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Z Vogel

Publications and source records attributed to Z Vogel.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Coexpression studies with mutant muscarinic/adrenergic receptors provide evidence for intermolecular "cross-talk" between G-protein-linked receptors.

We have tested the hypothesis that guanine-nucleotide-binding-protein-coupled receptors may be able to interact with each other at a molecular level. To address this question, we have initially created two chimeric receptors, alpha 2/m3 and m3/alpha 2, in which the C-terminal receptor portions (containing transmembrane domains VI and VII) were exchanged between the alpha 2C-adrenergic and the m3 muscarinic receptor. Transfection of COS-7 cells with either of the two chimeric constructs alone did not result in any detectable binding activity for the muscarinic ligand N-[3H]methylscopolamine or the adrenergic ligand [3H]rauwolscine. However, cotransfection with alpha 2/m3 and m3/alpha 2 resulted in the appearance of specific binding sites (30-35 fmol/mg of membrane protein) for both radioligands. These sites displayed ligand binding properties similar to those of the two wild-type receptors. Furthermore, COS-7 cells cotransfected with alpha 2/m3 and m3/alpha 2 were able to mediate a pronounced stimulation of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis upon stimulation with the muscarinic agonist carbachol (Emax approximately 40-50% of wild-type m3). A mutant m3 receptor (containing 16 amino acids of m2 receptor sequence at the N terminus of the third cytoplasmic loop) that was capable of binding muscarinic ligands but was virtually unable to stimulate phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis was also used in various cotransfection experiments. Coexpression of this chimeric receptor with other functionally impaired mutant muscarinic receptors (e.g., with an m3 receptor containing a Pro-->Ala point mutation in transmembrane region VII) resulted in a considerable stimulation of phosphatidylinositol breakdown after carbachol treatment (Emax approximately 40-50% of wild-type m3). Thus, these data suggest that guanine-nucleotide-binding-protein-coupled receptors can interact with each other at a molecular level. One may speculate that the formation of receptor dimers involving the intermolecular exchange of N- and C-terminal receptor domains (containing transmembrane domains I-V and VI and VII, respectively) may underlie this phenomenon.

Acetylcholine↗

Reconstitution of functional muscarinic receptors by co-expression of amino- and carboxyl-terminal receptor fragments.

Truncated m2 and m3 muscarinic receptors (referred to as m2- and m3-trunc), containing transmembrane domains I-V and the N-terminal portion of the third cytoplasmic loop, were co-expressed in COS-7 cells with the corresponding C-terminal receptor fragments (referred to as m2- and m3-tail; containing transmembrane domains VI and VII). Expression of any of these four polypeptides alone did not result in any detectable [3H]N-methylscopolamine ([3H]NMS) binding activity. However, specific [3H]NMS binding sites were observed after co-expression of m2-trunc with m2-tail and m3-trunc with m3-tail. These sites displayed ligand binding properties similar to those of the two wild-type receptors. The 'reconstituted' m3-trunc/m3-tail receptor was also able to stimulate agonist-dependent phosphatidyl inositol hydrolysis in a fashion similar to the wild-type m3 receptor, whereas all other polypeptide combinations were inactive. These data suggest that muscarinic receptors are assembled in a fashion analogous to two-subunit receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Heterologous desensitization and reduced G protein ADP-ribosylation following exposure to alpha 2-adrenoceptor and muscarinic receptor agonists.

We investigated the acute and chronic effects of alpha 2-adrenoceptor and muscarinic receptor agonists on dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion cocultures. Clonidine and oxotremorine inhibited the voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx (42 +/- 2% and 35 +/- 6% with 100 microM, respectively). The respective antagonists, yohimbine and atropine, abolished these effects. Pertussis toxin attenuated the inhibitory effects of clonidine and oxotremorine on Ca2+ influx, demonstrating involvement of G proteins in the transduction process. Chronic treatment with clonidine or oxotremorine desensitized the Ca2+ channel response to the agonist applied as well as to the other receptor agonist (heterologous desensitization). Such treatment with clonidine or oxotremorine decreased the pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha and G(o) alpha subunits, an effect which could be largely reversed by the detergent Lubrol PX. Yohimbine and atropine blocked the effects of clonidine or oxotremorine on pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation. Results suggest that alpha 2-adrenoceptor and muscarinic receptors couple to the dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels via pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. Chronic agonist treatment leads to heterologous desensitization and to a reduced capacity of Gi and G(o) to undergo pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗

Functional role of proline and tryptophan residues highly conserved among G protein-coupled receptors studied by mutational analysis of the m3 muscarinic receptor.

