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Synergistic effects between protein kinase C and cAMP on activator protein-1 activity and differentiation of PC-12 pheochromocytoma cells.

In rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12) cells, we have studied the effect of protein kinase C (PKC) and cAMP on the activity of the nuclear transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) and on differentiation of the cells into sympathetic nerve-like phenotype. By using mobility gel-shift assays, we found that both PKC and cAMP activation led to an increase in the binding of AP-1 to its consensus nucleotide sequence (TRE). When the PKC and cAMP pathways were activated simultaneously, a clear-cut synergistic effect was seen on the binding of AP-1 to TRE. Both PKC and cAMP activation were furthermore able to increase the AP-1 transcriptional activity in PC-12 cells transiently transfected with TRE-expressing plasmids. In agreement with the mobility gel-shift results, simultaneous activation of PKC and cAMP synergistically increased the AP-1 transcriptional activity. We next analyzed the effect of PKC and cAMP stimulation on differentiation and proliferation of PC-12 cells. Whereas PKC activation had no effect on the morphology of PC-12 cells, elevation of the intracellular cAMP level resulted in a marked increase in the number of neurite-bearing cells. This effect was paralleled by a strong inhibition of PC-12 cell proliferation. Interestingly, when PKC and cAMP activation were combined, the differentiation was further pronounced and growth further inhibited. These results show that both PKC and cAMP increase the AP-1 activity in PC-12 cells, and that these effects are synergistic. Moreover, we show that cAMP induces differentiation and inhibits growth of PC-12 cells, and that PKC activation acts synergistically with cAMP on these effects. The possible role of AP-1 in PC-12 cell differentiation is discussed.

Animals↗

Analysis on the promoter region of human decidual prolactin gene in the progesterone-induced decidualization and cAMP-induced decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the promoter region of human decidual prolactin (dPRL) gene in the human endometrial stromal cells (ESC). METHODS: Various segments of the human dPRL promoter that direct the expression of the secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter gene were transfected into human ESC decidualized by estrogen (E) + progesterone (P) or cyclic AMP (cAMP) to identify E + P or cAMP responsive elements. RESULTS: The region between nucleotides -2038 and -1605 relative to the transcriptional initiation site includes two activator protein-1 (AP-1) sites, which both provided maximal response to E + P or cAMP in decidualized cells. When either AP-1 site was mutated, response in the promoter activity to both E + P or cAMP response showed a decrease compared with control. The region between -310 and -285 that contains consensus-binding sequences for transcription factors of CCAAT/Enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP) contributed to E + P and cAMP response in decidualized cells. Also, the 5'-flanking region that extends 79 base pairs upstream, including an imperfect cAMP response element (CRE), contributed to E + P and cAMP response. In cells treated with E + P or cAMP for 10 days, mutant of C/EBP-binding site showed an increase in promoter activity comparing to dPRL-2038. In contrast, treatment with PKI showed a decrease in promoter activity in cells treated with E + P or cAMP alone. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that cAMP-induced region of the human dPRL promoter resides between -1862 and -1856, -1703 and -1697, -310 and -285, and that the sequences between -1862 and -1856, -1703 and -1697 of the promoter display E + P-induced promoter activity. Furthermore, the current study indicates that E + P or cAMP cooperatively regulate the dPRL gene transcription through some transcriptional factors such as C/EBP, CREB, and other cofactor(s), and that some repressor(s) or corepressor(s) may be involved in the C/EBP-binding site of the human dPRL promoter.

5' Flanking Region↗

Regulation of mouse oocyte meiotic maturation: implication of a decrease in oocyte cAMP and protein dephosphorylation in commitment to resume meiosis.

