Properties of prostaglandin-sensitive adenylate cyclase system of a murine macrophage-like cell line (P388D1)

The properties of basal and prostaglandin (PG)-stimulated adenylate cyclase of membrane preparations of P388D1 cells were investigated. Three partially purified membrane fractions were obtained by sucrose density gradient centrifugation at the final step of purification from crude homogenate. About 96% of the basal and 89% of PGE2-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the homogenate were recovered in three membrane fractions. Two lighter membrane fractions (I and II), which were enriched 11-fold and 8.4-fold in adenylate cyclase activity over crude homogenate, were pooled and subjected to various studies. Results suggested that the basal activity of the membrane preparations has, as in many other cell types, a relatively broad pH optimum (pH 7.5 to 8.5), requires Mg2+, which must be present in excess ATP, and is inhibited by Ca2+. Highly reactive sulfhydryl group(s), which may be present in the lipid bilayer, is required for the adenylate cyclase activity. Because both fluoride ions and GTP augment the enzymatic activity, P388D1 cell membrane adenylate cyclase must possess stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein. The membrane preparations respond to exogeneously added PG by 1.5-fold to 3-fold increase in adenosine 3'-5' cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production. The magnitude of PG-responsiveness was dependent on the types of PG and the order of potency in stimulation was PGE1 greater than PGE2 greater than PGI2. PGA1, B1, B2, F1 alpha, and F2 alpha stimulated adenylate cyclase only at the highest concentration tested.     

Prostaglandin E receptor subtypes involved in stimulation of gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion in rats and mice.

We investigated prostaglandin E (EP) receptor subtypes responsible for the HCO3- stimulatory action of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the gastroduodental mucosa, by examining the effects of various prostanoids with subtype specific EP receptor agonists in rats and those of PGE2 in knockout mice lacking EP1 or EP3 receptors. In rats, gastric HCO3- secretion was stimulated by i.v. administration of PGE2, 17-phenyl PGE2 the selective EP1 agonist as well as sulprostone the EP1 and EP3 agonist, but was not affected by other EP agonists such as butaprost the selective EP2 agonist, ONO-NT-012 the selective EP3 agonist or 11-deoxy PGE1 the EP3 and EP4 agonist. In contrast, the HCO3- secretion in rat duodenums was stimulated by PGE2, sulprostone, ONO-NT-012 as well as 11-deoxy PGE1 but not affected by either 17-phenyl PGE2 or butaprost. The HCO stimulatory effect of sulprostone in the stomach was significantly inhibited by ONO-AE-829, the selective EP1 antagonist. On the other hand, PGE2 applied topically to the mucosa for 10 min caused a dose-dependent increase of HCO3- secretion in both the stomach and duodenum of wild-type mice. The HCO3- stimulatory action of PGE2 in the stomach was also observed dose-dependently in knockout mice lacking EP3-receptors but was absent in EP1-receptor knockout mice, while the stimulatory effect in the duodenum was observed in EP1-receptor knockout mice, similar to wild-type animals, but not in knockout mice lacking EP3-receptors. These results indicate that PGE2 stimulates HCO3- secretion via different EP receptor subtypes in the stomach and duodenum; the former is mediated by EP1-receptors, while the latter mediated by EP3-receptors.     

A transplantable rat Leydig cell tumor--5. Cellular localization of beta-adrenergic and prostaglandin receptors and their effects on testosterone production

