Biomedical subjects
L L Brunton
Publications and source records attributed to L L Brunton.
Coupling of the type A endothelin receptor to multiple responses in adult rat cardiac myocytes.
In adult rat cardiac myocytes, endothelin (ET) receptors couple to multiple signaling pathways, including stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis (pertussis toxin insensitive) and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase via Gi. We have used ET-1 and congeners to characterize the subtypes of ET receptors on isolated rat myocytes. The rank orders of potency for stimulating phosphoinositide hydrolysis, inhibiting hormone-sensitive adenylyl cyclase, and competing with 125I-ET-1 for binding to myocytes are the same and show the pattern characteristic of an ETA receptor interaction, i.e., ET-1 approximately ET-2 > sarafotoxin 6b > ET-3; the corresponding EC50 values for the effects of ET on signal transduction are approximately 0.5 nM (ET-1), 0.7 nM (ET-2), 7 nM (sarafotoxin 6b), and 60 nM (ET-3). The ETA receptor antagonist BQ-123 abolishes the cellular responses to ET-1 and competes fully for 125I-ET-1 binding in a concentration-dependent manner. Sarafotoxin 6c, an ETB-specific agonist, does not diminish the responses to ET-1 or compete for 125I-ET-1 binding; no specific binding of the ETB-specific ligand 125I-IRL-1620 is detectable on myocytes. Myocytes express approximately 4 x 10(5) ET-1 binding sites/cell. The association of 125I-ET-1 with myocytes is largely irreversible, as are the biochemical responses to ET-1; thus, constants derived from analyses that assume reversible equilibria are in error. We conclude that the effects of ET on transmembrane signaling in rat ventricular myocytes result from occupation of ETA receptors and that the responses are likely to be long lived, compared with those of the readily dissociable neurotransmitters released by the autonomic nervous system.
Endothelin inhibits adenylate cyclase and stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis in adult cardiac myocytes.
We have assessed the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on transmembrane signaling in adult rat ventricular myocytes. ET-1 stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis with an EC50 of 0.3-0.8 nM. This stimulation is linear for up to 30 min in the presence of a protease inhibitor, is additive with the effects of other stimulators of phosphoinositide hydrolysis, is not inhibited by the Ca2+ entry blocker, nifedipine, and is insensitive to pertussis toxin. ET-1 also reduces cyclic AMP production in myocytes in response to isoproterenol and forskolin (EC50, 1 nM). This cyclic AMP-lowering effect of ET-1 is sensitive to pertussis toxin, can be demonstrated directly in assays of adenylate cyclase activity of myocyte membranes, and seems to be mediated by Gi. These data indicate that the effects of endothelin on adult cardiac myocytes involve multiple signaling pathways, including enhanced activity of the inositol phosphate pathway and a decrease in cyclic AMP-mediated responses, neither of which seems likely to account for the positive contractile effects of endothelin.
A novel IL-1 receptor, cloned from B cells by mammalian expression, is expressed in many cell types.
cDNA clones corresponding to an Mr approximately 80,000 receptor (type I receptor) for interleukin-1 (IL-1) have been isolated previously by mammalian expression. Here, we report the use of an improved expression cloning method to isolate human and murine cDNA clones encoding a second type (Mr approximately 60,000) of IL-1 receptor (type II receptor). The mature type II IL-1 receptor consists of (i) a ligand binding portion comprised of three immunoglobulin-like domains; (ii) a single transmembrane region; and (iii) a short cytoplasmic domain of 29 amino acids. This last contrasts with the approximately 215 amino acid cytoplasmic domain of the type I receptor, and suggests that the two IL-1 receptors may interact with different signal transduction pathways. The type II receptor is expressed in a number of different tissues, including both B and T lymphocytes, and can be induced in several cell types by treatment with phorbol ester. Both IL-1 receptors appear to be well conserved in evolution, and map to the same chromosomal location. Like the type I receptor, the human type II IL-1 receptor can bind all three forms of IL-1 (IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-1ra). Vaccinia virus contains an open reading frame bearing strong resemblance to the type II IL-1 receptor.
Dominant positive and negative selection using a hygromycin phosphotransferase-thymidine kinase fusion gene.
