Showing papers on "Cyclase published in 1988"

Highly cooperative feedback control of retinal rod guanylate cyclase by calcium ions

Abstract: Visual excitation in retinal rod cells is mediated by a cascade that leads to the amplified hydrolysis of cyclic GMP (cGMP) and the consequent closure of cGMP-activated cation-specific channels in the plasma membrane1–3. Recovery of the dark state requires the resynthesis of cGMP, which is catalysed by guanylate cyclase, an axoneme-associated enzyme4–6. The lowering of the cytosolic calcium concentration (Cai) following illumination7–10 is thought to be important in stimulating cyclase activity11,12. This hypothesis is supported by the finding that the cGMP content of rod outer segments increases several-fold when Cai is lowered to less than 10 nM13–16. It is evident that cGMP and Cai levels are reciprocally controlled by negative feedback1,2. Guanylate cyclase from toad ROS is strongly stimulated when the calcium level is lowered from 10 μM to 10 nM, but only if they are excited by light17. We show here that the guanylate cyclase activity of unilluminated bovine rod outer segments increases markedly (5 to 20-fold) when the calcium level is lowered from 200 nM to 50 nM. This steep dependence of guanylate cyclase activity on the calcium level in the physiological range has a Hill coefficient of 3.9. Stimulation at low calcium levels is mediated by a protein that can be released from the outer segment membranes by washing with a low salt buffer. Calcium sensitivity is partially restored by adding the soluble extract back to the washed membranes. The highly cooperative activation of guanylate cyclase by the light-induced lowering of Cai is likely to be a key event in restoring the dark current after excitation.

Secretion of cyclolysin, the calmodulin-sensitive adenylate cyclase-haemolysin bifunctional protein of Bordetella pertussis.

Abstract: The calmodulin-sensitive adenylate cyclase of Bordetella pertussis, a 45 kd secreted protein, is synthesized as a 1706 amino acid precursor. We have shown that this precursor is a bifunctional protein, carrying both adenylate cyclase and haemolytic activities. The 1250 carboxy-terminal amino acids of the precursor showed 25% similarity with Escherichia coli alpha-haemolysin (HlyA) and 22% similarity with Pasteurella haemolytica leucotoxin. Three open reading frames were identified downstream from the cyaA gene: cyaB, cyaD and cyaE, coding for polypeptides of 712, 440 and 474 amino acid residues, respectively. As for E. coli alpha-haemolysin, secretion of B.pertussis adenylate cyclase and haemolysin requires the expression of additional genes. The gene products of cyaB and cyaD are highly similar to HlyB and HlyD, known to be necessary for the transport of HlyA across the cell envelope and for its release into the external medium. Complementation and functional studies indicate that the B.pertussis adenylate cyclase-haemolysin bifunctional protein is secreted by a mechanism similar to that described for E.coli alpha-haemolysin, requiring, in addition to the cyaB and cyaD gene products, the presence of a third gene product specified by the cyaE gene.

Receptors linked to inhibition of adenylate cyclase: additional signaling mechanisms.

Abstract: Many hormones and neurotransmitters attenuate cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation in intact cells by virtue of their ability to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity via the GTP-binding protein denoted as Gi. Nonetheless, a number of physiological findings suggest that attenuation of cAMP production is not sufficient to serve as the only signal for eliciting the diverse physiological effects provoked by these various receptor populations. Additional biochemical and electrophysiological changes are known to occur after occupancy of receptors linked to inhibition of adenylate cyclase, including acceleration of Na+/H+ exchange, activation of K+ conductances, and inhibition of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. This review summarizes the current understanding of how these receptors are coupled to their multiple potential effector mechanisms and offers some speculation about the possible interplay between the biochemical and electrophysiological sequels of receptor occupancy. It is hoped that future studies will establi...

The calmodulin-sensitive adenylate cyclase of Bordetella pertussis: cloning and expression in Escherichia col.

