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Biomedical subjects

M Böhm

Publications and source records attributed to M Böhm.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Quantification of beta-adrenoceptors and beta-adrenoceptor kinase on protein and mRNA levels in heart failure.

The alterations of the beta-adrenoceptor adenylyl cyclase are reviewed. In failing myocardium, the down-regulation of beta 1-adrenoceptors is accompanied by a decrease in steady state mRNA levels, as studied with quantitative polymerase chain reactions in dilated and ischaemic cardiomyopathy. The density of beta 2-adrenoceptors and beta 2-adrenoceptor mRNA was unchanged in both pathological conditions compared to non-failing myocardium. In addition to down-regulation of beta 1-receptor protein and mRNA, an increased activity of the beta-adrenoceptor kinase (beta-ARK) was observed. Correspondingly, quantification of beta-ARK mRNA by a 5' and a middle portion PCR-product suggests that increased enzyme activity could be due to increased transcription. In summary, decreased steady state levels of beta 1-adrenoceptor mRNA could contribute to reduced beta-adrenoceptor density in failing myocardium. The known uncoupling of beta-adrenoceptors could be due to an increased mRNA expression and activity of beta-ARK.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Activation of the renin-angiotensin system in heart failure and hypertrophy--studies in human hearts and transgenic rats.

Numerous in vitro studies have demonstrated that angiotensin II has distinctive cellular effects in the cardiovascular system, independent from its effects on blood pressure. These have led to the hypothesis that activation of the angiotensin system in the heart could be of functional relevance for the adaptive processes in several cardiovascular disorders, such as cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. This concept has been supported by clinical studies showing the beneficial effects of blockers of the system such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in these circumstances. In order to study the regulation of gene expression of renin angiotensin system components in cardiac disorders we have performed two studies. First, we investigated the gene expression of ACE in human heart failure. Results showed that the enzyme is activated locally in this condition, supporting previous studies in animals. Second, in a different approach, we asked whether the selective activation of the renin angiotensin system in the hearts of transgenic rats expressing an additional renin gene leads to the development of pathological changes in the cardiovascular system. The results of this study demonstrated that the transgenic animals developed cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure independent of the increase in blood pressure seen in these rats. Taken together, these studies provide further evidence for the functional role of local angiotensin systems in the heart.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Cardiac norepinephrine, beta-adrenoceptors, and Gi alpha-proteins in prehypertensive and hypertensive spontaneously hypertensive rats.

In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), cardiac adenylate cyclase is desensitized owing to down-regulation of myocardial beta-adrenoceptors and an increase in Gi alpha. We wished to determine whether these biochemical alterations in the beta-adrenoceptor-adenylate cyclase system precede development of hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy or whether this increase occurs only in later stages of the syndrome and represents a secondary phenomenon. Myocardial samples from 5- and 13-week-old SHR and age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) as controls were studied. Cardiac beta-adrenoceptors were studied with [125I]cyanopindolol ([125I]ICYP] as radiolabeled ligand. beta-Adrenoceptor subtypes were determined with the beta 1- and beta 2-selective antagonists CGP 207.12A and ICI 118.551, respectively. Gi alpha proteins were measured with the pertussis toxin-catalysed [32P]ADP ribosylation. Myocardial norepinephrine (NE) content was investigated with high pressure liquid chromatography. In myocardial membranes of 13-week-old SHR, the number of total beta-adrenoceptors as well as beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors was reduced. No difference was observed between SHR and WKY, at age 5 weeks. The nonionic detergent Lubrol PX at 0.5% (vol/vol) increased the amount of detectable Gi alpha by a factor of 14. Under these optimal conditions, Gi alpha was increased by 30% in 13-week-old SHR, but not 5-week-old SHR as compared with WKY. Myocardial NE content was increased by 25-35% in both 5- and 13-week-old SHR as compared with WKY. The results showed that nonspecific beta-adrenoceptor downregulation and an increase in Gi alpha occurs in hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy of SHR. In the prehypertensive stage, these changes were not observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1994

Interleukin-7 induces differential lymphokine-activated killer cell activity against human melanoma cells, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells.

