Regulating and disturbing effects of alpha-tocopherol on lipid bilayers

Using the high resolution 1H-NMR spectroscopy and spin-probes the influence of alpha-tocopherol on lipid bilayer microviscosity has been studied. It has been established that alpha-tocopherol shows the cholesterol-like action on the physical state of lipid bilayer: alpha-tocopherol increase microviscosity of unsaturated bilayers and decrease microviscosity of saturated bilayers. The character of alpha-tocopherol action is determined by the fatty acidic lipid composition but does not depend on the polar group structure of phospholipid molecule as cholesterol-like action of alpha-tocopherol is found itself in liposomes prepared both from phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Analog of alpha-tocopherol without phytol chain 2,2,5,7,8-penthamethyl-6-oxychroman does not show the cholesterol-like action as it is not able to disorder the saturated bilayers.     

Inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity in human fat cells by alpha-adrenergic agonists

The effects of the alpha 1-adrenergic agonist methoxamine and the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist clonidine on isoproterenol stimulated adenylate cyclase activity were examined in plasma membranes prepared from female human subcutaneous adipose tissue. It was found that in the presence of 10 microM GTP and 100 mM NaCl increasing concentrations of both agonists inhibited basal and isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. The inhibitory action of 5 x 10(-7) M clonidine could not be overcome by increasing concentrations of isoproterenol. These results suggest both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic agonists inhibit beta-agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in human adipose tissue.     

Stabilization of synaptic membranes with alpha-tocopherol against the damaging effect of phospholipases. Possible mechanism of the biological action of vitamin E

Using fluorescent and EPR spin probing techniques, the effects of phospholipases A2, C and D on rat brain synaptosomal membranes were investigated. It was shown that treatment of synaptosomal membranes with phospholipases A2, C and D results in their depolarization and increase of their surface negative charge. In case of phospholipases A2 and C, these changes are also accompanied by a decrease of the microviscosity of the synaptosomal membrane lipid bilayer. alpha-Tocopherol protects synaptosomal membranes against the damaging action of phospholipases. The stabilization of synaptosomes by vitamin E consists in the reconstitution of the transmembrane potential and in an increased microviscosity of phospholipase-treated membranes. The stabilizing effect of alpha-tocopherol is due to the binding of phospholipid hydrolysis products rather than to the inhibition of phospholipases. The observed stabilization of synaptosomal membranes by alpha-tocopherol is interpreted as a feasible mechanism of biological effects of vitamin E on biological membranes.     

Evidence that metabolically active synaptosomes lack functional cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated signal transduction was evaluated in synaptosomes prepared from rat brain cortex. Adenylate cyclase was responsive to known adenylate cyclase stimulators including peptides (CRH and VIP), catecholamines (norepinephrine and isoproterenol) and ligands that directly stimulate adenylate cyclase (forskolin). Cyclic AMP accumulation also increased approximately 2 to 3-fold, but none of the agonists was able significantly to activate cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) in cortical synaptosomes. However, in parallel studies with slices prepared from rat brain cortex, adenylate cyclase activity, cAMP accumulation and A-kinase activity were all stimulated by CRH, VIP, norepinephrine, isoproterenol and forskolin. These data suggest that, in intact synaptosomes, either the cellular machinery which facilitates binding of cAMP to the regulatory subunit of A-kinase is missing or the cAMP produced by adenylate cyclase is not accessible to A-kinase.     

Interaction of alpha-tocopherol with free fatty acids. Mechanism of stabilization of lipid bilayer microviscosity

Using ESR-spin probes and 1H-NMR-spectroscopy methods the effect of alpha-tocopherol on liposome microviscosity has been studied. alpha-Tocopherol has been shown to remove the chaotropic action of free fatty acids on bilayer. The stabilization effect found has a common nature and does not depend on the chemical structure of the phopsholipid functional polar groups, the unsaturation degree of free fatty acids as well as fatty acids residua entering into phospholipid composition. Analog of alpha-tocopherol without phytol chain 2,2,5,7,8-penthamethyl-6-oxychroman does not show the stabilizing effect on the microviscosity of lipid bilayer under the action of free fatty acids. It indicates that both chromanol nucleus and phytol chain of alpha-tocopherol molecule are necessary for stabilizing action. The data obtained allow to suppose that the interaction of alpha-tocopherol with free fatty acids may be one of the molecular mechanisms of lipid bilayer microvicosity stabilization.     

