Dual regulation of arachidonic acid release by P2U purinergic receptors in dibutyryl cyclic AMP-differentiated HL60 cells

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate and adenosine as endogenous signaling molecules in immunity and inflammation

Human health is under constant threat of a wide variety of dangers, both self and nonself. The immune system is occupied with protecting the host against such dangers in order to preserve human health. For that purpose, the immune system is equipped with a diverse array of both cellular and non-cellular effectors that are in continuous communication with each other. The naturally occurring nucleotide adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and its metabolite adenosine (Ado) probably constitute an intrinsic part of this extensive immunological network through purinergic signaling by their cognate receptors, which are widely expressed throughout the body. This review provides a thorough overview of the effects of ATP and Ado on major immune cell types. The overwhelming evidence indicates that ATP and Ado are important endogenous signaling molecules in immunity and inflammation. Although the role of ATP and Ado during the course of inflammatory and immune responses in vivo appears to be extremely complex, we propose that their immunological role is both interdependent and multifaceted, meaning that the nature of their effects may shift from immunostimulatory to immunoregulatory or vice versa depending on extracellular concentrations as well as on expression patterns of purinergic receptors and ecto-enzymes. Purinergic signaling thus contributes to the fine-tuning of inflammatory and immune responses in such a way that the danger to the host is eliminated efficiently with minimal damage to healthy tissues.

Neutrophil chemotaxis: potential role of chemokine receptors in extracellular nucleotide induced Mac-1 expression

Extracellular nucleotide-induced stimulation and activation of neutrophil in the inflammatory foci followed by chemotaxis in to inflamed vasculature plays a critical role in inflammatory diseases and coronary artery diseases. The extracellular nucleotides stimulate a P2Y receptor(s) on human PMN with the pharmacological profile similar to that of the P2Y2 receptor. Consequent to the activation of P2Y2, arachidonic acid is formed from the membrane bound lipids by phospholipase A2, which subsequently metabolized by 5 lipoxygenase to form the leukotrienes. Of the several leukotrienes generated, LTB(4) is a potent proinflammatory chemokine. Upon its release LTB(4) binds to the PMN by autocrine manner in the same neutrophil and also in a paracrine manner to other neutrophils, leading to the accelerated Mac-1 expression on PMN membrane resulting chemotaxis. Thus it is suggested that the extracellular nucleotide(s) released from the activated platelets and other damaged cell types exacerbate inflammatory response by leukotriene generation. In turn the leukotriene will act in both autocrine and paracrine manner to amplify the process of chemotaxis in PMN by upregulation of Mac-1 expression.

Cellular Distribution and Functions of P2 Receptor Subtypes in Different Systems

This review is aimed at providing readers with a comprehensive reference article about the distribution and function of P2 receptors in all the organs, tissues, and cells in the body. Each section provides an account of the early history of purinergic signaling in the organ?cell up to 1994, then summarizes subsequent evidence for the presence of P2X and P2Y receptor subtype mRNA and proteins as well as functional data, all fully referenced. A section is included describing the plasticity of expression of P2 receptors during development and aging as well as in various pathophysiological conditions. Finally, there is some discussion of possible future developments in the purinergic signaling field.

Amplification of extracellular nucleotide-induced leukocyte(s) degranulation by contingent autocrine and paracrine mode of leukotriene-mediated chemokine receptor activation

Extracellular nucleotide-induced stimulation and activation of peripheral blood leukocytes and subsequent degranulation play a critical role in immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction and other inflammatory diseases. The extracellular nucleotides stimulate a P2Y receptor(s) on human PMN with the pharmacological profile similar to that of the P2Y2 receptor. Upon activation of P2Y2, arachidonic acid, formed from the membrane bound lipids by phospholipase A2, which subsequently metabolized by 5-lipoxygenase to form the leukotrienes. Of the several leukotrienes generated, LTB(4) is a potent pro-inflammatory chemokine. Upon its release LTB(4) binds to the PMN in a paracrine manner and also other leukocytes such as monocytes at the site of vascular injury, leading to an accelerated rate of degranulation. It is known that LTA(4) formed in the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in PMN could be released from PMN by receptor-mediated transport. Upon its release, the monocytes, erythrocytes, platelet, endothelial or smooth muscle cells can take up LTA(4). The endogenous LTA(4) hydrolase form the LTB(4) from LTA(4) in erythrocytes, platelet, endothelial or smooth muscle cells. As in PMN, LTB(4) is released from these cells via receptor-mediated transport to the extracellular milieu. Thus, released LTB(4) most likely acts as potentially accelerating factor in PMN and MN degranulation through its receptor-specific binding. It is not known whether any LTB(4) receptor exists in cytoplasm in any given cell type and also, the existence of any other signaling cascade for the extracellular nucleotide-induced leukocyte degranulation. Thus, it is convincing that the extracellular nucleotides released from the activated platelets and other damaged cell types exacerbate the inflammatory response by leukotriene generation. In turn the leukotriene will act in both autocrine and paracrine manner to amplify the degranulation processes in leukocytes invoked by extracellular nucleotides.

