Activation of the p38 and p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase families by the histamine H(1) receptor in DDT(1)MF-2 cells

Histamine H1 Receptor-Mediated JNK Phosphorylation Is Regulated by Gq Protein-Dependent but Arrestin-Independent Pathways

Arrestins are known to be involved not only in the desensitization and internalization of G protein-coupled receptors but also in the G protein-independent activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), to regulate cell proliferation and inflammation. Our previous study revealed that the histamine H1 receptor-mediated activation of ERK is dually regulated by Gq proteins and arrestins. In this study, we investigated the roles of Gq proteins and arrestins in the H1 receptor-mediated activation of JNK in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing wild-type (WT) human H1 receptors, the Gq protein-biased mutant S487TR, and the arrestin-biased mutant S487A. In these mutants, the Ser487 residue in the C-terminus region of the WT was truncated (S487TR) or mutated to alanine (S487A). Histamine significantly stimulated JNK phosphorylation in CHO cells expressing WT and S487TR but not S487A. Histamine-induced JNK phosphorylation in CHO cells expressing WT and S487TR was suppressed by inhibitors against H1 receptors (ketotifen and diphenhydramine), Gq proteins (YM-254890), and protein kinase C (PKC) (GF109203X) as well as an intracellular Ca2+ chelator (BAPTA-AM) but not by inhibitors against G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK2/3) (cmpd101), β-arrestin2 (β-arrestin2 siRNA), and clathrin (hypertonic sucrose). These results suggest that the H1 receptor-mediated phosphorylation of JNK is regulated by Gq-protein/Ca2+/PKC-dependent but GRK/arrestin/clathrin-independent pathways.

Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester use and inhibition of p42/44 MAP kinase signal pathway on caveolin 1 gene expression and antioxidant system in chronic renal failure model of rats

Effects of Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and/or PD98059 (PD) on the gene expression of Caveolin-1 (CAV1) and reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities were investigated in an experimental chronic renal failure model in rats. Eighty Wistar rats were divided into eight groups for a 28-day study: Control, CsA (Cyclosporine A), CsA-V (CsA solvent), CsA + PD (CsA + PD98059), CsA + PD + CAPE, CsA + CAPE, CAPE-V (CAPE solvent), and PD-V (PD98059 solvent). Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, as well as histopathological findings indicated the development of renal failure in the CsA group. Kidney GSH levels decreased while MDA levels, CuZn-SOD, and CAT activities increased significantly in the CsA group compared to control indicating oxidative stress. CAV1 gene expression significantly decreased in the CsA group compared to the control. PD98059 and CAPE applications made positive improvements in the levels of the parameters investigated. PD98059 and CAPE applications in CsA given animals increased GSH and CAV1 gene expressions and decreased CuZn-SOD and CAT levels compared to the CsA group. In conclusion, it was shown that PD98059 and CAPE could attenuate the effects of chronic renal failure, and CAV1 is suggested as a therapeutic target and the inhibition of the p44/42 MAPK pathway may be a new approach for the treatment of renal degenerations.

Epithelial-specific ERBB3 deletion results in a genetic background-dependent increase in intestinal and colon polyps that is mediated by EGFR

ERBB3 has gained attention as a potential therapeutic target to treat colorectal and other types of cancers. To confirm a previous study showing intestinal polyps are dependent upon ERBB3, we generated an intestinal epithelia-specific ERBB3 deletion in C57BL/6-ApcMin/+ mice. Contrary to the previous report showing a significant reduction in intestinal polyps with ablation of ERBB3 on a B6;129 mixed genetic background, we observed a significant increase in polyp number with ablation of ERBB3 on C57BL/6J compared to control littermates. We confirmed the genetic background dependency of ERBB3 by also analyzing polyp development on B6129 hybrid and B6;129 advanced intercross mixed genetic backgrounds, which showed that ERBB3 deficiency only reduced polyp number on the mixed background as previously reported. Increased polyp number with ablation of ERBB3 was also observed in C57BL/6J mice treated with azoxymethane showing the effect is model independent. Polyps forming in absence of ERBB3 were generally smaller than those forming in control mice, albeit the effect was greatest in genetic backgrounds with reduced polyp numbers. The mechanism for differential polyp number in the absence of ERBB3 was through altered proliferation. Backgrounds with increased polyp number with loss of ERBB3 showed an increase in cell proliferation even in non-tumor epithelia, while backgrounds showing reduced polyp number with loss of ERBB3 showed reduced cellular proliferation. Increase polyp number caused by loss of ERBB3 was mediated by increased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, which was confirmed by deletion of Egfr. Taken together, this study raises substantial implications on the use of ERBB3 inhibitors against colorectal cancer. The prediction is that some patients may have increased progression with ERBB3 inhibitor therapy, which is consistent with observations reported for ERBB3 inhibitor clinical trials.

