Intracellular cross-talk between receptors coupled to phospholipase C via pertussis toxin-sensitive and insensitive G-proteins in DDT1MF-2 cells

Alternative promoter use and splice variation in the human histamine H1 receptor gene

Upstream gene structure and mRNA expression of the human histamine H1 receptor gene was investigated in cells relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma, (primary cultured human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells, primary cultured human bronchial epithelial cells and bronchial epithelial cell line [BEAS2B]), and other tissues known to express histamine H1 receptors (placenta and brain). Splice variation of the 5' terminal exons gave three separate locations for novel promoters upstream of the detected transcription start sites. Further splice variants in the 5' untranslated region were also observed. Transient transfections of promoter/luciferase constructs showed these regions directed expression in HASM cells and BEAS2B cells. Polymorphism screening of the major regulatory regions identified a number of novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Expression of splice variants was confirmed by real-time PCR assays. Results showed one 5' terminal exon splice variant, comprising exons B/K, expressed preferentially in all tissues. Interestingly, the other 5' terminal exon splice variants showed tissue-specific patterns of expression, with variant F/K expressed negligibly (0.1%) in HASM cells, but accounting for 19.3% and 8.3% of total expression in BEAS2B cells and differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells, respectively. Splice variant A/K was second most highly expressed in differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells (23%), whereas its expression in BEAS2B and HASM cells was 1.7% and 4.4%, respectively. These data suggest the use of alternative promoters directing human H1 receptor gene expression, both within and between cell types.

Synergistic effects of adenosine A1 and P2Y receptor stimulation on calcium mobilization and PKC translocation in DDT1 MF-2 cells

1. The effect of adenosine analogues and of nucleotides, alone or in combination, on intracellular calcium, accumulation of inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (InsP3), and on activation of protein kinase C (PKC) was studied in DDT1 MF2 cells derived from a Syrian hamster myosarcoma. These cells were found to express mRNA for A1 and some as yet unidentified P2Y receptor(s). 2. Activation of either receptor type stimulated the production of InsP3 and raised intracellular calcium in DDT1 MF2 cells. Similarly, the A1 selective agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) increased PKC-dependent phosphorylation of the substrate MBP(4-14) and induced a PKC translocation to the plasma membrane as determined using [3H]-phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) binding in DDT1 MF-2 cells. However, neither adenosine nor CPA induced a significant translocation of transiently transfected gamma-PKC-GFP from the cytosol to the cell membrane. In contrast to adenosine analogues, ATP and UTP also caused a rapid but transient translocation of gamma-PKC-GFP and activation of PKC. 3. Doses of the A1 agonist CPA and of ATP or UTP per se caused barely detectable increases in intracellular Ca2+ but when combined, they caused an almost maximal stimulation. Similarly, adenosine (0.6 microM) and UTP (or ATP, 2.5 microM), which per se caused no detectable translocation of either gamma- or epsilon-PKC-GFP, caused when combined a very clear-cut translocation of both PKC subforms, albeit with different time courses. These results show that simultaneous activation of P2Y and adenosine A1 receptors synergistically increases Ca2+ transients and translocation of PKC in DDT1 MF-2 cells. Since adenosine is rapidly formed by breakdown of extracellular ATP, such interactions may be biologically important.

