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Functional identification and quantitation of three intracellular calcium pools in GH4C1 cells: evidence that the caffeine-responsive pool is coupled to a thapsigargin-resistant, ATP-dependent process.

We have recently reported that basal oscillations in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in intact GH4C1 cells are dependent on a Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) mechanism. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the uptake and release pathways for intracellular Ca2+ in GH4C1 cells. We have used both permeabilized cells and microsome preparations, and we have monitored the change in ambient [Ca2+] using the dye, fluo 3. We find that there are three functionally distinct nonmitochondrial, ATP-dependent Ca2+ pools in these cells: Pool 1 is an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) responsive pool which is filled by a thapsigargin (Tg) sensitive Ca(2+)-ATPase; pool 2 is a second Tg-sensitive pool which is InsP3-unresponsive; and pool 3 is a Tg-resistant pool, at least a part of which has the characteristics of a CICR mechanism. These pools were established as follows. Tg caused additional Ca2+ release after maximum release was induced by prior addition of InsP3. In contrast, the InsP3 response was abolished in a time-dependent manner after pretreatment with Tg. Ambient Ca2+, added after maximum blockade by Tg, was still able to be sequestered. Ionomycin released Ca2+ even after maximum depletion by Tg. The ionomycin-releasable pool remaining after Tg treatment was also ATP-dependent, because this pool was completely discharged by ATP-depletion. Two additional inhibitors of intracellular Ca(2+)-ATPases, 2,4-di(tert-butyl)hydroquinone and cyclopiazonic acid, which are structurally unrelated to Tg, acted on the same targets as Tg. To estimate accurately the distribution of Ca2+ among compartments, we developed a new approach based on the analysis of two equilibrium states of Ca2+ distribution. Using this method, the size of the Tg-sensitive pools (pools 1 + 2) was estimated to be 63 +/- 2.5% of total non-mitochondrial Ca2+ in our preparation. Caffeine induced Ca2+ release, and this action was observed even after complete depletion of the Tg-sensitive pool, indicating that pool 3 had the characteristics of a CICR compartment. Because caffeine pretreatment caused an increase in the size of pools 1 + 2, the CICR-like mechanism operated primarily on pool 3. These new results strengthen our model, in which a distinct CICR-like pool is responsible for Ca2+ oscillations in GH4C1 cells, and also support the concept that different types of Ca2+ efflux pathways occur in Ca(2+)-storing nonmitochondrial organelles containing different types of Ca(2+)-ATPases.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Ex vivo expansion of tumor-draining lymph node cells using compounds which activate intracellular signal transduction. II. Cytokine production and in vivo efficacy of glioma-sensitized lymphocytes.

We have investigated the anti-tumor activity of ex vivo activated and expanded T cells which had been sensitized in vivo to one of two different syngeneic rat glioma cell lines; D74 or RT-2. Rats were sensitized by inoculation of irradiated tumor cells into each hind foot pad. After 10 days, the tumor-draining lymph node (DLN) from each popliteal region was excised and prepared as a single cell suspension. Tumor-DLN lymphocytes were next activated overnight in RPMI-1640 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), Bryostatin-1 (5 nM), ionomycin (1 microM), and 20 U human recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) per ml. Culture for seven days in RPMI-1640 supplemented with FBS and IL-2 resulted in approximately 100-fold expansion of the lymphocyte population. Both D74- and RT-2-sensitized T cells constitutively secreted tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and both lymphocyte populations produced comparable amounts of the cytokine when co-cultured with either glioma cell line. Neither D74- and RT-2-sensitized effectors constitutively secreted gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN), but both populations produced gamma-IFN when exposed to either glioma cell line in vitro. D74-sensitized T cells released significantly more gamma-IFN than the RT-2 DLN lymphocytes. In vitro Chromium-release assays indicated that RT-2-sensitized T cells were more cytotoxic for RT-2 targets than for the D74 line and that D74-sensitized effectors were also more cytotoxic for RT-2 targets. To assess in vivo therapeutic efficacy, rats who had been inoculated intradermally with RT-2 cells three days earlier received an intravenous injection of RT-2- or D74-sensitized DLN cells (10(6) cells/gram body weight) expanded after activation with Bryostatin-1 and ionomycin or an equal number of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Tumor diameters were measured daily and revealed that injection of glioma-sensitized lymphocytes led to the elimination of tumor while treatment with LAK cells had no therapeutic benefit. These results indicate, that at least for these two glioma lines, gamma-IFN release, rather than in vitro cytotoxicity, was a better predictor for in vivo immunotherapeutic efficacy of the glioma-sensitized, expanded T cells.

