Muscarinic-agonist and guanine nucleotide stimulation of myo-inositol trisphosphate formation in membranes isolated from bovine iris sphincter smooth muscle: effects of short-term cholinergic desensitization

The effect of short-term cholinergic desensitization on muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR)-mediated activation of phospholipase C was investigated in membranes isolated from the bovine iris sphincter smooth muscle. Membranes prepared from normal or desensitized muscles, prelabeled with either [3H]myo-inositol or 32P from [gamma-32P]ATP, were incubated with a hydrolysis-resistant analogue of GTP, GTP gamma S, or GTP gamma S plus carbachol (CCh), and the production of [3H]myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and the breakdown of polyphosphoinositides were assessed. In normal membranes, GTP (greater than or equal to 1 mM), GTP gamma S (greater than 10 microM) and GTP gamma S (1 microM) plus CCh (10 microM), but not GDP or GDP beta S, increased phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis and IP3 production. GTP gamma S increased IP3 accumulation in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and CCh, which had no effect on phospholipase C activity in the absence of GTP gamma S, potentiated the effects of GTP gamma S. The effect of CCh plus GTP gamma S on IP3 production was inhibited by atropine, had an absolute requirement for nM amounts of Ca2+ and was not affected by pertussis toxin. At higher concentrations (greater than 1 microM), Ca2+ alone induced PIP2 hydrolysis. Short-term exposure (less than 60 min) of the muscle to CCh (100 microM) did not affect the total number (Bmax) of mAChRs nor their affinity (KD) for [3H]-N-methylscopolamine. Desensitization did, however, result in: (1) a loss of the CCh-high affinity binding state of the sphincter mAChRs in a manner analogous to that produced by GTP gamma S; (2) a loss of the ability of GTP gamma S to affect CCh binding to the receptors; and (3) an attenuation of the GTP gamma S plus CCh-stimulated PIP2 hydrolysis. In conclusion, the data presented suggest that, in the iris smooth muscle, G-proteins are involved in the coupling of mAChRs to phospholipase C and that short-term cholinergic desensitization results in (1) the uncoupling of the receptor-G-protein complex and (2) the attenuation of mAChR-activation of phospholipase C.     

Pertussis Toxin-Insensitive G Protein Mediates Carbachol Activation of Phospholipase D in Rat Pheochromocytoma PC12 Cells

In the present study, an activation mechanism for phospholipase D (PLD) in [3H]palmitic acid-labeled pheochromocytoma PC12 cells in response to carbachol (CCh) was investigated. PLD activity was assessed by measuring the formation of [3H]phosphatidylethanol ([3H]PEt), the specific marker of PLD activity, in the presence of 0.5% (vol/vol) ethanol. CCh caused a rapid accumulation of [3H]-PEt, which reached a plateau within 1 min, in a concentration-dependent manner. The [3H]PEt formation by CCh was completely antagonized by atropine, demonstrating that the CCh effect was mediated by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR). A tumor promoter, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), also caused an increase in [3H]-PEt content, which reached a plateau at 30-60 min after exposure, but an inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, did not. Although a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, staurosporine (5 microM), blocked PMA-induced [3H]PEt formation by 77%, it had no effect on the CCh-induced formation. These results suggest that mAChR-induced PLD activation is independent of PKC, whereas PLD activation by PMA is mediated by PKC. NaF, a common GTP-binding protein (G protein) activator, and a stable analogue of GTP, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), also stimulated [3H]PEt formation in intact and digitonin-permeabilized cells, respectively. GTP, UTP, and CTP were without effect. Furthermore, guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) significantly inhibited CCh- and GTP gamma S-induced [3H]PEt formation in permeabilized cells but did not inhibit the formation by PMA, and staurosporine (5 microM) had no effect on [3H]PEt formation by GTP gamma S.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Gap junctional permeability is affected by cell volume changes and modulates volume regulation

Isolated pancreatic acinar cell pairs became electrically uncoupled by exposure to a mild hypotonic shock. Reduction of bath osmolarity caused a delayed closure of gap junctional channels in the minute range. Dialysis of cell pairs by GTP[S] in the double whole-cell patch-clamp mode shortened the latency and shifted the hypotonically induced electrical uncoupling to lower osmolarity changes. Cellular treatment with cytochalasin B catalyzed electrical uncoupling by a hypotonic shock. In all cases, electrical uncoupling could be blocked completely by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor polymyxin B. These results provide the first evidence suggesting that changes of cell volume and gap junctional permeability are correlated and that a G-protein dependent mechanism is involved. Evidence is presented that gap junctional coupling modulates volume regulation.     

