John McDonald

Phosphorylation of the Gq/11-coupled M3-Muscarinic Receptor Is Involved in Receptor Activation of the ERK-1/2 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway

We investigated the role played by agonist-mediated phosphorylation of the Gq/11-coupled M3-muscarinic receptor in the mechanism of activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, ERK-1/2, in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. A mutant of the M3-muscarinic receptor, where residues Lys370–Ser425 of the third intracellular loop had been deleted, showed a reduced ability to activate the ERK-1/2 pathway. This reduction was evident despite the fact that the receptor was able to couple efficiently to the phospholipase C second messenger pathway. Importantly, the ERK-1/2 responses to both the wild-type M3-muscarinic receptor and ΔLys370–Ser425 receptor mutant were dependent on the activity of protein kinase C. Our results, therefore, indicate the existence of two mechanistic components to the ERK-1/2 response, which appear to act in concert. First, the activation of protein kinase C through the diacylglycerol arm of the phospholipase C signaling pathway and a second component, absent in the ΔLys370–Ser425 receptor mutant, that is independent of the phospholipase C signaling pathway. The reduced ability of the ΔLys370–Ser425 receptor mutant to activate the ERK-1/2 pathway correlated with an ∼80% decrease in the ability of the receptor to undergo agonist-mediated phosphorylation. Furthermore, we have previously shown that M3-muscarinic receptor phosphorylation can be inhibited by a dominant negative mutant of casein kinase 1α and by expression of a peptide corresponding to the third intracellular loop of the M3-muscarinic receptor. Expression of these inhibitors of receptor phosphorylation reduced the wild-type M3-muscarinic receptor ERK-1/2 response. We conclude that phosphorylation of the M3-muscarinic receptor on sites in the third intracellular loop by casein kinase 1α contributes to the mechanism of receptor activation of ERK-1/2 by working in concert with the diacylglycerol/PKC arm of the phospholipase C signaling pathway.

Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activities of H-Dmt-Tic-NH-CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid (UFP-512), a novel selective delta opioid receptor agonist

Knockout and pharmacological studies have shown that delta opioid peptide (DOP) receptor signalling regulates emotional responses. In the present study, the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological profile of the DOP ligand, H-Dmt-Tic-NH-CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid (UFP-512) was investigated. In receptor binding experiments performed on membranes of CHO cells expressing the human recombinant opioid receptors, UFP-512 displayed very high affinity (pKi 10.20) and selectivity (>150-fold) for DOP sites. In functional studies ([35S]GTP gamma S binding in CHOhDOP membranes and electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens) UFP-512 behaved as a DOP selective full agonist showing potency values more than 100-fold higher than DPDPE. In vivo, in the mouse forced swimming test, UFP-512 reduced immobility time both after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration. Similar effects were recorded in rats. Moreover, UFP-512 evoked anxiolytic-like effects in the mouse elevated plus maze and light-dark aversion assays. All these in vivo actions of UFP-512 were fully prevented by the selective DOP antagonist naltrindole (3 mg/kg, s.c.). In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate that UFP-512 behaves as a highly potent and selective agonist at DOP receptors and corroborate the proposal that the selective activation of DOP receptors elicits robust anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in rodents.

Direct effect of morphine on breast cancer cell function in vitro: role of the NET1 gene

BACKGROUNDnExperimental data suggest that postoperative analgesia in general and opioids in particular may affect the risk of metastases after primary cancer surgery. Perioperative single-gene activation may also spark metastatic disease. The NET1 gene promotes migration in adenocarcinoma cells. We investigated opioid receptor expression in both breast cancer cell lines and the direct effect of morphine and NET-1 on breast cancer cell migration in vitro.nnnMETHODSnProliferation and migration of oestrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-231 and oestrogen receptor-positive MCF7 breast cancer cells were studied after incubation with morphine 10-100 ng ml(-1) and control. NET1 gene expression was determined by polymerase chain reaction. The effect of NET1 on cell migration was determined using gene silencing with siRNA and stimulation with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). The effect of morphine on NET1 expression and migration of cells with silenced NET1 was investigated.nnnRESULTSnThe NET1 gene was expressed in both cell lines and stimulated by LPA (2.9-fold in MCF7 and 78-fold in MDA-MB-231). NET1 expression was decreased by 96% after gene silencing in both cell lines with corresponding changes in migration. Despite the lack of opioid receptor expression, morphine increased the expression of NET1 (by 94% in MCF7 and by 263% in MDA-MB-231 cells). Morphine also increased migration by 17-27% and 7-53% in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231, respectively. Silencing the NET1 gene reversed the effect of morphine on migration.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe NET1 gene, but not opioid receptors, is expressed in breast adenocarcinoma cells and may facilitate their migration. Morphine increased both expression of NET1 and cell migration but not when NET1 was silenced, implying that NET1 contributes to mediating the direct effect of morphine on breast cancer cell migration.

Nociceptin and urotensin-II concentrations in critically ill patients with sepsis.

