CD3-dependent increase in cyclic AMP in human T-cells following stimulation of the CD2 receptor.

We have previously shown that stimulation of the Ti/CD3 receptor complex on human T-cells potentiates adenylate cyclase activation by adenosine or forskolin. Anti-CD2 receptor antibodies shared with anti-CD3 antibodies the ability to potentiate dose dependently the adenosine- and forskolin-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation, whereas stimulation of the CD45 receptor had no effect on cyclase activity. Modulation of the CD3 complex with anti-CD3 antibodies was found to decrease the CD2 receptor effect on adenylate cyclase activity greatly. The possible involvement of CD3-stimulated phospholipase C (PLC) activation on the cAMP potentiation was examined using HPB-ALL cells that express a CD3 complex with a defect coupling to PLC. Stimulation of the CD3 complex on HPB-ALL cells had only slight effects on adenosine-stimulated cAMP formation, whereas the effect on forskolin-stimulated cAMP was virtually unchanged. The CD3 effect was further analyzed in Jurkat cell membranes. In contrast to the results obtained after stimulation of intact cells, it was found that OKT3 stimulation of membranes did not potentiate the forskolin response. Finally, we tested whether inhibition of endogenous adenylate cyclase agonist production affected the CD3 effect. Inhibition of adenosine production or adenosine breakdown with 8-p-sulphophenyl theophylline (8-PST) or adenosine deaminase (ADA), respectively, did not alter the CD3 effects. Indometacin, which inhibits prostaglandin production, also had no effect. Together, these data show that stimulation of the CD2 receptor potentiates adenylate cyclase responses by a mechanism that is dependent on CD3 expression. Furthermore, the CD3 effect on cAMP appears to be mediated by two different mechanisms, one which is, and one which is not dependent on PLC. Finally, this effect is not due to an endogenous production of adenylate cyclase agonists.     

Adenosine receptor-adenylate cyclase system in the trout testis: involvement in the regulation of germ cell proliferation

To ascertain the presence of adenosine receptors in the trout testis, cells isolated from testes at different spermatogenetic stages were cultured in the presence or absence of adenosine, adenosine receptor agonists, or antagonists and of cAMP analogs, for up to 20 min, or 20 hr, or 4.5 days. Cyclic AMP production was then assayed or 3H-thymidine incorporation was measured. Cellular content of cAMP was enhanced by adenosine, by the adenosine receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), and by 2-p(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS-21680), an adenosine A2A receptor-selective agonist. The increase in cAMP induced by the adenylate cyclase activator L-858051 was inhibited by the adenosine A1)receptor-selective agonists R-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R-PIA) and N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA). These effects were antagonized by the two adenosine A2)receptor antagonists 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX) and 8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC), and by the adenosine A1)receptor-selective antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3dipropylxanthine (CPX), respectively. Increase in the cAMP content induced by adenosine was inhibited by the cell permeable adenylate cyclase inhibitor 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine. These data suggest that A(1) and A(2) adenosine receptors which respectively inhibit and stimulate adenylate cyclase activity are present on trout testicular cells (unidentified), while the presence of A3 adenosine receptor subtype was not apparent. 3H-thymidine incorporation decreased in the presence of the adenylate cyclase activator L-858051 and of the cAMP analogs 8-CPT cAMP and Sp-5,6-DCI-cBiMPS, regardless of the presence or absence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor RO 20-1724. This suggests that an increase in testicular cAMP may act as a negative growth regulator for the mitotic germ cells. In agreement with these data, the activation of A2 stimulatory receptors inhibited short-term (20 hr) DNA synthesis. However, the activation of A1 inhibitory receptors had the same effect. This suggests that events, cAMP-dependent or independent, induced by the activation of testicular adenosine receptors, may participate in the regulation of trout male germ cell proliferation.     

Cyclic AMP produces desensitization of prostacyclin and adenosine A2 receptors in hybrid cell lines but does not affect Gs function.