The hygromycin phosphotransferase gene was fused in-frame with the herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase gene. The resulting fusion gene (termed HyTK) confers hygromycin B resistance for dominant positive selection and ganciclovir sensitivity for negative selection and provides a means by which these selectable phenotypes may be expressed and regulated as a single genetic entity.
Differential effects of omega-3 fish oils on protein kinase activities in vitro.
We studied the in vitro effects of omega-3 fish oils and other fatty acids on the activity of crude protein kinase C from S49 lymphoma cells, on partially purified enzyme from rat cerebrum, on homogeneous protein kinase C from bovine brain, and, for comparison, on type I adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase. In the absence of exogenous phospholipid, the fish oils cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and acid (DCHA) enhance the catalytic cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic activity of protein kinase C and support the binding of [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, both to approximately 50% of the level supported by phosphatidylserine. In the presence of phosphatidylserine, the omega-3 fatty acids reduce catalytic activity and [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate binding by about one-half. The effects of the omega-3 fatty acids on enzyme activity suggest that fish oils act as partial agonists competitively with phosphatidylserine. EPA, DCHA, and arachidonate (but not a variety of saturated fatty acids) inhibit the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Thus dietary fish oils and cellular fatty acids mobilized by the action of phospholipase A2 may differentially modulate the activities of protein kinase C and cAMP-dependent protein kinase. These data suggest means by which unsaturated fatty acids mobilized within cells may act as second messengers.
Cellular distribution of phosphodiesterase isoforms in rat cardiac tissue.
We have resolved multiple forms of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) in whole rat ventricle and in isolated rat ventricular myocytes by use of anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography. One major form, the soluble calmodulin-stimulated PDE, is apparently absent from isolated myocytes. We discern four peaks of PDE activity (designated A-D in the order of their elution) in a soluble fraction obtained from whole rat ventricle. Peak A is stimulated twofold to threefold by the addition of calcium and calmodulin (Ca2+/CalM) and preferentially hydrolyzes cGMP over cAMP (in the presence of Ca2+/CalM, KmcGMP = 1.5 microM, KmcAMP = 17 microM). Peak B has similar affinities for both cAMP and cGMP (half-maximum velocities achieved at 30 microM substrate) and demonstrates positive cooperativity with cAMP but not with cGMP. The hydrolysis of cAMP by peak B is stimulated by cGMP at substrate concentrations up to 20 microM; the maximum effect is seen at 1 microM cAMP (25-fold stimulation by 3 microM cGMP). This pattern of stimulation by cGMP results from two kinetic changes: an increase in the enzyme's apparent affinity for cAMP (apparent KmcAMP decreases from 33 to 11 microM) and the abolition of positive cooperativity. Peaks C and D selectively hydrolyze cAMP, are not stimulated by Ca2+/CalM or cGMP, and differ in their affinities for substrate (peak C, apparent KmcAMP = 7.2 microM; peak D, 0.44 microM). In addition, peak D is much more sensitive than peak C to inhibition by cGMP, cilostamide, rolipram, and milrinone. Ro20-1724 is a slightly more potent inhibitor of peak D than of peak C. Peak D appears to consist of two different enzyme activities, one inhibited by cGMP, cilostamide, and cardiotonic drugs and the other potently inhibited by rolipram. In contrast to whole ventricle, the soluble fraction of isolated rat ventricular myocytes lacks peak A. Three major peaks in myocytes are entirely analogous to peaks B, C, and D of whole ventricle in terms of the NaCl concentration at which they elute, substrate affinities, and stimulation or inhibition by various drugs and effectors. We conclude that the soluble Ca2+/CalM-stimulated PDE in whole rat ventricle is present in nonmyocyte cells.
Insulin stimulates the activity of a novel protein kinase C, PKC-epsilon, in cultured fetal chick neurons.