Mouse oocytes are reversibly inhibited from resuming meiotic maturation in vitro by cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine (IBMX) and cAMP analogs such as dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP). Oocytes cultured in IBMX-containing medium were transferred to and cultured in IBMX-free medium for various periods of time prior to their return to either IBMX- or dbcAMP-containing medium. Results from these experiments defined a period of time in which oocytes became committed to resuming meiosis. Forskolin, which elevated the intracellular oocyte cAMP concentration, transiently inhibited oocytes from resuming meiosis. Levels of cAMP were determined in oocytes incubated in medium that allows resumption of meiosis. The level of oocyte cAMP decreased significantly during the time in which oocytes become committed to resuming meiosis. This decrease in oocyte cAMP was not observed in oocytes inhibited from resuming meiosis by IBMX. In addition, cAMP levels were determined in preovulatory antral follicles, cumulus cell-oocyte complexes, and oocytes during gonadotropin-induced resumption of meiosis in vivo. A decrease in oocyte cAMP preceded resumption of meiosis as manifested by germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). This decrease apparently occurred before or during a period of time in which follicle and cumulus cell cAMP were increasing. Associated with commitment to resume meiosis was a characteristic set of changes in oocyte phosphoprotein metabolism that preceded GVBD. These changes are, to date, some of the first reported biochemical changes that precede GVBD. Results from these experiments are discussed in terms of a possible role cAMP may play in regulation of resumption of meiosis in mammals.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Inhibition of oocyte maturation in the mouse: participation of cAMP, steroid hormones, and a putative maturation-inhibitory factor.

The hypothesis that cumulus cells inhibit oocyte maturation by a cAMP-dependent process was tested (R.M. Schultz, R. Montgomery, P.F. Ward-Bailey, and J.J. Eppig (1983). Dev. Biol. 95, 294-304.). Treatment of isolated cumulus cell-oocyte complexes with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in both cumulus cell cAMP levels and in the extent of inhibition of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), the first morphological manifestation of oocyte maturation. Furthermore, it was found that concentrations of a membrane-permeable analog of cAMP, dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP), that were below those required for complete meiotic inhibition had a greater inhibitory effect on cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes than on denuded oocytes. Cumulus cell-enclosed and denuded oocytes matured at the same time in the absence of dbcAMP. Ablation of the gap junctions that couple cumulus cells to the oocyte abolished the maturation-inhibitory action of cumulus cells that was promoted either by FSH or low concentrations of dbcAMP. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that inhibition of oocyte maturation is mediated by a factor of granulosa/cumulus cell origin, other than cAMP, which requires cAMP for its activity and/or generation, and an intact intercellular coupling pathway between cumulus cells and the oocyte. A variety of steroid hormones potentiated the FSH-induced inhibition of maturation in cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes. In addition, steroid hormones inhibited maturation in denuded oocytes, but only when oocyte cAMP levels were elevated by cAMP analogs or forskolin. Steroids alone did not inhibit maturation of either cumulus cell-enclosed or denuded oocytes. Moreover, the steroids alone or in combination with FSH did not affect metabolic coupling between the cumulus cells and oocytes, nor did testosterone affect the forskolin-induced level of cAMP in denuded oocytes. Therefore, it is proposed that the oocyte is a site for the synergistic activity of steroid hormones with a cAMP-dependent process in inhibiting maturation. Results of these studies are discussed in terms of the roles of intercellular communication, cAMP, a putative maturation-inhibiting factor, and steroid hormones in the inhibition of maturation of mouse oocytes.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Starfish oocyte maturation: 1-methyladenine triggers a drop of cAMP concentration related to the hormone-dependent period.