Neutrophil degranulation: coactivation of chemokine receptor(s) is required for extracellular nucleotide-induced neutrophil degranulation

Extracellular nucleotide-induced stimulation of leukocytes and subsequent adhesion to endothelium plays a critical role in inflammatory diseases. The extracellular nucleotides stimulate a P2Y receptor on human PMN with the pharmacological profile of the P2Y2 receptor. Followed by generation of arachidonic acid, subsequently metabolized by 5 lipoxygenase forming the leukotrienes (LT). Of the several LTs generated, LTB(4)is a potent chemokine and upon its release binds to the PMN in an autocrine manner leading to the PMN degranulation. It is known that LTB(4)causes neutrophil degranulation through its receptor specific binding while the molecular mechanism remains not known at present. However, it is not known whether any LTB(4)receptor exists in cytoplasm in any given cell type and also, the existence of any other signaling cascade for the extracellular nucleotide-induced neutrophil degranulation. Based on the few direct experimental and numerous circumstantial evidence, it is conceivable that the extracellular nucleotides require LT generation, as an essential intermediate for mediating neutrophil degranulation.

Biphasic cytotoxic mechanism of extracellular ATP on U-937 human histiocytic leukemia cells: involvement of adenosine generation

Since extracellular ATP can exhibit cytotoxic activity in vivo and in vitro, its application has been proposed as an alternative anticancer therapy. In this study we investigated the mechanisms of ATP-induced cytotoxicity in a human leukemic cell line (U-937). ATP added as a single dose exceeding 50 microM was cytostatic or even cytotoxic for U-937 cells. Interestingly, growth inhibition by ATP (50-3500 microM) showed a biphasic dose response. Up to 800 microM, ATP was cytotoxic in a dose-dependent manner (EC(50) 90 microM). In a range between 800 and 2500 microM, cell count was markedly higher despite the higher ATP concentrations. The cytotoxic effect of ATP could be antagonized by addition of uridine as a pyrimidine source and, alternatively, by addition of the nucleoside transmembrane inhibitor dipyridamole. The apoptosis-inducing adenosine A(3) receptor was not involved in measurable quantities, since (1) adenosine did not lead to an elevation of intracellular calcium levels, and (2) an unselective A(1-3) antagonist (ULS-II-80) could not abrogate the cytotoxic effect. Experiments monitoring extracellular nucleotide metabolism confirmed the assumption that the long-term production and continuous uptake of adenosine, which is extracellularly generated by degradation of ATP, led to an intracellular nucleotide imbalance with pyrimidine starvation. The biphasic dose response to higher ATP concentrations could be explained by the rapid degradation of lower ATP concentrations (300 microM) to adenosine by serum-derived enzymes, whereas higher concentrations (900 microM) only produced small amounts of adenosine due to forward inhibition of AMP hydrolysis by prolonged high ADP levels. FACS analysis revealed that at lower adenosine concentrations (300 microM) a reversible G(1) phase arrest of the cell cycle was induced, whereas higher concentrations (1000 microM) triggered apoptosis. Considering ATP as a potential cytostatic drug, our data have important implications concerning metabolic interactions of administered nucleotides.

Purine and pyrimidine nucleotide-sensitive phospholipase A(2) in ampulla from frog semicircular canal

This study was attempted to characterize pharmacologically the P2Y receptors triggering phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activation in ampulla from frog semicircular canal. A microassay was developed to screen the abilities of UTP analogs to stimulate [(3)H]arachidonic acid release by labeled ampullas. At 26 degrees C UTP induced a dose-dependent and saturable increase of PLA(2) activity (apparent activation constant 1.3 +/- 0.4 microM, Hill coefficient 0.9 +/- 0.2, maximal stimulating factor 2.0 +/- 0.1). The rank order of potency of agonists for PLA(2) activation was UTP > or = UDP > adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) = adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) > or = ATP = 2-methylthio-ATP > or = ADP = diadenosine tetraphosphate > or = alpha,beta-methylene-ATP = CTP > 2' and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP > or = AMP = UMP >> uridine and adenosine. UTP- and 2-methylthio-ATP-induced PLA(2) activations were inhibited by U-73122, GF-109203X, and methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphate. Basal activity was stimulated by phorbol ester and epinephrine and reduced by vasotocin, isoproterenol, prostaglandin E(2), cAMP, and forskolin. H-89 restored the cAMP- and forskolin-inhibited PLA(2) activities. Results indicate that P2Y receptor-mediated PLA(2) stimulation requires phopholipase C and protein kinase C activations and basal activity is inhibited by agonist-stimulated cAMP-dependent mechanisms.

fMLP-induced arachidonic acid release in db-cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells is independent of phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate-specific phospholipase C activation and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) activation

