Amplification of arachidonic acid metabolism in rat liver cells (the C-9 cell-line) by tosyl- -phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone and phenylmethyl-sulfonyl fluoride

In the presence of the protease inhibitors phenylmethyl-sulfonyl fluoride and N-tosyl- -phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone, prostacyclin (PGI₂) production by rat liver cells treated with epidermal growth factor, platelet-activating factor, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), and TPA-type tumor promoters (teleocidin and aplysiatoxin) or 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol is amplified. The PGI2 production stimulated by thapsigargin or exogenous arachidonic acid is not amplified. N-Tosyl- -phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone also amplifies TPA's release of radioactivity from cells isotopically labeled with [³H]arachidonic acid. Indomethacin inhibits the amplification of PGI₂ production but not the release of radioactivity. The presence of the protease inhibitors is not required for the amplification of PGI₂ production. Prior incubation of the cells with these inhibitors, followed by their removal, still results in amplified PGI₂ production by cells subsequently treated with TPA, 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol, or platelet-activating factor but not that stimulated by exogenous arachidonic acid. While phenylmethyl-sulfonyl fluoride's amplification of PGI₂ production by cells treated with TPA was blocked by prior incubation with TPA for 20 h, a similar block of amplification in EGF-treated cells was not observed.     

Effect of the protein kinase inhibitors, staurosporine and K-252a, on PGI2 production by rat liver cells (the C-9 cell line)

Staurosporine and K-252a, known inhibitors of several protein kinases, stimulated PGI₂ production (measured as 6-keto-PGF_1α in rat liver cells (the C-9 cell line). Preincubation of the rat liver cells with staurosporine or K-252a enhanced the PGI₂ production stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), platelet activating factor (PAF) and the Ca²⁺-ionophore a-23187, but not the PGI₂ synthesis stimulated by exogeneous arachidonic acid. These results suggest that phosphorylation of some proteins or certain amino acids on a protein can regulate arachidonic acid metabolism probably in the pathway leading to deesterification of phospholipids.     

Agonist specific desensitization of leukotriene C4-stimulated PGI2 biosynthesis in human endothelial cells

Leukotriene C₄ (LTC₄) and, to a lesser extent, leukotriene D₄ (LTD₄) concentration dependently stimulate prostacyclin (PGI₂) biosynthesis in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. PGI₂ biosynthesis was quantitated by radioimmunoassay and its structure confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Preincubation of endothelial cells with LTC₄ resulted in desensitization to subsequent LTC₄ stimulation. However, PGI₂ biosynthesis in response to thrombin, PGH₂ and arachidonic acid was not inhibited by preincubation with LTC₄. The C-6-sulfidopeptide leukotriene receptor level antagonist FPL-55712 attenuates LTC₄, but not thrombin-stimulated PGI₂ biosynthesis. These data suggest that human umbilical vein endothelial cells have a C-6-sulfidopeptide leukotriene receptor, and that stimulation of this receptor results in PGI₂ biosynthesis.     

Agonist-specific desensitization of PGI2-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation by PGE1 in human foreskin fibroblasts

Agonist-specific desensitization of prostaglandin I₂-stimulated (PGI₂)¹ adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) accumulation can be demonstrated in intact human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) following a single exposure to PGE₁ or a stable PGI₂ analog (nitrilo-PGI₂). A single PGI₂-stimulation of HFF cells does not result in desensitization. Continuous re-addition of PGI₂ over a 4 hr period does induce desensitization to subsequent PGI₂-stimulation. HFF cells that are desensitized to PGI₂ are also desensitized to PGE₁ or nitrilo-PGI₂ stimulation indicating that these agonists share a common adenylate cyclase complex. Desensitization to PGI₂ can be measured after a 60 min, but not after a 30 min, exposure to PGE₁ or nitrilo-PGI₂. Once HFF cells are desensitized, a 12–24 hr period is required for the recovery of PGI₂ sensitivity.The adenylate cyclase in membranes prepared from intact cells that were preincubated with PGE₁ is also desensitized to subsequent PGI₂-stimulation. Preincubation of cells with PGI₂ does not induce desensitization of PGI₂-stimulated adenylate cyclase. These data suggest that HFF cells must be constantly exposed to a biologically active prostaglandin for desensitization to occur. The intrinsic chemical lability of PGI₂ may be a biochemical protection mechanism against desensitization in cells that normally respond to PGI₂.     

