Calmodulin-mediated adenylate cyclase from mammalian sperm

Calmodulin (CaM), the calcium binding protein that modulates the activity of a number of key regulatory enzymes, is present at high levels in sperm. To determine whether CaM regulates adenylate cyclase in mammalian sperm, the actions of EGTA and selected CaM antagonists on a solubilized adenylate cyclase from mature equine sperm were examined. The activity of equine sperm adenylate cyclase was inhibited by EGTA in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2 mM. Equine sperm adenylate cyclase was also inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the CaM antagonists chlorpromazine and calmidazolium (IC50 = 400 and 50 microM, respectively). The inhibition of enzyme activity by these agents correlated with their known potency and specificity as anti-CaM agents. The activity of the enzyme in the presence of 200 microM calmidazolium was restored by the addition of authentic CaM (EC50 = 15 microM); full activity was restored by the addition of 50 microM CaM. La3+, an ion that dissociates CaM from tightly bound CaM-enzyme systems, inhibited equine sperm adenylate cyclase (IC50 = 1 mM). Incubation of equine sperm adenylate cyclase with La3+ dissociated endogenous CaM from the enzyme so that most of the enzyme bound to a CaM-Sepharose column equilibrated with Ca2+. Specific elution of CaM-binding proteins from the CaM-Sepharose column with EGTA yielded a CaM-depleted adenylate cyclase fraction that was stimulated 2-fold by the addition of exogenous CaM.     

The odorant-sensitive adenylate cyclase of olfactory receptor cells. Differential stimulation by distinct classes of odorants

We have characterized odorant-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in isolated chemosensory cilia prepared from frog and rat olfactory epithelium. Cilia from both species exhibit high levels of adenylate cyclase activity. Basal activity is stimulated approximately 2-fold by GTP and approximately 5-fold by guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate and forskolin. Odorants augment enzyme activity 30-65% above the basal level in a tissue-specific and GTP-dependent manner. Calcium reduces GTP-stimulated activity with a 50% effective concentration at 10 microM. Odorants vary in their influence upon olfactory adenylate cyclase activity. Most fruity, floral, minty, and herbaceous odorants stimulate the enzyme. 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienenitrile (citralva), menthone, D-carvone, L-carvone, and 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine display similar potencies in activating the adenylate cyclase upto concentrations of 100 microM. Putrid odorants, such as isovaleric acid, triethylamine, pyridine, thiazole, and methoxypyrazine, and odorous chemical solvents, do not stimulate enzyme activity. In homologous series of pyrazine, thiazole, and pyridine odorants, compounds with the longest hydrocarbon side chains are best able to enhance enzyme activity. The failure of certain odorants to affect adenylate cyclase activity suggests that additional transduction mechanisms besides the formation of cAMP are involved in olfaction.     

Extraction of the adenylate cyclase-activating factor of bovine sperm and its identification as a trypsin-like protease

We previously reported the activation of adenylate cyclases from rat brain (Johnson, R. A., Awad, J. A., Jakobs, K. H., and Schultz, G., (1983) FEBS Lett. 152, 11-16) and from human platelets (Jakobs, K. H., Johnson, R. A., and Schultz, G. (1983) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 756, 369-375) by a factor derived from bovine sperm. In this report we describe the conditions for the extraction of the factor from bovine sperm and characteristics of its effects on adenylate cyclase which are consistent with its being a protease. The activating capacity of sperm particles was extracted from previously washed and frozen sperm into a 30,000 X g supernatant fraction by various salts, but not by the nonionic detergent Lubrol-PX. The amount of extracted factor: (a) was greatest with NH4HCO3 greater than NaCl greater than Na acetate; (b) was optimal with 0.5 M salt; (c) was not appreciably affected by the pH of the extraction buffer between pH 5.0 and 8.5; and (d) exhibited the greatest specific activity at the lower pH. The extracted sperm factor could be concentrated without loss by ultrafiltration on Amicon PM-10 membranes. The effect on adenylate cyclase of concentrated and desalted sperm extracted was inhibited 50% by various salts at 10 to 30 mM. The effects of the sperm factor to activate platelet adenylate cyclase, to block its inhibition via the alpha-adrenoceptor, and to block inhibition of stimulated forms of the enzyme by stable guanine nucleotides were prevented by protease inhibitors. A 50% reduction in the sperm factor's activation of platelet adenylate cyclase was caused by 30 nM soybean trypsin inhibitor, 30 nM alpha 2-macroglobulin, 300 nM leupeptin, 1 microM antipain, 15 microM aprotinin, and 100 microM benzamidine. Up to 3 mM phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride was without effect on activation of the platelet cyclase by the sperm factor. The effects of the sperm factor persisted after its removal by the washing of pretreated platelet membranes and after its inactivation by the subsequent addition of leupeptin. The data strongly support the conclusion that the bovine sperm factor is a trypsin-like protease. alpha-Chymotrypsin, trypsin, and sperm acrosin were comparably effective in stimulating the platelet adenylate cyclase 5- to 8-fold, with concentrations eliciting maximal stimulation being: 200 ng trypsin/ml; 2 micrograms alpha-chymotrypsin/ml; and 2 micrograms acrosin/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Modulation of adenylate cyclase in human keratinocytes by protein kinase C

