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Identification of a functional cAMP response element in the secretogranin II gene.

Secretogranin II is an acidic secretory protein with a widespread distribution in secretory granules of neuronal and endocrine cells. The secretogranin II gene contains, like other members of the granin family, a cAMP response element (CRE) in its upstream region. To investigate the functional significance of this motif, intracellular cAMP levels were increased in a neuronal cell line derived from the septal region of the brain and the level of secretogranin II gene expression was analysed. It was found that increased cAMP levels did, in fact, induce secretogranin II gene expression. To analyse the cis-acting sequence responsible for this induction, a hybrid gene containing the upstream region of the mouse secretogranin II gene fused to beta-globin as a reporter was constructed. Transfection analysis revealed that cAMP-induced transcription of the secretogranin II promoter/beta-globin gene in septal and insulinoma cells. DNA-protein binding assays showed that recombinant CRE-binding protein (CREB), produced in bacteria or human cells, bound in a sequence-specific manner to the secretogranin II promoter CRE. Moreover, deletion mutagenesis revealed that the CRE motif is a bifunctional genetic regulatory element in that it mediates basal as well as cAMP-stimulated transcription. Interestingly, cAMP had no effect upon secretogranin II gene transcription in PC12 and neuroblastoma cells. An increase in the intracellular cAMP concentration activated a GAL4-CREB fusion protein upon transcription in neuroblastoma cells indicating the integrity of the cAMP signaling pathway to the nucleus. Basal as well as cAMP-stimulated transcription, directed from the secretogranin II promoter was, however, impaired in insulinoma cells by overexpression of CREB-2, a negative-acting CRE-binding protein. These results indicate that competitive effects are likely to occur between CRE-bound transcriptional activators and repressors. We conclude that cAMP-stimulated induction of secretogranin II gene transcription is mediated by the CRE motif in a cell-type-specific manner, and is likely to depend on the balance between positive and negative CRE-binding proteins in a particular cell type.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Separate receptors mediate oxytocin and vasopressin stimulation of cAMP in rat inner medullary collecting duct cells.

The two neurohypophysial hormones arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin have actions in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) where both peptides induce an increase in cAMP accumulation. The present study has employed a novel IMCD cell line to determine whether these two hormones induce cAMP accumulation via common or separate receptors, and to characterize the potential receptors responsible. Equal volumes of vehicle (150 mM NaCl) or hormone/antagonist solutions were added to aliquots of 10(4) IMCD cells in the presence of 10(-3) M 3-isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) and incubated at 37 degrees C for 4 min. cAMP levels were determined by radioimmunoassay and protein concentration by Bradford assay. Both AVP and oxytocin elicited dose-dependent increases in cAMP generation, though oxytocin was less potent than AVP (EC50 = 1.6 x 10(-8) M vs. 7.4 x 10(-10) M). AVP at 10(-8) M and oxytocin at 10(-8) M, concentrations sufficient to elicit near-maximal cAMP accumulation, resulted in cAMP levels of 73.4 +/- 1.7 and 69.0 +/- 3.3 pmol (mg protein)-1 (4 min)-1, respectively (n = 10), compared with the vehicle-treated basal value of 37.7 +/- 2.2 pmol (mg protein)-1 (4 min)-1 (P < 0.001, n = 10). Combined AVP (10(-8) M) and oxytocin 10(-6) M) resulted in cAMP accumulation of 63.8 +/- 3.1 pmol (mg protein)-1 (4 min)-1 (n = 10), which was not significantly different from the effect of oxytocin alone, but slightly less than that for AVP alone (P < 0.05). A submaximal concentration of AVP (10(-10) M) induced cAMP accumulation of 48.6 +/- 2.5 pmol (mg protein)-1 (4 min)-1 (P < 0.01 compared with basal level of 34.9 +/- 2.4 pmol (mg protein)-1 (4 min)-1, n = 10), which was blocked in the presence of a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist (10(-7) M OPC-31260) but not by the oxytocin receptor antagonist (10(-6) M [Pen1,pMePhe2, Thr4,Orn8]oxytocin) (36.3 +/- 6.1 and 45.1 +/- 1.3 pmol (mg protein)-1 (4 min)-1 respectively, P < 0.05, n = 10). A submaximal concentration of oxytocin (10(-7) M) induced a cAMP accumulation of 45.8 +/- 1.8 pmol (mg protein)-1 (4 min)-1 (n = 10), which was reduced by addition of 10(-6) M oxytocin antagonist (36.3 +/- 2.1 pmol (mg protein)-1 (4 min)-1, P < 0.05, n = 10), whereas co-incubation with 10(-6) M of the V2 receptor antagonist had no effect (43.2 +/- 1.3 pmol (mg protein)-1 (4 min)-1, n = 10). These results indicate that AVP and oxytocin induce cAMP accumulation from a common ATP pool in IMCD cells, and that separate vasopressin V2 and oxytocin receptor systems are involved, perhaps coupled to a common adenylate cyclase system.

