Effects of adenosine and adenosine-analogs on adenylate cyclase activity in the rat adipocyte plasma membrane: comparison of the properties of the enzyme with Mn2+ and Mg2+ as divalent cations

Summary We investigated the influence of Mg²⁺ and Mn²⁺ on the effects of adenosine and some derivatives on basal adenylate cyclase activity in rat fat cell membranes as well as on enzyme activity stimulated by isoprenaline or sodium fluoride. Adenosine and derivatives modified in the ribose function were inhibitory, irrespective of the stimulant used, both in the presence of MgCl₂ or MnCl₂. Inhibition of basal and sodium fluoride stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was more pronounced in the presence of MnCl₂ than in the presence of MgCl₂. N⁶-substituted adenosine analogs proved to be inhibitory in the presence of 5 MM MgCl₂, but in the presence of 1 mM MnCl₂ the fluoride stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was potentiated, while basal and isoprenaline stimulated activity were not significantly inhibited. These effects of adenosine and derivatives could not be blocked by theophylline with or without guanyl nucleotides.The potentiating effect of N⁶-substituted adenosine derivatives on sodium fluoride activated adenylate cyclase is dependent on the structure of the N₆-substitutent and consists of an enhancement of Vrnax in combination with a small decrease of the K_m for MnATP^2–, indicative of an allosteric effect on adenylate cyclase. No potentiation by N⁶-phenylisopropyladeno sine of sodium fluoride stimulated cyclase was found on digitonin solubilized cyclase, while the inhibitory effect of adenosine was retained. The relevance of these findings is discussed in connection with the current hypothesis concerning the presence of two adenosinesensitive sites on rat fat cell membranes.     

Effect of melittin-induced membrane alterations on rat heart adenylate cyclase activity

Melittin, a surface-active, 26-amino acid polypeptide from bee venom, has been reported to alter a variety of membrane properties including stability, permeability, and fluidity, the latter having been shown to be altered in a biphasic manner. Melittin induced a biphasic alteration of rat heart microsomal adenylate cyclase activity, stimulating it at low concentration (<30 μg/ml) and inhibiting it at higher concentrations (100 μg/ml or higher). Melittin potentiated sodium fluoride and 5′-guanylylimidodiphosphate activation of adenylate cyclase below 40 μg/ml but it inhibited at high concentrations, except in the presence of high concentrations of 5′-guanylylimidodiphosphate (10^?4m). Basal and fluoride-activated adenylate cyclase exhibited no significant change in the K_m for ATP in the presence of melittin at <40 μg/ml, but the V was elevated. Potentiation by melittin of adenylate cyclase was observed at all fluoride, 5′-guanylylimidodiphosphate, and magnesium concentrations tested. The observed effects of melittin on rat heart adenylate cyclase are consistent with it acting by altering the properties of membrane lipids with which the enzyme is associated.     

Activation of rat adipocyte plasma membrane adenylate cyclase by sodium azide

The adenylate cyclase of rat adipocyte plasma membrane is stimulated by sodium azide with a half maximal activation of 100–150% occuring at 50 mM NaN₃. Studies of the effects of azide and fluoride indicate different mechanisms of stimulation of the enzyme by these ions. Comparable stimulation of the activity is obtained by 100 mM NaN₃ or 10 mM NaF but unlike azide, higher concentrations of fluoride cause inhibition of the enzyme. Fluoride activated adenylate cyclase is further stimulated by azide. Epinephrine stimulation of the enzyme is absent in the presence of fluoride but the hormone enhances the activity in the presence of azide. Reversal of the inhibitory action of GTP on adenylate cyclase by epinephrine is demonstrated even in the presence of azide but not in the presence of fluoride.     