BACKGROUNDnThe systemic inflammatory response to infection (sepsis) involves widespread organ dysfunction, including changes in immune modulation, cardiovascular derangements, and neural activation. Two neuropeptide/receptor systems, nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) which acts at the non-classical opioid receptor NOP and urotensin-II (U-II) which acts at the urotensin receptor (UT), have been implicated in neural, immune, and cardiovascular system function. In this study, we make measurements of these peptides in critically ill patients.nnnMETHODSnPlasma samples from 21 critically ill patients with sepsis were collected over four consecutive days. Plasma N/OFQ and U-II concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay and compared with biochemical and clinical markers of illness severity, including serum creatinine, bilirubin, platelet and white cell counts, admission APACHE II and serial SOFA scores.nnnRESULTSnMedian (inter-quartile range) admission plasma N/OFQ concentrations in sepsis were higher in patients who died within 30 days (n=4) compared with survivors (n=17); 3.0 (2.5-5.0) vs 1.0 (1.0-2.5) pg ml(-1) (P=0.028). Plasma N/OFQ concentrations were increased in a subgroup of five patients who had undergone major gastrointestinal surgery. There were no significant changes in plasma U-II concentrations. There were no correlations between plasma U-II and N/OFQ concentrations and markers of illness severity and organ system dysfunction.nnnCONCLUSIONSnPlasma N/OFQ concentrations were increased in critically ill patients with sepsis who had undergone major gastrointestinal surgery and in patients who subsequently died. Further work is required to clarify the significance of plasma N/OFQ concentrations in sepsis.

Role of urotensin II and its receptor in health and disease

Urotensin II (U-II) is currently the most potent vasoconstrictor identified. This action is brought about via activation of a Gq/11-protein coupled receptor (UT receptor). U-II activation of the UT receptor increases inositol phosphate turnover and intracellular Ca2+. In addition to producing vasoconstriction, dilation and ionotropic effects have also been described. There is considerable variation in the responsiveness of particular vascular beds from the same and different species, including humans. Receptors for U-II are located peripherally on vascular smooth muscle (contractile responses) and endothelial cells (dilatory responses via nitric oxide). In humans, plasma U-II is elevated in heart failure, renal failure, liver disease, and diabetes. Iontophoresis of U-II in healthy volunteers produces vasodilation (of the forearm) while in patients with heart failure or hypertension a constriction is observed. To date there is only one clinical study using a UT receptor antagonist (palosuran) in diabetic patients with macroalbuminuria. This antagonist reduced albumin excretion, probably by increasing renal blood flow. Studies in other disease conditions are eagerly awaited. In summary, the U-II / UT receptor system has clinical potential, and for the anesthesiologist, this novel peptide-receptor system may be of use in the intensive care unit.

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells express nociceptin/orphanin FQ, but not mu, delta, or kappa opioid receptors.

BACKGROUND:Expression of opioid receptors on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) is controversial. These receptors are currently classified as classical (MOP/mu/&mgr;, DOP/delta/&dgr; and KOP/kappa/&kgr;) and nonclassical NOP (nociceptin/orphanin FQ; N/OFQ). METHODS:In this volunteer study we probed for the expression of both classical and nonclassical opioid receptors using 1) radioligand binding, 2) specific antibody binding, and 3) polymerase chain reaction-based experimental paradigms. RESULTS:Membranes prepared from PBMC from healthy volunteers did not bind either [3H]diprenorphine (a nonselective radioligand for classical opioid receptors) or [3H]N/OFQ. There was significant concentration-dependent binding of each radioligand to control tissues expressing recombinant MOP and NOP. In addition, using fluorescence-activated cell sorting paradigms, there was no binding of fluorescent naloxone or either of two MOP antibodies to whole PBMC, though fluorescent naloxone did bind to recombinant MOP (as a positive control). Using primers specific for classical and nonclassical opioid receptors, and RNA extracted from the PBMC of 10 healthy volunteers, we were also unable to detect MOP, DOP, and KOP transcripts. In contrast, NOP was detected in all samples. CONCLUSIONS:Despite using several complementary experimental strategies, we failed to demonstrate protein for classical or nonclassical opioid receptors on PBMC from healthy volunteers. We detected NOP mRNA, suggesting low-density NOP expression on these immunocytes. It is possible that N/OFQ, produced by the PBMC itself, may be involved in the control of immune function.