Animals↗

Role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A in activation of a voltage-sensitive release mechanism for cardiac contraction in guinea-pig myocytes.

1. Ionic currents and unloaded cell shortening were recorded from guinea-pig ventricular myocytes with single electrode voltage clamp techniques and video edge detection at 37 C. Patch pipettes (1-3 MOmega) were used to provide intracellular dialysis with pipette solutions. 2. Na+ currents were blocked with 200 microM lidocaine. Contractions initiated by the voltage-sensitive release mechanism (VSRM) and Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) in response to L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) were separated with voltage clamp protocols. 3. Without 8-bromo cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) in the pipette, small VSRM-induced contractions occurred transiently in only 13% of myocytes. In contrast, large ICa,L-induced contractions were demonstrable in 100% of cells. 4. Addition of 10 or 50 microM 8-Br-cAMP to the pipette increased the percentage of cells exhibiting VSRM contractions to 68 and 93%, respectively. With 50 microM 8-Br-cAMP, contractions initiated by the VSRM and ICa,L were not significantly different in amplitude. 5. 8-Br-cAMP-supported VSRM contractions had characteristics of the VSRM shown previously in undialysed myocytes. Cd2+ (100 microM) blocked ICa,L and ICa,L contractions but not VSRM contractions. 8-Br-cAMP-supported contractions exhibited steady-state inactivation with parameters characteristic of the VSRM, as well as sigmoidal contraction-voltage relations. 6. Without 8-Br-cAMP in the pipette, contraction-voltage relations determined with steps from a post-conditioning potential (Vpc) of either -40 or -65 mV were bell shaped, with a threshold near -35 mV. With 50 microM 8-Br-cAMP in the pipette, contraction-voltage relations from a Vpc of -65 mV were sigmoidal and the threshold shifted to near -55 mV. Contraction-voltage relations remained bell shaped in the presence of 8-Br-cAMP when the Vpc was -40 mV. 7. H-89, which inhibits cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), significantly reduced the amplitudes of VSRM contractions by approximately 84% with 50 microM 8-Br-cAMP in the pipette. H-89 also significantly reduced the amplitudes of peak ICa, L and ICa,L contractions, although to a lesser extent. 8. We conclude that intracellular dialysis with patch pipettes disrupts the adenylyl cyclase-PKA phosphorylation cascade, and that the VSRM requires intracellular phosphorylation to be available for activation. Intracellular dialysis with solutions that do not maintain phosphorylation levels inhibits a major mechanism in cardiac excitation- contraction coupling.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Cell physiology of cAMP sensor Epac.