Distribution of prostaglandin E2-sensitive adenylate cyclase along the rat nephron

To define sites of prostaglandin action of renal tubules, the distribution of adenylate cyclase sensitive to prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) was examined in single nephron segments dissected from rat kidney. Further, the interaction between PGE₂ and vasopressin on adenylate cyclase activity in nephron segments sensitive to vasopressin was evaluated. Procedures involved in isolating nephron segments were without effects on adenylate cyclase stimulation by PGE₂. PGE₂ stimulated adenylate cyclase activity of the thin descending limb of Henle (tDL), cortical collecting tubules (CCT), and medullary collecting tubules (MCT) at concentrations of 1.4 × 10^?5 to 2.8 × 10^?5 M. PGE₂ was without effects in other nephron segments tested including proximal convoluated tubules, proximal pars recta, the thin and thick ascending limb of Henle's loop, and distal and connecting tubules. PGE₂, at both high (2.8 × 10^?5 M) and low (2.8 × 10^?8 M) concentrations, did not inhibit adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by submaximal doses of vasopressin in medullary thick ascending limb of Henle (MTAL), CCT, and MCT. These data define the distribution of PGE₂-sensitive adenylate cyclase in the rat nephron, i.e., tDL, CCT, and MCT, and show the lack of direct inhibitory actions of PGE₂ on vasopressin sensitive adenylate cyclase in MTAL, CCT, and MCT.     

Does glucocorticoid deprivation promote the expression of adenosine receptor-sites stimulating adenylate cyclase in rat adipocyte membranes?

The influence of N⁶-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) on adenylate cyclase was compared in adipocyte membranes from adrenalectomized and sham operated rats. In the presence of 100 mM sodium, 10 μM GTP and adenosine deaminase, PIA inhibited basal adenylate cyclase activity in sham rats, but elicited biphasic effects in adrenalectomized rats: at concentrations up to 10 nM, PIA first stimulated the enzyme, after which higher concentrations produced inhibition. In the presence of theophylline, these biphasic effects could not be observed. When isoproterenol maximally-stimulated adenylate cyclase was studied, the same biphasic effects of PIA were also observed in adrenalectomized rats, provided that no sodium was added in the assay, since with 100 mM sodium, only inhibition was seen. Finally, the stimulatory but not the inhibitory effect of PIA was prevented by glucocorticoid administration, a phenomenon which suggests that glucocorticoid deprivation may promote the expression of adenosine receptorsites which activate adenylate cyclase and which are normally absent, cryptic or unfunctional in normal adipocytes.     

Adenylate cyclase system of bovine adrenal plasma membranes.

The adenylate cyclase system present in a preparation enriched in plasma membranes derived from bovine adrenal cortex was investigated in considerable detail. This system is stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), by biologically active analogs of this hormone, and by fluoride ion. The preparation contains sodium-potassium- and magnesium-dependent ATPases that are markedly inhibited by 50 mM sodium fluoride. Incorporation of a pyruvate phosphokinase ATP generating system into the adenylate cyclase assay medium provided constant substrate levels. In the presence of the ATP generating system, the rate of cyclic AMP formation (basal, fluoride, and ACTH-activated) was proportional to enzyme concentration and was linear with time. Proportionality with respect to enzyme concentration as concerned the hormone-activated adenylate cyclase was achieved only when the ratio of hormone to enzyme protein was kept constant. The temperature optimum of the adenylate cyclase, basal or activated, was approximately 30 degrees. Michaelis-Menten kinetics were observed when the ratio of Mg2+ to ATP was approximately 6:1. Both calcium and ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid completely inhibited the adenylate cyclase system at concentrations of 5 and 0.5 mM, respectively. GTP was inhibitory at concentrations of 10-2 M but had little effect at lower concentrations. Freezing in liquid nitrogen and storage at -60 degrees exerted little effect on the fluoride-stimulated enzyme but lowered hormone stimulated activity. Preincubation in the presence of ACTH afforded a high degree of stabilization of the enzyme system while preincubation with a biologically inactive analog afforded no protection.     