To assess the potential role of interleukin (IL)-7 in immunotherapy of human malignant melanoma, we have examined the lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell sensitivity of four human melanoma cell lines against LAK cells generated by IL-7 or IL-2. Lysis was determined by a 24-h cytotoxicity test using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). All melanoma cell lines were susceptible to IL-7- and IL-2-generated LAK cells. The sensitivity of melanoma cells to IL-2-induced LAK cells was higher compared to IL-7-induced LAK cells. At an effector target ratio of 20:1, the lysis by IL-7-induced LAK cells ranged between 41% and 52%, whereas IL-2-induced lysis ranged between 80% and 94% (p < 0.01). IL-7-induced LAK cells, however, showed almost no cytotoxicity towards HaCat keratinocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Immunophenotyping revealed a higher expression of the tac antigen (CD 25) on IL-7-generated LAK cells, particularly those cells that were CD 56 negative or CD 3 positive compared to IL-2-induced LAK cells. In contrast, IL-2-generated LAK cells killed 62% of the HaCat keratinocytes and 60% of the HUVECs. Secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha into culture supernatants was significantly higher in IL-2-generated LAK cells compared to IL-7-stimulated LAK cells (p < 0.01), whereas TNF-alpha levels of IL-7-induced LAK cells were in the range of unstimulated lymphocytes. Because nonspecific cytotoxicity against other normal cells such as keratinocytes and endothelial cells contributes to the dose-limiting side effects of immunotherapy with IL-2, immunotherapy using IL-7 might be a better tolerated future alternative.

Cell Death↗
PubMed1994

Studies of the nucleoside transporter inhibitor, draflazine, in the human myocardium.

1. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the nucleoside transporter inhibitor, draflazine, on the force of contraction in human myocardium and the affinity of the compound for the nucleoside transporter. Nucleoside transport inhibitors, like draflazine, are of potential importance for cardiopreservation of donor hearts for heart transplantation. 2. Functional experiments were performed in isolated electrically driven (1 Hz, 1.8 mmol l-1 Ca2+) human atrial trabeculae and ventricular papillary muscle strips. The affinity of draflazine for the myocardial nucleoside transporter was studied in isolated membranes from human ventricular myocardium and human erythrocytes in radioligand binding experiments using [3H]-nitrobenzylthioinosine ([3H]-NBTI). Dipyridamole was studied for comparison. 3. In membranes from human myocardium and erythrocytes, [3H]-NTBI labelled 1.18 pmol mg-1 protein and 23.0 pmol mg-1 protein, respectively, nucleoside transporter molecules with a KD value of 0.8 nmol l-1. Draflazine concentration-dependently inhibited binding of [3H]-NBTI to myocardial and erythrocyte membranes with a K(i)-value of 4.5 nmol l-1. The potency as judged from the K(i) values was ten times greater than that of dipyridamole in both myocardial and erythrocyte membranes. 4. Draflazine, at concentrations up to 100 mumol l-1, did not produce negative inotropic effects in atrial and ventricular myocardium. (-)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) and carbachol did not reduce force of contraction in ventricular myocardium, but exerted concentration-dependent direct negative inotropic effects in atrial myocardium. 5. The data provide evidence that draflazine specifically binds to the nucleoside transporter of the human heart and erythrocytes with high affinity. The compound does not produce negative inotropic effects at concentrations as high as 100 micromol 1-1.6. Draflazine could be a useful agent for cardio preservation because it does not produce cardio depressant effects. Thus, it may be possible to perfuse explanted hearts directly with this agent without the hazard of cardiodepression.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Pharmacological actions of the selective and non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonists celiprolol, bisoprolol and propranolol on human bronchi.