Inhibition of α1-adrenoceptor reduces TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and attenuates UUO-induced renal fibrosis in mice

Renal fibrosis is a common pathological hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renal sympathetic nerve activity is elevated in patients and experimental animals with CKD and contributes to renal interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy. However, the mechanisms underlying sympathetic overactivation in renal fibrosis remain unknown. Norepinephrine (NE), the main sympathetic neurotransmitter, was found to promote TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrotic gene expression in the human renal proximal epithelial cell line HK-2. Using both genetic and pharmacological approaches, we identified that NE binds Gαq-coupled α1-adrenoceptor (α1-AR) to enhance EMT of HK-2 cells by activating p38/Smad3 signaling. Inhibition of p38 diminished the NE-exaggerated EMT process and increased the fibrotic gene expression in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells. Moreover, the pharmacological blockade of α1-AR reduced the kidney injury and renal fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse model by suppressing EMT in the kidneys. Thus, sympathetic overactivation facilitates EMT of renal epithelial cells and fibrosis via the α1-AR/p38/Smad3 signaling pathway, and α1-AR inhibition may be a promising approach toward treating renal fibrosis.

Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning attenuates brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage by regulating microglia polarization in rats

AIMS

Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBOP) attenuates brain edema, microglia activation, and inflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In this present study, we investigated the role of HBOP in ICH-induced microglia polarization and the potential involved signal pathway.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: SHAM, ICH, and ICH + HBOP group. Before surgery, rats in SHAM and HBOP groups received HBO for 5 days. Rats in SHAM group received needle injection, while rats in ICH and ICH + HBOP groups received 100 μL autologous blood injection into the right basal ganglia. Rats were euthanized at 24 hours after ICH, and the brains were removed for immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Neurological deficits and brain water content were determined.

RESULTS

Intracerebral hemorrhage induced brain edema, which was significantly lower in the HBOP group. The levels of MMP9 were also less in the HBOP group. HBO pretreatment resulted in less neuronal death and neurological deficits after ICH. Their immunoactivity and protein levels of M1 markers were downregulated, but the M2 markers were unchanged by HBOP. In addition, ICH-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-1β) levels and the phosphorylation of JNK and STAT1 were also lower in the HBOP rats.

CONCLUSIONS

HBO pretreatment attenuated ICH-induced brain injuries and MMP9 upregulation, which may through the inhibiting of M1 polarization of microglia and inflammatory signal pathways after ICH.

ALDH enzyme activity is regulated by Nodal and histamine in the A549 cell line

The present study aimed to examine whether the enzyme activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) was regulated by Nodal and histamine in the human alveolar adenocarcinoma A549 cell line. The regulated enzyme activity of ALDH was analyzed by flow cytometry in the A549 cell line. ALDH1 and Nodal expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in28 cases of lung mixed adenocarcinoma. The enzyme activity of ALDH was upregulated by histamine and agonists of histamine H1 receptor (H1R) and histamine H2 receptor (H2R). ALDH activity was also downregulated by recombinant human Nodal and antagonists of H1R and H2R in the A549 cell line. In addition, expression of Nodal and ALDH1 were inversely correlated in lung mixed adenocarcinoma. ALDH enzyme activity was regulated by Nodal and histamine in lung adenocarcinoma.

Complement pathway amplifies caspase-11-dependent cell death and endotoxin-induced sepsis severity

Cell death and release of proinflammatory mediators contribute to mortality during sepsis. Specifically, caspase-11-dependent cell death contributes to pathology and decreases in survival time in sepsis models. Priming of the host cell, through TLR4 and interferon receptors, induces caspase-11 expression, and cytosolic LPS directly stimulates caspase-11 activation, promoting the release of proinflammatory cytokines through pyroptosis and caspase-1 activation. Using a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome-wide screen, we identified novel mediators of caspase-11-dependent cell death. We found a complement-related peptidase, carboxypeptidase B1 (Cpb1), to be required for caspase-11 gene expression and subsequent caspase-11-dependent cell death. Cpb1 modifies a cleavage product of C3, which binds to and activates C3aR, and then modulates innate immune signaling. We find the Cpb1-C3-C3aR pathway induces caspase-11 expression through amplification of MAPK activity downstream of TLR4 and Ifnar activation, and mediates severity of LPS-induced sepsis (endotoxemia) and disease outcome in mice. We show C3aR is required for up-regulation of caspase-11 orthologues, caspase-4 and -5, in primary human macrophages during inflammation and that c3aR1 and caspase-5 transcripts are highly expressed in patients with severe sepsis; thus, suggesting that these pathways are important in human sepsis. Our results highlight a novel role for complement and the Cpb1-C3-C3aR pathway in proinflammatory signaling, caspase-11 cell death, and sepsis severity.