Metabolism of platelet-activating factor (PAF; 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and lyso-PAF (1-O-alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) by cultured rat Kupffer cells.

In platelets, and in several other cell systems, pre-treatment with protein kinase C activators such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) results in the inhibition of receptor-mediated responses, suggesting that protein kinase C may play an important role in the termination of signal transduction. In the present study, we have attempted to locate the site of action of phorbol ester by comparing thrombin-induced (i.e. receptor-mediated) platelet activation with that induced by guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) and NaF, two agents which by-pass the receptor and initiate platelet responses by directly modulating G-protein function. After a 10 s pre-treatment with PMA (16 nM), dense-granule secretion induced by thrombin (0.2 unit/ml), GTP[S] (40 microM) and NaF (30 mM) was potentiated, resulting in a greater than additive response to agent plus PMA. However, after a 5 min pre-treatment, thrombin-induced secretion alone was inhibited, whereas PMA plus GTP[S]/NaF-induced release remained greater than additive. [32P]Phosphatidate formation in response to all three agents, in contrast, was inhibited by 50-70% in PMA (5 min)-treated platelets. That secretion induced by these agents is a protein kinase C-dependent event was demonstrable by using staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor which at concentrations of 1-10 nM inhibited (70-90%) PMA-induced as well as thrombin- and NaF-induced secretion and protein phosphorylation. In membranes from PMA-treated platelets, thrombin-stimulated GTPase activity was significantly enhanced compared with that in untreated membranes (59% versus 82% increase over basal activity). The results suggest that inhibition of receptor-mediated responses by PMA may be directed towards two sites relating to G-protein activation: (i) receptor-stimulated GTPase activity and (ii) G-protein-phospholipase C coupling. Furthermore, the lack of inhibition of NaF- and GTP[S]-induced secretion by PMA suggests that different mechanisms may be involved in thrombin-induced and G-protein-activator-induced secretion.     

Guanine nucleotides induce tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of the respiratory burst in neutrophils.

Activation of the NADPH oxidase was examined in electrically permeabilized human neutrophils exposed to non-hydrolysable guanine nucleotides. Guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) induced a marked increase in the rate of O2 consumption, which was partially resistant to staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, under conditions where the response to diacylglycerol was virtually abolished. The respiratory burst elicited by GTP[S] was dependent on the presence of ATP and Mg2+, suggesting involvement of phosphorylation reactions. Accordingly, phosphoprotein formation was greatly stimulated by the guanine nucleotide. The polypeptide phosphorylation pattern induced by GTP[S] was similar to, but not identical with, that observed with diacylglycerol, indicating the activation of kinases other than protein kinase C by the guanine nucleotide. The possible involvement of tyrosine kinases was assessed by immunoblotting using anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. Treatment of electroporated cells with GTP[S] stimulated the accumulation of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. This effect was not induced by diacylglycerol, indicating that tyrosine phosphorylation is not secondary to stimulation of protein kinase C. The results indicate that, in neutrophils, activated G-proteins can stimulate tyrosine kinase and/or inhibit tyrosine phosphatase activity. Changes in the amounts of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins may signal activation of the respiratory burst.     

Phorbol ester treatment of intact rabbit platelets greatly enhances both the basal and guanosine 5''-[gamma-thio]triphosphate-stimulated phospholipase D activities of isolated platelet membranes. Physiological activation of phospholipase D may be secondary to activation of phospholipase C.

