Gabriel M. Makhlouf

Agonist-stimulated Cyclic ADP Ribose ENDOGENOUS MODULATOR OF Ca2+-INDUCED Ca2+ RELEASE IN INTESTINAL LONGITUDINAL MUSCLE

We have previously shown that agonist-induced Ca2+ mobilization in intestinal longitudinal muscle is mediated by ryanodine-sensitive, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-insensitive sarcoplasmic Ca2+ channels. Ca2+ release via these channels is triggered by agonist-stimulated Ca2+ influx and results in Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. The present study examined whether cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) is synthesized in response to stimulation of longitudinal muscle by agonists and modulates the activity of Ca2+ release channels. Cyclic ADPR bound with high affinity to dispersed longitudinal muscle cells (IC50 1.9 nM) and induced Ca2+ release (EC50 3.8 nM), increase in [Ca2+]i(EC50 2.0 nM), and contraction (EC50 1.1 nM); cADPR had no effect on circular muscle cells. The effects of cADPR were blocked by ruthenium red, dantrolene, and the specific antagonist, 8-amino-cADPR, and were augmented by caffeine but not affected by heparin. The binding of cADPR and its ability to stimulate Ca2+ release were dependent on the concentration of Ca2+. Cyclic ADPR was capable of stimulating Ca2+ release at subthreshold Ca2+ concentrations (25-100 nM) and of enhancing Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. Longitudinal muscle extracts incubated with β-NAD+ produced a time-dependent increase in Ca2+-mobilizing activity identified as authentic cADPR by blockade of Ca2+ release with 8-amino-cADPR and ruthenium red. Ca2+ mobilizing activity was increased by cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) in a concentration-dependent fashion. The increase induced by CCK-8 was suppressed by the CCK-A antagonist, L364,718, nifedipine, and guanyl-5′-yl thiophosphate. The study shows that ADP-ribosyl cyclase can be stimulated by agonists and that cADPR can act as an endogenous modulator of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release.

Differential signalling by muscarinic receptors in smooth muscle: m2-mediated inactivation of myosin light chain kinase via Gi3, Cdc42/Rac1 and p21-activated kinase 1 pathway, and m3-mediated MLC20 (20 kDa regulatory light chain of myosin II) phosphorylation via Rho-associated kinase/myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 and protein kinase C/CPI-17 pathway

Signalling via m3 and m2 receptors in smooth muscles involved activation of two G-protein-dependent pathways by each receptor. m2 receptors were coupled via Gbetagammai3 with activation of phospholipase C-beta3, phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Cdc42/Rac1 (where Cdc stands for cell division cycle) and p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), resulting in phosphorylation and inactivation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Each step was inhibited by methoctramine and pertussis toxin. PAK1 activity was abolished in cells expressing both Cdc42-DN (where DN stands for dominant negative) and Rac1-DN. MLCK phosphorylation was inhibited by PAK1 antibody, and in cells expressing Cdc42-DN and Rac1-DN. m3 receptors were coupled via Galpha(q/11) with activation of phospholipase C-beta1 and via RhoA with activation of Rho-associated kinase (Rho kinase), phospholipase D and protein kinase C (PKC). Rho kinase and phospholipase D activities were inhibited by C3 exoenzyme and in cells expressing RhoA-DN. PKC activity was inhibited by bisindolylmaleimide, and in cells expressing RhoA-DN; PKC activity was also inhibited partly by Y27632 (44+/-5%). PKC-induced phosphorylation of PKC-activated 17 kDa inhibitor protein of type 1 phosphatase (CPI-17) at Thr38 was abolished by bisindolylmaleimide and inhibited partly by Y27632 (28+/-3%). Rho-kinase-induced phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase targeting subunit (MYPT1) and was abolished by Y27632. Sustained phosphorylation of 20 kDa regulatory light chain of myosin II (MLC20) and contraction were abolished by bisindolylmaleimide Y27632 and C3 exoenzyme and in cells expressing RhoA-DN. The results suggest that Rho-kinase-dependent phosphorylation of MYPT1 and PKC-dependent phosphorylation and enhancement of CPI-17 binding to the catalytic subunit of MLC phosphatase (MLCP) act co-operatively to inhibit MLCP activity, leading to sustained stimulation of MLC20 phosphorylation and contraction. Because Y27632 inhibited both Rho kinase and PKC activities, it could not be used to ascertain the contribution of MYPT1 to inhibition of MLCP activity. m2-dependent phosphorylation and inactivation of MLCK precluded its involvement in sustained MLC20 phosphorylation and contraction.

Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in human and rabbit gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells

The aim of this study was to identify the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoform expressed in freshly dispersed rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells and in cultured rabbit gastric, human intestinal, and guinea pig taenia coli smooth muscle cells. RT-PCR products of the predicted size (354 bp) were obtained with endothelial NOS (eNOS)-specific primers, but not neuronal NOS (nNOS)- or inducible NOS (iNOS)-specific primers, in all smooth muscle preparations except guinea pig taenia coli. Control RT-PCR studies showed absence of the endothelial markers, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and the interstitial cell marker, c- kit, from cultures of smooth muscle cells. Cloning and sequence analysis showed that the predicted amino acid sequence (117 residues) in rabbit and human smooth muscle cells differed by only one residue from that of human eNOS. Northern blot analysis, using the PCR-generated and cloned eNOS cDNA from rabbits and humans as probes, demonstrated the expression of eNOS mRNA (4.4 kb) in both species. eNOS, but not nNOS or iNOS, transcripts were localized by in situ RT-PCR in single, freshly dispersed rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells; expression was evident in the majority of cells in each preparation. We conclude that eNOS is selectively expressed in rabbit gastric and human intestinal smooth muscle cells. The results confirm functional evidence for the existence of a constitutive NOS in smooth muscle cells of the gut in different species, except for guinea pig taenia coli.The aim of this study was to identify the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoform expressed in freshly dispersed rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells and in cultured rabbit gastric, human intestinal, and guinea pig taenia coli smooth muscle cells. RT-PCR products of the predicted size (354 bp) were obtained with endothelial NOS (eNOS)-specific primers, but not neuronal NOS (nNOS)- or inducible NOS (iNOS)-specific primers, in all smooth muscle preparations except guinea pig taenia coli. Control RT-PCR studies showed absence of the endothelial markers, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and the interstitial cell marker, c-kit, from cultures of smooth muscle cells. Cloning and sequence analysis showed that the predicted amino acid sequence (117 residues) in rabbit and human smooth muscle cells differed by only one residue from that of human eNOS. Northern blot analysis, using the PCR-generated and cloned eNOS cDNA from rabbits and humans as probes, demonstrated the expression of eNOS mRNA (4.4 kb) in both species. eNOS, but not nNOS or iNOS, transcripts were localized by in situ RT-PCR in single, freshly dispersed rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells; expression was evident in the majority of cells in each preparation. We conclude that eNOS is selectively expressed in rabbit gastric and human intestinal smooth muscle cells. The results confirm functional evidence for the existence of a constitutive NOS in smooth muscle cells of the gut in different species, except for guinea pig taenia coli.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE G PROTEIN-ACTIVATING DOMAIN OF THE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE CLEARANCE RECEPTOR (NPR-C)

We have shown recently that the 37-amino acid intracellular domain of the single-transmembrane, natriuretic peptide clearance receptor, NPR-C, which is devoid of kinase and guanylyl cyclase activities, activates selectively Gi1 and Gi2 in gastric and tenia coli smooth muscle. In this study, we have used synthetic peptide fragments of the N-terminal, C-terminal, and middle regions of the cytoplasmic domain of NPR-C to identify the G protein-activating sequence. A 17-amino acid peptide of the middle region (Arg469–Arg485), denoted Peptide 4, which possesses two N-terminal arginine residues and a C-terminalB-B-X-X-Bmotif (where B and X are basic and non-basic residues, respectively) bound selectively to Gi1 and Gi2, activated phospholipase C-β3 via the βγ subunits, inhibited adenylyl cyclase, and induced smooth muscle contraction, in similar fashion to the selective NPR-C ligand, cANP4–23. A similar sequence (Peptide 3), but with a partial C-terminal motif, had minimal activity. Sequences which possessed either the N-terminal basic residues (Peptide 1) or the C-terminalB-B-X-X-Bmotif (Peptide 2) were inactive. Peptide 2, however, inhibited G protein activation and cellular responses mediated by the stimulatory Peptide 4 and by cANP4–23, suggesting that theB-B-X-X-Bmotif mediated binding but not activation of G protein, thus causing Peptide 2 to act as a competitive inhibitor of G protein activation.