Desensitization of prostaglandin-activated platelet adenylate cyclase

Prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) is one of several prostaglandins that can inhibit platelet aggregation and activate adenylate cyclase. Platelets were exposed to varying concentrations of PGD₂, washed, and the adenylate cyclase response to prostaglandins, epinephrine, and sodium fluoride determined. Incubating platelets with 5 × 10^?5 M PGD₂ for 2 hr resulted in a 45% decrease in PGD₂ activation of adenylate cyclase and a 25% decrease in stimulation by PGE₁. Fluoride activation (7-fold) epinephrine inhibition (30%) and basal enzyme activity were unchanged by exposure of the platelets to PGD₂. Desensitization was concentration dependent, with loss of enzyme activity first noted when platelets were incubated with 10^?7 M PGD₂. Enzyme sensitivity could be partially restored when desensitized platelets were washed free of PGD₂ and incubated in buffer for 2 hr; complete resensitization required incubation for 24 hr in plasma. Regulation of prostaglandin sensitive platelet adenylate cyclase could be of importance in mediating the response of platelets to aggregating agents.     

Inhibition by S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine of dopamine dependent adenylate cyclase in rat retina

S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (S-AH), a potent inhibitor of biological transmethylation, decreased the response of rat retina adenylate cyclase to dopamine and to 2-amino-6, 7-dihydroxytetrahydronaphtalene (ADTN). This effect appeared for 10^?7M of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine and was linear for concentration ranging to 10^?4M. S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine did not decrease the cyclic AMP accumulation with sodium fluoride, a non specific adenylate cyclase activator. On the other hand, the incorporation of methyl group was reduced in rat retina homogenates by S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine. These findings suggest that the activity of the dopamine dependent adenylate cyclase is linked to a methylation process.     

Characterization of a vasoactive intestinal peptide-sensitive adenylate cyclase in rat intestinal epithelial cell membranes

A vasoactive intestinal peptide-sensitive adenylate cyclase in intestinal epithelial cell membranes was characterized. Stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity was a function of vasoactive intestinal peptide concentration over a range of 1 · 10⁻¹⁰−1 · 10⁻⁷ M and was increased six-times by a maximally stimulating concentration of vasoactive intestinal peptide. Half-maximal stimulation was observed with 4.1 ± 0.7 nM vasoactive intestinal peptide. Fluoride ion stimulated adenylate cyclase activity to a higher extent than did vasoactive intestinal peptide. Under standard assay conditions, basal, vasoactive inteetinal peptide- and fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were proportional to time of incubation up to 15 min and to membrane concentration up to 60 μg protein per assay. The vasoactive intestinal peptide-sensitive enzyme required 5–10 mM Mg²⁺ and was inhibited by 1 · 10⁻⁵ M Ca²⁺. At sufficiently high concentrations, both ATP (3 mM) and Mg²⁺ (40 mM) inhibited the enzyme.Secretin also stimulated the adenylate cyclase activity from intestinal epithelial cell membranes but its effectiveness was 1/1000 that of vasoactive intestinal peptide. Prostaglandins E₁ and E₂ at 1 · 10⁻⁵ M induced a two-fold increase of cyclic AMP production. Vasoactive intestinal peptide was the most potent stimulator of adenylate cyclase activity, suggesting an important physiological role of this peptide in the cyclic AMP-dependent regulation of the intestinal epithelial cell function.     

Alterations in cerebral β-adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase system induced by halothane,ketamine and ethanol

