Studies on the mechanism of inhibition of amphibian oocyte adenylate cyclase by progesterone

Progesterone treatment induces the meiotic maturation of Xenopus laevis oocytes. Previous evidence indicates that this hormonal effect may be due to inhibition of oocyte adenylate cyclase. The present work studies several aspects of the mechanism of adenylate cyclase inhibition by this hormone. Forskolin greatly stimulates oocyte adenylate cyclase in the absence of guanine nucleotides and this activity is not sensitive to progesterone inhibition. In addition the forskolin-activated enzyme is not inhibited by a wide range of guanine nucleotide, in the presence or absence of hormone. The time course of cAMP synthesis catalyzed by oocyte adenylate cyclase in the presence of guanyl-5′_l-imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) shows an initial lag period that does not depend on the concentration of Gpp(NH)p. Progesterone causes a very significant increase in the hysteresis of the reaction, at least doubling the half-time of enzyme activation. The hormonal effect on the lag cannot be reversed by saturating concentrations of Gpp(NH)p. Progesterone also decreases the steady-state rates of the reaction. This effect, however, depends on the concentration of Gpp(NH)p. High concentrations of Gpp(NH)p almost completely reverse the inhibition of the steady-state rates. Progesterone does not inhibit if it is added to the reaction after the initial lag period. Guanosine-5′-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP-β-S) is an efficient competitive inhibitor of Gpp(NH)p activation of adenylate cyclase. Progesterone inhibition is observed at all concentrations of GDP-β-S and is potentiated at high ratios of GDP-β-S to Gpp(NH)p. These data indicate that progesterone inhibits by interfering with the activation of the N_s subunit of the enzyme by guanine nucleotides, rather than through a mechanism involving a separate N_i subunit.     

Forskolin inhibits the Gs-stimulated adenylate cyclase in rat ascites hepatoma AH66F cells

Forskolin increased intracellular cyclic AMP and augmented cyclic AMP formation by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in normal rat hepatocytes and ascites hepatoma AH66 cells. However, in AH66F cells which were derived from the AH66 cell line, the diterpene only slightly increased the cyclic AMP level, and dose-dependently inhibited the accumulation caused by PGE1. Forskolin dose-dependently activated adenylate cyclase in these membranes, and the magnitude of activation by forskolin was largest in the following order: hepatocytes, AH66 cells, and AH66F cells. This difference may be based on the number of forskolin-binding sites. The binding affinity of forskolin for each cell membrane was similar. The number and affinity of forskolin-binding sites in these cells were not influenced by 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p]. In hepatocytes and AH66 cells, forskolin and other adenylate cyclase activators such as PGE1, GTP, Gpp(NH)p, F-, and Mn2+ synergistically increased the enzyme activity. In AH66F cells, the forskolin-stimulated activity was hardly influenced by the GTP analog, and forskolin diminished the activities induced by the GTP analog in a manner similar to that of diterpene alone. Forskolin (10 microM) also significantly inhibited the activities induced by PGE1, GTP, and F-. The effect of forskolin with Mn2+ was additive in AH66F cells. The data suggest that forskolin promotes the interaction between the stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein and the catalytic unit in the membrane of normal hepatocytes and AH66 cells, but it interferes with the coupling in AH66F cells.     

Activation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin in rat brain and testis

Detergent-dispersed adenylate cyclase from rat cerebrum was detected in two components, one sensitive to Ca2+ and calmodulin and another sensitive to fluoride or guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p). The enzyme activity of both components was markedly augmented by forskolin assayed in the presence or absence of other enzyme activators (e.g., NaF, Gpp(NH)p, calmodulin). The catalytic subunit fraction in which G/F protein was totally lacking was also activated by forskolin. During 1-35 days of postnatal development, the basal adenylate cyclase activities in either cerebrum and cerebellum particulate preparations progressively increased. While the fluoride sensitivity of the cerebrum and cerebellum enzyme increased during postnatal development, the responsiveness to forskolin remained unaltered. There was no enhancement of soluble adenylate cyclase (from rat testis) by forskolin under the assay conditions in which there was a marked stimulatory action on the particulate enzyme. The results seen with the solubilized enzyme, with either Lubrol PX or cholate, indicate that the effects of forskolin on the cyclase do not require either G/F protein or calmodulin and the results of our study of brain enzymes support this view. Data on soluble testis cyclase (a poor or absent response to forskolin by this enzyme) imply that it lacks a protein (other than the catalytic unit) which could confer greater stimulation. The present results do not rule out an alternative explanation that forskolin stimulates adenylate cyclase by a direct interaction with the catalytic subunit, if the catalytic proteins do differ widely in various species of cells and their response to this diterpene.     