The cellular localization of beta-adrenergic and prostaglandin (PG) receptors and their effects on adenylate cyclase activity (AC) and testosterone production in vitro were investigated in a transplantable rat Leydig cell tumor (H-540). Separation of the tumor cells in Percoll gradients revealed that the specific binding of [3H]PGE1 and [125I]Cyanopindolol was found in the same fraction as that of [125I]LH. This fraction--judged by light microscopy of smears--consisted of tumor Leydig cells. In addition, [125I]cyanopindolol was found specifically bound in the red blood cell fraction. In the Leydig tumor cells, approx 25% of the beta-adrenergic receptors was identified as beta 1-receptors, whereas approx 75% of the receptors were of the beta 2-subtype. The AC in Percoll purified Leydig tumor cells was stimulated by hCG (6-fold), PGE1 (2-fold), PGE2 (1.5-fold), PGI1 (2-fold) and isoproterenol (2-fold). The AC in the red blood cell fraction was stimulated by isoproterenol whereas the PGs and hCG had little or no effect. hCG, isoproterenol and PGE1 were able to stimulate testosterone production in vitro. At 44 h incubation, PGE1 was the most potent stimulator of testosterone production. In conclusion, tumor Leydig cells possess hCG, PGE1, PGI2 and beta-adrenergic receptors coupled to the AC. PGE1 and beta-adrenergic agonists stimulate testosterone production after prolonged incubation in vitro.     

Islet cyclic AMP levels are not lowered during alpha 2-adrenergic inhibition of insulin release

Epinephrine-induced changes in insulin release and cyclic AMP levels were measured simultaneously in isolated rat islets. Forskolin was used to enhance islet cyclic AMP levels. Forskolin (30 microM) stimulated adenylate cyclase activity 10-fold in islet homogenates and raised cyclic AMP levels 5-fold in intact islets (both at low and high glucose). Insulin release was enhanced by forskolin only at high glucose. Epinephrine (0.1 microM) inhibited glucose- and forskolin-induced insulin release to basal rates. At the same time epinephrine potentiated forskolin-elevated cyclic AMP levels. In contrast epinephrine attenuated forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in islet homogenates. At low glucose, both alpha 2- and beta-adrenergic blockade counteracted the epinephrine potentiation, each by 50%. At high glucose the effect was mainly beta-adrenergic in nature. The actions of epinephrine in the presence of a beta-blocker were mimicked by the alpha 2-agonist clonidine. Despite the variations in cyclic AMP levels stimulated insulin release was always inhibited by activation of alpha 2-receptors. Finally, insulin release stimulated by exogenous cyclic AMP was abolished by epinephrine. These results suggest that epinephrine inhibits insulin release at a step distal to the generation of cyclic AMP.     

Prostaglandin E(2) inhibits IL-18-induced ICAM-1 and B7.2 expression through EP2/EP4 receptors in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Costimulatory molecules play important roles in immune responses. In the present study we investigated the effects of PGE(2) on the expression of ICAM-1, B7.1, and B7.2 on monocytes in IL-18-stimulated PBMC using FACS analysis. Addition of PGE(2) to PBMC inhibited ICAM-1 and B7.2 expression elicited by IL-18 in a concentration-dependent manner. We examined the involvement of four subtypes of PGE(2) receptors, EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4, in the modulatory effect of PGE(2) on ICAM-1 and B7.2 expression elicited by IL-18, using subtype-specific agonists. ONO-AE1-259-01 (EP2R agonist) inhibited IL-18-elicited ICAM-1 and B7.2 expression in a concentration-dependent manner with a potency slightly less than that of PGE(2), while ONO-AE1-329 (EP4R agonist) was much less potent than PGE(2). The EP2/EP4R agonist 11-deoxy-PGE(1) mimicked the effect of PGE(2) with the same potency. ONO-D1-004 (EP1R agonist) and ONO-AE-248 (EP3R agonist) showed no effect on IL-18-elicited ICAM-1 or B7.2 expression. These results indicated that EP2 and EP4Rs were involved in the action of PGE(2). Dibutyryl cAMP and forskolin down-regulated ICAM-1 and B7.2 expression in IL-18-stimulated monocytes. As EP2 and EP4Rs are coupled to adenylate cyclase, we suggest that PGE(2) down-regulates IL-18-induced ICAM-1 and B7.2 expression in monocytes via EP2 and EP4Rs by cAMP-dependent signaling pathways. The fact that anti-B7.2 as well as anti-ICAM-1 Ab inhibited IL-18-induced cytokine production implies that PGE(2) may modulate the immune response through regulation of the expression of particular adhesion molecules on monocytes via EP2 and EP4Rs.     

