cyclic-gmp and 6-anilino-5-8-quinolinedione

In this study, to investigate the role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) in nitric oxide-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (NO-cGMP)-induced isoflavone accumulation in soybean sprouts under UV-B radiation, the sprouts were treated with donors and inhibitors of NO and cGMP as well as IP3 inhibitor. Results showed that NO, with cGMP as a second messenger, stimulates IP3 accumulation under UV-B radiation. Consistent with the increase in IP3 content, the up-regulation of gene and protein expression of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) in response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (exogenous NO donor) and 8-Br-cGMP (cGMP analogue) was also observed. In addition, protein kinase G (PKG) participated in NO-cGMP-induced IP3 production. IP3 induced by the NO-cGMP pathway was involved in isoflavone synthesis by elevating the activity and gene and protein expressions of chalcone synthase (CHS) and isoflavone synthase (IFS). Overall, IP3 mediates NO-cGMP-induced isoflavone accumulation in soybean sprouts under UV-B stress.

Topics: Acyltransferases; Aminoquinolines; Carbazoles; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Glycine max; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Isoflavones; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Plant Proteins; Seedlings; Ultraviolet Rays

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) signalling shares several signal components with abscisic acid (ABA) signalling in guard cells. Cyclic adenosine 5'-diphosphoribose (cADPR) and cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) are second messengers in ABA-induced stomatal closure. In order to clarify involvement of cADPR and cGMP in MeJA-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0), we investigated effects of an inhibitor of cADPR synthesis, nicotinamide (NA), and an inhibitor of cGMP synthesis, LY83583 (LY, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione), on MeJA-induced stomatal closure. Treatment with NA and LY inhibited MeJA-induced stomatal closure. NA inhibited MeJA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and nitric oxide (NO) production in guard cells. NA and LY suppressed transient elevations elicited by MeJA in cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]cyt) in guard cells. These results suggest that cADPR and cGMP positively function in [Ca(2+)]cyt elevation in MeJA-induced stomatal closure, are signalling components shared with ABA-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis, and that cADPR is required for MeJA-induced ROS accumulation and NO production in Arabidopsis guard cells.

Topics: Acetates; Aminoquinolines; Arabidopsis; Calcium; Cyclic ADP-Ribose; Cyclic GMP; Cyclopentanes; Nicotinamidase; Nitric Oxide; Oxylipins; Plant Leaves; Plant Stomata; Reactive Oxygen Species

The phytohormone auxin participates in lateral root formation and primary root growth in plants. The auxin gradient formation is mainly regulated by the direction of polar auxin transport (PAT). PAT requires PIN family proteins, which are auxin transport facilitators and contribute to the establishment and maintenance of auxin gradients and mediate multiple developmental processes. Here, we report the effect of the 3', 5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), an important second messenger, on postembryonic developmental of Arabidopsis lateral root. We find that enhanced cGMP level through the application of the membrane permeable cGMP analog 8-Br-cGMP, promotes the initiation of lateral root primordia and formation of lateral root. 6-Anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (Ly83583, the guanylate cyclase inhibitor) negatively regulates the process. cGMP also mediates acropetal auxin transport and basipetal auxin transport in the root. We further find that 8-Br-cGMP and Ly83583 change the expression of auxin transport genes and alter the polar localization and expression of PIN1 and PIN2 proteins. Moreover, Ly83583 affects actin organization and localization. Taken together, we propose that cGMP affects auxin transport and auxin gradient through modulation PINs proteins localization and expression. cGMP regulates postembryonic formation of Arabidopsis lateral root through the crosstalk with PAT.

Topics: Actin Cytoskeleton; Aminoquinolines; Arabidopsis; Arabidopsis Proteins; Biological Transport; Cell Membrane Permeability; Cyclic GMP; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Genes, Plant; Green Fluorescent Proteins; Indoleacetic Acids; Membrane Transport Proteins; Plant Roots; Plants, Genetically Modified; Seedlings; Thionucleotides

Here, α-Amy2/54 gene expression was used as a molecular probe to investigate the interrelationship among nitric oxide (NO), cyclic GMP (cGMP), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in GA-treated wheat aleurone layers. The inducible expressions of α-Amy2/54 and α-amylase activity were respectively amplified by two NO-releasing compounds, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and spermine NONOate, in a GA-dependent fashion. Similar responses were observed when an inducer of HO-1, hemin-or one of its catalytic products, carbon monoxide (CO) in aqueous solution-was respectively added. The SNP-induced responses, mimicked by 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP), a cGMP derivative, were NO-dependent. This conclusion was supported by the fact that endogenous NO overproduction was rapidly induced by SNP, and thereafter induction of α-Amy2/54 gene expression and increased α-amylase activity were sensitive to the NO scavenger. We further observed that the above induction triggered by SNP and 8-Br-cGMP was partially prevented by zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX), an inhibitor of HO-1. These blocking effects were clearly reversed by CO, confirming that the above response was HO-1-specific. Further analyses showed that both SNP and 8-Br-cGMP rapidly up-regulated HO-1 gene expression and increased HO activity, and SNP responses were sensitive to cPTIO and the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583). Molecular evidence confirmed that GA-induced GAMYB and ABA-triggered PKABA1 transcripts were up-regulated or down-regulated by SNP, 8-Br-cGMP or CO cotreated with GA. Contrasting changes were observed when cPTIO, LY83583, or ZnPPIX was added. Together, our results suggested that HO-1 is involved in NO- and cGMP-induced α-Amy2/54 gene expression in GA-treated aleurone layers.

Topics: alpha-Amylases; Aminoquinolines; Benzoates; Carbon Monoxide; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gene Expression; Genes, Plant; Gibberellins; Guanylate Cyclase; Heme Oxygenase-1; Imidazoles; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroprusside; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Proteins; Protoporphyrins; Signal Transduction; Spermine; Triticum

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a physiological messenger with diverse functions in the kidney, including controlling afferent arteriole tone both directly and via tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). We have reported that CO attenuates TGF, but the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unknown. We hypothesized that CO, acting via cGMP, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase 2, reduces cAMP in the macula densa, leading to TGF attenuation. In vitro, microdissected rabbit afferent arterioles and their attached macula densa were simultaneously perfused. TGF was measured as the decrease in afferent arteriole diameter elicited by switching macula densa NaCl from 10 to 80 mmol/L. Adding a CO-releasing molecule (CORM-3, 5 × 10(-5) mol/L) to the macula densa blunted TGF from 3.3 ± 0.3 to 2.0 ± 0.3 μm (P<0.001). The guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83583 (10(-6) mol/L) enhanced TGF (5.8 ± 0.6 μm; P<0.001 versus control) and prevented the effect of CORM-3 on TGF (LY-83583+CORM-3, 5.5 ± 0.3 μm). Similarly, the cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor KT-5823 (2 × 10(-6) mol/L) enhanced TGF and prevented the effect of CORM-3 on TGF (KT-5823, 6.0 ± 0.7 μm; KT-5823+CORM-3, 5.9 ± 0.8 μm). However, the phosphodiesterase 2 inhibitor BAY-60-7550 (10(-6) mol/L) did not prevent the effect of CORM-3 on TGF (BAY-60-7550, 4.07 ± 0.31 μm; BAY-60-7550+CORM-3, 1.84 ± 0.31 μm; P<0.001). Finally, the degradation-resistant cAMP analog dibutyryl-cAMP (10(-3) mol/L) prevented the attenuation of TGF by CORM-3 (dibutyryl-cAMP, 4.6 ± 0.5 μm; dibutyryl-cAMP+CORM-3, 5.0 ± 0.6 μm). We conclude that CO attenuates TGF by reducing cAMP via a cGMP-dependent pathway mediated by cGMP-dependent protein kinase rather than phosphodiesterase 2. Our results will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms that control the renal microcirculation.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arterioles; Bucladesine; Carbazoles; Carbon Monoxide; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 2; Enzyme Inhibitors; Feedback, Physiological; Guanylate Cyclase; Imidazoles; In Vitro Techniques; Kidney Glomerulus; Kidney Tubules, Distal; Organometallic Compounds; Rabbits; Triazines

Multiple pathways from three types of multiple receptor sites to three types of metabotropic signal transduction pathways were investigated in the whole cell-clamp experiments using isolated labellar sugar receptor neurons (cells) of the adult blowfly, Phormia regina. First, the concentration-response curves of three types of sweet taste components specialized to multiple receptor sites were obtained: sucrose for the pyranose sites (P-sites), fructose for the furanose sites (F-sites), and l-valine for the alkyl sites (R-sites). Next, the effects of inhibitors such as 2', 5'-dideoxyadenosine on adenylyl cyclase in the cAMP pathway, LY 83583 on guanylyl cyclase in the cGMP pathway, and U-73122 on phospholipase C in the IP₃ pathway were examined. The results showed that all of the inhibitors affected each specific target in the second-messenger transduction pathways. The obtained results verified that the P-site corresponded to the cAMP, the F-site to the cGMP, and the R-site to the IP₃ transduction pathway, and that these three signal pathways did not have crossing points.

Topics: Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Chemoreceptor Cells; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Dideoxyadenosine; Diptera; Estrenes; Fructose; Guanylate Cyclase; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Pyrrolidinones; Signal Transduction; Sucrose; Taste; Type C Phospholipases; Valine

ATP can activate several Ca(2+) influx channels in vascular endothelial cells. For example, it stimulates TRPC channels via capacitative and noncapacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE and non-CCE, respectively) mechanisms; it also directly acts on P2X purinoceptors, resulting in Ca(2+) influx. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels also contribute to ATP-induced non-CCE.. Two selective inhibitors of CNG channels, L-cis-diltiazem and LY-83583, and CNGA2-specific siRNA were used to study the involvement of CNGA2 in ATP-induced non-CCE in endothelial cells. Ca(2+) influx was studied using Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescence dyes Fluo-3 and Fluo-4.. L-cis-diltiazem and LY-83583 markedly reduced ATP-induced non-CCE in 3 types of endothelial cells including the H5V endothelial cell line, the primary cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells and the endothelial cells within isolated mouse aortic strips. The CNGA2-specific siRNA also reduced the ATP-induced non-CCE in H5V endothelial cells. The Ca(2+) influx was inhibited by Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS, MDL-12330A, SQ-22536 and MRS-2179, but not by ODQ or NF-157. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that CNGA2 channels contribute to ATP-induced non-CCE in vascular endothelial cells. It is likely that ATP acts through P2Y(1)receptors and adenylyl cyclases to stimulate CNGA2.

Topics: Adenine; Adenosine Diphosphate; Adenosine Triphosphate; Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors; Adenylyl Cyclases; Aminoquinolines; Aniline Compounds; Animals; Calcium Channel Blockers; Calcium Signaling; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels; Diltiazem; Endothelial Cells; Enzyme Inhibitors; Imines; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microscopy, Confocal; Purinergic P2 Receptor Antagonists; Receptors, Purinergic P2; Receptors, Purinergic P2Y1; RNA Interference; Thionucleotides; Time Factors; Transfection; Vasodilation; Xanthenes

Cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) is an important second messenger in animals, and is emerging as a player in regulatory functions in plants. In this study, we investigated the role of cGMP in seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0). We demonstrated that both, a membrane-permeant analogue of cGMP (8-Br-cGMP) and the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor Tadalafil promoted A. thaliana seed germination, whereas the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY 83583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione; LY) inhibited it. LY blocked gibberellic acid (GA)-induced seed germination, whereas GA and 8-Br-cGMP co-treatment increased the germination rate and more effectively overcame LY-inhibition than 8-Br-cGMP alone. The gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PAC) also blocked 8-Br-cGMP and Tadalafil promotion of seed germination. Furthermore, 8-Br-cGMP and Tadalafil decreased abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity during seed germination. These findings highlight that cGMP is a positive regulator and plays a crucial role in Arabidopsis seed germination. Furthermore, both GA and cGMP are required for seed germination.