Adenosine in the spinal cord and periphery: release and regulation of pain

In the central nervous system (CNS), adenosine is an important neuromodulator and regulates neuronal and non-neuronal cellular function (e.g. microglia) by actions on extracellular adenosine A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3) receptors. Extracellular levels of adenosine are regulated by synthesis, metabolism, release and uptake of adenosine. Adenosine also regulates pain transmission in the spinal cord and in the periphery, and a number of agents can alter the extracellular availability of adenosine and subsequently modulate pain transmission, particularly by activation of adenosine A(1) receptors. The use of capsaicin (which activates receptors selectively expressed on C-fibre afferent neurons and produces neurotoxic actions in certain paradigms) allows for an interpretation of C-fibre involvement in such processes. In the spinal cord, adenosine availability/release is enhanced by depolarization (K(+), capsaicin, substance P, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)), by inhibition of metabolism or uptake (inhibitors of adenosine kinase (AK), adenosine deaminase (AD), equilibrative transporters), and by receptor-operated mechanisms (opioids, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), noradrenaline (NA)). Some of these agents release adenosine via an equilibrative transporter indicating production of adenosine inside the cell (K(+), morphine), while others release nucleotide which is converted extracellularly to adenosine by ecto-5'-nucleotidase (capsaicin, 5-HT). Release can be capsaicin-sensitive, Ca(2+)-dependent and involve G-proteins, and this suggests that within C-fibres, Ca(2+)-dependent intracellular processes regulate production and release of adenosine. In the periphery, adenosine is released from both neuronal and non-neuronal sources. Neuronal release from capsaicin-sensitive afferents is induced by glutamate and by neurogenic inflammation (capsaicin, low concentration of formalin), while that from sympathetic postganglionic neurons (probably as adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) with NA) occurs following more generalized inflammation. Such release is modified differentially by inhibitors of AK and AD. Following nerve injury, there is an alteration in capsaicin-sensitive adenosine release, as spinal release now is less responsive to opioids, while peripheral release is less responsive to inhibitors of metabolism. Following inflammation, adenosine is released from a variety of cell types in addition to neurons (e.g. endothelial cells, neutrophils, mast cells, fibroblasts). ATP is released both spinally and peripherally following inflammation or injury, and may be converted to adenosine by ecto-5'-nucleotidase contributing an additional source of adenosine. Release of adenosine from both spinal and peripheral compartments has inhibitory effects on pain transmission, as methylxanthine adenosine receptor antagonists reduce analgesia produced by agents which augment extracellular levels of adenosine spinally (morphine, 5-HT, substance P, AK inhibitors) and peripherally (AK inhibitors, AD inhibitors). Increases in extracellular adenosine availability also may contribute to antiinflammatory effects of certain agents (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, salicylates, AK inhibitors), and this could have secondary effects on pain signalling in chronic inflammation. The purpose of the present review is to consider: (a). the factors that regulate the extracellular availability of adenosine in the spinal cord and at peripheral sites; and (b). the extent to which this adenosine affects pain signalling in these two distinct compartments.

A1 and A2 adenosine receptor activation inversely modulates potassium currents and membrane potential in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells

Adenosine receptors are widely distributed in mammalian tissues and have been possibly involved through transmembrane potential changes in cell function regulation. The effect of A1 and A2A adenosine receptor ligands on transmembrane potential measured with flow cytometry and potassium conductance measured by the patch-clamp technique was investigated in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells. The A1 adenosine-receptor agonist CPA (50 nM) and the A2A adenosine-receptor agonist CGS 21680 (50 nM) elicited a rapid and maintained increase and decrease in the potassium conductance, respectively, and a concomitant hyperpolarization and depolarization of the membrane, respectively. These effects were eliminated by subtype-selective adenosine receptor antagonists (DPCPX, CSC, ZM 241385, all 1 microM). The ligand induced membrane potential changes were reversible. Based on these detected membrane potential changes along with the published voltage dependence of the adenylyl cyclase, the regulation of cAMP production by A1- and A2A-receptor activation is suggested to be mediated through the induced early hyperpolarization and depolarization. The interaction between the effects of these receptor subtypes allows for a complex regulation mechanism.

Regulation of p42/p44 MAPK and p38 MAPK by the adenosine A(1) receptor in DDT(1)MF-2 cells

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family consists of the p42/p44 MAPKs and the stress-activated protein kinases, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK. We have previously reported that the human adenosine A(1) receptor stimulates p42/p44 MAPK in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. In this study, we have investigated whether the endogenous adenosine A(1) receptor in the smooth muscle cell line, DDT(1)MF-2 activates p42/p44 MAPK, JNK and p38 MAPK. The adenosine A(1) receptor agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine stimulated time and concentration-dependent increases in p42/p44 MAPK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in DDT(1)MF-2 cells. No increases in JNK phosphorylation were observed following adenosine A(1) receptor activation. N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine-mediated increases in p42/p44 MAPK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation were blocked by the selective adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropylcyclopentylxanthine and following pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin. Furthermore, adenosine A(1) receptor-mediated increases in p42/p44 MAPK were sensitive to the MAPK kinase 1 inhibitor PD 98059 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone), whereas p38 MAPK responses were blocked by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580 (4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole). The broad range protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin A47 (alpha-cyano-(3,4-dihydroxy)thiocinnamide) did not block adenosine A(1) receptor stimulation of p42/p44 MAPK. For comparison, insulin-mediated increases in p42/p44 MAPK were blocked by genistein and tyrphostin A47. The Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2 (4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine) and the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 (4-(3-chloroanilino)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline) also had no effect on adenosine A(1) receptor stimulation of p42/p44 MAPK. Furthermore, the protein kinase C inhibitors Ro 31-8220 (3-[1-[3-(2-isothioureido) propyl]indol-3-yl]-4-(1-methylindol-3-yl)-3-pyrrolin-2,5-dione), chelerythrine and GF 109203X (2-[1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-maleimide) were without effect on adenosine A(1) receptor-induced p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation. In contrast, wortmannin and LY 294002 (2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, attenuated adenosine A(1) receptor stimulation of p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation. In conclusion, the adenosine A(1) receptor stimulates p42/p44 MAPK through a pathway which appears to be independent of tyrosine kinase activation but involves phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Finally, adenosine A(1) receptor stimulation in DDT(1)MF-2 cells also activated p38 MAPK but not JNK via a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway.

