Enterostatin reduces serum cholesterol levels by way of a CCK(1) receptor-dependent mechanism

Enterostatin (APGPR), an anorectic pentapeptide derived from the amino terminus of procolipase, significantly reduced serum cholesterol levels after oral administration at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 3 days in mice fed a high-cholesterol-cholic acid diet. The hypocholesterolemic effect of APGPR was inhibited by pretreatment with lorglumide, an antagonist for cholecystokinin 1 (CCK(1)) receptor, even though APGPR does not have any affinity for CCK(1) receptors. Similarly, the hypocholesterolemic activity of VPDPR, an APGPR analogue, was blocked by lorglumide. These results suggest that the hypocholesterolemic effects of APGPR and VPDPR are mediated by a CCK(1) receptor-dependent mechanism.     

Enterostatin (APGPR) enhances memory consolidation in mice

Enterostatin (APGPR) is a pentapeptide released from its precursor protein, procolipase. We found for the first time that enterostatin has memory-enhancing activity. Enterostatin enhanced memory consolidation after central or oral administration at a dose of 10 nmol/mouse or 300 mg/kg, respectively, in a step-through type passive avoidance test in mice. The memory-enhancing activity of enterostatin was inhibited by pretreatment with lorglumide, an antagonist for cholecystokinin 1 (CCK1) receptor. However, enterostatin had no affinity for CCK receptors. These results suggest that enterostatin improves memory retention through CCK release.     

Cellular action of cholecystokinin-8S-mediated excitatory effects in the rat periaqueductal gray

The peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) is one of the major neurotransmitters modulating satiety, nociception, and anxiety behavior. Although many behavioral studies showing anti-analgesic and anxiogenic actions of CCK have been reported, less is known about its cellular action in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, we examined the action of CCK in rat dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (PAG) neurons using slice preparations and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Application of CCK-8S produced an inward current accompanied by increased spontaneous synaptic activities. The CCK-8S-induced inward current (I(CCK)) was recovered after washout and reproduced by multiple exposures. Current-voltage plots revealed that I(CCK) reversed near the equilibrium potential for K(+) ions with a decreased membrane conductance. When several K(+) channel blockers were used, application of CdCl(2), TEA, or apamin significantly reduced I(CCK). I(CCK) was also significantly reduced by the CCK(2) receptor antagonist, L-365,260, while it was not affected by the CCK(1) receptor antagonist, L-364,718. Furthermore, we examined the effects of CCK-8S on miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in order to determine the mechanism of CCK-mediated increase on synaptic activities. We found that CCK-8S increased the frequency of mEPSCs, but had no effect on mEPSC amplitude. This presynaptic effect persisted in the presence of CdCl(2) or Ca(2+)-free bath solution, but was completely abolished by pre-treatment with BAPTA-AM, thapsigargin or L-365,260. Taken together, our results indicate that CCK can excite PAG neurons at both pre- and postsynaptic loci via the activation of CCK(2) receptors. These effects may be important for the effects of CCK on behavior and autonomic function that are mediated via PAG neurons.     

Anti-analgesic activity of enterostatin (VPDPR) is mediated by corticosterone

Although enterostatin (VPDPR) inhibited morphine-induced analgesia, it had no affinity for mu-opioid receptors. VPDPR administration was reported to elevate serum corticosterone levels. We found that corticosterone exhibited a similar anti-analgesic effect selective for mu-opioid. Furthermore, the anti-analgesic effect of VPDPR was inhibited by RU486, an antagonist for the glucocorticoid receptor. The anti-analgesic effect of VPDPR was not observed in adrenalectomized mice. These results suggest that the anti-analgesic activity of VPDPR is mediated by corticosterone released from the adrenal cortex.     

