Agonist effects on the intracellular cyclic AMP concentration of retinal pigment epithelial cells in culture

Extrapituitary production of anterior pituitary hormones: an overview

Protein hormones from the anterior pituitary gland have well-established endocrine roles in their peripheral target glands. It is, however, now known that these proteins are also produced within many of their target tissues, in which they act as local autocrine or paracrine factors, with physiological and/or pathophysiological significance. This emerging concept is the focus of this brief review.

VIP stimulation of cAMP production in corneal endothelial cells in tissue and organ cultures

PURPOSE

To demonstrate that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), an immunosuppressive factor found in the aqueous humor, is a modulator of the corneal endothelium (CE) stimulating its intracellular cAMP production.

METHODS

Rabbit CE cells in cell culture and CE cells in cornea cup organ cultures established from bovine and human donor eyes were treated with VIP at varying concentrations (0, 10(-11)-10(-6) mol/L) for a constant time (4 minutes) or varying times (1, 3.25, 10, 15 minutes) at a constant concentration (1 x 10(-6) mol/L). Intracellular cAMP was extracted and its concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Agonists that are known to modulate the intracellular cAMP concentrations of target cells were allowed to react with cultured rabbit CE cells at 1 x 10(-6) mol/L for 4 minutes.

RESULTS

Vasoactive intestinal peptide stimulated the intracellular cAMP production in CE cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. At concentrations lower than 10(-9) mol/L, VIP showed little effect. Treatment with 10(-8), 10(-7), and 10(-6) mol/L VIP for 4 minutes, however, increased the intracellular cAMP by 5.7-, 12.3-, and 9.5-fold, respectively, compared with the basal level in rabbit CE cell cultures, and by 19.5-, 38.7-, and 23.3-fold, respectively, in CE cells in bovine cornea cups. The effect of VIP was confirmed in two pairs of donor human corneas in which an average of 2.7-fold stimulation by 5 x 10(-7) mol/L was observed. Treatment of rabbit CE cells with 1 x 10(-6) mol//L VIP for 1 to 15 minutes elevated the intracellular cAMP level by six- to 69-fold. Among the agonists tested, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and glucagon were not effective, whereas l-isoproterenol and prostaglandin E1 were capable of stimulating the intracellular cAMP levels in rabbit CE cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated that VIP stimulated cAMP production in CE cells, similar to that shown previously in trabecular meshwork and nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells. Tissues bathed in the aqueous humor are thus responsive to VIP modulation.

VIP enhances the differentiation of retinal pigment epithelium in culture: from cAMP and pp60(c-src) to melanogenesis and development of fluid transport capacity

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a single cell layer juxtaposed between the neural retina and the choroid and functions as a blood-retina barrier. The RPE performs functions essential for photoreceptor (PR) survival. Although the regulation of these functions has remained unknown, it is a distinct possibility that the RPE is under constant regulation by signaling molecules coming from the choroid and the retina. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a 28-amino acid neuropeptide present in the retina and in the choroid, has been shown to promote the growth and differentiation of a variety of cells in tissue and organ cultures. In cultured RPE cells, VIP is the one most effective stimulator of the cAMP signaling pathway among a long list of neurotransmitters and modulators tested. For example, VIP, at 1 microM, stimulates the intracellular cAMP to 80-100- and 20-fold in 3 min in RPE cells cultured from chick embryos and adult human donor eyes, respectively. In cultured chick embryonic RPE, VIP is also shown to be a potent and effective modulator of pp60(c-src), the non-receptor tyrosine kinase present in differentiating and terminally differentiated cells. VIP stimulates both overall phosphorylation at unknown sites and phosphotyrosine dephosphorylation in pp60(c-src). A 190-kDa microtubule-associated protein is known to be one of the downstream targets in VIP-modulated signaling pathways. At the cellular level, VIP stimulates cell proliferation modestly and melanogenesis pronouncedly in growing chick embryonic RPE cultures. Ultimately, the differentiation goal of RPE cells in vivo is to perform functions that are essential for photoreceptor survival. On bare permeable supports (that is, without biological material coating), the chick embryonic RPE cells grow to become RPE sheets with a cytoarchitecture that allows the display of two of the RPE functions. These cultures demonstrate structural polarity and are functionally polarized, allowing for proper macromolecule secretion and fluid transport. VIP is shown to stimulate macromolecule secretion at the apical surface (retina facing) and the development of the capacity for fluid transport from the apical to the basal surface of the RPE sheet. In conclusion, studies in our laboratory indicate that VIP is a differentiation promotor during the development of a functional RPE. Recent advances in the molecular biology of melanogenesis and the fluid transport-linked Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in other cells will allow future studies of VIP modulated events in the RPE at the molecular level. Finally, identification of RPE differentiation factors may prove essential for the ultimate success of RPE transplantation, thus promoting the rescue of photoreceptor cells in retinal degeneration.