Enhanced prostacyclin generation by phenolic compounds acting as a tryptophan-like cofactor of PG hydroperoxidase

Isolated rat aortae were incubated at 22°C in tris-buffered saline (pH 7.4). The incubation medium was changed every 10 min, and the amounts of prostacyclin (PGI₂) in the medium were immediately bioassayed as an inhibitory activity against rabbit platelet aggregation induced by ADP. The addition of arachidonic acid to the medium increased the generation of PGI₂ but this was followed by a gradual decrease even in the presence of the same amount of arachidonic acid. The decrease of PGI₂ generation from exogenous arachidonic acid was prevented by tryptophan, which is required by PG hydroperoxidase with heme compound as cofactors. MK-447 and its analogues, which are phenolic compounds and exerted tryptophan-like action on the PG endoproxide biosynthesis by bovine seminal vesicle microsomes, also prevented the decrease of PGI₂ generation in isolated rat aortae. The phenolic compounds enhanced PGI₂ generation from endogenous arachidonic acid. These results indicate that theh phenolic compounds enhanced PGI₂ generation in vascular tissue, acting as a tryptophan-like cofactor of PG hydroperoxidase.     

Regulation of histamine-mediated prostacyclin synthesis in cultured human vascular endothelial cells

Histamine stimulates the production of prostacyclin (PGI₂) in cultured human endothelial cells. We have examined the cell specificity of histamine-mediated PGI₂ synthesis in primary and subcultured human cells. Venous and arterial smooth muscle cells and skin fibroblasts synthesized PGI₂ from exogenous arachidonic acid, but they did not synthesize a significant amount of PGI₂ when treated with histamine. Endothelial cells, however, produced similar amounts of PGI₂ in response to histamine and arachidonic acid. Thrombin also stimulates PGI₂ production in endothelial cells. Histamine and thrombin yielded an additive production of PGI₂ when added simultaneously to endothelial cells. When histamine and thrombin were added sequentially, the amount of PGI₂ produced was not additive but equaled the amount characteristic of the first agonist alone. Following an initial treatment with histamine, endothelial cells were unable to respond to histamine for 3 hr, after which the PGI₂ biosynthetic response rapidly returned to normal by $\text{4}\text{1}\text{2}$ hr. When the initial histamine treatment was carried out under mildly alkaline conditions, the complete return of activity was delayed to 8 hr after treatment. The synthesis of PGI₂ from exogenous arachidonic acid was unaffected by prior treatment with histamine. Recovery of histamine-mediated PGI₂ production was not dependent on protein synthesis but required a component of fetal calf serum that is nondialyzable and moderately heat stable. Thus endothelial cell PGI₂ synthesis in response to a physiologic agonist is subject to several levels of regulation, reflecting not only intracellular events but also the extracellular environment.     

Effects of okadaic acid on agonist-stimulated PGI2 production by rat liver cells (the C-9 cell line).

Preincubation of rat liver cells (the C-9 cell line) with okadaic acid (0.6 microM), a known inhibitor of protein-serine/threonine phosphate phosphatases 2A and 1, for 30 min amplified 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production stimulated by thapsigargin, thrombin, platelet activating factor (PAF), 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), the Ca2+ ionophore A-23187 and lysine-vasopressin (Lys.ADH) but not that stimulated by exogenous arachidonic acid. The amplification occurred within minutes after addition of the stimulators. The effect of preincubation was time dependent. Preincubation of the cells with okadaic acid (0.6 microM) for longer than 30 min decreased this amplification. The results suggest that inhibition of protein-serine/threonine phosphate phosphatase(s) can both positively and negatively regulate deesterification of phospholipids although the negative regulation may reflect a toxic response. Microcystin LR and nodularin, inhibitors of protein-serine/threonine phosphate phosphatases 2A and 1 in vitro, did not amplify 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production by PAF when incubated with intact cells.     