Epac is an acronym for the exchange proteins activated directly by cyclic AMP, a family of cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factors (cAMPGEFs) that mediate protein kinase A (PKA)-independent signal transduction properties of the second messenger cAMP. Two variants of Epac exist (Epac1 and Epac2), both of which couple cAMP production to the activation of Rap, a small molecular weight GTPase of the Ras family. By activating Rap in an Epac-mediated manner, cAMP influences diverse cellular processes that include integrin-mediated cell adhesion, vascular endothelial cell barrier formation, and cardiac myocyte gap junction formation. Recently, the identification of previously unrecognized physiological processes regulated by Epac has been made possible by the development of Epac-selective cyclic AMP analogues (ESCAs). These cell-permeant analogues of cAMP activate both Epac1 and Epac2, whereas they fail to activate PKA when used at low concentrations. ESCAs such as 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP and 8-pMeOPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP are reported to alter Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+) and Cl(-) channel function, intracellular [Ca(2+)], and Na(+)-H(+) transporter activity in multiple cell types. Moreover, new studies examining the actions of ESCAs on neurons, pancreatic beta cells, pituitary cells and sperm demonstrate a major role for Epac in the stimulation of exocytosis by cAMP. This topical review provides an update concerning novel PKA-independent features of cAMP signal transduction that are likely to be Epac-mediated. Emphasized is the emerging role of Epac in the cAMP-dependent regulation of ion channel function, intracellular Ca(2+) signalling, ion transporter activity and exocytosis.

Calcium Signaling↗

Differential effects of phosphodiesterase-sensitive and -resistant analogs of cAMP on initiation of contraction in cardiac ventricular myocytes.

Amplitudes of cardiac contractions initiated by Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) are proportional to the magnitude of Ca2+ current (ICa-L). However, large contractions accompanied by little inward current have been reported in some but not all studies in which cells were dialyzed with different analogs of cAMP. This study compares the effects of different phosphodiesterase (PDE)-resistant and PDE-sensitive analogs of cAMP on CICR, and investigates whether cAMP sensitizes CICR so that small currents induce large contractions. Experiments were conducted in voltage-clamped guinea pig ventricular myocytes at 37 degrees C, with different analogs of cAMP added to patch pipette solutions. With PDE sensitive Tris-cAMP, contraction-voltage relations were bell-shaped and proportional to ICa-L. In contrast, dialysis with PDE-resistant dibutyryl-cAMP resulted in sigmoidal contraction-voltage relations and large responses with little inward current. Similarly, in cells loaded with fura-2, large Ca2+ transients were elicited with little inward current in cells dialyzed with PDE-resistant but not PDE-sensitive cAMP. However, large transients were observed with PDE-sensitive cAMP when PDE was inhibited with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. When the amplitude of ICa-L was varied by partial block with Cd2+, or by partial inactivation, CICR remained proportional to the amplitude of ICa-L. Thus, cAMP altered the relationship between Ca2+ transients and membrane potential but did not sensitize conventional CICR coupled to ICa-L. Our results show that effects of different analogs of cAMP on contraction depend on the PDE resistance of the analog tested. Furthermore, PDE can play a major role in modulating cardiac contraction by altering the relationship between membrane potential and Ca2+ release.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

A novel cAMP-stimulated pathway in protein phosphatase 2A activation.

Elevated cAMP in NRK-52E and L6 cells causes a marked reduction in the phosphorylation of numerous phosphoproteins, as detected initially with phosphoserine-specific antibodies. Here, we show that elevation of cAMP in NRK cells by forskolin/3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) treatment decreased phosphorylation of substrates for different protein kinases, pointing to a common protein phosphatase as a target for cAMP-dependent regulation. Forskolin/IBMX treatment completely dephosphorylated a selective protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) substrate, elongation factor-2 (EF-2), at its Ca(2+) calmodulin-dependent kinase site, and decreased phosphorylation of substrates for cyclin-dependent kinases, including retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. As reported before, forskolin/IBMX also decreased phosphorylation of a protein kinase C substrate, the Na,K-ATPase. The cAMP-stimulated dephosphorylation was blocked by the protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid at concentrations selective for PP2A but was not blocked by tautomycin at concentrations selective for PP1. The data implicate PP2A as a cAMP-activated phosphatase. Contrary to expectation, we found evidence that cAMP-dependent activation of PP2A did not depend on protein kinase A (PKA). Pretreatment of cells with the PKA inhibitor H89 abolished PKA activity measured in cell extracts and significantly decreased cAMP-activated phosphorylation of a known PKA substrate, ARPP-19, in cells, but failed to block the cAMP-stimulated dephosphorylation of EF-2, Rb, and other proteins. This novel pathway of PP2A activation, acting on the time scale of minutes, represents yet another example of a cAMP-mediated, PKA-independent signaling mechanism. Because PP2A is active toward a variety of endogenous substrates, cAMP-stimulated dephosphorylation may have complicated the interpretation of many prior studies.