The effect of halothane, ketamine and ethanol on β-adrenergic receptor adenylate cyclase system was studied in the brain of rats. An anesthetic concentration of halothane and ketamine added in vitro decreased the stimulatory effect of norepinephrine on cyclic AMP formation in slices from the cerebral cortex. On the other hand, ethanol increased the basal activity of cerebral adenylate cyclase without affecting on the norepinephrine-stimulated activity. The increase of the basal activity induced by ethanol was not antagonized by propranolol, a β-adrenergic antagonist. In the crude synaptosomal (P₂) fraction, these drugs had no significant effect on the basal adenylate cyclase activity, binding of [³H]dihydroalprenolol to β-receptor, and binding of [³H]guanylylimido diphosphate ([³H]Gpp(NH)p) to guanyl nucleotide binding site. In contrast, the adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by Gpp(NH)p or NaF was significantly inhibited by an anesthetic concentration of these drugs. An anesthetic concentration of these drugs increased the membrane fluidity of P₂ fraction monitored by the fluorescence polarization technique. The addition of linoleic acid (more than 500 μM) also induced not only the increase of fluidity, but also the decrease of Gpp(NH)p- or NaF-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the cerebral P₂ fraction. The present results suggest that general anesthetics may interfere with the guanyl nucleotide binding regulatory protein-mediated activation of cerebral adenylate cyclase by disturbing the lipid region of synaptic membrane.     

7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid and polyphloretin phosphate as non-specific antagonists of the stimulatory effects of different agents on adenylate cyclase from various tissues.

7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid (OPA) and polyphloretin phosphate (PPP) are believed to act as specific antagonists of prostaglandin action. In order to estimate their specificity, the inhibitory effects of these drugs were tested on the activity of adenylate cyclase from several tissues which were stimulated by prostaglandins and several other compounds. In adenylate cyclase preparation from L-fibroblasts both OPA (0.15-1.5 MM) and PPP (0.01-1.0 MG/ML) antagonized not only the stimulatory effects of PGE but also the stimulatory effects of sodium fluoride and increased enzyme activity due to the previous treatment of cell cultures by cholera toxin. Both OPA and PPP produced a dose dependent depression of adenylate cyclase activity to zero values both under basal conditions and after stimulation by sodium fluoride and various hormones in all preparations studied, including rat liver, heart, brain, epididymal adipose tissue, small intestine, renal cortex and renal medulla. The present results indicate that both prostaglandin antagonists may, in higher concentrations, act as nonspecific inhibitors of the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase rather than specific antagonists of the prostaglandin effects on adenylate cyclase.     

7-Oxa-13-prostynoic acid and polyphloretin phosphate as non-specific antagonists of the stimulatory effects of different agents on adenylate cyclase from various tissues

7-Oxa-13-prostynoic acid (OPA) and polyphloretin phosphate (PPP) are believed to act as specific antagonists of prostaglandin action. In order to estimate their specificity, the inhibitory effects of these drugs were tested on the activity of adenylate cyclase from several tissues which were stimulated by prostaglandins and several other compounds.

In adenylate cyclaae preparation from L-fibroblasts both OPA (0.15–1.5 mM) and PPP (0.01–1.0 mg/ml) antagonized not only the stimulatory effects of PGE₁ but also the stimulatory effects of sodium fluoride and increased enzyme activity due to the previous treatment of cell cultures by cholera toxin. Both OPA and PPP produced a dose dependent depression of adenylate cyclase activity to zero values both under basal conditions and after stimulation by sodium fluoride and various hormones in all preparations studied, including rat liver, heart, brain, epididymal adipose tissue, small intestine, renal cortex and renal medulla.

The present results indicate that both prostaglandin antagonists may, in higher concentrations, act as nonspecific inhibitors of the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase rather than specific antagonists of the prostaglandin effects on adenylate cyclase.     

Characterization of an ATP-Mg2+-dependent guanine nucleotide-stimulated adenylate cyclase from Neurospora crassa