In inflammatory cells, agonist-stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) release is thought to be induced by activation of group IV Ca(2+)-dependent cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase)- and/or protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation and Ca(2+)-dependent translocation of the enzyme to the membrane. Here we investigated the role of phospholipases in N-formylmethionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine (fMLP; 1 nM-10 microM)-induced AA release from neutrophil-like db-cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells. U 73122 (1 microM), an inhibitor of phosphatidyl-inositol-4,5-biphosphate-specific phospholipase C, or the membrane-permeant Ca(2+)-chelator 1, 2-bis¿2-aminophenoxyĕthane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (10 microM) abolished fMLP-mediated Ca(2+) signaling, but had no effect on fMLP-induced AA release. The protein kinase C-inhibitor Ro 318220 (5 microM) or the inhibitor of cPLA(2) arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF(3); 10-30 microM) did not inhibit fMLP-induced AA release. In contrast, AA release was stimulated by the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 (10 microM) plus the PKC activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) (0.2 microM). This effect was inhibited by either Ro 318220 or AACOCF(3). Accordingly, a translocation of cPLA(2) from the cytosol to the membrane fraction was observed with A23187 + PMA, but not with fMLP. fMLP-mediated AA release therefore appeared to be independent of Ca(2+) signaling and PKC and MAP kinase activation. However, fMLP-mediated AA release was reduced by approximately 45% by Clostridium difficile toxin B (10 ng/ml) or by 1-butanol; both block phospholipase D (PLD) activity. The inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC), D609 (100 microM), decreased fMLP-mediated AA release by approximately 35%. The effect of D609 + 1-butanol on fMLP-induced AA release was additive and of a magnitude similar to that of propranolol (0.2 mM), an inhibitor of phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase. This suggests that the bulk of AA generated by fMLP stimulation of db-cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells is independent of the cPLA(2) pathway, but may originate from activation of PC-PLC and PLD.

Growth inhibition of HL-60 cells by extracellular ATP: concentration-dependent involvement of a P2 receptor and adenosine generation

A single addition of ATP (20-1000 microM) to cultures of HL-60 cells resulted here in permanent, Ca(2+)-independent inhibition of cellular proliferation, evident 48 h following treatment. Extracellular ATP (ATPo) was maximally effective at 250 microM giving 90 +/- 1.5% growth inhibition. Up to a concentration of 250 microM ATPo, growth inhibition is solely attributable to ATPo, while at higher ATPo concentrations adenosine generated from ATPo hydrolysis contributes to this effect. The order of potency for growth inhibition was ATP = ADP > AMP > adenosine. Suramin, a P2 receptor antagonist, attenuated growth inhibition by ATP and ADP, indicative of P2 receptor involvement. Equipotency of ATP and ADP excludes the involvement of either an ecto-protein kinase or a P2X7 receptor in growth inhibition. Neither UTP (P2Y2 agonist) nor alpha, beta-methyleneATP (P2X1 agonist) inhibited growth, indicating that such inhibition is mediated by a previously undescribed P2 receptor on HL-60 cells.

Phosphorylation and calcium influx are not sufficient for the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in U937 cells: requirement for a Gi alpha-type G-protein

Differentiation with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dBcAMP) of the human, premonocytic U937 cell line toward a monocyte/granulocyte-like cell results in the cell acquiring an ability to release arachidonate upon stimulation. In contrast, the calcium ionophore ionomycin was able to stimulate phospholipase C, as measured by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation, to equal extents in both undifferentiated and dBcAMP-differentiated U937 cells. The role and regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in the production of arachidonate in these cells when either the chemotactic peptide fMLP or ionomycin are used as stimulus were investigated. The ionomycin- and fMLP-stimulated release of arachidonate were sensitive to the cPLA2 inhibitor arachidonyl trifluoromethylketone (IC50 values of 32 and 18 microM, respectively), but were not inhibited by E-6-(bromomethylene)-tetrahydro-3-(1-naphthalenyl)-2 H-pyran-2-one, a bromoenol lactone inhibitor of the calcium-independent phospholipase A2. These results, coupled with the inhibition of ionomycin-induced arachidonate production by electroporation of differentiated cells to introduce an anti-cPLA2, demonstrate that the cPLA2 is the enzyme responsible for arachidonate release in differentiated cells. SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis of differentiated cells showed the cells to contain both phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of cPLA2 (ratio of about 2: 3). Surprisingly, undifferentiated cells contain 30% more enzyme than differentiated cells and contain a higher percentage (approximately 75%) of the phosphorylated in the absence of stimulation. The inability of undifferentiated cells to produce arachidonate is not due to insufficient intracellular calcium concentrations since ionomycin induces large (820-940 nM) influxes of intracellular calcium in both differentiated and undifferentiated cells. This demonstrates that phosphorylation of cPLA2 andan influx of intracellular calcium are not sufficient to activate the enzyme to produce arachidonate. Instead, activation of a pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi alpha-type G-protein is required as evidenced by the production of arachidonate in undifferentiated cells stimulated with mastoparan, an activator of Gi alpha subunits, in combination with ionomycin. This activation of a Gi alpha-type G-protein is independent of modulations of adenylyl cyclase activity since cellular cAMP levels were not modulated upon treatment with mastoparan and ionomycin.