Prostacyclin and adenosine A2 receptors stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in the related somatic hybrid cell lines NG108-15 and NCB20. The role of cAMP in the desensitization of these receptors has been examined. Pretreatment for 17 h with forskolin or 8-bromo-cAMP had the same effect in both cell lines. There was no change in the response to sodium fluoride or forskolin, suggesting that the function of Gs and adenylate cyclase were unaffected by increased levels of cAMP. Receptor responses were affected however; the maximum response to N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (an A2 receptor agonist) was reduced by 30-40%, there was a small but consistent shift to the right of the dose-response curve for iloprost (a stable analogue of prostacyclin) and [3H]iloprost binding studies revealed a loss of prostacyclin receptors. However, the loss of receptor responsiveness was much smaller than that which occurs following pretreatment with prostacyclin or adenosine A2 receptor agonists (Keen et al. (1989) Biochem. Pharmacol. 38, 3827-3833; Kelly et al. (1990) Br. J. Pharmacol. 99, 309-316) suggesting that cAMP may not play a major role in agonist mediated desensitization.     

Regulation of ethanol-sensitive EAAT2 expression through adenosine A1 receptor in astrocytes

Adenosine-regulated glutamate signaling in astrocytes is implicated in many neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we examined whether adenosine A1 receptor regulates EAAT2 expression in astrocytes using pharmacological agents and siRNAs. We found that adenosine A1 receptor-specific antagonist DPCPX or PSB36 decreased EAAT2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Consistently, knockdown of A1 receptor in astrocytes decreased EAAT2 mRNA expression while overexpression of A1 receptor upregulated EAAT2 expression and function. Since A1 receptor activation is mainly coupled to inhibitory G-proteins and inhibits the activity of adenylate cyclase, we investigated the effect of forskolin, which activates adenylate cyclase activity, on EAAT2 mRNA levels. Interestingly, we found that forskolin reduced EAAT2 expression in dose- and time-dependent manners. In contrast, adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 increased EAAT2 expression in dose- and time-dependent manners. In addition, forskolin blocked ethanol-induced EAAT2 upregulation. Taken together, these results suggest that A1 receptor-mediated signaling regulates EAAT2 expression in astrocytes.     

Evidence that metabolically active synaptosomes lack functional cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated signal transduction was evaluated in synaptosomes prepared from rat brain cortex. Adenylate cyclase was responsive to known adenylate cyclase stimulators including peptides (CRH and VIP), catecholamines (norepinephrine and isoproterenol) and ligands that directly stimulate adenylate cyclase (forskolin). Cyclic AMP accumulation also increased approximately 2 to 3-fold, but none of the agonists was able significantly to activate cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) in cortical synaptosomes. However, in parallel studies with slices prepared from rat brain cortex, adenylate cyclase activity, cAMP accumulation and A-kinase activity were all stimulated by CRH, VIP, norepinephrine, isoproterenol and forskolin. These data suggest that, in intact synaptosomes, either the cellular machinery which facilitates binding of cAMP to the regulatory subunit of A-kinase is missing or the cAMP produced by adenylate cyclase is not accessible to A-kinase.     

Mouse neuroblastoma adenylate cyclase. Adenosine and adenosine analogues as potent effectors of adenylate cyclase activity.

1. Intact mouse neuroblastoma NS20 cells, in the presence of cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase inhibitor, responded to adenosine (200 muM) and 2-chloroadenosine (200 muM) with a 20-fold increase in intracellular cAMP levels. AMP (200 muM) additions caused only a 3.5-fold cAMP level elevation. ATP, ADP, guanosine, cytidine, uridine, and guanine, all at 200 muM, had no effect on the cAMP level of these cells. 2. Homogenate NS20 adenylate cyclase activity was increased 2.5- to 4-fold by addition of 200 muM adenosine, 2-chloroadenosine, 2-hydroxyadenosine, or 8-methylaminoadenosine. Prostaglandin E1 additions (1.4 muM) produced about an 8-fold stimulation of homogenate cyclase activity. The Km of homogenate cyclase activation by adenosine and 2-chloroadenosine was 67.6 and 6.7 muM, respectively. Addition of 7-deazaadenosine, tolazoline, yohimbine, guanosine, cytosine, guanine, 2-deoxy-AMP, and adenine 9-beta-D-xylopyranoside, all at 200 muM were found to be without effect on homogenate NS20 adenylate cyclase. Two classes of inhibitors of homogenate NS20 adenylate cyclase activity were observed. One class, which included AMP, adenine, and theophylline, blocked 2-chloroadenosine but not prostaglandin E1 stimulation of cyclase. Theophylline was shown to be a competitive inhibitor of 2-chloroadenosine, with a Ki of 35 muM. The second class of inhibitors, which included 2'- and 5'-deoxyadenosine, inhibited unstimulated, 2-chloroadenosine and prostaglandin E1-stimulated homogenate cyclase activity to about the same degree. 3. Activation of NS20 homogenate adenylate cyclase by adenosine appears to be noncooperative. 4. The inhibitory action of putative "purinergic" neurotransmitters is postulated to be due to their effects on adenylate cyclase activity.     