1. The pharmacological actions of the beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, celiprolol, bisoprolol and propranolol were investigated in human lung tissue by radioligand binding experiments as well as in human isolated bronchi by functional experiments in organ baths. 2. Data from lung tissue were compared to those obtained from myocardial membranes. 3. Lung tissue was obtained from 10 patients having undergone lung resection for bronchial carcinoma and myocardial tissue from a patient who had received a heart transplantation. 4. In radioligand binding experiments, celiprolol exhibited a high affinity binding to beta 1-adrenoceptors in heart and a low affinity binding to beta 2-adrenoceptors in lung tissue. The selectivity obtained for the beta 1-adrenoceptor was calculated to a factor of eleven. 5. Compared to bisoprolol and propranolol, celiprolol elicited the lowest affinity for the beta-adrenoceptor, as judged from the K1-values. 6. In the absence and presence of the guanine nucleotide Gpp(NH)p celiprolol did not affect receptor binding. 7. In functional experiments on intact bronchi, celiprolol, bisoprolol and propranolol failed to produce relaxation (+/- forskolin) or a significant difference in efficacy in antagonizing the relaxant effects of isoprenaline. However, a rank order of potencies was revealed (propranolol:bisoprolol:celiprolol = 46:12:1). 8. Plasma concentrations for celiprolol and bisoprolol usually achieved in vivo were below the IC50 value obtained in vitro. In contrast, for propranolol, plasma concentrations were nearly identical with the IC50 value. 9. It is concluded that celiprolol is a selective beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonist on human heart and has no agonistic properties on intact human bronchi. Compounds such as celiprolol and bisoprolol may in comparison to propranolol, possess reasonable therapeutic advantages in the treatment of patients with obstructive lung disease due to their low affinity for beta 2-adrenoceptors.

Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists↗
PubMed1994

Coupling of M-cholinoceptors and A1 adenosine receptors in human myocardium.

This study investigated the coupling of M-cholinoceptors and A1 adenosine receptors in human myocardium. Carbachol reduced force of contraction in atria and ventricles by 60 and 35% (in the presence of 0.03 microM isoprenaline), respectively. Addition of (-)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R-PIA) in the presence of carbachol did not further reduce force of contraction. R-PIA reduced force of contraction less than carbachol in atria (ventricles) by 35% (25%), but addition of carbachol after R-PIA reduced force of contraction further by 35% (15%). Carbachol increased 35S-labeled guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) binding maximally 14-fold only when GDP was present by an excess of > 100 times [35S]GTP gamma S, while R-PIA increased binding only 2-fold. Activation of [35S]GTP gamma S binding by A1 adenosine receptor and M-cholinoceptor stimulation was antagonized by theophylline and atropine, respectively. Addition of R-PIA to carbachol did not further increase [35S]GTP gamma S binding. Activation of high-affinity [35S]GTP gamma S binding by agonists showed that carbachol activated [35S]GTP gamma S binding to 20 pmol/mg protein [35S]GTP gamma S binding sites, i.e., 25% of the total number of binding sites (80 pmol/mg protein). With R-PIA, activation of high-affinity [35S]GTP gamma S binding could not reliably be detected with this technique. From the number of M-cholinoceptors (atria, 360 fmol/mg protein; ventricle, 270 fmol/mg protein), it is estimated that 1 M-cholinoceptor activates approximately 50-80 G protein alpha-subunits in atria and ventricles, respectively. It is concluded that stimulation of M-cholinoceptors but not A1 adenosine receptors is able to maximally activate a pool of G protein alpha-subunits.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Atropine↗
PubMed1994

Isolation of region specific single-copy probes from human chromosome 1q23-->1q25.

Single-copy sequences of chromosome bands 1q23-->1q25 were enriched by subtractive hybridization of digoxigenin oligonucleotide-labeled DNA from a somatic cell hybrid containing human chromosome 1 with DNA from a somatic cell hybrid containing a deleted human chromosome 1, del(1)(q23q25). These sequences were purified with an immobilized anti-digoxigenin antibody, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned. The majority of clones contained single-copy sequences, thus allowing direct screening of human genomic DNA. With pools of probes complex hybridization patterns as well as differences in hybridization patterns between genomes were observed in Southern blotting experiments. Nine clones containing independent single-copy sequences from chromosome bands 1q23-->1q25 were isolated and sequenced to generate sequence-tagged sites (STSs). Using PCR, region specific genomic clones containing large inserts were identified in human genomic lambda phage and cosmid libraries. Thus, region specific genomic probes generated by genomic difference cloning are useful for identifying deletions and rearrangements, for generating STSs and for isolating genomic clones containing large inserts of a particular chromosomal region.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Beta-adrenergic neuroeffector mechanisms in cardiac hypertrophy of renin transgenic rats.