Effect of forskolin and quinacrine on leukocyte functions under the effect of low-dose radiation

The adenylate cyclase and phospholipase A2 incorporation in the functional responses as well as lipid peroxidation processes and glutathione system homeostasis of animal leukocytes to small doses of ionizing radiation (1-100 mGy) have been estimated. The cells were irradiated by introduction of radioactive isotope 14C-leucine into the incubation medium. It is established that the ionizing radiation has different effects on the modification of cellular functions by the agents, which change adenylate cyclase and phospholipase A2 activity. Neutralization of stimulative irradiation effect on chemokinesis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes by quinacrine (the inhibitor of phospholipase A2) indicates for certain, that metabolism of eicosanoids takes immediate part in the cell response to ionizing radiation. Apparently, adenylate cyclase has no influence on this process, where at indicates the lack of influence of forskolin (the stimulator of adenylate cyclase) on the spontaneous motility, and on the radiation action on this leukocyte function. Rosette forming ability of lymphocytes is regulated by both enzymes because it is modified both by the inhibitor of phospholipase A2, and by the adenylate cyclase stimulant. In this case it is impossible to exclude the action of ionizing radiation both through the adenylate cyclase cascade, and through the eicosanoid metabolism. In all the concentration range the radionuclides do not affect the studied biochemical indexes of the cell, but change the action of the modifiers.     

Phospholipase A2 sensitivity of uterine smooth muscle membrane phospholipids and adenylate cyclase activity. Effect of temperature on the action of phospholipase present in excess

Basal as well as GTP-dependent adenylate cyclase activity was partially resistant to porcine pancreatic phospholipase A2, although more activity was degraded at 16 than at 2 degrees C. In contrast, isoproterenol-dependent activity was completely destroyed regardless of the temperature. Snake venom phospholipase A2 destroyed approximately 90% of basal and GTP-dependent adenylate cyclase activity at all temperatures. The difference between the lipases is consistent with earlier evidence that elevated temperature facilitates the entry of some forms of phospholipase into the membrane bilayer. The temperature dependence of adenylate cyclase activation by the GTP analog Gpp[NH]p and its pancreatic phospholipase sensitivity were compared. The Arrhenius plots were markedly similar and biphasic with discontinuities at approximately 8 degrees C. The same temperature-dependent phospholipid phase transition might account, therefore, for both adenylate cyclase properties. Only small amounts of membrane phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidic acid were hydrolyzed by pancreatic phospholipase in a temperature-dependent manner analogous to adenylate cyclase degradation. These results suggest that specific phospholipids support catalysis and adenylate cyclase activation, but that different phospholipids are required for receptor coupling which may occur in a less viscous part of the membrane.     

Relationship between Fc gamma 2b receptor and adenylate cyclase of a murine macrophagelike cell line, P388D1