Topics: Abscisic Acid; Aminoquinolines; Arabidopsis; Carbolines; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Germination; Gibberellins; Guanylate Cyclase; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Seeds; Tadalafil; Triazoles

Nitrate assimilation in plants and related organisms is a highly regulated and conserved pathway in which the enzyme nitrate reductase (NR) occupies a central position. Although some progress has been made in understanding the regulation of the protein, transcriptional regulation of the NR gene (NIA1) is poorly understood. This work describes a mechanism for the ammonium-mediated repression of NIA1. We report the characterization of a mutant defective in the repression of NIA1 and NR in response to ammonium and show that a gene (CYG56) coding for a nitric oxide (NO)-dependent guanylate cyclase (GC) was interrupted in this mutant. NO donors, cGMP analogs, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), and a calcium ionophore (A23187) repress the expression of NIA1 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii wild-type cells and also repress the expression of other ammonium-sensitive genes. In addition, the GC inhibitors LY83,583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione) and ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one) release cells from ammonium repression. Intracellular NO and cGMP levels were increased in the presence of ammonium in wild-type cells. In the cyg56 mutant, NIA1 transcription was less sensitive to NO donors and A23187, but responded like the wild type to IBMX. Results presented here suggest that CYG56 participates in ammonium-mediated NIA1 repression through a pathway that involves NO, cGMP, and calcium and that similar mechanisms might be occurring in plants.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Arabidopsis; Arabidopsis Proteins; Calcium; Chlamydomonas reinhardtii; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic N-Oxides; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Guanylate Cyclase; Imidazoles; Models, Biological; Molecular Sequence Data; Mutation; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitrate Reductase; Nitric Oxide; Nitrogen; Oxadiazoles; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Quinoxalines; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Signal Transduction; Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase; Transcription, Genetic

Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP), a newly-described natriuretic peptide, relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle. L-type calcium channel currents play an important role in regulating smooth muscle contraction. The effect of DNP on L-type calcium channel currents in gastrointestinal tract is still unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effect of DNP on barium current (I(Ba)) through the L-type calcium channel in gastric antral myocytes of guinea pigs and cGMP-pathway mechanism. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record L-type calcium channel currents. The content of cGMP in guinea pig gastric antral smooth muscle and perfusion solution was measured using radioimmunoassay. DNP markedly enhanced cGMP levels in gastric antral smooth muscle tissue and in perfusion medium. DNP concentration-dependently inhibited I(Ba) in freshly isolated guinea pig gastric antral circular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of guinea pigs. DNP-induced inhibition of I(Ba) was partially blocked by LY83583, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase. KT5823, a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitor, almost completely blocked DNP-induced inhibition of I(Ba). However, DNP-induced inhibition of I(Ba) was potentiated by zaprinast, an inhibitor of cGMP-sensitive phosphodiesterase. Taken together, DNP inhibits L-type calcium channel currents via pGC-cGMP-PKG-dependent signal pathway in gastric antral myocytes of guinea pigs.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium Channels, L-Type; Carbazoles; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Elapid Venoms; Electrophysiology; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Guinea Pigs; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Peptides; Purinones; Pyloric Antrum; Radioimmunoassay

Evidence suggests that the NO/sGC/PKG pathway plays a key role in memory processing but the actual participation of this signaling cascade in the amygdala during memory consolidation remains unknown. Here, we show that when infused in the amygdala immediately after inhibitory avoidance training, but not later, the NO synthase inhibitor L-NNA hindered long-term memory retention without affecting locomotion, exploratory behavior, anxiety state or retrieval of the avoidance response. The amnesic effect of L-NNA was not state-dependent and was mimicked by the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor LY83583 and the PKG inhibitor KT-5823. On the contrary, post-training intra-amygdala infusion of the NOS substrate L-Arg, the NO-releasing compound SNAP or the non-hydrolysable analog of cGMP 8Br-cGMP increased memory retention in a dose-dependent manner. Co-infusion of 8Br-cGMP reversed the amnesic effect of L-NNA and LY83583 but not that of KT-5823. Our data indicate that the NO-induced activation of PKG in the amygdala is a necessary step for consolidation of inhibitory avoidance memory.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Amygdala; Animals; Anxiety; Arginine; Avoidance Learning; Carbazoles; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Exploratory Behavior; Guanylate Cyclase; Male; Maze Learning; Memory; Motor Activity; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Penicillamine; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Signal Transduction

Microglia migrate rapidly to lesions in the central nervous system (CNS), presumably in response to chemoattractants including ATP released directly or indirectly by the injury. Previous work on the leech has shown that nitric oxide (NO), generated at the lesion, is both a stop signal for microglia at the lesion and crucial for their directed migration from hundreds of micrometers away within the nerve cord, perhaps mediated by a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). In this study, application of 100 microM ATP caused maximal movement of microglia in leech nerve cords. The nucleotides ADP, UTP, and the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog AMP-PNP (adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate) also caused movement, whereas AMP, cAMP, and adenosine were without effect. Both movement in ATP and migration after injury were slowed by 50 microM reactive blue 2 (RB2), an antagonist of purinergic receptors, without influencing the direction of movement. This contrasted with the effect of the NO scavenger cPTIO (2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-teramethylimidazoline-oxyl-3-oxide), which misdirected movement when applied at 1 mM. The cPTIO reduced cGMP immunoreactivity without changing the immunoreactivity of eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), which accompanies increased NOS activity after nerve cord injury, consistent with involvement of sGC. Moreover, the sGC-specific inhibitor LY83583 applied at 50 microM had a similar effect, in agreement with previous results with methylene blue. Taken together, the experiments support the hypothesis that ATP released directly or indirectly by injury activates microglia to move, whereas NO that activates sGC directs migration of microglia to CNS lesions.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Aminoquinolines; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Cell Movement; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic N-Oxides; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Free Radical Scavengers; Imidazoles; In Vitro Techniques; Leeches; Microglia; Nitric Oxide; Nucleotides; Trauma, Nervous System; Triazines

Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP), a newly-described natriuretic peptide, plays an inhibitory role in smooth muscle motility of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the effect of DNP on delayed rectifier potassium currents I(K(V)) is still unclear. In this study, we sought to investigate the effect of DNP on I(K(V)) and its mechanism in gastric antral circular smooth muscle cells using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. DNP significantly inhibited I(K(V)) in a concentration-dependent manner. LY83583 (1 micromol/l), a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, significantly impaired DNP-induced inhibition of I(K(V)). Moreover, DNP-induced inhibition in I(K(V)) was potentiated by the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) sensitive phosphoesterase inhibitor zaparinast (0.1 micromol/l). DNP-induced inhibition of I(K(V)) was completely blocked by KT5823, an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase G(PKG), but not affected by KT-5720, a PKA-specific inhibitor. Taken together, our results suggest that DNP inhibits I(K(V)) via the cGMP/PKG-dependent signaling axis instead of the cAMP/PKA pathway.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Carbazoles; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Elapid Venoms; Electrophysiology; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Guinea Pigs; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Peptides; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; Pyrroles; Signal Transduction

The cell signaling cascades that mediate pigment movements in crustacean chromatophores are not yet well established, although Ca(2+) and cyclic nucleotide second messengers are involved. Here, we examine the participation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in pigment aggregation triggered by red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) in the red ovarian chromatophores of freshwater shrimp. In Ca(2+)-containing (5.5 mmol l(-1)) saline, 10 micromol l(-1) dibutyryl cGMP alone produced complete pigment aggregation with the same time course ( approximately 20 min) and peak velocity ( approximately 17 microm/min) as 10(-8) mol l(-1) RPCH; however, in Ca(2+)-free saline (9 x 10(-11) mol l(-1) Ca(2+)), db-cGMP was without effect. The soluble guanylyl cyclase (GC-S) activators sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.5 micromol l(-1)) and 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1, 100 micromol l(-1)) induced moderate aggregation by themselves ( approximately 35%-40%) but did not affect RPCH-triggered aggregation. The GC-S inhibitors zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP-XI, 30 micromol l(-1)) and 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583, 10 micromol l(-1)) partially inhibited RPCH-triggered aggregation by approximately 35%. Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa, 1 micromol l(-1)), a membrane-receptor guanylyl cyclase stimulator, did not induce or affect RPCH-triggered aggregation. We propose that the binding of RPCH to an unknown membrane-receptor type activates a Ca(2+)-dependent signaling cascade coupled via cytosolic guanylyl cyclase and cGMP to protein kinase G-phosphorylated proteins that regulate aggregation-associated, cytoskeletal molecular motor activity. This is a further example of a cGMP signaling cascade mediating the effect of a crustacean X-organ neurosecretory peptide.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Brazil; Chromatophores; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activation; Fresh Water; Guanylate Cyclase; Molsidomine; Nitroprusside; Palaemonidae; Pigments, Biological; Protoporphyrins; Signal Transduction

Our previous study with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist D-AP5 suggested that NMDA receptors were involved in learning but not memory consolidation of avoidance conditioning. The present study investigated whether nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were involved in memory consolidation but not learning of avoidance conditioning in goldfish. Experiments 1 to 3 investigated amnestic and performance effects of NO inhibitor L-NAME and cGMP inhibitor LY-83583. Experiment 4 investigated whether posttraining intratelencephalic injection of NO donor SNAP ameliorated anterograde amnestic effects of pretraining NO inhibitor L-NAME. The results showed that L-NAME and LY-83583 produced significant anterograde and retrograde amnesia at doses that did not impair performance processes, and the drugs produced more severe retrograde than anterograde amnesia. Furthermore, posttraining SNAP significantly ameliorated anterograde amnestic effects of pretraining L-NAME. Thus, our previous results with D-AP5 and current results with L-NAME and LY-83583 together suggest that the NMDA receptors are involved in learning or the process that is completed during training, whereas the NO and cGMP are involved in memory consolidation or the process that is normally completed sometime following the learning experience.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Avoidance Learning; Conditioning, Psychological; Cyclic GMP; Electroshock; Enzyme Inhibitors; Goldfish; Memory; Memory Disorders; Microinjections; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Random Allocation; S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine; Telencephalon

A potential treatment modality for joint pain due to cartilage degradation is electromagnetic fields (EMF) that can be delivered, noninvasively, to chondrocytes buried within cartilage. A pulsed EMF in clinical use for recalcitrant bone fracture healing has been modified to be delivered as a pulsed electric field (PEF) through capacitive coupling. It was the objective of this study to determine whether the PEF signal could have a direct effect on chondrocytes in vitro. This study shows that a 30-min PEF treatment can increase DNA content of chondrocyte monolayer by approximately 150% at 72 h poststimulus. Studies intended to explore the biological mechanism showed this PEF signal increased nitric oxide measured in culture medium and cGMP measured in cell extract within the 30-min exposure period. Increasing calcium in the culture media or adding the calcium ionophore A23187, without PEF treatment, also significantly increased short-term nitric oxide production. The inhibitor W7, which blocks calcium/calmodulin, prevented the PEF-stimulated increase in both nitric oxide and cGMP. The inhibitor L-NAME, which blocks nitric oxide synthase, prevented the PEF-stimulated increase in nitric oxide, cGMP, and DNA content. An inhibitor of guanylate cyclase (LY83583) blocked the PEF-stimulated increase in cGMP and DNA content. A nitric oxide donor, when present for only 30 min, increased DNA content 72 h later. Taken together, these results suggest the transduction pathway for PEF-stimulated chondrocyte proliferation involves nitric oxide and the production of nitric oxide may be the result of a cascade that involves calcium, calmodulin, and cGMP production.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Chondrocytes; Cyclic GMP; DNA; Electric Stimulation; Electromagnetic Fields; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroprusside; Signal Transduction

In septic shock, systemic vasodilation and myocardial depression contribute to the systemic hypotension observed. Both components can be attributed to the effects of mediators that are released as part of the inflammatory response. We previously found that lysozyme (Lzm-S), released from leukocytes, contributed to the myocardial depression that develops in a canine model of septic shock. Lzm-S binds to the endocardial endothelium, resulting in the production of nitric oxide (NO), which, in turn, activates the myocardial soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pathway. In the present study, we determined whether Lzm-S might also play a role in the systemic vasodilation that occurs in septic shock. In a phenylephrine-contracted canine carotid artery ring preparation, we found that both canine and human Lzm-S, at concentrations similar to those found in sepsis, produced vasorelaxation. This decrease in force could not be prevented by inhibitors of NO synthase, prostaglandin synthesis, or potassium channel inhibitors and was not dependent on the presence of the vascular endothelium. However, inhibitors of the sGC pathway prevented the vasodilatory activity of Lzm-S. In addition, Aspergillus niger catalase, which breaks down H(2)O(2), as well as hydroxyl radical scavengers, which included hydroquinone and mannitol, prevented the effect of Lzm-S. Electrochemical sensors corroborated that Lzm-S caused H(2)O(2) release from the carotid artery preparation. In conclusion, these results support the notion that when Lzm-S interacts with the arterial vasculature, this interaction results in the formation of H(2)O(2), which, in turn, activates the sGC pathway to cause relaxation. Lzm-S may contribute to the vasodilation that occurs in septic shock.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Carotid Artery, Internal; Catalase; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Dogs; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Ethanol; Free Radical Scavengers; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hydroquinones; In Vitro Techniques; Indomethacin; Mannitol; Mesenteric Artery, Superior; Methylene Blue; Muramidase; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; omega-N-Methylarginine; Oxadiazoles; Phenylephrine; Prostaglandins; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Quinoxalines; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Sepsis; Signal Transduction; Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase; Thionucleotides; Time Factors; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Vasodilation

South American (SA) opossum lower esophageal sphincter (LES) circular smooth muscle relaxes by activation of enteric nerves elicited by EFS (electrical field stimulation, 0.5 ms, 48 V, 0.5-8 Hz for 10 s). The identity of the mediator released and the cellular mechanism, however, remain to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the enzyme soluble guanylate cyclase (cGC) inhibitors, cystamine (100 microM), methylene blue (30 microM), LY 83583 (6-anilino-5,8 quinoledione, 10 microM) and ODQ (H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3]quinoxalin-1-one, 1 microM) on the relaxations induced by EFS and by exogenous NO (nitric oxide, 0.5 mM) or NO-donors on SA opossum LES smooth muscle strips. EFS caused frequency-dependent relaxations, which were inhibited by NO-synthase inhibitors and abolished by tetrodotoxin. Cystamine did not affect relaxations caused by EFS and NO or NO-donor. Methylene blue also failed to affect EFS-caused relaxations, although it was capable of inhibiting relaxation induced by NO. LY 83583 inhibited relaxations induced by NO, but did not affect those induced by EFS or by SNAP and HXA. ODQ abolished relaxations caused by EFS at lower frequencies and by HXA (hydroxylamine, 10 microM) and SNAP (S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine, 10 microM). Relaxations at higher frequencies of EFS and induced by SNP (sodium nitroprusside, 30 microM) and NO were only reduced by ODQ. These findings indicate that activation of the cGC can be involved in relaxations induced by EFS at lower frequencies, but other mechanisms can be involved at higher frequencies of EFS and caused by SNP or NO.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Cysteamine; Electric Stimulation; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Female; Guanylate Cyclase; Hydrazines; Hydroxylamine; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Methylene Blue; Muscle Relaxation; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroprusside; Opossums; Oxadiazoles; Penicillamine; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase

The regulation of sperm capacitation is important for successful fertilization. Ginsenosides, the biologically effective components of ginseng, have been found to enhance intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production and the latter has recently been indicated to play a significant role in modulation of sperm functions. We investigated the effect of Ginsenoside Re on human sperm capacitation in vitro and the mechanism by which the Ginsenosides play their roles. Spermatozoa were separated by Percoll and incubated with 0, 1, 10, or 100 microM of Ginsenoside Re. The percentages of spontaneous and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-induced acrosome reaction (AR), as a measure of sperm capacitation, were assayed with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA). The intracellular cGMP level was measured by [(3)H] cGMP radioimmunoassay system. The results showed that the percentages of both spontaneous and LPC-induced AR and intracellular cGMP level were significantly enhanced by Ginsenoside Re with a concentration-dependent manner. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 100 nM), a NO donor, mimicked the effects of Ginsenoside Re. And pretreatment with a NOS inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) or a NO scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (LNAC, 1 mM) completely blocked the effects of Ginsenoside Re. Furthermore, the AR-inducing effect of Ginsenoside Re was significantly reduced in the presence of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY83583 or cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PCK) inhibitor KT5823, whereas addition of the cGMP analogue 8-Br-cGMP significantly increased the AR of human spermatozoa. Data suggested that Ginsenoside Re is beneficial to sperm capacitation and AR, and that the effect is accomplished through NO/cGMP/PKG pathway.