Cyclic AMP-dependent up-regulation of the taurine transporter in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line

This investigation was undertaken to study the role of cAMP in the regulation of the taurine transporter expressed in a human retinal pigment epithelial (HRPE) cell line. Treatment of the HRPE cells with cholera toxin for 24 h was found to stimulate the taurine transporter activity, as measured by taurine transport into the cells in the presence of NaCl, to a significant extent. The stimulation was 50-60% at 100 ng/ml cholera toxin. This stimulation was specific to the taurine transporter since the transport of two other amino acids (leucine and alanine), which are not substrates for the taurine transporter, was not affected by cholera toxin under similar conditions. Exposure of the cells to cholera toxin for a time period > 4 h was needed to elicit the stimulatory effect. The cholera toxin-induced stimulation of the taurine transporter activity was associated with an increase in the maximal velocity of the transport system. The affinity of the transporter for taurine was not altered by the treatment. The stimulatory effect was markedly blunted when the treatment of the cells with cholera toxin was done in the presence of actinomycin D, an inhibitor of transcription, or cycloheximide, an inhibitor of translation. The increase in the taurine transporter activity induced by cholera toxin was associated with a 2.6-fold increase in the steady state levels of the transporter mRNA. Measurement of cyclic nucleotides in control and cholera toxin-treated cells revealed that the toxin caused a 20-fold increase in the cellular levels of cAMP, the levels of cGMP remaining unaffected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Muscarinic receptors binding in retinal pigment epithelium during rat development

[3H]Quinuclidinyl benzylate (3H-QNB) specific binding of the developing rat retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and neural retina has been examined. The binding of 3H-QNB to RPE was saturable and displaced by the antagonist pirenzepine. Scatchard analysis of 3H-QNB binding showed two high affinity sites to RPE, with KB = 2.6nM and 45 nM. Specific 3H-QNB binding membranes from neural retina exhibited a characteristic developmental profile. RPE showed a high density of 3H-QNB binding sites through all developmental periods studied. The major onset of binding sites is at the time of RPE differentiation. Our data open the possibility of muscarinic receptors being involved in differentiation and/or proliferation of RPE.

Serotonergic, 5-HT2, receptor-mediated phosphoinositide turnover and mobilization of calcium in cultured rat retinal pigment epithelium cells

Cultured rat retinal pigment epithelium cells are shown to contain serotonergic, 5-HT2, receptors associated with phosphoinositide turnover and mobilization of intracellular calcium. Serotonin at a concentration of 10 microM induced a 2.5-fold increase in [3H]-inositol phosphates (more than 75% is in the form of [3H]-inositol-1-phosphate) accumulation within 30 min in cells preincubated in [3H]-myo-inositol and exposed to 5 mM lithium chloride. The EC50 value of serotonin was approx. 0.9 microM and the saturation concentration was 100 microM. Serotonin analogues like tryptamine, 5-methoxytryptamine, alpha-methyl-serotonin and the 5-HT2 agonists quipazine and DOI (1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl]-2-aminopropane) all stimulated InsPs accumulation to some degree. Carbachol, noradrenaline, isoproterenol, dopamine, tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propyl-amino) tetralin, 2-methyl-serotonin and NECA (5'-[N-ethyl]-carboxamidoadenosine) were inactive. The serotonin-induced response was blocked most effectively by ketanserin and methysergide but not by 5-HT3 or 5-HT1 antagonists. The serotonin response was attenuated by the active phorbol ester, 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and this was attenuated by the non-selective protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine. Pertussis toxin failed to influence the serotonin-mediated phosphoinositide turnover. Addition of serotonin to cultures loaded with Fura-2 showed a transient increase in calcium concentrations in most of the cells. This change in calcium was independent of external calcium and the serotonin response was attenuated by ketanserin but not by the 5-HT3 antagonist granisetron.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intraocular extracellular cyclic nucleotide concentrations: the influence of vitreous surgery

Levels of cAMP (23.1 pmol/ml) and cGMP (22.6 pmol/ml) are nearly equal in normal rabbit vitreous, although aqueous cAMP levels (29.9 pmol/ml) are 10 times higher than aqueous cGMP levels (2.6 pmol/ml) (P < 0.01). Intravitreal cAMP values decrease slightly 1 week after vitrectomy and lensectomy and return to normal whether the retina is attached, detached, or surgically removed. In contrast, intravitreal cGMP levels are profoundly depressed at 7 days (approximating normal aqueous levels) and are more than 50% lower than normal 30-42 days after surgery. The presence of these cyclic nucleotides in intraocular fluid and their responsiveness after surgery may signify a potential regulatory role in the physiologic responses of the eye to retinal detachment and its repair.