Effects of forskolin on adenylate cyclase,cyclic AMP,protein kinase and intermediary metabolism of the thyroid gland

Forskolin (40 μM) stimulated adenylate cyclase activities of bovine thyroid plasma membranes without pthe addition of guanine nucleotides. GDP had little effect on the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity while Gpp[NH]p (0.1–1.0 μM) decreased it. In the presence of TSH (10 mU/0.11), Gpp[NH]p no longer caused inhibition. Forskolin did not affect phosphodiesterase activities of thyroid homogenates. Forskolin (10 μM) rapidly increased cAMP levels in bovine thyroid slices both in the absence and presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. The effect of TSH (50 mU/ml) on cAMP levels was additive or greater than additive to that of forskolin. An initial 2-h incubation of slices with forskolin did not decrease their subsequent cAMP responses to either forskolin and/or TSH while similar treatment of slices with TSH induced desensitization of the cAMP response to TSH, but not to forskolin. Forskolin (10 μM) as well as TSH (50 mU/ml) activated cAMP-dependent protein kinase of slices in the absence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Although forskolin activated the adenylate cyclase cAMP system, it did not stimulate iodide organification or glucose oxidation, effects which have been attributed to cAMP. In fact, forskolin inhibited these parameters and ³²P incorporation into phospholipids as well as their stimulation by TSH. These results indicate that an increase in cAMP levels and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in thyroid slices may not necessarily reproduce the effects of TSH on the thyroid.     

Characterization of [3H]forskolin binding sites in the iris-ciliary body of the albino rabbit

[3H]Forskolin binding sites were identified using membranes prepared from the iris-ciliary body of adult, albino rabbits. Scatchard analysis of saturation binding experiments demonstrated that [3H]forskolin bound to a single population of high affinity sites. The Kd and Bmax values were 8.7 +/- 0.9 nM and 119.0 +/- 30.9 fmol/mg prot. using membranes prepared from frozen tissue and 17.0 +/- 6.2 nM and 184.4 +/- 47.2 fmol/mg prot. using fresh tissue. The binding of [3H]forskolin was magnesium-dependent. The Bmax was enhanced by sodium fluoride and Gpp(NH)p, a nonhydrolyzable guanine nucleotide analog. Forskolin was the most potent inhibitor of [3H]forskolin binding; two commercially-available analogs were weaker inhibitors. In an adenylate cyclase assay, there was the same rank order of potency to enhance enzyme activity. Based upon binding affinities, magnesium-dependence, sensitivity to sodium fluoride and Gpp(NH)p, rank order of potencies of analogs and correlation of binding with adenylate cyclase activity, these studies suggest that the [3H]forskolin binding site in the iris-ciliary body is similar to the binding site in other tissues.     

Activation of adenylate cyclase by the diterpene forskolin does not require the guanine nucleotide regulatory protein

Forskolin, a novel diterpene activator of adenylate cyclase in membranes and intact cells, activates the enzyme in membranes from mutant cyc-S49 murine lymphoma cells and the soluble enzyme from rat testes. Each of these enzymes consists only of the catalytic subunit and does not have a functional guanine nucleotide-binding protein. In both cases forskolin converts the manganese-dependent enzymes to a form which does not require manganese for activity. Forskolin can also stimulate a detergent-solubilized preparation of adenylate cyclase from rat cerebral cortex. Activation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin is therefore not dependent on a perturbation of membrane structure nor does it require a functional guanine nucleotide-binding subunit.     