Animals↗

The cell cycle and induction of apoptosis in a hamster fibrosarcoma cell line treated with anti-cancer drugs: its importance to solid tumour chemotherapy.

The induction of apoptosis by anticancer drugs and its relationship to stages of the cell cycle was studied in cells derived from a solid tumour; a highly malignant hamster fibrosarcoma (Met B). Asynchronously proliferating cells were treated with a wide variety of agents such as actinomycin-D, 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl cytosine, camptothecin, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, daunorubicin, 5-flurouracil, 6-mercaptopurine, hydroxyurea, ionomycin, methotrexate and vincristine. With the exception of cyclophosphamide and hydroxyurea, a 36 h exposure to these drugs resulted in inhibition of cell growth and apart from cyclophosphamide, hydroxyurea. 6-mercaptopurine and cisplatin the induction of apoptosis. Studies using a decreased concentration of drug and exposure time (12 h) followed by examination of cells using flow cytometry indicated that most drugs were capable of affecting cell cycle progression without induction of apoptosis. However when cells were synchronised at G0/G1, S and G2/M phases and then exposed to these decreased concentrations of drug apart from 6MP an HU, apoptosis was observed and for the majority of drugs it took place in the same phase in which progression through the cell cycle was blocked by the drug. Cells synchronised in G0/G1 phase were more susceptible to methotrexate, whereas S-phase cells were more susceptible to camptothecin and 5-flurouracil and G2/M phase cells more susceptible to actinomycin D, 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl cytosine, daunorubicin and cisplatin. In contrast, vincristine blocked cells in G2/M phase but exerted its apoptotic effect in S-phase cells, ionomycin had no effect on the cell cycle, but G2/M cells appeared to be more susceptible to the effect of this drug. These data indicate that entry into apoptosis by this fibrosarcoma may occur at any point in the cell cycle. They also demonstrate a correlation between the action of some anticancer drugs on the cell cycle and the subsequent induction of apoptosis which may be useful in chemotherapeutic design.

Animals↗

Distinct PKC isoforms mediate the activation of cPLA2 and adenylyl cyclase by phorbol ester in RAW264.7 macrophages.

The modulatory effects of protein kinase C (PKC) on the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and adenylyl cyclase (AC) have recently been described. Since the signalling cascades associated with these events play critical roles in various functions of macrophages, we set out to investigate the crosstalk between PKC and the cPLA2 and AC pathways in mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages and to determine the involvement of individual PKC isoforms. The cPLA2 and AC pathways were studied by measuring the potentiation by the phorbol ester PMA of ionomycin-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release and prostagladin E1 (PGE1)-stimulated cyclic AMP production, respectively. PMA at 1 microM caused a significant increase in AA release both in the presence (371%) and absence (67%) of ionomycin induction, while exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to PMA increased PGE1 stimulation of cyclic AMP levels by 208%. Treatment of cells with staurosporine and Ro 31-8220 inhibited the PMA-induced potentiation of both AA release and cyclic AMP accumulation, while Go 6976 (an inhibitor of classical PKC isoforms) and LY 379196 (a specific inhibitor of PKCbeta) inhibited the AA response but failed to affect the enhancement of the cyclic AMP response by PMA. Long term pretreatment of cells with PMA abolished the subsequent effect of PMA in potentiating AA release, but only inhibited the cyclic AMP response by 42%. Neither PD 98059, an inhibitor of MEK, nor genistein, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, had any effect on the ability of PMA to potentiate AA or cyclic AMP production. The potentiation of AA release, but not of cyclic AMP formation, by PMA was sensitive to inhibition by wortmannin. This effect was unrelated to the inhibition of PKC activation as deduced from the translocation of PKC activity to the cell membrane. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of eight PKC isoforms (alpha, betaI, betaII, delta, epsilon, mu, lambda and xi) in RAW 264.7 cells and PMA was shown to induce the translocation of the alpha, betaI, betaII, delta, epsilon and mu isoforms from the cytosol to the cell membrane within 2 min. Pretreatment of cells with PMA for 2-24 h resulted in a time-dependent down-regulation of PKCalpha, betaI, betaII, and delta expression, while the levels of the other four PKC isozymes were unchanged after PMA treatment for 24 h. A decrease in the potentiation of AA release by PMA was observed, concomitant with the time-dependent down-regulation of PKC. These results indicate that PKCbeta has a crucial role in the mediation of cPLA2 activation by the phorbol ester PMA, whereas PMA utilizes PKC epsilon and/or mu to up-regulate AC activity.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Pharmacological characterization of Ca2+ entry channels in endothelin-1-induced contraction of rat aorta using LOE 908 and SK&F 96365.