Label-free versus conventional cellular assays: Functional investigations on the human histamine H1 receptor

A set of histamine H₁ receptor (H₁R) agonists and antagonists was characterized in functional assays, using dynamic mass redistribution (DMR), electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) and various signaling pathway specific readouts (Fura-2 and aequorin calcium assays, arrestin recruitment (luciferase fragment complementation) assay, luciferase gene reporter assay). Data were gained from genetically engineered HEK293T cells and compared with reference data from GTPase assays and radioligand binding. Histamine and the other H₁R agonists gave different assay-related pEC₅₀ values, however, the order of potency was maintained. In the luciferase fragment complementation assay, the H₁R preferred β-arrestin2 over β-arrestin1. The calcium and the impedimetric assay depended on G_q coupling of the H₁R, as demonstrated by complete inhibition of the histamine-induced signals in the presence of the G_q inhibitor FR900359 (UBO-QIC). Whereas partial inhibition by FR900359 was observed in DMR and the gene reporter assay, pertussis toxin substantially decreased the response in DMR, but increased the luciferase signal, reflecting the contribution of both, G_q and G_i, to signaling in these assays. For antagonists, the results from DMR were essentially compatible with those from conventional readouts, whereas the impedance-based data revealed a trend towards higher pK_b values. ECIS and calcium assays apparently only reflect G_q signaling, whereas DMR and gene reporter assays appear to integrate both, G_q and G_i mediated signaling. The results confirm the value of the label-free methods, DMR and ECIS, for the characterization of H₁R ligands. Both noninvasive techniques are complementary to each other, but cannot fully replace reductionist signaling pathway focused assays.

Involvement of the H1 Histamine Receptor, p38 MAP Kinase, Myosin Light Chains Kinase, and Rho/ROCK in Histamine-Induced Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

The mechanisms by which histamine increases microvascular permeability remain poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that H1 receptor activation disrupts the endothelial barrier and investigated potential downstream signals.

METHODS

We used confluent EC monolayers, assessing TER as an index of barrier function. HUVEC, HCMEC, and HDMEC were compared. Receptor expression was investigated using Western blotting, IF confocal microscopy and RT-PCR. Receptor function and downstream signaling pathways were tested using pharmacologic antagonists and inhibitors, respectively.

RESULTS

We identified H1-H4 receptors on all three EC types. H1 antagonists did not affect basal TER but prevented the histamine-induced decrease in TER. Blockade of H2 or H3 attenuated the histamine response only in HDMEC, while inhibition of H4 attenuated the response only in HUVEC. Combined inhibition of both PKC and PI3K caused exaggerated histamine-induced barrier dysfunction in HDMEC, whereas inhibition of p38 MAP kinase attenuated the histamine response in all three EC types. Inhibition of RhoA, ROCK, or MLCK also prevented the histamine-induced decrease in TER in HDMEC.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that multiple signaling pathways contribute to histamine-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction via the H1 receptor.

FcεRI stimulation promotes the differentiation of histamine receptor 1-expressing inflammatory macrophages

BACKGROUND

Monocyte differentiation into dendritic cells or macrophages and recruitment to peripheral organs in chronic inflammatory diseases are directed by allergen challenge via FcεRI as well as the nature of soluble factors in the microenvironment. High-affinity receptor for IgE stimulation of effector cells results in the release of histamine, which acts on various histamine receptors (HR) 1-4, expressed by immune cells.

METHODS

We examined the effect of FcεRI stimulation of human monocytes on H1R expression and function of differentiating cells. The mRNA levels of H1R, H2R and histidine decarboxylase of differentiating cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Expression of CD1c, CD11c, CD68 and CD163 was detected by flow cytometry. Amount of histamine, IL-6 and IL-12p70 in the cell culture was measured with the help of cytometric bead arrays or ELISA assays. Numbers of H1R-expressing macrophages were evaluated by immunofluorescence double staining of CD68 and H1R on human skin sections.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that FcεRI stimulation promotes the generation of H1R-expressing macrophage-like cells with enhanced histamine biosynthesis and H1R-mediated proinflammatory properties. Supporting our in vitro findings, high numbers of H1R-expressing CD68(pos) macrophages were detected in the dermis of atopic dermatitis (AD) skin lesions.

CONCLUSION

Our observations point to a close histamine-/HR-mediated activation of dermal macrophages, leading to modified cell differentiation and responsiveness via H1R, which might contribute to the aggravation of allergic skin inflammation in AD.

Arrestins differentially regulate histamine- and oxytocin-evoked phospholipase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling in myometrial cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The uterotonins oxytocin and histamine, mediate contractile signals through specific G protein-coupled receptors, a process which is tightly controlled during gestation to prevent preterm labour. We previously identified G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)2 and GRK6 as respective cardinal negative regulators of histamine H(1) and oxytocin receptor signalling. GRK-mediated phosphorylation promotes arrestin recruitment, not only desensitizing receptors but activating an increasing number of diverse signalling pathways. Here we investigate potential roles that arrestins play in the regulation of myometrial oxytocin/histamine H(1) receptor signalling.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Endogenous arrestins2 and 3 were specifically depleted using RNA-interference in a human myometrial cell line and the consequences of this for G protein-coupled receptor-mediated signalling were assessed using Ca(2+) /inositol 1,4,5-trisphophate imaging and standard mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) assays.