Activation of protein kinase B by the A(1)-adenosine receptor in DDT(1)MF-2 cells

In this study the effect of insulin and A(1)-adenosine receptor stimulation on protein kinase B (PKB) activation has been investigated in the hamster vas deferens smooth muscle cell line DDT(1)MF-2. Increases in PKB phosphorylation were determined by Western blotting using an antibody that detects PKB phosphorylation at Ser(473). Insulin, a recognized activator of PKB, stimulated a concentration-dependent increase in PKB phosphorylation in DDT(1)MF-2 cells (EC(50) 5+/-1 pM). The selective A(1)-adenosine receptor agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) stimulated time and concentration-dependent increases in PKB phosphorylation in DDT(1)MF-2 cells (EC(50) 1.3+/-0.5 nM). CPA-mediated increases in PKB phosphorylation were antagonized by the A(1)-adenosine receptor selective antagonist 1,3-dipropylcyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) yielding an apparent K(D) value of 2.3 nM. Pre-treatment of DDT(1)MF-2 cells with pertussis toxin (PTX, 100 ng ml(-1) for 16 h), to block G(i)/G(o)-dependent pathways, abolished CPA (1 microM) induced phosphorylation of PKB. In contrast, responses to insulin (100 nM) were resistant to PTX pre-treatment. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) inhibitors wortmannin (IC(50) 10.3+/-0.6 nM) and LY 294002 (IC(50) 10.3+/-1.2 microM) attenuated the phosphorylation of PKB elicited by CPA (1 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. Wortmannin (30 nM) and LY 294002 (30 microM) also blocked responses to insulin (100 nM). Removal of extracellular Ca(2+) and chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) with BAPTA had no significant effect on CPA-induced PKB phosphorylation. Similarly, pretreatment (30 min) with inhibitors of protein kinase C (Ro 31-8220; 10 microM), tyrosine kinase (genistein; 100 microM), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase (PD 98059; 50 microM) and p38 MAPK (SB 203580; 20 microM) had no significant effect on CPA-induced PKB phosphorylation. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that A(1)-adenosine receptor stimulation in DDT(1)MF-2 cells increases PKB phosphorylation through a PTX and PI-3K-sensitive pathway.

Nonselective effects of the putative phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122, on adenosine A1 receptor-mediated signal transduction events in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Adenosine A1 receptors can signal, through Gi/o proteins, to inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity and also to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis and the subsequent release of intracellular Ca2+ stores. The aminosteroid U73122 (1-[6-1[17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]-1 H-pyrrole-2,5-dione) has been widely used as an inhibitor of phospholipase C, the enzyme mediating phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Using U73122, we sought to selectively block signalling through the phospholipase C pathway, in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells heterologously expressing human adenosine A1 receptors. U73122 inhibited A1 receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis, as measured by total inositol phosphate accumulation, over the concentration range 1-15 microM. However, over the same concentration range, it also appeared to inhibit A1 receptor-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation, A1 receptor agonist-promoted [35S]GTP-gammaS binding, and at the higher concentrations (10-15 microM) produced marked morphological changes, leading to cytolysis. The structural analogue of U73122, U73343 (1-[6-[[17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]-2, 5-pyrrolidone-dione), typically used as an inactive control compound, had little effect on these events. The data suggest that U73122 is not a selective inhibitor of phospholipase C activity, interfering with adenosine A1 receptor signalling generally, either at the pre-effector level involving Gi/o proteins, or as a consequence of the morphological changes it induces.