The relationship between Fc receptor specific for IgG2b (Fc gamma 2bR) and membrane adenylate cyclase was investigated. The specific binding of IgG2b immune complexes to P388D1 cell surface Fc gamma 2bR was found to inhibit the basal, forskolin-stimulated, and NaF-stimulated activities of membrane adenylate cyclase by 53%, 57%, and 31%, respectively. On the other hand, the binding of IgG2a immune complexes to cell surface Fc gamma 2aR increased the basal activity about 2.5-fold and the forskolin- and NaF-stimulated activities slightly. The fusion of liposomes containing Fc gamma 2bR, which was obtained as phosphatidylcholine (PC) binding protein as previously described, with the cyc- membrane preparations resulted in the marked suppression of membrane adenylate cyclase, whereas the fusion of liposomes containing Fc gamma 2a, which was obtained as IgG-binding protein, led to about a 2.7-fold increase. The Fc gamma 2bR-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase may be due to the temporary change of the lipid environment caused by the action of phospholipase A2, which was previously shown to be associated with Fc gamma 2bR, since (1) addition of snake venom phospholipase A2 or cholate-solubilized PC-binding protein to P388D1 membrane was found to inhibit adenylate cyclase in a dose-dependent manner, (2) prior treatment of snake venom phospholipase A2 or PC-binding protein with a specific inhibitor, p-bromophenacyl bromide, significantly reduced their inhibitory action, and (3) a product of phospholipase A2 action, arachidonic acid, was found to be an effective inhibitor of membrane adenylate cyclase, whereas the other product, lysophosphatidylcholine, was much less inhibitory than arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid appeared to interfere with the functions of both guanine nucleotide-binding stimulatory (Gs) protein and the catalytic subunit of adenylate cyclase, since exogenously added arachidonic acid significantly suppressed the GTPase activity of P388D1 membrane and the forskolin response of the adenylate cyclase activity of Gs protein deficient cyc- membrane. The primary site of action of lysophosphatidylcholine is not clear but may be other than Gs protein and/or the catalytic subunit, since it did not change either GTPase activity of P388D1 membrane or the response to forskolin of adenylate cyclase of cyc- membrane. The Fc gamma 2bR/phospholipase A2 mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase would be a transient event in viable cells, since phospholipase A2 did not inhibit adenylate cyclase in the presence of microsomal fraction, mitochondria, and coenzyme A, suggesting the occurrence of rapid acylation of CoA and reacylation of lysolecithin.     

Effects of drugs on pigeon erythrocyte membrane and asymmetric control or adenylate cyclase by the lipid bilayer.

In pigeon erythrocyte membrane, the beta-adrenergic receptor and the enzyme adenylate cyclase can be uncoupled in two different ways depending on the type of drug used. Cationic drugs: chlorpromazine, methochlorpromazine, tetracaine, n-octylamine and a neutral alcohol, octanol, abolished alprenolol receptor binding ability and in the same range of concentration of the drug, sensitized adenylate cyclase to fluoride or Gpp(NH)p stimulation. Anionic drugs: di- and trinitro-phenols, indomethacin and octanoic acid did not affect the total number of beta-adrenergic receptor sites and, with the exception of trinitrophenol, did not change the association constant for alprenolol but they abolished the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by isoproterenol, fluoride or Gpp(NH)p. These modifications of the adenylate cyclase system occurred in a range of drug concentration where cell shape and protection against hemolysis were also affected. As chemical composition varies widely from one drug to another, it is suggested that these effects are largely nonspecific and mediated by the lipid bilayer. They are probably related to a preferential sidedness of action of the drugs in the lipid bilayer, displaying the role of an asymmetric control of the adenylate cyclase system in the membrane by the two halves of this bilayer.     

Effects of spin-labeled stearates on duck erythrocyte adenylate cyclase.

The effects of various spin-labeled stearates on duck erythrocyte adenylate cyclase were investigated. Only 2-(3-carboxypropyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-tridecyl-3-oxazolidinyloxyl caused an increase in adenylate cyclase activity. It increased the basal rate by about 50%, and the activities stimulated by isoproterenol and isoproterenol plus guanosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate by 35%. Upon analysis of the width parameter delta1 in the electron spin resonance spectra for both the basal enzyme activity and the stimulation obtained with effectors such as guanosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate, isoproterenol, isoproterenol plus guanosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate and NaF, a correlation of the changes of modification in adenylate cyclase activities was found. These findings suggest that the molecular environment of the enzyme has been modified.     