Adenylate cyclase (ATP-pyrophosphate lyase (cyclizing); EC 4.6.1.1) in the human keratinocyte cell line SCC 12F was potentiated by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), phorbol-12,13-diacetate, and 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol. Keratinocytes exposed to TPA showed a 2-fold enhancement of adenylate cyclase activity when assayed in the presence of isoproterenol or GTP. The half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) for both isoproterenol and GTP were unaltered by TPA treatment of the cells. Basal adenylate cyclase activity in membranes from TPA-treated cultures was also increased 2-fold relative to activity in control membranes. Potentiation of adenylate cyclase activity was dependent on the concentration of TPA to which the keratinocytes were exposed (EC50 for TPA = 3 nM). TPA actions on adenylate cyclase were maximal after 15 min of incubation of the cells with the compound, correlating well with the time course of translocation of protein kinase C (Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent enzyme) from cytosol to membrane. The action of cholera toxin on adenylate cyclase was additive with TPA. In contrast, pertussis toxin actions on adenylate cyclase were not additive with TPA. Treatment of control cells with pertussis toxin activated adenylate cyclase 1.5-fold, whereas cells exposed to pertussis toxin for 6 h followed by TPA for 15 min showed the same 2-fold increase in adenylate cyclase activity as observed in membranes from cells exposed to TPA without prior exposure to pertussis toxin. Pertussis toxin catalyzed ADP-ribosylation was increased 2-fold in membranes from SCC 12F cells exposed to TPA, indicating an increase in the alpha beta gamma form of Gi. These data suggest that exposure of human keratinocytes to phorbol esters increases adenylate cyclase activity by a protein kinase C-mediated increase in the heterotrimeric alpha beta gamma form of Gi resulting in decreased inhibition of basal adenylate cyclase activity.     

Regulation of ciliary adenylate cyclase by Ca2+ in Paramecium.

In the ciliated protozoan Paramecium, Ca2+ and cyclic nucleotides are believed to act as second messengers in the regulation of the ciliary beat. Ciliary adenylate cyclase was activated 20-30-fold (half-maximal at 0.8 microM) and inhibited by higher concentrations (10-20 microM) of free Ca2+ ion. Ca2+ activation was the result of an increase in Vmax., not a change in Km for ATP. The activation by Ca2+ was seen only with Mg2+ATP as substrate; with Mn2+ATP the basal adenylate cyclase activity was 10-20-fold above that with Mg2+ATP, and there was no further activation by Ca2+. The stimulation by Ca2+ of the enzyme in cilia and ciliary membranes was blocked by the calmodulin antagonists calmidazolium (half-inhibition at 5 microM), trifluoperazine (70 microM) and W-7 (50-100 microM). When ciliary membranes (which contained most of the ciliary adenylate cyclase) were prepared in the presence of Ca2+, their adenylate cyclase was insensitive to Ca2+ in the assay. However, the inclusion of EGTA in buffers used for fractionation of cilia resulted in full retention of Ca2+-sensitivity by the ciliary membrane adenylate cyclase. The membrane-active agent saponin specifically suppressed the Ca2+-dependent adenylate cyclase without inhibiting basal activity with Mg2+ATP or Mn2+ATP. The ciliary adenylate cyclase was shown to be distinct from the Ca2+-dependent guanylate cyclase; the two activities had different kinetic parameters and different responses to added calmodulin and calmodulin antagonists. Our results suggest that Ca2+ influx through the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in the ciliary membrane may influence intraciliary cyclic AMP concentrations by regulating adenylate cyclase.     