KEY RESULTS

Depletion of arrestin3, but not arrestin2 enhanced and prolonged H(1) receptor-stimulated Ca(2+) responses, whilst depletion of either arrestin increased oxytocin receptor responses. Arrestin3 depletion decreased H(1) receptor desensitization, whilst removal of either arrestin isoform was equally effective in preventing oxytocin receptor desensitization. Following arrestin3 depletion oxytocin-induced phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 signals were diminished and histamine-stimulated signals virtually absent, whereas depletion of arrestin2 augmented extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 responses to each agonist. Conversely, depletion of arrestin3 enhanced p38 signals to each agonist, whilst arrestin2 suppression increased oxytocin-, but not histamine-induced p38 MAPK responses.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Arrestin proteins are key regulators of H(1) and oxytocin receptor desensitization, and play integral roles mediating uterotonin-stimulated MAPK-signalling. These data provide insights into the in situ regulation of these receptor subtypes and may inform pathophysiological functioning in preterm labour.

The signalling profile of recombinant human orexin-2 receptor

Orexin-A and orexin-B orchestrate their diverse central and peripheral effects via two G-protein coupled receptors, OX1R and OX2R, which activate multiple G-proteins. In many tissues, orexins activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK(1/2)) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK); however, the mechanism by which OX2R alone mediates MAPK activation is not understood. This study describes the intracellular signalling pathways involved in OX2R-mediated ERK(1/2) and p38 MAPK activation. In HEK-293 cells stably over-expressing recombinant human OX2R, orexin-A/B resulted in a rapid, dose and time dependent increase in activation of ERK(1/2) and p38 MAPK, with maximal activation at 10 min for ERK(1/2) and 30 min for p38 MAPK. Using dominant-negative G-proteins and selective inhibitors of intracellular signalling cascades, we determined that orexin-A and orexin-B induced ERK(1/2) and p38 MAPK activation through multiple G-proteins and different intracellular signalling pathways. ERK(1/2) activation involves Gq/phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase C (PKC), Gs/adenylyl cyclase (AC)/cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and Gi cascades; however, the Gq/PLC/PKC pathway, as well as PKA is not required for OX2R-mediated p38 MAPK activation. Interestingly, orexin-B-induced ERK(1/2) activation is predominantly mediated through the Gq/PLC/PKC pathway. In conclusion, this is the first comprehensive signalling study of the human OX2R recombinant receptor, showing ERK(1/2) and p38 MAPK activation are regulated by differential signalling pathways in HEK-293 cells, and that the ERK(1/2) activation is severely affected by naturally occurring mutants associated with narcolepsy. Moreover, it is evident that the human OX2R has ligand specific effects, with orexin-B being more potent in this transfected system and this distinct modulation of the MAPKs through OX2R, may translate to the regulation of diverse biological actions of orexins.

Histamine receptor H1 is required for TCR-mediated p38 MAPK activation and optimal IFN-gamma production in mice

Histamine receptor H1 (H1R) is a susceptibility gene in both experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO), 2 classical T cell-mediated models of organ-specific autoimmune disease. Here we showed that expression of H1R in naive CD4+ T cells was required for maximal IFN-gamma production but was dispensable for proliferation. Moreover, H1R signaling at the time of TCR ligation was required for activation of p38 MAPK, a known regulator of IFN-gamma expression. Importantly, selective reexpression of H1R in CD4+ T cells fully complemented both the IFN-gamma production and the EAE susceptibility of H1R-deficient mice. These data suggest that the presence of H1R in CD4+ T cells and its interaction with histamine regulates early TCR signals that lead to Th1 differentiation and autoimmune disease.

Arachidonic acid mediates non-capacitative calcium entry evoked by CB1-cannabinoid receptor activation in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells

Cannabinoid CB1-receptor stimulation in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells induces a rise in [Ca2+]i, which is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and modulated by thapsigargin-sensitive stores, suggesting capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE), and by MAP kinase. Non-capacitative Ca2+ entry (NCCE) stimulated by arachidonic acid (AA) partly mediates histamine H1-receptor-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i in DDT1 MF-2 cells. In the current study, both Ca2+ entry mechanisms and a possible link between MAP kinase activation and increasing [Ca2+]i were investigated. In the whole-cell patch clamp configuration, the CB-receptor agonist CP 55, 940 evoked a transient, Ca2+-dependent K+ current, which was not blocked by the inhibitors of CCE, 2-APB, and SKF 96365. AA, but not its metabolites, evoked a transient outward current and inhibited the response to CP 55,940 in a concentration-dependent manner. CP 55,940 induced a concentration-dependent release of AA, which was inhibited by the CB1 antagonist SR 141716. The non-selective Ca2+ channel blockers La3+ and Gd3+ inhibited the CP 55,940-induced current at concentrations that had no effect on thapsigargin-evoked CCE. La3+ also inhibited the AA-induced current. CP 55,940-induced AA release was abolished by Gd3+ and by phospholipase A2 inhibition using quinacrine; this compound also inhibited the outward current. The CP 55,940-induced AA release was strongly reduced by the MAP kinase inhibitor PD 98059. The data suggest that in DDT1 MF-2 cells, AA is an integral component of the CB1 receptor signaling pathway, upstream of NCCE and, via PLA2, downstream of MAP kinase.