Stimulation of gastrin secretion from the perfused rat stomach by somatostatin antiserum

Abstract The effect of a high capacity somatostatin antiserum on antral gastrin secretion was examined in an isolated vascularly perfused rat stomach preparation. Infusion of somatostatin antiserum diluted 1:1 and 1:9 with Krebs buffer solution produced significant increases in gastrin secretion throughout the period of infusion. Neither infusion of somatostatin antiserum diluted 1:99 nor infusion of control rabbit serum had any effect on gastrin secretion. The data indicate that antral somatostatin excercises a continous restraint on gastrin secretion in the basal state.

Signal Transduction in Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle

Signal transduction in gastric and intestinal smooth muscle is mediated by receptors coupled via distinct G proteins to various effector enzymes, including PI-specific PLC-beta 1 and PLC-beta 3, and phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific PLC, PLD and PLA2. Activation of these enzymes is different in circular and longitudinal muscle cells, generating Ca(2+)-mobilizing (IP3, AA, cADPR) and other (DAG) messengers responsible for the initial and sustained phases of contraction, respectively. IP3-dependent Ca2+ release occurs only in circular muscle. Ca2+ mobilization in longitudinal muscle involves a cascade initiated by agonist-induced transient activation of PLA2 and formation of AA, AA-dependent depolarization of the plasma membrane and opening of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. The influx of Ca2+ induces Ca2+ release by activating sarcoplasmic ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ channel and stimulates cADPR formation which enhances Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. The initial [Ca2+]i transient in both muscle cell types results in Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent activation of MLC kinase, phosphorylation of MLC20 and interaction of actin and myosin. The sustained phase is mediated by a Ca(2+)-independent isoform of PKC, PKC-epsilon DAG for this process is generated by PLC- and PLD-mediated hydrolysis of PC. Relaxation is mediated by cAMP-and/or cGMP-dependent protein kinase which inhibit the initial [Ca2+]i transient and reduce the sensitivity of MLC kinase to [Ca2+]i. Relaxation induced by the main neurotransmitters, VIP and PACAP, involves two cascades, one of which reflects activation of adenylyl cyclase. A distinct cascade involves G-protein-dependent stimulation of Ca2+ influx leading to Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent activation of a constitutive eNOS in muscle cells; the generation of NO activates soluble guanylyl cyclase. The resultant activation of PKA and PKG is jointly responsible for muscle relaxation.

Regulation of gastric somatostatin secretion in the mouse by luminal acidity: A local feedback mechanism

The present study was designed to determine whether somatostatin secretion induced by histamine or pentagastrin in the isolated luminally perfused mouse stomach was a direct effect of the secretagogues on gastric somatostatin cells or an indirect effect mediated by the increase in luminal acidity. Perfusion of the lumen with exogenous acid (80-480 nmol/min) caused an increase in somatostatin secretion in proportion to the increase in luminal acidity. The increase in somatostatin secretion was resistant to tetrodotoxin and attained maximal levels (61.6% +/- 8.7% above basal level) similar to those elicited by maximal doses of secretagogues. Conversely, neutralization of basal acid secretion with bicarbonate (20-160 nmol/min) caused a decrease in somatostatin secretion in proportion to the decrease in luminal acidity. Similarly, neutralization of the secretagogue-induced increments in acid secretion with bicarbonate or inhibition of the increments with cimetidine abolished the corresponding increments in somatostatin secretion. It is proposed that acid-induced release of somatostatin in proximity to parietal cells serves as a negative feedback mechanism restraining acid secretion.