Attenuation of Enkephalin Activity in Neuroblastoma × Glioma NG108—15 Hybrid Cells by Phospholipases

The role of membrane phospholipids in enkephalin receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1) activity in neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 hybrids was studied by selective hydrolysis of lipids with phospholipases. When NG108-15 cells were treated with phospholipase C from Clostridium welchii at 37 degrees C, an enzyme concentration--dependent decrease in adenylate cyclase activity was observed. The basal and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were more sensitive to phospholipase C (EC 3.1.4.3) treatment than were the NaF-5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p)-sensitive adenylate cyclase activities. Further, Leu5-enkephalin inhibition of basal or PGE1-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was attenuated by phospholipase C treatment, characterized by a decrease of enkephalin potency and of maximal inhibitory level. [3H]D-Ala2-Met5-enkephalinamide binding revealed a decrease in receptor affinity with no measurable reduction in number of binding sites after phospholipase C treatment. Although opiate receptor was still under the regulation of guanine nucleotide after phospholipase C treatment, adenylate cyclase activity was more sensitive to the stimulation of Gpp(NH)p. Thus, the reduction of opiate agonist affinity was not due to the uncoupling of opiate receptor from N-component. Further, treatment of NG108-15 hybrid cell membrane with phospholipase C at 24 degrees C produced analogous attenuation of enkephalin potency and efficacy without alteration in receptor binding. The reduction in enkephalin potency could be reversed by treating NG108-15 membrane with phosphatidylcholine, but not with phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, or cerebroside sulfate. The enkephalin activity in NG108-15 cells was not altered by treating the cells with phospholipase A2 o phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus. Hence, apparently, there was a specific lipid dependency in enkephalin inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity.     

Overexpression of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in fetal rat heart: receptors in search of a function.

alpha 2-Adrenergic receptors are transiently overexpressed by many types of developing cells. In the current study, the developmental profile and cellular function of these receptors were examined in the fetal and neonatal rat heart. alpha 2-Receptors, assessed with [3H]rauwolscine binding, were extremely high in fetal hearts on gestational day 19, 30-fold higher than values seen in adults. Receptor binding decreased by two-thirds by gestational day 21 and dropped by half again by postnatal day 3. To assess potential cellular functions controlled by the alpha 2-receptors, the capability of an alpha 2-agonist (clonidine) to inhibit membrane-associated adenylate cyclase activity was measured in three different settings: basal enzyme activity, the enzymatic response to isoproterenol (dependent upon beta-receptor linkages to the regulatory protein, Gs), and the response to forskolin (independent of receptor-Gs interactions). Despite the high number of alpha 2-receptors in fetal hearts, clonidine failed to alter any of the adenylate cyclase activity measures. In light of the postulated role of alpha 2-receptors in the maintenance of fetal/neonatal atrioventricular conduction, the excess alpha 2-receptors are probably linked to other cellular events, such as movement of calcium into the cell.     

H1- and H2-histamine receptors linked to adenylate cyclase in cell-free preparations of guinea pig cerebral cortex

Homogenates of whole or selected portions of guinea pig cerebral cortex prelabeled with [$\text{2}$-³H]adenine, were used to study the role of H₁- and H₂-histamine receptors in the activation of adenylate cyclase. Both the H₁-agonist 2-methylhistamine and the H₂-agonist 4-methylhistamine stimulated adenylate cyclase in homogenates of whole cortex and to an even greater degree in homogenates of the hippocampal portion of cortex. The H₁-antagonist tripelennamine inhibited the activation of adenylate cyclase by 2-methylhistamine but was relatively inactive against 4-methylhistamine. Whole cortex was more sensitive than hippocampus to inhibition by tripelennamine. The H₂-antagonist metiamide was equipotent against activation by 2-methylhistamine and 4-methylhistamine. The antidepressant maprotiline had the characteristics of an H₁-antagonist. This is the first cell-free study to demonstrate H₁-receptor-linked adenylate cyclase in guinea pig cerebral cortex. The results provide further support for the involvement of H₁- as well as H₂-receptors in the activation of brain adenylate cyclase.     