Topics: Acrosome Reaction; Adult; Aminoquinolines; Carbazoles; Cyclic GMP; Ginsenosides; Humans; Indoles; Male; Nitric Oxide; Signal Transduction; Sperm Capacitation; Spermatozoa

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule in the CNS, regulating neuronal survival, proliferation and differentiation. Here, we explored the mechanism by which NO, produced from the NO donor S-nitroso-acetyl-d-l-penicillamine (SNAP), exerts its neuroprotective effect in purified cultures of chick retinal neurons. Cultures prepared from 8-day-old chick embryo retinas and incubated for 24 h (1 day in culture, C1) were treated or not with SNAP, incubated for a further 72 h (up to 4 days in culture, C4), fixed, and the number of cells estimated, or processed for cell death estimation, by measuring the reduction of the metabolic dye 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Experimental cultures were run in parallel but were re-fed with fresh medium in the absence or presence of SNAP at culture day 3 (C3), incubated for a further 24 h up to C4, then fixed or processed for the MTT assay. Previous studies showed that the re-feeding procedure promotes extensive cell death. SNAP prevented this death in a concentration- and time-dependent manner through the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase; this protection was significantly reversed by the enzyme inhibitors 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) or LY83583, and mimicked by 8-bromo cyclic guanosine 5'-phosphate (8Br-cGMP) (GMP) or 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1), guanylate cyclase activators. The effect was blocked by the NO scavenger 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO). The effect of NO was also suppressed by LY294002, Wortmannin, PD98059, KN93 or H89, indicating the involvement, respectively, of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, extracellular-regulated kinases, calmodulin-dependent kinases and protein kinase A signaling pathways. NO also induced a significant increase of neurite outgrowth, indicative of neuronal differentiation, and blocked cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore considered an important mediator of apoptosis and necrosis, as well as boc-aspartyl (OMe) fluoromethylketone (BAF), a caspase inhibitor, also blocked cell death induced by re-feeding the cultures. These findings demonstrate that NO inhibits apoptosis of retinal neurons in a cGMP/protein kinase G (PKG)-dependent way, and strengthens the notion that NO plays an important role during CNS development.

Topics: Adenosine; Aminoquinolines; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Chick Embryo; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic N-Oxides; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Enzyme Inhibitors; Free Radical Scavengers; Imidazoles; Neurons; Nitrates; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitrites; Penicillamine; Retina; Signal Transduction; Tetrazolium Salts; Thiazoles; Tritium

Single-celled spores of the fern Ceratopteris richardii undergo gravity-directed cell polarity development that is driven by polar calcium currents. Here we present results that establish a role for nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP signaling in transducing the stimulus of gravity to directed polarization of the spores. Application of specific NO donors and scavengers inhibited the calcium-dependent gravity response in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of NO donor exposure were antagonized by application of NO scavenger compounds. Similarly, the guanylate cyclase inhibitors 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin, and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor Viagra, which modulate NO-dependent cGMP levels in the cells, disrupted gravity-directed cell polarity in a dose-dependent manner. Viagra effects were antagonized by application of NO scavengers, consistent with the postulate that NO and cGMP are linked in the signaling pathway. To identify other components of the signaling system we analyzed gene expression changes induced by Viagra treatment using microarrays and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Preliminary microarray analysis revealed several genes whose expression was significantly altered by Viagra treatment. Three of these genes had strong sequence similarity to key signal transduction or stress response genes and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to more rigorously quantify the effects of Viagra on their expression in spores and to test how closely these effects could be mimicked by treatment with dibutyryl cGMP. Taken together our results implicate NO and cGMP as downstream effectors that help link the gravity stimulus to polarized growth in C. richardii spores. Sequence data from this article can be found in the GenBank/EMBL data libraries under accession numbers BE 640669 to BE 643506, BQ 086920 to BQ 087668, and CV 734654 to CV 736151.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Calcium; Cell Polarity; Cyclic GMP; Dibutyryl Cyclic GMP; Guanylate Cyclase; Molecular Sequence Data; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Piperazines; Pteridaceae; Purines; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rotation; Signal Transduction; Sildenafil Citrate; Spores; Sulfones

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) generation system like nitric oxide (NO) and play an inhibitory regulation in gastrointestinal motility but the effect of NPs on muscarinic activity is still unclear. This study was designed to investigate effect of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on muscarinic control of gastric motility and its ion channel mechanism. The spontaneous contraction of gastric smooth muscle strip was recorded by using physiograph in guinea-pig. Membrane currents and potential were recorded by using whole-cell patch-clamp technique. CNP significantly inhibited muscarinic M receptor agonist carbachol (Cch)-induced contractions of gastric smooth muscle strips and dramatically hyperpolarized Cch-induced depolarization of membrane potential in gastric single smooth muscle cell. Muscarinic currents induced by both Cch and GTPgammaS, a G-protein agonist were significantly suppressed by CNP. 8-Br-cGMP mimicked the effect of CNP on Cch-induced muscarinic currents, and the peak holding current was decreased from -200.66+/-54.35 pA of control to -67.35+/-24.82 pA. LY83583, a guanylate cyclase nonspecific inhibitor, significantly weakened the inhibitory effect of CNP on muscarinic current while zaprinast, a cGMP sensitive phosphoesterase inhibitor, potentiated the inhibitory effect of CNP on muscarinic current. cGMP production was dramatically enhanced by CNP and this effect was suppressed by LY83583 in gastric smooth muscle. These results suggest that CNP modulates muscarinic activity via CNP-NPR-particulate guanylate cyclase (pGC)-cGMP pathway in guinea-pig.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Carbachol; Cholinergic Agonists; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Gastric Mucosa; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Membrane Potentials; Muscle, Smooth; Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Stomach

Pig oocytes matured in vitro were parthenogenetically activated (78%) after treatment with 2 mM nitric oxide-donor (+/-)-S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) for 24 h. Inhibition of soluble guanylyl cyclase with the specific inhibitors 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) or 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinequinone (LY83583) suppressed the SNAP-induced activation in a dose-dependent manner (23% of activated oocytes after treatment with 400 microM ODQ; 12% of activated oocytes after treatment with 40 microM LY83583). 8-Bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP), a phosphodiesterase-resistant analogue of cGMP, enhances the effect of suboptimal doses (0.1 or 0.5 mM) of the NO donor SNAP. DT3, a specific inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG, PKG), is also able to inhibit the activation of pig oocytes after NO donor treatment. Involvement of the cGMP-dependent signalling pathway is specific for NO-induced oocyte activation, because both the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ and the PKG inhibitor DT3 are unable to inhibit activation in oocytes treated with the calcium ionophore A23187. These data indicate that the activation of pig oocytes with an NO donor is cGMP-dependent and that PKG plays an important role in this mode of oocyte activation.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cell Membrane Permeability; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Digitoxin; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activation; Guanylate Cyclase; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Oocytes; Oxadiazoles; Penicillamine; Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Quinoxalines; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Signal Transduction; Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase; Swine

Pancreastatin (PST), a chromogranin A-derived peptide, has an anti-insulin metabolic effect and inhibits growth and proliferation by producing nitric oxide (NO) in HTC rat hepatoma cells. When NO production is blocked, a proliferative effect prevails due to the activation a Galphaq/11-phospholipase C-beta (PLC-beta) pathway, which leads to an increase in [Ca2+]i, protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the NO synthase (NOS) isoform that mediates these effects of PST on HTC hepatoma cells and the possible roles of cyclic GMP (cGMP) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase. DNA and protein synthesis in response to PST were measured as [3H]-thymidine and [3H]-leucine incorporation in the presence of various pharmacological inhibitors: N-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMLA, nonspecific NOS inhibitor), L-NIO (endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor), espermidine (neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor), LY83583 (guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), and KT5823 (protein kinase G inhibitor, (PKG)). L-NIO, similarly to NMLA, reverted the inhibitory effect of PST on hepatoma cell into a stimulatory effect on growth and proliferation. Nevertheless, espermidine also prevented the inhibitory effect of PST, but there was no stimulation of growth and proliferation. When guanylyl cyclase activity was blocked, there was again a reversion of the inhibitory effect into a stimulatory action, suggesting that the effect of NO was mediated by the production of cGMP. PKG inhibition prevented the inhibitory effect of PST, but there was no stimulatory effect. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of PST on growth and proliferation of hepatoma cells may be mainly mediated by eNOS activation. In turn, the effect of NO may be mediated by cGMP, whereas other pathways in addition to PKG activation seem to mediate the inhibition of DNA and protein synthesis by PST in HTC hepatoma cells.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Calcium; Carbazoles; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Enlargement; Cell Proliferation; Chromogranin A; Chromogranins; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; DNA; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Indoles; Isoenzymes; Leucine; Liver; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; omega-N-Methylarginine; Ornithine; Pancreatic Hormones; Peptides; Phospholipase C beta; Protein Isoforms; Rats; Receptors, Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Spermidine; Thymidine; Time Factors; Type C Phospholipases

The mechanism of endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, MMP-1 production and MMP-13 production was investigated in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes. The cells were isolated from human articular cartilage obtained at surgery and were cultured in the absence or presence of ET-1 with or without inhibitors of protein kinase or LY83583 (an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase and of cGMP). MMP-1, MMP-13 and NO levels were then measured by ELISA and Griess reaction, respectively. Additionally, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and phosphorylated forms of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, p44/42, stress-activated protein kinase/Jun-N-terminal kinase and serine-threonine Akt kinase were determined by western blot. Results show that ET-1 greatly increased MMP-1 and MMP-13 production, iNOS expression and NO release. LY83583 decreased the production of both metalloproteases below basal levels, whereas the inhibitor of p38 kinase, SB202190, suppressed ET-1-stimulated production only. Similarly, the ET-1-induced NO production was partially suppressed by the p38 kinase inhibitor and was completely suppressed by the protein kinase A kinase inhibitor KT5720 and by LY83583, suggesting the involvement of these enzymes in relevant ET-1 signalling pathways. In human osteoarthritis chondrocytes, ET-1 controls the production of MMP-1 and MMP-13. ET-1 also induces NO release via iNOS induction. ET-1 and NO should thus become important target molecules for future therapies aimed at stopping cartilage destruction.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Apoptosis; Carbazoles; Cartilage, Articular; Cells, Cultured; Chondrocytes; Collagenases; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Type II; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Cyclic GMP; Endothelin-1; Enzyme Induction; Female; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Imidazoles; Indoles; Male; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1; Matrix Metalloproteinase 13; Middle Aged; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Osteoarthritis, Knee; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Phosphorylation; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Pyridines; Pyrroles; Signal Transduction

Cyclic GMP is the second messenger that mediates most of the neuronal effects of nitric oxide (NO). Several lines of evidence suggest that NO-ergic mechanisms play an integral role in the regulation of vigilance. In the present study, we tested the effects of the activation of cGMP-receptive mechanisms and the inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase (GC), LY-83,583, on sleep in rats. Rats were injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) with 0.16, 4, 100, and 500 microg or 2.5 mg 8-Br-cGMP, a membrane-permeable analogue of cGMP, or 1 and 100 microg LY-83,583. Administration of 4 microg-2.5 mg 8-Br-cGMP increased wakefulness and suppressed rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMS) and non-REMS (NREMS) in rats when given before dark onset but not when given before the light period. The GC inhibitor LY-83,583 strongly promoted NREMS and suppressed REMS during the light period of the day. Furthermore, LY-83,583 induced striking increases in the delta-wave activity of the electroencephalogram (EEG) during NREMS, whereas EEG activity above the 4.5 Hz wave range was suppressed in all vigilance states. Our finding that cGMP has an arousal-promoting activity is in line with the hypothesis that NO/cGMP signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of vigilance.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Attention; Circadian Rhythm; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Electroencephalography; Electromyography; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Injections, Intraventricular; Male; Nitric Oxide; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Second Messenger Systems; Sleep Stages; Wakefulness

We reported that insulin stimulates NAD(P)H oxidase activity but not migration of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Because angiotensin II (Ang II) increases NAD(P)H oxidase activity in these cells, we wished to determine whether insulin stimulates migration of Ang II-treated VSMCs by synergistically stimulating enzyme activity.. Cultured rat VSMC superoxide anion (O2-) production, cyclic GMP production, and migration were measured by lucigenin luminescence, immunoassay, and wound closure rate, respectively. Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging was measured by inhibition of NO-induced fluorescence of 4-5-diaminofluorescin.. Insulin (1 nmol/L) did not affect and Ang II (100 nmol/L) stimulated VSMC migration by 65% (P < .05), but together stimulated it by 150% (P < .05 versus Ang II) by a mechanism inhibited by the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors, diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) or gp91ds-tat. Insulin and Ang II stimulated O2- production by 34% and 35%, respectively (both P < .05), but together synergistically stimulated it by 143% (P < .05 versus insulin or Ang II) in a DPI or gp91ds-tat-sensitive manner. Neither insulin nor Ang II measurably affected NO scavenging, but together reduced NO availability by 46% in a DPI-sensitive manner (P < .05) and significantly inhibited NO-stimulated cyclic GMP production.. Insulin synergestically stimulates NAD(P)H oxidase activity in Ang II-treated cultured rat VSMCs causing increased migration.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Angiotensin II; Animals; Cell Movement; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Glycoproteins; Guanylate Cyclase; Insulin; Male; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; NADPH Oxidases; Nitric Oxide Donors; Onium Compounds; Penicillamine; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Superoxides; Vasoconstrictor Agents