Animals↗

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors mediate the lipid-induced cAMP accumulation through cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin I2 pathway in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to exert a variety of biological responses through extracellular specific receptors or intracellular mechanisms. In the present study, we characterized a signaling pathway of S1P-induced cAMP accumulation in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMCs). S1P induced biphasic cAMP accumulation composed of a short-term and transient response (a peak at 2.5 min) and a late and sustained response ( approximately 4-6 h). The late phase of cAMP accumulation was parallel to the increment of cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression and was inhibited by N-[2-(cyclohexyloxyl)-4-nitrophenyl]-methane sulfonamide (NS398), a cyclooxygenase-2-specific inhibitor. We were surprised to find that the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor also inhibited short-term cAMP accumulation even when cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression was not yet increased. More interestingly, the short-term cAMP accumulation was also completely inhibited by pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of G(i/o) proteins. JTE-013, a specific antagonist for S1P(2) receptors, inhibited the S1P-induced cAMP accumulation. Furthermore, small interfering RNAs targeted for S1P(2) receptors significantly inhibited the S1P-induced cAMP accumulation. The cAMP response was also inhibited by specific inhibitors for phospholipase C, extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways, and cytosolic phospholipase A(2). S1P actually activated these enzyme activities and stimulated prostaglandin I(2) (PGI(2)) synthesis. Finally, exogenously applied arachidonic acid and PGI(2) induced cAMP accumulation to a similar extent as S1P. In conclusion, S1P induced cAMP accumulation through S1P receptors, including S1P(2) receptor and G(i/o) protein-mediated stimulation of intracellular signaling pathways involving cyclooxygenase-2-dependent PGI(2) synthesis.

Cells, Cultured↗

A family of cAMP-binding proteins that directly activate Rap1.

cAMP (3',5' cyclic adenosine monophosphate) is a second messenger that in eukaryotic cells induces physiological responses ranging from growth, differentiation, and gene expression to secretion and neurotransmission. Most of these effects have been attributed to the binding of cAMP to cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). Here, a family of cAMP-binding proteins that are differentially distributed in the mammalian brain and body organs and that exhibit both cAMP-binding and guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) domains is reported. These cAMP-regulated GEFs (cAMP-GEFs) bind cAMP and selectively activate the Ras superfamily guanine nucleotide binding protein Rap1A in a cAMP-dependent but PKA-independent manner. Our findings suggest the need to reformulate concepts of cAMP-mediated signaling to include direct coupling to Ras superfamily signaling.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Cloning and expression of the CAMP factor of group B streptococci in Escherichia coli.

The genetic determinant of the CAMP factor from a strain of group B streptococcus (GBS; Streptococcus agalactiae) was cloned in Escherichia coli. Total cell DNA from the GBS strain R268 was used to construct a gene bank with bacteriophage lambda EMBL4 in the E. coli K-12 strain LE392. Recombinant phage plaques were detected by immunoblots by using a specific antiserum raised against purified CAMP factor. Two hybrid phages showing expression of CAMP factor were identified. Subcloning the CAMP gene (cfb) into the high-copy-number vector pUC8 resulted in highly unstable plasmids. Therefore, subcloning was performed with the low-copy-number vector pLG339 resulting in the stable recombinant plasmids pCO61 and pCO62 which lead to expression of CAMP protein first identified by colony immunoblotting. Western blot (immunoblot) analysis revealed a similar CAMP protein pattern in lambda EMBL4 recombinant phage lysates (molecular weight, 22,000 to 24,000) as compared to that obtained from a GBS culture supernatant (molecular weight, 22,000 to 26,000) but a different CAMP protein pattern (molecular weight, 20,000 to 23,000) from lysates of E. coli carrying pCO61 or pCO62. To study the excretion of the CAMP protein we performed a semi-quantitative dot blot analysis of proteins recovered from cell fractions and supernatants of the E. coli recombinant clones. In contrast to GBS R268, where the CAMP factor is readily excreted, the CAMP protein is not excreted in E. coli clones containing pCO61 and pCO62 but is found associated with the cell fractions.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