Growth factor-dependent phosphorylation of membrane proteins in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Recently, growth factors are known to phosphorylate tyrosine residues of proteins to regulate cellular functions. We investigated growth factor-dependent phosphorylation of membrane proteins in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The phosphorylation experiments were done in membrane preparations of cultured RPE cell and the reaction was started by applying [32P]adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) at 0 degrees C, and terminated after 0, 1, 5, 15, and 30 min. The samples were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and were analyzed by autoradiography. Many proteins showed time-dependent phosphorylation. Among them, a 170 kDa protein showed platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-specific phosphorylation with both time- (up to 30 min) and dose-(maximal effect at 50 ng/ml) dependence. On the other hand, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) showed no specific phosphorylation. Phosphoaminoacids of the 170 kDa protein were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and autoradiography. Phosphotyrosine showed much higher radioactivity than phosphoserine or phosphothreonine. Consequently, PDGF induced phosphorylation of the 170 kDa protein which mainly consisted of phosphotyrosine. The data suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of membrane protein is involved in signal transduction of PDGF in human RPE cells.

Epidermal growth factor potentiates the transmitter-induced stimulation of C-AMP and inositol phosphates in human pigment epithelial cells in culture

Salbutamol, isoproterenol and dopamine stimulate C-AMP production in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells by activation of beta 2-type receptors. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) in contrast does not alter basal levels of C-AMP but elevates in an apparently dose-dependent manner the isoproterenol-induced stimulation of C-AMP. EGF also potentiates the forskolin-induced stimulation of C-AMP but has no effect on the elevation of C-AMP caused by NECA (5'-[N-ethyl]-carboxamido adenosine), an adenosine A2-receptor agonist. EGF, isoproterenol and NECA have no effect on basal levels of inositol phosphates (InsPs) in human RPE cells, but EGF specifically elevates the carbachol-induced stimulation of InsPs. The carbachol effect on InsPs is attenuated by the phorbol ester PMA (4 beta-phorbol 12 myrisate 13-acetate). PMA did not, however, affect the stimulation of C-AMP caused by isoproterenol. The interaction of EGF and C-AMP is further demonstrated in experiments where the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into RPE cells was studied, as an index for proliferation. EGF stimulates RPE cell proliferation while isoproterenol and dibutyryl C-AMP nullify the EGF effect. Dibutyryl C-AMP has a negative effect on RPE cell proliferation while isoproterenol is ineffective. The data presented here suggest that after stimulation of EGF receptors, tyrosine-kinase-activated products can influence secondary messenger products produced from activation of beta 2-type (linked with C-AMP formation) and muscarinic (linked with InsPs production) receptors in RPE cells. We could find no evidence of an interaction between receptors associated with C-AMP and InsPs/diacylglycerol production.

Effects of melatonin and light on porphyrin synthesis in the bovine retina, pigment epithelium and choroid

The quantity of porphyrin synthesized in the presence of 10(-3) M delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is several times higher in the bovine pigment epithelium than in the retina. Synthesis in the retina was found to be increased by illumination, whereas synthesis in the pigment epithelium was decreased if the whole anatomical unit (retina-pigment epithelium-choroid) was cultivated together. The quantity of porphyrin synthesized in the presence of 10(-3) M ALA or 10(-6) M melatonin was different when the pigment epithelium and retina were separated. The combination 10(-3) M ALA with 10(-6) M melatonin inhibited retinal porphyrin synthesis after green light adaptation, while in the pigment epithelium green light adaptation induced porphyrin synthesis. It is postulated that the light-sensitive porphyrin-haeme synthesis of the retina-pigment epithelium-choroid functional unit may serve and modulate the synthesis of guanylate cyclase for cGMP.