Endothelial cell receptors involved in post-injury/sepsis fluid extravasation are coupled to G-proteins that stimulate production of cGMP and cAMP. We hypothesize that cGMP and cAMP are endothelial second messengers that control microvascular permeability. The purposes of this series of experiments are to determine microvascular permeability under the following conditions: 1) reduced cGMP levels, 2) elevated cGMP levels, 3) reduced cAMP levels, and 4) elevated cAMP levels.. Rat mesenteric venules were cannulated and hydraulic permeability (Lp) was measured at 3 to 5 minute intervals during 1) cGMP synthesis inhibition, 2) inhibition of cGMP degradation, 3) cAMP synthesis inhibition, and 4) inhibition of cAMP degradation (n = 6 in each study group). Lp units are x10 cm(-7)/sec/cmH2O and represented as mean +/- SEM.. Compared with baseline Lp (1.10 +/- 0.06), reduced cGMP levels by inhibiting its synthesis decreased Lp by over 50% (0.50 +/- 0.02, p < 0.001), while elevated cGMP levels by preventing its degradation increased Lp by more than 2-fold (0.91 +/- 0.10 to 2.26 +/- 0.15, p < 0.001). The reduction of cAMP levels by synthesis inhibition elevated Lp over 400% from 0.92 +/- 0.04 to 4.11 +/- 0.54 (p < 0.001), and elevation of cAMP level by blocking its degradation reduced Lp almost 50% from 1.11 +/- 0.04 to 0.59 +/- 0.06 (p < 0.001).. The second messengers, cGMP and cAMP, contribute to the control mechanisms that govern fluid leak across the endothelial barrier: cGMP increases microvascular permeability, while cAMP decreases microvascular permeability. Endothelial cell cyclic nucleotide second messengers are pharmacologically accessible and may be targeted during post-injury/sepsis-associated microvascular fluid leak.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Capillary Permeability; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Female; Guanylate Cyclase; Mesentery; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rolipram; Signal Transduction; Venules

We established previously that nitric oxide (NO) in the hippocampal formation (HF) participates actively in negative feedback regulation of penile erection. This study further evaluated whether this process engaged soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)/cGMP cascade or peroxynitrite in the HF. Intracavernous pressure (ICP) recorded from the penis in adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats anesthetized with chloral hydrate was employed as our experimental index for penile erection. Microinjection bilaterally of a NO-independent sGC activator, YC-1 (0.1 or 1 nmol) or a cGMP analog, 8-Bromo-cGMP (0.1 or 1 nmol), into the HF elicited a significant reduction in baseline ICP. Bilateral application into the HF of equimolar doses (0.5 or 1 nmol) of a sGC inhibitor, LY83583 or a NO-sensitive sGC inhibitor, ODQ significantly antagonized the decrease in baseline ICP induced by co-administration of the NO precursor, L-arginine (5 nmol), along with significant enhancement of the magnitude of papaverine-induced elevation in ICP. In contrast, a peroxynitrite scavenger, L-cysteine (50 or 100 pmol), or an active peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(N-methyl-4'-pyridyl)-porphyrinato iron (III) (10 or 50 pmol), was ineffective in both events. These results suggest that NO may participate in negative feedback regulation of penile erection by activating the sGC/cGMP cascade in the HF selectively.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Enzyme Activators; Enzyme Inhibitors; Feedback; Hippocampus; Indazoles; Male; Microinjections; Nitric Oxide; Penile Erection; Peroxynitrous Acid; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Venous Pressure

Melatonin (MEL), the principle secretory product of the pineal gland, has been shown to function as an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger. We previously showed that the release of ascorbic acid (AA) and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) from medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) was mediated by nitric oxide (NO) that released cyclic guanosine 3'5'-mono-phosphate (cGMP). Therefore, it was of interest to evaluate the effect of MEL on AA and LHRH release and study the effect of a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, 6-anilino-5,8-quinoline-dione (LY 83583), and a guanylyl cyclase (GC) inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (O.D.Q.), on the release process. Because NO has been shown to activate soluble guanylyl cyclase that elicited an elevation of cGMP in target cells, in the current investigation LY 83583, O.D.Q., or N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine (NMMA), a competitive inhibitor of NOS, were used to evaluate their effects on MEL-induced AA and LHRH release. Medial basal hypothalami were incubated in 0.5 ml of Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate (KRB) buffer for 1 hr. Subsequently, the tissues were incubated with graded concentrations of MEL (10(-8) to 10(-4) M), MEL + NMMA (3 x 10(-4) M), MEL + LY 83583 (10(-6) M), or MEL + O.D.Q. (10(-5) M) for 1 hr. Ascorbic acid and LHRH released into the medium were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and radio-immunoassay (RIA), respectively. Melatonin (10(-6) and 10(-5) M) significantly stimulated both AA and LHRH release, but the lower and the highest concentrations were ineffective. A combination of MEL + NMMA completely blocked both AA and LHRH release, supporting a role for NO in the releasing action. Both LY 83583 and O.D.Q. significantly suppressed MEL-induced AA and LHRH release, emphasizing the role of NOS, GC, and cGMP in mediating the action of MEL. The data of these in vitro experiments support a role for MEL in the hypothalamic control of AA and LHRH release.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Guanylate Cyclase; Male; Melatonin; Nitric Oxide Synthase; omega-N-Methylarginine; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

In the present investigation, 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and tamoxifen, an antiestrogen, were evaluated for their effects on the release of ascorbic acid (AA) and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Medial basal hypothalami (MBH) from adult male rats were incubated with graded concentrations of E(2) (10 (-9) to 10(-6) M) or a combination of E(2) (10(-7) M) and tamoxifen (10(-7) and 10(-6) M ) in 0.5 ml of Krebs Ringer bicarbonate buffer for 1 hr. AA and LHRH in the incubation medium were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay, respectively. E(2) significantly elevated both AA and LHRH release and the minimal effective dose was 10(-7) M. A combination of E(2) (10(-7) M) and tamoxifen (10(-6) M) totally blocked E(2)-induced AA and LHRH release. The stimulatory effect of E(2) was also suppressed in the presence of N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine, a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), illustrating that the release is mediated by nitric oxide (NO). To further characterize the role of NO, the tissues were incubated with E(2) or a combination of E(2) + (6 anilino-5, 8-quinolinedione) LY 83583 (10(-6) and 10(-5) M), an inhibitor of NOS. LY 83583 was effective in suppressing E(2)-induced AA and LHRH release, demonstrating that the effect was mediated by cyclic GMP. Incubation of the tissues with E(2) or a combination of E(2) + 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (O.D.Q.) (10(-5) and 10(-4) M), a specific inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase failed to alter AA release but significantly suppressed LHRH release. The role of a prostaglandin synthesis blocker in E(2)-induced AA and LHRH release was tested by incubating the tissues with E(2) or a combination of E(2) + indomethacin (1.8 x 10 (-7) or 1.8 x 10(-6) M). Indomethacin produced a significant decrease in E(2)-induced AA and LHRH release, suggesting that the release process required prostaglandins as an intracellular mediator. In conclusion, E(2) stimulated both AA and LHRH release and the effect was mediated by NO and prostaglandins.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cyclic GMP; Estradiol; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Hypothalamus, Middle; Indomethacin; Male; Nitric Oxide; Prostaglandins; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tamoxifen

Neuronal death is a prominent neuropathological component of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Identification of molecular agents and pathways that can ameliorate alcohol-induced cell loss offers possible therapeutic strategies for FAS and potential insight into its pathogenesis. This study investigated the effects of growth factors on cellular survival in alcohol-exposed cerebellar granule cell (CGC) cultures and examined the role of the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP-PKG (cGMP-dependent protein kinase) pathway in the cell survival-promoting effects of these growth factors. Primary CGC cultures were exposed to 0 or 400 mg/dl ethanol, accompanied by either no growth factor or 30 ng/ml fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), nerve growth factor (NGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF). Viable neurons were quantified after 1 day of exposure. Two distinct types of cell survival-promoting effects of growth factors were detectable: (1) a neurotrophic effect, in which the growth factors diminished the background death of neurons that occurred in alcohol-free cultures; and (2) a neuroprotective effect, in which the growth factors diminished alcohol-induced cell death. The various growth factors differed markedly in their patterns of cell survival promotion. While BDNF and FGF-2 exerted both a neurotrophic and a neuroprotective effect, IGF-1 had only a neurotrophic effect and did not protect against alcohol toxicity, and NGF had only a neuroprotective effect and did not diminish background cell death. EGF had neither a neurotrophic nor a neuroprotective effect. In order to determine the role of the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway in the cell survival-promoting effects mediated by growth factors, cultures were exposed to one of several pharmacological inhibitors of the pathway, including NAME, LY83583 and PKG inhibitor. The cell survival-promoting effects of FGF-2, NGF and IGF-1 were all substantially reduced by each of the pathway inhibitors. In contrast, neither the neurotrophic nor the neuroprotective effects of BDNF were altered by any of the pathway inhibitors. Thus, growth factors differ in their patterns of neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, and they differ in their reliance on the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway. While FGF-2, NGF and IGF-1 all signal their survival-promoting effects through the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway, BDNF does not rely upon this pathway for signal transduction in CGC cultures.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Cells, Cultured; Cerebellum; Cyclic GMP; Ethanol; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; Hydrazines; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Neurons; Neuroprotective Agents; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitroso Compounds; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Embryos of Helisoma trivolvis exhibit cilia-driven rotation within the egg capsule during development. In this study we examined whether nitric oxide (NO) is a physiological regulator of ciliary beating in cultured ciliary cells. The NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP; 1-1,000 microM) produced a dose-dependent increase in ciliary beat frequency (CBF). In contrast, the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (10 and 100 microM) inhibited the basal CBF and blocked the stimulatory effects of serotonin (100 microM). NO production in response to serotonin was investigated with 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate imaging. Although SNAP (100 microM) produced a rise in NO levels in all cells, only 22% of cells responded to serotonin with a moderate increase. The cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP; 0.2 and 2 mM) increased CBF, and the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83583 (10 microM) blocked the cilioexcitatory effects of SNAP and serotonin. These data suggest that NO has a constitutive cilioexcitatory effect in Helisoma embryos and that the stimulatory effects of serotonin and NO work through a cGMP pathway. It appears that in Helisoma cilia, NO activity is necessary, but not sufficient, to fully mediate the cilioexcitatory action of serotonin.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Cilia; Cyclic GMP; Guanylate Cyclase; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Penicillamine; Serotonin; Snails

Dysregulation of extracellular matrix turnover is an important feature of many inflammatory processes. Rat renal mesangial cells express high levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in response to inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta. We demonstrate that NO does strongly destabilize MMP-9 mRNA, since different luciferase reporter gene constructs containing the MMP-9 3' untranslated region (UTR) displayed significant reduced luciferase activity in response to the presence of NO. Moreover, by use of an in vitro degradation assay we found that the cytoplasmic fractions of NO-treated cells contained a higher capacity to degrade MMP-9 transcripts than those obtained from control cells. An RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that three of four putative AU-rich elements present in the 3' UTR of MMP-9 were constitutively occupied by the mRNA-stabilizing factor HuR and that the RNA binding was strongly attenuated by the presence of NO. The addition of recombinant glutathione transferase-HuR prevented the rapid decay of MMP-9 mRNA, whereas the addition of a neutralizing anti-HuR antibody caused an acceleration of MMP-9 mRNA degradation. Furthermore, the expression of HuR mRNA and protein was significantly reduced by exogenously and endogenously produced NO. These inhibitory effects were mimicked by the cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP and reversed by LY-83583, an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase. These results demonstrate that NO acts in a cGMP-dependent mechanism to inhibit the expression level of HuR, thereby reducing the stability of MMP-9 mRNA.