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.     

Binding of [3H]forskolin to human platelet membranes. Regulation by guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate, NaF, and prostaglandins E1 and D2

[3H]Forskolin binds to human platelet membranes in the presence of 5 mM MgCl2 with a Bmax of 125 fmol/mg of protein and a Kd of 20 nM. The Bmax for [3H]forskolin binding is increased to 455 and 425 fmol/mg of protein in the presence of 100 microM guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) and 10 mM NaF, respectively. The increase in the Bmax for [3H]forskolin in the presence of Gpp(NH)p or NaF is not observed in the absence of MgCl2. The EC50 values for the increase in the number of binding sites for [3H]forskolin by Gpp(NH)p and NaF are 600 nM and 4 mM, respectively. The EC50 value for Gpp(NH)p to increase the number of [3H]forskolin binding sites is reduced to 35 mM and 150 nM in the presence of 50 microM PGE1 or PGD2, respectively. The increase in the number of [3H]forskolin binding sites observed in the presence of NaF is unaffected by prostaglandins. The binding of [3H]forskolin to membranes that are preincubated with Gpp(NH)p for 120 min or assayed in the presence of PGE1 reaches equilibrium within 15 min. In contrast, a slow linear increase in [3H]forskolin binding is observed over a period of 60 min when Gpp(NH)p and [3H]forskolin are added simultaneously to membranes. A slow linear increase in adenylate cyclase activity is also observed as a result of preincubating membranes with Gpp(NH)p. In human platelet membranes, agents that activate adenylate cyclase via the guanine nucleotide stimulatory protein (Ns) increase the number of binding sites for [3H]forskolin in a magnesium-dependent manner. This is consistent with the high affinity binding sites for [3H]forskolin being associated with the formation of an activated complex of the Ns protein and adenylate cyclase. This state of the adenylate cyclase may be representative of that formed by a synergistic combination of hormones and forskolin.     

Evidence that forskolin activates turkey erythrocyte adenylate cyclase through a noncatalytic site

The diterpene forskolin has been reported to activate adenylate cyclase in a manner consistent with an interaction at the catalytic unit. However, some of its actions are more consistent with an interaction at the coupling unit that links the hormone receptor to the adenylate cyclase activity. This report adds support to the latter possibility. Under conditions that lead to stimulation of adenylate cyclase in turkey erythrocyte membranes by GTP, forskolin also becomes more active. Additional evidence to support an influence of forskolin upon adenylate cyclase via the GTP-coupling protein N includes the following: (i) forskolin, at submaximal concentrations, leads to enhanced sensitivity and responsiveness of isoproterenol-dependent adenylate cyclase activity in turkey erythrocyte membranes; (ii) under specified conditions, the nucleotide GDP, an inhibitor of the stimulating nucleotide GTP and its analog, guanyl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p), also markedly inhibits the action of forskolin; (iii) both Gpp(NH)p and forskolin are associated with a decrease in agonist affinity for the beta-adrenergic receptor. However, actions of forskolin in the turkey erythrocyte are not identical to those of GTP: (i) forskolin is never as potent as Gpp(NH)p in activating adenylate cyclase; (ii) the magnitude of synergism between isoproterenol and forskolin is not equal to that observed with isoproterenol and Gpp(NH)p; (iii) at high concentrations, forskolin inhibits antagonist binding to the beta-receptor. Forskolin appears to have several sites of action in the turkey erythrocyte membrane, including an influence upon the adenylate cyclase regulatory protein N.     