Abstract: The adenylate cyclase toxin of the prokaryote Bordetella pertussis is stimulated by the eukaryotic regulatory protein, calmodulin. A general strategy, using the adenylate-cyclase-calmodulin interaction as a tool, has permitted cloning and expression of the toxin in Escherichia coli in the absence of any B. pertussis trans-activating factor. We show that the protein is synthesized in a large precursor form composed of 1706 amino acids. The calmodulin-stimulated catalytic activity resides in the amino-terminal 450 amino acids of the adenylate cyclase. The enzyme expressed in E. coli is recognized in Western blots by antibodies directed against purified B. pertussis adenylate cyclase, and its activity is inhibited by these antibodies.

Acute and chronic opiate-regulation of adenylate cyclase in brain: specific effects in locus coeruleus.

Abstract: Acutely, morphine and D-ala2-D-leu-enkephalin (DADLE) inhibited adenylate cyclase in vitro in locus coeruleus (LC), dorsal raphe, frontal cortex and neostriatum and the inhibition by each agonist was blocked by the opiate-receptor antagonist naloxone. Although morphine was equally efficacious in the four brain regions examined (10-15% inhibition), DADLE inhibited cyclic AMP (cAMP) production to a greater extent in cortex and striatum (20-25% inhibition). Pertussis toxin treatment in vitro significantly reduced DADLE-inhibition of adenylate cyclase in all brain areas, indicating that this opiate response is mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein (i.e., Gi and/or Go). Chronic (in vivo) administration of morphine pellets for 5 days, treatment known to induce opiate tolerance and dependence, increased basal, GTP- and forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in the LC, but not in the other three brain regions studied. DADLE was found to inhibit cAMP production in LC in vitro to the same extent in control and morphine-treated rats, suggesting a lack of opiate receptor tolerance. The morphine-induced increase in adenylate cyclase required chronic exposure to the opiate, as shorter treatment times, namely 2 hr and 1 day, failed to produce this effect. In fact, at 2 hr a small decrease in adenylate cyclase in the LC was observed that did not appear to be due to morphine being retained in the membrane fraction. Taken together, the findings of this study provide support for the view that changes in the cAMP system in the LC play a role in mediating acute opiate action as well as in underlying the development of opiate tolerance, dependence and/or withdrawal.

Effect of forskolin on voltage-gated K+ channels is independent of adenylate cyclase activation

Abstract: Forskolin is commonly used to stimulate adenylate cyclase in the study of modulation of ion channels and other proteins by adenosine 39,59-monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent second messenger systems. In addition to its action on adenylate cyclase, forskolin directly alters the gating of a single class of voltage-dependent potassium channels from a clonal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line. This alteration occurred in isolated cell-free patches independent of soluble cytoplasmic enzymes. The effect of forskolin was distinct from those of other agents that raise intracellular cAMP levels. The 1,9-dideoxy derivative of forskolin, which is unable to activate the cyclase, was also effective in altering the potassium channel activity. This direct action of forskolin can lead to misinterpretation of results in experiments in which forskolin is assumed to selectively activate adenylate cyclase.

Serotonin stimulates DNA synthesis in fibroblasts acting through 5-HT1B receptors coupled to a Gi-protein.

Abstract: Growth factors can be divided into two classes which act through distinct signal transduction pathways. One class including epidermal growth factor, platelet derived growth factor and fibroblast growth factor activates receptor tyrosine kinases, and the second class, including thrombin, bombesin, bradykinin and vasopressin activates a phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C through GTP-binding proteins which can be inactivated by pertussis toxin. In Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts, thrombin-induced mitogenicity seems to correlate well with phospholipase C activation and both events are sensitive to pertussis toxin. Thrombin, like the other mitogens in this class, simultaneously inhibits adenylate cyclase. This involves an inhibitory G protein (Gi), a well established pertussis toxin substrate. The relative contributions of the two signalling pathways to mitogenicity has not been evaluated so far. We report here that the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), a contracting agent and mitogen for smooth muscle cells, activates phospholipase C, inhibits adenylate cyclase and stimulates DNA synthesis in fibroblasts. These events are sensitive to pertussis toxin. We show that the mitogenicity of 5-hydroxytryptamine can be uncoupled from phospholipase C activation that is mediated by 5-HT2 receptors, but correlates perfectly with inhibition of adenylate cyclase through 5-HT1B receptor. We propose that inhibition of adenylate cyclase or activation of an undefined effector system by Gi is important in 5-hydroxytryptamine induced DNA synthesis and contributes to the strong mitogenicity of the other members of this family of growth factors.