Role of adenylate cyclase in human T-lymphocyte surface antigen capping

Our recent studies indicated that capping of T3, T4 and T8 surface antigens on human T lymphocytes is augmented by interaction of adenosine with a purinergic receptor. We suggested that the T-cell capping process was mediated by an adenylate cyclase-coupled purinergic receptor that resulted in the generation of cAMP and occupancy of cAMP receptors. The present study was undertaken to examine whether activation of adenylate cyclase in the absence of purinergic stimulation is sufficient to regulate surface antigen capping. Treatment of T lymphocytes with forskolin or cholera toxin caused activation of adenylate cyclase and occupancy of intracellular types I and II regulatory subunits of protein kinase by cAMP, as demonstrated by photoaffinity labeling with [8-3H]N3-cAMP. Such treatment augmented the rate of capping of the T3, T4, and T8 antigens, which resulted in a significant decrement in the elapsed time to half-maximal capping of each antigen. These observations support the proposition that the normal T-lymphocyte capping mechanism of both T3+, T4+ (inducer/helper) and T3+, T8+ (suppressor) subsets can be augmented by activation of adenylate cyclase.     

Interferon-gamma down-regulates adenosine 2b receptor-mediated signaling and short circuit current in the intestinal epithelia by inhibiting the expression of adenylate cyclase

Adenosine is an endogenous signaling molecule that is highly up-regulated in inflammatory states. Adenosine acts through the A2b receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor that couples positively to Galpha(s) and activates adenylate cyclase. This leads to cAMP-mediated electrogenic chloride secretion in intestinal epithelia. To better understand the regulation of the A2b receptor in intestinal epithelia, we studied the effects of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a potent immunomodulatory cytokine, in the T84 cell line. Pretreatment of cells with 500 units/ml IFN-gamma for 12 h inhibited an adenosine-induced short circuit current (Isc) without affecting the transepithelial resistance. Under these conditions, IFN-gamma did not inhibit the protein expression or membrane recruitment of the A2b receptor, shown to be essential for its function. Interestingly, IFN-gamma inhibited cAMP levels as well as its downstream signaling pathway as shown by the inhibition of adenosine-induced phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein and protein kinase A activity. Similar studies with forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase, also demonstrated inhibition of cAMP and its downstream response by IFN-gamma. However, IFN-gamma did not affect secretory responses to the calcium-dependent secretagogue carbachol or cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP, indicating that normal secretory responses to adequate second messengers in IFN-gamma-treated cells are achievable. Moreover, IFN-gamma inhibited the expression of adenylate cyclase isoforms 5 and 7. In conclusion, we demonstrate that IFN-gamma down-regulates adenosine-mediated signaling possibly through the direct inhibition of adenylate cyclase expression. We propose that IFN-gamma may acutely affect global cAMP-mediated responses in the intestinal epithelia, thereby decreasing secretory responses, which may consequently aggravate inflammatory processes.     