Topics: 3' Untranslated Regions; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Antigens, Surface; Base Sequence; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Cytoplasm; Dactinomycin; ELAV Proteins; ELAV-Like Protein 1; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gene Expression; Guanylate Cyclase; Interleukin-1; Kidney; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Molecular Mimicry; Molecular Sequence Data; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroso Compounds; Rats; Recombinant Proteins; Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; Ribonucleoproteins; RNA Stability; RNA-Binding Proteins; RNA, Messenger

Our previous studies have shown that the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis with drugs administered either by systemic or ICV routes blocks the development of tolerance to some of the effects of ethanol.. The aim of this study was to further investigate the role of NO-dependent pathways in tolerance to the incoordinating effect of ethanol through ICV administration of drugs that activate or interfere with NO-dependent pathways.. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with IP ethanol (2.7 g/ kg) or saline before receiving ICV injections of the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitors methylene blue (30 nmol), 6(phenylamino)-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583, 10 nmol), 1H-(1,2,4)-oxodiazolo (4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 1 nmol), and 4H-8-bromo-1,2,4-oxadiazolo (3,4-d)benz(b)(1,4)oxazin-1-one (NS2028, 10 nmol), or the respective control solutions. The animals were tested on the tilt plane apparatus. Tolerance was assessed 24 h after the first ethanol injection, by administering ethanol to all animals and re-testing them on the tilt plane. The effects of the cyclic guanylate 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) analogue, 8-bromo-cGMP (40 nmol or 80 nmol) and of the NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP, 40 or 80 nmol) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 40 or 80 nmol) were also studied.. All sGC inhibitors significantly blocked rapid tolerance, whereas SNP (40 nmol) and 8-bromo-cGMP (80 nmol) increased the magnitude of ethanol tolerance (ANOVA+Tukey's test).. The present results suggest that activation or inhibition of NO-dependent pathways increases or blocks rapid tolerance, respectively. These results give additional support to the hypothesis that brain NO plays a role in the development of tolerance to ethanol, but it remains to be confirmed if the same basic cellular mechanisms are also applicable to tolerance to other behavioural and/or physiological effects of this drug.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Drug Tolerance; Enzyme Inhibitors; Ethanol; Guanylate Cyclase; Male; Motor Activity; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Oxadiazoles; Quinoxalines; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Our previous studies have demonstrated that natriuretic peptides (NPs), peptide hormones with natriuretic, diuretic, and vasodilating properties, exert a potent control on the lipolysis in human adipocytes via the activation of the type A guanylyl cyclase receptor (1, 2). In the current study we investigated the intracellular mechanisms involved in the NP-stimulated lipolytic effect in human preadipocytes and adipocytes. We demonstrate that the atrial NP (ANP)-induced lipolysis in human adipocytes was associated with an enhanced serine phosphorylation of the hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). Both ANP-mediated lipolysis and HSL phosphorylation were inhibited in the presence of increasing concentrations of the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor LY-83583. ANP did not modulate the activity of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Moreover, H-89, a PKA inhibitor, did not affect the ANP-induced lipolysis. On primary cultures of human preadipocytes, the ANP-mediated lipolytic effect was dependent on the differentiation process. On differentiated human preadipocytes, ANP-mediated lipolysis, associated with an increased phosphorylation of HSL and of perilipin A, was strongly decreased by treatment with the inhibitor of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI), Rp-8-pCPT-cGMPS. Thus, ANP-induced lipolysis in human adipocytes is a cGMP-dependent pathway that induces the phosphorylation of HSL and perilipin A via the activation of cGKI. The present study shows that lipolysis in human adipocytes can be controlled by an independent cGKI-mediated signaling as well as by the classical cAMP/PKA pathway.

Topics: Adipocytes; Aminoquinolines; Base Sequence; Cell Differentiation; Cyclic GMP; DNA Primers; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Natriuretic Agents; Phosphorylation; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sterol Esterase

1. We examined the role of the NO/cyclic GMP (cyclic GMP) pathway in nitric oxide (NO)- and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-induced relaxation of feline lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). Furthermore, it was studied whether methylene blue, LY83583 and ODQ, which are soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitors, could inhibit NO-induced relaxation. 2. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) had no effect in sodium nitropruside (SNP)-induced relaxation, but 3-morpholinosydnonimine-N-ethylcarbamide (SIN-1)-induced relaxation was decreased by the pretreatment of L-NNA, which showed that SIN-1, not SNP, could activate NOS to cause relaxation. Methylene blue and LY83583 did not inhibit the relaxation by SNP and SIN-1. However, the more specific sGC inhibitor ODQ blocked the relaxation induced by NO donors. 3. To identify the relationship of NOS, sGC and adenylate cyclase in VIP-induced relaxation, tissue were pretreated with L-NNA and ODQ and SQ22536. These inhibitors produced significant inhibition of this response to VIP. The adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ 22536 also inhibited relaxation by VIP. 4. In conclusion, our data showed that SNP- and SIN-1-induced relaxation was mediated by sGC. Of sGC inhibitors, methylene blue and LY83583 were not adequate for the examination of NO donor-induced feline LES smooth muscle relaxation. VIP also caused relaxation by the pathway involving NO and cGMP and cAMP.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cats; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Esophagogastric Junction; In Vitro Techniques; Indomethacin; Male; Methylene Blue; Molsidomine; Muscle Relaxation; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitroprusside; omega-N-Methylarginine; Oxadiazoles; Quinoxalines; Signal Transduction; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

Using microarray analysis, we have detected downregulation of several components of the cGMP signaling pathway during replicative senescence of primary human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). Therefore, the effect of pharmacological inhibition of cGMP synthesis was analyzed in HDFs. Treatment with 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinequinone (LY83583, referred to as LY hereafter), a previously described inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, induced cellular senescence. Microarray analysis revealed that LY treatment induced the Cdk inhibitor p21(WAF1/SDI/CIP1). In colorectal cancer cells, transcription of p21 was induced by LY in a p53-independent manner. Furthermore, p21, but not p53, was required for inhibition of proliferation by LY. The lack of p53 involvement suggests that LY does not induce DNA damage. Growth inhibition was also observed in malignant melanoma and breast cancer cell lines. Functional inactivation of the retinoblastoma tumor-suppressor protein, an effector of p21-mediated cell-cycle inhibition, converted LY-induced growth arrest to apoptosis. These results suggest that LY, or derivatives, may be useful therapeutic agents for the treatment of tumors.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Division; Cellular Senescence; Cyclic GMP; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases; Cyclins; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fibroblasts; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Kinetics; Signal Transduction; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Isolated rat retina was preloaded with [(14)C]glutamate and subsequently superfused to follow release of glutamate (Glu). After 20 min of superfusion in the dark, exposure of the [(14)C]Glu preloaded rat retina to a single train of white light pulses reduced Glu efflux significantly in the absence as well as in the presence of low (4 microM) and high (0.5 mM) concentrations of the Glu uptake inhibitor trans-L-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (t-PDC). The dark-light response was the highest in the presence of 4 microM t-PDC by establishing a plateau at 75% +/- 7% of the tonic Glu release in the dark (100%). Displaying transient to saturating responses with increasing relative luminance, time series of four trains of white light pulses arrived at a plateau of 85% +/- 10%. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase inhibitor Zaprinast (200 microM) antagonized the effect of the light series, leading to a plateau of 115% +/- 9%. Exposure of the retina to the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor LY83583 (30 and 100 microM) showed fast, transient responses characterized by peaks at 90% +/- 1% and 80% +/- 3%, respectively.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Carbon Radioisotopes; Cyclic GMP; Dark Adaptation; Dicarboxylic Acids; Enzyme Inhibitors; Glutamic Acid; Male; Neurons; Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors; Organ Culture Techniques; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Photic Stimulation; Purinones; Pyrrolidines; Rats; Rats, Long-Evans; Retina; Synaptic Transmission; Vision, Ocular

In their undifferentiated state, NG108-15 cells express only the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 receptor (AT(2)). We have previously shown that Ang II induced neurite outgrowth of NG108-15 cells, a process involving sustained activation of p42/p44(mapk) activity. We have also shown that Ang II stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the NO/cyclic GMP (cGMP) cascade in the signal transduction of the AT(2) receptor-stimulated neurite outgrowth. Three-day treatment of cells with dbcGMP induced neurite outgrowth as did Ang II. Preincubation with an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, KT5823, resulted in the formation of short neurites, while in the presence of LY83583 or methylene blue, two inhibitors of guanylyl cyclase, cells resembled control cells with only one or two thin processes. Western blot analyses indicated that nNOS was present in NG108-15 cells. Immunoprecipitation with antiphosphotyrosine antibodies showed that Ang II induced NOS activity and increased cGMP production through a Gi-dependent pathway. However, neither L-NAME, KT5823, nor LY83583 affected the activation of p42/p44(mapk) induced by Ang II, indicating that the pathway NO/guanylyl cyclase/cGMP was not involved in Ang II-induced activation of MAPK. The present results suggest that the neurite outgrowth induced by Ang II results from at least parallel but complementary pathways, one involved in neurite elongation (through the cooperation of MAPK and PKG) and the other involved in sprouting (through cGMP).

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Carbazoles; Cell Differentiation; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Indoles; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Neurites; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; Phosphorylation; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2; Receptors, Angiotensin; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Signal Transduction; Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase; Tumor Cells, Cultured

In order to explore the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the control of fetoplacental vascular tone in normal pregnancy we have examined the effects of NO donors on uteroplacental arteries pre-contracted with the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) or serotonin (5-HT). We have furthermore examined the effects of guanylate cyclase inhibitors on the NO-induced relaxation. Segments of placental arteries (n=102) obtained from 39 placentas immediately after delivery were mounted in organ baths and superfused with Krebs-Ringer solution at 37 degrees C. The vessel segments were exposed to drugs for various intervals and the tension was recorded isometrically and registered on a polygraph. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analysis was performed after extraction of vessel segments using a specific radioimmunoassay. The placental artery segments responded to ET-1 and 5-HT with a dose-dependent vasoconstriction. After pre-contraction with ET-1 (10(-7) M) or 5-HT (10(-6) M), the vessels relaxed in response to the NO donors glyceryltrinitrate (GTN) (10(-6) M) and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) (10(-5) M). In the presence of the non-specific guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY 83583 (10(-6) M), the vessels responded with a small contraction. In the presence of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor 1H[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) the non-treated vessels responded with a relaxation. 1H[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one gave no obvious relaxation in pre-contracted vessels. Addition of 8-Br-cGMP, the cell-permeant analogue of cGMP, with or without pre-contraction had no effect on the vessels. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate analysis showed that GTN treatment caused an increase in cGMP after 12 min. Our results indicate that NO acts as a vasodilator in placental vessels. The cGMP-dependent mechanisms may be involved in NO-induced relaxation but cGMP-independent mechanisms appear also to be involved.

Topics: Adult; Aminoquinolines; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Endothelin-1; Female; Humans; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroglycerin; Placenta; Placental Circulation; Pregnancy; S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine; Serotonin; Signal Transduction; Superoxide Dismutase; Thionucleotides; Vasoconstriction; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Vasodilation

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Isometric Contraction; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Oculomotor Muscles; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew

We have recently shown that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulate DNA synthesis in chick embryo cardiomyocytes (CMs). The aim of the present research was to investigate the pathways involved in this mitogenic response.. CMs were isolated from 10-day-old chick embryos and grown to confluence. After 20 h of serum starvation the cells were treated with TNFalpha and LPS, and/or specific agonists and antagonists to manipulate the levels of polyamines, NO, cGMP and their biosynthetic enzymes ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). ODC, NOS, sGC activities and cGMP contents were determined by radiochemical procedures. DNA synthesis was determined by incorporation of [3H]-thymidine.. Treatment of CMs with TNFalpha and LPS increased cell number and [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Addition of TNFalpha and LPS provoked an induction of ODC, with consequent polyamine accumulation, and a more delayed enhancement of NOS activity, which appeared to be independent of the activation of the ODC-polyamine system. TNFalpha and LPS treatment also enhanced cGMP level in CMs and both polyamine and NO biosyntheses appeared to be required. Experiments with specific inhibitors of ODC and NOS, as well as with inhibitors of sGC and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), showed that polyamine-, NO- and cGMP-dependent pathways are required for the mitogenic action of TNFalpha and LPS. Moreover, addition of exogenous polyamines to untreated cells raised the cGMP level in a NO-dependent fashion, and enhanced [3H]-thymidine incorporation. The latter effect was inhibited by sGC or PKG inhibitors. Treatment of quiescent cells with NO donors, 8-bromo-cGMP or YC-1, an sGC activator, also promoted DNA synthesis. Furthermore, putrescine and NO donor can additively activate sGC in cell-free extracts.. TNFalpha and LPS stimulate DNA synthesis in chick embryo CMs and this effect is mediated by polyamines, NO and intracellular cGMP.

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Carbazoles; Cells, Cultured; Chick Embryo; Cyclic GMP; DNA; Eflornithine; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Indoles; Lipopolysaccharides; Methylene Blue; Myocardium; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; omega-N-Methylarginine; Ornithine Decarboxylase; Ornithine Decarboxylase Inhibitors; Polyamines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Stimulation, Chemical; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

In the isolated, perfused rat thick ascending limb (THAL), L-arginine (L-Arg) stimulates endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production, which inhibits NaCl absorption. However, the intracellular cascade responsible for the effects of NO has not been studied. We hypothesized that endogenous NO inhibits THAL NaCl transport by increasing cGMP, which activates protein kinase G (PKG) and cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase (PDE II), which, in turn, decreases cAMP levels. THALs from rats were isolated and perfused, and net chloride flux (J(Cl-)) was measured. L-Arg was used to stimulate NO production. Adding L-Arg (0.5 mmol/L) to the bath decreased J(Cl-) from 154.4+/-9.9 to 101.9+/-14.1 pmol. mm(-1). min(-1), a 35.2% decrease (n=6; P<0.05). In the presence of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83583 (10 micromol/L), adding L-Arg to the bath did not affect THAL J(Cl-) (143.7+/-28.1 versus 136.7+/-22.2 pmol. mm(-1). min(-1); n=6). LY-83583 alone had no effect on J(Cl-). In the presence of the PDE II inhibitor erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine (EHNA) 50 micromol/L, L-Arg reduced J(Cl-) by only 13% (142.1+/-8.9 versus 122.7+/-11.5 pmol. mm(-1). min(-1); P<0.05; n=6). EHNA alone had no effect on THAL J(Cl-). In the presence of 10(-5) mol/L dibutyryl (db)-cAMP, L-Arg did not significantly reduce J(Cl-) (116.3+/-18.2 versus 102.6+/-15.6 pmol. mm(-1). min(-1); n=6). db-cAMP (10(-5) mol/L) had no effect on THAL J(Cl-). In the presence of the PKG inhibitor KT-5823 (2 micromol/L), L-Arg lowered J(Cl-) from 142.6+/-14.1 to 85.9+/-8.3 pmol. mm(-1). min(-1), a decrease of 35.6% (n=8; P<0.05). We conclude that (1) endogenous NO inhibits THAL J(Cl-) by stimulating soluble guanylate cyclase and increasing cGMP; (2) NO inhibits THAL J(Cl-) by stimulation of PDE II, which, in turn, decreases cAMP levels; and (3) PKG does not mediate NO-induced inhibition of THAL J(Cl-).