Rabbit platelets were labelled with [3H]glycerol and incubated with or without phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Membranes were then isolated and assayed for phospholipase D (PLD) activity by monitoring [3H]phosphatidylethanol formation in the presence of 300 mM-ethanol. At a [Ca2+free] of 1 microM, PLD activity was detected in control membranes, but was 5.4 +/- 0.8-fold (mean +/- S.E.M.) greater in membranes from PMA-treated platelets. Under the same conditions, 10 microM-guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) stimulated PLD by 18 +/- 3-fold in control membranes, whereas PMA treatment and GTP[S] interacted synergistically to increase PLD activity by 62 +/- 12-fold. GTP[S]-stimulated PLD activity was observed in the absence of Ca2+, but was increased by 1 microM-Ca2+ (3.5 +/- 0.2-fold and 1.8 +/- 0.1-fold in membranes from control and PMA-treated platelets respectively). GTP exerted effects almost as great as those of GTP[S], but 20-30-fold higher concentrations were required. Guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate inhibited the effects of GTP[S] or GTP, suggesting a role for a GTP-binding protein in activation of PLD. Thrombin (2 units/ml) stimulated the PLD activity of platelet membranes only very weakly and in a GTP-independent manner. The actions of PMA and analogues on PLD activity correlated with their ability to stimulate protein kinase C in intact platelets. Staurosporine, a potent protein kinase inhibitor, had both inhibitory and, at higher concentrations, stimulatory effects on the activation of PLD by PMA. The results suggest that PMA not only stimulates PLD via activation of protein kinase C but can also activate the enzyme by a phosphorylation-independent mechanism in the presence of staurosporine. However, under physiological conditions, full activation of platelet PLD may require the interplay of protein kinase C, increased Ca2+ and a GTP-binding protein, and may occur as a secondary effect of the activation of phospholipase C.     

Regulation of bombesin-stimulated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate generation in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts by a guanine-nucleotide-binding protein.

The stimulation of inositol phosphate generation by bombesin and GTP analogues was studied in Swiss 3T3 cells permeabilized by electroporation. Bombesin-stimulated inositol phosphate generation is potentiated by guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) and inhibited by guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate at all peptide concentrations tested, with no change in the EC50 value (concn. giving half-maximal response) for the agonist. Kinetic analysis showed that, although bombesin-stimulated [3H]InsP3 generation in [3H]inositol-labelled cells was rapid (maximal by 5-10 s), the response to GTP[S] alone displayed a distinct lag time of 20-30 s. This lag time was significantly decreased by the addition of bombesin, suggesting that in this system agonist-stimulated GTP/GDP exchange occurs. In addition, bombesin-stimulated generation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 mass at 10 s was enhanced by GTP[S] in the absence of a nucleotide response alone, a result consistent with this proposal. Pretreatment of the cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of bombesin-, but not GTP[S]-, stimulated inositol phosphate generation. Furthermore, although PMA pretreatment did not affect the lag time for InsP3 formation in response to GTP[S] alone, the degree of synergy between bombesin and the nucleotide was severely decreased at early time points. The results therefore demonstrate that the high-affinity bombesin receptor is coupled via a G-protein to phospholipase C in a manner consistent with a general model for receptor-G-protein interactions and that this coupling is sensitive to phosphorylation by protein kinase C.     

The role of nucleoside-diphosphate kinase reactions in G protein activation of NADPH oxidase by guanine and adenine nucleotides