We have recently shown that endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates two types of Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels (designated NSCC-1 and NSCC-2) and store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC). These channels can be pharmacologically discriminated using Ca2+ channel blockers such as SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. Here we characterized Ca2+ entry channels involved in ET-1-induced contractions of rat thoracic aortic rings and increases in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of single smooth muscle cells using these blockers. LOE 908 or a blocker of voltage-operated Ca2+ channel nifedipine had no effect on the contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i induced by thapsigargin or ionomycin, whereas SK&F 96365 abolished them. The contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i induced by ET-1 depended on extracellular Ca2+ but were resistant to nifedipine. The responses to lower concentrations (< or =0.1 nM) of ET-1 were abolished by either SK&F 96365 or LOE 908. The responses to higher concentrations (> or = 1 nM) were abolished by SK&F 96365, but were partially resistant to LOE 908. SK&F 96365 inhibited the LOE 908-resistant contractions induced by higher concentrations of ET-1 with IC50 values similar to those for contractions induced by thapsigargin or ionomycin. These results show that the contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i of rat aortic smooth muscles at lower concentrations of ET-1 involve only one Ca2+ entry channel which is sensitive to SK&F 96365 and LOE 908 (NSCC-2), whereas those at higher concentrations of ET-1 involve another Ca2+ entry channel which is sensitive to SK&F 96365 but resistant to LOE 908 (SOCC) in addition to the former channel.

Acetamides↗

Mechanisms underlying the impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation in the pulmonary artery of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats.

1. It has been reported that endothelium-dependent relaxation is impaired in pulmonary hypertensive vessels. The underlying mechanisms for this phenomenon, however, have not yet been identified. In this study, the mechanisms responsible for decreased endothelium-dependent relaxation in the pulmonary artery isolated from monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertensive rat (MCT rat) were examined. MCT (60 mg kg-1), or its vehicle was administered by a single subcutaneous injection to 6-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats. 2. Endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by carbachol or ionomycin in the MCT rat artery was significantly smaller than that in vehicle-treated rat (control rat) artery. Cyclic GMP levels, measured by enzyme-immunoassay, under resting or stimulation with carbachol or ionomycin were also smaller in the MCT rat artery. However, sodium nitroprusside-induced cyclic GMP accumulation in the endothelium-denuded artery was similar in control and MCT rats. These results suggest that MCT treatment decreases endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production. 3. Resting endothelial Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in the fura-PE3-loaded MCT rat artery, were not different from those in the control rat. However, the increase in endothelial [Ca2+]i elicited by carbachol was attenuated in the MCT rat. 4. In quantitative RT - PCR analysis, the expression of mRNA encoding endothelial NO synthase was rather increased in the MCT rat artery, suggesting an up-regulation of eNOS expression. 5. These results provide evidence that impaired NO-mediated arterial relaxation in the MCT rat is due to dissociation between eNOS expression and NO production. This dissociation may be derived from an inhibition of receptor-mediated Ca2+ metabolism and also from the apparent decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity of eNOS.