Guanine nucleotide-independent inhibition of adenylate cyclase by a stimulatory hormone.

Stimulation of basal adenylate cyclase activity in membranes of neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is half-maximal and maximal (about 8-fold) at 0.1 and 10 microM respectively. This hormonal effect requires GTP, being maximally effective at 10 microM. However, at the same concentrations that stimulate adenylate cyclase in the presence of GTP, PGE1 inhibited basal adenylate cyclase activity when studied in the absence of GTP, by maximally 60%. A similar dual action of PGE1 was observed with the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase, although the potency of PGE1 in both stimulating and inhibiting adenylate cyclase was increased and the extent of stimulation and inhibition of the enzyme by PGE1 was decreased by the presence of forskolin. The inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase by PGE1 occurred without apparent lag phase and was reversed by GTP and its analogue guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate at low concentrations. Treatment of neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells or membranes with agents known to eliminate the function of the inhibitory GTP-binding protein were without effect on PGE1-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase. The data suggest that stimulatory hormone agonist, apparently by activating one receptor type, can cause both stimulation and inhibition of adenylate cyclase, and that the final result depends only on the activity state of the stimulatory GTP-binding protein, Gs. Possible mechanisms responsible for the observed adenylate cyclase inhibition by the stimulatory hormone PGE1 are discussed.     

Endothelial cell adenylate cyclase: activation by catecholamines and prostaglandin I2+

Following incubation of intact vascular endothelial cells with 1 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and isoproterenol or PGI₂, cyclic AMP levels increased 4- and 3-fold, respectively. Isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity of cell lysates was selectively inhibited by the β-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol. Catecholamines stimulated adenylate cyclase with the potency series: isoproterenol > epinephrine > norepinephrine. Prostaglandin did not stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in cell lysates, even in the presence of guanine nucleotides or following preincubation of the intact cells with prostaglandins prior to freeze-thaw lysis.     

Binding of (3H)prostaglandin E1 to putative receptors linked to adenylate cyclase of cultured cell clones.

A method for assessing the binding of 3H-labeled prostaglandin E1 ([3H]PGE1) to cell membranes has been developed and used to study the interaction of [3H]PGE1 with membranes from cultured mammalian cells. Receptor sites were identified by correlation of the potency of a series of compounds to compete for [3H]PGE1 binding sites and to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity, by correlation of rates of binding and change in enzyme activity, and by the correspondence of [3H]PGE1-binding activity with the presence or absence of PGE1-sensitive adenylate cyclase in several clones. In clone B82, a murine L-cell, [3H]PGE1 binds with an activation energy of 14 kcal/mol to a class of sites with an affinity of 0.5 X 10(8) M-1 and a capacity of 150 fmol/mg of protein. Concentration dependence of adenylate cyclase activation by PGE1 (KD =30 nM) and kinetic analysis of [3H]PGE1 binding (k1 = 4 X 10(6) liters/mol/min, k-1 0.15/min) verify this affinity. Concentration dependence and specificity of binding and activation of adenylate cyclases in neuroblastoma clone N4TG1 and N18TG2 substantiate the method. In several clones that lack PGE1-responsive adenylate cyclase, no specific [3H]PGE1 binding is detectable.     