Cellular mechanisms underlying prostaglandin-induced transient cAMP signals near the plasma membrane of HEK-293 cells.

We have previously used cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels as sensors to measure cAMP signals in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells. We found that prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) triggered transient increases in cAMP concentration near the plasma membrane, whereas total cAMP levels rose to a steady plateau over the same time course. In addition, we presented evidence that the decline in the near-membrane cAMP levels was due primarily to a PGE(1)-induced stimulation of phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity, and that the differences between near-membrane and total cAMP levels were largely due to diffusional barriers and differential PDE activity. Here, we examine the mechanisms regulating transient, near-membrane cAMP signals. We observed that 5-min stimulation of HEK-293 cells with prostaglandins triggered a two- to threefold increase in PDE4 activity. Extracellular application of H89 (a PKA inhibitor) inhibited stimulation of PDE4 activity. Similarly, when we used CNG channels to monitor cAMP signals we found that both extracellular and intracellular (via the whole-cell patch pipette) application of H89, or the highly selective PKA inhibitor, PKI, prevented the decline in prostaglandin-induced responses. Following pretreatment with rolipram (a PDE4 inhibitor), H89 had little or no effect on near-membrane or total cAMP levels. Furthermore, disrupting the subcellular localization of PKA with the A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) disruptor Ht31 prevented the decline in the transient response. Based on these data we developed a plausible kinetic model that describes prostaglandin-induced cAMP signals. This model has allowed us to quantitatively demonstrate the importance of PKA-mediated stimulation of PDE4 activity in shaping near-membrane cAMP signals.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Activation of a Cl-dependent K flux by cAMP in pig red cells.

Activation of a Cl-dependent K flux by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) was characterized in pig red cells, a cell type that lacks both the Ca-activated K channel and the Na-K-Cl cotransport pathway. As in other red cells, both Cl-dependent K efflux and K influx are stimulated on cell swelling. Although pig red cells fail to respond to beta-adrenergic stimuli, it is possible to raise the intracellular cAMP content by preincubating cells in the presence of 1 mM cAMP. The Cl-dependent K flux was compared in cells having a basal cAMP content of approximately 0.29 nmol/g hemoglobin vs. cAMP-loaded cells having approximately 8.4 nmol cAMP/g hemoglobin. Loading with cAMP stimulated both Cl-dependent K efflux and influx of hypotonically swollen cells. In maximally swollen cells whose volume was increased by approximately 17%, the Cl-dependent Rb influx occurs with a maximum velocity (Vmax) of 17.9 +/- 3.2 mumol.g hemoglobin (Hb)-1.h-1 and Km for Rb of 22.9 +/- 4.1 mM. In cAMP-loaded cells, both Vmax and Km were increased to 59.8 +/- 8.5 mumol.g Hb-1.h-1 and 63.1 +/- 8.8 mM, respectively. The Cl-dependent Rb influx is much larger in young cells than in old cells. However, both cell types respond to cAMP activation. Whereas cAMP and its analogues, 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate are stimulatory, AMP and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) are not. These findings suggest that, like other ion transport systems, the Cl-dependent K flux of pig red cells is endowed with the capacity to respond to cAMP.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

[Ca2+]i-reducing action of cAMP in rat pancreatic beta-cells: involvement of thapsigargin-sensitive stores.