From epinephrine to cyclic AMP.

Abstract: Binding of catecholamines to the beta-adrenergic receptor results in the activation of adenylate cyclase and the intracellular formation of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP). In the past 20 years the events that lead from hormone binding at the cell surface receptor site to the synthesis of cAMP at the inner layer of the membrane have been intensively studied. Signal transduction in this system involves the sequential interaction of the beta-adrenergic receptor with the guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gs) and the adenylate cyclase catalyst (C). The mechanism of signal transduction from the receptor through Gs to C, as well as the role of the adenylate cyclase inhibitory G protein Gi, is discussed.

Nonclassical cannabinoid analgetics inhibit adenylate cyclase: development of a cannabinoid receptor model.

Abstract: Extensive structure-activity relationship studies have demonstrated that specific requirements within the cannabinoid structure are necessary to produce potent analgesia. A three-point association between the agonist and the receptor mediating analgesia consists of: 1) the C ring hydroxyl, 2) the phenolic A ring hydroxyl, and 3) the A ring alkyl hydrophobic side chain. Potent tricyclic and bicyclic structures were synthesized as "nonclassical" cannabinoid analgetics that conform to this agonist-receptor three-point interaction model. At the cellular level, centrally active cannabinoid drugs inhibit adenylate cyclase activity in a neuroblastoma cell line. The structure-activity relationship profile for inhibition of adenylate cyclase in vitro was consistent with this same three-point association of agonists with the receptor. A correlation exists between the potency of drugs to produce analgesia in vivo and to inhibit adenylate cyclase in vitro. Enantio- and stereoselectivity were exhibited by the nonclassical cannabinoid compounds for both the analgetic response and the ability to inhibit adenylate cyclase. The magnitude of the enantioselective response was equal for both the biochemical and physiological endpoints. Based on the parallels in structure-activity relationships and the enantioselective effects, it is postulated that the receptor that is associated with the regulation of adenylate cyclase in vitro may be the same receptor as that mediating analgesia in vivo. A conceptualization of the cannabinoid analgetic receptor is presented.

Differences in Platelet Enzyme Activity between Alcoholics and Nonalcoholics

Abstract: Blood platelets are an accessible tissue that reflects the activity of many enzymes found in the brain. To investigate the possible effect on such enzymes of long-term consumption of large quantities of ethanol, we assayed the activities of two enzymes, monoamine oxidase and adenylate cyclase, in platelet membranes of men with alcoholism and controls matched for sex and age. We also compared these two groups in terms of the inhibition of platelet monoamine oxidase activity by ethanol in vitro (400 mM), and in terms of the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity by various agents. There was no significant difference in monoamine oxidase activity between the alcoholics and the controls. However, the inhibition of monoamine oxidase by ethanol was significantly higher in the platelets of alcoholics. The basal activity of adenylate cyclase was the same in platelets from the alcoholics and the controls, but the platelet adenylate cyclase activity after stimulation with guanine nucleotide, cesium fluoride, or prostaglandin E1 was significantly lower in alcoholics. These differences were not associated with age, race, smoking, or illicit drug use, and there was no significant correlation with the duration of problems with alcohol. The changes were long-lasting; cesium fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was lower in alcoholic subjects who had abstained from alcohol for one to four years. Discriminant analysis showed that the use of values for the inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity by ethanol and cesium fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity correctly classified 75 percent of the alcoholics and 73 percent of the controls. These measures may be of value either as indexes of excessive alcohol consumption or as an indication of a predisposition to alcoholism.