CCK1 and CCK2 Receptors Are Expressed on Pancreatic Stellate Cells and Induce Collagen Production

The gastrointestinal hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) can induce acute pancreatitis in rodents through its action on acinar cells. Treatment with CCK, in combination with other agents, represents the most commonly used model to induce experimental chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) are responsible for pancreatic fibrosis and therefore play a predominant role in the genesis of chronic pancreatitis. However, it is not known whether PSC express CCK receptors. Using real time PCR techniques, we demonstrate that CCK1 and CCK2 receptors are expressed on rat PSC. Interestingly both CCK and gastrin significantly induced type I collagen synthesis. Moreover, both inhibit proliferation. These effects are comparable with TGF-β-stimulated PSC. Furthermore, the natural agonists CCK and gastrin induce activation of pro-fibrogenic pathways Akt, ERK, and Src. Using specific CCK1 and CCK2 receptor (CCK2R) inhibitors, we found that Akt activation is mainly mediated by CCK2R. Akt activation by CCK and gastrin could be inhibited by the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. Activation of ERK and the downstream target Elk-1 could be inhibited by the MEK inhibitor U0126. These data suggest that CCK and gastrin have direct activating effects on PSC, are able to induce collagen synthesis in these cells, and therefore appear to be important regulators of pancreatic fibrogenesis. Furthermore, similar to TGF-β, both CCK and gastrin inhibit proliferation in PSC.     

The role of luminal gastrin in the regulation of pancreatic juice secretion in preruminant calves

The effect of luminal gastrin on the secretion of pancreatic juice was studied in seven conscious preruminant calves employing luminal infusions of gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK)-9 and pharmacological CCK1 and CCK2 receptor blocks with antagonists. The study was performed in the preprandial and prandial states. Pharmacological blocking of the CCK2 receptor, like that of the CCK1 receptor, resulted in reduction of pancreatic postprandial secretion and increased the duration of the prandial pattern of duodenal electrical activity. Exogenous luminal gastrin, like luminal CCK-9, enhanced the secretion of pancreatic juice proteins, though the overall effect of gastrin was weaker than that of CCK-9. The effect was inhibited by infusion of CCK2 but also by CCK1 receptor antagonist. In conclusion, duodenal luminal gastrin can stimulate exocrine pancreatic secretion by a mechanism that depends on CCK2 receptors in calves. Involvement of the CCK1 receptor in this mechanism needs further investigation. Prandial pancreatic secretory and duodenal motility cycles can be regulated by endogenous gastrin release.     

Characterization of Receptors for Cholecystokinin and Related Peptides in Mouse Cerebral Cortex

Abstract: The characteristics of cholecystokinin (CCK) binding to its receptors in a particulate membrane fraction of mouse cerebral cortex were studied by employing biologically active radioiodinated CCK prepared by conjugation with ¹²⁵I-Bolton-Hunter (¹²⁵I-BH) reagent. At 24°C binding was rapid, reversible, and linearly related to protein content. Binding was maximal at acidic pH (6.5) and reduced by the presence of monovalent cations. Under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 118 mM-NaC1, 4.7 mM-KCl) Scatchard plots of CCK binding were linear with a K _D value of 1.27 nM and binding capacity of 115 fmol/mg protein. Optimal binding required the presence of both Mg²⁺ and EGTA, and was inhibited by the addition of micromolar concentrations of Cu²⁺ (ID₅₀= 30 μM). The cortical receptor recognized all major forms of CCK, with an order of potency of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK₈) > CCK > cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK₄). Desulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (dCCK₈) had a 10-fold lower affhity than CCK₈. Dibutyryl cyclic GMP, a potent competitive inhibitor of CCK binding to receptors in pancreas, was not a specific inhibitor of CCK binding to brain receptors. These present results support the concept that CCK may function as a regulatory peptide in brain, and that the cortical CCK receptor is different from the receptors mediating the peripheral action of CCK.     

Inhibition of cell proliferation by the cholecystokinin antagonist L-364,718

Specific cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor and gastrin receptor antagonists were used to assess what role, if any, these receptors have in autocrine cell growth. Although the cholecystokinin receptor antagonist, L-364,718, inhibited cell proliferation in a broad spectrum of cell lines, the gastrin antagonist, L-365,260, had no effect on cell proliferation. In addition neither added gastrin17, nor sulfated cholecystokinin8, could reverse the inhibitory action of L-364,718. It is proposed that L-364,718 inhibits cell proliferation independently of classical gastrin/CCK receptors.     