In the present study, we examined the ability of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) to reduce elevated levels of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in pancreatic beta-cells. [Ca2+]i and reduced pyridine nucleotide, NAD(P)H, were measured in rat single beta-cells by fura 2 and autofluorescence microfluorometry. Sustained [Ca2+]i elevation, induced by high KCl (25 mM) at a basal glucose concentration (2.8 mM), was substantially reduced by cAMP-increasing agents, dibutyryl cAMP (DBcAMP, 5 mM), an adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin (10 microM), and an incretin glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36) amide (10(-9) M), as well as by glucose (16.7 mM). The [Ca2+]i-reducing effects of cAMP were greater at elevated glucose (8.3-16.7 mM) than a basal glucose (2.8 mM). An inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), H-89, counteracted [Ca2+]i-reducing effects of cAMP but not those of glucose. Okadaic acid, a phosphatase inhibitor, at 10-100 nM also reduced sustained [Ca2+]i elevation in a concentration-dependent manner. Glucose, but not DBcAMP, increased NAD(P)H in beta-cells. [Ca2+]i-reducing effects of cAMP were inhibited by 0.3 microM thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ pump. In contrast, [Ca2+]i-reducing effects of cAMP were not altered by ryanodine, an ER Ca(2+)-release inhibitor, Na(+)-free conditions, or diazoxide, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener. In conclusion, the cAMP-PKA pathway reduces [Ca2+]i elevation by sequestering Ca2+ in thapsigargin-sensitive stores. This process does not involve, but is potentiated by, activation of beta-cell metabolism. Together with the known [Ca2+]i-increasing action of cAMP, our results reveal dual regulation of beta-cell [Ca2+]i by the cAMP-signaling pathway and by a physiological incretin.

Animals↗

Stimulation of pituitary cAMP accumulation by human pancreatic GH-releasing factor-(1-44).

This study seeks to determine whether hpGRF-(1-44) stimulates pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion and cAMP accumulation in a manner that is consistent with the concept of cAMP as an intracellular mediator of GH release. Addition of 10 nM hpGRF-(1-44) to rat anterior pituitary cell cultures stimulated a rapid elevation of intracellular cAMP that preceded or coincided with increases in GH and cAMP secretion. A dose-related increase in GH and cAMP release and in intracellular cAMP accumulation was observed in response to increasing concentrations of hpGRF-(1-44). Stimulation of cAMP accumulation and release, however, occurred over a hpGRF-(1-44) concentration range that was approximately one order of magnitude higher than required for dose-related GH release. Simultaneous addition of 0.05 nM hpGRF-(1-44) and 0.2, 0.5, or 1.0 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (MIX) to the cultures resulted in a significant potentiation of intracellular cAMP accumulation and release. Potentiation of GH release was not observed, however, probably due to attainment of maximal or near maximal GH release by MIX alone. The addition of increasing doses of exogenous N6-O2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP) to cell cultures resulted in a dose-related increase in GH secretion. The results of this study are consistent with the concept of cAMP as a second messenger for hpGRF-(1-44) in stimulating GH release. Additionally, a novel method for cAMP extraction that utilizes trifluoroacetic acid is described.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Chronic ethanol-mediated decrease in cAMP primes macrophages to enhanced LPS-inducible NF-kappaB activity and TNF expression: relevance to alcoholic liver disease.

Increased plasma and hepatic TNF-alpha activity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We previously reported that monocytes from alcoholic patients show enhanced constitutive as well as LPS-inducible NF-kappaB activation and TNF-alpha production. Studies in monocytes have shown that cAMP plays an important role in regulating TNF-alpha expression, and elevation of cellular cAMP suppresses TNF-alpha production. The effects of chronic ethanol exposure on the cellular levels of cAMP as well as TNF expression in monocytes were examined in vitro and in rat primary hepatic Kupffer cells obtained from a clinically relevant enteral alcohol feeding model of ALD. Chronic ethanol exposure significantly decreased cellular cAMP levels in both LPS-stimulated and unstimulated monocytes. Consistent with the decrease in cAMP levels, ethanol led to an increase in LPS-inducible TNF-alpha production by affecting NF-kappaB activation and induction of TNF mRNA expression, without any change in TNF mRNA stability. Enhancement of cellular cAMP with dibutyryl cAMP abrogated LPS-mediated TNF-alpha expression in ethanol-treated cells. Importantly, cAMP did not affect LPS-inducible NF-kappaB activation but significantly decreased its transcriptional activity. Together, these data strongly suggest that ethanol can synergize with LPS to upregulate the induction of TNF gene expression and consequent TNF overproduction by decreasing the cellular cAMP levels in monocytes/macrophages. Furthermore, these data also support the notion that cAMP-elevating agents could constitute an effective therapeutic approach in attenuating or preventing the progression of liver disease in alcoholic patients.