Oocyte maturation (meiosis reinitiation) in starfish is induced by the natural hormone 1-methyladenine (1-MeAde). Oocytes of Evasterias troschelii contain 0.43 pmole cyclic AMP/mg protein and 0.47 pmole cyclic GMP/mg protein. Upon stimulation by 1-MeAde the oocytes undergo a moderate (10-30%) decrease in their cAMP concentration. The concentration of cGMP remains unaltered. Oocytes treated with forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, increase their cAMP concentration over 35-fold, up to 16 pmole cAMP/mg protein. When stimulated by 1-MeAde these forskolin-pretreated oocytes undergo a major (50-70%) decrease in their cAMP concentration. A similar decrease is triggered by mimetics of 1-MeAde, such as dithiothreitol, arachidonic acid (AA), and 8-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (8-HETE), but not by adenine which is inactive. 1-MeAde-stimulated oocytes of Pisaster ochraceus also undergo a decrease in cAMP content, the size of which is increased by forskolin. Although a decrease in cAMP begins at sub-threshold 1-MeAde concentrations, the maximal decrease occurs at the same concentration of 1-MeAde needed for maturation induction and a further 1000-fold increase of the 1-MeAde concentration has no further effect. Upon removal of 1-MeAde, the cAMP concentration immediately increases to its original level. Sequential addition and removal of 1-MeAde triggers a sequential decrease and increase of the cAMP concentration, illustrating the continuous requirement for 1-MeAde for eliciting the decrease. Successive additions of 1-MeAde, however, do not trigger further decreases of the cAMP concentration. The temperature dependences of the cAMP concentration decrease and of the hormone-dependent period (HDP; the time of contact with 1-MeAde required for induction of maturation) are closely related. Forskolin, which increases the cAMP concentration, also increases the duration of the HDP (2.5-fold), delays the time course of protein phosphorylation burst and germinal vesicle breakdown, and inhibits AA- and 8-HETE-induced maturation. We conclude that 1-MeAde triggers a drop in cAMP concentration, which is tightly associated with the hormone-dependent period of oocyte maturation.

Adenine↗

LLC-PK1 cell mutants in cAMP metabolism respond normally to phorbol esters.

Mutants of the pig kidney cell line, LLC-PK1, affected in cAMP metabolism, were examined for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-PK) activity and for cAMP-mediated induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). The FIB4 and FIB6 mutant cell lines possessed about 10% parental levels of cAMP-PK activity and concomitantly reduced uPA production (10-20% parental) in response to calcitonin, forskolin and 8-bromo cAMP. The FIB1, FIB2 and FIB5 mutant cell lines had about 70% parental levels of cAMP-PK and the synthesis of uPA was 40-60% parental. Thus, cAMP-mediated induction of uPA showed a dependence on the absolute levels of cAMP-PK. However, uPA synthesis in response to phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate by all of the mutants was similar to parental, which indicates that enzyme induction mediated by phorbol esters does not involve cAMP or cAMP-PK.

Animals↗

Investigations on the role of cAMP in regulating resorption of the tail fin from tadpoles of Rana catesbeiana.

Conflicting reports have appeared regarding the role of cAMP in regulating resorption of the tadpole tail during anuran metamorphosis. That cyclic nucleotide has been suggested as a mediator of the effects of both the thyroid hormones and prolactin. We tested the effects of cAMP and its derivatives dibutyryl-cAMP and 8-bromo-cAMP on explants of tail fin from tadpoles of Rana catesbeiana maintained in tissue culture. Unmodified cAMP (0.1, 2 mM) did not influence resorption. Dibutyryl-cAMP (0.1, 1 mM) and 8-bromo-cAMP (1 mM) inhibited resorption of explants induced by thyroxine (T4). The phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine similarly inhibited regression of explants cultured with T4. None of these agents affected the increase in specific activity of hexosaminidase brought about by T4. Although the effects of cAMP in antagonizing tail resorption were similar to those of prolactin, we found no direct effect of prolactin on levels of cAMP in cultured tail fin. Thus, the effects of prolactin appear not to be mediated by increased levels of cAMP. We conclude, however, that the elevation of cellular levels of cAMP does inhibit the resorptive action of T4.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Age-related deficit in beta receptor stimulation of cAMP binding in blood vessels.

Both vascular relaxation and cAMP accumulation mediated by beta adrenergic agonists declines with increasing age. We have developed a method to measure the biologically relevant cAMP bound to the regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in rat aorta. In homogenates of rat aorta, binding of [3H]cAMP was saturable with a Kd of 8.0 +/- 1.5 nM; the dissociation of [3H]cAMP from the binding sites was comprised of fast and slow components at 4 degrees C. Endogenous cAMP binding in aortas stimulated with isoproterenol (10(-5) M) or forskolin (10(-5) M) was quantitated by radioimmunoassay. Compared to basal values, isoproterenol increased cAMP binding by 37% (P less than 0.05) in aortas from young animals (5-6 weeks) but had essentially no effect on binding in older animals (9-11 months). In contrast, forskolin, which causes full relaxation in aortas from older rats, equally elevated bound cAMP values in aortas in the two age groups. In addition, the ratio of total cAMP binding sites to cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic activity was 45% higher in aortas from the older rats, suggesting that there were proportionately more regulatory subunits in those vessels. The deficit in isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP binding in vascular smooth muscle in older animals may in part explain the loss in relaxation mediated by beta adrenergic agonists.