Evidence for a functional role of cholecystokinin receptors in the rat thyroid gland.

The aim of the present study was to examine the role of cholecystokinin (CCK) and/or cholecystokinin receptors subtypes (CCK1R and CCK2R) in the regulation of the thyroid gland structure and function. Animals were autopsied after 6 days of treatment with CCK or CCK receptor-specific antagonists (CCK1a--PD 140,548 or CCK2a--PD 135,158) solely or in combination with CCK. Results suggest that CCK exerts a stimulatory effect on follicular thyroid cells manifested by increased epithelium/colloid volume fraction ratio (E/C). Application of selective antagonists of CCK receptor subtypes has demonstrated that CCK acts through the CCK1 receptor subtype at the level of pituitary TSH. The model of endogenous hormone action reveals that thyroid CCK1 is responsible for the thyroid growth. It can be concluded that the physiological activity of CCK1 receptor plays a significant role in a complex interrelationship between TSH, vagal system and CCK1-dependent function of the thyroid gland.     

Cholecystokinin modulation of apomorphine- or amphetamine-induced stereotypy in rats: opposite effects.

Stereotyped behavior can be induced by the dopamine agonist apomorphine or by the releasing agent amphetamine. Cholecystokinin influence on dopamine-mediated behaviors has been extensively studied but a real controversy remains. Our purpose was to further characterize the dopamine-cholecystokinin interaction in apomorphine- and amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior using sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK8) and cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK4) treatments. The results showed that CCK8 decreases apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior and CCK4 has no effect. CCK4 and CCK8 increased the amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior; CCK4 was more effective. The results confirm the opposite modulation of apomorphine or amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior by CCK. These data suggest that this modulation is mediated by both CCK receptors on apomorphine-induced and only by CCK(2) receptors on amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior.     

Effect of intracellular Ca2+ on insulin-like growth factor II. internalization into pancreatic acini. Roles of insulin and cholecystokinin

Previously, we reported that pancreatic acini have specific receptors for the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) I and II. We now report that the binding of 125I-labeled IGF II to mouse pancreatic acini is maximally increased by 100 nM insulin (51%) and is maximally reduced by 10 nM cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK8) (34%), but is not affected by other regulatory peptides such as somatostatin or glucagon. Since many polypeptide hormones are internalized, we determined whether this regulation of IGF II binding occurred via a change in internalization. Acid washing or trypsinization has been shown to remove surface-bound hormone while the acid- or trypsin-resistant radioactivity represents internalized radioligand. Insulin increased and CCK8 decreased the internalization of IGF II as determined by these techniques. Studies of IGF II binding to acini at low temperature (15 degrees C) and binding to particulate fractions from acini were also consistent with the effect of insulin to increase and CCK8 to decrease the internalization of IGF II. When insulin and CCK8 were added together, the inhibitory effect of CCK8 predominated, indicating that CCK8 acted distal to the effect of insulin. Several lines of evidence suggest that this effect of CCK8 was via the CCK receptor and was mediated via a change in intracellular Ca2+: the effect of CCK8 on inhibiting IGF II binding was blocked by the cholecystokinin antagonist N2,O2'-dibutyryl cGMP; the cholinergic agent carbachol (1-100 microM), which acts through the muscarinic receptor to increase intracellular Ca2+, also inhibited IGF II binding; the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (1-5 microM) mimicked the effects of CCK8 and carbachol. These data indicate, therefore, that CCK8 and possibly insulin may regulate the internalization of IGF II via intracellular Ca2+. Moreover, the data raise the possibility that alterations of hormone internalization may be a general phenomenon of hormone-hormone interaction.     