Most G protein-coupled receptors contain a series of highly conserved proline and tryptophan residues within their hydrophobic transmembrane domains (TMD I-VII). To study their potential role in ligand binding and receptor function, the rat m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor was used as a model system. A series of mutant receptors in which the conserved proline and tryptophan residues were individually replaced with alanine and phenylalanine, respectively, was created and transiently expressed in COS-7 cells. [3H]N-methylscopolamine ([3H]NMS) saturation binding studies showed that three of the seven mutant receptors studied (Pro242-->Ala, TMD V; Pro505-->Ala, TMD VI; Pro540-->Ala, TMD VII) were expressed at 35-100 times lower levels than the wild-type receptor while displaying 'm3-like' antagonist binding affinities. Pro201-->Ala (TMD IV) showed drastically reduced binding affinities (up to 450-fold) for both muscarinic agonists and antagonists. Whereas most mutant receptors retained strong functional activity, Pro540-->Ala (TMD VII) was found to be severely impaired in its ability to stimulate carbachol-induced phosphatidyl inositol hydrolysis (Emax approximately 25% of wild type m3). Interestingly, this mutant receptor bound muscarinic agonists with 7- to 19-fold higher affinities than the wild type receptor. The Trp-->Phe substitutions (Trp192-->Phe, TMD IV; Trp503-->Phe, TMD VI; Trp530-->Phe, TMD VII) resulted in less pronounced changes (compared with the Pro-->Ala mutant receptors) in both ligand binding and receptor function. Our data indicate that the proline residues that are highly conserved across the entire superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors play key roles in receptor expression, ligand binding and receptor activation.

Acetylcholine↗

Beta-endorphin is a potent inhibitor of thymidine incorporation into DNA via mu- and kappa-opioid receptors in fetal rat brain cell aggregates in culture.

Thymidine incorporation into DNA was inhibited dose-dependently by beta-endorphin in rat fetal brain cell aggregate cultures. The inhibition was reversed partially by mu (cyclic D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr- Pen-Thr amide) or kappa (norbinaltorphimine) antagonists. Complete blockade of the beta-endorphin inhibitory effect was achieved only on concomitant exposure to both antagonists. Eadie-Hofstee analysis revealed that beta-endorphin inhibited thymidine incorporation noncompetitively. In the presence of protease inhibitors, beta-endorphin decreased thymidine incorporation with an IC50 of 0.7 nM. Truncated and N-acetylated beta-endorphin derivatives, which bind with low affinity to opioid receptors, did not affect thymidine incorporation. These findings indicate that beta-endorphin at physiological concentrations can regulate thymidine incorporation in cultured brain cells.

Animals↗

Long-term opiate exposure leads to increase in synapsin I in rat spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion cocultures.

Cocultures of spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion cells contain relatively high concentrations of kappa-opiate receptors. We have previously shown that acute kappa-opiate agonist treatment reduces phosphorylation of synapsin I stimulated by depolarizing agents (such as 60 mM KCl). Here we show that prolonged opiate treatment increases the levels of synapsin I immunoreactivity in the cells. Several opiate agonists, such as U50488, ethylketocyclazocine, dynorphin, and [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin, caused a 3.0-3.4-fold increase in the immunoreactive level of synapsin I. The effect of the kappa-agonist U50488 on the up-regulation of synapsin I was dose dependent and was blocked by the kappa-opiate antagonist norbinaltor-phimine. The results suggest that continued activation of opiate receptors by chronic agonist treatment up-regulates the levels of synapsin I. This increase in synapsin I could contribute to the development of tolerance to opiates.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗

Anandamide, a brain endogenous compound, interacts specifically with cannabinoid receptors and inhibits adenylate cyclase.

A putative endogenous cannabinoid ligand, arachidonylethanolamide (termed "anandamide"), was isolated recently from porcine brain. Here we demonstrate that this compound is a specific cannabinoid agonist and exerts its action directly via the cannabinoid receptors. Anandamide specifically binds to membranes from cells transiently (COS) or stably (Chinese hamster ovary) transfected with an expression plasmid carrying the cannabinoid receptor DNA but not to membranes from control nontransfected cells. Moreover, anandamide inhibited the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in the transfected cells and in cells that naturally express cannabinoid receptors (N18TG2 neuroblastoma) but not in control nontransfected cells. As with exogenous cannabinoids, the inhibition by anandamide of the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase was blocked by treatment with pertussis toxin. These data indicate that anandamide is an endogenous agonist that may serve as a genuine neurotransmitter for the cannabinoid receptor.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗

Role of conserved threonine and tyrosine residues in acetylcholine binding and muscarinic receptor activation. A study with m3 muscarinic receptor point mutants.