Aging↗

Role of calcium and cAMP in heterologous up-regulation of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor in an osteoblast cell line.

To understand further the mechanism of action of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the stimulation of the number of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) binding sites in UMR 106-01 cells we studied the role of cAMP and calcium. In addition to PTH other agents known to act via the cAMP signal pathway, prostaglandin E2, forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP, caused an increase in 1,25(OH)2D3 binding. Addition of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor 9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl)adenine resulted in a marked decrease of PTH-stimulated cAMP production but this was not followed by a reduction of 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor up-regulation by PTH. Increasing the intracellular calcium concentration by Bay K 8644 and A23817 independent of an activation of the cAMP signal pathway did not result in an increased 1,25(OH)2D3 binding. The calcium channel blockers nitrendipine and verapamil and chelating extracellular calcium with EGTA all reduced cAMP-mediated stimulation of 1,25(OH)2D3 binding. This reduction was not due to a reduce cAMP production as verapamil even potentiated PTH- and forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in a dose-dependent manner. The present study provides evidence for an interrelated action of calcium and cAMP in the heterologous up-regulation of the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor. The current data show an interaction between the cAMP and calcium signal pathway at (1) the level of cAMP generation/degradation, and (2) a level located distal in the cascade leading to 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor up-regulation.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Inhibition of serine/threonine protein phosphatases enhances agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation in UMR 106 osteoblast-like cells.

Protein phosphatases regulate the activity of signal transduction mechanisms by dephosphorylating activated components. By utilizing selective inhibitors of these phosphatases, we investigated their role in regulating cAMP accumulation in the UMR 106 osteoblast-like tumor cell line. PTHrP, PTH and PGE2 stimulated cAMP accumulation up to 100-fold. Calyculin A, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) and type 2A (PP2A), did not affect basal levels of cAMP, but concentrations of 10(-11) M to 10(-8) M increased PTHrP-, PTH-, and PGE2-stimulated cAMP accumulation up to 1.7-fold, and this increase was concentration-dependent. Similar results were obtained with tautomycin, another potent inhibitor of PP1 and PP2A. In contrast, okadaic acid, a potent inhibitor of PP2A which inhibited PP1 less potently, did not enhance PTHrP-, PTH-, or PGE2-stimulated cAMP accumulation. The effect of calyculin A on agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation persisted in cells treated with isobutyl methylxanthine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. When the effect of calyculin A was compared with that of 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), it was found that while PMA enhanced both the receptor and forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, calyculin A had no effect on the forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. The effect of calyculin A on PTHrP- and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation persisted in cells treated with PMA. These results suggest that protein phosphatases play an important role in agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation in osteoblast-like cells, and that PP1 but not PP2A may be the major phosphatase involved. In contrast to activation by protein kinase C, the site of action for the phosphatase appears to be predominantly at a step prior to the activation of adenylyl cyclase in the cAMP signal transduction pathway.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

The activity of constitutive nitric oxide synthase is increased by the pathway cAMP/cAMP-activated protein kinase in human platelets. New insights into the antiaggregating effects of cAMP-elevating agents.