We studied neuroeffector defects in hypertrophied myocardium of hypertensive transgenic rats harboring the mouse Ren-2d gene. In transgenic rats, epinephrine and neuropeptide Y concentrations were reduced. A heterologous desensitization of adenylyl cyclase was observed, which was accompanied by a downregulation of beta 1-adrenergic receptors, an increase of inhibitory G protein alpha-subunits, and a mildly depressed catalyst activity of adenylyl cyclase, whereas the bioactivity of stimulatory G protein alpha-subunits and beta 2-adrenergic receptors was unchanged. Desensitization of adenylyl cyclase was accompanied by a reduced positive inotropic response to isoproterenol, whereas the effect of Ca2+ was unchanged. We conclude that sympathetic neuroeffector defects occur in transgenic rats similar to those observed in human failing myocardium. These alterations occur in the stage of hypertrophy and could contribute to contractile dysfunction in later stages.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1994

Expression of beta-arrestins and beta-adrenergic receptor kinases in the failing human heart.

The beta-adrenergic receptor system of the failing human heart is markedly desensitized. We have recently postulated that this desensitization may in part be caused by an increase in beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) expression. beta ARK is thought to effect desensitization by acting in concert with an inhibitor protein, called beta-arrestin. Two isoforms have been identified both for beta ARK and for beta-arrestin. In the present study, we have investigated the expression of the individual isoforms of beta-arrestin and of beta ARK in left ventricles from failing and control human hearts. mRNAs for all four proteins, beta-arrestin-1, beta-arrestin-2, beta ARK-1, and beta ARK-2, were identified in human heart. Quantitation by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reactions showed that in heart failure there were no changes of the mRNA levels for beta-arrestin-1 and beta-arrestin-2, a slight (< 50%) increase of the mRNA for beta ARK-2, and a threefold increase for beta ARK-1 mRNA. At the protein level, beta-arrestin-1 was readily detected by Western blotting in human heart. Its absolute values were approximately 350 fmol/mg cytosolic protein, and its expression was not changed in heart failure. beta-Arrestin-2 levels were too low to be detectable using the same methods. beta ARK levels as determined by enzymatic activity were approximately 20 fmol/mg cytosolic protein (beta ARK-1 plus beta ARK-2) and thus almost 20-fold lower than those of beta-arrestin. beta ARK levels were increased approximately twofold in heart failure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The failing human heart is unable to use the Frank-Starling mechanism.

There is evidence that the failing human left ventricle in vivo subjected to additional preload is unable to use the Frank-Starling mechanism. The present study compared the force-tension relation in human nonfailing and terminally failing (heart transplants required because of dilated cardiomyopathy) myocardium. Isometric force of contraction of electrically driven left ventricular papillary muscle strips was studied under various preload conditions (2 to 20 mN). To investigate the influence of inotropic stimulation, the force-tension relation was studied in the presence of the cardiac glycoside ouabain. In skinned-fiber preparations of the left ventricle, developed tension was measured after stretching the preparations to 150% of the resting length. To evaluate the length-dependent activation of cardiac myofibrils by Ca2+ in failing and nonfailing myocardium, the tension-Ca2+ relations were also measured. After an increase of preload, the force of contraction gradually increased in nonfailing myocardium but was unchanged in failing myocardium. There were no differences in resting tension, muscle length, or cross-sectional area of the muscles between both groups. Pretreatment with ouabain (0.02 mumol/L) restored the force-tension relation in failing myocardium and preserved the force-tension relation in nonfailing tissue. In skinned-fiber preparations of the same hearts, developed tension increased significantly after stretching only in preparations from nonfailing but not from failing myocardium. The Ca2+ sensitivity of skinned fibers was significantly higher in failing myocardium (EC50, 1.0; 95% confidence limit, 0.88 to 1.21 mumol/L) compared with nonfailing myocardium (EC50, 1.7; 95% confidence limit, 1.55 to 1.86 mumol/L). After increasing the fiber length by stretching, a significant increase in the sensitivity of the myofibrils to Ca2+ was observed in nonfailing but not in failing myocardium. These experiments provide evidence for an impaired force-tension relation in failing human myocardium. On the subcellular level, this phenomenon might be explained by a failure of the myofibrils to increase the Ca2+ sensitivity after an increase of the sarcomere length.