Inhibitors of receptor-mediated endocytosis block the entry of Bacillus anthracis adenylate cyclase toxin but not that of Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase toxin.

Abstract: Bordetella pertussis and Bacillus anthracis produce extracytoplasmic adenylate cyclase toxins (AC toxins) with shared features including activation by calmodulin and the ability to enter target cells and catalyze intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) production from host ATP. The two AC toxins were evaluated for sensitivities to a series of inhibitors of known uptake mechanisms. Cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of microfilament function, abrogated the cAMP response to B. anthracis AC toxin (93%) but not the cAMP response elicited by B. pertussis AC toxin. B. anthracis-mediated intoxication of CHO cells was completely inhibited by ammonium chloride (30 mM) and chloroquine (0.1 mM), whereas the cAMP accumulation produced by B. pertussis AC toxin remained unchanged. The block of target cell intoxication by cytochalasin D could be bypassed when cells were first treated with anthrax AC toxin and then exposed to an acidic medium. These data indicate that despite enzymatic similarities, these two AC toxins intoxicate target cells by different mechanisms, with anthrax AC toxin entering by means of receptor-mediated endocytosis into acidic compartments and B. pertussis AC toxin using a separate, and as yet undefined, mechanism.

Synthetic human parathyroid hormone-like protein stimulates bone resorption and causes hypercalcemia in rats.

Abstract: Parathyroid hormone-like adenylate cyclase-stimulating proteins (hACSPs) have been implicated as one of the calcemic, bone-resorbing agents in patients with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. We report the synthesis of an amino-terminal hACSP fragment, Tyr36 hACSP (1-36) amide. The synthetic hACSP is a potent agonist of renal membrane adenylate cyclase (Km, 1.7 X 10(-10)) and of bone cell adenylate cyclase (Km 1 X 10(-9)M). It is a potent bone-resorbing agent in vitro, stimulating 45Ca release from fetal rat long bones at a concentration of 10(-9) M. When infused via osmotic minipumps into rats, it is also a potent calcemic factor in vivo, inducing a rise in serum calcium from (mean +/- SD) 10.6 +/- 0.6 to 19.7 +/- 3.2 mg/dl when infused at 1.4 micrograms/h and from 9.9 +/- 0.7 to 11.4 +/- 1.2 mg/dl when infused at 0.14 micrograms/h. These findings indicate that biologically active hACSP fragments can be synthesized. One such synthetic peptide possesses the in vitro and in vivo bioactivities demonstrated in native, tumor-derived hACSPs. It is also a potent calcemic, bone-resorbing agent.

Centrally acting hypotensive agents with affinity for 5-HT1A binding sites inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in calf hippocampus.