Selective effects of gold (III) on parathyroid hormone-, prostaglandin E2- and guanine nucleotide-sensitive adenylate cyclase

Gold(III) (Au(III)) up to 0.25 microM increased parathyroid hormone- and prostaglandin E2-sensitive chick osteoblast adenylate cyclase activity without affecting 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate-stimulated enzyme activity. Au(III) at 5-50 microM inhibited hormone- and nucleotide-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase. Basal adenylate cyclase activity was not influenced by Au(III) in the given concentrations. Treatment of membranes with 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate prior to incubation with Au(III) prevented the inhibitory effect of Au(III) on adenylate cyclase. Our data suggest that Au(III) alters the response of adenylate cyclase to agonists most likely through interaction with specific sulfhydryl groups associated with the enzyme system.     

Subcellular localization of adenylate cyclase of buffalo spermatozoa

The intracellular localization of adenylate cyclase and 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in buffalo sperm was examined. Adenylate cyclase activity is distributed in heads (8.4%), midpieces (16.6%), tails (49.5%) and 5.7% in the soluble supernatant; the total recovery being 81%. A 4-fold increase in specific activity was observed in the tail fraction relative to sonicated suspension. Further fractionation of the tail fraction into plasma membrane and microtubules by dialysis against low ionic strength buffer was followed by marker enzymes (Mg2+ -ATPase, 5'-nucleotidase and alkaline phosphatase) as well as by examination of fractions under electron microscope. The recovered adenylate cyclase (79%) was found in microtubules (45%) and plasma membrane (34%). Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in tails was distributed in tail plasma membrane (13.7%), microtubules (31.5%) and cytosol (34%) with a total recovery of 80%. Similar results were obtained when the distribution of adenylate cyclase and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase was studied by treatment with Triton X-100; 40% activity of adenylate cyclase present in tails (about 20% relative to sperm sonicate) appeared in the soluble form by this method. The results are discussed in relation to control of cyclic AMP levels in buffalo sperm by adenylate cyclase and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase.     

Hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase of prolactin-producing rat pituitary adenoma (GH4C1) cells: molecular organization

Hormonal activation and inhibition of the GH4Cl1 cell adenylate cyclase complex is delineated. In the presence of the guanyl nucleotide GTP, enzyme activity was enhanced twofold by thyroliberin, sixfold by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), twofold by prostaglandin E2 and twofold by isoproterenol. The diterpene, forskolin, increased, the activity 14-fold. In the presence of high GTP (400 microM) and NaCl (150 mM) concentrations, somatostatin inhibited (ED50 = 0.5 microM) the cyclase activity by 40%. In the presence of 10 microM somatostatin, the ED50 values (5 nM) for thyroliberin- and VIP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were shifted to 20 nM. Forskolin-elicited activation was, however, not affected by somatostatin. Cholera-toxin and pertussis-toxin pretreatment of the enzyme brought about some 20-fold and twofold activation, respectively. Inhibition by somatostatin was abolished upon pre-exposure to pertussis toxin. Mild alkylation by N-ethylmaleimide increased basal and hormone-activated adenylate cyclase while somatostatin again failed to express its inhibitory potential. Further alkylation caused a gradual decline and convergence of hormone-modulated cyclase activities towards zero. The N-ethylmaleimide-induced attenuation of thyroliberin-elicited activity was paralleled by a decrease in [3H]thyroliberin binding. Trifluoperazine and an anti-calmodulin serum reduced basal and net thyroliberin-, VIP- and forskolin-enhanced cyclase activities by some 30%, 100%, 70% and 80%, respectively. The Vmax of basal and thyroliberin-stimulated adenylate cyclase was diminished by 65%, leaving the apparent Km values (7.2 mM and 2.6 mM, respectively) for Mg2+ unaltered. Finally, the phorbol ester 12-O-tetra-decanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) doubled the activity. This effect was counteracted by the protein kinase C inhibitor, polymyxin B, while thyroliberin-enhanced adenylate cyclase remained unaffected. In summary, we have described an adenylate cyclase with stimulatory (Rs) and inhibitory (Ri) receptors coupled to a calmodulin-sensitive holoenzyme through the Gs and Gi type of GTP-binding proteins. The ratio of the Gs to Gi is high. It appears that the GH4C1 cell adenylate cyclase is also activated by protein kinase C by interference with Gi. Apparently, thyroliberin activates the cyclase both directly through Gs and indirectly via protein kinase C stimulation.     