Calcium↗
PubMed1994

Gene expression of the cardiac Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger in end-stage human heart failure.

The regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration during excitation-contraction coupling is altered in the failing human heart. Previous studies have focused on disturbances in Ca2+ release and reuptake from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), whereas functional studies of the cardiac Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger, another important determinant of myocyte homeostasis, are lacking for the failing human heart. Using a cardiac Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger cDNA recently cloned from a guinea pig cDNA library, we investigated the gene expression of the cardiac Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger in relation to the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase. Expression of both genes was quantified in left ventricular myocardium from 24 failing human cardiac explants and 7 control heart samples in relation to beta-myosin heavy chain mRNA by slot blot analysis. Compared with patients with nonfailing hearts, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 13) showed a 55% increase in Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger mRNA levels (P < .05 versus control value) and a 41% increase in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD, n = 11). In the same hearts, SR Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA levels were decreased by 50% in DCM and by 45% in CAD (P < .05 for both versus control value). There was a positive correlation between Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA levels both in normal and failing human hearts, albeit with different slopes and intercepts of the regression line. The Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger protein levels as assessed by Western blot analysis and normalized to beta-myosin heavy chain protein were increased in DCM and CAD (P < .05 and P < .01 versus control value, respectively), whereas SR Ca(2+)-ATPase protein levels were reduced (P < .05 for both groups versus control values). Thus, the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger gene expression is enhanced in failing human hearts and may, in part, compensate for the depressed SR function with regard to diastolic Ca2+ removal.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Giant spontaneous hematoma of the thoracic wall in a patient with REST syndrome.

We report on a 56-year-old patient with systemic sclerosis of one and a half year's duration who was admitted with an acute soft tissue swelling over the left scapula and a marked reduction of joint mobility of the left shoulder. Over the following days, the swelling extended distally and a hemorrhagic discoloration developed, reaching down to the scrotum. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging revealed a giant intermuscular hematoma between the serratus anterior and the costal muscles. This is the first report of an extensive spontaneous hematoma of the thoracic wall in a patient with progressive systemic sclerosis. Its development and unusual localization may be explained by both the underlying systemic sclerosis and the patient's previous profession as a trapeze artist. Hemorrhagic complications of systemic sclerosis are rare but should be watched for in these patients.

CREST Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

Immunohistochemical localization of PDGF B, PDGF beta receptors and IGF I receptors during atherogenesis.

Growth factors and their receptors may be involved in initiation and progression of atherosclerotic intima changes. In this study, sections of human arteries in different stages of atherosclerosis were investigated for cellular expression of PDGF B, PDGF beta receptors and IGF I receptors. The applied immunohistochemical approach detected IGF I receptor synthesis in endothelial cells of atherosclerotic vessels. A possible role in atherogenesis may be seen in the control of IGF I transfer into subendothelial tissues. PDGF B chain production was observed in endothelial cells and macrophages in all stages of lesion development. The corresponding receptor for PDGF B (PDGF beta receptor) was expressed by transformed smooth muscle cells within the thickened intima from the stage of macrophage infiltration onwards. These results support the thesis that locally produced PDGF acts as a mitogen on smooth muscle cells and may promote proliferation during atherogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Sensitization of adenylate cyclase by halothane in human myocardium and S49 lymphoma wild-type and cyc- cells: evidence for inactivation of the inhibitory G protein Gi alpha.

Halothane has been reported to sensitize the myocardium towards the effects of exogenous catecholamines in patients and laboratory animals. This study was aimed at investigating the catecholamine-sensitizing effects of halothane as well as the underlying subcellular mechanisms in human myocardium. Halothane augmented the positive inotropic effect of isoprenaline but not of Ca2+. The increase of the effect of isoprenaline by halothane was more pronounced in failing myocardium, with increased Gi, than in nonfailing donor hearts. Halothane (1%) increased basal as well as isoprenaline-, NaF-, cholera toxin-, and guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p]-stimulated adenylate cyclase in human myocardial membranes (p < 0.05). Treatment of membranes with pertussis toxin increased adenylate cyclase by 40% and abolished the effect of halothane. Halothane had no effect on forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase. The same results, i.e., a pertussis toxin-sensitive increase of adenylate cyclase stimulation by halothane, were obtained in S49 cyc-, wild-type, or recombinant Gs alpha-reconstituted cyc- cell membranes. Carbachol-stimulated guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate binding was not influenced by halothane, but halothane attenuated the inhibition of adenylate cyclase by Gpp(NH)p in S49 cyc- cells. These data show that halothane stimulates adenylate cyclase and sensitizes adenylate cyclase after stimulation by beta-adrenoceptor agonists and guanine nucleotides due to an impairment of Gi alpha function. This mechanism may play a role in the halothane sensitization of myocardial adenylate cyclase towards catecholamines.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1994