Homologous desensitization of ATP-stimulated mitogenesis: Mechanism involves desensitization of arachidonic acid release and cAMP elevation but not the activation of protein kinase A

Prolonged incubation of quiescent 3T3, 3T6, and A431 cells with the P_2Y purinoceptor agonists ATP, ADP, or AMPPNP reduced the mitogenic responses of target cells to a further challenge by these agonists, as measured by [³H]thymidine incorporation. The mitogenic desensitization was agonist-specific, for no effect was seen on DNA synthesis stimulated by epidermal growth factor, insulin, bombesin, 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-12 acetate (TPA), or adenosine. The desensitization was completely reversible, since after a 24 hr incubation in the absence of ATP, the cells responded fully to the mitogenic action of ATP. The presence of a low level of cycloheximide blocked recovery, suggesting that down-regulation of the P_2Y receptor may have occurred during desensitization. In Swiss 3T3 cells, stimulation of DNA synthesis occurs predominantly by activation of arachidonic acid release, followed by its oxidation to prostaglandin E₂ and stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. Interestingly, prolonged preincubation with ATP produced a similar degree of desensitization of DNA synthesis and of ATP-dependent arachidonic acid release and cAMP accumulation. Furthermore, this was true for both wild type cells and mutants with a defective cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). We conclude that homologous desensitization is likely due to uncoupling of the P_2Y purinoceptor from phospholipase A₂, and this process does not require activation of protein kinase A. © 1995 Wiley-Liss Inc.     

The influence of gamma radiation on arachidonic acid release and prostacyclin synthesis

Cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells produce PGI₂ as their primary prostaglandin. Conditions which inhibit cell division have been shown to accelerate the synthesis of this compound. Exposure of endothelial cells to γ raidation results in an irreversible cessation of growth and enhanced production of PGI₂. The level of PGI₂ measured after radiation exposure exceeds that observed in cultures rendered quiescent by serum reduction. This indicates a role for γ radiation in the elevation of PGI₂ levels which is distinct from its effect on cell division. Result presented indicate that exposure to γ radiation does not, in and of itself, elevate PG levels but capacitates cells for enhanced production when presented with appropriate stimuli. Increased PGI₂ synthesis appears to be a result of an observed increase in arachidonic acid release and an activation of cyclooxygenase.     

The effects of a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, AA-861, on PGI2-like substance production in guinea-pig lungs

To determine the effects of AA-861 on PGI₂ production in guinea-pig lungs, 3 g of guinea-pig lung was chopped in 4 ml of buffer (control group), in buffer with 4 μg/ml indomethacin (indomethacin group) and in buffer with 2.5 × 10⁻⁵M AA-861 (AA-861 group). The chopped lungs were incubated for 30 min. 250 μl of incubation medium from each group was assessed before and after 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min of incubation. The incubation medium was centrifuged and the supernatant was tested for a PGI₂-like substance (PGI₂) by platelet aggregation inhibition. PGI₂ was produced mainly during the initial 3–5 min of incubation and was decreased thereafter. PGI₂ production was almost completely inhibited in the indomethacin group at all of the incubation times and was partially inhibited in the AA-861 group during the initial 3–5 minutes. Endogenous 5-lipoxygenase products generated in the early stages of incubation seem to be involved in PGI₂ production in guinea-pig lungs.     

Prostaglandin synthesis by fetal rat bone in vitro: Evidence for a role of prostacyclin

Prostaglandin synthesis by fetal rat bones was examined by thin-layer chromatography of culture media after preincubation with labeled arachidonic acid. Cultures in rabbit complement (non-heat inactivated serum) were compared with cultures in heat-inactivated serum or cultures treated with indomethacin. The major complement-dependent products were PGE₂, PGF_2α and 6-keto-PGF_1α, the metabolite of prostacyclin (PGI₂). Since PGI₂ had not been previously identified in bone its ability to stimulate bone resorption was tested. Repeated addition of PGI₂ stimulated release of previously incorporated ⁴⁵Ca from fetal rat long bones in both short-term and long-term cultures at concentrations of 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁹M. Because of the short half life of PGI₂ in solution at neutral pH, we tested a sulfur analog, thiaprostacyclin (S-PGI₂) which was found to be a stimulator of bone resorption at concentrations of 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶M. These studies suggest that endogenous PGI₂ production may play a role in bone metabolism. Since vessels produce PGI₂ it is possible that PGI₂ release may be responsible for the frequent association between vascular invasion and resorption of bone or calcified cartilage in physiologic remodeling and pathologic osteolysis.     