Abstract: 1. A number of centrally acting hypotensive agents and other ligands with high affinity for 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) recognition sites have been tested on forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in calf hippocampus, a functional model for 5-HT1A-receptors. 2. Concentration-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was elicited by the reference 5-HT1-receptor agonists (mean EC50 value, nM): 5-HT (22), 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT, 3.2), 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, 8.6), N,N-dipropyl-5-carboxamidotryptamine (DP-5-CT, 2.3), 1-[2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-piperazine (PAPP or LY 165163, 20), 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-1H indole (RU 24969, 20), buspirone (65) and ipsapirone (56). Emax amounted to 18-20% inhibition for all but the latter two agonists (14%). 3. The following hypotensive agents with high affinity for 5-HT1A sites were potent agonists in this system (mean EC50 value, nM): flesinoxan (24), indorenate (99), erythro-1-(1-[2-(1,4-benzodioxan-2-yl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-4-piperidyl )- 2-benzimidazolinone (R 28935, 2.5), urapidil (390) and 5-methyl-urapidil (3.5). The first two agents were full agonists, whereas the latter three acted as partial agonists with 60-80% efficacy. 4. Metergoline and methysergide behaved as full agonists and cyanopindolol as a partial agonist with low efficacy. Spiroxatrine and 2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxyethyl)aminomethyl- 1,4-benzodioxane (WB 4101) which bind to 5-HT1A sites with nanomolar affinity, were agonists and inhibited potently forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in calf hippocampus, showing mean EC50 values of 23 and 15 nM, respectively. Spiroxatrine and WB 4101 yielded 90% and 50% efficacy, respectively. 5. Spiperone and methiothepin (each 1 microM) caused rightward shifts of the concentration-effect curve to 8-OH-DPAT, without loss of the maximal effect, as did the partial agonist cyanopindolol (0.1 microM) and the (-)- and (+)-enantiomers of pindolol (1 microM and 0.1 mM, respectively). 6. There was an excellent correlation (r = 0.90, P = 0.0001) between the pEC50 values (ranging from 6.4 to 8.7) of the 19 agonists tested at adenylate cyclase and their pKD for 5-HT1A recognition sites. Apparent pKB values of antagonists at adenylate cyclase and their pKD values for 5-HT1A binding sites were also significantly correlated. 7. This study further indicates that the 5-HT1A recognition site and the 5-HT receptor mediating inhibition of adenylate cyclase in hippocampus are the same. The data show that a number of centrally acting hypotensive agents with high affinity for the 5-HT1,A site are potent agonists in this model, suggesting an involvement of central 5-HTIA-receptors in the control of blood pressure.

Decreased stimulatory guanosine triphosphate binding protein in dogs with pressure-overload left ventricular failure.

Abstract: Alterations in the level and function of the stimulatory guanyl nucleotide binding protein (Gs) from the cardiac sarcolemma were examined in a canine model of heart failure. The present study is based on our previous investigations that demonstrated both a loss of beta-adrenergic agonist high-affinity binding sites and a decreased adenylate cyclase activity in sarcolemma from failing hearts. Using cholera toxin and [32P]NAD, we labeled the alpha subunit of Gs (Gs alpha) and found a 59% reduction in the level of this protein. Further, a 50% reduction in Gs activity was noted in a reconstitution assay utilizing membranes from the mouse S49 lymphoma cell line cyc-, which is deficient in Gs. These data suggest that, in this model of pressure-overload left ventricular failure, the acquired defect in the beta-adrenergic receptor/adenylate cyclase system involves a deficiency in the coupling protein Gs. Such an abnormality may explain the decreased adrenergic responsiveness of the failing left ventricle.

Site-directed mutagenesis of human beta-adrenergic receptors: substitution of aspartic acid-130 by asparagine produces a receptor with high-affinity agonist binding that is uncoupled from adenylate cyclase

Abstract: By using oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis, we have produced a point mutation (guanine to adenine) at nucleotide 388 of the gene for human beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR) that results in a substitution of asparagine for the highly conserved aspartic acid at position 130 in the putative third transmembrane domain of the human beta AR ([Asn130]beta AR). We have examined the functional significance of this mutation in B-82 cells continuously expressing the mutant [Asn130]beta AR. The mutant [Asn130]beta AR displayed normal antagonist binding but unusually high-affinity agonist binding (5- to 10-fold higher than wild-type beta AR), consistent with a single class of high-affinity binding sites. The mutant beta AR displayed guanine nucleotide-sensitive changes in agonist affinity (3- to 5-fold shift) implying an interaction between the beta AR and the stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein; however, the ability of guanine nucleotides to alter agonist affinity was attenuated. Addition of saturating concentrations of isoproterenol to cell cultures expressing mutant [Asn130]-beta ARs had no effect on intracellular levels of cAMP, indicating that the mutant beta AR is unable to affect stimulation of adenylate cyclase. These results indicate that substitution of the aspartic acid with asparagine at residue 130 of the human beta AR dissociates the well-characterized guanine nucleotide effects on agonist affinity from those on activation of the stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein and adenylate cyclase and suggests the existence of two distinct counterions for the amine portion of catecholamines that are associated with high- and low-affinity agonist binding states of beta AR.