Forskolin-resistant Y1 mutants harbor defects associated with the guanyl nucleotide-binding regulatory protein, Gs

The properties of the adenylate cyclase from forskolin-resistant mutants of Y1 adrenocortical tumor cells was compared with the properties of the enzyme from parental Y1 cells in order to localize the site of mutation. In parental Y1 cells, forskolin stimulated adenylate cyclase activity with kinetics suggestive of an interaction at two sites; in mutant cells, forskolin resistance was characterized by a decrease in enzymatic activity at both sites. Forskolin potentiated the enzyme's responses to NaF and guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) in parent and mutant clones, and the mutant enzyme showed the same requirements for Mg2+ and Mn2+ as did the parent enzyme. The adenylate cyclase associated with forskolin-resistant mutants was insensitive to ACTH and was less responsive to Gpp(NH)p than was the parent enzyme. In parental Y1 cells and in the forskolin-resistant mutants, cholera toxin catalyzed the transfer of [32P]ADP-ribose from [32P]NAD+ into three membrane proteins associated with the alpha subunit of Gs; however, the amount of labeled ADP-ribose incorporated into mutant membranes was reduced by as much as 70%. Both parent and mutant membranes were labeled by pertussis toxin to the same extent. The insensitivity of the mutant adenylate cyclase to ACTH and Gpp(NH)p and the selective resistance of the mutant membranes to cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation suggest that a specific defect associated with Gs is involved in the mutation to forskolin resistance in Y1 cells.     

Differential effect of N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) on [3H]SCH23390 and [3H]forskolin binding in rat striatum

The binding of [3H]forskolin to a homogeneous population of binding sites in rat striatum was enhanced by NaF, guanine nucleotides and MgCl2. These effects of NaF and guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) were synergistic with MgCl2, but NaF and Gpp(NH)p together elicited no greater enhancement of [3H]forskolin binding. These data suggest that [3H]forskolin may label a site which is modulated by the guanine nucleotide regulatory subunit which mediates the stimulation of adenylate cyclase (NS). The D1 dopamine receptor is known to stimulate adenylate cyclase via NS. In rat striatum, the Bmax of [3H]forskolin binding sites in the presence of MgCl2 and NaF was approximately two fold greater than the Bmax of [3H]SCH23390-labeled D1 dopamine receptors. Incubation of striatal homogenates with the protein modifying reagent EEDQ elicited a concentration-dependent decrease in the binding of both [3H]SCH23390 and [3H]forskolin, although EEDQ was approximately 14 fold more potent at inactivating the D1 dopamine receptor. Following in vivo administration of EEDQ there was no significant effect on [3H]forskolin binding sites using a dose of EEDQ that irreversibly inactivated greater than 90% of D1 dopamine receptors. These data suggest that EEDQ is a suitable tool for investigating changes in the stoichiometry of receptors and their second messenger systems.     

The regulation of adenylate cyclase activity in turkey erythrocyte membranes by forskolin

The mechanisms by which forskolin stimulates adenylate cyclase activity in turkey erythrocyte membranes and is influenced by manganese and Gpp(NH)p were studied. Forskolin-dependent adenylate cyclase activity in particulate turkey erythrocyte membranes is enhanced following preincubation of membranes with isoproterenol and GMP (cleared membranes). In contrast, solubilization of turkey erythrocyte membranes, previously cleared, renders them relatively refractory to forskolin but not to Gpp(NH)p. Whereas adenylate cyclase activity due to the simultaneous presence of forskolin and Mn2+ in particulate turkey erythrocyte membranes is additive, their copresence becomes synergistic after solubilization. The apparent Kact for forskolin activation of adenylate cyclase is not influenced by clearance or by the presence of Mn2+ in particulate turkey erythrocyte membranes. Following solubilization, the Vmax for forskolin-dependent adenylate cyclase activation determined in the presence of Mn2+ is also independent of clearance. Forskolin activation of turkey erythrocyte adenylate cyclase appears to be influenced at sites in addition to the catalytic unit.     