Differences in nucleotide effects on intracellular pH, Na+/H+ antiport activity, and ATP-binding proteins in endothelial cells

Bovine (BPAEC) and human (HPAEC) pulmonary artery endothelial cell monolayers were incubated with either ATP, ATP analogues, or UTP, followed by measurement of intracellular pH (pHi) and the rate of recovery from acidosis. ATP increased baseline pHi and the rate of acid recovery in BPAEC. This response was inhibited by the amiloride analogue, methyisobutylamiloride, demonstrating that activation of the Na+/H+ antiport was responsible for the increase in baseline pHi and the recovery from acidosis. This response had the features of both a P2Y and P2U purinergic receptor, based on the responses to a series of ATP analogues and UTP. In contrast, none of the nucleotides had any significant effect on pHi and Na+/H+ antiport activity in HPAEC. This difference in the response to extracellular nucleotides was not due to a difference in ATP metabolism between cell types, since the ectonucleotidase-resistant analogue. ATP gamma S, also had no effect on HPAEC. Analogues of cAMP had no effect on pHi or acid recovery in either cell type. Incubation of BPAEC and HPAEC with the photoaffinity ligand [32P] 8-AzATP indicated that both BPAEC and HPAEC possess an ATP-binding protein of 48 kDa. However, BPAEC exhibited an additional binding protein of 87 kDa. Thus, the contrasting response to extracellular ATP between bovine and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells may be related to differences in the signal transduction pathway leading to antiport activation, including different ATP-binding sites on the cell membrane.

Effect of wortmannin and 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY294002) on N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced phospholipase D activation in differentiated HL60 cells: possible involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in phospholipase D activation

Phospholipase D (PLD) plays an important role in neutrophil activation. However, despite various proposed mechanisms, its detailed regulatory mechanism is not fully understood. The functional coupling between phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) and PLD was investigated in N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated human promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cells, using wortmannin, a fungal metabolite that is known as a selective inhibitor for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Treatment of cells with this drug inhibited the formation of both phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), a product of PI 3-kinase, and phosphatidylbutanol (PBut), the specific product of transphosphatidylation due to PLD in the presence of butanol, with similar concentration dependence (IC50 = 30-70 nM). Another PI 3-kinase inhibitor, 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY294002) also inhibited PBut formation in a concentration-dependent manner. However, wortmannin failed to inhibit phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced PLD activation in whole cells and membrane PLD activity in an in vitro assay system, indicating that inhibition of fMLP-induced PLD activation by wortmannin was not due to its direct effect on PLD activity. These results suggest that a major part of inhibition of PLD activation by wortmannin might be mediated through its effect on PI 3-kinase.

Inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A2 by annexin V in differentiated permeabilized HL-60 cells. Evidence of crucial importance of domain I type II Ca2+-binding site in the mechanism of inhibition

Annexin V belongs to a family of proteins that interact with phospholipids in a Ca2+-dependent manner. This protein has been demonstrated to have anti-phospholipase A2 activity. However, this effect has never yet been reported with the 85-kDa cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2). We studied, in a model of differentiated and streptolysin O-permeabilized HL-60 cells, the effect of annexin V on cPLA2 activity after stimulation by calcium, GTPgammaS (guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)), formyl-Met-Leu-Phe, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Both recombinant and human placental purified annexin V inhibit cPLA2 activity whatever the stimulus used. The decrease of arachidonic acid release is of 40 and 50%, respectively, at [Ca2+] of 3 and 10 microM. The mechanism of inhibition was also analyzed. cPLA2 requires calcium and protein kinase C (PKC) or mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation for its activation. As annexin V was shown to be an endogenous inhibitor of PKC, PKC-stimulated cPLA2 activity was analyzed. Using GF109203x, a specific PKC inhibitor, we demonstrated that this pathway is of minor importance in our model. cPLA2 inhibition by annexin V is not linked to PKC inhibition. To test the hypothesis of phospholipid depletion, mutants of annexin V were constructed using mutagenesis directed to Ca2+ site. We demonstrate that the Ca2+ site located in domain I is necessary for the inhibitory effect of annexin V on cPLA2 activity. The site in domain IV is also involved but with less efficiency. In contrast, mutations in site II and III do not modify this effect. Moreover, annexin V mutated on all sites does not inhibit cPLA2. Thus, we propose a predominant role of module (I/IV) in the biological action of annexin V, which, in physiological conditions, may control cPLA2 activity by depletion of the phospholipid substrate.