Inotropic effect of the cardioprotective agent 2,3-butanedione monoxime in failing and nonfailing human myocardium.

The drug 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) was suggested to be a potent cardioprotective agent useful for cardiopreservation. The present study investigated the activity of BDM and its mechanism of action in human myocardium. In electrically driven left ventricular papillary muscle strips and right atrial trabeculae from failing (heart transplants) and nonfailing (donor hearts) human myocardium, isometric force development and the force-frequency relationship were examined. To study the sarcolemmal actions of BDM, competition experiments with 125I-iodocyanopindolol, 3H-ouabain and 3H(+)PN 200-110 were performed. The effect of BDM on the contractile apparatus was tested by investigating its effects on Ca++ sensitivity and on the relaxation parameters of skinned fiber preparations. In papillary muscle strips and in atrial trabeculae, BDM (0.001-30 mM) depressed the isometric force of contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. BDM was more potent in atrial than in ventricular tissue and it shifted the Ca++ concentration-response curve in atrial and ventricular tissue to the right. The potency of BDM to depress force development was significantly lower compared with the L type of Ca++ channel antagonist nifedipine in both atrial and ventricular myocardium. In the presence of 10 mM BDM, the force-frequency relationship becomes positive in failing myocardium but not in the presence of 1 mM BDM, which did not affect the specific binding of 125I-iodocyanopindolol, 3H-ouabain or 3H(+)PN 200-110. This indicated there was no action on beta adrenoceptors, cardiac glycoside receptors and dihydropyridine-type Ca++ channels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1993

C-terminal modifications of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein alpha-subunits differentially affect immunoreactivity. Evidence against endogenous ADP-ribosylation in human heart, lung, thrombocytes and adipose tissue.

Immunochemical detection of pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine-nucleotide binding proteins has been suggested to represent the most direct approach to quantitate the protein than pertussis toxin-catalysed [32P]ADP-ribosylation. The latter technique is potentially hampered by pre-existing covalent modification of the C-terminus. However, limited data exist as to whether and in what way modifications of the C-terminus affect immunoreactivity of Gi alpha (alpha-subunit of the inhibitory G-protein of adenylyl cyclase). Membranes from human myocardium, thrombocytes, adipose tissue and lung were treated with pertussis toxin or N-ethylmaleimide. Both, conditions prevented high affinity agonist binding to m-cholinoceptors and inhibited [32P]ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin consistent with the notion that the modifications took place at the C-terminus. Pertussis toxin treatment increased immunoreactivity to different antisera raised against the C-terminal decapeptide of transducin alpha (KENLKDCGLF, DS 1-4, AS). N-Ethylmaleimide reduced immunoreactivity towards all antisera studied. Pertussis toxin reduced the mobility of Gi alpha on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) depending on the presence of the toxin and sensitivity to inhibition of ADP-ribosylation by nicotinamide. In native membranes from none of the tissues studied, immunoreactive material comigrating with pertussis toxin-modified form of Gi alpha was detected. It is concluded that modification of the C-terminus by pertussis toxin or N-ethylmaleimide resulting in the same functional consequence, i.e. prevention of high affinity agonist receptor binding, is capable of producing opposite changes of immunoreactivity. Pertussis toxin treatment reduces the electrophoretic mobility on SDS-PAGE. Separation of the native and pertussis toxin-modified form of Gi alpha on SDS-PAGE demonstrates that endogenously ADP-ribosylated Gi alpha is lacking in membranes from human myocardium, thrombocytes, lung and adipose tissue.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