Agonist regulation of beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA. Analysis in S49 mouse lymphoma mutants

Agonist-promoted down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA was investigated in S49 mouse lymphoma variants with mutations in elements of hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase. In wild-type cells steady-state levels of beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA were established by DNA-excess solution hybridization to be 1.72 +/- 0.08 (n = 8) amol/microgram total cellular RNA. Receptor mRNA levels declined 35-45% in response to stimulation by the beta-adrenergic agonist (-)isoproterenol or forskolin as described previously in DDT1 MF-2 cells (Hadcock, J. R., and Malbon, C. C. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 85, 5021-5025). Agonist-promoted cAMP accumulation and down-regulation of receptor mRNA were analyzed in three variants with mutations in Gs alpha (H21a, unc, cyc-) and a single variant lacking cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity (kin-). H21a (Gs alpha coupled to receptor, but not to adenylate cyclase), unc (Gs alpha uncoupled from receptor), and cyc- (lacking Gs alpha) variants accumulated cAMP and down-regulated beta AR mRNA in response to forskolin. In unc and cyc- cells isoproterenol failed to stimulate cAMP; accumulation and down-regulation of receptor mRNA was not observed. H21a cells, in contrast, displayed agonist-promoted regulation of beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA but only basal levels of cAMP accumulation in response to isoproterenol. The kin- cells displayed cAMP accumulation in response to forskolin as well as to isoproterenol but no down-regulation of receptor mRNA or receptor expression. Taken together these data demonstrate several features of agonist-promoted down-regulation of mRNA: (i) cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity is required for down-regulation of mRNA (kin-), although elevated cAMP accumulation is not (H21a); (ii) functional receptor-Gs coupling is required (H21a), and clones lacking Gs alpha (cyc-) or receptor Gs coupling (unc) lack the capacity to down-regulate mRNA in response to agonist; and (iii) in the presence of basal levels of cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity, functional receptor-Gs coupling (H21a) to some other effector other than adenylate cyclase may be propagating the signal.     

Histidine regulation of cyclic AMP metabolism in cultured renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells.

L-Histidine and imidazole (the histidine side chain) significantly increase cAMP accumulation in intact LLC-PK1 cells. This effect is completely inhibited by isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX). Histidine and imidazole stimulate cAMP phosphodiesterase activity in soluble and membrane fractions of LLC-PK1 cells suggesting that the IBMX-sensitive effect of these agents to stimulate cAMP formation is not due to inhibition of cAMP phosphodiesterase. Histidine and imidazole but not alanine (the histidine core structure) increase basal, GTP-, forskolin-, and AVP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in LLC-PK1 membranes. Two other amino acids with charged side chains (aspartic and glutamic acids) increase AVP-stimulated but neither basal- nor forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. This suggests that multiple amino acids with charged side chains can regulate selected aspects of adenylate cyclase activity. To better define the mechanism of histidine regulation of adenylate cyclase, membranes were detergent-solubilized which prevents histidine and imidazole potentiation of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and suggests that an intact plasma membrane environment is required for potentiation. Neither pertussis toxin nor indomethacin pretreatment alter imidazole potentiation of adenylate cyclase. IBMX pretreatment of LLC-PK1 membranes also prevents imidazole to potentiate adenylate cyclase activity. Since IBMX inhibits adenylate cyclase coupled adenosine receptors, LLC-PK1 cells were incubated in vitro with 5'-N-ethylcarboxyamideadenosine (NECA) which produced a homologous pattern of desensitization of NECA to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity. Despite homologous desensitization, histidine and imidazole potentiation of adenylate cyclase was unaltered. These data suggest that histidine, acting via an imidazole ring, potentiates adenylate cyclase activity and thereby increases cAMP formation in cultured LLC-PK1 epithelial cells. This potentiation requires an intact plasma membrane environment, occurs independent of a pertussis toxin-sensitive substrate and of products of cyclooxygenase, and is inhibited by IBMX. This IBMX-sensitive pathway does not involve either inhibition of cAMP phosphodiesterase activity or a stimulatory adenosine receptor coupled to adenylate cyclase.     