Animals↗

Inhibition of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway by curcumin.

Curcumin, a dietary pigment in curry, suppresses tumor initiation and tumor promotion. Curcumin is also a potent inhibitor for AP-1 and NF-kappaB activation. In this report, we show that curcumin inhibits JNK activation by various agonists including PMA plus ionomycin, anisomycin, UV-C, gamma radiation, TNF-alpha, and sodium orthovanadate. Although both JNK and ERK activation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin were suppressed by curcumin, the JNK pathway was more sensitive. The IC50 (50% inhibition concentration) of curcumin was between 5-10 microM for JNK activation and was 20 microM for ERK activation. In transfection assays, curcumin moderately suppressed MEKK1-induced JNK activation; however, it effectively blocked JNK activation caused by co-transfection of TAK1, GCK, or HPK1. Curcumin did not directly inhibit JNK, SEK1, MEKK1 or HPK1 activity. Although curcumin suppressed TAK1 and GCK activities at high concentrations, this inhibition cannot fully account for the JNK inhibition by curcumin in vivo. Our data suggest that curcumin may affect the JNK pathway by interfering with the signaling molecule(s) at the same level or proximally upstream of the MAPKKK level. Taken together, the inhibition of the MEKK1-JNK pathway reveals a possible mechanism of suppression of AP-1 and NF-kappaB signaling by curcumin, and may explain the potent anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects of this chemical.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Intracellular cascades in the parathyroid-hormone-dependent regulation of Na+/phosphate cotransport in OK cells.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increased intracellular cyclic AMP and reduces Na+/phosphate cotransport activity in OK cells [Malmström & Murer (1986) Am. J. Physiol. 251, C23-C31; Caverzasio, Rizzoli & Bonjour (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 3233-3237]. It was also shown that PTH activates phosphoinositide metabolism in OK cells [Hruska, Moskowitz, Esprit, Civitelli, Westbrook & Huskey (1987) J. Clin. Invest. 79, 230-239]. In the present paper we show that tumour-promoting phorbol esters are effective in reducing Na+/phosphate cotransport. The Ca2+ ionophores A23187 and ionomycin had only a small effect on Na+/phosphate cotransport; added together, A23187 and phorbol esters showed a synergistic action. Phorbol esters and phorbol esters plus ionomycin stimulated prostaglandin synthesis as well as cyclic AMP production; acetylsalicylic acid prevented phorbol-ester-induced prostaglandin synthesis and cyclic AMP production, but had no effect on inhibition of Na+/phosphate cotransport. In suspensions of OK cells, PTH and thrombin produced a rise in intracellular Ca2+. In contrast with PTH, thrombin did not elevate cellular cyclic AMP in suspended OK cells. PTH and thrombin reduced Na+/phosphate cotransport in suspended OK cells. It is suggested that two regulatory cascades are involved in PTH action on Na+/phosphate cotransport: cyclic AMP/kinase A and Ca2+/diacylglycerol/kinase C.

Biological Transport↗

Inhibition of prostaglandin E2-induced phosphoinositide metabolism by phorbol ester in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

In bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulates the formation of inositol phosphates and Ca2+ mobilization through its specific receptor [Yokohama, Tanaka, Ito, Negishi, Hayashi & Hayaishi (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 1119-1122]. Here we show that PGE2-induced phosphoinositide metabolism was blocked by pretreatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Using intact cells, we also examined the inhibitory effect of TPA on the individual steps of the activation process of phosphoinositide metabolism. The inhibition was observed within 1 min and complete by 10 min after addition of 1 microM-TPA, and half-maximal inhibition by TPA occurred at 20 nM. TPA prevented Ca2+ mobilization induced by PGE2, but not by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin. The inactive phorbol ester 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate did not inhibit the formation of inositol phosphates and Ca2+ mobilization by PGE2. TPA treatment affected neither the high-affinity binding of [3H]PGE2 to intact cells and membrane fractions nor the ability of guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate to decrease the binding in membrane fractions. TPA also abolished phosphoinositide metabolism induced by muscarinic-receptor activation. NaF plus AlCl3 and ionomycin caused the accumulation of inositol phosphates, probably by directly activating a GTP-binding protein(s) and phospholipase C respectively; neither accumulation was inhibited by TPA treatment. These results suggest that protein kinase C serves as a feedback regulator for PGE2-induced phosphoinositide metabolism. The site of action of TPA appears to be distal to the coupling of the receptor to GTP-binding protein, but on a component(s) specific to the agonist-induced phosphoinositide metabolism.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Calcium-dependent biosynthesis of platelet-activating factor by submandibular gland cells.

Isolated dog submandibular gland cells synthesize platelet-activating factor (PAF) when stimulated with acetylcholine (ACh). This production of PAF was concentration- and time-dependent, and was inhibited by pretreatment with anticholinergic agents. PAF that had accumulated in cells through prior stimulation with ACh vanished rapidly on addition of atropine. Phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride produced an accumulation of PAF in non-stimulated cells and greatly potentiated further ACh-induced accumulation. PAF production and [14C] arachidonic acid (AA) liberation induced by ACh were increased by higher concentrations of extracellular Ca2+, and ACh failed to stimulate PAF formation in the absence of Ca2+, although ACh still stimulated the liberation of [14C]AA without Ca2+. Both the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin in intact cells and Ca2+ (at concentrations greater than or equal to 300 nM) in digitonin-permeabilized cells facilitated PAF formation. 1-O-Alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (lyso-PAF):acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase activity rapidly increased in cells incubated with ACh or ionomycin. These results suggest, at least, that the stimulation of a remodelling pathway is involved in the increased PAF synthesis induced by ACh. Dithiothreitol-insensitive cholinephosphotransferase activity was also activated by ACh. However, the activation of both enzymes by ACh was transient, in spite of the fact that ACh-stimulated PAF formation was continuous. This may suggest that additional mechanism(s) other than the activation of these enzymes play an important role in controlling PAF synthesis. The present study provides further evidence that the exocrine submandibular gland cells of dogs have the capacity to increase PAF turnover upon stimulation in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner and retain PAF within the cells partly associated with the membrane and partly released into the cytosol.

Acetylcholine↗

NSAIDs upregulate beta 2-integrin expression on human neutrophils through a calcium-dependent pathway.

BACKGROUND: Margination of circulating neutrophils (PMN) into the gastric microcirculation is an early and critical event in the pathogenesis of non-steroidal antinflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastropathy. This effect is mediated through the upregulation of beta 2 integrins on the PMN surface. AIMS: To investigate whether indomethacin modulates: (1) Mac-1 expression; (2) Ca2+ mobilization ([Ca2+]i), protein kinase C and nitric oxide accumulation; and (3) mitogen-associated protein kinase phosphorylation in human PMN. METHODS: Human PMN were isolated by centrifugation through a double Ficoll gradient. [Ca2+]i was measured in PMN loaded with fura-2 and Mac-1 expression by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Indomethacin caused a concentration- and time-dependent upregulation of CD11b and CD18 expression and PMN adhesion to endothelial cells. Maximal upregulation of Mac-1 expression (40-50%) occurred after a 30-min incubation with 0.1mM indomethacin. The effect was prevented by removing the Ca2+. Ionomycin and thapsigargin caused a 7-10-fold increase in [Ca2+]i and a 2-4-fold increase in Mac-1 expression. Indomethacin induced a concentration-dependent phosphorylation of a 41-kDa mitogen-associated protein kinase. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors prevented the effect of indomethacin on Mac-1 expression and Ca2+ mobilization. Indomethacin and ionomycin increased superoxide generation, myeloperoxidase secretion and PMN adherence to endothelial cells and stimulated nitric oxide production. Indomethacin-induced Mac-1 upregulation was prevented by a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Indomethacin-induced upregulation of Mac-1 is mediated by changes in [Ca2+]i and nitric oxide. Phosphorylation of the 41-kDa mitogen-associated protein isoform is a previously unreported target of NSAID action. These effects might help to explain the ability of indomethacin to cause gastric neutrophil margination.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Inhibition of cytokine generation and mediator release by human basophils treated with desloratadine.