A1 and A2 adenosine receptor modulation of contractility in the cauda epididymis of the guinea-pig

1. The effects of adenosine receptor agonists upon phenylephrine-stimulated contractility and [3H]-cyclic adenosine monophosphate ([3H]-cyclic AMP) accumulation in the cauda epididymis of the guinea-pig were investigated. The alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine elicited concentration dependent contractile responses from preparations of epididymis. In the absence or presence of the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine (10 microM) the non-selective adenosine receptor agonist, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, 1 microM) shifted phenylephrine concentration-response curves to the left (4 and 5 fold respectively). Following the incubation of preparations with pertussis toxin (200 ng ml(-1) 24 h) NECA shifted phenylephrine concentration-response curves to the right (5.7+/-0.9 fold). 2. In the presence of phenylephrine (1 microM), NECA and the A1 adenosine receptor selective agonists, N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and (2S)-N6-[2-endo-norbornyl]adenosine ((S)-ENBA) elicited concentration-responses dependent contractions from preparations of epididymis (pEC50 values 8.18+/-0.19, 7.79+/-0.29 and 8.15+/-0.43 respectively). The A3 adenosine receptor agonists N6-iodobenzyl-5'-N-methylcarboxamido adenosine (IBMECA) and N6-2-(4-aminophenyl) ethyladenosine (APNEA) mimicked this effect (but only at concentrations greater than 10 microM). In the presence of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX, 30 nM) CPA concentration-response curves were shifted, in parallel to the right (apparent pKB 8.75+/-0.88) and the maximal response to NECA was reduced. 3. In the presence of DPCPX (100 nM) the adenosine agonist NECA and the A2A adenosine receptor selective agonist, CGS 21680 (2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine), but not CPA, inhibited phenylephrine (20 microM) stimulated contractions (pIC50 7.15+/-0.48). This effect of NECA was blocked by xanthine amine congener (XAC, 1 microM) and the A2A adenosine receptor-selective antagonist 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-++ +ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM 241385; 30 nM). 4. (S)-ENBA (in the absence and presence of ZM 241385, 100 nM), but not NECA or CPA inhibited the forskolin (30 microM)-stimulated accumulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP in preparations of the epididymis of the guinea-pig (by 17+6% of control). In the presence of DPCPX (100 nM) NECA and CGS 21680, but not (S)-ENBA, increased the accumulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP in preparations of epididymis (pEC50 values 5.35+/-0.35 and 6.42+/-0.40 respectively), the NECA-induced elevation of [3H]-cyclic AMP was antagonised by XAC (apparent pKB 6.88+/-0.88) and also by the A2A adenosine receptor antagonist, ZM 241385 (apparent pKB 8.60+/-0.76). 5. These studies are consistent with the action of stable adenosine analogues at post-junctional A1 and A2 adenosine receptors in the epididymis of the guinea-pig. A1 Adenosine receptors potentiate alpha1-adrenoceptor contractility, an effect blocked by pertussis toxin, but which may not be dependent upon an inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. The epididymis of the guinea-pig also contains A2 adenosine receptors, possibly of the A2A subtype, which both inhibit contractility and also stimulate adenylyl cyclase.

Involvement of G-protein betagamma subunits in coupling the adenosine A1 receptor to phospholipase C in transfected CHO cells

In transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-A1) cells the human adenosine A1 receptor directly stimulates pertussis toxin-sensitive increases in inositol phosphate production and potentiates (synergistically) the inositol phosphate responses mediated by Gq-coupled P2Y2 purinoceptor and CCK(A) receptors. In the present study we have investigated the role of Gbetagamma subunits in mediating adenosine A1 receptor effects on phospholipase C activation (both direct and synergistic) by transiently transfecting CHO-A1 cells with a scavenger of Gbetagamma subunits: the C-terminus of beta-adrenoceptor kinase 1 (beta ark1 residues 495-689). [3H]inositol phosphate responses to the selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA; 1 microM) were inhibited (41 +/- 1%) in CHO-A1 cells transiently transfected with the Gbetagamma scavenger, beta ark1 (495-689). Expression of beta ark1 (495-689) protein was confirmed by Western blotting. In contrast, adenosine A1 receptor-mediated inhibition of forskolin stimulated [3H]cyclic AMP accumulation was unaffected by transient expression of beta ark1 (495-689). Beta ark1 (495-689) expression had no significant effect on the [3H]inositol phosphate responses produced by activation of the endogenous P2Y2 purinoceptor (100 microM UTP; 92 +/- 0.8% of control). [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation in response to adenosine A receptor activation was also attenuated in CHO-K1 cells co-transfected with the beta ark1 (495-689) minigene (59 +/- 4% inhibition of control response to 1 microM CPA). Finally, transient expression of beta ark1 (495-689) in CHO-A1 cells inhibited the augmentation of [3H]inositol phosphate responses resulting from co-activation of adenosine A1 receptors and P2Y2 purinoceptors. These experiments indicate that Gbetagamma subunits are involved in the direct coupling the adenosine A1 receptor to phospholipase C and that they also participate in the augmentation of P2Y2 purinoceptor-mediated [3H]inositol phosphate responses by the adenosine A1 receptor.