Histamine inhibits ATP-induced [Ca2+]i rise through the activation of protein kinase A in HL-60 cells

We investigated the cross-talk between the histamine and ATP receptors in HL-60 human promyelocytes. While both histamine and extracellular ATP increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) we found that histamine treatment causes a decrease in the subsequent ATP-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and Ca2+ influx from extracellular space. In addition, histamine also inhibited the subsequent ATP-induced inositol 1.4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) generation in a manner comparable to the Ca2+ release. However, histamine did not inhibit thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ release and influx, thus indicating that histamine does not directly inhibit the Ca2+ release-activated channel (CRAC). Ca2+ elevation induced by 2'- and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl) ATP (BzATP), which does not produce IP3, was also inhibited by treatment with histamine, suggesting the presence of ATP-gated channels that are regulated by histamine. Treatment with dibutyryl cAMP or 8-bromo-cAMP inhibited the subsequent ATP-induced response similar to histamine. Moreover, the incubation of cells with N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H89), a protein kinase A inhibitor abolished histamine's inhibitory effect on the ATP-induced [Ca2+]i rise and IP3 formation. These results suggest that histamine inhibits both ATP-induced IP3 production and ATP-activated channel opening, through protein kinase A activation.

Calcium-mobilizing purine receptors on the surface of mammalian articular chondrocytes

If we are to fully understand mechanisms of cartilage homeostasis, it is essential that we know the full catalogue of receptors present on the surface of a chondrocyte and the pathways regulated by ligands that bind to these receptors. In this study, we describe chondrocyte responses to adenosine 5'-triphosphate and related molecules. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate stimulated a statistically significant, dose-dependent, transient rise in the concentration of calcium ions in Fura 2-loaded, differentiated, primary chondrocytes. The increase occurred in the absence of extracellular calcium, indicating a mobilization from intracellular stores. The increase in concentration of cytoplasmic calcium ions induced by adenosine 5'-triphosphate was mimicked by uridine 5'-triphosphate but not by 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate, cytidine 5'-triphosphate, or adenosine. Heterologous desensitization experiments demonstrated that chondrocytes showed no subsequent response to uridine 5'-triphosphate after initial stimulation with adenosine 5'-triphosphate nor did they respond to adenosine 5'-triphosphate in inverse conditions, thereby indicating competition for the same receptor site. Together, these results are consistent with the presence of a P2U receptor on the cell surface of chondrocytes. Purine-induced calcium mobilization in passaged chondrocytes showed the same pharmacological profile with respect to agonist sensitivity, but responses were of greater magnitude than responses in primary differentiated chondrocytes, suggesting upregulation of the receptor with time in culture. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate and uridine 5'-triphosphate (1-100 microM) did not alter cartilage matrix synthesis as measured by rate of incorporation of [35S]sulfate into glycosaminoglycan by cartilage explants or primary chondrocytes. Matrix degradation, measured by release of glycosaminoglycan from cartilage explants, was also unaltered by adenosine 5'-triphosphate or uridine 5'-triphosphate (1-100 microM). Production of prostaglandin E2 was upregulated by incubation with either adenosine 5'-triphosphate or uridine 5'-triphosphate. These data demonstrate the presence of a functional P2U-like purine receptor on the surface of primary articular chondrocytes and support the hypothesis that altered concentrations of extracellular purines may influence chondrocyte metabolism.

Purines and neutrophil leukocytes

1. Adenosine is a normal constituent of all body fluids and its levels are raised, for example, by hypoxia and ischemia. In addition, both adenosine and ATP can be released by endothelial cells and neutrophils in response to physiologic stimulation. 2. Human neutrophil leukocytes possess multiple adenosine receptors and P2 purinoceptors. 3. ATP can increase intracellular Ca2+ levels in neutrophils, cause degranulation and enzyme release, potentiate the oxidative burst and enhance their adhesion to the endothelium. ATP is broken down to adenosine by ecto-enzymes. Via A1 receptors, adenosine can increase neutrophil chemotaxis and, via A2A receptors, it can decrease the oxidative burst, degranulation and adhesion to endothelium. 4. Adenosine and adenine nucleotides are important endogenous modulators of neutrophil functions, and drugs may exert important actions via purinoceptors on neutrophil leukocytes.

Extracellular ATP-stimulated increase of cytosolic cAMP in HL-60 cells

Extracellular ATP increases intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) through activation of P2U purinoceptors in HL-60 cells. We found that extracellular ATP also increased the intracellular cAMP level in undifferentiated HL-60 cells. ATP and the hydrolysis-resistant ATP analogue adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) triggered cAMP production in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects of ATP analogues on the [Ca2+]i elevation was distinguished from their effects on cAMP generation. Reactive Blue 2, the antagonist of P2 purinoceptors, inhibited ATP-induced cAMP generation in a concentration-dependent manner without inhibiting Ca2+ mobilization. The results suggest that a distinct P2 purinoceptor, one different from P2U, is linked to adenylyl cyclase in HL-60 cells.