A novel adenylate cyclase activity was found in crude homogenates of Neurospora crassa. The adenylate cyclase had substantial activity with ATP-Mg2+ as substrate differing significantly from the strictly ATP-Mn2+-dependent enzyme characterized previously. Additionally, the ATP-Mg2+-dependent activity was stimulated two- to fourfold by GTP or guanyl-5'-yl-imido-diphosphate (Gpp(NH)p). We propose that the ATP-Mg2+-dependent, guanine nucleotide-stimulated activity is due to a labile regulatory component (G component) of the adenylate cyclase which was present in carefully prepared extracts. The adenylate cyclase had a pH optimum of 5.8 and both the catalytic and G component were particulate. The Km for ATP-Mg2+ was 2.2 mM in the presence of 4.5 mM excess Mg2+. Low Mn2+ concentrations had no effect on adenylate cyclase activity whereas high concentrations of Mn2+ or Mg2+ stimulated the enzyme. Maximal Gpp(NH)p stimulation required preincubation of the enzyme in the presence of the guanine nucleotide and the K1/2 for Gpp(NH)p stimulation was 110 nM. Neither fluoride nor any of a variety of glycolytic intermediates or hormones, including glucagon, epinephrine, and dopamine, had an effect on ATP-Mg2+-dependent adenylate cyclase activity. However, the enzymatic activity was stimulated not only by GTP but also by 5'-AMP and was inhibited by NADH.     

Effect of proteases and protease inhibitors on adenylate cyclase activity in rat cerebral cortical membranes

Mild proteolysis of membrane preparations from rat cerebral cortex with low concentrations of endopeptidases such as trypsin or chymotrypsin caused a 50–400% increase in the basal adenylate cyclase activity. Maximal activation of adenylate cyclase was obtained by including the protease in the adenylate cyclase assay, although an activated preparation could be obtained by pretreatment of the membranes with proteolytic enzymes. The proteolytically activated enzyme showed an increased V, with very little change in the K_m for the substrate, ATP. The proteolytically activated enzyme retained responsiveness to activation by sodium fluoride and 5′-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp), but was no longer activated by gangliosides or calcium-dependent activator protein. Activation by alcohols and detergent was lost or reduced in magnitude. The activity of adenylate cyclase after protease treatment showed a very marked temperature dependence, with maximal activity expressed in the 30–40 °C range and no activation due to the prior protease treatment expressed at either 10 or 50 °C. Basal adenylate cyclase activity was usually slightly inhibited in the presence of various protease inhibitors. Activation by fluoride, gangliosides, or GppNHp was little affected by protease inhibitors although one inhibitor, N-α-tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone, caused an inhibition of the ganglioside and GppNHp responses, slightly inhibited the fluoride response, and blocked the norepinephrine response normally seen in the presence of gangliosides or GppNHp. This inhibitor caused a loss of β-adrenergic binding sites for dihydroalprenolol in rat cortical membranes which paralleled the loss of the responsiveness of adenylate cyclase to a GppNHp-norepinephrine combination.     

Adenylyl cyclase from a prolactin producing tumor cell: The effect of phenothiazines

An adenylyl cyclase stimulated by low concentrations of chlorpromazine was observed in homogenates of a clonal pituitary tumor cell line (GH₃/C14) which releases prolactin and growth hormone. A half-maximal increase in activity of the GH₃/C14 cyclase occurred in the presence of 0.5 × 10^?6M chlorpromazine and a significant increase in activity was observed with a concentration of chlorpromazine as low as 10^?7M. Several derivatives (7-methoxychlorpromazine, 7-hydroxychlorpromazine and 8-hydroxychlorpromazine) were found to mimic the stimulatory action of chlorpromazine on adenylyl cyclase, whereas chlorpromazine-5, N-dioxide was ineffective. Under the assay conditions used, sodium fluoride caused a four-fold increase in activity. However, dopamine at concentrations up to 2 × 10^?4M was ineffective in stimulating or inhibiting the enzyme whether present alone or in combination with chlorpromazine. The ergot alkaloids, ergotamine and ergocryptine, blocked the stimulation of cyclase activity observed in the presence of chlorpromazine (10^?5M). Homogenates of normal pituitaries showed no enhancement of adenylyl cyclase activity by chlorpromazine alone. However, when chlorpromazine was tested in the presence of 5′ guanylimidophosphate [GPP(NH)P], there was a significant increase in cyclase activity in the pituitary similar to that observed in the GH₃/C14 preparation. These results suggest that hyperprolactinemia resulting as a side effect of phenothiazine treatment may be attributable to a direct action of these drugs to increase adenylyl cyclase activity in prolactin-producing cells of the anterior pituitary.     