Neuropeptide-induced cytosolic Ca2+ transients and phosphatidylinositol turnover in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Neuropeptide-induced mobilization of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were studied and their temporal relationship was compared. After RPE cells were loaded with fura-2/AM, [Ca2+]i was analyzed using a digital imaging microscopy system. Bombesin-related peptides which include bombesin, neuromedin B, and neuromedin C induced significant [Ca2+]i transients in RPE cells, whereas other neuropeptides, neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and substance P were not effective to produce [Ca2+]i transients. The percentage of reactive cells which showed positive [Ca2+]i transients induced by bombesin-related peptides was around 50%. Bombesin (1 microM) showed a peak concentration of 663 +/- 27.0 nM (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 61), neuromedin B (1 microM), 327 +/- 28.7 nM (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 38), and neuromedin C (1 microM), 357 +/- 22.7 nM (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 32). Ca2+ transients occurred within 30 s and lasted less than 5 min after the application of the neuropeptides. Chelation of the extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA significantly shortened the total time of [Ca2+]i transients induced by the above. The measurements of phosphoinositides in RPE cells revealed that neuropeptide-induced PI turnover was as quick as [Ca2+]i transients. Inositol biphosphate (IP2) and inositol triphosphate (IP3) in RPE cells showed transient increases at 15 s after the stimulation by bombesin-related peptides. These data show that changes in [Ca2+]i and PI turnover are directly linked and both are important in the signal transduction system of bombesin-related peptides in RPE cells. The data also suggest that bombesin-related peptides may play some possible roles in RPE cells.

Receptor-coupled phosphoinositide hydrolysis in human retinal pigment epithelium

Carbachol and histamine stimulated phosphoinositide (PPI) hydrolysis in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), as reflected by an accumulation of 3H-inositol phosphates in the presence of 10 mM Li+. Carbachol increased PPI hydrolysis to greater than 600% of basal with an EC50 of 60 microM; stimulation was linear up to 60 min. This activation likely occurred via the M3 muscarinic cholinergic receptor based on the IC50 values for 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (0.47 nM), pirenzepine (280 nM), and 11-[[2-[(diethylamino)methyl]-1-piperidinyl]-acetyl]-5,11- dihydro-6H-pyrido[2,3-b][1,4]benzodiazepin-6-one (1.4 microM). Carbachol-mediated PPI hydrolysis was decreased by 80% in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Histamine stimulated PPI turnover in a linear manner by 180% with an EC50 of 20 microM by the H1 histaminergic receptor. Serotonin, glutamate, norepinephrine, and dopamine were inactive. In human RPE, the resting cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, as determined by fura-2 fluorescence, was 138 +/- 24 nM. On the addition of carbachol, there was a 180% increase in peak intracellular Ca2+; addition of histamine increased intracellular Ca2+ by 187%. These results suggest receptor-mediated, inositol lipid hydrolysis is coupled to intracellular Ca2+ flux in human RPE.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated phosphoinositide turnover in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium cells

Cultured retinal pigment epithelium cells prepared from post-mortem adult human eyes are shown to contain muscarinic receptors associated with phosphoinositide turnover. Carbachol at a concentration of 100 microM induced a four-fold increase in 3H-inositol phosphates (more than 76% is in the form of 3H-inositol-1-phosphate) accumulation within 45 min in cells prelabelled with 3H-myoinositol and exposed to 5 mM LiCl. The EC50 of carbachol was approx. 70 microM and the saturation concentration was about 1 mM. The carbachol-induced response was blocked by both atropine and pirenzepine, the former being most effective. Pre-exposure of cells to carbachol resulted in desensitization and a drastic reduction in the subsequent carbachol-induced stimulation of 3H-inositol phosphates. The carbachol response could be attenuated by the biologically active phorbol ester, 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and this was nullified by the protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine. The biologically inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13 dideconoate, did not attenuate the carbachol-induced stimulation of 3H-inositol phosphates. Pertussis toxin failed to influence the carbachol receptor-mediated phosphoinositide turnover. These studies provide clear evidence for the occurrence of muscarinic receptors coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis on human retinal pigment epithelium cells.

Human retinal pigment epithelial cells possess muscarinic receptors coupled to calcium mobilization

Human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in culture demonstrated saturable specific binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB). Specific binding represents about 75% of total binding. Scatchard analysis yields a Kd of 0.178 nM and Bmax of 42 fmol/mg protein. Atropine and carbachol show typical displacement curves, and a Hill plot has a slope of 0.96, suggesting a homogeneous population of receptors. Muscarinic agonists have no effect on intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels in RPE cells measured by radioimmunoassay, nor do they alter the isoproterenol-induced stimulation of adenylate cyclase. However, both acetylcholine and carbachol cause a rapid increase in intracellular calcium concentration measured by the fluorescent indicator quin 2. Atropine reverses the calcium rise when added after agonist and prevents the rise when added prior to agonist. These data suggest that human RPE cells possess muscarinic receptors coupled to calcium mobilization.