Effects of drugs on pigeon erythrocyte membrane and asymmetric control of adenylate cyclase by the lipid bilayer

In pigeon erythrocyte membrane, the β-adrenergic receptor and the enzyme adenylate cyclase can be uncoupled in two different ways depending on the type of drug used.Cationic drugs: chlorpromazine, methochlorpromazine, tetracaine, $\text{n-}\text{octylamine}$ and a neutral alcohol, octanol, abolished alprenolol receptor binding ability and in the same range of concentration of the drug, sensitized adenylate cyclase to fluoride or Gpp(NH)p stimulation. Anionic drugs: di- and trinitrophenols, indomethacin and octanoic acid did not affect the total number of β-adrenergic receptor sites and, with the exception of trinitrophenol, did not change the association constant for alprenolol but they abolished the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by isoproterenol, fluoride or Gpp(NH)p. These modifications of the adenylate cyclase system occurred in a range of drug concentration where cell shape and protection against hemolysis were also affected.As chemical composition varies widely from one drug to another, it is suggested that these effects are largely nonspecific and mediated by the lipid bilayer. They are probably related to a preferential sidedness of action of the drugs in the lipid bilayer, displaying the role of an asymmetric control of the adenylate cyclase system in the membrane by the two halves of this bilayer.     

The activity of glucagon-stimulated adenylate cyclase from rat liver plasma membranes is modulated by the fluidity of its lipid environment.

1. The local anaesthetic benzyl alcohol progressively activated glucagon-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity up to a maximum at 50 mM-benzyl alcohol. Further increases in benzyl alcohol concentration inhibited the activity. The fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was similarly affected except for an inhibition of activity occurring at low benzyl alcohol concentrations (approx. 10 mM. 2. The fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity of a solubilized enzyme preparation was unaffected by any of the benzyl alcohol concentrations tested. 3. Increases in 3-phenylpropan-1-ol and 5-phenylpentan-1-ol concentrations progressively activated both the fluoride- and glucagon-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities up to a maximum, above which further increases in alcohol concentration inhibited the activities. 4. The 'break' points in Arrhenius plots of glucagon-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in native plasma membranes, and in plasma membranes fused with synthetic dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine so as to constitute 60% of the total lipid pool, were decreased by approx. 6 degrees C by addition of 40 mM-benzyl alcohol. This was accompanied by a fall in the associated activation energies. 6. Arrhenius plots of fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the presence and absence of 40 mM-benzyl alcohol were linear, although addition of benzyl alcohol caused a dramatic decrease in the associated activation energy of the reaction. 7. 5'-Nucleotidase activity was stimulated by benzyl alcohol, and the 'break' point in the Arrhenius plot of its activity was decreased by about 6 degrees C by addition of 40 mM-benzyl alcohol to the assay. 8. It is suggested that benzyl alcohol effects a fluidization of the bilayer, which is clearly demonstrated by its ability to lower the temperature of a lipid phase separation occurring at 28 degrees C in the outer half of the bilayer to around 22 degrees C. The increase in bilayer fluidity relieves a physical constraint on the membrane-bound adenylate cyclase, activating the enzyme. 9. The various inhibition phenomena are discussed in detail, together with the suggestion that the interaction between the uncoupled catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase and the lipids of the bilayer is altered on its physical coupling to the glucagon receptor.     

The interrelationship of the processes of lipid peroxidation and lipid phospholipase hydrolysis in the synaptosomes

The influence of Fe2+, alpha-tocopherol, phospholipase A2 and mepacrine on the activity of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and phospholipid hydrolysis (PLH) was studied in synaptosomes. It was established that there is the tight direct interconnection between LPO and PLH in synaptosomes. It is assumed that activation of endogenous phospholipases in neurons is one of the causes of uncompensated LPO-activation during epileptogenesis.     

Role of Phospholipids in Coupling of Adenosine and Dopamine Receptors to Striatal Adenylate Cyclase