Animals↗

Effects of increased intracellular cAMP on carbachol-stimulated zymogen activation, secretion, and injury in the pancreatic acinar cell.

A characteristic of acute pancreatitis is the premature activation and retention of enzymes within the pancreatic acinar cell. Because ligands linked to cAMP production may prevent some forms of pancreatitis, we evaluated the effects of increased intracellular cAMP in the rat pancreatic acinar cell. Specifically, this study examined the effects of the cholinergic agonist carbachol and agents that increase cAMP [secretin and 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP)] on zymogen activation (trypsin and chymotrypsin), enzyme secretion, and cellular injury in isolated pancreatic acini. Although cAMP agonists affected the responses to physiological concentrations of carbachol (1 microM), their most prominent effects were observed with supraphysiological concentrations (1 mM). When secretin was added to 1 mM carbachol, there was a slight increase in zymogen activation, but no change in the secretion of amylase or chymotrypsin. Furthermore, coaddition of secretin increased parameters of cell injury (trypan blue exclusion, lactic dehydrogenase release, and morphological markers) compared with carbachol (1 mM) alone. Although directly increasing cellular cAMP by 8-Br-cAMP caused much greater zymogen activation than carbachol (1 mM) alone or with secretin, 8-Br-cAMP cotreatment reduced all parameters of injury to the level of unstimulated acini. Furthermore, 8-Br-cAMP dramatically enhanced the secretion of amylase and chymotrypsin from the acinar cell. This study demonstrates that increasing acinar cell cAMP can overcome the inhibition of enzyme secretion caused by high concentrations of carbachol and eliminate acinar cell injury.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Chronic PKC-beta activation in HT-29 Cl.19a colonocytes prevents cAMP-mediated ion secretion by inhibiting apical membrane current generation.

We investigated the effects of PKC-stimulating 12-deoxyphorbol 13-phenylacetate 20-acetate (DOPPA) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) phorbol esters on cAMP-dependent, forskolin (FSK)-stimulated, short-circuit Cl- current (ISC-cAMP) generation by colonocyte monolayers. These agonists elicited different actions depending on their dose and incubation time; PMA effects at the onset (<5 min) were independent of cAMP agonist and were characterized by transient anion-dependent transcellular and apical membrane ISC generation. DOPPA failed to elicit similar responses. Whereas chronic (24 h) exposure to both agents inhibited FSK-stimulated transcellular and apical membrane ISC-cAMP, the effects of DOPPA were more complex: this conventional PKC-beta-specific agonist also stimulated Ba2+-sensitive basolateral membrane-dependent facilitation of transcellular ISC-cAMP. PMA did not elicit a similar phenomenon. Prolonged exposure to high-dose PMA but not DOPPA led to apical membrane ISC-cAMP recovery. Changes in PKC alpha-, beta1-, gamma-, and epsilon-isoform membrane partitioning and expression correlated with these findings. PMA-induced transcellular ISC correlated with PKC-alpha membrane association, whereas low doses of both agents inhibited transcellular and apical membrane ISC-cAMP, increased PKC-beta1, decreased PKC-beta2 membrane association, and caused reciprocal changes in isoform mass. During the apical membrane ISC-cAMP recovery after prolonged high-dose PMA exposure, an almost-complete depletion of cellular PKC-beta1 and a significant reduction in PKC-epsilon mass occurred. Thus activated PKC-beta1 and/or PKC-epsilon prevented, whereas activated PKC-alpha facilitated, apical membrane ISC-cAMP. PKC-beta-dependent augmentation of transcellular ISC-cAMP at the level of the basolateral membrane demonstrated that transport events with geographically distinct subcellular membranes can be independently regulated by the PKC beta-isoform.