Necessity of intracellular cyclic AMP in inducing gastric acid secretion via muscarinic M3 and cholecystokinin2 receptors on parietal cells in isolated mouse stomach

The existence of a direct action of acetylcholine and gastrin on muscarinic M3 and cholecystokinin2 (CCK2) receptors on gastric parietal cells has not yet been convincingly established because these stimulated acid secretions are remarkably inhibited by histamine H2 receptor antagonists. In the present study, we investigated the necessity of intracellular cyclic AMP in inducing gastric acid secretion via muscarinic M3 and CCK2 receptors on parietal cells using an isolated mouse stomach preparation. Bethanechol (10-300 microM) produced a marked increase in acid output and this increase was completely blocked by famotidine (10 microM). In the presence of famotidine, bethanechol (1-30 microM) augmented the acid secretory response to dibutyryl AMP (200 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. The augmentation was blocked by atropine (1 microM), 4-DAMP (0.1 microM), a muscarinic M3-selective antagonist, and by Ca2+ exclusion from the serosal nutrient solution. Pentagastrin (0.3-3 microM) also concentration-dependently stimulated gastric acid secretion, but the effect was completely inhibited by famotidine. In the presence of famotidine, pentagastrin (0.1-0.3 microM) elicited a definite potentiation of the acid secretory response to dibutyryl cyclic AMP (200 microM). This potentiation was inhibited by YM022 (1 microM), a CCK2 receptor antagonist, and by exclusion of Ca2+ from the serosal nutrient solution. The present results suggest that gastric acid secretion via the activation of muscarinic M3 and CCK2 receptors on the parietal cells is induced by activation of the cyclic AMP-dependent secretory pathway.     

CCK-induced inhibition of presympathetic vasomotor neurons: dependence on subdiaphragmatic vagal afferents and central NMDA receptors in the rat

Systemic administration of cholecystokinin (CCK) inhibits a subpopulation of rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) presympathetic vasomotor neurons. This study was designed to determine whether this effect involved subdiaphragmatic vagal afferents and/or central N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors. Recordings were made from CCK-sensitive RVLM presympathetic vasomotor neurons in halothane-anesthetized, paralyzed male Sprague-Dawley rats. The responses of the neurons to CCK (2 and 4 microg/kg iv), phenylephrine (PE; 5 microg/kg iv), and phenylbiguanide (PBG; 5 microg/kg iv) were tested before and after application of the local anesthetic lidocaine (2% wt/vol gel; 1 ml) to the subdiaphragmatic vagi at the level of the esophagus. In seven separate experiments, lidocaine markedly reduced the inhibitory effects of CCK on RVLM presympathetic neuronal discharge rate. In other experiments, the effect of systemic administration of dizocilpine (1 mg/kg iv), a noncompetitive antagonist at NMDA receptor ion channels, on the RVLM presympathetic neuronal responses to CCK, PBG, and PE was tested. In all cases (n = 6 neurons in 6 individual rats), dizocilpine inhibited the effects of CCK, PBG, and PE on RVLM presympathetic neuronal discharge. These results suggest that the effects of systemic CCK on the discharge of RVLM presympathetic neurons is mediated via an action on receptors located on subdiaphragmatic vagal afferents. Furthermore, the data suggest that CCK activates a central pathway involving NMDA receptors to produce inhibition of RVLM presympathetic neuronal discharge.     

Differential sensitivity of types 1 and 2 cholecystokinin receptors to membrane cholesterol

Recent studies indicate that membrane cholesterol can associate with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and affect their function. Previously, we reported that manipulation of membrane cholesterol affects ligand binding and signal transduction of the type 1 cholecystokinin receptor (CCK1R), a Class A GPCR. We now demonstrate that the closely related type 2 cholecystokinin receptor (CCK2R) does not share this cholesterol sensitivity. The sequences of both receptors reveal almost identical cholesterol interaction motifs in analogous locations in transmembrane segments two, three, four, and five. The disparity in cholesterol sensitivity between these receptors, despite their close structural relationship, provides a unique opportunity to define the possible structural basis of cholesterol sensitivity of CCK1R. To evaluate the relative contributions of different regions of CCK1R to cholesterol sensitivity, we performed ligand binding studies and biological activity assays of wild-type and CCK2R/CCK1R chimeric receptor-bearing Chinese hamster ovary cells after manipulation of membrane cholesterol. We also extended these studies to site-directed mutations within the cholesterol interaction motifs. The results contribute to a better understanding of the structural requirements for cholesterol sensitivity in CCK1R and provides insight into the function of other cholesterol-sensitive Class A GPCRs.     