Mechanism of action of forskolin on adenylate cyclase: effect on bovine sperm complemented with erythrocyte membranes

The mechanism of action of forskolin stimulation of adenylate cyclase was investigated by examining its effects on the enzyme's Mg2+ activated catalytic unit (C) from bovine sperm, both preceding and following complementation with human erythrocyte membranes as a source of guanine nucleotide regulatory protein (N). Prior to complementation, sperm C was not activated by either NaF (10 mM) or 5'-guanylyl-beta-gamma-imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p, 10 microM), suggesting that functional N was not present in this preparation. Forskolin (100 microM) was also without effect on C. Following complementation of the sperm membranes with those of erythrocytes, Mg2+-dependent sensitivity to forskolin, NaF, and Gpp(NH)p was imparted to C. Our findings are incompatible with the current hypothesis that forskolin stimulates adenylate cyclase by direct activation of C. Rather, the data suggest that the activation process occurs through an effect on N or by augmentation of the interaction between the components of the adenylate cyclase complex.     

Lymphocyte adenylate cyclase and human aging

Adenylate cyclase activity was determined by enzymatic conversion of [32P]ATP to [32P]cAMP using peripheral lymphocytes freshly isolated from human subjects. The lymphocyte enzyme was stimulated by the potent beta-adrenergic catecholamine agonist isoproterenol and by the nonhydrolyzable GTP-analog Gpp[NH]p. The two activators had a synergistic effect, and agonist-dependent enzyme activity followed simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics with respect to isoproterenol in the presence but not in the absence of Gpp[NH]p. Cyclic AMP production by intact lymphocytes, determined by protein binding assay, also followed simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics with respect to isoproterenol. Kact of isoproterenol was the same in intact cells and the broken cell assay in the presence of Gpp[NH]p, suggesting the indispensable role the GTP-binding coupling factors play in the intact lymphocyte. In 31 human subjects between the age of 21 and 103, adenylate cyclase activity in the presence of isoproterenol, Gpp[NH]p, or isoproterenol in the presence of Gpp[NH]p decreased with the increasing age of the subject. The sensitivity of the enzyme to stimulation by isoproterenol, defined as the Kact and determined in the presence of Gpp[NH]p, was the same in lymphocytes from young (less than 45 years) or elderly (greater than 75 years) subjects. These results suggest a deficiency in the lymphocyte adenylate cyclase system distal to the beta-adrenergic catecholamine receptor could account for deterioration of cAMP-mediated components of the immune response which occur with age.     

Late ontogenetic development of adenosine A1 receptor coupling to associated G-proteins in guinea pig cerebellum but not forebrain

The ontogenetic profile of [³H]forskolin and [³H]cyclohexyladenosine ([³H]CHA) binding sites in guinea pig forebrain and cerebellum was investigated. G-protein interactions of these binding sites were also examined by analyzing 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) interactions with [³H]CHA and [³H]forskolin binding. In forebrain, similar binding characteristics of [³H]CHA and [³H]forskolin binding are observed between the developmental stages E₃₆ (the earliest time point studied) through to adult (P₂₈, the latest time point studied), although transient increased binding of both ligands is observed just prior to birth. Scatchard analysis of binding isotherms reveal that this transient rise just prior to birth is due to an increase in the number of binding sites (B_max) with little or no change in receptor affinity (K_d) In contrast, in cerebellum both [³H]CHA and [³H]forskolin binding remains at a relatively low level until just prior to birth when a dramatic increase of binding of both ligands is observed which continues to increase up to P₂₈. Scatchard analysis of binding isotherms reveal that such changes in binding of both ligands are largely due to increases in B_max and not K_d, although Scatchard analysis of [³H]CHA binding to cerebellar E₅₁ membranes reveals an absence of higher affinity [³H]CHA binding sites. Gpp(NH)p did not affect [³H]forskolin binding. Gpp (NH)_p displacement profiles of [³H]CHA binding reveal a maximum (adult) inhibition of [³H]CHA binding (approximately 80% displacement) at all time points (E₃₆ through P₂₈) in forebrain membranes, but not in cerebellar membranes. In cerebellum, displacement of [³H]CHA binding by Gpp(NH)p is much greater after birth than before birth. These results suggest that in cerebellum, but not in forebrain, postnatal coupling of adenosine A₁ receptors to associated G-proteins is much more extensive than in the pre-natal period. The extent of this inferred coupling may also coincide with the ontogenetic appearance or presence of [³H]forskolin binding sites.Abbreviations [³H]CHA N⁶-Cyclohexyl-[³H]-Adenosine - Gpp(NH)p–5 Guanylylimidodiphosphate     