Desensitization of prostaglandin-activated platelet adenylate cyclase.

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is one of several prostaglandins that can inhibit platelet aggregation and activate adenylate cyclase. Platelets were exposed to varying concentrations of PGD2 washed, and the adenylate cyclase response to prostaglandins, epinephrine, and sodium fluoride determined. Incubating platelets with 5 x 10(-5) M PGD2 for 2 hr resulted in a 45% decrease in PGD2 activation of adenylate cyclase and a 25% decrease in stimulation by PGE1. Fluoride activation (7-fold) epinephrine inhibition (30%) and basal enzyme activity were unchanged by exposure of the platelets to PGD2. Desensitization was concentration dependent, with loss of enzyme activity first noted when platelets were incubated with 10(-7) M PGD2. Enzyme sensitivity could be partially restored when desensitized platelets were washed free of PGD2 and incubated in buffer for 2 hr; complete resensitization required incubation for 24 hr in plasma. Regulation of prostaglandin sensitive platelet adenylate cyclase could be of importance in mediating the response of platelets to aggregating agents.     

Stimulation of mammalian adenylate cyclase activity with guanosine 5′-tetraphosphate and other guanine nucleotides

Guanosine 5′-tetraphosphate (GTP₄) stimulated mammalian adenylate cyclase activity at concentrations down to 1 μM. Greater stimulatory activity was apparent with lung than with heart, brain or liver from the rat. At a concentration of 0.1 mM, GTP₄ stimulated lung adenylate cyclase activity from rat, guinea pig and mouse about four-fold. Other guanine nucleotides such as GTP, GDP, GMP, guanosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate and 5′-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GMP · PNP) also stimulated mammalian adenylate cyclase activity. GMP · PNP irreversibly activated, whereas GTP₄ and GTP reversibly activated adenylate cyclase. Adenosine 5′-tetraphosphate (ATP₄) stimulated rat lung and liver but inhibited rat heart and brain adenylate cyclase activities. Lung from guinea pig and mouse were not affected by ATP₄. The formation of cyclic AMP by GTP₄-stimulated rat lung adenylate cyclase was verified by Dowex-50 (H⁺), Dowex 1-formate and polyethyleneimine cellulose column chromatography. GTP₄ was at least three times more potent than 1-isoproterenol in stimulating rat lung adenylate cyclase activity. The β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol blocked the effect of 1-isoproterenol but not that of GTP₄, thus, suggesting that GTP₄ and β-adrenergic agonists interact with different receptor sites on membrane-bound adenylate cyclase. Stimulation of rat lung and liver adenylate cyclase activities with 1-isoproterenol was potentiated by either GTP₄ or GMP. PNP, thus indicating that GTP₄ resembles other guanine nucleotides in their capacity to increase the sensitivity of adenylate cyclase to β-adrenergic agonists. Stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity by guanine derivatives requires one or more free phosphate moieties on the 5 position of ribose, as no effect was elicited with guanine, guanosine, guanosine 2′-monophosphate, guanosine 3′-monophosphate or guanosine 2′,5′-monophosphate. Ribose, ribose 5-phosphate, phosphate and pyrophosphate were inactive. Pyrimidine nucleoside mono-, di-, tri- and tetraphosphates elicited negligible effects on mammalian adenylate cyclase activity.     