Increased activity of small GTP-binding protein-dependent phospholipase D during differentiation in human promyelocytic leukemic HL60 cells

In response to dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) and all-trans retinoic acid, human promyelocytic leukemic HL60 cells differentiate into granulocyte-like cells. In cell lysate and in vitro reconstitution system, phospholipase D (PLD) activity in response to guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) was up-regulated by dbcAMP or all-trans retinoic acid treatment. In the present study, the mechanism(s) for increased PLD activity during differentiation was examined. Western blot analysis revealed that the contents of ADP-ribosylation factor, Rac2, and Cdc42Hs but not RhoA and Rac1 in the cytosolic fraction were elevated during differentiation. However, the cytosolic fraction from undifferentiated cells was almost equally potent as the cytosolic fraction from differentiated cells in the ability to stimulate membrane PLD activity. It was shown that the GTPgammaS-dependent PLD activity in membranes from differentiated cells was much higher than that in membranes from undifferentiated cells, suggesting that the increased PLD activity during differentiation was due to alterations in some membrane component(s). Clostridium botulinum ADP-ribosyltransferase C3 and C. difficile toxin B, which are known as inhibitors of RhoA and Rho family proteins, respectively, effectively suppressed PLD activity in membranes from differentiated cells. In fact, the amount of membrane-associated RhoA was increased during differentiation. Furthermore, the extent of GTPgammaS-dependent PLD activity partially purified from membranes from differentiated cells was greater than that from membranes from undifferentiated cells in the presence of recombinant ADP-ribosylation factor 1. The PLD (hPLD1) mRNA level was observed to be up-regulated during differentiation, as inferred by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Our results suggest the possibility that the increased Rho proteins in membranes and the changed level of PLD itself may be, at least in part, responsible for the increase in GTPgammaS-dependent PLD activity during granulocytic differentiation of HL60 cells.

Inhibition of phospholipase D activity by fodrin. An active role for the cytoskeleton

Phospholipase D (PLD) is a major enzyme implicated in important cellular processes such as secretion and proliferation. The knowledge of its regulation is essential to understand the control of these phenomena. Several proteins activating PLD have been described in the last years. In this report, we chromatographed bovine brain cytosolic proteins to identify fodrin, the non-erythroid spectrin, as the first described inhibitor of PLD. A cytosolic fraction with an inhibitory effect on PLD activity loses its capacity after immunoprecipitation of fodrin. Moreover, at 1 nM, purified fodrin blocks fully and quickly PLD activity, whatever the stimuli used. In contrast, fodrin has no effect on adenylate cyclase activity. Fodrin-analogous proteins like dimeric or tetrameric erythroid spectrin have the same inhibitory effect on PLD, at higher concentrations. Other cytoskeletal proteins, actin and vimentin, are inefficient on PLD inhibition. The mechanisms implicated in PLD modulation such as post-translational modifications of fodrin and the role of small G-proteins on the cytoskeleton regulation are discussed. In conclusion, this study reveals that fodrin is involved in the control of PLD activity, suggesting that the cytoskeleton could have an active role in control of secretion and proliferation.

G-protein-coupled receptors in HL-60 human leukemia cells

1. HL-60 human leukemia cells are a widely employed model system for the analysis of signal transduction processes mediated via regulatory heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins). HL-60 promyelocytes are pluripotent and can be differentiated into neutrophilic or monocytic cells. 2. HL-60 cells express formyl peptide-, complement C5a-, leukotriene B4 (LTB4)- and platelet-activating factor receptors, receptors for purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, histamine H1- and H2-receptors, beta 2-adrenoceptors and prostaglandin receptors. 3. The major G-proteins in HL-60 cells are pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive Gi-proteins (Gi2 > Gi3). Gs-proteins and G-proteins of the Gq-family (e.g., G16) are expressed, too. 4. G-protein-regulated effector systems in HL-60 cells are adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C-beta 2 (PLC-beta 2) and, possibly, phospholipase D (PLD), nonselective cation (NSC) channels and NADPH oxidase. 5. The expression of signal transduction pathways in HL-60 cells strongly depends on the differentiation state of cells. 6. Formyl peptides, via Gi-proteins, mediate activation of PLC, PLD, NSC channels, NADPH oxidase and azurophilic granule release and are referred to as full secretagogues. In dibutyryl cAMP (Bt2cAMP)-differentiated HL-60 cells, C5a and LTB4 are partial and incomplete secretagogues, respectively. There are substantial differences in the Gi-protein activations induced by formyl peptides, C5a and LTB4. 7. In HL-60 promyelocytes, purine and pyrimidine nucleotides mediate activation of PLC and NSC channels largely via PTX-insensitive G-proteins and induce functional differentiation. In Bt2cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells, they additionally activate PLD, NADPH oxidase and granule release via PTX-sensitive and -insensitive pathways. ATP and UTP are partial secretagogues. Multiple types of receptors (i.e., P2Y- and P2U-receptors and pyrimidinocyeptors) may mediate the effects of nucleotides in HL-60 cells. 8. Bt2cAMP- and 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-differentiated HL-60 cells express H1-receptors coupled to Gi-proteins and PTX-insensitive G-proteins. In the former cells, histamine mediates activation of PLC and NSC channels, and in the latter, activation of NSC channels. Histamine is an incomplete secretagogue in these cells. 9. HL-60 promyelocytes express H2-receptors coupled to adenylyl cyclase, PLC, and NSC channels. There are substantial differences in the agonist/antagonist profiles of H2-receptor-mediated cAMP formation and rises in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, indicative of the involvement of different H2-receptor subtypes. H2-receptors mediate functional differentiation of HL-60 cells. 10. Certain cationic-amphiphilic histamine receptor ligands (i.e., 2-substituted histamines, lipophilic guanidines, and a histamine trifluoromethyl-toluidide derivative) show stimulatory effects in HL-60 cells that are attributable to receptor-independent activation of Gi-proteins.