Human platelets synthesize nitric oxide (NO) through an endothelial-type NO synthase (ecNOS) activated also by substances enhancing 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations, such as catecholamines, beta-adrenoceptor agonists and adenosine. To verify whether cAMP directly activates ecNOS through the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), we evaluated (i) the influence of 8-Br-cAMP, adenosine and forskolin on ecNOS activity and phosphorylation at Ser(1177) and (ii) the effect of PKA inhibition on ecNOS activity. Platelets from 10 healthy male volunteers were used for aggregation studies and measurement of NOS activity (conversion of L-[(3)H]-arginine to L-[(3)H]-citrulline) following exposure to 8-Br-cAMP, adenosine and forskolin, both in the absence and in the presence of the PKA inhibitor Rp-cAMPS (100 micromol/l). The phosphorylation of the PKA substrate vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) at Ser(157) and Ser(239) and of ecNOS at Ser(1177) was evaluated by Western blot. NOS activity (pmol L-citrulline/10(8) platelets) increased from 0.090+/-0.002 to 0.148+/-0.013 with 500 micromol/l 8-Br-cAMP (p<0.0001), to 0.140+/-0.008 with 30 micromol/l adenosine (p<0.0001) and to 0.140+/-0.009 with 10 micromol/l forskolin (p<0.0001). Rp-cAMPS decreased baseline NOS activity from 0.093+/-0.001 to 0.075+/-0.006 (p<0.02) and prevented the stimulation by 8-Br-cAMP, adenosine and forskolin. Platelet exposure to 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin, beside the phosphorylation of the specific PKA substrate VASP, markedly increased the expression of ecNOS protein phosphorylated at Ser(1177). The study shows that NOS activity of human platelets is increased by the cAMP/PKA pathway which is involved in NO synthesis induced by adenosine, forskolin and potentially by every antiaggregating substance enhancing intraplatelet cAMP via receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Estrogen regulation of in vitro brain tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: interactions with cAMP-protein kinase A and protein kinase C systems in enzyme activation.

In the present in vitro study, interactions of both cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) systems were investigated in the estradiol-17beta (E2) regulation of forebrain (hypothalamus and telencephalon) tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity in the female catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in vitellogenic phase. E2 produced biphasic effects on TH activity: low concentrations (10(-12)-10(-5) M) stimulated, and high concentrations (10(-3)-10(-4) M) inhibited enzyme activity (Tukey's test, P<0.05). Co-incubations of the enzyme preparations with cAMP (1.0 mM), IBMX (1.5 mM) or theophylline (1.5 mM) and a low concentration of E2 (10(-9) M) increased TH activity significantly. However, the co-incubations with a high concentration of E2 (10(-3) M) decreased it significantly. Pre-incubations of the enzyme preparations with cAMP (0.1 mM), followed by different concentrations of E2 (10(-12), 10(-9), 10(-4), and 10(-3) M) produced concentration-dependent biphasic effects. The pre-incubations with a low concentration of E2 (10(-9) M), followed by different concentrations of cAMP (0.05-1.0 mM) produced a significant concentration-dependent stimulation of TH activity and that with a high concentration of E2 (10(-3) M) produced a significant decrease in TH activity. Co-incubations of high and low E2, with or without cAMP, and PKA inhibitor (H-89) decreased TH activity significantly. The incubations with H-89 abolished the stimulatory effect of low E2 or low E2+cAMP and intensified the inhibitory effect of high E2 or high E2+cAMP combination. Co-incubations with PKC inhibitor (calphostin C) did not influence the stimulatory effect of low E2 but lowered the stimulatory effect of low E2+cAMP treatment. Kinetic studies showed that the stimulatory effect of a low E2 concentration was due to a decrease in apparent Km and an increase in apparent Vmax for both cofactor and substrate, and the inhibitory effect of a high E2 concentration was due to reverse changes in the kinetics. The stimulatory effect of cAMP alone or in combination with low E2 was related to decreased Km and increased Vmax for the cofactor. The inhibitory effect of PKA and PKC blockers, alone or in combination with E2 and/or cAMP was due to increased Km and decreased Vmax of the enzyme for the cofactor. The present data suggest that E2 modulates the short-term activation of brain TH activity differentially and may involve mainly the cAMP-PKA system.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Chimeric exchanges within the bradykinin B2 receptor intracellular face with the prostaglandin EP2 receptor as the donor: importance of the second intracellular loop for cAMP synthesis.

The prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) EP2 receptor (EP2R) type is G protein coupled (GPCR) and links to Galphas. Through this receptor PGE(2) activates cAMP production. The bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor (BKB2R) is also a GPCR but links to Galphaq and Galphai and does not activate cAMP production in response to bradykinin. In an attempt to convert the BKB2R into a Galphas-linked adenylate cyclase-activating receptor we proceeded to make global and discrete motif replacements of the intracellular (IC) face of the BKB2R with the corresponding regions of the human EP2R. With this approach we produced hybrid receptors which, when stably transfected into wild type (WT) Rat-1 cells, bound BK but produced cAMP. Replacement of the second loop (IC2), third loop (IC3), the entire C terminus, and the distal C terminus resulted in receptors which bound BK. However, only the IC2 and IC3 exchanges resulted in cAMP-producing receptors. Of these two regions, the IC2 exchange was by far the better cAMP-generating receptor, producing cAMP at approximately 6.6-fold above WT BKB2R or approximately one fourth the amount produced by WT EP2R-transfected Rat-1 cells. Both human and rat EP2R and human beta2-adrenergic receptor exchanges of the IC2 produced equal quantities of cAMP. Focusing on the rBKB2R/hEP2R IC2 chimeras, the region consisting of residues 136-147 (BKB2R residue numbering) proved to contain a cAMP-generating motif. Within this region, the proximal six amino acids from the EP2R (HPYFYQ) at position 136-141 proved crucial for cAMP production (10-fold over WT BKB2R). The distal part of this region, the six residues at 142-147, played no role in cAMP production. On the other hand, the ALV motif of the BKB2R IC2, residues 133-135, proved important with respect to phosphatydilinositol (PI) turnover. Replacing the entire IC2 of BKB2R resulted in poor PI turnover, while including the AVL of BKB2R retained approximately half of the WT PI turnover. With respect to receptor uptake, all the IC2 mutants endocytosed as WT BKB2R (60% in 1h). However, the exchange of the distal and the whole C termini resulted in a marked drop in endocytosis (30% in 1h). These results demonstrate that the construction of a cAMP-producing BKB2/EP2 receptor hybrid is possible, with the IC2 region distal to DRYLALV proving important to Galphas linkage and the LALV motif within the IC2 of BKB2R and the region proximal to it proving important for Galphaq and Galphai linkage. Additionally, our results confirm the importance of the distal C terminus in determining receptor uptake.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A differential role of CREB phosphorylation in cAMP-inducible gene expression in the rat pineal.

In the rat pineal gland cAMP mediates nocturnal induction of the enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) as well as of transcription factors such as inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER), Fos-related antigen-2 (Fra-2) and JunB. Cyclic AMP stimulates the phosphorylation of the DNA binding protein cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). While cAMP-induced CREB phosphorylation appears to be a prerequisite for AA-NAT and ICER gene expression, it is not known whether CREB phosphorylation accounts for the full cAMP response of the two genes. Furthermore, the significance of CREB phosphorylation in cAMP-activated Fra-2 and JunB transcription is unknown. In the present in vitro study we used the serine/threonine protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (OA) to phosphorylate CREB without altering intrapineal cAMP concentration. It was observed that OA (10(-7) M) was less effective than dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP; 10(-3) M) in inducing AA-NAT mRNA and ICER mRNA, respectively. On the basis of this finding, it is concluded that CREB phosphorylation alone is apparently not sufficient for the full cAMP response of the two genes. By contrast, OA and dbcAMP equally stimulated the accumulation of the mRNAs of Fra-2 and JunB. Therefore cAMP may induce Fra-2 and JunB transcripts via CREB phosphorylation. Our observations suggest that CREB phosphorylation plays a critical role in diversification of cAMP-dependent gene induction in the rat pineal.

Animals↗

Role of activation of calcium-sensitive K+ channels and cAMP in opioid-induced pial artery dilation.