BACKGROUND: Desloratadine is a non-sedating, clinically effective, anti-allergic therapy that has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that extend beyond its ability to antagonize histamine at H(1)-receptor sites. This latter effect has been shown in vitro to be both IgE-dependent and -independent. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we addressed the ability of desloratadine to inhibit the in vitro generation of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 from human basophils while concurrently comparing its efficacy in preventing mediator release by these cells. METHODS: Basophil-enriched suspensions were treated with various concentrations of desloratadine for 15 min before stimulating with either anti-IgE antibody, calcium ionophore, IL-3 or phorbol ester. Histamine (fluorimetry), LTC(4) (RIA) and IL-4 (ELISA) were all assayed using the same 4-h culture supernatants. IL-13 (ELISA) was measured in supernatants harvested after 20 h incubation. IL-4 mRNA expression (dilutional RT-PCR) was also examined. RESULTS: Desloratadine was found to be nearly six-seven times more potent in preventing the secretion of IL-4 and IL-13 induced by anti-IgE than it was at inhibiting the release of histamine and LTC(4). These cytokines were equally inhibited by desloratadine following activation with ionomycin despite the lack of an effect on the histamine induced with ionomycin. Desloratadine had a lesser effect regarding inhibition of the IL-13 secreted in response to IL-3 and PMA. There was no evidence that desloratadine mediated its inhibitory effects by causing decreased cell viability. Finally, IL-4 mRNA accumulation was remarkably inhibited, by as much as 80%, following pretreatment with desloratadine. CONCLUSION: While capable of inhibiting histamine and LTC(4) release by human basophils, desloratadine is more effective at targeting the signals regulating IL-4 and IL-13 generation in these cells. This inhibitory effect on cytokine generation provides additional evidence that this antihistamine exerts anti-inflammatory properties.

Basophils↗

Effect of rapamycin on the expression of the IL-2 receptor (CD25).

The immunosuppressive macrolide rapamycin inhibits cytokine-driven proliferation of lymphocytes, acting at a later stage of T lymphocyte activation than the related compound FK506 or cyclosporin, which block IL-2 transcription. However, the effect of rapamycin on the expression of the IL-2 receptor alpha-chain (CD25) is less well documented. This study has investigated the effect of rapamycin on mRNA levels of CD25 and membrane expression of IL-2 receptor in human primary T lymphocytes activated by various stimuli. Rapamycin surprisingly inhibits CD25 upregulation subsequent to anti-CD3 or ionomycin stimulation. These effects are not secondary to an IL-2-mediated CD25 up-regulation, as rapamycin inhibits neither IL-2 synthesis nor IL-2-induced CD25 mRNA. Interestingly, sensitivity to rapamycin correlates with the requirement of de novo protein synthesis, as demonstrated by anisomycin inhibition of both ionomycin- and CD3-induced CD25 transcription. Thus, rapamycin inhibition of T cell activation may involve not only IL-2-driven proliferation, but also suppression of CD25 up-regulation.

Cells, Cultured↗

Down-regulation of the T cell receptor CD3 zeta chain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its influence on T cell responsiveness.