In this study we examined the effects of insulin on protein kinase C (PKC) activity in cultured fetal chick neurons. PKC activity, measured as 32P incorporation into histone H1 in the presence of calcium (500 microM), phosphatidylserine (100 micrograms/ml), and diolein (3.3 micrograms/ml) minus the incorporation in the presence of calcium alone, was detected in neuronal cytosolic (207 +/- 33 pmol/min/mg) and membrane (33 +/- 8 pmol/min/mg) fractions. Insulin added to intact neurons increased the activity of PKC in both cytosolic and membrane fractions by about 40%. Neurons preincubated with cycloheximide (10 micrograms/ml) 30 min prior to insulin treatment showed the same degree of stimulation of PKC activity by insulin. The activation of PKC was maximal within 5-10 min of insulin exposure and was sustained for at least 60 min. Insulin stimulated PKC in a dose-dependent manner, with a maximal response obtained at 100 ng/ml. Addition of phosphatidylserine and diolein to neuronal cell extracts resulted in the phosphorylation of four major cytosolic proteins (70, 57, 18, and 16 kDa) and one major membrane protein (75 kDa). Phosphorylation of all five proteins was increased 2-fold in extracts from insulin-treated neurons. Immunoblot analysis of whole cell extracts using antibodies against PKC-alpha, PKC-beta, PKC-gamma, PKC-delta, and PKC-epsilon revealed that cultured fetal chick neurons contained only one of these PKC isoforms, the epsilon-isoform. The enzyme was mostly cytosolic. Insulin had no effect on either the amount of distribution of PKC-epsilon in cultured neurons but induced a small change in the mobility of PKC-epsilon on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. When assay conditions were designed to measure specifically the activity of PKC-epsilon, using a synthetic peptide substrate in the absence of calcium, activity was 50 +/- 12% higher in insulin-treated cells (p less than 0.005). PKC activity in control and insulin treated-neurons was almost completely inhibited when assays included a peptide identical to the pseudo-substrate binding site of PKC-epsilon. We conclude that PKC-epsilon is the major PKC isoform present in cultured fetal chick neurons. Insulin stimulates PKC-epsilon activity by a mechanism that does not involve translocation of the enzyme from cytosol to membrane.
Activity of an intracellular lymphocyte stimulator is independent of G-protein interactions, [Ca2+]i elevation, phosphoinositide hydrolysis, and protein kinase C translocation.
We have evaluated potential molecular mechanisms by which a group of synthetic lymphokine-like molecules, the 7,8-disubstituted guanine ribonucleosides, acts on second messenger pathways to augment the responses of murine B lymphocytes. Despite its extensive structural homology with GTP, 7-methyl-8-oxoguanosine (7-Me-8-oGuo), a prototypical disubstituted nucleoside, does not inhibit the binding of guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate either to purified G-proteins, or to G-proteins in situ in the plasma membrane. In contrast to anti-IgM antibodies, 7-Me-8-oGuo fails to induce elevation of intracellular free calcium in B lymphocytes. It does not elicit enhanced production of inositol phosphates in either unfractionated or large, cycling B cells (the cells on which it acts preferentially). It is unable to modify the cellular distribution or activity of protein kinase C, whereas phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, anti-IgD antibodies, and lipopolysaccharide do activate protein kinase C. Inhibitors of protein kinase C activity diminish stimulation of mRNA transcription by anti-IgD antibodies and lipopolysaccharide but not by 7-Me-8-oGuo. These data demonstrate that 7-Me-8-oGuo either uses a pathway distinct from that mediated by G-proteins, intracellular free calcium, inositol phosphates, and protein kinase C, or else bypasses the early events of this pathway, activating the cell at a point beyond their involvement. In either event, these nucleosides represent the only class of activator to date that is capable of driving B cell proliferation and differentiation without involvement of protein kinase C.
Characterization of the human and murine IL-7 genes.
IL-7 cDNA clones were used to isolate clones from the human IL-7 gene locus. Characterization of the clones revealed that the human IL-7 gene contains six exons, distributed over more than 33-kbp. An 18 amino acid insert found in human IL-7, for which no counterpart has yet been demonstrated in murine IL-7, is exactly encoded by exon 5 of the human gene. Clones were also isolated containing 5' flanking sequences and the first four exons of the murine IL-7 gene. RNase protection studies of murine IL-7 mRNA, as well as the sequences of 5'-terminal murine IL-7 cDNA clones obtained by anchored polymerase chain reaction cloning, indicate that the murine IL-7 gene initiates transcription at multiple sites within a 200-bp region. This region, and the sequence upstream of this region, appears to lack transcriptional regulatory sequences commonly found in eukaryotic promoters, including the TATA and CAAT sequences. However, the region lies within a CpG island, and contains potential recognition sequences for the "helix-loop-helix" class of DNA binding proteins.