Structure-function relationship studies of the m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor have recently identified a series of threonine and tyrosine residues (all located within the hydrophobic receptor core) that are critically involved in acetylcholine binding (Wess, J., Gdula, D., and Brann, M.R. (1991) EMBO J. 10, 3729-3734). To gain further insight into the functional roles of these amino acids, the agonist binding properties of six rat m3 muscarinic receptor point mutants, in which the critical threonine and tyrosine residues had been individually replaced by alanine and phenylalanine, respectively, were studied in greater detail following their transient expression in COS-7 cells. The binding profiles of a series of acetylcholine derivatives suggest that the altered threonine and tyrosine residues are primarily involved in the interaction of the acetylcholine ester moiety with the receptor protein. The two m3 receptor point mutants, Thr234----Ala and Tyr506----Phe, which showed the most pronounced decreases in acetylcholine binding affinities (approximately 40-60-fold as compared with the wild-type receptor), were stably expressed in CHO cells for further functional analysis. Both mutant receptors were found to be severely impaired in their ability to stimulate agonist-dependent phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis. Consistent with this observation, acetylcholine binding to the two mutant receptors was not significantly affected by addition of the GTP analog Gpp(NH)p (5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate). Our data suggest that Thr234 and Tyr506 (located within transmembrane domains V and VI, respectively), which are conserved among all muscarinic receptors (m1-m5), may play an important role in agonist-induced muscarinic receptor activation.

Acetylcholine↗

How the mongoose can fight the snake: the binding site of the mongoose acetylcholine receptor.

The ligand binding site of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AcChoR) is within a short peptide from the alpha subunit that includes the tandem cysteine residues at positions 192 and 193. To elucidate the molecular basis of the binding properties of the AcChoR, we chose to study nonclassical muscle AcChoRs from animals that are resistant to alpha-neurotoxins. We have previously reported that the resistance of snake AcChoR to alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTX) may be accounted for by several major substitutions in the ligand binding site of the receptor. In the present study, we have analyzed the binding site of AcChoR from the mongoose, which is also resistant to alpha-neurotoxins. It was shown that mongoose AcChoR does not bind alpha-BTX in vivo or in vitro. cDNA fragments of the alpha subunit of mongoose AcChoR corresponding to codons 122-205 and including the presumed ligand binding site were cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed protein fragments of the mongoose, as well as of snake receptors, do not bind alpha-BTX. The mongoose fragment is highly homologous (greater than 90%) to the respective mouse fragment. Out of the seven amino acid differences between the mongoose and mouse in this region, five cluster in the presumed ligand binding site, close to cysteines 192 and 193. These changes are at positions 187 (Trp----Asn), 189 (Phe----Thr), 191 (Ser----Ala), 194 (Pro----Leu), and 197 (Pro----His). The mongoose like the snake AcChoR has a potential glycosylation site in the binding site domain. Sequence comparison between species suggests that substitutions at positions 187, 189, and 194 are important in determining the resistance of mongoose and snake AcChoR to alpha-BTX. In addition, it was shown that amino acid residues that had been reported to be necessary for acetylcholine binding are conserved in the toxin-resistant animals as well.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Phorbol ester pretreatment desensitizes the inhibition of Ca2+ channels induced by kappa-opiate, alpha 2-adrenergic, and muscarinic receptor agonists.

Acute treatment of rat spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion cocultured neurons with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a known activator of protein kinase C, inhibited the dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent 45Ca2+ influx measured in these cells (IC50 of approximately 100 nM, 66% inhibition at 1 microM TPA). However, prolonged preincubation (24 h) of the cells with 100 nM TPA followed by extensive washing completely abolished, i.e., desensitized, the capacity of a second application of TPA to inhibit the activity of the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Moreover, this treatment also abolished the inhibition of Ca2+ influx produced by kappa-opiate as well as by alpha 2-adrenergic and muscarinic receptor agonists. Substantial desensitization was already observed following a 1-h pretreatment with 100 nM TPA. In contrast to TPA, an inactive phorbol ester (4 beta-phorbol 13-acetate) did not affect the inhibition of the voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx by these receptor agonists. These results suggest that protein kinase C may have a role in the modulation of Ca2+ channels by kappa-opiate, alpha 2-adrenergic, and muscarinic receptor agonists.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗

Characterization of kappa opiate receptors in rat spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion cocultures and their regulation by chronic opiate treatment.