Topics: Adenine; Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Carbazoles; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Exonucleases; Guanylate Cyclase; Indoles; Kidney Tubules, Distal; Male; Nitric Oxide; Perfusion; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Sodium Chloride

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of nitric oxide in the vasorelaxant effect of magnesium sulfate during pregnancy.. Segments of 3 mm of the aorta, with or without intact endothelium, from 16- or 22-day-pregnant rats were mounted in organ chambers with standard Krebs solution or low-magnesium Krebs solution for measurement of isometric tension. The rings were contracted with phenylephrine, and cumulative concentration-response curves for magnesium were determined after incubation with various inhibitors.. Magnesium relaxed the aortic rings from pregnant rats in a concentration-dependent manner. The relaxation was significantly lower on day 22 of gestation than on day 16 of gestation. Removal of the endothelium or incubation with 10(-4)-mol/L N omega-nitro-L -arginine methyl ester (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), 10(-5)-mol/L 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (a guanylate cyclase inhibitor), or 10(-5)-mol/L indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) significantly decreased the relaxant effect of magnesium on aortic rings from 16-day-pregnant but not 22-day-pregnant rats. Treatment with minimally effective concentrations of a nitric oxide donor (3 x 10(-10)-mol/L sodium nitroprusside) or a cyclic guanosine monophosphate analog (10(-6)-mol/L 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate) restored the response to magnesium.. The relaxant effect of magnesium on rat aortic rings was dependent on both endothelium and gestational age and was lower at term than during late pregnancy. The endothelium appears to potentiate the vasorelaxant effects of magnesium through the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate and cyclooxygenase systems.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Calcium Channel Blockers; Cyclic GMP; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Gestational Age; In Vitro Techniques; Indomethacin; Isometric Contraction; Magnesium Sulfate; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vasodilation; Vasodilator Agents

Nitric oxide (NO) has been recently shown to modulate in vitro motility, viability, the acrosome reaction (AR), and metabolism of spermatozoa in various mammalian species, but the mechanism or mechanisms through which it influences sperm functions has not been clarified. In human capacitated spermatozoa, both the intracellular cGMP level and the percentage of AR-positive cells were significantly increased after 4 h of incubation with the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). SNP-induced AR was significantly reduced in the presence of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitors, LY83583 and ODQ; this block was bypassed by adding 8-bromo-cGMP, a cell-permeating cGMP analogue, to the incubation medium. Finally, Rp-8-Br-cGMPS and Rp-8-pCPT-cGMPS, two inhibitors of the cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKGs), inhibited the SNP-induced AR. Furthermore, SNP-induced AR did not occur in Ca2+ -free medium or in the presence of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, calphostin C. This study suggests that the AR-inducing effect of exogenous NO on capacitated human spermatozoa is accomplished via stimulation of an NO-sensitive sGC, cGMP synthesis, and PKG activation. In this effect the activation of PKC is also involved, and the presence of extracellular Ca2+ is required.

Topics: Acrosome Reaction; Aminoquinolines; Calcium; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Male; Naphthalenes; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroprusside; Oxadiazoles; Protein Kinase C; Quinoxalines; Signal Transduction; Sperm Capacitation; Spermatozoa

Adrenomedullin (AM) (10(-8) M) partially suppressed aldosterone response of dispersed rat zona glomerulosa (ZG) cells to 10 mM K+, and the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors L-NAME (10(-3) M) and 1400W (10(-4) M) effectively counteracted this effect of AM. The NO donor L-Arginine (L-Arg) (10(-5) M) decreased both basal and K+ -stimulated aldosterone secretion. The guanylate-cyclase inhibitor Ly-83583, at a concentration (10(-4) M) abolishing either the guanylate-cyclase activator guanylin- or L-Arg-induced cGMP release from dispersed ZG cells, did not affect the aldosterone antisecretagogue action of AM and L-Arg. AM (10(-8) M) evoked a moderate increase in cGMP release by dispersed ZG cells, and the effect was blocked by both 10(-4) M Ly-83583 and 10(-3) M L-NAME. Collectively, these findings allow us (1) to confirm that NO inhibits aldosterone secretion through a cGMP-independent mechanism; and (2) to suggest that stimulation of endogenous NO synthesis plays a role in the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect of AM on K+ -stimulated aldosterone secretion from rat ZG cells.

Topics: Adrenomedullin; Aldosterone; Amidines; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Benzylamines; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Male; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Peptides; Potassium; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Zona Glomerulosa

The direct effects of nitric oxide (NO) donors and sulfhydryl-modifying agents on the GABA(A) receptor function were examined by perforated patch, whole-cell and single channel recordings in cultured frog melanotrophs. In amphotericin B-perforated cells incubated with the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitors LY 83583 and ODQ (10-4 M each), the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (10(-3) M) reversibly increased the current evoked by GABA (5 x 10(-6) M). In the whole-cell configuration, internal application of the oxidizing agent H2O2 (0.05%) potentiated the GABA-evoked current while the reducing agent 2-mercaptoethanol (5 x 10(-3) M) slightly decreased the current amplitude. In inside-out patches, GABA (2 x 10(-7) M) triggered single channel bursts of openings. Incubation with the NO donors SNP or DEA/NO (10(-4) M each) enhanced the open probability of the GABA(A) receptor channel but did not modify the chloride reversal potential and did not affect the conductance states. The oxidizing agents H2O2 (0.05%) or DTNB (10-4 M) mimicked the stimulatory effect of the NO donors on the open probability while the reducing compounds 2-mercaptoethanol (5 x 10(-3) M) or DTT (10(-4) M) markedly attenuated the channel activity. Potentiation of the GABA-induced single channel activity by SNP or H2O2 was blocked by 2-mercaptoethanol. Similarly, the potentiating effect produced by DEA/NO or DTNB on the open probability was reversed by DTT. In outside-out patches, incubation with SNP also significantly enhanced the open probability of single channels activated by GABA (10(-6) M). These data indicate that, in frog pituitary melanotrophs, NO potentiates the GABA-evoked current independently of the cGMP/protein kinase pathway. The effect of NO can be accounted for by S-nitrosylation/oxidation of thiol groups either directly on the GABA(A) receptor subunits or on a regulatory protein tightly associated with the GABA(A) receptor.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Dithionitrobenzoic Acid; Electric Conductivity; Enzyme Inhibitors; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Hydrazines; Ion Channel Gating; Male; Melanocytes; Membrane Potentials; Mercaptoethanol; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitrogen Oxides; Nitroprusside; Oxadiazoles; Oxidation-Reduction; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Pituitary Gland; Quinoxalines; Rana ridibunda; Receptors, GABA-A; Sulfhydryl Reagents

The effects of nitric oxide (NO, 10(-6) M) on contractility and intracellular calcium level ([Ca2+]i) of rat tail artery smooth muscles in control and under inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) with 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583, 10(-6) M) are investigated. NO-induced relaxations of vascular smooth muscles comprised 61.01 +/- 5.56% of maximum induced amplitude of K(+)-contracture, and decreases in [Ca2+]i comprised 66.35 +/- 11.33%. Under the inhibition of sGC with LY83583 NO-induced relaxations of vascular smooth muscles comprised 29.41 +/- 5.17% of maximum induced amplitude of K(+)-contracture, and decreases in [Ca2+]i comprised 53.68 +/- 16.93%. Thus, cGMP-independent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and decrease in [Ca2+]i of rat tail artery is confirmed.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arteries; Calcium; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Tail

Rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) express at least two mRNAs for K-Cl cotransporters (KCC): KCC1 and KCC3. cGMP-dependent protein kinase I regulates KCC3 mRNA expression in these cells. Here, we show evidence implicating the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP signaling pathway in the expression of KCC1 mRNA, considered to be the major cell volume regulator. VSMCs, expressing soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and PKG-I isoforms showed a time- and concentration-dependent increase in KCC1 mRNA levels after treatment with sodium nitroprusside as demonstrated by semiquantitative RT-PCR. sGC-dependent regulation of KCC1 mRNA expression was confirmed using YC-1, a NO-independent sGC stimulator. The sGC inhibitor LY83583 blocked the effects of sodium nitroprusside and YC-1. Moreover, 8-Br-cGMP increased KCC1 mRNA expression in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. The 8-Br-cGMP effect was partially blocked by KT5823 but not by actinomycin D. However, actinomycin D and cycloheximide increased basal KCC1 mRNA in an additive manner, suggesting different mechanisms of action for both drugs. These findings suggest that in VSMCs, the NO/cGMP-signaling pathway participates in KCC1 mRNA regulation at the post-transcriptional level.

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Biological Transport; Carbazoles; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Cycloheximide; Dactinomycin; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Indoles; K Cl- Cotransporters; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Rats; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; RNA, Messenger; Signal Transduction; Symporters; Time Factors

The intracellular signaling pathways mediating the nuclear exclusion of the androgen receptor (AR) by melatonin were evaluated in PC3 cells stably transfected with the AR. The melatonin-induced nuclear exclusion of the AR by melatonin (100 nM, 3 h) was blocked by LY 83583 (an inhibitor of guanylyl cyclases). 8-Bromo-cGMP (a cell-permeable cGMP analog), mimicked the effect of melatonin, as did ionomycin (a calcium ionophore) and PMA [an activator of protein kinase C (PKC)], and their effects were blocked by GF- 109203X (a selective PKC inhibitor). BAPTA (an intracellular calcium chelator) blocked the effects of melatonin and 8-bromo-cGMP but not of PMA. Inhibition or activation of the protein kinase A pathway did not affect basal or melatonin-mediated AR localization. We conclude that the melatonin-mediated rise in cGMP elicits AR nuclear exclusion via a pathway involving increased intracellular calcium and PKC activation. These results define a novel signaling pathway that regulates AR localization and androgen responses in target cells.

Topics: Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; Aminoquinolines; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Nucleus; Chelating Agents; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activators; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Ionophores; Male; Melatonin; Prostatic Neoplasms; Protein Kinase C; Receptors, Androgen; Signal Transduction; Transfection; Tumor Cells, Cultured

We have shown that leukocytes retract their pseudopods and detach from substrates after exposure to physiological fluid shear stresses ( approximately 1.5 dyn/cm(2)). In inflammation, however, pseudopod projection during spreading and firm adhesion on endothelium is observed even in microvessels with normal blood flow and fluid shear stresses. Thus, we examined mechanisms that may serve to regulate the shear stress response of circulating leukocytes. In the presence of inflammatory mediators (platelet-activating factor [PAF] f-met-leu-phe), a subgroup of cells ceases to respond to shear stress. cGMP analogs and nitric oxide (NO) donors enhance the shear stress response and reverse the inhibitory effect of inflammatory mediators on the shear stress response, whereas depletion of cGMP leads to cessation of the shear stress response even in unstimulated leukocytes. The ability of cGMP to enhance the shear stress response is not associated with CD18 expression, because cGMP has no effect on CD18 expression in response to shear stress. The shear stress response of leukocytes in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (-/-) mice, in which NO level in blood is decreased, is attenuated compared with that in wild-type mice. In rat mesentery venules stimulated by PAF under normal blood flow, a cGMP analog diminishes pseudopod projection of leukocytes, whereas inhibition of NO leads to enhanced pseudopod projection and spreading. The evidence suggests that inflammatory mediators suppress the shear stress response of leukocytes leading to spreading even under normal physiological shear stress, whereas cGMP may serve to maintain shear stress response even in inflammation.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cell Adhesion; Cyclic GMP; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Leukocytes; Methylene Blue; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Platelet Activating Factor; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Stress, Physiological

This study addresses the role of nitric oxide (NO) and its downstream mechanism in mediating the shear-induced increase in hydraulic conductivity (L(p)) of bovine aortic endothelial cell monolayers grown on porous polycarbonate filters. Direct exposure of endothelial monolayers to 20-dyne/cm(2) shear stress induced a 4. 70+/-0.20-fold increase in L(p) at the end of 3 hours. Shear stress (20 dyne/cm(2)) also elicited a multiphasic NO production pattern in which a rapid initial production was followed by a less rapid, sustained production. In the absence of shear stress, an exogenous NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, increased endothelial L(p) 2.23+/-0.14-fold (100 micromol/L) and 4.8+/-0.66-fold (500 micromol/L) at the end of 3 hours. In separate experiments, bovine aortic endothelial cells exposed to NO synthase inhibitors, N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, exhibited significant attenuation of shear-induced increase in L(p) in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of guanylate cyclase (GC) with LY-83,583 (1 micromol/L) or protein kinase G (PKG) with KT5823 (1 micromol/L) failed to attenuate the shear-induced increase in L(p). Furthermore, direct addition of a stable cGMP analogue, 8-bromo-cGMP, had no effect in altering baseline L(p), indicating that the GC/cGMP/PKG pathway is not involved in shear stress-NO-L(p) response. Incubation with iodoacetate (IAA), a putative inhibitor of glycolysis, dose-dependently increased L(p). Addition of IAA at levels that did not affect baseline L(p) greatly potentiated the response of L(p) to 20-dyne/cm(2) shear stress. Finally, both shear stress-induced and IAA-induced increases in L(p) could be reversed with the addition of dibutyryl cAMP. However, additional metabolic inhibitors, 2 deoxyglucose (10 mmol/L) and oligomycin (1 micromol/L), or reactive oxygen species scavengers, deferoxamine (1 mmol/L) and ascorbate (10 mmol/L), failed to alter shear-induced increases in L(p). Our results show that neither the NO/cGMP/PKG pathway nor a metabolic pathway mediates the shear stress-L(p) response. An alternate mechanism downstream from NO that is sensitive to IAA must mediate this response.