An STS in the human IL7 gene located at 8q12-13.
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Non-steady state kinetic analysis of the regulation of adenylate cyclase by GTP-binding proteins.
The time course of cAMP production by S49 cell membranes in the presence of forskolin and a nonhydrolyzable GTP analog can yield information about the regulation of adenylate cyclase by both the inhibitory and stimulatory GTP-binding proteins (Gi and Gs). The time courses are complex and interpretation in terms of the activities of G1 and Gs requires a quantitative hypothesis. We present a general quantitative hypothesis that defines adenylate cyclase as existing in a distribution of two states, active and inactive. Gi and Gs, in their active states, alter the equilibrium of this distribution. Two distinct models are derived based on this hypothesis to accommodate two different proposed mechanisms for the action of Gi to inhibit adenylate cyclase: 1) a direct interaction between Gi and the catalytic subunit of adenylate cyclase and 2) a direct interaction between Gi and Gs. Perturbations of the regulation of adenylate cyclase by pertussis toxin and phorbol ester are simulated and interpreted using the models. The effect of pertussis toxin is quantitatively reconciled by decreases in the guanine nucleotide-independent adenylate cyclase activity and in the apparent rate of activation of Gi from 2.0/min to 0.01/min. The effect of phorbol ester is best accommodated by the model as a change in the distribution of active and inactive adenylate cyclase from 36% initially active to 47% active after phorbol ester treatment, without postulating any effect of phorbol ester on Gi or Gs. Both of these interpretations are independent of the model used. The effect of forskolin is also examined within the context of the two models. The results of this examination suggest an experimental approach for testing the models. These examples illustrate the usefulness of quantitative analysis of time course data using a model for the regulation of adenylate cyclase. We propose that, with this combined experimental and theoretical approach, one can address the relevance of hypotheses generated from experimental studies with isolated components to the molecular mechanisms of adenylate cyclase regulation in cellular membranes.
Inhibition of phorbol ester binding and protein kinase C activity by heavy metals.
Other laboratories have reported biphasic effects of heavy metals on protein kinase C activity: stimulation followed by inhibition at higher concentrations. We demonstrate that these earlier findings most likely resulted from a combination of the effect of the heavy metals to liberate Ca2+ from Ca2+-EGTA buffer systems and the direct inhibitory effects of the metals on protein kinase C. Simulations of such interactions substantiate this conclusion. When soluble protein kinase C is prepared without the addition of Ca2+ or chelator, heavy metals (Cd2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Zn2+, in the 10 microM range) inhibit the activity of, and the binding of regulatory ligands to, protein kinase C. Heavy metals inhibit the extent of [3H]phorbol dibutyrate binding without affecting the affinity of the interaction, an inhibition that is not surmounted by excess phospholipid. Heavy metals also inhibit the phospholipid-dependent catalytic activity of protein kinase C in a manner that excess phosphatidylserine can overcome. The inhibition of enzyme activity by heavy metals cannot be surmounted by excess Ca2+ or Mg2+. The inhibitory effects of heavy metals are not confined to protein kinase C. Heavy metals also inhibit cyclic AMP binding to cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and the catalytic activity of that kinase, but in a distinctly different pattern.
Inhibition of cyclic AMP efflux by insect pheromones and fatty acids.
Avian erythrocytes export cyclic AMP by a means that prostaglandins A1 and A2, but not other eicosanoids, inhibit (EC50 approximately 45 nM). Several insect pheromones and the fatty acyl components of common membrane phospholipids also inhibit cyclic AMP efflux (EC50 approximately 30 microM). The presence of at least one double bond in the acyl chain enhances the effect. Unlike PGA, fatty acids probably do not act via formation of a glutathione adduct but very likely by altering membrane fluidity. Inhibition of cyclic AMP export provides a mechanism by which products of phospholipid metabolism can influence the cyclic AMP signaling pathway.
Characterization of hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase in rabbit gallbladder mucosa.