NADPH-oxidase-catalyzed superoxide (O2-) formation in membranes of HL-60 leukemic cells was activated by arachidonic acid in the presence of Mg2+ and HL-60 cytosol. The GTP analogues, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[gamma S] and guanosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate, being potent activators of guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), stimulated O2- formation up to 3.5-fold. The adenine analogue of GTP[gamma S], adenosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (ATP[gamma S]), which can serve as donor of thiophosphoryl groups in kinase-mediated reactions, stimulated O2- formation up to 2.5-fold, whereas the non-phosphorylating adenosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate was inactive. The effect of ATP[gamma S] was half-maximal at a concentration of 2 microM, was observed in the absence of added GDP and occurred with a lag period two times longer than the one with GTP[gamma S]. HL-60 membranes exhibited nucleoside-diphosphate kinase activity, catalyzing the thiophosphorylation of GDP to GTP[gamma S] by ATP[gamma S]. GTP[gamma S] formation was half-maximal at a concentration of 3-4 microM ATP[gamma S] and was suppressed by removal of GDP by creatine kinase/creatine phosphate (CK/CP). The stimulatory effect of ATP[gamma S] on O2- formation was abolished by the nucleoside-diphosphate kinase inhibitor UDP. Mg2+ chelation with EDTA and removal of endogenous GDP by CK/CP abolished NADPH oxidase activation by ATP[gamma S] and considerably diminished stimulation by GTP[gamma S]. GTP[gamma S] also served as a thiophosphoryl group donor to GDP, with an even higher efficiency than ATP[gamma S]. Transthiophosphorylation of GDP to GTP[gamma S] was only partially inhibited by CK/CP. Our results suggest that NADPH oxidase is regulated by a G protein, which may be activated either by exchange of bound GDP by guanosine triphosphate or by thiophosphoryl group transfer to endogenous GDP by nucleoside-diphosphate kinase.     

Involvement of a guanine-nucleotide-binding protein-mediated mechanism in the enhancement of arachidonic acid liberation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and Ca2+ in saponin-permeabilized platelets

A mechanism by which protein kinase C potentiates arachidonic acid (AA) liberation in rabbit platelets was examined using [3H]AA-labeled, saponin (7 micrograms/ml)-permeabilized rabbit platelets. Pretreatment of the [3H]AA-labeled platelets with 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 10-40 nM) or 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DOG, 20 microM) enhanced [3H]AA liberation induced by an addition of Ca2+ (1 mM) after cell permeabilization, whereas 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (80 nM) did not exert such an effect. The potentiating effects of PMA and DOG were inhibited by staurosporine (200 nM). PMA (40 nM) also potentiated [3H]AA liberation induced by guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S, 100 microM), 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate (200 microM) or NaF (20 mM) plus AlCl3 (10 microM) in the presence of Ca2+ (100 microM). The enhancement by PMA of the GTP gamma S-induced AA liberation was also inhibited by staurosporine (200 nM). Furthermore, guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP beta S, 0.5-2 mM) suppressed the PMA (40 nM)- and DOG (20 microM)-enhanced, Ca2+ (1 mM)-dependent [3H]AA liberation. This inhibitory effect of GDP beta S was reversed by a further addition of GTP gamma S (200 microM). However, pertussis toxin (0.2-1 micrograms/ml) had no effect on the PMA-enhanced [3H]AA liberation. These results indicate a possibility that protein kinase C may potentiate AA liberation through a guanine-nucleotide-binding protein-mediated mechanism in saponin-permeabilized rabbit platelets.     

Activation of Plant Plasma Membrane Ca2+-Permeable Channels by Race-Specific Fungal Elicitors

The response of plant cells to invading pathogens is regulated by fluctuations in cytosolic Ca2+ levels that are mediated by Ca2+-permeable channels located at the plasma membrane of the host cell. The mechanisms by which fungal elicitors can induce Ca2+ uptake by the host cell were examined by the application of conventional patch-clamp techniques. Whole-cell and single-channel experiments on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) protoplasts revealed a race-specific fungal elicitor-induced activation of a plasma membrane Ca2+-permeable channel. The presence of the fungal elicitor resulted in a greater probability of channel opening. Guanosine 5[prime]-[[beta]-thio]diphosphate, a GDP analog that locks heterotrimeric G-proteins into their inactivated state, abolished the channel activation induced by the fungal elicitor, whereas guanosine 5[prime][[gamma]-thio]triphosphate, a nonhydrolyzable GTP analog that locks heterotrimeric G-proteins into their activated state, produced an effect similar to that observed with the fungal elicitor. Mastoparan, which stimulates GTPase activity, mimicked the effect of GTP[[gamma]]S. The addition of HA1004 (a protein kinase inhibitor) in the presence of the elicitor totally abolished channel activity, whereas okadaic acid (a protein phosphatase inhibitor) moderately enhanced channel activity, suggesting that the activation of the channel by fungal elicitors is modulated by a heterotrimeric G-protein-dependent phosphorylation of the channel protein.     