T cells implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases such as RA respond weakly when stimulated in vitro with mitogen or antigen. The mechanism behind this hyporesponsiveness is unclear, but a depressed expression of the T cell receptor (TCR)-associated CD3zeta chain has been suggested. In the present work we describe a low expression of CD3zeta in synovial fluid (SF) T cells from RA patients compared with peripheral blood (PB) T cells, but no difference in CD3zeta expression between RA and healthy control PB T cells. In vitro studies demonstrated that granulocytes but not SF macrophages are able to down-regulate the expression of CD3zeta. Through stimulation with anti-CD3 antibodies we demonstrated that the TCR-dependent proliferative response was decreased in SF T cells compared with PB T cells. Stimulation with phorbol ester and ionomycin also resulted in a low proliferative response of SF T cells, indicating that both signal transduction through the TCR (stimulation with anti-CD3) and events further downstream in the signalling pathways (stimulation with phorbol ester and ionomycin) are affected. A similar depression of T cell activity was observed when induction of IL-2 and IL-4 was measured. However, SF T cells were not defective in the induction of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) when stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin, in contrast to the diminished IFN-gamma response observed after stimulation with anti-CD3. This indicates that the hyporesponsiveness of SF T cells can not be generalized to all T cell functions. The differential response to external stimuli is likely to be of importance for the capacity of SF T cells to influence inflammatory reactions.

Adult↗

Cytosolic calmodulin is increased in SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells due to release of calcium from intracellular stores.

Muscarinic receptor stimulation elicits a redistribution of calmodulin (CaM) from the membrane fraction to cytosol in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. Increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration with ionomycin also elevates cytosolic CaM. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ pools in the muscarinic receptor-mediated increases in cytosolic CaM in SK-N-SH cells. Stimulus-mediated changes in intracellular Ca2+ were monitored in fura-2-loaded cells, and CaM was measured by radioimmunoassay in the 100,000-g cytosol and membrane fractions. The influx of extracellular Ca2+ normally seen with carbachol treatment in SK-N-SH cells was eliminated by pretreatment with the nonspecific Ca2+ channel blocker Ni2+. Blocking the influx of extracellular Ca2+ had no effect on carbachol-mediated increases in cytosolic CaM (168 +/- 18% of control values for carbachol treatment alone vs. 163 +/- 28% for Ni2+ and carbachol) or decreases in membrane CaM. Similarly, removal of extracellular Ca2+ from the medium did not affect carbachol-mediated increases in cytosolic CaM (168 +/- 26% of control). On the other hand, prevention of the carbachol-mediated increase of intracellular free Ca2+ by pretreatment with the cell-permeant Ca2+ chelator BAPTA/AM did attenuate the carbachol-mediated increase in cytosolic CaM (221 +/- 37% of control without BAPTA/AM vs. 136 +/- 13% with BAPTA/AM). The effect of direct entry of extracellular Ca2+ into the cell by K+ depolarization was assessed. Incubation of SK-N-SH cells with 60 mM K+ elicited an immediate and persistent increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, but there was no corresponding alteration in CaM localization. On the contrary, in cells where intracellular Ca2+ was directly elevated by thapsigargin treatment, cytosolic CaM was elevated for at least 30 min while particulate CaM was decreased. In addition, treatment with ionomycin in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, which releases Ca2+ from intracellular stores, induced an increase in cytosolic CaM (203 +/- 30% of control). The mechanism for the CaM release may involve activation of the alpha isozyme of protein kinase C, which was translocated from cytosol to membranes much more profoundly by thapsigargin than by K+ depolarization. These data demonstrate that release of Ca2+ from the intracellular store is important for the carbachol-mediated redistribution of CaM in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells.

Calcium↗

Selective inhibition of beta(2)-adrenergic receptor-mediated cAMP generation by activation of the P2Y(2) receptor in mouse pineal gland tumor cells.