Lack of interaction between NMDA and cholecystokinin-2 receptor-mediated neurotransmission in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray in the regulation of rat defensive behaviors

Several neurotransmitters, including GABA, serotonin, glutamate, and cholecystokinin, modulate defensive behaviors in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG). Although both glutamate and cholecystokinin have been shown to facilitate these behaviors, a possible interaction between them remains to be examined. The present study investigates whether activation or antagonism of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) glutamate and cholecystokinin 2 (CCK(2)) receptors located in the dlPAG would interact in animals tested in the elevated T-maze. The effect of the NMDA (50 pmol) was evaluated in rats pretreated with the CCK(2) receptor antagonist LY225910 (0.05 nmol). In addition, the effect of the CCK(2) receptor agonist CCK-4 (0.08 nmol) was evaluated in rats pretreated with the NMDA receptor antagonist AP-7 (1.0 nmol). Intra-dlPAG injection of NMDA increased risk assessment and inhibitory avoidance behaviors. This NMDA anxiogenic-like effect was unaltered by the pretreatment with LY225910. Similarly, the shortening of escape latencies induced by CCK-4 was unaffected by AP-7. No drug changed the general exploratory activity as assessed in the open-field. These results, showing that the activation of dlPAG NMDA or CCK(2) receptors facilitate anxiety- and fear-related behaviors, further implicate glutamate and cholecystokinin-mediated neurotransmission in this midbrain area on modulation of defensive behaviors. However, the regulatory action of these two excitatory neurotransmitters seems to be exerted through independent mechanisms.     

Cholecystokinin Modulates the Release of Dopamine from the Anterior and Posterior Nucleus Accumbens by Two Different Mechanisms

The effects of various cholecystokinin (CCK)-related peptides were investigated on 35 mM K(+)-stimulated endogenous dopamine release from slices of either anterior or posterior nucleus accumbens of the rat. CCK sulphated octapeptide (1-10 microM), but not pentagastrin or CCK unsulphated octapeptide, was found to cause a dose-dependent increase in the release from the posterior nucleus accumbens. This effect was blocked by low doses of the CCKA receptor antagonist L364,718 (10 nM) but not the CCKB receptor antagonist L365,260. In the anterior nucleus accumbens CCK sulphated octapeptide (1 microM) and CCK unsulphated octapeptide (0.1-1 microM) inhibited the dopamine release, and this effect was blocked by L365,260 (10-100 nM) but not by L364,718. These results suggest that CCK has a different effect on dopamine release from the anterior and posterior nucleus accumbens and that these effects are mediated by two different types of CCK receptor.     

Characterization of cholecystokinin receptors on guinea pig gastric chief cell membranes

The binding of cholecystokinin (CCK) to its receptors on guinea pig gastric chief cell membranes were characterized by the use of 125I-CCK-octapeptide (CCK8). At 30 degrees C optimal binding was obtained at acidic pH in the presence of Mg2+, while Na+ reduced the binding. In contrast to reports on pancreatic and brain CCK receptors, scatchard analysis of CCK binding to chief cell membranes revealed two classes of binding sites. Whereas, in the presence of a non-hydrolyzable GTP analog, GTP gamma S, only a low affinity site of CCK binding was observed. Chief cell receptors recognized CCK analogs, with an order of potency of: CCK8 greater than gastrin-I greater than CCK4. Although all CCK receptor antagonists tested (dibutyryl cyclic GMP, L-364718 and CR1409) inhibited labeled CCK binding to chief cell membranes, the relative potencies of these antagonists in terms of inhibiting labeled CCK binding were different from those observed in either pancreatic membranes or brain membranes. The results indicate, therefore, that on gastric chief cell membranes there exist specific CCK receptors, which are coupled to G protein. Furthermore, chief cell CCK receptors may be distinct from pancreatic or brain type CCK receptors.     