Histamine Induces Tissue Factor Expression

Background— Histamine can induce coronary vasospasm, leading to variant angina and acute myocardial infarction. However, the role of histamine in thrombus formation is ill defined. Hence, this study investigates whether histamine induces tissue factor (TF) expression in vascular cells.

Methods and Results— Histamine (10 −8 to 10 −5 mol/L) induced TF expression in a concentration-dependent manner in human aortic endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas TF pathway inhibitor expression remained unaffected. RT-PCR and Northern blotting revealed that histamine stimulated TF mRNA transcription, peaking at 1 hour. Protein expression increased 18-fold ( P <0.02) with a maximum at 5 hours, which was paralleled by a 4-fold augmentation in surface activity ( P <0.01). These effects were completely prevented by pretreatment with the H 1 receptor antagonists mepyramine ( P <0.0001), chlorpheniramine, and diphenhydramine but not the H 2 receptor antagonist cimetidine ( P =NS). Histamine induced a time-dependent, H 1 receptor–mediated activation of p38 MAP kinase (p38), p44/42 MAP kinase (ERK), and c-jun terminal NH 2 kinase (JNK). Blocking of p38, ERK, or JNK with SB203580 ( P <0.0001), PD98059 ( P <0.0001), or SP600125 ( P <0.0001), respectively, impaired histamine-induced TF expression in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, histamine-stimulated TF expression was increased by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibition with LY294002 or wortmannin, whereas it was not affected by Rho-kinase inhibition with Y-27632 or hydroxyfasudil.

Conclusions— Histamine induces expression of TF, but not TF pathway inhibitor, in vascular cells via activation of the H 1 , but not H 2 , receptor. This effect is mediated by the MAP kinases p38, ERK, and JNK. This observation may open novel perspectives in the treatment of variant angina and acute coronary syndromes.

The protein kinase MEK1/2 mediate vascular endothelial growth factor- and histamine-induced hyperpermeability in porcine coronary venules

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been implicated in the signal transduction of the endothelial response to growth factors and inflammatory stimuli. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the p42/44 MAPK pathway plays a common role in mediating the microvascular hyperpermeability response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and histamine. The apparent permeability coefficient of albumin was measured in isolated and perfused coronary venules. Application of VEGF induced a rapid increase in venular permeability, and the effect was blocked by PD98059 and UO126, selective inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase MEK1/2, in a dose-dependent pattern. The same MEK1/2 inhibitors dose-dependently attenuated the increase in venular permeability caused by histamine. In addition, the increases in venular permeability caused by agents that are known to activate the nitric oxide pathway, including the calcium ionophore ionomycin, the nitric oxide donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, and the protein kinase G activator 8-bromo-cGMP, were significantly attenuated in venules pretreated with the MEK1/2 inhibitors. Furthermore, transfection of venules with active MEK1 increased baseline permeability. In contrast, transfection of active ERK1, a downstream target of MEK1/2, did not significantly alter the basal permeability of venules. Moreover, inhibition of ERK1/2 with a specific inhibiting peptide did not prevent the hyperpermeability response to VEGF or histamine. The results suggest that activation of MEK1/2 may play a central role in the signal transduction of microvascular hyperpermeability in response to growth factors and inflammatory mediators.

Activation of ERK1/2, JNK and PKB by hydrogen peroxide in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells: role of ERK1/2 in H2O2-induced cell death

Reactive oxygen species including H(2)O(2) activate an array of intracellular signalling cascades that are closely associated with cell death and cell survival pathways. The human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line is widely used as model cell system for studying neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress. However, at present very little is known about the signalling pathways activated by H(2)O(2) in SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, in this study we have investigated the effect of H(2)O(2) on extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and protein kinase B (PKB) activation in undifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. H(2)O(2) stimulated time and concentration increases in ERK1/2, JNK and PKB phosphorylation in undifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. No increases in p38 MAPK phosphorylation were observed following H(2)O(2) treatment. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) inhibitors wortmannin and LY 294002 ((2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one) inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced increases in ERK1/2 and PKB phosphorylation. Furthermore, H(2)O(2)-mediated increases in ERK1/2 activation were sensitive to the MAPK kinase 1 (MEK1) inhibitor PD 98059 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone), whereas JNK responses were blocked by the JNK inhibitor SP 600125 (anthra[1-9-cd]pyrazol-6(2H)-one). Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with H(2)O(2) (1 mM; 16 h) significantly increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the culture medium indicative of a decrease in cell viability. Pre-treatment with wortmannin, SP 600125 or SB 203580 (4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole; p38 MAPK inhibitor) had no effect on H(2)O(2)-induced LDH release from undifferentiated or differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. In contrast, PD 98059 and LY 294002 significantly decreased H(2)O(2)-induced cell death in both undifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. In conclusion, we have shown that H(2)O(2) stimulates robust increases in ERK1/2, JNK and PKB in undifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, the data presented clearly suggest that inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway protects SH-SY5Y cells from H(2)O(2)-induced cell death.