We have investigated the expression and regulation of kappa opiate receptors in rat spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion primary cocultures. The density of opiate receptors increased markedly during the differentiation of the cultures; after 10 days in vitro the number of [3H]diprenorphine binding sites reached 244 +/- 47 fmol/mg protein. Most of the binding sites were of the kappa type, representing about 65-80% of total opiate receptors, while mu sites were expressed at a lower density (ca. 20% of total opiate sites). Following this period of development, the number of kappa and mu receptors did not change significantly. No detectable delta sites were observed at any time of culture (up to 4 weeks in vitro). Chronic opiate agonist treatment (24 h) of the cultured cells with either 10 microM U50488 (a selective kappa agonist), or 1 microM etorphine (a nonselective opiate agonist), did not change the number of kappa receptors and their binding affinity to [3H]diprenorphine. On the other hand, 50% of the mu receptor sites down-regulated following 24 h treatment with 1 microM etorphine. Chronic antagonist exposure (5 days) with 10 microM naloxone, markedly up-regulated the mu receptors (261% of control), whereas kappa sites exhibited a much weaker upregulation (164% of control). These data demonstrate that kappa opiate receptors are expressed at high concentration in spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion cocultures and that contrary to mu sites, kappa receptor density is less susceptible to modulation by chronic opiate treatment. The results also suggest that postreceptor components are important in regulating the kappa receptor function following prolonged opiate exposure.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗

Pre- and postnatal development of opiate receptor subtypes in rat spinal cord.

We have studied the developmental expression of opiate binding sites in the rat spinal cord at various prenatal and postnatal stages. For each developmental stage, we have compared the expression pattern of kappa receptors with that of mu and delta receptor subtypes. Both mu and kappa receptors appear relatively early during spinal cord ontogeny (from the 15th prenatal day), while delta sites are expressed later at the postnatal period (starting at the 1st postnatal day). The number of kappa sites predominates throughout the development (55-80% of total opiate sites) with two peaks of binding activity: one at the 20th gestational day, and the other around the 7th postnatal day. mu sites represent 20-38% of the total opiate receptor population with one peak of binding activity appearing at the 1st postnatal day. The densities of mu and kappa receptors at the adult stage are lower by 40-50% than the peak values observed at the early postnatal periods. The relative amounts of delta sites remain low throughout the ontogeny (4-8% of the total opiate sites). The binding properties of neonatal (1 day after birth) kappa sites (ligand binding affinities, regulation of agonist binding by guanosine triphosphate and various cations) are similar to those displayed by kappa receptors in adult spinal cord.

Aging↗

Differential effect of mu, delta, and kappa ligands on G protein alpha subunits in cultured brain cells.

Rat and guinea pig fetal brain cell cultures and immunoblotting techniques were used to study the effect of receptor selective opioids on the level of the membrane-bound alpha i and alpha o GTP binding protein subunits. Incubation of rat hindbrain cultures with the mu selective peptide DAGO decreased the amount of both alpha proteins. The reduction observed was equivalent to 36% in alpha o and 41% in alpha i. On the other hand, incubation of rat forebrain cultures with this peptide had an opposite effect, increasing the alpha o and alpha i levels by 66% and 68%, respectively. This differential effect of the peptide on the G proteins at the two brain areas may reflect the selective interaction at the receptor level; DAGO induced a fast and effective receptor down-regulation (50% decrease in Bmax) in hindbrain but not in forebrain cultures. Moreover, delta and mu selective ligands differed in their effect, as indicated by the finding that the delta selective peptide DPDPE increased the amount of both alpha proteins in hindbrain cultures by 40%. Similar experiments conducted with guinea pig brain aggregate cultures indicated that the kappa selective agonist U50,488 decreased the amount of the membrane bound alpha i protein subunit by 56%. The results thus indicate that opioid agonists, interacting selectively with the three types of opioid receptors, induce a complex repertoire of changes in the immunoreactive levels of the membrane-bound alpha GTP binding protein subunits in various CNS structures.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗

Kappa opiate agonists inhibit Ca2+ influx in rat spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion cocultures. Involvement of a GTP-binding protein.

The aim of the present study has been to characterize the regulation by opiates of 45Ca2+ influx in rat spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion cocultures. We have demonstrated that K+-induced depolarization, in the presence of the Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K8644, stimulated Ca2+ influx (3-4-fold) via the dihydropyridine class of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. While mu and delta opiates had no effect, kappa opiate agonists (e.g. U50488, dynorphin) profoundly depressed the stimulated Ca2+ influx (86% inhibition at 100 microM U50488). The kappa agonist action was stereospecific and could be reversed by the opiate antagonist naloxone. The inhibition produced by kappa agonists was greatly diminished following pertussis toxin treatment, and this effect was accompanied by toxin-induced ADP-ribosylation of a 40-41-kDa protein. This suggests that kappa opiate receptors are negatively coupled to voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, via a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein. Basal 45Ca2+ uptake, stimulated by adenylate cyclase activators (forskolin and cholera toxin), was potently inhibited by kappa opiates suggesting that, under conditions of neurohormonal stimulation of adenylate cyclase, kappa receptors are coupled to Ca2+ channels indirectly via the adenylate cyclase complex. In addition, cAMP-independent coupling pathways may also be involved.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗

Long-term opiate exposure leads to reduction of the alpha i-1 subunit of GTP-binding proteins.