Biphasic Ca2+ response of adenylate cyclase. The role of calmodulin in its activation by Ca2+ ions

The Ca2+-dependent regulation of human platelet membrane adenylate cyclase has been studied. This enzyme exhibited a biphasic response to Ca2+ within a narrow range of Ca2+ concentrations (0.1-1.0 microM). At low Ca2+ (0.08-0.3 microM) adenylate cyclase was stimulated (Ka = 0.10 microM), whereas at higher Ca2+ (greater than 0.3 microM) the enzyme was inhibited to 70-80% control (Ki = 0.8 microM). Membrane fractions, prepared by washing in the presence of LaCl3 to remove endogenous calmodulin (approximately equal to 70-80% depletion), exhibited no stimulation of adenylate cyclase by Ca2+ but did show the inhibitory phase (Ki = 0.4 microM). The activation phase could be restored to La3+-washed membranes by addition of calmodulin (Ka = 3.0 nM). Under these conditions it was apparent that calmodulin reduced the sensitivity of adenylate cyclase to Ca2+ (Ki = 0.8 microM). Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) did not alter Ki or Ka values for Ca2+. Calmodulin did not alter the EC50 for PGE1 stimulation of adenylate cyclase but increased the Vmax (1.5-fold). The calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine potently inhibited adenylate cyclase in native membranes (80%) and to a much lesser extent in La3+-washed membranes (15%). This inhibition was due to interaction of trifluoperazine with endogenous calmodulin since trifluoperazine competitively antagonized the stimulatory effect of calmodulin on adenylate cyclase in La3+-washed membranes. We propose that biphasic Ca2+ regulation of platelet adenylate cyclase functions to both dampen (low Ca2+) and facilitate (high Ca2+) the haemostatic function of platelets.     

Biochemical evidence for PGI2 and PGE2 receptors in the rabbit renal preglomerular microvasculature

It has been proposed that a portion of the biologic actions of vasodilator prostaglandins occurs via an interaction with specific adenylate cyclase-linked receptors. This hypothesis was explored further in the renal microvasculature by examining the effects of PGI2, PGE1, and PGE2 on rabbit preglomerular microvascular adenylate cyclase. A membrane preparation derived from freshly isolated rabbit renal preglomerular microvessels was used in these studies. NaF, forskolin, or 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate were found to be effective in increasing adenylate cyclase activity in the absence of exogenous guanosine-5'-triphosphate. A dose-dependent stimulation of adenylate cyclase was also observed with guanosine-5'-triphosphate. PGE1, PGE2, and PGI2 produced a dose-dependent stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity only in the presence of guanosine-5'-triphosphate suggesting that this nucleotide is essential for prostaglandin-induced stimulation of the enzyme. PGI2 exhibited a time-dependent increase in adenylate cyclase activity and this increased activity reached a plateau at 20-25 min. When PGE1 and PGE2 were added together, no additive effect on adenylate cyclase stimulation was noted whereas PGI2 and PGE2 when added together produced an additive stimulatory effect. When viewed together, these data suggest the presence of separate PGI2 and PGE adenylate cyclase-linked receptors in rabbit renal preglomerular microvessels. These findings also suggest that in the renal microvasculature, cyclic AMP may be a second messenger mediating the vasodilatory effects of both PGI2 and PGE2.     

Properties of vasoactive-intestinal-peptide receptors and beta-adrenoceptors in the murine radiation leukemia-virus-induced lymphoma cell line BL/VL3

1. Based on radioligand binding and adenylate cyclase activation, functional receptors to vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)/helodermin, were shown to coexist with beta 2-adrenoceptors and prostaglandin receptors in membranes from a cultured cloned BL/VL3 cell line of murine T-cell lymphoma induced by a radiation leukemia virus. 2. The relative potency of VIP-related peptides to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity was: helodermin greater than VIP greater than peptide histidine isoleucinamide. Five VIP analogs inhibited 125I-iodo-VIP binding and stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, their decreasing order of potency being: VIP greater than [D-Asp3]VIP greater than [D-Ser2]VIP greater than [D-Ala4]VIP = [D-His1]VIP = [D-Phe2]VIP. [D-Phe2]VIP acted as a partial agonist (with an intrinsic activity of 0.1 as compared to that of VIP = 1.0) and competitively inhibited helodermin- and VIP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity with a similar Ki (0.07-0.10 microM). These data suggest the existence, in this murine T-cell lymphoma, of VIP receptors of the 'helodermin-preferring' subtype that are coupled to adenylate cyclase.     

