk signaling and PPARgamma-dependent and -independent pathways.     

Corticotropin-releasing hormone increases the expression of the prostaglandin E(2) receptor subtype EP1 in amnion WISH cells

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) on the expression of the prostaglandin (PG) E(2) EP1 receptor subtype and PGE(2) production in amnion WISH cells (AWC). AWC cultures were incubated with CRH. Culture fluid was collected for PGE(2) measurement, and the cells were collected and analyzed for EP1 protein and mRNA. Immunohistochemical localization of the EP1 receptor was also performed. Incubation of AWC with CRH resulted in a dose-dependent increase (r = 0.97) in the level of EP1 receptor protein (P < 0.001). Coincubation of AWC with CRH and indomethacin resulted in the decreased production of PGE(2) while having no effect on EP1 receptor expression. A significant but not dose-dependent increase in EP1 mRNA expression was also observed (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical evaluation verified cell membrane localization of the receptor in both stimulated and unstimulated cells and confirmed the increased expression of EP1 receptor in response to CRH. Incubation of AWC with CRH also resulted in increased culture fluid PGE(2) levels (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the role CRH plays in the initiation of labor may also involve the promotion of elevated PGE(2) levels and increased expression of the EP1 receptor in amnion.     

Rho-kinase mediates spinal nitric oxide formation by prostaglandin E2 via EP3 subtype

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the principal pro-inflammatory prostanoid, is known to play versatile roles in pain transmission via four PGE receptor subtypes, EP1-EP4. We recently demonstrated that continuous production of nitric oxide (NO) by neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) following phosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) and NMDA receptor NR2B subunits is essential for neuropathic pain. These phosphorylation and nNOS activity visualized by NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry were blocked by indomethacin, a PG synthesis inhibitor. To clarify the interaction between cyclooxygenase and nNOS pathways in the spinal cord, we examined the effect of EP subtype-selective agonists on NO production. NO formation was stimulated in the spinal superficial layer by EP1, EP3, and EP4 agonists. While the EP1- and the EP4-stimulated NO formation was markedly blocked by MK-801, an NMDA receptor antagonist, the EP3-stimulated one was completely inhibited by H-1152, a Rho-kinase inhibitor. Phosphorylation of MARCKS and NADPH-diaphorase activity stimulated by the EP3 agonist were also blocked by H-1152. These results suggest that PGE2 stimulates NO formation by Rho-kinase via EP3, a mechanism(s) different from EP1 and EP4.     

Effect of deletion of the prostaglandin EP2 receptor on the anabolic response to prostaglandin E2 and a selective EP2 receptor agonist

Studies using prostaglandin E receptor (EP) agonists indicate that prostaglandin (PG) E(2) can have anabolic effects through both EP4 and EP2 receptors. We previously found that the anabolic response to a selective EP4 receptor agonist (EP4A, Ono Pharmaceutical) was substantially greater than to a selective EP2 receptor agonist (EP2A) in cultured murine calvarial osteoblastic cells. To further define the role of the EP2 receptor in PG-mediated effects on bone cells, we examined the effects of EP2A and PGE(2) on both calvarial primary osteoblasts (POB) and marrow stromal cells (MSC) cultured from mice with deletion of one (Het) or both (KO) alleles of the EP2 receptor compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates. Deletion of EP2 receptor was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The 1 month-old mice used to provide cells in these studies did not show any significant differences in their femurs by static histomorphometry. EP2A was found to enhance osteoblastic differentiation as measured by alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression and activity as well as osteocalcin mRNA expression and mineralization in the WT cell cultures from both marrow and calvariae. The effects were somewhat diminished in cultures from Het mice and abrogated in cultures from KO mice. PGE(2) effects were greater than those of EP2A, particularly in POB cultures and were only moderately diminished in Het and KO cell cultures. We conclude that activation of the EP2 receptor is able to enhance differentiation of osteoblasts, that EP2A is a true selective agonist for this receptor and that PGE(2) has an additional anabolic effect likely mediated by the EP4 receptor.     

Role of the melanocortin-4 receptor in metabolic rate and food intake in mice

We evaluated the role of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R) in the control of metabolic rate and food intake in mice. Intraperitoneal administration of the non-selective MC-R agonist melanotan II (MT-II; a cyclic heptapeptide) increases metabolic rate in wildtype mice, while MC-4R knockout mice are insensitive to the effects of MT-II on metabolic rate. MC-4R knockout mice are also insensitive to the effects of MT-II on reducing food intake. We conclude that MC-4R can mediate control of both metabolic rate and food intake in mice. We infer that a role for MC-3R in mediating the acute effects of MT-II on basal metabolic rate and food intake in wildtype mice seems limited.     

Prostaglandin E receptor EP4 antagonist suppresses osteolysis due to bone metastasis of mouse malignant melanoma cells

We examined the effects of prostaglandin E (PGE) receptor subtype EP4 antagonist on bone metastasis of cancer to clarify PGE's role in bone metastasis. Metastatic regions were detected in femurs accompanying severe bone loss in mice injected with B16 malignant melanoma cells. Administration of EP4 antagonist restored the bone loss induced by B16 melanoma. Adding B16 cells induced osteoclast formation in the coculture of bone marrow cells and osteoblasts without any exogenous bone-resorbing factor, and EP4 antagonist completely suppressed the osteoclast formation induced by B16 cells. Therefore, EP4 antagonist is a possible candidate for the therapy of bone metastasis of cancer.     

Litorin suppresses food intake in rats

Litorin (LIT), a bombesin-like nonapeptide, decreased food intake in rats in a dose-related manner after parenteral injection. LIT decreased deprivation-induced water intake only at a dose much higher than required to suppress feeding. LIT administration did not significantly alter the frequency of observed feeding-associated behaviors, nor did it result in subsequent aversion to an associated novel solution. Litorin shares with bombesin structural features and pharmacological actions that include the suppression of food intake in a manner that mimics natural satiation.