Arachidonic acid stimulates interleukin-6 release from rat peritoneal macrophages in vitro: Evidence for a prostacyclin-dependent mechanism

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine involved in the differentiation of B-cells to antibody secreting plasma cells, the activation of T-cells, and the stimulation of hepatocyte production of acute phase proteins. Because of the pro-inflammatory effects of this cytokine, we investigated the ability of the fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) to regulate the release of IL-6 from rat resident peritoneal macrophages (Mø) in vitro. AA (0.5–16 μM) stimulated IL-6 release during a 4 h incubation period in a biphasic manner, with 4 μM AA generating a peak of IL-6 release (3-5-fold). AA (0.5–16 μM) also induced an increasing release of the AA metabolite thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂). The AA-induced release of IL-6 occurred within 1–2 h of incubation, whereas TXB₂ concentrations were elevated within 5 min of AA treatment. The TX synthetase inhibitor CGS 12970 (4.0 μM and 40.0 μM) effectively blocked the generation of TXB₂, but increased prostacyclin (PGI₂) generation and potentiated the release of IL-6. In addition, PGI₂, as well as the PGI₂ agonists iloprost and cicaprost, stimulated IL-6 release from Mø by greater than 5-fold over vehicle-treated basal levels. These data suggest that PGI₂ (but not TXA₂) is involved in AA-induced IL-6 release from peritoneal Mø.     

Regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism by phenylarsine oxide

Preincubation of rat liver cells (the C-9 cell line) for 25 min with phenylarsine oxide at levels ranging from 0.06 to 0.6 microM amplifies prostaglandin I2 production when subsequently stimulated by platelet activating factor, lysine vasopressin, bradykinin, thapsigargin, and the Ca2+ ionophore, A-23187, but not that stimulated by exogenous arachidonic acid. The amplification is decreased after preincubation for 25 min with 1.8 microM phenylarsine oxide. Preincubation of mouse lymphoma cells (the WEHI-3 cell line) with phenylarsine oxide at levels ranging from 0.06 to 1.8 microM for 60 min does not affect prostaglandin E2 levels but inhibits leukotriene B4 and C4 production stimulated by the Ca(2+)-ionophore, A-23187. Amplification of prostaglandin production by phenylarsine oxide is reversed 100 times more effectively by 2,3-dimercaptopropanol than by 2-mercaptoethanol. Deesterification of lipids appears to be regulated positively in rat liver cells and leukotriene production negatively in mouse lymphoma cells by phosphorylation of tyrosine.     

Effects of prostaglandins on adrenal steroidogenesis in the rat

To elucidate the role of prostaglandins in adrenal steroidogenesis, we studied aldosterone and corticosterone responses to

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of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α), prostacyclin (PGI₂), and arachidonic acid (AA) in collagenase dispersed rat adrenal capsular and decapsular cells. Whereas adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and angiotensin II (AII) stimulated aldosterone production in capsular cells and ACTH stimulated corticosterone production in decapsular cells in a dose dependent fashion, aldosterone and corticosterone production were not stimulated significantly by PGE₂, PGF_2α, PGI₂, and AA. Although preincubation of dispersed adrenal cells with indomethacin ( ) markedly inhibited PGE₂ synthesis, ACTH- and AII-stimulated aldosterone production and ACTH-stimulated corticosterone production were not attenuated despite prostaglandin blockade. These results indicate that prostaglandins are unlikely to play an important role in adrenal steroidogenesis.     

Effects of orally administered ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5, ω-3) on PGI2-like substance production by rat aorta

A highly purified ethyl ester of EPA (EPAEE) (74%) was manufactured from sardine oil. Sixty mg/kg/day of EPAEE was given orally to male Wishar rats for 8 weeks. No side effect or toxicity from the administration of EPAEE was observed. Plasma EPA concentration and the ratio of EPA to arachidonic acid were significantly increased, compared with control Wistar rats. An enhancement of PGI₂-like substance production by aortas obtained from rats fed EPAEE was noted. Conversion of EPA to Λ¹⁷-6-keto-PGF_1α, a stable metabolite of PGI₃, could not be detected by an incubation study of ¹⁴C-EPA and aortas either from rats fed EPAEE or from control rats. Therefore, PGI₂-like substance produced by rat aorta is most likely to be PGI₂. itself and not PGI₃.     

Microsomal preparations of normal bovine iris-ciliary body generate prostacyclin-like but not thromboxane-A2-like activity