Contribution of cyclic-nucleotide-gated channels to the resting conductance of olfactory receptor neurons

The basal conductance of unstimulated frog olfactory receptor neurons was investigated using whole-cell and perforated-patch recording. The input conductance, measured between -80 mV and -60 mV, averaged 0.25 nS in physiological saline. Studies were conducted to determine whether part of the input conductance is due to gating of neuronal cyclic-nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. In support of this idea, the neuronal resting conductance was reduced by each of five treatments that reduce current through CNG channels: external application of divalent cations or amiloride; treatment with either of two adenylate cyclase inhibitors; and application of AMP-PNP, a competitive substrate for adenylate cyclase. The current blocked by divalent cations or by a cyclase inhibitor reversed near 0 mV, as expected for a CNG current. Under physiological conditions, gating of CNG channels contributes approximately 0.06 nS to the resting neuronal conductance. This implies a resting cAMP concentration of 0.1-0.3 micro M. A theoretical model suggests that a neuron containing 0.1-0.3 micro M cAMP is poised to give the largest possible depolarization in response to a very small olfactory stimulus. Although having CNG channels open at rest decreases the voltage change resulting from a given receptor current, it more substantially increases the receptor current resulting from a given increase in [cAMP].     

Systematic shut-off of the hormone receptors in intraspecific adrenal x Leydig cell hybrids

The mouse Y1 adrenal cell line was fused with mouse Leydig cells in primary culture. The selected hybrids were examined for their response to gonadotropin (hCG) and ACTH. None of them bound specifically [125I]hCG, nor did they augment their cAMP production in response to gonadotropin or ACTH stimulation, whereas their adenylate cyclase remained responsive to forskolin and cholera toxin, thus indicating a repression of hCG receptor synthesis and probably a loss of ACTH receptors, rather than a lesion of the coupling between the hormone receptor complex and the adenylate cyclase. Basal pregnenolone production in 17 hybrids was close to that of Leydig and Y1 cells and was enhanced after 8-bromo adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) stimulation in 11 of them. Therefore, the negative control leading to the extinction of both parental functions acts preferentially at the first step of steroidogenesis, i.e., the gene(s) coding for the hormone receptors.     

Forskolin Stimulation of Cyclic AMP Accumulation in Rat Brain Cortex Slices Is Markedly Enhanced by Endogenous Adenosine

Stimulation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation in rat cortex slices by 1 microM forskolin (F) was markedly reduced (96%) by treatment with adenosine deaminase (ADA). The effect of ADA was progressively less at higher concentrations of F, but still inhibited the response by 50% at 100 microM F. ADA-mediated inhibition of the cAMP response to 1 microM F was completely reversed by 5 microM 2-chloroadenosine (CA), an ADA-resistant analogue. Stimulation by F (controls) and F plus CA (ADA treated) in cortex slices was significantly inhibited by 200 microM caffeine (CAF) and by 10 microM 8-phenyltheophylline. cAMP accumulation in ADA-treated cortex slices stimulated with CA at concentrations from 5 to 100 microM was markedly enhanced by 1 microM F. Neither ADA treatment nor 200 microM CAF significantly affected cAMP accumulation in slices stimulated by 1 microM vasoactive intestinal polypeptide or adenylate cyclase in membranes stimulated by 1 microM F. CAF (1 mM) did not significantly increase basal cAMP levels in cortex slices, whereas 1 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine caused a significant 80% increase and 100 microM rolipram enhanced cAMP levels by 4.5-fold. F-stimulated cAMP accumulation (1 microM) in cortex slices was inhibited 98% by 1 mM CAF and 49% by 1 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and was enhanced 2.5-fold by 100 microM rolipram. These data have been interpreted to indicate that the stimulation of cAMP accumulation in rat cortex slices by 1 microM F is predominantly due to synergistic interaction with endogenous adenosine and that the inhibition of this response by CAF is largely due to blockade of adenosine receptors.     

Failure to implicate cAMP in transduction in lobster olfactory receptor cells

The possible role of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)in olfactory transduction in the spiny lobster was investigatedusing radioimmunoassay of cAMP and intracellular recording.Application of forskolin or 1-isobutyl-3-methylxanthine increasedcAMP levels in intact sensilla containing the chemoreceptiveouter dendritic segments of the lobster olfactory receptor cell,thereby demonstrating adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesteraseactivity in the sensilla. A complex odor mixture and identifiedexcitatory odor molecules failed to stimulate the productionof cAMP, however In intracellular recordings, superfusion ofthe outer dendritic segments with forskolin, 1-isobutyl-3-methylxanthineand cyclic nucleotide analogs had no direct effect on odor-responsivecells. These compounds did cause infrequent enhancements (sixof 42 cells) of odor-evoked receptor potentials, but processesother than transduction are the most likely causes of this effect.We conclude that cAMP-dependent transduction mechanisms areunlikely to mediate most odor responses in lobsters, in contrastto transduction mechanisms in amphibians and rats.     