Desensitization or tolerance is a major consequence of long-term opiate exposure. The mechanism of opiate desensitization is only poorly understood. We report that exposure of rat spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion cocultured neurons to kappa-opiate agonist is accompanied by a 60-70% reduction in the level of the alpha i subunit of GTP-binding proteins. Using selective antibodies, which discriminate among the various alpha i subunit forms, it was found that the opiate treatment leads to a reduction in the amount of the alpha i-1 subunit. The levels of alpha s, alpha o, and beta subunits remain unchanged. This molecular event could underlie the development of tolerance and cross-tolerance to opiates.

Blotting, Western↗

Kappa-opiate agonists inhibit adenylate cyclase and produce heterologous desensitization in rat spinal cord.

The nature of the opiate modulation of adenylate cyclase following acute and chronic agonist exposure has been investigated in rat spinal cord. Using membranes of both adult rat spinal cord and spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion cocultures, we found that kappa-opiate receptors are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase. The kappa-opiate agonists (e.g., U50488) inhibit significantly and dose-dependently the basal and the forskolin-stimulated cyclase activities, whereas mu and delta agonists are ineffective. The regulatory action is stereospecific and requires the presence of GTP. EGTA treatment of the plasma membranes abolished the effect of kappa-opiate agonists on the basal cyclase activity, and this inhibitory effect could not be restored by subsequent addition of Ca2+. The EGTA treatment did not affect the kappa agonist inhibition of the forskolin-stimulated cyclase. The results also show that following chronic exposure of cultured cells to etorphine or U50488, there is a loss of kappa agonist inhibition of the cyclase. Moreover, this desensitization process appears to be heterologous, because alpha 2-adrenergic agonists (e.g., clonidine or norepinephrine) and the muscarinic agonist (carbachol) exhibited significantly lower potency for inhibiting cyclase activity when compared to untreated cultures. This pattern of heterologous desensitization suggests that chronic exposure to kappa opiates leads to alterations in postreceptor regulatory components, possibly GTP-binding proteins.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗

Species specificity of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies elicited by synthetic peptides.

Two peptides corresponding to amino acid residues 351-368 of the alpha-subunits of Torpedo and human acetylcholine receptor (AChR) were synthesized. These peptides contain a segment (residues 355-364) which displays the greatest variability in amino acid sequence between the two species. Antibodies elicited against the two peptides cross-reacted with the respective native AChRs and were shown to be species specific by radioimmunoassay, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Thus, antibodies against the Torpedo peptide cross-reacted with Torpedo AChR but did not bind to mammalian or chicken AChR. Antibodies against the human peptide proved to be specific probes for mammalian muscle AChR. They cross-reacted with mammalian AChR (human, calf, mouse, and rat) but not with Torpedo or chicken AChR. These antibodies were also shown to react preferentially with the extrajunctional form of muscle AChR, as compared to their reactivity with junctional muscle AChR. In immunofluorescence experiments, the anti-human peptide antibody stained AChR aggregates in sectioned or ethanol-permeabilized rat and mouse myotubes grown in culture but did not stain living myotubes. This indicates that the sequence 351-368 of the alpha-subunit of mammalian AChR is on the cytoplasmic face of muscle cell membranes, as predicted theoretically.

Animals↗

Laminin-immunoreactive sites are induced by growth-associated triggering factors in injured rabbit optic nerve.

We have previously demonstrated that application of soluble growth-associated triggering factors (GATFs) from regenerating fish optic nerve or neonatal rabbit optic nerve to a non-regenerative crushed adult rabbit optic nerve provokes regeneration-like changes in the adult rabbit. In this study we show that the responses initiated by GATFs also include a change in pattern of appearance of an extracellular matrix component, laminin, known to play a role in neurite outgrowth and elongation. These findings suggest a mechanism whereby GATFs activate the adult rabbit glial cells to produce or to accumulate laminin and thereby allow partial compensation for the low inherent regenerative ability of the adult rabbit optic nerve.

Animals↗