The present study was designed to investigate the role of activation of Kca+2 channels and cAMP in opioid-induced pial artery dilation in newborn pigs equipped with closed cranial windows. Methionine enkephalin, an endogenous mu agonist, elicited dilation that was modestly attenuated by the Kca+2 channel antagonist, iberiotoxin (10(-7) M) (7 +/- 1, 11 +/- 1 and 16 +/- 1 vs. 4 +/- 1, 7 +/- 1, and 11 +/- 1% for methionine enkephalin 10(-10), 10(-8), 10(-6) M in the absence and presence of iberiotoxin, respectively). Dilator responses to leucine enkephalin and dynorphin, endogenous delta and kappa agonists, as well as the synthetic analogues DAMGO, DPDPE, deltorphin and U50488H all were similarly attenuated by iberiotoxin. Dilation in response to methionine enkephalin was accompanied by increased CSF cAMP concentration (1170 +/- 21, 1358 +/- 22, 1473 +/- 26, and 1575 +/- 24 fmol/ml for control, 10(-10), 10(-8), 10(-6) M methionine enkephalin, respectively). Methionine enkephalin-induced dilation was attenuated by Rp 8-bromo cAMPs (10(-5) M), a cAMP antagonist (7 +/- 1, 11 +/- 1 and 17 +/- 1 vs. 2 +/- 1, 4 +/- 1, and 7 +/- 1% for methionine enkephalin 10(-10), 10(-8), and 10(-6) M in the absence and presence of Rp 8-bromo cAMPs, respectively). Dilation by the other endogenous and synthetic opioid analogues was also accompanied by elevated CSF cAMP and attenuated by Rp 8-bromo cAMPs. Additionally, dilation produced by the cAMP analogue, 8-bromo cAMP, was blunted by iberiotoxin. These data show that both cAMP and activation of Kca+2 channels contribute to opioid-induced pial artery dilation. Further, these data suggest that opioids elicit dilation, at least in part, via the sequential release of cAMP and subsequent activation of Kca+2 channels by this second messenger.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

A quantitative autoradiographic study of [3H]cAMP binding to cytosolic and particulate protein kinase A in post-mortem brain staged for Alzheimer's disease neurofibrillary changes and amyloid deposits.

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) has been implicated in the Alzheimer's disease pathology of abnormal tau phosphorylation leading to neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation, as well as in amyloid precursor protein alpha-secretase processing. In the present study, we determined whether [3H]cAMP binding to cytosolic and particulate PKA showed any relationship to the extent of Alzheimer's disease pathology at post-mortem. Autoradiographic [3H]cAMP binding to cytosolic and particulate PKA was measured in sections of entorhinal cortex/hippocampal formation from 23 cases that had been staged for Alzheimer's disease-related neurofibrillary changes and amyloid deposits according to Braak and Braak [H. Braak, E. Braak, Neuropathological staging of Alzheimer's-related changes, Acta Neuropathol. 82 (1991) 239-259]. [3H]cAMP binding to cytosolic PKA showed statistically significant reductions in the entorhinal cortex (P<0.01, ANOVA) with respect to neurofibrillary changes. Post-hoc analysis with Fisher's PLSD test showed significant reductions of [3H]cAMP binding to cytosolic PKA at the isocortical stages (V and VI), compared to the non-pathological (O) (by 55%, P<0.01), transentorhinal (I and II) (by 58%, P<0.001) and limbic (III and IV) (by 45%, P<0.05) stages. A significant reduction (by 25%, P<0.05) was also seen in the transentorhinal compared to the limbic stages. [3H]cAMP binding to cytosolic PKA showed no significant alterations with respect to neurofibrillary changes in either the subiculum, CA1-CA4 subfields of the hippocampus or the dentate gyrus. [3H]cAMP binding to cytosolic PKA also showed significant declines in the entorhinal cortex (P<0.01) and subiculum (P<0.05) with respect to staging for amyloid deposits. Post-hoc analysis with Fisher's PLSD test showed significant reductions of [3H]cAMP binding to cytosolic PKA in the entorhinal cortex at amyloid stage C compared to stages O (by 41%, P<0.01) and A (by 38%, P<0.01). In the subiculum, there were significant reductions of [3H]cAMP binding at stages C (by 41%, P<0.01) and B (by 40%, P<0.05), respectively, compared to stage O. [3H]cAMP binding to particulate PKA did not show significant relationships to staging for either neurofibrillary changes or amyloid deposits in either the entorhinal cortex or any of the hippocampal subregions. These findings suggest that whereas [3H]cAMP binding to cytosolic PKA in the entorhinal cortex is reduced with progression of neurofibrillary and amyloid pathology, other hippocampal regions show a preservation of cytosolic and particulate PKA even in late stage pathologies.