Treatment of striatal washed particles with phospholipase A(2) or C abolished the activation of adenylate cyclase by dopamine but not by N(16)-phenylisopropyl adenosine (PIA). The inhibition of dopamine-sensitive cyclase was dependent on Ca2+ and increased with time and phospholipase concentration. F(-)-sensitive cyclase was not affected by phospholipase A(2) treatment, but was enhanced by phospholipase C treatment. Phospholipase D did not affect basal, PIA, dopamine, or F(-)-sensitive cyclase activities. The observed effects of phospholipase A(2) were not due to either the detergent effect of lysophospholipids or to contaminating proteases. Dopamine-sensitive cyclase, inactivated by pretreatment with phospholipase A(2), was restored by asolectin (a soybean mixed phospholipid), phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, or phosphatidylserine, but not by phosphatidylinositol. Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine were equipotent in restoring dopamine-sensitive activity. Lubrol-PX, a nonionic detergent, abolished completely the dopamine-sensitive cyclase activity, whereas PIA-sensitive activity was slightly inhibited. In contrast, digitonin inhibited dopamine- and PIA-sensitive cyclase activity in a parallel fashion. Lubrol-PX released some adenylate cyclase into a 16,000 x g supernatant fraction that was stimulated by PIA but not by dopamine. Removal of most of the free detergent by Bio-bead SM 2 enhanced stimulation by PIA but did not restore sensitive cyclase. The data suggest that the requirement for phospholipids for the coupling of dopamine and adenosine receptors to the striatal adenylate cyclase may be different and that the adenosine receptors may be more tightly coupled to the enzyme than are dopamine receptors.     

Glucagon-stimulated adenylate cyclase detects a selective perturbation of the inner half of the liver plasma-membrane bilayer achieved by the local anaesthetic prilocaine.

Prilocaine can increase the fluidity of rat liver plasma membranes, as indicated by a fatty acid spin-probe. This led to the activation of the membrane-bound fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, but not the Lubrol-solubilized activity, suggesting that increased lipid fluidity can activate the enzyme. With increasing prilocaine concentrations above 10 mM, the membrane-bound fluoride-stimulated activity was progressively inhibited, even though bilayer fluidity continued to increase and the activity of the solubilized enzyme remained unaffected. Glucagon-stimulated adenylate cyclase was progressively inhibited by increasing prilocaine concentrations. Prilocaine (10 mM) had no effect on the lipid phase separation occurring at 28 degrees C and attributed to those lipids in the external half of the bilayer, as indicated by Arrhenius plots of both glucagon-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and the order parameter of a fatty acid spin-probe. However, 10 mM-prilocaine induced a lipid phase separation at around 11 degrees C that was attributed to the lipids of the internal (cytosol-facing) half of the bilayer. It is suggested that prilocaine (10 mM) can selectively perturb the inner half of the bilayer of rat liver plasma membranes owing to its preferential interaction with the acidic phospholipids residing there.     

The effect of alpha and beta adrenergic receptor stimulation on the adenylate cyclase activity of human adipocytes.

The effects of the mixed agonist epinephrine and the beta agonist isoproterenol, each alone and in combination with the alpha adrenergic blocker phentolamine and the beta blocker propranolol on the adenylate cyclase activity of human adipocyte membrane fragments were determined in a calcium free buffer. Neither phentolamine (10 muM) nor propranolol (32 muM) affected basal adenylate cyclase activity. Epinephrine (10 muM) stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and this effect was slightly enhanced by phentolamine. The combination of epinephrine plus propranolol depressed adenylate cyclase below the basal level. Isoproterenol (10 muM) markedly stimulated adenylate cyclase; the addition of phentolamine caused an equivocal further increase while the addition of propranolol depressed adenylate cyclase activity to, but not below, the basal level. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that human adipocytes have both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors and that these receptors are associated with the cell membrane adenylate cyclase system.     

Endothelins inhibit adenylate cyclase in brain capillary endothelial cells.

The action of endothelins (Et) on cAMP formation was studied in endothelial cells from rat brain microvessels. Et-1 and Et-3 had no action by themselves. They both inhibited cholera toxin stimulated adenylate cyclase by about 50%. K0.5 values were observed at 2 nM and 40 nM for Et-1 and Et-3 respectively, indicating an involvement of a low affinity Et-3 receptor. Coupling to adenylate cyclase was achieved by a pertussis toxin sensitive mechanism. Another action of endothelins in brain capillary endothelial cells was to stimulate phospholipase C. This action involved a low affinity Et-3 receptor and a pertussis toxin insensitive mechanism. It is concluded that in brain capillary endothelial cells, ETA like receptors are coupled to phospholipase C and to adenylate cyclase via two different mechanisms.     