Characterization of Anandamide-Stimulated Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling in Human ULTR Myometrial Smooth Muscle Cells

Accumulating evidence highlights the importance of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) as a key mediator in reproductive physiology. Current data suggest potential roles for AEA in gametogenesis, fertilization, and parturition. AEA exerts its actions through two G protein-coupled receptors, termed cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), and 2 (CB2), and the ligand-gated transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1) ion channel. At present, the cellular mechanism(s) and consequences of AEA signaling in reproductive tissues, especially the myometrium, are poorly understood. Here, we examine the expression of CB1, CB2, and TRPV1 in the human myometrial smooth muscle cell-line (ULTR) and characterize intracellular signaling after stimulation with AEA. Radioligand binding analysis revealed a total CB receptor expression of 76 +/- 24 fmol/mg protein, with both quantitative PCR and competition binding studies indicating a negligible CB2 component. AEA caused Galpha(i/o)-dependent inhibition of adenylate cyclase to reduce intracellular cAMP levels. In addition, AEA caused a 2.5- to 3.5-fold increase in ERK activation, which was ablated by inhibition of Galpha(i/o), phosphoinositide-3-kinase and Src-kinase activities, but not by inhibition of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C activities. TRPV1 channel activation with capsaicin failed to activate ERK. Consistent with these findings, the selective agonists, arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (CB1) and L759656 (CB2), and selective antagonists AM251 (CB1) and JTE907 (CB2), provided pharmacological evidence that the ERK signaling pathway is activated through endogenously expressed CB1. These findings provide an insight into myometrial AEA signaling, highlighting a potential role for endocannabinoids in the regulation of gene expression in myometrial smooth muscle cells.

Binding of the novel radioligand [3H]UFP-101 to recombinant human and native rat nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous ligand for the N/OFQ peptide receptor (NOP). Binding studies have relied on [leucyl-3H]N/OFQ, but as this is an agonist G-protein coupling will affect affinity. In this paper, we describe a new [3H]labeled NOP antagonist, [Nphe1,4’-3H-Phe4,Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ-NH2 ([3H]UFP-101). We have characterized [3H]UFP-101 at recombinant human NOP expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHOhNOP) and native rat NOP in cerebrocortex. Radioligand saturation and competition studies were performed on membranes, and [3H]UFP-101 (antagonist) was compared with [3H]N/OFQ (agonist). The effects of GTPγS (10xa0µM) and Na+ were investigated alone and in combination in competition experiments with both radioligands. In CHOhNOP, Bmax, and pKD, values were 561 and 580xa0fmol mg protein−1 and 9.97 and 10.19 for [3H]UFP-101 and [leucyl-3H]N/OFQ, respectively. In rat cerebrocortex Bmax and pKD, values were 65 and 88xa0fmol mg protein−1 and 10.12 and 10.34 for [3H]UFP-101 and [leucyl-3H]N/OFQ. The binding of both radioligands was displaced by a range of peptide and non-peptide NOP ligands at both isoforms with good correlation (r2 0.92 in Rat and 0.97 in CHOhNOP). Naloxone was inactive. The binding of both radioligands was Na+-dependent with [3H]UFP-101 being more sensitive (IC50 ~20xa0mM). Unlike the agonist [leucyl-3H]N/OFQ, the antagonist [3H]UFP-101 was unaffected by GTPγS. [3H]UFP-101 binds to human and rat NOP with high affinity and good agreement with standard [leucyl-3H]N/OFQ in competition experiments. In addition, the binding of [3H]UFP-101 is unaffected by GTPγS. This radioligand will be useful to further characterize NOP in a range of binding paradigms.

[Dmt(1) ]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH(2) , a potent nociceptin/orphanin FQ and opioid receptor universal agonist.

Intrathecally (i.t.) administered nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) evokes antinociceptive effects in rodents. Recent studies in monkeys demonstrated that i.t. co‐application of N/OFQ and morphine elicits synergistic antinociceptive actions suggesting mixed N/OFQ peptide (NOP) and μ opioid receptor agonists as innovative spinal analgesics. Thus, novel N/OFQ related peptides were synthesized in order to identify and pharmacologically characterize a mixed NOP/ μ opioid receptor agonist.

Dmt-Tic-NH-CH2-Bid (UFP-502), a potent DOP receptor agonist: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Knockout and pharmacological studies demonstrated that the activation of delta opioid peptide (DOP) receptors produces antidepressant-like effects in rodents. Here we report the results obtained with the novel DOP ligand H-Dmt-Tic-NH-CH(2)-Bid (UFP-502). UFP-502 bound with high affinity (pK(i) 9.43) to recombinant DOP receptors displaying moderate selectivity over MOP and KOP. In CHO(hDOP) [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding and mouse vas deferens experiments, UFP-502 behaved as a potent (pEC(50) 10.09 and 10.70, respectively) full agonist. In these preparations, naloxone, naltrindole and N,N(CH(3))(2)Dmt-Tic-OH showed similar pA(2) values against UFP-502 and DPDPE and the same rank order of potency. In vivo in mice, UFP-502 mimicked DPDPE actions, producing a significant reduction of immobility time after intracerebroventricular administration in the forced swimming test and a clear antinociceptive effect after intrathecal injection in the tail withdrawal assay. However, while the effects of DPDPE were fully prevented by naltrindole those evoked by UFP-502 were unaffected (tail withdrawal assay) or only partially reversed (forced swimming test). In conclusion, UFP-502 represents a novel and useful chemical template for the design of selective agonists for the DOP receptor.