Aging↗

P2Y(11) receptor expression by human lymphocytes: evidence for two cAMP-linked purinoceptors.

The effects of extracellular ATP, ADP, AMP and adenosine on cAMP accumulation have been studied in freshly isolated B-lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Extracellular ATP and several nucleotide analogs stimulated cAMP accumulation with the following order of potency: ATP (EC(50)=120+/-20 microM)>ADP>>AMP. ADP was less effective than ATP and may be a partial agonist. AMP exhibited variable but generally weak activity. The stable analog of ATP, alpha,beta-methylene ATP (EC(50)=110+/-15 microM) also stimulated cAMP accumulation and exhibited similar efficacy to ATP. The P2Y(2) receptor agonist, UTP had no effect on intracellular cAMP levels. Adenosine and the A(2A)/A(2B) receptor agonist, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) also stimulated cAMP accumulation in CLL lymphocytes. Adenosine deaminase inhibited the cAMP response to adenosine but had no effect on the ATP-induced cAMP response. On the other hand, the AMP analog, adenosine 5'-thiomonophosphate, (AMPS; 1.0 mM) inhibited ATP-induced and alpha,beta-methylene ATP-induced cAMP production but had no effect on adenosine-induced cAMP production. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed the presence of P2Y(11) receptor as well as A(2A) and A(2B) receptor mRNA in chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocytes. However, A(2B) receptors would appear to be relatively ineffective because the A(2A) selective agonist, CGS-21680 exhibited comparable efficacy to NECA. Furthermore, the A(2A)-selective antagonist 8-(3-chlorostyryl)-caffeine (CSC) right-shifted the concentration-response curve for NECA. Taken together, the data indicate that ATP induces cAMP accumulation via the activation of P2Y(11) receptors whereas adenosine induces cAMP accumulation via the activation of A(2A) receptors. Coordinate activation of P2Y(11) and A(2A) receptors may influence the developmental fate of normal B-lymphocytes.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Changes in locomotory behavior and cAMP produced in Ascaris suum by neuropeptides from Ascaris suum or Caenorhabditis elegans.

Injection of Ascaris FMRFamide-like (AF) peptides and peptides encoded by genes in Caenorhabditis elegans were analyzed for effects on locomotion, body waveforms, and cAMP concentrations in adult female Ascaris suum. Injection of AF1 (KNEFIRFamide) or AF2 (KHEYLRFamide) inhibited the propagation of locomotory waves and reduced the number of waveforms, decreased the body length, and caused a large, long-lasting increase in cAMP. Muscle tissue was identified as a major source of the cAMP response induced by AF1. The AF1 analog AF1R6A did not affect cAMP levels by itself, but inhibited the cAMP response produced by AF1. AF8 (KSAYMRFamide) produced ventral coiling in the behavioral assay, and AF10 (GFGDEMSMPGVLRFamide) decreased the body length and increased the number of body waveforms. In dorsal muscle strips, AF10 produced a long-lasting contraction. Neither AF8 nor AF10 changed cAMP concentrations. AF17 (FDRDFMHFamide) increased body length and decreased cAMP. The neuropeptides encoded by C. elegans genes flp-4, flp-7, flp-9, and flp-13 produced paralysis and loss of waveforms, increased body length and, like AF17, decreased cAMP. Three new predicted peptides from C. elegans genome sequences were synthesized and tested. One produced ventral coiling but no change in cAMP; the other two gave no detectable responses. The fact that C. elegans neuropeptides produce behavioral and physiological effects in A. suum suggests that structurally related peptides may exist in A. suum. The profound changes in cAMP produced by some neuropeptides has important implications for understanding cAMP signaling and shows that neuropeptide-mediated signal transduction pathways are potential targets for anthelmintic drug development.

Animals↗