Constitutively active Gq/11-coupled receptors enable signaling by co-expressed G(i/o)-coupled receptors

Co-expression of guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory (G) protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as the G(i/o)-coupled human 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (5-HT(1B)R), with the G(q/11)-coupled human histamine 1 receptor (H1R) results in an overall increase in agonist-independent signaling, which can be augmented by 5-HT(1B)R agonists and inhibited by a selective inverse 5-HT(1B)R agonist. Interestingly, inverse H1R agonists inhibit constitutively H1R-mediated as well as 5-HT(1B)R agonist-induced signaling in cells co-expressing both receptors. This phenomenon is not solely characteristic of 5-HT(1B)R; it is also evident with muscarinic M2 and adenosine A1 receptors and is mimicked by mastoparan-7, an activator of G(i/o) proteins, or by over-expression of Gbetagamma subunits. Likewise, expression of the G(q/11)-coupled human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-encoded chemokine receptor US28 unmasks a functional coupling of G(i/o)-coupled CCR1 receptors that is mediated via the constitutive activity of receptor US28. Consequently, constitutively active G(q/11)-coupled receptors, such as the H1R and HCMV-encoded chemokine receptor US28, constitute a regulatory switch for signal transduction by G(i/o)-coupled receptors, which may have profound implications in understanding the role of both constitutive GPCR activity and GPCR cross-talk in physiology as well as in the observed pathophysiology upon HCMV infection.

Pro-apoptotic effect of high concentrations of histamine on human neutrophils

Histamine receptors are expressed on neutrophils, and therefore, are likely to modulate neutrophil function. In this study, we investigated whether histamine modulates human neutrophil survival. Neutrophils were found to rapidly undergo spontaneous apoptosis upon culture in vitro and this was accelerated by high concentrations of histamine. Moreover, the percentage of apoptotic neutrophils was also markedly increased by treating with 10 mM histamine in the presence of inflammatory mediators, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP), or dexamethasone. Histamine-induced neutrophil apoptosis was inhibited by pyrilamine, a histamine receptor 1 antagonist, and by ranitidine, a selective histamine receptor 2 antagonist. In addition, diphenylene iodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of NADPH-oxidase, significantly blocked the apoptotic effect of histamine. Moreover, the induction of apoptosis by histamine was almost completely inhibited by zVAD-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor. In addition, immunoblotting showed that histamine induced the proteolytic activation of procaspase-3 in cell lysates treated with histamine. And, the protein kinase C (PKC)-delta inhibitor, rottlerin (5 microM) significantly blocked the apoptotic effect of histamine, though the cleavage of PKC-delta in 20 h cultured neutrophils was increased by histamine. However, an inhibitor of conventional PKC, Go6976 (100 nM) and a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, SB203580 (10 microM), failed to block histamine-induced neutrophil apoptosis. These results suggest that high concentrations of histamine in local inflammatory and allergic lesions induce neutrophil apoptosis, and that this histamine-induced apoptosis is mediated by caspase activation and PKC-delta signaling.

Histamine enhances the production of nerve growth factor in human keratinocytes

Nerve growth factor induces innervation and epidermal hyperplasia in inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis. Nerve growth factor production by keratinocytes is increased in the inflammatory lesions. Nerve growth factor induces histamine release from mast cells. We examined the in vitro effects of histamine on nerve growth factor production in human keratinocytes. Histamine enhanced nerve growth factor secretion, mRNA expression, and promoter activity in keratinocytes. Two TPA-response elements on the nerve growth factor promoter were responsible for the activation by histamine. Histamine enhanced transcriptional activity and DNA binding of activator protein 1 at the two TPA-response elements. It shifted the TPA-response-element-binding activator protein 1 composition from c-Jun homodimers to c-Fos/c-Jun heterodimers. Histamine transiently induced c-Fos mRNA expression, which was not detectable in unstimulated keratinocytes, whereas c-Jun mRNA expression was constitutive and was not altered by histamine. Histamine-induced enhancement of nerve growth factor secretion, promoter activity, activator protein 1 transcriptional activity, and c-Fos expression was suppressed by H1 antagonist pyrilamine, protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C, and PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1. Histamine induced the translocation of protein kinase C activity from cytosol to membrane, which was suppressed by phospholipase C inhibitor U73122. It stimulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, which was blocked by pyrilamine, calphostin C, and PD98059. These results suggest that histamine may enhance nerve growth factor production by inducing c-Fos expression in keratinocytes. These effects may be mediated by the H1-receptor-induced signaling cascade of phospholipase C-protein kinase C-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1-extracellular signal-regulated kinase.