Prostanoid-induced inhibition of lipolysis in rat isolated adipocytes: probable involvement of EP3 receptors.

Sulprostone, enprostil and 16, 16 dimethyl PGE2 have all been found to be potent inhibitors of lipolysis induced by 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (IBMX) in rat isolated adipocytes. The potency of sulprostone and enprostil in particular indicates that the response is likely to be mediated through either EP3 or EP1-receptors. However, the EP1-receptor blocking drug, AH6809, had no effect on the antilipolytic response to either PGE2 or sulprostone. We therefore conclude that the receptors mediating prostanoid-induced inhibition of lipolysis in rat adipocytes must principally be of the EP3 sub-type.     

Multiple effects of N, N' dicyclohexyl carbodiimide on the beta-adrenergic receptor--adenylate cyclase system in frog erythrocytes.

Treatment of frog erythrocytes with N,N' dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) leads to a loss of catecholamine stimulated adenylate cyclase activity without any decrease in fluoride or PGE1 stimulated cyclase. However, the concentrations of the reagent which inhibit catecholamine sensitive adenylate cyclase activity are 10 fold lower than those which inhibit specific [3H]dihydroalprenolol ([3H]DHA) beta-adrenergic receptor binding. By contrast binding of the readiolabeled beta-adrenergic agonist [3H]hydroxybenzylisoproterenol ([3H]HBI) is considerably more sensitive than antagonist binding to the effects of DCCD. The data suggest that low concentrations of the reagent may modify the effector portion of the beta-adrenergic receptor leading to functional uncoupling of the beta-receptor adenylate cyclase system. At higher concentrations of the reagent the ligand bidning site of the beta-receptor appears also to be altered.     

Interleukin 2 modulation of adenylate cyclase. Potential role of protein kinase C

Interleukin 2 (IL 2) stimulated DNA synthesis of murine T lymphocytes (CT6) in a concentration-dependent manner, over a range of 1-1000 units/ml. This proliferative effect of IL 2 was attenuated by simultaneous exposure to prostaglandin E2 (PGE)2. In intact cells, IL 2 inhibited both basal and PGE2-stimulated cAMP production; the amount of cAMP generated was dependent upon the relative concentrations of IL 2 and PGE2. The effect of IL 2 on CT6 cell proliferation and cAMP production was mimicked by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), which, like IL 2, causes a translocation and activation of protein kinase C. While PGE2 stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in membrane preparations, neither IL 2 nor TPA inhibited either basal or stimulated membrane adenylate cyclase activity. However, when CT6 cells were pretreated with IL 2 or TPA and membranes incubated with calcium and ATP, both basal and PGE2-and NaF-stimulated membrane adenylate cyclase activity was inhibited. This inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity was also observed if membranes from untreated cells were incubated with protein kinase C purified from CT6 lymphocytes in the presence of calcium and ATP. The data suggest that the decreased cAMP production which accompanies CT6 cell proliferation results from an inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity mediated by protein kinase C and that these two distinct protein phosphorylating systems interact to modulate the physiological response to IL 2.     