Mechanisms of hormone-induced desensitization of adenylate cyclase

Luteinizing hormone (LH) interacts with its plasma membrane receptor to activate the formation of cyclic AMP via the regulatory GTP binding protein (Gs). This is followed by a desensitization of that same hormonal response which is caused by an uncoupling of the LH receptor from Gs. The coupling between Gs and the adenylate cyclase catalytic unit remains intact. Treatment of Leydig and other cell types with phorbol esters mimics hormone-induced desensitization. However, differences between hormone- and phorbol ester-induced desensitization have been found. In testis Leydig cells phorbol esters, as well as uncoupling the LH receptor from Gs, also inactivates the subunit of the inhibitory GTP binding protein (Gi). These studies suggested that activation of protein kinase may be involved in the hormone-induced desensitization of adenylate cyclase. Paradoxically, it has also been found that two inhibitors of protein kinase C, sphingosine and psychosine also inhibited LH-induced cyclic AMP production. These effects were mainly found during the initial stimulatory period with LH. It is suggested that activation of adenylate cyclase may require a protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation step which is followed by further phosphorylation resulting in uncoupling of the receptor from Gs. No direct stimulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins[1,4,5]P3), diacylglycerol and/or activation of protein kinase C by LH in Leydig cells has been demonstrated. An alternative mechanism of protein kinase C activation has been proposed for brain cells, i.e. that involving arachidonic acid activation of protein kinase C instead of diacylglycerol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity in soluble transducin preparations biochemical properties and possible role of transducin-beta as phosphorylated enzyme intermediate.

Known nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPKs) are oligomers of 17-23-kDa subunits and catalyze the reaction N1TP + N2DP --> N1DP + N2TP via formation of a histidine-phosphorylated enzyme intermediate. NDPKs are involved in the activation of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) by catalyzing the formation of GTP from GDP, but the properties of G-protein-associated NDPKs are still incompletely known. The aim of our present study was to characterize NDPK in soluble preparations of the retinal G-protein transducin. The NDPK is operationally referred to as transducin-NDPK. Like known NDPKs, transducin-NDPK utilizes NTPs and phosphorothioate analogs of NTPs as substrates. GDP was a more effective phosphoryl group acceptor at transducin-NDPK than ADP and CDP, and guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) was a more effective thiophosphoryl group donor than adenosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (ATP[S]). In contrast with their action on known NDPKs, mastoparan and mastoparan 7 had no stimulatory effect on transducin-NDPK. Guanosine 5'-[beta, gamma-imido]triphosphate (p[NH]ppG) potentiated [3H]GTP[S] formation from [3H]GDP and ATP[S] but not [3H]GTP[S] formation from [3H]GDP and GTP[S]. Depending on the thiophosphoryl group acceptor and donor, [3H]NTP[S] formation was differentially regulated by Mg2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ca2+ and Zn2+. [gamma-32P]ATP and [gamma-32P]GTP [32P]phosphorylated, and [35S]ATP[S] [35S]thiophosphorylated, a 36-kDa protein comigrating with transducin-beta. p[NH]ppG potentiated [35S]thiophosphorylation of the 36-kDa protein. 32P-labeling of the 36-kDa protein showed characteristics of histidine phosphorylation. There was no evidence for (thio)phosphorylation of 17-23-kDa proteins. Our data show the following: (a) soluble transducin preparations contain a GDP-prefering and guanine nucleotide-regulated NDPK; (b) transducin-beta may serve as a (thio)phosphorylated NDPK intermediate; (c) transducin-NDPK is distinct from known NDPKs and may consist of multiple kinases or a single kinase with multiple regulatory domains.     