Two site binding of bepridil and modulation of adenylate cyclase in cardiac sarcolemmal membranes

A preparation of cardiac sarcolemmal membranes is described. These membranes exhibit 9-24-fold purification of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase, potassium-stimulated nitrophenolphosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase, adenylate cyclase, sialic acid content, and beta-receptor number. Sarcolemmal membranes have two classes of binding sites for the calcium entry blocker, bepridil, 70 X 10(12) high-affinity sites/mg, Kd 25-40 nM; and 30 X 10(15) low-affinity sites/mg, Kd 54-70 microM. Binding of bepridil to these sites appears responsible for inhibition of isoprenaline-stimulated and activation of fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase. Since basal adenylate cyclase activity is not influenced, bepridil must act not at the catalytic site, but by altering the interactions between beta-receptor and catalytic and regulatory components of adenylate cyclase.     

Gossypol inhibition of adenylate cyclase

Gossypol, a polyphenolic binaphthalene -dialdehyde reputed to exert contraceptive action in males, reversibly inhibits adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] in a concentration-dependent manner. In membranes prepared from a variety of organs, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranges from 75 microM (rat Leydig tumor cells) to 250 microM (rat liver membranes). Kinetic studies using partially purified catalytic subunit isolated from bovine testis show that gossypol is competitive with ATP with an apparent Ki of 110 microM. These data suggest that gossypol inhibition of adenylate cyclase is due to direct interaction at the nucleotide-binding domain of the catalytic subunit of the enzyme.     

Developmental alterations in guanine nucleotide regulation of the beta-adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase system of skeletal muscle

The postnatal development of skeletal muscle is accompanied by an increased capacity for glycogenolysis and anaerobic glycolysis. In the present study, regulatory features of cAMP synthesis were examined in neonatal and adult rabbit sarcolemmal membranes. Adult sarcolemma exhibited a 3-, 6-, and 10-fold greater adenylate cyclase activity than neonate for basal, NaF, and isoproterenol plus GTP, respectively. The Km for activation by isoproterenol was 1.4 X 10(-8) M and 6 X 10(-8) M for GTP. The number of beta-receptors was similar (0.9-1.2 pmol/mg). 10 microM GTP shifted isoproterenol EC50 from 1 X 10(-8) M to 1 X 10(-7) M in adult; neonatal agonist affinity was unaffected by GTP. Cholera toxin stimulated adenylate cyclase activity 2-fold and catalyzed 32P ribosylation of a Mr = 42,000 peptide in adult sarcolemma; both activities were low or absent in neonate. Isoproterenol-stimulated GTPase activity was elevated 4-fold in adult compared to neonatal sarcolemma. Mn2+ ion-stimulated basal activity, an indicator of catalytic function of adenylate cyclase, was also elevated in adult. Together, these findings suggest that the development of catecholamine-sensitive cAMP synthesis in muscle is governed by the coordinate expression of the regulatory and catalytic proteins of adenylate cyclase, but not the beta-receptor.     

棉酚对鼠类生精细胞LDH-X活性的影响

本文测定了连续饲喂棉酚达6周的大鼠和小鼠的生精细胞的LDH-X活性。结果表明,棉酚能够明显地抑制大鼠成熟精子的LDH-X活性;而对睾丸LDH-X活性的抑制,与对照相比,无显著性差异。在小鼠中,未发现棉酚对成熟精子及睾丸生精细胞中的LDH-X活性产生具统计学意义的抑制作用。本文结合精子发生过程及LDH-X的特殊功能,对棉酚抗生育作用的可能机理进行了讨论。     

Heterologous desensitization of pigeon erythrocyte adenylate cyclase by the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Preincubation of pigeon erythrocyte plasma membranes with the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase results in the desensitization of erythrocyte adenylate cyclase. The adenylate cyclase activity measured in the presence of 10 microM isoproterenol and 50 microM GTP-gamma-S decreases by 40% after 10 min incubation; that in the presence of 50 microM GTP-gamma-S by 35% (20 min). The decrease of the adenylate cyclase activity is due to the prolongation of the lag phase of the enzyme activation in the presence of a hydrolysis-resistant GTP analog and to the drop in activity in the steady state of the activation. The heterologous desensitization of adenylate cyclase induced by cAMP-dependent protein kinase is also coupled with the decrease of the number of beta-adrenoreceptors capable of acquiring a high affinity for the agonists in the absence of guanyl nucleotides. The effect of the catalytic subunit on adenylate cyclase is fully compatible with the process of the enzyme desensitization in erythrocytes treated with isoproterenol or cAMP.     