Adenosine and gpp(NH)p modulate mouse sperm adenylate cyclase

The possible roles of adenosine and the GTP analogue Gpp(NH)p in regulating mouse sperm adenylate cyclase activity were investigated during incubation in vitro under conditions in which after 30 min the spermatozoa are essentially uncapacitated and poorly fertile, whereas after 120 min they are capacitated and highly fertile. Adenylate cyclase activity, assayed in the presence of 1 mM ATP and 2 mM Mn²⁺, was determined by monitoring cAMP production. When adenosine deaminase (1 U/ml) was included in the assay to deplete endogenous adenosine, enzyme activity was decreased in the 30-min suspensions but increased in the 120-min samples (P < 0.02). This suggests that endogenous adenosine has a stimulatory effect on adenylate cyclase in uncapacitated spermatozoa but is inhibitory in capacitated cells. Since the expression of adenosine effects at low nucleoside concentrations usually requires guanine nucleotides, the effect of adding adenosine in the presence of 5 x 10^–5 M Gpp(NH)p was examined. While either endogenous adenosine or adenosine deaminase may have masked low concentration (10^?9?10^?7 M) effects of exogenous adenosine, a marked inhibition (P < 0.001) of adenylate cyclase activity in both uncapacitated and capacitated suspensions was observed with higher concentrations (>10^?5 M) of adenosine. Similar inhibition was also observed in the absence of Gpp(NH)p, suggesting the presence of an inhibitory P site on the enzyme. In further experiments, the effects of Gpp(NH)p in the presence and absence of adenosine deaminase were examined. Activity in 30-min suspensions was stimulated by the guanine nucleotide and in the presence of adenosine deaminase this stimulation was marked, reversing the inhibition seen with adenosine deaminase alone. In capacitated suspensions the opposite profile was observed, with Gpp(NH)p plus adenosine deaminase being inhibitory; again, this was a reversal of the effects obtained in the presence of adenosine deaminase alone, which had stimulated enzyme activity. These results suggest the existence of a stimulatory adenosine receptor site (R_a) on mouse sperm adenylate cyclase that is expressed in uncapacitated spermatozoa and an inhibitory receptor site (R_i) that is expressed in capacitated cells, with guanine nucleotides modifying the final response to adenosine. It is concluded that adenosine and guanine nucleotides may regulate mouse sperm adenylate cyclase activity during capacitation.     

Adenylate cyclase responsiveness of human insulinomas

Adenylate cyclase activity was assayed in a crude particulate fraction of one benign and one malignant human insulinoma. Adenylate cyclase of both tumours responded to 5'-guanylyl-imidodiphosphate, sodium fluoride, glucagon and prostaglandin E2, and in addition the adenylate cyclase of the benign tumour responded to isoprenaline. Glucose and prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin) did not stimulate the adenylate cyclase in either tumour, although prostaglandin I2 stimulated insulin secretion in cultures of the benign tumour. The in vitro responsiveness of the adenylate cyclase to glucagon did not correlate closely with the effect of glucagon on insulin secretion in vivo.     

Effect of PGF2α on progesterone secretion and adenylate cyclase activity in ovine luteal tissue

Ovine luteal slices were used to study the effects of prostaglandins (PG) F₂α on luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated secretion of progesterone and adenylate cyclase activity. The accumulation of progesterone in incubation medium and adenylate cyclase activity was similar after incubation of luteal slices with Medium 199 alone or Medium 199 containing PGF₂α (250 ng/ml) for 3 hr. Addition of luteinizing hormone (LH; 100 ng/ml) resulted in a 2–3 fold increase in both the rate of progesterone accumulation and adenylate eyclase activity by 3 hr. When luteal slices were incubated in the presence of both LH and PGF₂α the rates of progesterone accumulation and adenylate cyclase activity were identical to those in flasks containing LH alone after 1 hr; however, after 3 hr both LH stimulated progesterone accumulation and adenylate cyclase activity were inhibited to levels similar to those observed in control slices.In a second experiment, after 60–120 min of exposure to PGF₂α the rate of progesterone accumulation in the medium was not different from that in untreated control slices. In addition, after this experiment the luteal slices were homogenized and the basal, sodium fluoride, LH, isoproterenol (ISO) and PGE₂ sensitive adenylate cyclase activities were determined to evaluate the hormonal specificity of the negative effect of the pretreatment with PGF₂α. Both LH and ISO stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were reduced after PGF₂α pretreatment. However, fluoride ion stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was not significantly effected by PGF₂α pretreatment and PGE₂ sensitive adenylate cyclase was effected only slightly.