Histamine antagonizes tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling by stimulating TNF receptor shedding from the cell surface and Golgi storage pool

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activates pro-inflammatory functions of vascular endothelial cells (EC) through binding to receptor type 1 (TNFR1) molecules expressed on the cell surface. The majority of TNFR1 molecules are localized to the Golgi apparatus. Soluble forms of TNFR1 (as well as of TNFR2) can be shed from the EC surface and inhibit TNF actions. The relationships among cell surface, Golgi-associated, and shed forms of TNFR1 are unclear. Here we report that histamine causes transient loss of surface TNFR1, TNFR1 shedding, and mobilization of TNFR1 molecules from the Golgi in cultured human EC. The Golgi pool of TNFR1 serves both to replenish cell surface receptors and as a source of shed receptor. Histamine-induced shedding is blocked by TNF-alpha protease inhibitor, an inhibitor of TNF-alpha-converting enzyme, and through the H1 receptor via a MEK-1/p42 and p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Cultured EC with histamine-induced surface receptor loss become transiently refractory to TNF. Histamine injection into human skin engrafted on immunodeficient mice similarly caused shedding of TNFR1 and diminished TNF-mediated induction of endothelial adhesion molecules. These results both clarify relationships among TNFR1 populations and reveal a novel anti-inflammatory activity of histamine.

Signal transduction pathways in mast cell granule-mediated endothelial cell activation

BACKGROUND

We have previously shown that incubation of human endothelial cells with mast cell granules results in potentiation of lipopolysaccharide-induced production of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8.

AIMS

The objective of the present study was to identify candidate molecules and signal transduction pathways involved in the synergy between mast cell granules and lipopolysaccharide on endothelial cell activation.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with rat mast cell granules in the presence and absence of lipopolysaccharide, and IL-6 production was quantified. The status of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation, nuclear factor-kappaB translocation and intracellular calcium levels were determined to identify the mechanism of synergy between mast cell granules and lipopolysaccaride.

RESULTS

Mast cell granules induced low levels of interleukin-6 production by endothelial cells, and this effect was markedly enhanced by lipopolysaccharide. The results revealed that both serine proteases and histamine present in mast cell granules were involved in this activation process. Mast cell granules increased intracellular calcium, and activated c-Jun amino-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. The combination of lipopolysaccharide and mast cell granules prolonged c-Jun amino-terminal kinase activity beyond the duration of induction by either stimulant alone and was entirely due to active proteases. However, both proteases and histamine contributed to calcium mobilization and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation. The nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB proteins was of greater magnitude in endothelial cells treated with the combination of mast cell granules and lipopolysaccharide.

CONCLUSIONS

Mast cell granule serine proteases and histamine can amplify lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial cell activation, which involves calcium mobilization, mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and nuclear factor-kappaB translocation.

Histamine activates tyrosine hydroxylase in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells through a pathway that involves ERK1/2 but not p38 or JNK

In bovine adrenal chromaffin cells (BACC) histamine promotes a rapid increase in the intracellular levels of Ca2+ together with the release of catecholamines and the phosphorylation of the catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). In this study we investigated the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), stress activated protein kinase (p38) and Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) on the histamine-induced activation and phosphorylation of TH. We found that in BACC histamine produced a rapid, long lasting and histamine type-1 (H1) receptor-dependent increase in the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK which was accompanied by a H1 receptor-dependent increase in TH activity. This increase in TH activity was partially blocked by the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 but was unaffected by the p38 antagonist SB203580 or the JNK blocker JNKI1. To study the effect of MAPK inhibition on histamine-induced TH phosphorylation, we generated phospho-specific antibodies against the different phosphorylated forms of TH. Treatment with U0126 totally inhibited the histamine-induced phosphorylation of TH at Ser31, without affecting the phosphorylation of either Ser40 or Ser19. Neither SB203580 nor JNKI1 treatments produced any significant modification of the histamine-induced TH phosphorylation. Our data support the hypothesis that the up-regulation of the ERK1/2 pathway, but not that of p38 or JNK, promoted by histamine is involved in the phosphorylation of TH at Ser31 and that this phosphorylation event is required for the full activation of this enzyme.