Adenylate cyclase activity in the parotid gland of the mouse after isoproterenol stimulation

Previous studies have described a decrease in the activity of adenylate cyclase in the parotid gland of isoproterenol-treated rats. In the present studies, a similar decrease was observed in mice treated with isoproterenol. Studies on the subcellular distribution of adenylate cyclase after isoproterenol stimulation of the parotid gland showed that enzyme activity was increased in the lysosomal fraction and decreased in the cellular membrane fractions. Cytochemical studies on the localization of adenylate cyclase in stimulated gland showed an increase in vesicles which contained enzyme activity and a decrease in activity at the luminal and plasma membranes. It is suggested, based on the present findings and results reported by other investigators, that after isoproterenol stimulation of the parotid gland, adenylate cyclase (along with excess membrane) is degraded by lysosomes. If this suggestion is true, then the observed decrease in adenylate cyclase would have a molecular explanation.     

Effects of K+-depolarization on the physical state of membrane lipids in brain synaptosomes of the rat

The microstructure of lipid bilayer in synaptosomes from rat brain upon K+-depolarization (30 mM) was studied using the inductive resonance energy transfer (IRET) from proteins to the fluorescent probes, pyrene and DMC (4-dimethylaminochalcone). The effectiveness of IRET was not changed by the K+-depolarization. The monomer-to-eximer ration (Fm285/Fe285) of pyrene fluorescence intensities in IRET was 1.5 times lower upon depolarization than in controls. This suggested a decreased microviscosity of the lipid bilayer in immediate environment to proteins of the synaptosomal membrane. The Fm338/Fee338 ratio as well as polarization of DMC fluorescence indicative of the bulk lipid phase were not altered under these conditions. Neither cytochalasin B not colchicine had any effect on fluorescence polarization of DMC both in control and depolarized synaptosomes. It is suggested that the increased lateral mobility of protein-associated lipid molecules found in depolarized synaptosomes may be caused by alterations in the activity of ion channels and ion pumps or by restructuring of the cytoskeletal network.     

The lipid environment of the glucagon receptor regulates adenylate cyclase activity.

1. The lipids composition of rat liver plasma membranes was substantially altered by introducing synthetic phosphatidylcholines into the membrane by the techniques of lipid substitution or lipid fusion. 40-60% of the total lipid pool in the modified membranes consisted of a synthetic phosphatidylcholine. 2. Lipid substitution, using cholate to equilibrate the lipid pools, resulted in the irreversible loss of a major part of the adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by F-, GMP-P(NH)P or glucagon. However, fusion with presonicated vesicles of the synethic phosphatidylcholines causes only small losses in adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by the same ligands. 3. The linear form of the Arrhenius plots of adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by F- or GMP-(NH)P was unaltered in all of the membrane preparations modified by substitution or fusion, with very similar activation energies to those observed with the native membrane. The activity of the enzyme therefore appears to be very insensitive to its lipid environment when stimulated by F- or gmp-p(nh)p. 4. in contrast, the break at 28.5 degrees C in the Arrhenius plot of adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by glucagon in the native membrane, was shifted upwards by dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, downwards by dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, and was abolished by dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine. Very similar shifts in the break point were observed for stimulation by glucagon or des-His-glucagon in combination with F- or GMP-P(NH)P. The break temperatures and activation energies for adenylate cyclase activity were the same in complexes prepared with a phosphatidylcholine by fusion or substitution. 5. The breaks in the Arrhenius plots of adenylate cyclase activity are attributed to lipid phase separations which are shifted in the modified membranes according to the transition temperature of the synthetic phosphatidylcholine. Coupling the receptor to the enzyme by glucagon or des-His-glucagon renders the enzyme sensitive to the lipid environment of the receptor. Spin-label experiments support this interpretation and suggest that the lipid phase separation at 28.5 degrees C in the native membrane may only occur in one half of the bilayer.