Role of calmodulin and myosin light chain kinase in the activation of carbachol-activated cationic current in murine ileal myocytes

We investigated the effect of calmodulin (CaM) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) on murine ileal myocytes using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Under the voltage clamp, at the holding potential of -60 mV, 50 micromol/L carbachol (CCh) induced inward currents (I CCh), and spontaneous decay of I CCh occurred. The peak inward currents induced by the repetitive application of CCh (50 micromol/L) tended to decrease in amplitude. Intracellular application of 0.2 mmol/L guanosine 5'-O-(gamma-thio)triphosphate (GTP gammaS) from the patch electrode induced an inward current at a holding potential of -60m V, and the peak inward currents induced by the repetitive application of Cs tended to decrease slightly in amplitude. The amplitude of I CCh was reduced by pretreatment either with W-7, trifluoroperazine, W-5, and melittin (CaM inhibitors) or with ML-7 and ML-9 (selective MLCK inhibitors), and the inhibitory effects were reversible. However, when we pretreated with 50 micromol/L W-7 or 5 micromol/L ML-7 on GTP gammaS-induced inward currents, almost no inhibition was observed in the inward currents. Application of both Rho kinase inhibitor and MLCK inhibitor inhibited GTP gammaS-induced currents. We conclude that CaM and MLCK modulate the activation process of I CCh in murine ileal myocytes and suggest that the classical type transient receptor potential (TRPC) channel 5 might be a candidate for nonselective cationic currents (NSCC) activated by muscarinic stimulation in gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells.     

Interaction of aluminum ions with phosphoinositide metabolism in rat cerebral cortical membranes

Aluminum (Al) is believed to exert a primary role in the neurotoxicity associated with dialysis encephalopathy and has been suggested to be involved in a number of other neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Al, complexed with fluoride to form fluoroaluminate (AlF4-), can activate the GTP-binding (G) proteins of the adenylate cyclase and retinal cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase systems. Since an involvement of G-proteins with cerebral phosphoinositide (PtdIns) metabolism has also been suggested, in this study we investigated the interaction of the stable GTP analogue GTP(S), Al salts and NaF with this system. In rat cerebral cortical membranes, GTP(S) dose-dependently stimulated [3H]inositol phosphates ([3H]InsPs) accumulation. This effect was potentiated by carbachol and was partially prevented by the GTP-binding antagonist GDP(S), indicating that CNS muscarinic receptor activation is coupled to PtdIns hydrolysis via putative G-protein(s). GTP(S) stimulation was also inhibited by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C, which is known to exert a negative feedback control on agonist-stimulated PtdIns metabolism. Both Al salts and NaF mimicked the action of GTP(S) in stimulating PtdIns turnover. Their actions were highly synergistic, suggesting that AlF4- could be the active stimulatory species. However, the stimulatory effects of AlCl3 and/or NaF were not potentiated by carbachol and were not inhibited by GDP(S) and PMA, suggesting that separate sites of action might exist for GTP(S) and AlF4-. In the nervous tissue, activation of PtdIns hydrolysis by Al (probably as AlF4-) may be mediated by activating a regulatory G-protein at a location distinct from the GTP-binding site or by a direct stimulation of phospholipase C.     

Dual effect of fluoride on phosphoinositide metabolism in rat brain cortex. Stimulation of phospholipase C and inhibition of polyphosphoinositide synthesis.

We have studied the effects of fluoride, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) and carbachol on phospholipase C and polyphosphoinositide synthesis. The experimental system consisted of membranes from rat brain cortex, with exogenous [3H]phosphatidylinositol ([3H]PtdIns) as substrate. In such systems, we have not found evidence to support carbachol and/or GTP[S] stimulation of PtdIns phosphorylation. Fluoride inhibited synthesis of PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2 from PtdIns. Consequently, under conditions where breakdown of polyphosphoinositides by phospholipase C was dependent on PtdIns kinase activity, fluoride inhibited activation by GTP[S] plus carbachol of phospholipase C. When conditions allowed direct breakdown of PtdIns and precluded PtdIns kinase activity, the stimulatory effects of fluoride and GTP[S] plus carbachol on phospholipase C activity were additive.     

Beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated phospholipase C activation independent of cAMP formation in turkey erythrocyte membranes.

The effect of the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol on guanine nucleotide-dependent phospholipase C (PLC) activity was examined in turkey erythrocyte membranes prepared from [3H]inositol-labeled turkey erythrocytes. In the presence of guanosine 5'-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) (GTP[S]) isoproterenol caused a dose-dependent stimulation of [3H]inositol phosphate ([3H]InsP) formation. The activation of PLC by GTP[S] occurred after an initial lag period of 1-2 min and was followed by a sustained rate of [3H]InsP formation which remained linear for 4-5 min. Isoproterenol decreased the lag period for GTP[S]-induced [3H]InsP formation and increased PLC activity at all time points following this lag. Consequently, isoproterenol shifted the dose-response curve for GTP[S] to the left (10-fold) and increased the maximal response. The EC50 value for isoproterenol-induced activation of PLC was 104 +/- 17 nM. Isoproterenol also potentiated GTP-dependent PLC activity but was ineffective in stimulating the enzyme in the presence of AIF4-. The PLC activation by isoproterenol was completely inhibited by propanolol and atenolol but was unaffected by prazosin or yohimbine. Although GTP[S] and isoproterenol could increase cAMP formation in this membrane preparation, the isoproterenol-induced stimulation of PLC occurred in the absence of ATP and was independent of cAMP formation. Furthermore, addition of cAMP, 8-bromo-cAMP, forskolin, or either the regulatory or catalytic subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase failed to stimulate [3H]InsP formation and had no effect on the responses elicited by GTP[S] and isoproterenol. Isoproterenol also stimulated [3H]InsP2 and [3H]InsP3 production in intact erythrocytes. Cholera toxin had no effect on [3H]InsP formation in the intact cells under conditions where it stimulated cAMP accumulation. In addition, the activation of PLC by GTP[S] and isoproterenol was unaffected in membranes prepared from cholera toxin-treated erythrocytes. These data demonstrate that stimulation of turkey erythrocyte beta-adrenergic receptors by isoproterenol results in a direct activation of guanine nucleotide-dependent PLC.     

A GTP-binding protein activates chloride channels in a renal epithelium

Although G proteins have been shown to regulate cation channels, regulation of Cl- channels by G proteins has not been demonstrated directly. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to examine whether a G protein regulates Cl- channels in the apical membrane of rabbit kidney CCD cells grown in culture. Previous studies showed that this channel is activated by adenosine and protein kinase C and has a single channel conductance of 305 picosiemens. The PCl-:PNa+ is 9:1 and the PCl-:PHCO3- is 2:1 (Schwiebert, E.M., Light, D.B., Dietl, P., Fejes-Toth, G., Naray-Fejes-Toth, A., and Stanton, B. (1990) Kidney Int. 37,216). In the present study, Cl- channels in the apical membrane of CCD cells were studied by the patch clamp technique. GTP and guanosine 5'-O(3-thiophosphate) (GTP gamma S), a nonhydrolyzable analog of GTP, increased the single channel open probability (Po). In contrast, guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiophosphate), a nonhydrolyzable analog of GDP, and pertussis toxin (PTX) decreased the Po. GTP gamma S, but not GTP, reversed PTX inhibition of the channel. The alpha i-3-subunit of Gi increased the Po in both untreated and PTX-treated membrane patches. Because GTP gamma S activated the Cl- channel in the presence of H8, a protein kinase inhibitor, we conclude that the G protein does not activate the channel by stimulating a protein kinase. Thus, a PTX-sensitive G protein activates a Cl- channel in the apical membrane of renal CCD cells.     

Evidence of involvement of GIRK1/GIRK4 in long-term desensitization of cardiac muscarinic K+ channels

The cardiac M2 muscarinic receptor/G protein/K+ channel system was studied in neonatal rat atrial cells cultured with and without 10 microM carbachol (CCh) for 24 h. Channel activity in CCh-pretreated cells was substantially reduced as a result of long-term desensitization regardless of whether the channel was activated by ACh in cell-attached patches or GTP in inside-out patches. Channel activity in CCh-pretreated cells was also low when the receptor was bypassed and the G protein and channel were directly activated by [gamma-S]GTP or both the receptor and G protein were bypassed and the channel was directly activated by trypsin. Finally, in CCh-pretreated cells, the whole cell K+ current was low when the channel was activated via the independent adenosine receptor. This suggests that the channel is involved in long-term desensitization. However, in CCh-pretreated cells, although the receptor was internalized, there was no internalization of the channel. We suggest that the function of the muscarinic K+ channel declines in long-term desensitization of the cardiac M2 muscarinic receptor/G protein/K+ channel system.     

Activation of phospholipase C associated with isolated rabbit platelet membranes by guanosine 5''-[gamma-thio]triphosphate and by thrombin in the presence of GTP.

Rabbit platelets were labelled with [3H]inositol and a membrane fraction was isolated in the presence of ATP, MgCl2 and EGTA. Incubation of samples for 10 min with 0.1 microM-Ca2+free released [3H]inositol phosphates equivalent to about 2.0% of the membrane [3H]phosphoinositides. Addition of 10 microM-guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) caused an additional formation of [3H]inositol phosphates equivalent to 6.6% of the [3H]phosphoinositides. A half-maximal effect was observed with 0.4 microM-GTP[S]. The [3H]inositol phosphates that accumulated consisted of 10% [3H]inositol monophosphate, 88% [3H]inositol bisphosphate ([3H]IP2) and 2% [3H]inositol trisphosphate ([3H]IP3). Omission of ATP and MgCl2 led to depletion of membrane [3H]polyphosphoinositides and marked decreases in the formation of [3H]inositol phosphates. Thrombin (2 units/ml) or GTP (4-100 microM) alone weakly stimulated [3H]IP2 formation, but together they acted synergistically to exert an effect comparable with that of 10 microM-GTP[S]. The action of thrombin was also potentiated by 0.1 microM-GTP[S]. Guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate not only inhibited the effects of GTP[S], GTP and GTP with thrombin, but also blocked the action of thrombin alone, suggesting that this depended on residual GTP. Incubation with either GTP[S] or thrombin and GTP decreased membrane [3H]phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate ([H]PIP) and prevented an increase in [3H]phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate ([3H]PIP2) observed in controls. Addition of unlabelled IP3 to trap [3H]IP3 before it was degraded to [3H]IP2 showed that only about 20% of the additional [3H]inositol phosphates that accumulated with GTP[S] or thrombin and GTP were derived from the action of phospholipase C on [3H]PIP2. The results provide further evidence that guanine-nucleotide-binding protein mediates signal transduction between the thrombin receptor and phospholipase C, and suggest that PIP may be a major substrate of this enzyme in the platelet.     

Reconstitution of a solubilized membrane but not cytosolic phospholipase C with membrane-associated Gp from GH3 cells

Hormones have been demonstrated to activate phosphoinositide hydrolysis in plasma membranes in a manner dependent upon or potentiated by GTP. For thyrotropin-releasing hormone activation in GH3 cell membranes, stimulation persisted in membranes from pertussis toxin-treated cells. These observations indicate the presence of a membrane phospholipase C (PL C) and a novel GTP-binding protein (Gp); however, neither of these proteins has been characterized. In this paper, we report studies of GH3 membrane PL C utilizing [3H]phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate liposome substrate. Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP[S]), but not other nucleotides, was found to stimulate PL C activity and required greater than 1 nM Ca2+. High concentrations of Ca2+ (10 microM) also activated the membrane PL C. Treatment of membranes with N-ethylmaleimide inhibited Ca2+-activated but not GTP[S]-activated PL C. Extraction of membranes with 1 M KCl solubilized the membrane PL C; however, the solubilized PL C was not GTP[S]-stimulated. N-ethylmaleimide-treated, KCl-extracted membranes were markedly deficient in GTP[S]-stimulated PL C activity; however, activity could be restored by incubation with the desalted extracted PL C. Reconstitution appeared to involve the recoupling of membrane-associated Gp with soluble 330- and 110-kDa forms of the PL C. Cytosolic PL Cs failed to substitute for the solubilized membrane PL C. These results indicate that the Gp-regulated PL C in GH3 cell membranes is an extrinsic membrane protein that can be extracted reversibly at high ionic strength. Moreover, the membrane PL C can be distinguished from cytosolic PL C isoenzymes.