The 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1D receptor subtype is negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase in calf substantia nigra.

Abstract: 1) The possibility was explored that the recently defined 5-HT1D binding sites could be negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase in calf substantia nigra. 2) 5-HT inhibited forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 valu e = 24.0 nmol/l, Emax = 22.7% inhibition) in the presence of GTP (10 μmol/l), which was required for this inhibitory effect. 3) The following 5-HT receptor agonists inhibited adenylate cyclase activity (in decreasing order of potency): 5-carboxamidotryptamine > 5-HT > 5-methoxytryptamine > 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-1H indole (RU 24969) ≥ N1N-dipropyl-5-carboxamidotryptamine > 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8OH-DPAT) > buspirone > ipsapirone; the latter two compounds apparently behaved as partial agonists. 4) Other compounds displaying agonist activity in this system were: metergoline > methysergide ≥ rauwolscine ≥ cyanopindolol > yohimbine > (±)-4(3-tert-butyl-amino 2-hydroxypropoxy)-indol-2 carbonic acid isopropylester (21-009) > corynanthine. 5) Methiothepin, mianserin and spiperone displaced the concentration-effect curve of 5-HT to the right without depressing the E max value. The same held true for the partial agonists ipsapirone, buspirone and corynanthine. 6) The rank order of potency of agonists as well as of antagonists in this system was in full agreement with their affinities at 5-HT1D binding site. A highly significant correlation was found between both parameters (r = 0.94, P = 0.0001). 7) The results strongly support the contention that 5-HT1D binding sites are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase in calf substantia nigra.

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor and atriopeptin II elevate cyclic GMP levels in pig aortic endothelial cells.

Abstract: 1. Two directly-acting stimulants of soluble guanylate cyclase, glyceryl trinitrate (0.1 microM) and sodium azide (10 microM), and a receptor-mediated stimulant of particulate guanylate cyclase, atriopeptin II (10 nM), each elevated the cyclic GMP content of primary cultures of pig aortic endothelial cells without affecting the cyclic AMP content. 2. Two receptor-mediated stimulants of adenylate cyclase, glucagon (1 microM) and isoprenaline (10 microM), had no effect on the cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP content of these cells, but the directly acting stimulant, forskolin (30 microM), induced a small increase in cyclic AMP content. 3. Three agents that release endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF); bradykinin (0.1 microM), ATP (10 microM) and ionophore A23187 (0.1 microM), each markedly elevated the cyclic GMP content of pig aortic endothelial cells, but acetylcholine (1 microM) had no effect. None of these agents had any effect on cyclic AMP content. 4. Two agents that potentiate the actions of EDRF; M & B 22948 (100 microM) and superoxide dismutase (30 units ml-1), each elevated the cyclic GMP content of pig aortic endothelial cells without affecting the cyclic AMP content. Pretreating cells with catalase (100 units ml-1) did not affect the rise in cyclic GMP content induced by superoxide dismutase (30 units ml-1). 5. Pretreatment of pig aortic endothelial cells with haemoglobin (10 microM) reduced the resting content of cyclic GMP and blocked the increase in cyclic GMP content induced by glyceryl trinitrate (0.1 microM), sodium azide (10 microM), bradykinin (0.1 microM), ATP (10 microM), ionophore A23187 (0.1 microM), M & B 22948 (100 microM) and superoxide dismutase (30 units ml-1), but not that induced by atriopeptin II (10 nM). 6. Pretreatment of pig aortic endothelial cells with an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, methylene blue (20 microM), had no effect on the resting content of cyclic GMP. Methylene blue (20 microM) blocked the increase in cyclic GMP content induced by glyceryl trinitrate (0.1 microM), M & B22948 (100 microM) and bradykinin (0.1 microM), but not that induced by atriopeptin II (10 nM). 7. The data show that soluble guanylate cyclase, particulate guanylate cyclase and adenylate cyclase are present in pig aortic endothelial cells. They further suggest that EDRF, produced spontaneously or in response to vasoactive agents, elevates endothelial cyclic GMP content by stimulating soluble guanylate cyclase. It is possible that this may serve as a feedback loop by which the endothelial cell modulates EDRF production.