Phospholipase C isoforms in vascular smooth muscle and their regulation by G-proteins

1. We sought to reconstitute and characterize G-protein linked phosphatidyl-D-inositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2)-directed phospholipase C (PLC) isoform activity in pig aortic vascular smooth muscle. 2. Six soluble PLC isoforms, namely gamma 1, delta 1 and beta 1 to beta 4 were partially separated by heparin affinity chromatography and were identified by Western blotting using specific antibodies. 3. In separate experiments, PLC activity was measured in the eluted fractions. Four of the partially resolved PLC isoforms gamma 1, beta 4, beta 2 and beta 1, showed corresponding activity using exogenous [3H]-PIP2 as substrate. 4. The isolated soluble PLC isoforms were reconstituted with receptors and guanyl nucleotide regulatory proteins (G-proteins) by addition of plasma membranes, the phospholipids which had been prelabelled with [3H]-myo-inositol. When so reconstituted PLC beta 2, beta 3 and beta 4 were inhibited (40 +/- 9, 47 +/- 12 and 40 +/- 5% respectively n = 12, +/-s.e.mean and each P < 0.05) by the addition of 1 mM guanosine 5'[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate (p[NH]ppG). 5. By contrast, when plasma membranes were preincubated with pertussis toxin to inhibit the activity of G-protein subunits G alpha i/alpha o the activities of PLC beta 2, beta 3 and beta 4 were stimulated (46 +/- 11, 31 +/- 9 and 37 +/- 8% respectively, n = 12, +/- s.e.mean and each P < 0.05) by the addition of p[NH]ppG. 6. Using well resolved fractions containing only PLC beta 3, time-dependent activity in the presence of p[NH]ppG was measurable only with membranes pretreated with pertussis toxin. 7. PLC beta 3 activity, measured with pertussis pretreated membranes, showed a dose-dependent increase in the presence of p[NH]ppG or guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]). This increase with 10 microM p[NH]ppG or GTP[S] 10% +/- 4 and 12% +/- 5 respectively (both P < 0.05 vs control without GTP analogue +/- s.e.mean, n = 10) was abolished by 50 microM guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP[S]) which also reduced constitutive PLC beta 3 activity by 9% +/- 4. 8. G-protein antibodies were used to neutralize PLC activity. Antibody to G alpha q/alpha 11, added to membrane fractions pretreated with pertussis toxin and assayed with GTP[S], reduced PLC beta 3 activity by 21% +/- 6 P < 0.02, n = 6, but was without effect on non-pertussis pretreated membranes. Antibodies to G alpha i1/alpha i2 had no effect. Antibodies to G-protein beta subunits had no effect on PLC beta 3 activity with pertussis pretreated preparations but activity without pertussis pretreatment was increased by 30% +/- 10, P < 0.03, n = 6. All results were expressed as % change from controls containing rabbit IgG. 9. In conclusion, pig aortic vascular smooth muscle contains six PLC isoforms. Activation of pertussis sensitive G-protein by GTP analogues results in inhibition of PLC beta 3 activity from liberated G-protein beta gamma subunits. Stimulation of PLC beta 3 activity is associated with a G-protein of the G alpha q family acting through the alpha subunit. The results suggest that the G-protein linked PLC beta isoforms in vascular smooth muscle demonstrate dual regulation by an inhibitory pertussis-sensitive pathway and a stimulatory G-protein of the G alpha q family, which is the case for PLC beta 3. This dual regulation is analogous to that of adenyl cyclase.