Enhancement of adenosine A2 and prostaglandin E1 receptor-mediated cAMP generation by prior exposure of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts to Ca2+-mobilizing receptor agonists or phorbol ester. Activation of protein kinase C triggers increases in the receptor density in cell membranes

Production of cAMP in response to adenosine A2 or prostaglandin E1 receptor stimulation was, but the production induced by a beta-adrenergic agonist or forskolin was not, enhanced by prior exposure of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts to agonists of Ca2+-mobilizing receptors or phorbol ester for 3 h. The enhancement reflected potentiation of the receptor-coupled activation of adenylate cyclase and the 2-fold increase in the adenosine A2 receptor number in membranes under these conditions. No enhancement was observed, however, when the medium used for the prior exposure was further supplemented with 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7) or staurosporin, inhibitors of protein kinase C, neither of which affected the cAMP responses of the nonexposed cells. It is very likely, therefore, that activation of protein kinase C triggers the increase in certain receptor density in membranes, thereby enhancing the receptor-coupled cAMP-generating responses. The physiological significance of such cross-talk between cellular signaling systems is discussed in comparison with similar previous observations.     

Regulation of melanosome movement by MAP kinase

Our objectives were to further characterize the signaling pathways in melatonin-induced aggregation in Xenopus melanophores, specifically to investigate a possible role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). By Western blotting we found that melatonin activates MAPK, which precedes melanosome aggregation measured in a microplate reader. Activation of MAPK, tyrosine phosphorylation of a previously described 280-kDa protein, and melanosome aggregation are sensitive to PD98059, a selective inhibitor of MAPK kinase. The MAPK activation is also decreased by the adenylate cyclase stimulant forskolin. In summary, we found that MAPK is activated during melatonin-induced melanosome aggregation. Activation was decreased by an inhibitor of MAPK kinase, and by forskolin. In addition to inhibition of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP), reduction in protein kinase A activity (PKA), and activation of protein phosphatase 2A, we suggest that melatonin receptors activate the MAPK cascade and tyrosine phosphorylation of the 280-kDa protein. Although the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway is the most prominent, our data suggest that simultaneous activation of the MAPK cascade is of importance to obtain a completely aggregated state. This new regulatory mechanism of organelle transport by the MAPK cascade might be important in other eukaryotic cells.     

The mechanism and control of rabbit oviduct fluid formation

The formation of rabbit oviduct fluid was monitored continuously by using an in situ vascular perfusion technique. Oviduct fluid was secreted linearly for at least 3 h at a mean rate of 20.8 +/- 1.5 microliter/h in estrous does. The rate more than doubled on Day 1 following mating, was similar to the value at estrus on Day 2, and dropped to 8.3 microliter on Day 3. Dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP, 1 mM) added to the vascular medium abolished fluid secretion. The same response was obtained, after a lag period, following the addition of cholera toxin (1 mM), forskolin (1 mM), theophylline (1 mM), phorbol dibutyrate (40 microM), A23187 (2 micrograms/ml), 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyonatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (SITS, 1 mM), and bumetanide (10 microM) to the vascular medium. N-ethylmaleimide (1 mM), which inhibits adenylate cyclase, stimulated oviduct fluid formation. The transmural potential difference (p.d.) across the oviduct was 5.46 +/- 1.01 mV. This was increased after cAMP addition to 8.7 +/- 1.22 mV. The p.d. in oviducts taken 3 days post-ovulation was 7.6 +/- 1.75 mV, and was increased by cAMP to 12.7 +/- 0.53 mV. Exposure to cholera toxin and forskolin almost doubled the cAMP content of the oviduct. The undirectional flux of chloride ions from the vascular compartment into the lumen was reduced by about 75% after the addition of cAMP, SITS, and bumetanide. A tentative model to account for the formation and regulation of rabbit oviduct fluid in terms of ion fluxes and cAMP and calcium ion concentrations is presented.     