Calmodulin regulation of adenylate cyclase activity in human platelet membranes

The mechanism of calmodulin dependent regulation of adenylate cyclase has been studied in human platelet membranes. Calmodulin activated adenylate cyclase exhibited a biphasic response to both Mg2+ and Ca2+. A stimulatory effect of Mg2 on adenylate cyclase was observed at all Mg2+ concentrations employed, although the degree of activation by calmodulin was progressively decreased with increasing concentrations of Mg2+. These results demonstrate that the Vmax of calmodulin dependent platelet adenylate cyclase can be manipulated by varying the relative concentrations of Mg2+ and Ca2+. The activity of calmodulin stimulated adenylate cyclase was always increased 2-fold above respective levels of activity induced by GTP, Gpp(NH)p and/or PGE. The stimulatory influence of calmodulin was not additive but synergistic to the effects of PGE1, GTP and Gpp(NH)p. GDP beta S inhibited GTP-and Gpp(NH)p stimulation of adenylate cyclase but was without effect on calmodulin stimulation. Since the inhibitory effects of GDP beta S have been ascribed to apparent reduction of active N-protein-catalytic unit (C) complex formation, these results suggest that the magnitude of calmodulin dependent adenylate cyclase activity is proportional to the number of N-protein-C complexes, and that calmodulin interacts with preformed N-protein-C complex to increase its catalytic turnover. Our data do not support existence of two isoenzymes of adenylate cyclase (calmodulin sensitive and calmodulin insensitive) in human platelets.     

Dexamethasone-dependent expression of beta 1-24 corticotropin stimulated adenylate cyclase during adipose conversion of 3T3-F442A cells

When 3T3-F442A preadipocytes were grown in culture media supplemented with corticosteroid poor fetal calf serum and insulin they differentiated into adipocytes. Glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, a marker of terminal differentiation, developed a 600-fold increase of activity whereas the adenylate cyclase system remained unresponsive to the synthetic ACTH(1-24) analog. In contrast, 3T3-F442A adipocytes, differentiated in the presence of dexamethasone, exhibited an adenylate cyclase activity which was stimulated 4-fold by ACTH(1-24). The stimulation of the adenylate cyclase activity by GTP gamma S remained unchanged (about 20-25-fold) suggesting that the G regulatory coupling protein was not functionally modified by dexamethasone. Binding studies with 125I-ACTH revealed that specific cellular binding could be evidenced in dexamethasone-treated cells while control adipocytes did not exhibit any specific binding of 125I-ACTH. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that the setting off of this ACTH responsiveness in 3T3-F442A cells is regulated by dexamethasone after cells are committed to adipose differentiation.     

Effects of mechanical strain on the function of Gap junctions in osteocytes are mediated through the prostaglandin EP2 receptor

Osteocytes embedded in the matrix of bone are thought to be mechanosensory cells that translate mechanical strain into biochemical signals that regulate bone modeling and remodeling. We have shown previously that fluid flow shear stress dramatically induces prostaglandin release and COX-2 mRNA expression in osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells, and that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) released by these cells functions in an autocrine manner to regulate gap junction function and connexin 43 (Cx43) expression. Here we show that fluid flow regulates gap junctions through the PGE2 receptor EP2 activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling. The expression of the EP2 receptor, but not the subtypes EP1,EP3, and EP4, increased in response to fluid flow. Application of PGE2 or conditioned medium from fluid flow-treated cells to non-stressed MLO-Y4 cells increased expression of the EP2 receptor. The EP2 receptor antagonist, AH6809, suppressed the stimulatory effects of PGE2 and fluid flow-conditioned medium on the expression of the EP2 receptor, on Cx43 protein expression, and on gap junction-mediated intercellular coupling. In contrast, the EP2 receptor agonist butaprost, not the E1/E3 receptor agonist sulprostone, stimulated the expression of Cx43 and gap junction function. Fluid flow conditioned medium and PGE2 stimulated cAMP production and PKA activity suggesting that PGE2 released by mechanically stimulated cells is responsible for the activation of cAMP and PKA. The adenylate cyclase activators, forskolin and 8-bromo-cAMP, enhanced intercellular connectivity, the number of functional gap junctions, and Cx43 protein expression, whereas the PKA inhibitor, H89, inhibited the stimulatory effect of PGE2 on gap junctions. These studies suggest that the EP2 receptor mediates the effects of autocrine PGE2 on the osteocyte gap junction in response to fluid flow-induced shear stress. These data support the hypothesis that the EP2 receptor, cAMP, and PKA are critical components of the signaling cascade between mechanical strain and gap junction-mediated communication between osteocytes.