Effects of chronic ethanol treatment and aging on brain phosphoinositide turnover and adenylate cyclase activity

Inositol phosphate accumulation and adenylate cyclase activity were investigated in the cortex of young and aged ethanol-treated rats. Three months of ethanol treatment of young rats decreased maximal stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation by carbachol by 26%, from 494 ± 76% of basal turnover in control animals to 396 ± 54% in ethanol-treated animals (mean ± SD). In aged rats ethanol-related changes were no longer observed but age-related changes were evident. EC₅₀ was significantly higher than in young animals and maximal stimulation was significantly lower. Basal adenylate cyclase activity in cortical membranes of all groups of animals was not different. Forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was not affected by ethanol treatment, but was higher in aged animals. The activity of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in the presence of carbachol was higher in both young and aged ethanol-treated animals, when compared to young controls. These results suggest that both ethanol and aging impair the efficiency of receptor/effector coupling.     

Divergent effects of phenothiazines on Leydig tumor cell steroidogenesis and adenylate cyclase activity

The dose and temporal (1-24 h) effects of two phenothiazines, chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine, on steroidogenesis and adenylate cyclase activity of gonadotropin-responsive Leydig tumor cells (M5480A) in primary culture were examined. At low doses (e.g. 0.1-1 microM) these antipsychotic drugs were slightly inhibitory (trifluoperazine) or without effect (chlorpromazine), while at 25 microM each drug was weakly stimulatory to basal testosterone production. Trifluoperazine was, in general, inhibitory to HCG-stimulated testosterone production, but chlorpromazine exhibited paradoxical effects. At 5 and 10 microM this neuroleptic agent increased HCG-stimulated steroidogenesis, while at 25 microM testosterone production was inhibited. In a particulate fraction prepared from the tumor the activity of adenylate cyclase was stimulated 3.4-fold in the presence of 10 microM 5'-guanylimidodiphosphate and 5-fold in the presence of HCG plus the non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue. Between doses of 1-100 microM neither drug altered the basal activity of adenylate cyclase. Trifluoperazine at doses of 1-100 microM inhibited 5'-guanylimidodiphosphate-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity both with and without added gonadotropin. At doses of 1-10 microM chlorpromazine had no effect on adenylate cyclase activity, but it stimulated activity in the dose range of 20-100 microM. Interestingly, in the presence of 5'-guanylimidodiphosphate this drug did not alter the stimulated enzymic activity achieved with a maximal dose of HCG. Therefore, these phenothiazines exhibit quite divergent dose-dependent effects and their actions must occur at multiple loci. Also, it seems unlikely that the effects of these agents on steroidogenesis and adenylate cyclase activity can be reconciled solely in terms of calmodulin-mediated processes.     

Pertussis toxin reverses Gpp(NH)p inhibition of basal and forskolin activated adipocyte adenylate cyclase

Inhibition of basal adenylate cyclase by GTP or guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate was abolished in membranes isolated from rat adipocytes previously incubated with pertussis toxin. Forskolin (0.1 microM) stimulated adenylate cyclase about 4-fold and inhibition of cyclase by GTP or guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate was also abolished by pertussis toxin treatment of rat adipocytes. Forskolin (1 microM) increased adenylate cyclase activity at least ten-fold and the inhibitory effect of GppNHp was reduced but not abolished by pertussis toxin. In rabbit adipocytes, pertussis toxin reversed the inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity by GppNHp to the same extent as that by GTP in the presence of 1 microM forskolin. The present results indicate that pertussis toxin can reverse the inhibition of adipocyte adenylate cyclase by nonhydrolyzable GTP analogs as well as that by GTP.     