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Carbazoles; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Indoles; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitric Oxide Synthase; omega-N-Methylarginine; Penicillamine; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Kinases; Stress, Mechanical

In this study, we highlight a role for the nitric oxide-cGMP-dependent protein kinase (NO-G-kinase) signaling pathway in glial intercellular Ca(2+) wave initiation and propagation. Addition of the NO donor molsidomine (100-500 microM) or puffing aqueous NO onto primary glial cell cultures evoked an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in individual cells and also local intercellular Ca(2+) waves, which persisted after removal of extracellular Ca(2+). High concentrations of ryanodine (100-200 microM) and antagonists of the NO-G-kinase signaling pathway essentially abrogated the NO-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i), indicating that NO mobilizes Ca(2+) from a ryanodine receptor-linked store, via the NO-G-kinase signaling pathway. Addition of 10 microM nicardipine to cells resulted in a slowing of the molsidomine-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i), and inhibition of Mn(2+) quench of cytosolic fura-2 fluorescence mediated by a bolus application of 2 microM aqueous NO to cells, indicating that NO also induces Ca(2+) influx in glia. Mechanical stress of individual glial cells resulted in an increase in intracellular NO in target and neighboring cells and intercellular Ca(2+) waves, which were NO, cGMP, and G-kinase dependent, because incubating cells with nitric oxide synthase, guanylate cyclase, and G-kinase inhibitors, or NO scavengers, reduced Delta[Ca(2+)](i) and the rate of Ca(2+) wave propagation in these cultures. Results from this study suggest that NO-G-kinase signaling is coupled to Ca(2+) mobilization and influx in glial cells and that this pathway plays a fundamental role in the generation and propagation of intercellular Ca(2+) waves in glia.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apyrase; Astrocytes; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; Calcium; Calcium Channel Blockers; Cells, Cultured; Chelating Agents; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic N-Oxides; Egtazic Acid; Enzyme Inhibitors; Estrenes; Free Radical Scavengers; GTP-Binding Proteins; Imidazoles; Ionomycin; Ionophores; Neurons; Nicardipine; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; omega-N-Methylarginine; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Potassium Chloride; Prosencephalon; Pyrrolidinones; Rats; Receptor, Insulin; Ryanodine; Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel; Signal Transduction; Suramin; Thionucleotides; Type C Phospholipases

Two 6-(fluorinated-phenyl)amino-5,8-quinolinedione derivatives, OQ21 and OQ1, were newly synthesized as potent inhibitors of endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of OQ21 and OQ1 on different types of vasorelaxation and to pursue their action mechanisms. For acetylcholine both compounds, at a low concentration (0.1 microM), reduced the maximal response with increase of EC(50) values. OQ21 is a novel quinone compound and showed a more potent and efficacious inhibitory effect on acetylcholine-induced relaxation of rat aorta than that of LY83583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione). Relatively high concentrations (1 microM) of OQ21 and OQ1 inhibited the sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation of endothelium-denuded ring, producing rightward shifts of the curve for sodium nitroprusside without altering the maximal response. They also prevented acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside-induced elevations of cyclic GMP. In addition, OQ21 and OQ1 (1 microM) significantly decreased (52-72%) the sensitivity of L-arginine-induced relaxation of precontracted endothelium-denuded aortic rings from lipopolysaccaride-treated (20 mg/kg, i.p.) rats. The inhibitory effect of OQ21 on endothelium-dependent vasodilation was enhanced by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine, which inhibits nitric oxide synthase (NOS) by binding the oxygenase domain of the enzyme, but not by diphenylendiodonium, which inhibits NOS by binding to the reductase domain of the enzyme. Treatment of blood vessels with OQ21 or OQ1 showed a significant increase in chemiluminescence output, which was prevented by adding superoxide dismutase, suggesting that superoxide generation is involved in the action mechanism for OQ21. Present results indicate that a novel naphthoquinone compound, OQ21, potently inhibits endothelial NOS, possibly by interacting with the reductase domain of the enzyme, which leads to induce superoxide formation. The new benzoquinone compounds, OQ21 and OQ1, inhibit not only endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation but also endothelium-independent relaxation induced by exogenous NO generated from a nitrovasodilator via the reduction of cyclic GMP. They also reduced L-arginine-induced vasorelaxation in endotoxin-treated rats, indicating their possession of inhibitory effect on inducible NOS.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Male; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reactive Oxygen Species; Vasodilation; Vasodilator Agents

Treatment of cultured human cervical epithelia on filters with 17beta-estradiol increases paracellular permeability in a time- and dose-related manner (EC50, 1.1 nM). The objective of the present study was to understand the molecular mechanisms of estrogen action. In cultured human cervical epithelial cells the nitric oxide (NO) donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and N-[ethoxycarbonyl]-3-[4-morpholinyl]sydnoneimine (SIN-I) and the cell-permeable cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP) increased paracellular permeability. In estrogen-treated cells SNP and 8-Br-cGMP increased permeability to a lesser degree than in estrogen-deprived cells, suggesting that NO and cGMP mediate the effect of estrogen on permeability. Tamoxifen blocked the estrogen-induced increase in permeability, but it had no effect on increases in permeability that were induced by SNP or by 8-Br-cGMP. LY-83583 (blocker of guanylate cyclase) attenuated the effect of SNP, whereas KT-5823 (blocker of cGMP-dependent protein kinase) abrogated the effects of both SNP and 8-Br-cGMP. Treatment with 17beta-estradiol increased NO release and cellular cGMP in a dose-related manner (EC50, approximately 1 nM), and the effects were inhibited by tamoxifen. Treatment with SNP increased cGMP maximally, even in estrogen-deficient cells. LY-83583 blocked the estrogen-induced increase in cGMP, but neither LY-83583 nor KT-5823 had a significant effect on the estrogen-induced increases in NO release and cellular cGMP. The NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester decreased NO release, and pretreatment of cells with L-arginine reversed the effect. Cultured human cervical epithelial cells express messenger RNA for the NOS isoforms endothelial NOS (ecNOS), brain NOS, and inducible NOS. 17beta-Estradiol up-regulated ecNOS messenger RNA, and tamoxifen blocked the effect. Based on these results we suggest that the effect of estradiol on permeability involves four signaling steps: 1) activation of estrogen receptors, 2) increase in ecNOS transcription and up-regulation of NO activity, 3) NO activation of guanylate cyclase and increase in cGMP, and 4) cGMP activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase.

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Carbazoles; Cell Membrane Permeability; Cells, Cultured; Cervix Uteri; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Densitometry; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epithelial Cells; Estradiol; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Indoles; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Nitroprusside; Up-Regulation

Corporal smooth muscle (CSM) tone is maintained by a finite balance between relaxant and contractile neurotransmitters. The aim of these experiments was to ascertain the degree to which cyclic GMP is involved in these interactions. We also sought to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of action of MB in rabbit corpus cavernosum (RCC), an important tool in nitric oxide research. Using an organ chamber technique, strips of RCC were treated with the guanylate cyclase inhibitors Methylene Blue (MB) and LY83583; 100 microM MB led to increases in resting tension which were antagonized by indomethacin, nifedipine, phentolamine, but not superoxide dismutase (SOD). Contractile responses to noradrenaline (NA) were increased and relaxation to ACh was impaired by both MB and LY83583 and reversed with indomethacin, but not SOD. Pyrogallol had no effect on agonist-induced responses. The pharmacological action of MB in RCC does not depend on the generation of superoxide anions. Endothelium-dependent relaxation in RCC results in activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and release of a stable endothelium derived contracting factor(s), which is likely to be a constrictor prostanoid(s). Tonic production of cGMP in RCC inhibits the presynaptic release and contractile effects of NA and can be modulated by cyclo-oxygenase inhibition, demonstrating the important interaction and functional antagonism between cGMP and prostaglandins in the control of CSM tone.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Indomethacin; Male; Methylene Blue; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle Tonus; Muscle, Smooth; Penis; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Rabbits

Nitric oxide (NO) is believed to play an important, but as yet undefined, role in regulating hypoxia inducible gene expression. Recently, we have reported evidence suggesting that the human insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) gene is directly regulated by hypoxia through the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 pathway. The goal of the current study was to investigate NO regulation of hypoxic induction of IGFBP-1 gene expression using HepG2 cells, a model system of hepatic gene expression. We report that a NO generator, sodium nitroprusside, significantly diminishes hypoxic activation of IGFBP-1 protein and messenger ribonucleic acid expression. Furthermore, these effects are independent of guanylate cyclase/ cGMP signaling, as two different inhibitors, LY 83583, a specific inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, and KT 5823, a protein kinase G inhibitor, had no effect on IGFBP-1 induction by hypoxia. Hypoxic induction of a reporter gene containing four tandemly ligated hypoxia response elements was completely blocked by sodium nitroprusside, but not by 8-bromo-cGMP, an analog ofcGMP. These results suggest that NO blocks hypoxic induction of IGFBP-1 by a guanylate cyclase/ cGMP-independent pathway, possibly at the level of oxygen sensing. The impaired hypoxia regulation of IGFBP-1 by nitric oxide may play a key role in the hyperinduction of IGFBP-1 observed in pathophysiological conditions such as fetal hypoxia and preeclampsia where dysregulation of NO has been observed.

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Base Sequence; Binding Sites; Carbazoles; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Hypoxia; Conserved Sequence; Cyclic GMP; DNA-Binding Proteins; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gene Expression Regulation; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Indoles; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Kinetics; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Luciferases; Molecular Sequence Data; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Nuclear Proteins; Protein Biosynthesis; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Signal Transduction; Transcription Factors; Transcription, Genetic; Transfection; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Estrogen increases secretion of cervical mucus in women, and the effect depends on fragmentation of the cytoskeleton. The objective of the present study was to understand the molecular mechanism of estrogen action. Treatment of human cervical epithelial cells with 17beta-estradiol, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or 8-bromoguanosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) increased cellular monomeric G-actin and decreased polymerized F-actin. The effects of estradiol were blocked by tamoxifen, by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83583, and by the cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor KT-5823. The effects of SNP were blocked by LY-83583 and KT-5823, while the effects of 8-Br-cGMP were blocked only by KT-5823. Treatment with phalloidin decreased paracellular permeability and G-actin. Treatment with 17beta-estradiol, SNP, or 8-Br-cGMP attenuated SNP-induced phosphorylation of [(32)P]adenylate NAD in vitro: tamoxifen blocked the effect of estrogen; LY-83583 blocked the effect of SNP but not that of 8-Br-cGMP, while KT-5823 blocked effects of both SNP and 8-Br-cGMP. These results indicate that estrogen, nitric oxide (NO), and cGMP stimulate actin depolymerization. A possible mechanism is NO-induced, cGMP-dependent protein kinase augmentation of ADP-ribosylation of monomeric actin.

Topics: 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; Actins; Adenosine Diphosphate; Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Carbazoles; Cell Membrane Permeability; Cells, Cultured; Cervix Mucus; Cervix Uteri; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epithelial Cells; Estradiol; Estrogen Antagonists; Female; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Polymers; Ribose; Tamoxifen; Vasodilator Agents

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases microvascular permeability in vivo and has been hypothesized to play a role in plasma leakage in diabetic retinopathy. Few controlled studies have been conducted to determine the mechanism underlying the effect of VEGF on transport properties (e.g., hydraulic conductivity [Lp]). This study was conducted to determine the effect of VEGF on bovine retinal microvascular endothelial LP and the role of nitric oxide (NO) and the guanylate cyclase/guanosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate/protein kinase G (GC/cGMP/PKG) pathway downstream of NO in mediating the VEGF response.. Bovine retinal microvascular endothelial cells (BRECs) were grown on porous polycarbonate filters, and water flux across BREC monolayers in response to a pressure differential was measured to determine endothelial LP RESULTS: VEGF (100 ng/ml) increased endothelial LP: within 30 minutes of addition and by 13.8-fold at the end of 3 hours of exposure. VEGF stimulated endothelial monolayers to release NO and incubation of the BRECs with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 100 microM) significantly attenuated the VEGF-induced LP increase. It was observed that incubation of the monolayers with the GC inhibitor LY-83583 (10 microM) did not alter the VEGF-mediated LP: response. Addition of the cGMP analogue 8-br-cGMP (1 mM) did not change the baseline LP over 4 hours. Also, the PKG inhibitor KT5823 (1 microM) did not inhibit the response of BREC LP to VEGF.. These experiments indicate that VEGF elevates hydraulic conductivity in BRECs through a signaling mechanism that involves NO but not the GC/cGMP/PKG pathway.