Direct modulation of epidermal growth factor binding by cholecystokinin

The effects of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK8), the biologically active C-terminal moiety of cholecystokinin (CCK), on the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) were studied in isolated rat pancreatic acini. CCK8 inhibited 125I-EGF binding in a dose-dependent manner. One-half maximal inhibition occurred at 5 X 10(-10)M, and maximal inhibition at 10(-8)M CCK8. This inhibitory effect was detectable within 5 minutes of addition of CCK8, and was not associated with enhanced degradation of 125I-EGF in incubation media. Unlabeled EGF exerted only a slightly greater inhibitory effect than CCK8 on 125I-EGF binding at equivalent molar concentrations. In contrast to CCK8, the gastrointestinal hormone vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) did not significantly alter EGF binding. CCK8 also inhibited EGF binding in mouse pancreatic acini, but did not alter binding in A-431 human carcinoma cells. These findings suggest that physiological levels of CCK may regulate EGF binding in the pancreas and other tissues with receptors for both hormones. They thus point to a previously unrecognized mechanism for hormonal interaction.     

Cytoplasmic Ca+ signals evoked by activation of cholecystokinin receptors: Ca2+-Dependent current recording in internally perfused pancreatic acinar cells

Summary The effects on the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration of activating cholecystokinin receptors on single mouse pancreatic acinar cells have been investigated using patch-clamp whole-cell recording of Ca²⁺-dependent Cl^– current. We used the nonsulphated octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK8-NS) since the effects of even high concentrations were rapidly reversible which was not the case for the sulphated octapeptide. A submaximal concentration of CCK8-NS (10nm) evoked a current response consisting of short-lasting (a few seconds) spikes, and some of these spikes were seen to trigger larger and longer (about half a minute) current pulses. At a higher concentration (100nm) CCK8-NS evoked smooth and sustained responses. The effect of CCK8-NS was almost abolished when the internal perfusion solution contained a high concentration of the Ca²⁺ chelator EGTA (5mm). The responses evoked by CCK8-NS were independent of the presence of Ca²⁺ in the external solution at least for the first 5 min of stimulation. Internal perfusion with GTP--S markedly potentiated the effect of CCK8-NS or at a higher concentration itself induced responses very similar to those normally evoked by CCK8-NS. Caffeine added to the external solution at a low concentration (0.2–1mm) enhanced weak CCK8-NS responses, whereas high caffeine concentrations always inhibited the CCK8-NS-evoked responses. These inhibitory caffeine effects were quickly reversible. Forskolin evoked a similar inhibitory effect. Intracellular heparin (200 g/ml) infusion markedly inhibited the response to CCK8-NS stimulation. We conclude that the primary effect of activating CCK receptors is to induced inositoltrisphosphate (IP₃) production. IP₃ evokes a small and steady Ca²⁺ release, and this in turn evokes pulsatile release of a larger magnitude from a caffeine-sensitive Ca²⁺ pool. The action of CCK is thus very similar to that previously established for muscarinic receptor activation in the same cells. Nevertheless, the pattern of the cytosolic Ca²⁺ fluctuations are different, and the basic process of Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release and Ca²⁺ signal spreading must therefore be modulated by a messenger yet unknown.     

Design of non-peptide agonists and antagonists at neuropeptide receptors starting from the chemical structure of neuropeptides

Non-peptide small-molecule antagonists for cholecystokinin (CCK)-A and -B receptors, tachykinin NK-1, NK-2 and NK-3 receptors and bombesin BB-1 receptors have been designed and synthesized starting from the chemical structure of the endogenous mammalian neuropeptides cholecystokinin, substance-P and bombesin, respectively. A non-peptide CCK-A agonist, with weak potency but high efficacy, was also identified from the same strategy.