Adenylate cyclase activity of membrane fractions isolated from sea urchin sperm

The adenylate cyclase activity of sperm membrane fragments isolated from Lytechinus pictus sperm according to Cross [20] has been studied. Two distinct fractions preferentially coming from the flagellar plasma membrane are obtained. Surface I¹²⁵-labeling experiments performed by Cross [20] indicate that these membranes are representative of the entire sperm plasma membrane. Both fractions are enriched in their adenylate cyclase activity: the specific activity of the top membranes is eightfold higher than in whole sperm, whereas that of the middle membranes is 15-fold higher. The cyclase seems to be associated with the membranes. Lytechinus pictus egg jelly has no effect or slightly inhibits the adenylate cyclase activity of the isolated sperm plasma membrane fragments. Mg⁺⁺ and Na⁺ stimulated their cyclase activity about sevenfold at 2.5 mM Mn⁺⁺ and 3.2 mM ATP. At this ATP to Mn⁺⁺ ratio, high concentrations of Ca⁺⁺ have a small stimulatory effect.     

Adenylate cyclase of platelets from spontaneously hypertensive rats: reduction of the inhibition by GTP

We have compared the effects of Gpp[NH]p on adenylate cyclase activity of platelet membranes in SHR and WKY rats. In the presence of 50 microM forskolin, low concentrations of Gpp[NH]p (0.01 to 0.3 microM) inhibited the enzyme activity in both strains, but the maximal level of inhibition was significantly lower in SHR (- 20%). In the absence of forskolin, 0.1 microM Gpp[NH]p was inhibitory only in WKY and the adenylate cyclase activity was greater in hypertensive rats at this nucleotide concentration. Increasing Gpp[NH]p from 0.1 to 3 microM induced the same increase of enzyme activity in both strains. In SHR, GTP itself induced a lower inhibition of the enzyme stimulated by 50 microM forskolin or 0.1 microM prostaglandin E1. These results suggest that the modulatory effect of the guanine nucleotide inhibitory protein on adenylate cyclase may be reduced in platelets from SHR.     

Effect of gossypol on testicular blood flow and testosterone production in rats

Rats were treated with highly purified gossypol acetic acid at doses of 15 or 30 mg/kg day-1 for 6 weeks to produce an effect on spermatogenesis as shown by reduced sperm motility and increased sperm malformation rates. The treated rats did not differ from the controls in the body weight growth curves and reproductive organ weights. When stimulated with hCG, testicular blood flow was increased in the low dose group; the testosterone concentrations in peripheral and testicular venous blood were also increased to a greater extent than those of the control group. No difference was found between the high dose and control groups in testicular blood flow or testosterone concentrations. The morphology of the Leydig cells was apparently normal, although some degenerative changes in the germinal epithelium were observed in the high dose group. Therefore, there is no evidence in our experiment to show any anti-androgenic effect following 6-week treatment of gossypol in rats, even at the dose of 30 mg/kg day-1.     

Modulation of guanine nucleotide affinity does not affect the first order rate constant of activation of adenylate cyclase in native membranes

A new method was developed to follow the rate of activation of adenylate cyclase in rat brain membranes by rapid freezing and N-ethylmaleimide treatment at 0 degrees C. This method was used to investigate the relationship between the rate of activation of adenylate cyclase by p(NH)ppG and GTP gamma S and their apparent affinities. These studies established the following. 1) The kinetics of activation by p(NH)ppG and GTP gamma S were indistinguishable although the apparent affinity of p(NH)ppG was 20-fold lower than the affinity of GTP gamma S. Activation was first order, kobs varying approximately 1.5-fold (average t 1/2 = 3.5 min, 30 degrees C) between 20-90% occupancy by either guanine nucleotide. 2) Final levels of activity were strictly dependent on the concentration of the nucleotides in a saturable manner. 3) Mg2+ increased the apparent affinity of either guanine nucleotide by 10-20-fold between 0.1 microM and 3 mM free Mg2+ in the presence of 2 mM EDTA but did not enhance the rate or maximal extent of activation. 4) The effects of Mg2+ were expressed through two independent classes of sites with affinities in the nanomolar and micromolar range. 5) A Mg2+ X guanine nucleotide complex was not the substrate for activation. The affinity of Mg2+ for nucleotides was determined as 6.25 mM GTP gamma S, 0.930 mM GTP, 0.156 mM p(NH)ppG. 6) Full activation by p(NH)ppG was completely reversible but activation by GTP gamma S was only partially reversible. These results suggest that: activation of adenylate cyclase in native membranes does not require Mg2+ or irreversible binding of the guanine nucleotide and there are two independent pathways for formation of active adenylate cyclase. A minimal mechanism for activation is discussed in light of current models.