Adenylate cyclase stimulation alters transport in frog retinal pigment epithelium

The effect of adenylate cyclase inhibitors and activators on enzyme kinetics and cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels was determined in the bullfrog retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE enzyme has two Km for ATP: 5.2 X 10(-4) and 4.0 X 10(-5) M, with Vmax of 2.5 and 0.25 nmol X mg protein-1 X min-1. Forskolin, the most potent activator, produced a fourfold increase in enzyme activity and, in the presence of isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, caused a 20-fold increase in cAMP levels. Alloxan, a potent inhibitor, blocked the forskolin-induced activation of this enzyme. In the isolated RPE choroid, forskolin (plus IBMX) produced changes in membrane voltage and resistance that were similar in magnitude but slower in time course than those produced by exogenous cAMP. Like exogenous cAMP, forskolin also decreased steady-state fluid and solute transport in isotonic proportions. Therefore, modulation of RPE adenylate cyclase activity plays an important role in the control of RPE transport.

Characterization of adenylate cyclase in human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro

Human retinal pigment epithelial cells in culture demonstrate adenylate cyclase activity. It is membrane-bound and modulated by GTP regulatory proteins. It is effectively activated only by beta-adrenergic agonists (L-isoproterenol greater than or equal to L-epinephrine greater than L-norepinephrine) and some prostaglandins (PGE1 and PGE2, but not PGF1 alpha). The adrenergic response appears to be mediated by beta-2 receptors. No inhibitory ligands could be demonstrated. Its characteristics, which are similar to functional adenylate cyclase complexes in other mammalian cells, and its selective and sensitive agonist responsiveness, suggest a possible physiologic role in the regulation of human retinal pigment epithelial-cell function.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactive nerves to the human eye

Using immunohistochemical techniques, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is visualized in nerves distributed to the human eye. Immunoreactive nerve fibers occur about limbal blood vessels and within the trabecular meshwork. In the iris, free-running stromal nerves are the most common, but nerves to both dilator and sphincter muscles are present as well. Immunoreactive nerves are seen within the ciliary muscle and occasionally within a ciliary process. Innervation to choroidal blood vessels constitutes a prominent feature; innervation to more anterior uveal blood vessels is seen only irregularly. Immunoreactive to more anterior uveal blood vessels is seen only irregularly. Immunoreactive nerves are apposed to melanocytes throughout the uvea. The present findings extend prior reports in the human eye, indicating a potential role for VIP in ocular physiology. Additional neuroanatomical, biochemical and physiological studies are necessary to define fully the ocular function of VIP and to determine ultimely whether VIP has clinical and pharmacological implications.

Screening for neuropeptide-metabolizing peptidases during the differentiation of chick embryo retina

Chick retina was screened for neuropeptide-metabolizing peptidase activity during development using a kininase bioassay in which hydrolysis of any peptide bond of bradykinin (Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9) leads to inactivation, combined with chromatographic bradykinin-product analysis. Bradykinin was degraded at a high rate, 6.1-26.6 mU/mg protein, by retina homogenates of all developmental stages. Kininase activity increased 2.3-fold from the 8th to the 18th embryonic day and 2-fold in the immediate posthatching period relative to the activity level at hatching. Bradykinin-product analysis, 57-113% recovery of the peptide fragments, indicated that kininase activity corresponded mostly to endopeptidase A- and to endopeptidase B-like activities (hydrolysis of Phe5-Ser6 and Pro7-Phe8 peptide bonds, respectively) and to angiotensin I-converting enzyme activity at all developmental stages. The data indicated that the relative amounts of these activities vary during retina differentiation.

Elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP and stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity by vasoactive intestinal peptide and glucagon in the retinal pigment epithelium

Both vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and glucagon rapidly elevated cyclic AMP levels in embryonic chick retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), in culture as well as in freshly dissected tissue. In cultured cells, the half-maximal activities of VIP and glucagon were 5 X 10(-8) M and 3 X 10(-8) M, respectively. After 3 min of reaction, VIP elevated intracellular cyclic AMP by 100-fold; elevation with glucagon was up to 10-fold. Both neuropeptides stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in RPE membranes. Glucagon showed a half-maximal activity of 1 X 10(-8) M. VIP remained more effective than glucagon in stimulating adenylate cyclase activity, but the dose-response curve was shifted to a higher concentration range when compared to that of the VIP-elevated intracellular cyclic AMP.