Synergistic interactions between human transfected adenosine A1 receptors and endogenous cholecystokinin receptors in CHO cells

The effect of Gi coupled receptor activation (adenosine A1 and 5-HT1B receptors) on cholecystokinin receptor-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation has been investigated in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human adenosine A1 receptor cDNA (CHO-A1). CHO cells constitutively express the 5-HT1B receptor [Berg, Clarke, Sailstad, Saltzman and Maayani (1994) Mol. Pharmacol. 46, 477-484]. Our previous studies using CHO-A1 cells have revealed that both the adenosine A1 and 5-HT1B receptor are negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase activity and stimulate increases in [Ca2+]i, through a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway. In the present study the selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine stimulated a pertussis toxin-sensitive increase in total [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. The sulphated C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8) stimulated a robust and pertussis toxin-insensitive increase in [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation through the activation of CCKA receptors. Co-stimulation of CHO-A1 cells with N6-cyclopentyladenosine and CCK-8 produced a synergistic increase in [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. The synergistic interaction between N6-cyclopentyladenosine and CCK-8 was abolished in pertussis toxin-treated cells. Synergy between N6-cyclopentyladenosine and CCK-8 still occurred in the absence of extracellular calcium. The 5-HT1B receptor agonist 5-carboxyamidotryptamine did not stimulate a measurable increase in [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. Furthermore, 5-carboxyamidotryptamine had no significant effect on CCK-8 mediated [3H]inositol phosphate production. Activation of endogenous P2U receptors (Gq/Gll coupled) with ATP gamma S produced a significant increase in [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. Co-stimulation of CHO-A1 cells with ATP gamma S and CCK-8 produced additive increases in [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. These data indicate that CHO-A1 cells may prove a useful model system in which to investigate further the mechanisms underlying the intracellular 'cross-talk' between phospholipase C coupled receptors (Gq/Gll linked) and Gi/Go coupled receptors.

Selective enhancement by an adenosine A1 receptor agonist of agents inducing contraction of the rat vas deferens

The adenosine analogue N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), acting via postjunctional A1 receptors, has been shown to enhance contractions of the rat vas deferens induced by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), the sympathetic cotransmitter in this tissue. The aim of the present study was to examine the ability of CPA to enhance contractions induced by other contractile agents. CPA (0.01-0.3 microM) enhanced contractions induced by exogenous ATP (10 microM), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (3 microM), tyramine (10 microM), 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (2-Me-5-HT) (10 microM) and KCl (35 mM) and this enhancement was blocked by an A1-selective concentration (3 nM) of 1, 3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX). CPA failed to enhance contractions induced by exogenous noradrenaline (NA) (1 microM or 10 microM), bradykinin (0.1 microM), phenylephrine (3 microM) or carbachol (10 microM). The contractions induced by ATP (10 microM), 5-HT (3 microM), 2-Me-5-HT (10 microM) and KCl (35 mM) were unaffected by tetrodotoxin (1 microM) as well as by desensitisation of the P2x-purinoceptors with the ATP analogue adenosine 5'-(alpha, beta-methylene) triphosphonate. The contractions induced by tyramine (10 microM) and 2-Me-5-HT (10 microM) were blocked by prazosin (100 nM) or by imipramine (1 microM). Ketanserin (10 nM) antagonised the response to 5-HT giving a dose-ratio of 12.9 corresponding to an apparent pA2 of 9.1. In conclusion, the A1-mediated effect was clearly selective for certain contractile agents and not due to a non-specific increase in contractility of the tissue. CPA enhanced contractions induced by both ATP and indirect sympathomimetics which release endogenous NA, and this enhancement of the two sympathetic cotransmitters may have a functional significance, and demonstrates the complexity of the neuromodulatory effects of adenosine in the rat vas deferens.

Synergy between the inositol phosphate responses to transfected human adenosine A1-receptors and constitutive P2-purinoceptors in CHO-K1 cells

1. The effect of adenosine A1-receptor and P2-purinoceptor agonists on [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation has been investigated in CHO-K1 cells transfected with the human adenosine A1-receptor. 2. Adenosine receptor agonists stimulated [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation in CHO-K1 cells with a rank potency order of N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) > 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) > 2-chloroadenosine > N6-2-(4-aminophenyl) ethyladenosine (APNEA). The responses to both CPA and APNEA were antagonized by the A1 selective antagonist, 1,3-dipropylcyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) yielding KD values of 1.2 nM and 4.3 nM respectively. 3. ATP, UTP and ATP gamma S were also able to stimulate [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation in these cells with EC50 values of 1.9 microM, 1.3 microM and 5.0 microM respectively. 2-Methyl-thio-ATP was a weak agonist of this response (EC50 > 100 microM). 4. The [3H]-inositol phosphate response to CPA was completely attenuated by pertussis toxin treatment (24 h; 100 ng ml-1). In contrast, the responses to ATP, UTP and ATP gamma S were only reduced by circa 30% in pertussis toxin-treated cells. 5. The simultaneous addition of CPA and either ATP, UTP or ATP gamma S produced a large augmentation of [3H]-inositol phospholipid hydrolysis. This was due to an increase in the maximal response and was significantly greater than the predicted additive response for activation of these two receptor systems. The synergy was not observed in pertussis toxin-treated cells. 6. No synergy was observed between the [3H]-inositol phosphate responses to histamine and ATP in CHO-K1 cells transfected with the bovine histamine H1-receptor. In these cells the response to histamine was completely resistant to inhibition by pertussis toxin treatment. 7. This study provides a clear demonstration of a synergy between pertussis toxin-sensitive and insensitive receptor systems in a model cell system which is an ideal host for transfected cDNA sequences. This model system should provide a unique opportunity to unravel the mechanisms underlying this example of receptor cross-talk involving phospholipase C.