Histamine inhibits the production of interferon-induced protein of 10 kDa in human squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma

Interferon-induced protein of (IP-10) inhibits tumor progression. Tumor cells can produce interferon-induced protein of IP-10 in response to interferon-g. Histamine in the vicinity of tumor cells may sustain the tumor progression. We examined the in vitro effects of histamine on interferon-induced protein of IP-10 production in human squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Histamine suppressed interferon-g-mediated interferon-induced protein of IP-10 secretion and mRNA expression in SV40-transformed keratinocytes, SCC15, SCC4, and melanoma WM115, WM266-4, and C32. Histamine suppressed interferon-g-induced interferon-mediated protein of IP-10 promoter activation in these cells, and the interferon-stimulated response element on the promoter was responsible for the suppression. Histamine suppressed interferon-g-mediated transcription through the interferon-stimulated response element and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1alpha binding to the interferon-stimulated response element. Histamine suppressed interferon-g-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1alpha, Janus tyrosine kinase 1, and Janus tyrosine kinase 2. Histamine-mediated suppression on the interferon-g-induced interferon-mediated protein of IP-10 synthesis was counteracted by the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine, adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536, and protein kinase A inhibitor H-89, but were not affected by H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine. Cimetidine, SQ22536, and H-89 also counteracted histamine-mediated suppression on the interferon-g-induced transcription through the interferon-stimulated response element, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1alpha binding to the interferon-stimulated response element, and tyrosine phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1alpha, Janus tyrosine kinase 1, and Janus tyrosine kinase 2. Histamine increased intracellular 3',5'-adenosine cyclic monophosphate level and protein kinase A activity in squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, and the effects of histamine were blocked by cimetidine. These results suggest that histamine may interact with H2 receptor on squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma and generate 3',5'-adenosine cyclic monophosphate, which may activate protein kinase A. The cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling pathway induced by histamine may inhibit interferon-g-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 1alpha activation and suppress interferon-induced protein of IP-10 synthesis.

Thrombin (PAR-1)-induced proliferation in astrocytes via MAPK involves multiple signaling pathways

Protease-activated receptors (PARs), newly identified members of G protein-coupled receptors, are widely distributed in the brain. Thrombin evokes multiple cellular responses in a large variety of cells by activating PAR-1, -3, and -4. In cultured rat astrocytes we investigated the signaling pathway of thrombin- and PAR-activating peptide (PAR-AP)-induced cell proliferation. Our results show that PAR activation stimulates proliferation of astrocytes through the ERK pathway. Thrombin stimulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This effect can be fully mimicked by a specific PAR-1-AP but only to a small degree by PAR-3-AP and PAR-4-AP. PAR-2-AP can induce a moderate ERK1/2 activation as well. Thrombin-stimulated ERK1/2 activation is mainly mediated by PAR-1 via two branches: 1) the PTX-sensitive G protein/(betagamma-subunits)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase branch, and 2) the G(q)-PLC-(InsP(3) receptor)/Ca2+ -PKC pathway. Thrombin- or PAR-1-AP-induced ERK activation is partially blocked by a selective EGF receptor inhibitor, AG1478. Nevertheless, transphosphorylation of EGF receptor is unlikely for ERK1/2 activation and is certainly not involved in PAR-1-induced proliferation. The metalloproteinase mechanism involving transactivation of the EGF receptor by released heparin-binding EGF was excluded. EGF receptor activation was detected by the receptor autophosphorylation site, tyrosine 1068. Our data suggest that thrombin-induced mitogenic action in astrocytes occurs independently of EGF receptor transphosphorylation.

Stimulation of protein kinase B and p70 S6 kinase by the histamine H1 receptor in DDT1MF-2 smooth muscle cells

1. Previous studies have shown that the histamine H(1) receptor activates p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in DDT(1)MF-2 smooth muscle cells via a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K)-dependent pathway. In this study the effect of histamine H(1) receptor stimulation on protein kinase B (PKB) and p70 S6 kinase, both of which are downstream targets of PI-3K, has been investigated. Increases in PKB and p70 S6 kinase activation were monitored by Western blotting using phospho-specific PKB (Ser(473)) and p70 S6 kinase (Thr(421)/Ser(424)) antibodies. 2. Histamine stimulated time and concentration-dependent increases in the phosphorylation of PKB and p70 S6 kinase in DDT(1)MF-2 cells. Both responses were completely inhibited by the histamine H(1) receptor antagonist mepyramine and following pre-treatment with pertussis toxin, to block G(i)/G(o) protein dependent pathways. 3. The PI-3K inhibitors wortmannin (IC(50) 5.9+/-0.5 nM) and LY 294002 (IC(50) 6.9+/-0.8 microM) attenuated the increase in PKB phosphorylation induced by histamine (100 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. 4. Histamine-induced increases in p70 S6 kinase phosphorylation were partially sensitive to rapamycin (20 nM; 68% inhibition) but completely blocked by wortmannin (100 nM), LY 294002 (30 microM) and the MAPK kinase inhibitor PD 98059 (50 microM). 5. In summary, these data demonstrate that the histamine H(1) receptor stimulates PKB and p70 S6 kinase phosphorylation in DDT(1)MF-2 smooth muscle cells. However, functional studies revealed that histamine does not stimulate DDT(1)MF-2 cell proliferation or attenuate staurosporine-induced caspase-3 activity. The challenge for future research will be to link the stimulation of these kinase pathways with the physiological and pathophysiological roles of the histamine H(1) receptor.