Colon↗

Ca2+-, phorbol ester-, and cAMP-stimulated enzyme secretion from permeabilized rat pancreatic acini.

Enzyme secretion from the exocrine pancreas is stimulated by receptor-activated breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and consequent rise of both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol, which leads to Ca2+ release and to activation of protein kinase C, respectively. Another way involves receptor-mediated stimulation of adenylate cyclase and consequent rise of cAMP and activation of protein kinase A. In the present work we have studied direct stimulation, inhibition, and mutual interaction of these pathways on enzyme secretion from isolated rat pancreatic acini that had been permeabilized by treatment with saponin or digitonin. The data were compared with those obtained in isolated intact acini. The data show that with increasing free Ca2+ concentrations greater than 10(-6) M protein release increases in "leaky" but not in "intact" cells and is maximal at approximately 10(-3) M, increasing about twofold compared with that in the absence of Ca2+. In the presence of the acetylcholine analogue carbachol, this effect of Ca2+ is enhanced by about threefold in leaky cells and is also present in intact cells to a similar extent. cAMP and its analogues, dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) and 8-bromo-cAMP stimulate protein release by about twofold in the presence of Ca2+ in leaky cells. In intact acini cAMP has no effect, and cAMP analogues stimulate enzyme secretion by about twofold in some but not all experiments. Similarly, forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclases and inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide-dependent phosphodiesterases, such as 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and R0 201724, stimulate protein release in permeabilized acini. The Ca2+-binding protein calmodulin has no effect on enzyme secretion, whereas the calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine dihydrochloride stimulates protein release in leaky but not in intact acini. The activator of protein kinase C, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) stimulates protein release in a Ca2+-dependent manner and enhances cAMP-induced secretion. The effects of carbachol, TPA, cAMP, and a combination of both TPA and cAMP are inhibited by the polyamine spermine in permeabilized cells. Spermine has no effect on carbachol-induced enzyme secretion in intact cells. The data suggest that enzyme secretion from pancreatic acinar cells is mediated by cAMP protein kinase A and by Ca2+ phospholipid protein kinase C in a Ca2+-dependent way and that interaction occurs between both pathways.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Diabetes-related changes in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity and decrease in relaxation response in rat mesenteric artery.

Using superior mesenteric artery rings isolated from age-matched controls and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, we recently demonstrated that EDHF-type relaxation is impaired in STZ-induced diabetic rats, possibly due to a reduced action of cAMP via increased phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity (Matsumoto T, Kobayashi T, and Kamata K. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 285: H283-H291, 2003). Here, we investigated the activity and expression of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), an enzyme that is produced by a pleiotropic and plays key roles in the transduction of many external signals through the cAMP second messenger pathway and in cAMP-mediated vasorelaxation. The relaxation induced by cilostamide, a selective PDE3 inhibitor, was significantly weaker in superior mesenteric artery rings from STZ-induced diabetic rats than in those from age-matched controls. The relaxation responses to 8-bromo-cAMP (8Br-cAMP) and N6,O2-dibutyryl-adenosine-cAMP (db-cAMP), a cell-permeant cAMP analog, were also impaired in the STZ diabetic group. PKA activity in the db-cAMP-treated mesenteric artery was significantly lower in the STZ diabetic group. The expression levels of the mRNA and protein for PKA catalytic subunit Cat-alpha were significantly decreased in the STZ diabetic group, but those for PKA regulatory subunit isoform RII-beta were increased. We conclude that the abnormal vascular relaxation responsiveness seen in STZ-induced diabetic rats may be attributable not only to increased PDE activity but also to decreased PKA activity. Possibly, the decreased PKA activity may result from an imbalance between PKA catalytic and regulatory subunit expressions.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