Adenosine A1 receptor-mediated changes in basal and histamine-stimulated levels of intracellular calcium in primary rat astrocytes

1. The effects of adenosine A1 receptor stimulation on basal and histamine-stimulated levels of intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) have been investigated in primary astrocyte cultures derived from neonatal rat forebrains. 2. Histamine (0.1 microM-1 mM) caused rapid, concentration-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i over basal levels in single type-2 astrocytes in the presence of extracellular calcium. A maximum mean increase of 1,468 +/- 94 nM over basal levels was recorded in 90% of type-2 cells treated with 1 mM histamine (n = 49). The percentage of type-2 cells exhibiting calcium increases in response to histamine appeared to vary in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the application of 1 mM histamine to type-1 astrocytes had less effect, eliciting a mean increase in [Ca2+]i of 805 +/- 197 nM over basal levels in only 30% of the cells observed (n = 24). 3. In the presence of extracellular calcium, the A1 receptor-selective agonist, N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, 10 microM), caused a maximum mean increase in [Ca2+]i of 1,110 +/- 181 nM over basal levels in 30% of type-2 astrocytes observed (n = 53). The size of this response was concentration-dependent; however, the percentage of type-2 cells exhibiting calcium increases in response to CPA did not appear to vary in a concentration-dependent manner. A mean calcium increase of 605 +/- 89 nM over basal levels was also recorded in 23% of type-1 astrocytes treated with 10 microM CPA (n = 30). 4. In the absence of extracellular calcium, in medium containing 0.1 mM EGTA, a mean increase in [Ca2+]i of 504 +/- 67 nM over basal levels was recorded in 41% of type-2 astrocytes observed (n = 41) after stimulation with 1 microM CPA. However, in the presence of extracellular calcium, pretreatment with the A1 receptor-selective antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, for 5-10 min before stimulation with 1 microM CPA, completely antagonized the response in 100% of the cells observed. 5. In type-2 astrocytes, prestimulation with 10 nM CPA significantly increased the size of the calcium response produced by 0.1 microM histamine and the percentage of responding cells. Treatment with 0.1 microM histamine alone caused a mean calcium increase of 268 +/- 34 nM in 41% of the cells observed (n = 34). After treatment with 10 nM CPA, mean calcium increase of 543 +/- 97 nM was recorded in 100% of the cells observed (n = 33). 6. These data indicate that adenosine Al receptors couple to intracellular calcium mobilization and extracellular calcium influx in type-1 and type-2 astrocytes in primary culture. In addition, the simultaneous activation of adenosine Al receptors on type-2 astrocytes results in an augmentation of the calcium response to histamine H1 receptor stimulation.

A1 adenosine receptor inhibition of cyclic AMP formation and radioligand binding in the guinea-pig cerebral cortex