Rhythmic noradrenergic signaling from the hypothalamic clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus to the pineal gland causes an increase in intracellular cAMP which regulates the circadian fluctuation of melatonin synthesis. The activation of phospholipase C (PLC)-coupled P2Y(2) receptors upon treatment with ATP and UTP exclusively inhibited the isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP production in mouse pineal gland tumor cells. However, the activation of other PLC-coupled receptors including P2Y(1) and bombesin receptors had little or no effect on the isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP production. Also, ATP did not inhibit cAMP production caused by forskolin, prostaglandin E(2), or the adenosine analog NECA. These results suggest a selective coupling between signalings of P2Y(2) and beta(2)-adrenergic receptors. The binding of [(3)H]CGP12177 to beta(2)-adrenergic receptors was not effected by the presence of ATP or UTP. Ionomycin decreased the isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP production, whereas phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate slightly potentiated the isoproterenol response. Chelation of intracellular Ca(2+), however, had little effect on the ATP-induced inhibition of cAMP production, while it completely reversed the ionomycin-induced inhibition. Treatment of cells with pertussis toxin almost completely blocked the inhibitory effect of nucleotides. Pertussis toxin also inhibited the nucleotide-induced increase in intracellular Ca(2+) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production by 30-40%, suggesting that the ATP-mediated inhibition of the cAMP generation and the partial activation of PLC are mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i)-protein. We conclude that one of the functions of P2Y(2) receptors on the pineal gland is the selective inhibition of beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated signaling pathways via the inhibitory G-proteins.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Increased type 2 cytokine expression by both CD4+ CD45RO+ T cells and CD8+ CD45RO+ T cells in blood circulation is associated with high serum IgE but not with atopic dermatitis.

Type 2 cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13, are associated with immunoglobulin E (IgE) production. This association has also been observed in CD8+ T cells from patients infected with leprosy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Using intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry, the cytokine profile [IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and interferon (IFN)-gamma] of both CD4+ and CD8+ memory/effector T cells circulating in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients was investigated at the single cell level. The levels of type 2 cytokines in CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells in AD patients with high levels of serum IgE (AD-H), low levels of serum IgE (AD-L), and healthy controls were compared. Increased production of IL-4 and IL-13 in both CD4+ CD45RO+ T cells and CD8+ CD45RO+ T cells after 4 h in vitro stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin, was more prominent in AD-H patients than in AD-L patients or healthy controls, whereas IFN-gamma-producing CD4+ CD45RO+ T cells and CD8+ CD45RO+ T cells were relatively diminished in AD-H patients. CD4+ T cells and CD8 + T cells from AD-H patients, cultured for 48 h with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin, released larger amounts of IL-4 and IL-13 but smaller amounts of IFN-gamma than both types of cells from AD-L patients or healthy controls. In addition, when stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) and anti-CD28 MoAb, CD4+ CD45RO+ T cells and CD8+ CD45RO+ T cells from AD-H patients contained more IL-4-producing cells but fewer IFN-gamma-producing cells compared with healthy controls. Finally, spontaneous mRNA expression of IL-4 in blood CD8+ CD45RO+ T cells isolated from AD-H patients was increased, as determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Therefore, in AD patients with high IgE levels, type 2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) expression is associated with IgE production, in both CD4+ CD45RO+ T cell and CD8+ CD45RO+ T cell subsets.

Adolescent↗

Influx of calcium and chloride ions into epidermal keratinocytes regulates exocytosis of epidermal lamellar bodies and skin permeability barrier homeostasis.

In the nervous system, influx of calcium and chloride ions into neurons regulates the signaling system by excitation and inhibition, respectively. In this study, we demonstrated the effects of the ion influx into epidermal keratinocytes in the permeability barrier repair process of the skin after damage. Topical application of the neurotransmitters glutamate and nicotine, which activate the calcium channel in neurons, delayed the barrier repair after tape stripping. In contrast, the neurotransmitters GABA and glycine, which activate the chloride channel in neurons, accelerated barrier repair. Topical application of the calcium ionophore ionomycin delayed barrier recovery and chloride ionophore 1 accelerated barrier repair after barrier disruption by tape stripping and acetone treatment. Ionomycin increased the intracellular calcium concentration in cultured keratinocytes whereas the chloride ionophore 1 increased the intracellular chloride ion concentration. In vivo light microscopy and electron microscopy observation showed acceleration of the exocytosis of lipid-containing lamellar bodies by the chloride ionophore and delay of the exocytosis by the calcium ionophore. These results suggest that, like the nervous system, influx of calcium and chloride ions into epidermal keratinocytes through ionotropic receptors plays a crucial role in cutaneous barrier homeostasis.

Animals↗