MgCl2-sensitive and Gpp(NH)p-sensitive antagonist binding states of rat heart muscarinic receptors: preferential detection at ambient temperature assay and location in two subcellular fractions

Summary Some novel observations dealing with antagonist binding to cardiac particulate muscarinic receptors are described. Gpp(NH)p increased (2–3 fold) the specific binding of [³H]-QNB or [³H]-NMS, both potent muscarinic antagonists, to washed particles (WP), but not microsomes (MIC), when the binding was conducted at 30°C. Magnesium, on the other hand, increased (2–3 fold) the binding of these antagonists to MIC, but not to WP, under the same condition. The treatment of subcellular fractions with 0.2 mM N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a sulfhydryl reagent, failed to significantly modify the respective stimulatory actions of either Gpp(NH)p on WP binding or of magnesium on MIC binding of these antagonists; treatment with dithiothreitol (1 mM) was also ineffective in this regard. Gpp(NH)p decreased K_d (WP) while magnesium increased K_d (MIC) for [³H]-QNB. Repeated freezing/thawing of isolated subcellular fractions abolished the stimulatory effect of magnesium on onist binding to MIC but not of Gpp(NH)p on WP antagonist binding; the freeze/thaw procedure per se increased MIC binding but not WP binding of these antagonists. When the binding was conducted at 4°C (24 hr), the stimulatory effect of Gpp(NH)p on [³H]-QNB binding was enhanced (6-fold) in the case of WP and was detectable (80%) in the case of MIC. Under this condition, the stimulatory effect of magnesium on [³H]-QNB binding was also enhanced (5-fold) in the case of MIC and became evident (200%) in the case of WP. The results of this work support the following views: (a) antagonist-occupied cardiac muscarinic receptors are capable of interaction with guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G protein like G₁,G_o) and such interaction influences antagonist binding properties (e.g. increased affinity) of the cardiac membrane-associated muscarinic receptors (b) magnesium influences (decreased affinity) antagonist binding properties by interacting with multiple sites of which some are likely associated with components other than G proteins of the particulate fractions (c) a pool of NEM-sensitive sulfhydryls involved in the regulation of Gpp(NH)p-sensitive agonist binding to cardiac muscarinic receptors is not involved in the regulation by either Gpp(NH)p or magnesium of antagonist binding in these subcellular fractions and (d) membrane fluidity and microenvironment surrounding the receptor and G proteins contribute to the actions of Gpp(NH)p and magnesium on antagonist binding.     

Forskolin-activated adenylate cyclase. Inhibition by guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate

Forskolin activated adenylate cyclase of purified rat adipocyte membranes in the absence of exogenous guanine nucleotides. Guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) inhibited the forskolin-activated cyclase immediately upon addition of the nucleotide at concentrations too low to activate adenylate cyclase (10(-9) to 10(-7) M). Inhibition seen with a very high concentration of Gpp(NH)p (10(-4) M) lasted for 3-4 min and was followed by an increase in the synthetic rate which remained constant for at least 15 min. The length of the transient inhibition did not vary with forskolin concentrations above 0.05 microM but low Gpp(NH)p (10(-8) M) exhibited a lengthened (6-7 min) inhibitory phase. The transient inhibitory effects of Gpp(NH)p were eliminated by 10(-7) M isoproterenol, high (40 mM) Mg2+, or preincubation with Gpp(NH)p in the absence of forskolin. While forskolin stimulated fat cell cyclase in the presence of Mn2+, this ion blocked the inhibitory effects of Gpp(NH)p. The well documented inhibitory effects of GTP on the fat cell adenylate cyclase system were also observed in the presence of forskolin. However, the inhibition by GTP is not transitory. These findings indicate that Gpp(NH)p regulation of forskolin-stimulated cyclase has at least two components: 1) an inhibitory component which acts through an undetermined mechanism and which acts immediately to decrease cyclase activity; and 2) an activating component which modulates the inhibited cyclase activity through the guanine nucleotide regulatory protein.     

Inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cardiac adenylate cyclase activity by short-chain alcohols

The diterpene forskolin stimulated rat cardiac adenylate cyclase activity at least 20-fold and potentiated the effect of NaF. The stimulatory effect of forskolin was reduced in the presence of Gpp(NH)p. Ethanol markedly reduced the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin while potentiating NaF and Gpp(NH)p stimulation. The inhibitory effect of ethanol on forskolin stimulation appeared to be of a mixed type with both a competitive and a non-competitive component. Three other short-chain linear alcohols (methanol, propanol, butanol) also inhibited forskolin-stimulation, this effect being proportional to the number of carbon atoms.     

Regulation by forskolin of octopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase from brain of the dipterous Ceratitis capitata

Forskolin, a diterpene that exerts several pharmacological effects, activates adenylate cyclase in brain and in some other mammalian tissues. Properties of forskolin activation of adenylate cyclase from central nervous system of the dipterous Ceratitis capitata are described. The interaction of forskolin with the insect adenylate cyclase system was studied by evaluating its effect on metal-ATP kinetics, protection against thermal inactivation, membrane fluidity and enzyme modulation by fluoride, guanine nucleotides, octopamine, and ADP-ribosylation by cholera toxin. The diterpene stimulated basal enzyme activity both in membranes and Triton X-100-solubilized preparations, apparently devoid of functional regulatory unit, this effect being rapidly reversed by washing the membranes. An increase of Vmax accounts for the activation of soluble and membrane adenylate cyclase preparations by forskolin, whereas the affinity of the enzyme for the substrate was not affected. Forskolin apparently protects the membrane enzyme from thermal inactivation, and at concentrations that promote the enzyme activity the diterpene does not alter membrane microviscosity. Forskolin does not appear to alter the sensitivity of insect adenylate cyclase to sodium fluoride, guanine nucleotide, or regulatory subunit ADP ribosylated by cholera toxin, the combined effect of these factors with the diterpene resulting in a nearly additive enzymatic activation. However, forskolin blocks the octopamine stimulatory input. Results obtained with the insect adenylate cyclase system are discussed and compared to what is known about mammalian systems to propose a mechanism of enzyme activation by forskolin.     

Roles of GTP and GDP in the regulation of the thyroid adenylate cyclase system

Effects of guanine nucleotides on the adenylate cyclase activity of thyroid plasma membranes were investigated by monitoring metabolism of the radiolabeled nucleotides by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). When ATP was used as substrate with a nucleotide-regeneratign system, TSH stimulated the adenylate cyclase activity in the absence of exogenous guanine nucleotide. Addition of GTP and GDP equally enhanced the TSH stimulation. Effects of GTP and GDP were indistinguishable in regard to their inhibitory effects on NaF-stimulated activities. The results from TLC suggested that GDP could be converted to GTP by a nucleotide-regenerating system. Even in the absence of nucleotide-regenerating system, addition of GDP to the adenylate cyclase assay mixture int he parallel decrease in ATP levels and formation of GTP indicating that thyroid plasma membrane preparatiosn possessed a transphosphorylating activity. When an ATP analog, App[NH]p, was used as substrate without a nucleotide-regenerating system, no conversion of GDP to GTP was observed. Under such conditions, TSH did not stimulate the adenylate cyclase activity unless exogenous GTP or Gpp[NH]p was added. GDP no longer supported TSH stimulation and caused a slight decrease in the activity. GDP was less inhibitory than Gpp(NH)p to the NaF-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. These results suggest: (1) TSH stimulation of thyroid adenylate cyclase is absolutely dependent on the regulatory nucleotides. (2) In contrst to GTP, GDP cannot support the coupling of the receptor-TSH complex to the catalytic componenet of adenylate cyclase. (3) The nucleotide regulatory site is more inhibitory to the stimulation of the enzyme by NaF when occupied by Gpp[NH]p than GDP.