Heterologous desensitization mediated by G protein-specific binding to caveolin

We examined the notion that sequestration of G protein subunits by binding to caveolin impedes G protein reassociation and leads to transient, G protein-specific desensitization of response in dispersed smooth muscle cells. Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) and substance P (SP) were used to activate Gq/11, cyclopentyl adenosine (CPA) was used to activate Gi3, and acetylcholine (ACh) was used to activate both Gq/11 and Gi3 via m3 and m2 receptors, respectively. CCK-8 and SP increased only Gαq/11, and CPA increased only Gαi3 in caveolin immunoprecipitates; caveolin and other G proteins were not increased. ACh increased both Gαq/11 and Gαi3 in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion: only Gαq/11was increased in the presence of an m2 antagonist, and only Gαi3 was increased in the presence of an m3 antagonist. To determine whether transient G protein binding to caveolin affected subsequent responses mediated by the same G protein, PLC-β activity was measured in cells stimulated sequentially with two different agonists that activate either the same or a different G protein. After treatment of the cells with ACh and an m2 antagonist, the phospholipase C-β (PLC-β) response to CCK-8 and SP, but not CPA, was decreased; conversely, after treatment of the cells with ACh and an m3 antagonist, the PLC-β response to CPA, but not CCK-8 or SP, was decreased. Similarly, after treatment with CCK-8 or SP, the PLC-β response mediated by Gq/11 only was decreased, whereas after treatment with CPA, the PLC-β response mediated by Gi3only was decreased. A caveolin-binding Gαq/11 fragment blocked the binding of activated Gαq/11 but not Gαi3 to caveolin-3 and prevented desensitization of the PLC-β response mediated only by other Gq/11-coupled receptors. A caveolin-binding Gαi3 fragment had the reverse effect. Thus, transient binding of receptor-activated G protein subunits to caveolin impedes reassociation of the heterotrimeric species and leads to desensitization of response mediated by other receptors coupled to the same G protein.

Differential coupling of muscarinic m2 and m3 receptors to adenylyl cyclases V/VI in smooth muscle. Concurrent M2-mediated inhibition via Galphai3 and m3-mediated stimulation via Gbetagammaq.

Muscarinic m2 and m4 receptors couple preferentially to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, whereas m1, m3, and m5 receptors couple preferentially to activation of phospholipase C-β and in some cells to stimulation of cAMP. Smooth muscle cells were shown to express adenylyl cyclases types V and/or VI. Acetylcholine (ACh) stimulated the binding of [35S]GTPγS·Gα complexes in smooth muscle membranes to Gαq/11 and Gαi3 antibody. Binding to Gαq/11 antibody was inhibited by the m3receptor antagonist, 4-DAMP, and binding to Gαi3 antibody was inhibited by the m2 receptor antagonist,N,N′-bis[6[[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]amino]hexyl]-1,8-octanediamine tetrahydrochloride (methoctramine). The decrease in basal cAMP (35 ± 5%) induced by ACh in dispersed muscle cells was accentuated by 4-DAMP or Gβ antibody (55 ± 8 to 63 ± 6%). In contrast, methoctramine, pertussis toxin (PTx), or Gαi3 antibody converted the decrease in cAMP to increase above basal level (+28 ± 5 to +32 ± 6%); the increase in cAMP was abolished by 4-DAMP or Gβ antibody. In muscle cells where only m3 receptors were preserved by selective receptor protection, ACh caused only an increase in cAMP that was abolished by 4-DAMP. Conversely, in muscle cells where only m2 receptors were preserved, ACh caused an accentuated decrease in cAMP that was abolished by methoctramine or PTx. In conclusion, m2 receptors in smooth muscle couple to inhibition of adenylyl cyclases V/VI via Gαi3, and m3 receptors couple to activation of the enzymes via Gβγq/11.

Dual inhibitory pathways link antral somatostatin and histamine secretion in human, dog, and rat stomach

BACKGROUND & AIMS The secretion and function of antral histamine are not known. The aims of this study were to characterize the mechanisms of histamine release from the gastric antrum of humans, dogs, and rats and to determine whether histamine can influence the secretion of somatostatin and gastrin. METHODS Somatostatin, gastrin, and histamine secretion from superfused antral segments was measured using radioimmunoassay. RESULTS Superfusion with thioperamide (H3 antagonist) increased somatostatin and decreased gastrin and histamine secretion in all three species; superfusion with (r)-alpha-methylhistamine (H3 agonist) had the opposite effect. The pattern implied that endogenous histamine, acting via H3 receptors, exerts an inhibitory paracrine influence on somatostatin secretion, which in turn regulates gastrin secretion. Superfusion with somatostatin antibody increased histamine secretion; the increase was not affected by the gastrin antagonist L-365,260, implying that it was not mediated by the concurrent increase in gastrin but by suppression of an inhibitory pathway linking somatostatin and histamine. Superfusion with methacholine alone and in the presence of either the H3 agonist or antagonist confirmed the existence of reciprocal inhibitory pathways linking somatostatin and histamine. CONCLUSIONS Antral histamine in humans, dogs, and rats is linked to antral somatostatin via reciprocal inhibitory paracrine pathways that serve to amplify the regulatory influence of somatostatin.