Indomethacin-treated bovine iris-ciliary body microsomes (IBIM) have been studied for their ability to convert PG endoperoxides into either thromboxance-A₂ (TxA₂)-like or prostacyclin (PGI₂)-like activity. The biological activity of the ocular tissue microsomes were compared with either indomethacin-treated human platelet microsomes (for TxA₂-like activity) or rabbit aorta microsomes (for PGI₂-like activity) under appropriate incubation conditions. No evidence could be found for the formation of TxA₂-like activity from PG endoperoxides by the IBIM. In contrasts, when the IBIM were incubated with PGH₂ for 1 min at 22°C without cofactors, PGI₂-like activity was produced, causing profound relaxation of the isolated dog coronary artery preparation without contracting the rabbit aorta and inhibiting arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation. Equivalent quantities of boiled IBIM failed to aleter the biological activity of PGH₂ under identical conditions. Tranylcypromine (500 μg/ml) completely abolished the appearance of PGI₂-like activity. Furthermore, the PGI₂-like activity found was stable for 10 min at 22°C at pH 8.5 but completely lost under similar conditions at pH 5.5. It is concluded than microsomal preparations of normal bovine iris-ciliary body can synthesize PGI₂-like activity in substantial amounts but not TxA₂-like activity.     

Inhibitory effects of interleukin-6 on release of PGI2 by cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

We evaluated the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) on the production of prostacyclin (PGI₂) by cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMC). Incubation of these cells for up to 48 h with IL-6 led to a dose- and time-dependent decrease in the concentration of PGI₂ in the culture medium. The incubation of HPASMC with 10 μg/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 200 U/ml of IL-1β or 500 U/ml of TNFα for 24 hr significantly increased the concentration of PGI₂ in the medium. However, the addition of IL-6 to a medium containing LPS, IL-1β, or TNFα significantly inhibited the stimulatory effect of those substances on PGI₂ production. Such inhibition was closely related to the concentration of IL-6. IL-6 may counteract the roles of LPS and of other cytokines on the regulation of pulmonary vascular tension in endotoxin- and cytokine-mediated disorders such as sepsis and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).     

TxA2 production by human arteries and veins

Human arterial and venous segments from patients under-going operations when incubated in Tris buffer both alone and with arachidonic acid were able to produce thromboxane B₂ (assessed by radioimmunoassay). Thromoboxane B₂ (TxB₂) production was progressive in time (till 40 min.) and was enhanced by the addition of 1mM norepinephrien. Contamination of tissues by platelet was checked and platelets did not contribute to thromboxane formation. The investigation of the conversions of 1-¹⁴C arachidonic acid by vascular tissue indicated that human vascular tissues produce the metabolites of the cyclooxygenase dependent pathway and that prostacyclin is the main metabolite with a PGI₂/TxA₂ ratio of 4:1. The arterial wall was found to posses an active lipoxygenase dependent pathway. Thromboxane production by intimal cells was neglible and the main source of thromboxane was the media. The production of thromboxane did not change in relation to age, but arterial segments from men produced significantly larger amounts of thromboxane than those from women.     

Enhanced formation of PGI2, a potent hypotensive substance, by aortic rings and homogenates of the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Intact rings and homogenates of aorta from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) contain enhanced capacity over normal rats (NR) to convert arachidonic acid into PGI₂. The PGI₂ synthetic system in SHR is stimulated to a greater extent than NR by norepinephrine. Indomethacin blocks this stimulation. PGE₂ and PGF_2α were detected in much smaller amounts in homogenates (undetected in rings) but their formation was not enhanced by the hypertensive tissue. The identity of PGI₂ was based on 1) direct pharmacological assay on the rat blood pressure. In this system identical vasodepressor responses to PGI₂ are observed after intracarotid and intrajugular administration 2) indirectly as 6-keto PGF_1α isolated after incubation of aortic homogenates with tritiated arachidonic acid and 3) indirectly by GC-MS assay of PGE₂, PGF_2α and 6-keto PGF_1α formed during incubation of aortic homogenates with excess unlabeled arachidonic acid. These results provide additional support to our recent hypothesis that PGI₂, of aortic origin, might actively participate in the regulation of systemic blood pressure. Its enhanced formation by intact hypertensive vascular tissue reflects an increase in the number of enzyme molecules immediately available to the substrate. This could probably be an adaptive response to the elevated levels of catecholamines in the circulation.     

Low prostacyclin synthetase activity of fetal rat aorta. Progressive increase after birth.

Aortae from fetal or 3 weeks old rats produced very small amounts of PGI₂, prostacyclin. This production increased from 4 weeks on, reaching adult values at about ten weeks. This maturation seemed to be predominantly determined by a change in the PGI₂ synthetase system, rather than in arachidonic acid availability, phospholipase or cyclo-oxygenase activity. The anti-oxidant ascorbic acid stimulated prostacyclin production more strongly in adult than in young rat aortae. This finding suggests that the lower production of PGI₂ by young tissues is not due to an enhanced inhibition of prostacyclin synthetase by lipid peroxides.