Schizophrenia and reduced cyclic AMP production: evidence for the role of receptor-linked events

Reduced cyclic AMP (cAMP) production has been found in platelets of schizophrenic patients. cAMP is generated physiologically as a result of a series of steps beginning with receptor activation by a ligand, progressing through activation of the enzyme protein, adenylate cyclase. The deficit of cAMP found in the schizophrenic population may occur at any one, or at multiple steps in this cascade. The present study attempts to discriminate whether impaired adenylate cyclase itself was responsible for the cAMP deficit or whether abnormalities in receptor events or linkage are present in schizophrenics. The production of cAMP following direct stimulation of adenylate cyclase by NaF was contrasted with receptor mediated activation of adenylate cyclase by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in disrupted platelet preparations from schizophrenics and normal controls. cAMP formation stimulated by NaF was not different in platelets of schizophrenics as compared to controls, however, platelets of schizophrenics showed reduced response to PGE1 stimulation. The authors interpret these findings as evidence for a membrane associated abnormality of either receptor or receptor-adenylate cyclase linkage in the schizophrenias.     

Both A1 and A2a Purine Receptors Regulate Striatal Acetylcholine Release

The receptors responsible for the adenosine-mediated control of acetylcholine release from immunoaffinity-purified rat striatal cholinergic nerve terminals have been characterized. The relative affinities of three analogues for the inhibitory receptor were (R)-phenylisopropyladenosine greater than cyclohexyladenosine greater than N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), with binding being dependent of the presence of Mg2+ and inhibited by 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p] and adenosine receptor antagonists. Adenosine A1 receptor agonists inhibited forskolin-stimulated cholinergic adenylate cyclase activity, with an IC50 of 0.5 nM for (R)-phenylisopropyladenosine and 500 nM for (S)-phenylisopropyladenosine. A1 agonists inhibited acetylcholine release at concentrations approximately 10% of those required to inhibit the cholinergic adenylate cyclase. High concentrations (1 microM) of adenosine A1 agonists were less effective in inhibiting both adenylate cyclase and acetylcholine release, due to the presence of a lower affinity stimulatory A2 receptor. Blockade of the A1 receptor with 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine revealed a half-maximal stimulation by NECA of the adenylate cyclase at 10 nM, and of acetylcholine release at approximately 100 nM. NECA-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity copurified with choline acetyltransferase in the preparation of the cholinergic nerve terminals, suggesting that the striatal A2 receptor is localized to cholinergic neurones. The possible role of feedback inhibitory and stimulatory receptors on cholinergic nerve terminals is discussed.     

Regulation of Cyclic AMP Formation in Cultures of Human Foetal Astrocytes by β2-Adrenergic and Adenosine Receptors

Two cell cultures, NEP2 and NEM2, isolated from human foetal brain have been maintained through several passages and found to express some properties of astrocytes. Both cell cultures contain adenylate cyclase stimulated by catecholamines with a potency order of isoprenaline greater than adrenaline greater than salbutamol much greater than noradrenaline, which is consistent with the presence of beta 2-adrenergic receptors. This study reports that the beta 2-adrenergic-selective antagonist ICI 118,551 is approximately 1,000 times more potent at inhibiting isoprenaline stimulation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) formation in both NEP2 and NEM2 than the beta 1-adrenergic-selective antagonist practolol. This observation confirms the presence of beta 2-adrenergic receptors in these cell cultures. The formation of cAMP in NEP2 is also stimulated by 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA) more potently than by either adenosine or N6-(L-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (L-PIA), which suggests that this foetal astrocyte expresses adenosine A2 receptors. Furthermore, L-PIA and NECA inhibit isoprenaline stimulation of cAMP formation, a result suggesting the presence of adenosine A1 receptors on NEP2. The presence of A1 receptors is confirmed by the observation that the A1-selective antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine reverses the inhibition of isoprenaline stimulation of cAMP formation by L-PIA and NECA. Additional evidence that NEP2 expresses adenosine receptors linked to the adenylate cyclase-inhibitory GTP-binding protein is provided by the finding that pretreatment of these cells with pertussis toxin reverses the adenosine inhibition of cAMP formation stimulated by either isoprenaline or forskolin.