Release of arachidonic acid via Ca2+ increase stimulated by pyrophosphonucleotides and bradykinin in mammary tumour cells

The relationship between the increase of intracellular Ca2+ and the release of arachidonic acid by bradykinin and pyrophosphonucleotides was studied in cultured mammary tumour cells, MMT060562. Bradykinin, ATP, UTP and UDP induced an increase of intracellular Ca2+ and the release of arachidonic acid from phospholipids into the extracellular fluid. Release of arachidonic acid was also induced by the application of the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187. Liberation of arachidonic acid by bradykinin and ATP was reduced by mepacrine, a blocker of phospholipase A2 and W-7, a calmodulin antagonist. It is suggested that the increase in cytosolic Ca(2+)-induced release of arachidonic acid occurs through activation of calmodulin-dependent phospholipase A2.

Ligands of purinergic receptors stimulate electrogenic H(+)-transport of neutrophils

The possible role of ATP, acting as a ligand on cell surface receptor was investigated in the activation of the electrogenic H(+)-transporting pathway of porcine neutrophil granulocytes. (1) ATP brought about 2.1-fold increase in the rate of H(+)-efflux. (2) The order of potency of different nucleotides suggests, that ATP acts on P2 type purinoceptor. (3) The effect of the nucleotides was prevented by inhibition of phospholipase A2. (4) Inhibition of the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) via the cyclooxygenase pathway had no effect, whereas inhibition of the lipoxygenase pathway significantly enhanced H(+)-release. This is the first report about activation of the H(+)-transporter by physiological stimulator acting on the cell surface.

ATP receptor-mediated increase of Ca ionophore-stimulated arachidonic acid release from PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

Phospholipase A2 has recently been proposed as the effector enzyme involved in the receptor-mediated release of arachidonic acid (AA). Released AA and its metabolites have been demonstrated to play an important role in the regulation of cell functions. [3H]AA release from prelabeled PC12 cells was stimulated by a Ca ionophore such as ionomycin or A23187. Although ATP and its effective analog, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotrisphosphate) (ATP gamma S), 2-methylthio ATP and 3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl ATP, did not stimulate [3H]AA release on their own, they did enhance Ca ionophore-stimulated [3H]AA release. The effect of ATP analogs was dose-dependent. ADP, UTP, GTP, ITP, alpha beta-methylene ATP, beta gamma-methylene ATP and 8-bromo ATP showed no effect or very limited effect. The effect of ATP gamma S was antagonized by suramin, a putative P2Y receptor antagonist. The effective ATP analogs also increased [Ca2+]i (cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration) via Ca2+ influx. However, the addition of 50 mM KCl or 10 microM bradykinin, which are well-known to increase [Ca2+]i by different pathways, did not stimulate [3H]AA release, either with or without the Ca ionophore. The addition of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, showed no effect on [3H]AA release, either with or without the Ca ionophore. These data suggest that 1) ATP increased Ca ionophore-stimulated AA release via a P2Y-like ATP receptor, and that 2) the elevation of [Ca2+]i by ATP does not quantitatively explain the ATP-stimulated AA release in PC12 cells.

Inhibition of extracellular ATP-mediated lysis of human macrophages by calmodulin antagonists

Lysis of human culture-derived macrophages by extracellular ATP has recently been described, and treatment of macrophages with interferon-gamma rendered those cells significantly more sensitive to lysis. In addition, cell death occurred more rapidly in interferon (IFN)-treated cells than in untreated macrophages. In an attempt to identify the mechanism by which extracellular ATP affects macrophages, as well as to explore the differences between interferon-gamma-treated and untreated macrophages, selected metabolic inhibitors were included in the lytic assays. Of the compounds tested, three antagonists of calmodulin-linked pathways (trifluoperazine, KN-62, and calmidazolium) blocked the ATP-mediated lysis of both interferon-gamma-treated and colony-stimulating factor-treated macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Early signals of the ATP ligation of the P2Z purinoceptors of human macrophages included increases in cytosolic [Ca2+] and depolarization of the plasma membrane. However, the inclusion of calmodulin antagonists in these assays did not abrogate either effect. These results suggest that the mechanism which mediates the efflux of 51Cr-labeled proteins from ATP-lysed macrophages is distinct from calcium mobilization and membrane depolarization, and may involve the generation of secondary pores/channels in the plasma membrane via a calmodulin-linked pathway.