1. A1 adenosine receptors were investigated by radioligand binding and functional studies in slices and particulate preparations from guinea-pig cerebral cortex. 2. Binding of the adenosine receptor antagonist radioligand, 8-cyclopentyl-[3H]-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) to guinea-pig cerebral cortical membranes exhibited high density (1410 +/- 241 fmol mg-1 protein) and high affinity (Kd 3.8 +/- 0.3 nM). 3. [3H]-DPCPX binding to guinea-pig cerebral cortical membranes was displaced in a monophasic manner by adenosine receptor antagonists with the rank order of affinity (Ki values, nM): DPCPX (6) < xanthine amine congener (XAC, 153) < PD 115,199 (308). 4. Agonist displacement of [3H]-DPCPX binding was biphasic and exhibited the following rank order at the low affinity site (Ki values): 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyl-adenosine (CCPA, 513 nM) = N6-R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA, 526 nM) = N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, 532 nM) < 2-chloroadenosine (2CA, 3.2 microM) = 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, 4.6 microM) < N6-S-phenylisopropyladenosine (S-PIA, 19.9 microM). 5. In cerebral cortical slices, [3H]-DPCPX binding was displaced by antagonists and agonists in an apparently monophasic manner with the rank order of affinity (Ki values, nM): DPCPX (14) < XAC (45) < R-PIA (266) < PD 115,199 (666) < S-PIA (21000). 6. Cyclic AMP accumulation stimulated by 30 microM forskolin in guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices was inhibited by R-PIA, CCPA and CPA up to 1 microM in a concentration-dependent fashion with IC50 values of 14, 18, and 22 nM, respectively. All three analogues inhibited the forskolin response to a similar extent (82-93% inhibition). NECA, S-PTA and 2CA failed to inhibit the forskolin response, but rather enhanced the accumulation of cyclic AMP at concentrations of 100 nM or greater, presumably through activation of A2b adenosine receptors coupled to stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation in guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices.7. The inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation by CPA was antagonized with the rank order of affinity (Ki values, nM): DPCPX (6)<XAC (52)<PD 115,199 (505).8 Xanthine-based antagonists inhibited the adenosine receptor augmentation of histamine-induced phosphoinositide turnover in guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices with the rank order of affinity (Ki, nM):DPCPX (12)=XAC (17)<PD 155,199 (640).9 In summary, we observe a good correlation between antagonist affinity at A1 receptors defined by radioligand binding, inhibition of cyclic AMP generation or augmentation of histamine-evoked phosphoinositide turnover in guinea-pig cerebral cortex.

Interactions between adenosine A1- and histamine H1-receptors

The interactions or "cross-talk" between adenosine A1-receptors and receptors coupled to phospholipase C (leading to the hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids) have been well documented in the literature. For example, activating the A1-receptor selectively potentiates the histamine H1-receptor stimulated hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids in guinea-pig cerebral slices. In contrast, when the adenosine receptor is activated in the cerebral cortex of mouse or man the histamine response is selectively inhibited. Our studies have focused on the smooth muscle cell line, DDT1 MF-2, derived from hamster vas deferens. These cells express A1-receptors which, in addition to the expected negative coupling to adenylate cyclase, also stimulate inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization. These A1-receptors also potentiate histamine H1-receptor responses, i.e. inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization. The mechanism(s) underlying the potentiation or inhibition of histamine H1-receptor responses by the adenosine A1-receptor remain to be unravelled. One mechanism may involve intracellular "cross-talk" at the G-protein level. This review will discuss how beta gamma subunits from G(i) proteins could be involved in augmenting responses to calcium mobilizing receptors.

Post-junctional excitatory adenosine A1 receptors in the rat vas deferens

1. At concentrations between 1 nM and 1 microM, the A1-selective agonists N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and (R)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) each enhanced contractions of the rat vas deferens induced by ATP (10 microM), and this enhancement was blocked by an A1-selective concentration (1 nM) of the antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX). 2. No such enhancement was observed with the non-selective agonists adenosine and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) at concentrations between 1 nM and 100 microM, which instead inhibited the contractions. 3. These results show that in addition to the previously demonstrated inhibitory A1 and A2 adenosine receptors, the rat vas deferens also possesses post-junctional excitatory A1 adenosine receptors.

Coupling of a transfected human brain A1 adenosine receptor in CHO-K1 cells to calcium mobilisation via a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism

1. The presence of A1 adenosine receptors in CHO-K1 cells transfected with the human brain A1 sequence was confirmed by ligand binding studies using 8-cyclopentyl-[3H] 1,3-dipropylxanthine ([3H]-DPCPX). 2. Alterations in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) were measured with the calcium-sensitive dye, fura-2. 3. N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), the selective A1 agonist, and 5'-N-ethylcarboxaminoadenosine (NECA), a relatively non-selective adenosine receptor agonist, elicited rapid, biphasic increases in [Ca2+]i which involved both mobilisation from intracellular stores and calcium entry. 4. The calcium response to CPA was significantly inhibited by the selective A1 antagonist DPCPX. The non-selective adenosine receptor, xanthine amino congener (XAC), was less potent. 5. The calcium response to CPA was completely prevented by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin implicating the involvement of Gi in the receptor-mediated response. 6. In summary, we present evidence for the coupling of transfected human brain A1 adenosine receptors in CHO-K1 cells to mobilisation of [Ca2+]i via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein.