Induction of prostacyclin receptor expression in human erythroleukemia cells

The effect of prostacyclin agonists on the differentiation of phorbol ester treated human erythroleukemia cells

Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) induces megakaryocytopoeisis in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells which is characterized by the increase in cell size, increase in nuclear polyploidization and expression of megakaryocyte marker, CD41. However, upon treatment with 100 nM of selective prostacyclin (IP) agonist beraprost inhibits the induced differentiation. Moreover, selective non-prostanoid IP agonist, BMY 45778 prevents PMA induced megakaryocytopoeisis in HEL cells similarly, while prostaglandin E(2) and specific EP(3) agonist sulprostone have no effect. Thus, IP receptor is involved. Furthermore, adenylate cyclase activator forskolin and cAMP analog dibutyryl-cAMP also prevented PMA induced megakaryocytopoeisis in HEL cells. Thus, IP agonists inhibition of PMA induced megakaryocytopoeisis in HEL cells may involve a cAMP dependent pathway.

Discovery and preliminary evaluation of 5-(4-phenylbenzyl)oxazole-4-carboxamides as prostacyclin receptor antagonists

The discovery and evaluation of 5-(4-phenylbenzyl)oxazole-4-carboxamides as prostacyclin (IP) receptor antagonists is described. Analogs disclosed showed high affinity for the IP receptor in human platelet membranes with IC50 values of 0.05-0.50 microM, demonstrated functional antagonism by inhibiting cAMP production in HEL cells with IC50 values of 0.016-0.070 microM, and exhibited significant selectivity versus other prostanoid receptors.

A prostacyclin receptor antagonist inhibits the sensitized release of substance P from rat sensory neurons

Prostacyclin, one of the cyclooxygenase metabolites, causes various biological effects, including vasodilation and antithrombogenicity, and is also involved in several pathophysiological effects, such as inflammatory pain and bladder disorders. The prostacyclin receptor (IP receptor) agonists iloprost, cicaprost, and carbacyclin have been useful for clarifying the role of the IP receptor signaling, since the endogenous ligand, prostacyclin, is very unstable. On the other hand, only a few IP receptor antagonists have been reported to date. Here, we characterized the biological activities of 2-[4-(1H-indol-4-yloxymethyl)-benzyloxycarbonylamino]-3-phenyl-propionic acid (compound A) in various in vitro systems. Compound A inhibited the accumulation of the second messenger cyclic AMP in the UMR-108 rat osteosarcoma cell line and primary cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a concentration-dependent manner up to 10 microM, without affecting other eicosanoid receptors. Functionally, the IP receptor plays an important role in DRG neuron sensitization, which is measured by release of the neurotransmitter substance P. Although the effects of iloprost or Lys-bradykinin, an inflammatory peptide, alone on substance P release were limited, stimulation of the neurons with both these ligands induced substantial amounts of substance P release. This synergistic effect was suppressed by compound A. Collectively, these results suggest that compound A is a highly selective IP receptor antagonist that inhibits iloprost-induced sensitization of sensory neurons. Furthermore, these findings suggest that IP receptor antagonist administration may be effective for abnormal neural activities of unmyelinated sensory afferents. Compound A should prove useful for further investigations of the IP receptor in various biological processes.

Co-expression of prostaglandin receptors with opposite effects: a model for homeostatic control of autocrine and paracrine signaling

Prostaglandins are ubiquitous autocrine mediators that exert their effects through a number of G protein-coupled receptors. Many organs and tissues express many of the prostaglandin receptors, and prostaglandins have diverse effects on individual organs and tissues. In some cases, several prostaglandin receptors are expressed on a single cell type. Co-expressed prostaglandin receptors frequently appear to have opposite actions, suggesting homeostatic control of prostaglandin effects. Co-expression of opposing receptors provides a molecular mechanism for weak or partial agonism and explains the action of a drug as a mixed agonist/antagonist. The physiological relevance of co-expressed opposing receptors for a single agonist perhaps can be explained in terms of the difference between endocrine and autocrine mediators. Endocrine hormones are generally produced by cells distant from their site of action so that they are diluted to an elevated but stable concentration by the time they reach their target cells. In contrast, autocoids are produced by the same cell type on which they act and may reach transiently high levels at their sites of action. The presence of a second type of receptor that negates the action of the first receptor would tend to buffer cellular responses to transient extremes of agonist concentration. The slow onset of inhibition would also allow for time-dependent buffering, providing additional control over autocoid release and effect. The mechanism is relevant to other autocrine and paracrine mediators including neurotransmitters, which reach transiently high concentrations in the synaptic cleft.

Prostanoid receptor with a novel pharmacological profile in human erythroleukemia cells

The purpose of this study was to characterize the prostanoid receptors coupled to intracellular calcium in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells, a cell line with platelet/megakaryocytic characteristics. Both prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and iloprost increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) in HEL cells, but modulated [Ca2+]i by different mechanisms. Iloprost (10(-9) to 10(-6) M) had no effect on basal [Ca2+]i, but greatly potentiated the increase in [Ca2+]i produced by thrombin. This effect was mimicked by cholera toxin and other Gs-coupled receptors, and involved calcium influx since iloprost had no effect on [Ca2+]i in cells incubated in Ca2+-free buffer. Furthermore, iloprost did not increase the generation of baseline or thrombin-induced inositol phosphates at these concentrations. In contrast, PGE1 (10(-7) to 10(-5) M), but not iloprost, increased basal [Ca2+]i through a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism that involved stimulation of inositol phosphate generation and mobilization of intracellular calcium. The order of potencies of other prostaglandins that increased [Ca2+]i was not consistent with known IP, EP, DP, FP, or TP receptors. 11-Deoxy-16,16-dimethyl PGE2 was the most potent of the analogs tested (EC50 = 28 nM). In summary, at least two prostaglandin receptors are functionally coupled to intracellular calcium in HEL cells: a putative IP receptor coupled to Gs proteins that increases cAMP and enhances calcium influx, and a novel prostanoid receptor that evokes calcium mobilization through stimulation of phospholipase C by a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway.

Expression of Prostacyclin Receptor in Human Megakaryocytes

Prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2, PGI2) is a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Although it is well known that the specific receptor for prostacyclin (PGI2-R) is abundantly expressed on platelets, PGI2-R expression in megakaryocytes is poorly understood. In this study, we examined its expression in leukemic or normal megakaryocytes. PGI2-R mRNA was expressed in human leukemic cell lines of megakaryocytic nature as evaluated by Northern blot analysis. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-3, IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF ), thrombopoietin (TPO), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) enhanced PGI2-R mRNA expression. The enhancement of PGI2-R expression by PMA and TPO was associated with the upregulation of platelet factor 4 or glycoprotein IIb mRNA expression. Iloprost, an agonist of prostacyclin, induced significant cyclic (c)AMP synthesis in these leukemic cells indicating that interaction of PGI2-R and its ligand can induce postreceptor signal transduction. Furthermore, iloprost-induced cAMP synthesis was enhanced by the pretreatment with PMA or the cytokines that promoted PGI2-R expression. PMA and TPO also increased the specific binding of [3H]iloprost to these cells. Pooled normal megakaryocytic colonies from TPO-containing semisolid culture of purified human CD34+ cells expressed PGI2-R, which were increased as the megakaryocytes matured with the peak expression before proplatelet formation, as evaluated by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). These results indicate that PGI2-R is expressed in human megakaryocytes and is upregulated by cytokines involved in thrombopoiesis or inflammation. Also, it was indicated that megakaryocytic maturation accompanies enhancement of PGI2-R expression.

Expression of Prostacyclin Receptor in Human Megakaryocytes

Prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2, PGI2) is a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Although it is well known that the specific receptor for prostacyclin (PGI2-R) is abundantly expressed on platelets, PGI2-R expression in megakaryocytes is poorly understood. In this study, we examined its expression in leukemic or normal megakaryocytes. PGI2-R mRNA was expressed in human leukemic cell lines of megakaryocytic nature as evaluated by Northern blot analysis. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-3, IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF ), thrombopoietin (TPO), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) enhanced PGI2-R mRNA expression. The enhancement of PGI2-R expression by PMA and TPO was associated with the upregulation of platelet factor 4 or glycoprotein IIb mRNA expression. Iloprost, an agonist of prostacyclin, induced significant cyclic (c)AMP synthesis in these leukemic cells indicating that interaction of PGI2-R and its ligand can induce postreceptor signal transduction. Furthermore, iloprost-induced cAMP synthesis was enhanced by the pretreatment with PMA or the cytokines that promoted PGI2-R expression. PMA and TPO also increased the specific binding of [3H]iloprost to these cells. Pooled normal megakaryocytic colonies from TPO-containing semisolid culture of purified human CD34+ cells expressed PGI2-R, which were increased as the megakaryocytes matured with the peak expression before proplatelet formation, as evaluated by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). These results indicate that PGI2-R is expressed in human megakaryocytes and is upregulated by cytokines involved in thrombopoiesis or inflammation. Also, it was indicated that megakaryocytic maturation accompanies enhancement of PGI2-R expression.

Protein kinase C-dependent regulation of human erythroleukemia (HEL) cell sphingosine kinase activity

Sphingosine kinase functions in both the catabolism of sphingosine and in signal transduction pathways utilizing sphingosine-1-phosphate. The regulation of sphingosine kinase activity in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells was investigated by treatment with several bioactive agents. Treatment of HEL cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) caused a time- and concentration-dependent increase in sphingosine kinase activity measured in vitro. Sphingosine kinase activity increased in a phorbol ester- and diacylglycerol-specific manner. Staurosporine and calphostin C, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, blocked the increased in sphingosine kinase activity, suggesting a PKC-dependent regulation. The effects of PMA on sphingosine kinase were dependent on transcription and translation. Purified PKC had no direct effect on sphingosine kinase activity. However, these studies led to the observation that HEL cell sphingosine kinase activity is stimulated in vitro by phosphatidylserine. Interestingly, other inducers of HEL cell differentiation, dimethylsulfoxide and retinoic acid, did not affect sphingosine kinase activity. These results indicate a separate and distinct pathway of PKC-dependent sphingosine kinase activation, and suggest a role for sphingosine kinase in regulation of cell function.

Stimulation of histamine H2- (and H1)-receptors activates Ca2+ influx in all-trans-retinoic acid-differentiated HL-60 cells independently of phospholipase C or adenylyl cyclase

In human neutrophils, histamine H2-receptors mediate activation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and inhibition of N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced superoxide anion (O2-) formation, and in HL-60 promyelocytes, H2-receptors mediate parallel activation of AC, phospholipase C (PLC) and non-selective cation (NSC) channels. As all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) is successfully used in the differentiation therapy of acute promyelocytic leukaemia, we studied signal transduction in RA-differentiated HL-60 cells. Histamine and the H2-receptor agonist, impromidine, induced both rises in cAMP levels and cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Substances acting at post-receptor sites to increase cAMP did not increase [Ca2+]i. H2- but not H1-receptor antagonists inhibited histamine-induced cAMP accumulation and rises in [Ca2+]i were more effectively inhibited by H2- than by H1-receptor antagonists. Histamine-induced rises in [Ca2+]i were completely dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+ and were abolished by the blocker of NSC channels, Gd3+, but were resistant to inhibition by pertussis toxin. Unlike FMLP, histamine did not activate PLC. The effects of FMLP on [Ca2+]i were less sensitive to blockade by Gd3+ than those of histamine, and there was no cross-desensitization between the two stimuli. FMLP, but not histamine, inhibited transiently thapsigargin-induced rises in [Ca2+]. Taken together, our results show that histamine activates AC-mediated cAMP accumulation in RA-differentiated HL-60 cells via H2-receptors and NSC channel-mediated Ca2+ influx via H2- (and H1)-receptors. Histamine-induced NSC channel activation is not the consequence of AC- or PLC stimulation and occurs, directly or indirectly, via pertussis toxin-insensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. FMLP and histamine activate Ca2+ influx by different mechanisms. There are similarities in H2-receptor-mediated signal transduction between RA-differentiated HL-60 cells and HL-60 promyelocytes and differences between the former cells and neutrophils, indicating that RA-differentiated HL-60 cells must be considered as partially immature.

Differential activation of Gi and Gs proteins by E- and I-type prostaglandins in membranes from the human erythroleukaemia cell line, HEL

The group of prostaglandin (PG) E2- and prostacyclin receptors consists of different subtypes, which exhibit different affinities for prostaglandins and synthetic analogues. PGE2 activities the E-type PG receptor subtypes EP1, EP2 and EP3, whereas the PGE2 analogue, sulprostone, binds only to the EP1 and EP3 receptor subtypes. The stable PGI2 analogues, iloprost and cicaprost, both activate the PGI2 receptor (IP) and iloprost, additionally, bind to the EP1 subtype. Using these subtype-selective PG receptor agonists, we studied the interaction of PG receptor subtypes with Gs and Gi-type heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) in membranes from the human erythroleukaemia cell line, HEL. Sulprostone stimulated high-affinity GTPase in HEL membranes in a pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive manner. In contrast, the stimulations induced by PGE2, iloprost and cicaprost were only partially inhibited by PTX. PGE2, sulprostone, iloprost and cicaprost stimulated cholera toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation as well as labelling with GTP azidoanilide of membrane proteins comigrating with immunologically identified Gi protein alpha subunits. Furthermore, PGE2, iloprost and cicaprost enhanced GTP azidoanilide-labelling of Gs protein alpha subunits, whereas sulprostone did not. We suggest that in HEL cells (1) EP1 and EP3 receptor subtypes activate G1 proteins, that (2) the EP2 receptor subtype activates Gs proteins and that (3) the IP receptor activates both Gi and Gs proteins.

Alpha 2A-adrenoceptors mediate activation of non-selective cation channels via Gi-proteins in human erythroleukaemia (HEL) cells. No evidence for a functional role of imidazoline receptors in modulating calcium

Human erythroleukaemia (HEL) cells were investigated to characterize their alpha 2-adrenoceptor and imidazoline receptor sites. Membranes from HEL cells bound [3H]2-(2-methoxy-1, 4-benzodioxan-2yl)-2-imidazoline ([3H]RX821002) in a saturable and specific manner with a KD of 0.64 +/- 0.07 nM and a Bmax of 126 +/- 4 fmol/mg protein. [3H]RX821002 was displaced from HEL membranes by adrenergic drugs with the order of potency being yohimbine approximately oxymetazoline >> prazosin = 2-[2-[4-(o-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]-4,4-dimethyl- 1,3(2H,4H)-isochinolindione HCl (ARC 239), consistent with this site being an alpha 2A-adrenoceptor. HEL membranes also bound [3H]idazoxan in the presence of adrenaline to block alpha 2-adrenoceptors. This binding was saturable and specific with a KD of 3.5 +/- 1.0 nM and a Bmax of 31 +/- 6 fmol/mg protein. Adrenergic drugs from both the phenylethylamine and imidazoline classes increased high-affinity GTPase activity, an index of activation of regulatory heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins), and produced increases in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). The effects of these agonists in both systems were abolished by pertussis toxin pretreatment, and oxymetazoline and clonidine were antagonists. The potency of adrenergic drugs to inhibit 5-bromo-6-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-quinoxaline (UK 14304)-induced increases in [Ca2+]i was yohimbine approximately oxymetazoline >> ARC 239, consistent with the binding data and an action at alpha 2A-adrenoceptors. No evidence was found for a role of imidazoline receptors in stimulating G-proteins or modulating [Ca2+]i. The adrenergic agonist-induced increases in [Ca2+]i were due to both release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and entry of extracellular Ca2+. Ca2+ entry was blocked by 1-(beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxyphenylethyl)-1H- imidazole hydrochloride (SKF 96365), but not by nitrendipine. Adrenaline also stimulated Mn2+ entry in HEL cells. Taken together, these results suggest that HEL cells have alpha 2A-adrenoceptors that activate non-selective cation channels via pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins, i.e. Gi-proteins.