1. We have developed a plasma membrane preparation from the mucosal epithelium of rabbit gallbladder and have characterized the hormonal sensitivity of adenylate cyclase in this preparation. 2. Basal activity is low and is stimulated by GTP and GppNHp. Hormonal stimulation is largely dependent on exogenous guanine nucleotide. 3. Several prostaglandins (E1 approximately E2 greater than A1 greater than B1), vasoactive intestinal peptide and the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, stimulate mucosal adenylate cyclase activity; a variety of peptides and neurotransmitters (secretin, cholecystokinin, arg-vasopressin, oxytocin, histamine, dopamine and serotonin) are without effect. 4. The data support the hypothesis that the inhibitory effect of prostaglandins, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and isoproterenol on gallbladder fluid absorption in certain species may be mediated by cyclic AMP. 5. The membrane preparation should be useful in further characterizing hormone receptor-transducer interactions of the gallbladder mucosal epithelium.
cAMP export and its regulation by prostaglandin A1.
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Multiple effects of phorbol esters on hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in S49 lymphoma cells.
In S49 lymphoma cells, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) enhances adenylate cyclase activity and doubles cAMP accumulation in response to beta-adrenergic stimulation at 37 degrees C, putatively via the action of protein kinase C. At 27 degrees C, TPA has the opposite effect, inhibiting cAMP production in response to isoproterenol by approximately 25%. TPA also inhibits the response to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), another stimulant of hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase in these cells, by 30% at 37 degrees C and almost 50% at 27 degrees C. In contrast, TPA enhances responses to forskolin and cholera toxin at both 27 and 37 degrees C. In membranes from cells treated with TPA, PGE1-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity is inhibited by 50%, whereas the catalytic activity stimulated by NaF or forskolin is enhanced. TPA reduces the potency of both PGE1 and isoproterenol for cAMP generation by 50%. TPA causes a similar decrease in beta-adrenergic agonist affinity with no reduction in the density of either antagonist or agonist binding sites in wild type cells and in cells lacking the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory transducer protein (Gs) (cyc-) or lacking functional receptor Gs coupling (UNC). Therefore, TPA has at least three functionally distinct effects on hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase in S49 cells: a 50% reduction in agonist affinity, attenuation of receptor-transducer coupling, and enhancement of GTP-dependent catalytic activity. We conclude that multiple and opposing effects of TPA on hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase occur simultaneously within the same cell, affecting the responses to several agonists differently.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Increased myocardial beta-receptors and adrenergic responses in hyperthyroid pigs.
Controversy exists presently as to whether thyroid hormone potentiates the action of catecholamines on the heart. Therefore, the relationships between adrenergic sensitivity, myocardial beta-receptor number, and the cardiovascular responses associated with excess thyroid hormone were investigated in pigs (Sus scrofa). A hyperthyroid state was induced by the administration of triiodothyronine (T3; 1 mg/kg iv). After 7 days there was a significant increase in resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, rate-pressure product, and O2 consumption in the hyperthyroid state. At this time echocardiography showed a substantial increase in myocardial cross-sectional size. Pharmacological tests showed an increased intrinsic heart rate (127 +/- 29 to 205 +/- 25 beats/min; P less than 0.001) and an increased chronotropic sensitivity to isoproterenol. The concentration of isoproterenol required for a 50% of maximal response (ED50) was reduced by 33 +/- 30% (2.1 +/- 1.0 to 1.2 +/- 0.3 micrograms/l; P less than 0.025). The slope of the line relating isoproterenol concentration and change in heart rate was increased by 29 +/- 33% (61 +/- 10 to 78 +/- 10; P less than 0.025). Radioligand studies demonstrated an increase in the number of beta-receptors in right atrial membranes from hyperthyroid animals (41 +/- 7 vs. 75 +/- 18 fmol/mg; P less than 0.02). The apparent dissociation constant (KD) of the receptor for l-isoproterenol was similar in membranes from euthyroid and hyperthyroid animals (157 +/- 57 vs. 219 +/- 59 nM, respectively; P = NS). This study demonstrates that hyperthyroidism is associated with an increased chronotropic sensitivity to isoproterenol, consequent to an up-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors in the right atrium.