P2 purinergic receptors for diadenosine polyphosphates in the nervous system

1. The actions of diadenosine polyphosphates, diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A), diadenosine pentaphosphate (Ap5A) and diadenosine hexaphosphate (Ap6A) in the nervous system have been reviewed. 2. In the peripheral nervous system, diadenosine polyphosphates bind to P2-purinergic receptors such as the P2Y in chromaffin cells and Torpedo synaptosomes, P2X in vas deferens and urinary bladder and also Torpedo synaptosomes and P2U in endothelial chromaffin cells. 3. In the central nervous system ApnA compounds can act through P2X-purinoceptors opening cation channels in nodose ganglion neurones. Diadenosine polyphosphates bind to a P2d-purinergic receptor in rat brain synaptic terminals and hippocampus, linked to protein kinase C (PKC) activation. 4. P4-purinoceptors are specific receptors for diadenosine polyphosphates, coupled to the Ca2+ influx, in the central synapses. This purinoceptor is not activated by ATP and synthetic analogs. The P4-purinoceptor could act as a positive modulator of the synaptic transmission, giving even more importance to diadenosine polyphosphates as neurotransmitters.

Calcium-dependent release of arachidonic acid in response to purinergic receptor activation in airway epithelium

The effect of purinergic receptor agonists on arachidonic acid release was investigated in [3H]arachidonic acid-prelabeled human airway epithelial cells. Exposure of bronchial epithelial BEAS39 cells to extracellular ATP resulted in a marked release of unesterified [3H]arachidonic acid with maximal effect observed within 60-90 s. [3H]diacylglycerol and [3H]phosphatidic acid accumulated in parallel with [3H]arachidonic acid. ATP-stimulated [3H]arachidonic acid release with a K0.5 of 9 +/- 2 microM and UTP was equipotent; no effect was observed with P2Y- or P2X-purinergic receptor agonists or with adenosine. Similar results were obtained with primary cultures of normal human nasal epithelium, CF/T43 and HBE1 airway epithelial cell lines derived from a cystic fibrosis patient and from a normal donor, respectively, and HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. ATP stimulated inositol phosphate formation in BEAS39 cells with a concentration dependence identical to that for [3H]arachidonic acid release. The effect of ATP on both [3H]arachidonic acid release and inositol phosphate formation was equally inhibited by pertussis toxin. The Ca2+ ionophore A-23187 mimicked the effects of ATP or UTP on arachidonic acid release, and a marked inhibitory effect was observed with thapsigargin. The protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine partially inhibited ATP-stimulated [3H]arachidonic acid release. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that phospholipase A2 activation is secondary to P2U-purinergic receptor stimulation of D-myoinositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production and calcium mobilization from intracellular stores.

Purinoceptors: are there families of P2X and P2Y purinoceptors?

There has been an exponential growth in interest in purinoceptors since the potent effects of purines were first reported in 1929 and purinoceptors defined in 1978. A distinction between P1 (adenosine) and P2 (ATP/ADP) purinoceptors was recognized at that time and later, A1 and A2, as well as P2x and P2y subclasses of P1 and P2 purinoceptors were also defined. However, in recent years, many new subclasses have been claimed, particularly for the receptors to nucleotides, including P2t, P2z, P2u(n) and P2D, and there is some confusion now about how to incorporate additional discoveries concerning the responses of different tissues to purines. The studies beginning to appear defining the molecular structure of P2-purinoceptor subtypes are clearly going to be important in resolving this problem, as well as the introduction of new compounds that can discriminate pharmacologically between subtypes. Thus, in this review, on the basis of this new data and after a detailed analysis of the literature, we propose that: (1) P2X(ligand-gated) and P2Y(G-protein-coupled) purinoceptor families are established; (2) four subclasses of P2X-purinoceptor can be identified (P2X1-P2X4) to date; (3) the variously named P2-purinoceptors that are G-protein-coupled should be incorporated into numbered subclasses of the P2Y family. Thus: P2Y1 represents the recently cloned P2Y receptor (clone 803) from chick brain; P2Y2 represents the recently cloned P2u (or P2n) receptor from neuroblastoma, human epithelial and rat heart cells; P2Y3 represents the recently cloned P2Y receptor (clone 103) from chick brain that resembles the former P2t receptor; P2Y4-P2Y6 represent subclasses based on agonist potencies of newly synthesised analogues; P2Y7 represents the former P2D receptor for dinucleotides. This new framework for P2 purinoceptors would be fully consistent with what is emerging for the receptors to other major transmitters, such as acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate and serotonin, where two main receptor families have been recognised, one mediating fast receptor responses directly linked to an ion channel, the other mediating slower responses through G-proteins. We fully expect discussion on the numbering of the different receptor subtypes within the P2X and P2Y families, but believe that this new way of defining receptors for nucleotides, based on agonist potency order, transduction mechanisms and molecular structure, will give a more ordered and logical approach to accommodating new findings. Moreover, based on the extensive literature analysis that led to this proposal, we suggest that the development of selective antagonists for the different P2-purinoceptor subtypes is now highly desirable, particularly for therapeutic purposes.