Two types of prostacyclin receptor coupling to stimulation of adenylate cyclase and phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in a cultured mast cell line, BNu-2cl3 cells

Prostacyclin (PGI2)-mediated signal transduction was examined in interleukin 3 (IL-3)-dependent BNu-2cl3 mast cells. Iloprost, a stable PGI2 analogue, induced the accumulation of intracellular cAMP and IP3, and an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Pretreatment of the cells with a protein kinase C activator, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate, suppressed the iloprost-induced IP3 accumulation and Ca2+ mobilization, but inversely potentiated the cAMP accumulation, suggesting that neither of these signal transduction pathways of iloprosts is the result of a secondary effect of activation of the other. Removal of IL-3 from the culture medium reduced the iloprost-induced IP3 accumulation and Ca2+ mobilization, while it had no effect on the iloprost-induced cAMP accumulation at all. These results taken together suggest that BNu-2cl3 cells express two types of PGI2 receptor; one couples to stimulation of adenylate cyclase, its expression being independent of IL-3, while the other couples to phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis, its expression being dependent on IL-3.

Receptor-mediated increases in cytosolic Ca2+ in the human erythroleukaemia cell line involve pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive pathways

The pluripotent human erythroleukaemia cell line, HEL, possesses erythrocytic, megakaryocytic and macrophage-like properties. With respect to signal transduction, HEL cells have been used as a model system for platelets, but little attention has been paid to their phagocytic properties. We studied the effects of various receptor agonists on the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in HEL cells. Thrombin, platelet-activating factor (PAF), ATP, UTP, prostaglandins E1 and E2 (PGE1 and PGE2), the PGE2 analogue sulprostone and the stable PGI2 analogues iloprost and cicaprost increased [Ca2+]i. ADP was less effective than ATP, and UDP was unable to increase [Ca2+]i. The increases in [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin, PAF, ATP, UTP, iloprost and cicaprost were pertussis toxin-insensitive, whereas the increases induced by PGE2 and sulprostone were completely inhibited by the toxin. The increase in [Ca2+]i induced by PGE1 was partially inhibited by pertussis toxin. PGE2 did not desensitize the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by iloprost, and vice versa. PGE1 desensitized the response to PGE2 and iloprost but not vice versa. Adrenaline potentiated the iloprost- but not the PGE2-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. The phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate completely blocked the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by ATP and PGE1, whereas the increases induced by thrombin and PAF were only partially inhibited. Agonists increased [Ca2+]i through release from internal stores and sustained Ca2+ influx. Thrombin stimulated Mn2+ influx, which was blocked by Ni2+. Diltiazem, isradipine, gramicidin and 1-(beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl)-1H-imidazole hydrochloride (SK&F 96365) did not affect agonist-induced rises in [Ca2+]i. HEL cells contained substantial amounts of beta-glucuronidase which, however, could not be released, and they did not aggregate or generate superoxide. Our data suggest that: (1) HEL cells possess nucleotide receptors with properties similar to those of phagocytes; (2) they possess receptors for PGE2 and PGI2, and PGE1 is an agonist at both receptors; (3) agonist-induced increases in [Ca2+]i are mediated through pertussis toxin-sensitive as well as -insensitive signal transduction pathways; and (4) agonists increase [Ca2+]i by mobilization from internal stores and influx from the extracellular space through cation channels with properties similar to those of phagocytes and platelets.

Prostaglandin-concentration-dependent desensitization of adenylate cyclase in human erythroleukaemia (HEL) cells is abolished by pertussis toxin and enhanced by induction by dimethyl sulphoxide

Prostaglandin-regulated cyclic AMP metabolism in human erythroleukaemia (HEL) cells was similar to that previously described in platelets [Ashby (1989) Mol. Pharmacol. 36, 866-873], displaying prostaglandin-concentration-dependent desensitization that could be explained by the presence of separate stimulatory and inhibitory prostaglandin receptors. Pertussis toxin abolished prostaglandin-concentration-dependent desensitization, indicating that the process is mediated through a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein. Treatment of HEL cells for 4 days with the inducer dimethyl sulphoxide enhanced prostaglandin-concentration-dependent desensitization, but did not alter the initial rate of cyclic AMP synthesis or the amount of Gi2 alpha measured by immunoblotting, suggesting that the inhibitory receptor was selectively induced by changing the cells to a more platelet-like form.