Mechanism of galanin-inhibited insulin release. Occurrence of a pertussis-toxin-sensitive inhibition of adenylate cyclase.

Abstract: In the insulin-secreting beta cell line Rin m 5F, galanin, a newly discovered ubiquitous neuropeptide, inhibited, by 50%, the stimulation of insulin release induced by gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) or forskolin, i.e. two cAMP-generating effectors. In contrast, it failed to decrease the stimulation of insulin release elicited by either the Ca2+-mobilizing agent, carbamoylcholine, or by dibutyryl-cAMP. Concomitantly, galanin inhibited the GIP- and forskolin-stimulated cAMP production. Furthermore, adenylate cyclase in membranes from Rin m 5F cells was highly sensitive to galanin, which exerted a marked inhibitory effect on the forskolin-stimulated enzyme activity. All these galanin effects were observed at low physiological doses, in the nanomolar range. Overnight treatment of the Rin m 5F cells with pertussis toxin completely abolished the inhibitory effect of galanin on insulin release, cAMP production and adenylate cyclase activity. Moreover, pertussis toxin specifically ADP-ribosylated a 39-kDa protein present in membranes from those cells. Taken together, these data show that the galanin inhibition of insulin release most likely occurs through the inhibition of adenylate cyclase, involving a petussis-toxin-sensitive inhibitory GTP-binding regulatory protein.

Mechanism of galanin-inhibited insulin release

Abstract: In the insulin-secreting beta cell line Rin m 5F, galanin, a newly discovered ubiquitous neuropeptide, inhibited, by 50%, the stimulation of insulin release induced by gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) or forskolin, i.e. two cAMP-generating effectors. In contrast, it failed to decrease the stimulation of insulin release elicited by either the Ca2+-mobilizing agent, carbamoylcholine, or by dibutyryl-cAMP. Concomitantly, galanin inhibited the GIP-and forskolin-stimulated cAMP production. Furthermore, adenylate cyclase in membranes from Rin m 5F cells was highly sensitive to galanin, which exerted a marked inhibitory effect on the forskolin-stimulated enzyme activity. All these galanin effects were observed at low physiological doses, in the nanomolar range. Overnight treatment of the Rin m 5F cells with pertussis toxin completely abolished the inhibitory effect of galanin on insulin release, cAMP production and adenylate cyclase activity. Moreover, pertussis toxin specifically ADP-ribosylated a 39-kDa protein present in membranes from those cells. Taken together, these data show that the galanin inhibition of insulin release most likely occurs through the inhibition of adenylate cyclase, involving a petussis-toxin-sensitive inhibitory GTP-binding regulatory protein.

Neuropeptide Y mobilizes Ca2+ and inhibits adenylate cyclase in human erythroleukemia cells

Abstract: Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a peptide often coreleased with catecholamines, appears to be an important component of the sympathetic nervous system, but little is known about the molecular basis of its action. We introduce here human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells as a new model system for studies of NPY action. NPY inhibited adenosine 3,5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in HEL cells with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 3 nM. Additionally NPY increased intracellular Ca2+, as assessed by fura-2 fluorescence, with a similar EC50. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin blocked both responses, suggesting the involvement of one or more G proteins. Chelating extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA did not reduce the Ca2+ signal, demonstrating mobilization from intracellular stores rather than influx. Experiments with various agents demonstrated that the Ca2+ mobilization was not secondary to lowering of cAMP levels, formation of arachidonic acid products, or Na+-H+ exchange. Ca2+ mobilization also did not appear to be associated with inositol phosphate generation. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that NPY, in addition to inhibiting adenylate cyclase, also can elevate intracellular Ca2+. HEL cells should prove useful in further studies of the molecular basis of NPY action.