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Biological Transport; Body Water; Carbazoles; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Endothelial Growth Factors; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Indoles; Lymphokines; Nitrates; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Nitrites; omega-N-Methylarginine; Permeability; Retinal Vessels; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization and release into mammal CSF plays a fundamental role in the etiogenesis of fever induced by the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and other pyrogens. The source and mechanism of IL-1beta-induced intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization was investigated using two experimental models. IL-1beta (10 ng/ml) treatment of rat striatal slices preloaded with (45)Ca(2+) elicited a delayed (30 min) and sustained increase (125-150%) in spontaneous (45)Ca(2+) release that was potentiated by l-arginine (300 microm) and counteracted by N-omega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) (1 and 3 mm). The nitric oxide (NO) donors diethylamine/NO complex (sodium salt) (0.3 and 1 mm) and spermine/NO (0.1 and 0.3 mm) mimicked the effect of IL-1beta on Ca(2+) release. IL-1beta stimulated tissue cGMP concentration, and dibutyryl cGMP enhanced Ca(2+) release. The guanyl cyclase inhibitors 1H-[1,2, 4]oxadiazole[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (100 microm) and 6-[phenylamino]-5,8 quinolinedione (50 microm) counteracted Ca(2+) release induced by 2.5 but not 10 ng/ml IL-1beta. Ruthenium red (50 microm) and, to a lesser extent, heparin (3 mg/ml) antagonized IL-1beta-induced Ca(2+) release, and both compounds administered together completely abolished this response. Similar results were obtained in human astrocytoma cells in which IL-1beta elicited a delayed (30 min) increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) (402 +/- 71.2% of baseline), which was abolished by 1 mm l-NAME. These data indicate that the NO/cGMP-signaling pathway is part of the intracellular mechanism transducing IL-1beta-evoked Ca(2+) mobilization in glial and striatal cells and that the ryanodine and the inositol-(1,4,5)-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca(2+) stores are involved.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Astrocytoma; Calcium; Corpus Striatum; Cyclic GMP; Dibutyryl Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Heparin; Humans; Hydrazines; In Vitro Techniques; Interleukin-1; Intracellular Fluid; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitrogen Oxides; Oxadiazoles; Quinoxalines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Ruthenium Red; Spermine; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium Signaling; Cyclic ADP-Ribose; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Fertilization; Guanylate Cyclase; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Ionophores; Male; Models, Biological; Nitric Oxide; Oocytes; Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel; Sea Urchins; Seawater; Zygote

The shear stress of flowing blood on endothelial cells increases water transport (hydraulic conductivity, Lp) in several vascular beds in vivo and has been hypothesized to play a role in elevating vascular transport in ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of this study is to determine the response of Lp to varying levels of shear stress using an in vitro model of the blood-retinal barrier: bovine retinal endothelial cells (BRECs) grown on polycarbonate filters. The study also addresses the role of nitric oxide (NO) and other downstream effectors in mediating shear-induced changes in water transport. A step change in shear stress of 10 dyn/cm(2) did not produce a significant change in Lp over 3 hours, whereas a 20 dyn/cm(2) step change elevated Lp by 14.6-fold relative to stationary controls at the end of 3h of shear exposure. 20 dyn/cm( 2) of shear stress stimulated the endothelial monolayers to release nitric oxide in a biphasic manner and incubation of the BRECs with a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NMMA, significantly attenuated the shear-induced Lp response. These experiments demonstrate that NO is a key signaling molecule in the pathway linking shear stress and Lp in BRECs. A widely studied pathway downstream of NO involves the activation of guanylate cyclase (GC), guanosine 3', 5' -- cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and protein kinase G (PKG). It was observed that incubation of BRECs with the GC inhibitor, LY83583 (10 microM) or the PKG inhibitor, KT5823 (1 microM) did not significantly alter the shear-induced Lp response. Also the cGMP analogue, 8-br-cGMP (1mM), did not affect the baseline Lp over 4h. These results demonstrate that shear stress elevates hydraulic conductivity in BRECs through a signaling mechanism that involves NO but not the GC/cGMP/PKG pathway.

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Biological Transport; Blood-Retinal Barrier; Body Water; Carbazoles; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Indoles; Nitric Oxide; omega-N-Methylarginine; Retinal Vessels; Stress, Mechanical; Water

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cadmium; Calcium; Calcium Channel Blockers; Calcium Channels; Calcium Chloride; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels; Guanylate Cyclase; Ion Channels; Rats; Retina; Rod Cell Outer Segment; Taurine; Thionucleotides

Guanylin is a 15-amino acid peptide, which activates guanylate cyclase (GC) and plays a major role in the regulation of water and electrolyte secretion by intestinal mucosa. The expression of guanylin prohormone has been recently demonstrated in the rat adrenal gland, and this prompted us to investigate whether guanylin, like other peptides secreted by adrenal medulla, affects the function of the adrenal cortex. Autoradiography demonstrated the presence of [125I]guanylin binding sites in the zona glomerulosa (ZG), but not zona fasciculata-reticularis. Guanylin did not change either basal or ACTH-stimulated steroid secretion of dispersed rat adrenocortical cells, but concentration-dependently (from 10(-10) M to 10(-8) M) inhibited aldosterone response of ZG (capsular) cells to both angiotensin-II (ANG-II) and K+. Guanylin (10(-8) M) blocked the aldosterone secretagogue effect of the Ca2+-channel activator BAYK-8644, and the Ca2+-ionophore ionomycin counteracted the inhibitory action of this peptide on the secretory responses of capsular cells to ANG-II and K+. As expected, guanylin did not affect cyclic-AMP release by capsular cells, but evoked a sizeable increase in cyclic-GMP production. Both the inhibitor of GMP synthase decoyinine and the GC-inhibitor LY-83583, although suppressing cyclic-GMP release, did not affect guanylin-evoked inhibition of K+-stimulated aldosterone secretion. Collectively, these findings allow us to conclude that guanylin: i) inhibits aldosterone secretion of rat ZG cells by interfering with the agonist-induced activation of voltage-gated Ca2+-channels, the stimulation of guanylate cyclase conceivably playing a negligible role; and ii) could be included in that group of regulatory peptides, secreted by medullary chromaffin cells, which are able to counteract an exceedingly high aldosterone secretion.

Topics: 3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-, Methyl ester; Adenosine; Adrenal Cortex; Adrenal Medulla; Aldosterone; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Autoradiography; Calcium; Calcium Channel Agonists; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gastrointestinal Hormones; Guanylate Cyclase; Iodine Radioisotopes; Male; Natriuretic Peptides; Peptides; Protein Binding; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Zona Fasciculata; Zona Glomerulosa; Zona Reticularis

We investigated the effects of cGMP-elevating agents, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), on cGMP accumulation and on carbachol (CCh)-stimulated intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilisation in SV-40 transformed cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (SV-CISM-2) cells and in primary cultured cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (CISM) cells. The stimulatory effects of the natriuretic peptides on cGMP production correlated well with their inhibitory effects on CCh-induced [Ca+1]i mobilisation, and these effects were significantly more pronounced in the SV-CISM-2 cells than in the CISM cells. Thus, ANP (1 microM) increased cGMP production in the SV-CISM-2 cells and CISM cells by 487- and 1.7-fold, respectively, and inhibited CCh-induced [Ca2+]i mobilisation by 95 and 3%, respectively. In the SV-CISM-2 cells, ANP and CNP dose dependently inhibited CCh-induced [Ca2+]i mobilisation with IC50 values of 156 and 412 nM, respectively, and dose dependently stimulated cGMP formation with EC50 values of 24 and 88 nM, respectively, suggesting that the inhibitory actions of the peptides are mediated through cGMP. Both ANP and CNP stimulated cGMP accumulation in a time-dependent manner. The potency of the cGMP-elevating agents were in the following order: ANP>>CNP>>SNP; these agents had no effect on cAMP accumulation. The inhibitory effects of the natriuretic peptides were mimicked by 8-Br-cGMP, a selective activator of cGMP-dependent protein kinase. LY83583, a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, significantly inhibited SNP-induced cGMP formation but had no effect on those of ANP and CNP. The basal activities of the guanylyl cyclase and the dissociation constant (Kd) and total receptor density (Bmax) values of the natriuretic peptide receptor for [125I]ANP binding were not significantly different between the two cell types. The cGMP system, as with the cAMP system, has a major inhibitory influence on the muscarinic responses in the iris sphincter smooth muscle cells, and SV-CISM-2 cells can serve as an excellent model for investigating the cross talk between cGMP and the Ca2+ signalling system.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Binding, Competitive; Calcium; Calcium Signaling; Carbachol; Cats; Cell Line, Transformed; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Iris; Muscarinic Antagonists; Muscle, Smooth; Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type; Nitroprusside; Time Factors

Exposure of Clone 9 cells, a nontransformed rat liver cell line expressing only the Glutl glucose transporter isoform, to the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor LY-83583 was found to stimulate the rate of glucose transport (approximately 7- to 8-fold in 1 h). A similar response to LY-83583 was found in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes, and C2C12 myoblasts. Neither the rate of glucose transport in cells under control conditions nor the effect of LY-83583 on glucose transport was altered by 10, 50, or 100 microM 8-bromo-cGMP or by addition of cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors, zaprinast, or dipyridamole suggesting that glucose transport and the response to LY-83583 is independent of cGMP levels. In addition, the effect of LY-83583 on glucose transport was not mediated by inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, since exposure to the agent resulted in no increase in lactate production. Incubation of Clone 9 cells in the presence of the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, however, attenuated the glucose transport response to LY-83583. Moreover, exposure to LY-83583 resulted in a rise in cell diacylglycerol content, and preincubation with U73122 significantly diminished this rise as well as the glucose transport response to LY-83583. The stimulatory effect of LY-83583 on glucose transport was significantly blocked by thapsigargin. Down-regulation of protein kinase C activity, resulting from 24 h pre-incubation in the presence of 160 nM phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate, did not attenuate the glucose transport response to LY-83583. It is concluded that the stimulation of glucose transport in response to LY-83583 is independent of changes in cGMP levels, is not mediated by inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, and is mediated, at least in part, through stimulation of the phospholipase C pathway.

Topics: 3-O-Methylglucose; 3T3 Cells; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Biological Transport; Cell Line; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Eukaryotic Cells; Glucose; Guanylate Cyclase; Lactic Acid; Mice; Monosaccharide Transport Proteins; Type C Phospholipases

Previous studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) inhibits carotid body sensory activity. To begin to understand the cellular mechanisms associated with the actions of NO in the carotid body, we monitored the effects of NO donors on the macroscopic Ca2+ current in glomus cells isolated from rabbit carotid bodies. Experiments were performed on freshly dissociated glomus cells from adult rabbit carotid bodies using the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. The NO donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 600 microM, n = 7) and spermine nitric oxide (SNO; 100 microM, n = 7) inhibited the Ca2+ current in glomus cells in a voltage-independent manner. These effects of NO donors were rapid in onset and peaked within 1 or 2 min. In contrast, the outward K+ current was unaffected by SNP (600 microM, n = 6), indicating that the inhibition by SNP was not a nonspecific membrane effect. 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5, 5-tetramethyl-imidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (carboxy-PTIO; 500 microM), an NO scavenger, prevented inhibition of the Ca2+ current by SNP (n = 7), whereas neither superoxide dismutase (SOD; 2,000 U/ml, n = 4), a superoxide scavenger, nor sodium hydrosulfite (SHS; 1 mM, n = 7), a reducing agent, prevented inhibition of the Ca2+ current by SNP. However, SNP inhibition of the Ca2+ current was reversible in the presence of either SOD or SHS. These results suggest that NO itself inhibits Ca2+ current in a reversible manner and that subsequent formation of peroxynitrites results in irreversible inhibition. SNP inhibition of the Ca2+ current was not affected by 30 microM LY 83, 583 (n = 7) nor was it mimicked by 600 microM 8-bromoguanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP; n = 6), suggesting that the effects of NO on the Ca2+ current are mediated, in part, via a cGMP-independent mechanism. N-ethylmaleimide (NEM; 2.5 mM, n = 6) prevented the inhibition of the Ca2+ current by SNP, indicating that SNP is acting via a modification of sulfhydryl groups on Ca2+ channel proteins. Norepinephrine (NE; 10 microM) further inhibited the Ca2+ current in the presence of NEM (n = 7), implying that NEM did not nonspecifically eliminate Ca2+ current modulation. Nisoldipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker (2 microM, n = 6), prevented the inhibition of Ca2+ current by SNP, whereas omega-conotoxin GVIA, an N-type Ca2+ channel blocker (1 microM, n = 9), did not prevent the inhibition of Ca2+ current by SNP. These results demonstrate that NO inhibits L-type Ca2+ channels in ad

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium; Calcium Channels; Calcium Channels, L-Type; Carotid Body; Cells, Cultured; Cyanides; Cyclic GMP; Dithionite; Electrophysiology; Enzyme Inhibitors; Ethylmaleimide; Ion Channel Gating; Membrane Potentials; Nitric Oxide; Nitrites; Nitroprusside; Potassium; Potassium Channels; Rabbits; Superoxide Dismutase; Vasodilator Agents

Taste is the least understood among sensory systems, and bitter taste mechanisms pose a special challenge because they are elicited by a large variety of compounds. We studied bitter taste signal transduction with the quench-flow method and monitored the rapid kinetics of the second messenger guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) production and degradation in mouse taste tissue. In response to the bitter stimulants, caffeine and theophylline but not strychnine or denatonium cGMP levels demonstrated a rapid and transient increase that peaked at 50 ms and gradually declined throughout the following 4.5 s. The theophylline- and caffeine-induced effect was rapid, transient, concentration dependent and gustatory tissue-specific. The effect could be partially suppressed in the presence of the soluble guanylyl cyclase (GC) inhibitor 10 microM ODQ and 30 microM methylene blue but not 50 microM LY 83583 and boosted by nitric oxide donors 25 microM NOR-3 or 100 microM sodium nitroprusside. The proposed mechanism for this novel cGMP-mediated bitter taste signal transduction is cGMP production partially by the soluble GC and caffeine-induced inhibition of one or several phosphodiesterases.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Caffeine; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Glycine Agents; Methylene Blue; Mice; Nitro Compounds; Nitroprusside; Oxadiazoles; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Quinoxalines; Signal Transduction; Strychnine; Sulfhydryl Reagents; Taste; Theophylline

Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the nervous systems of many vertebrates and invertebrates. We investigated the mechanism of NO action at an identified synapse between a mechanoafferent neuron, C2, and the serotonergic metacerebral cell (MCC) in the cerebral ganglion of the mollusc Aplysia californica. Stimulation of C2 produces a decreasing conductance, very slow EPSP in the MCC. C2 is thought to use histamine and NO as cotransmitters at this synapse, because both agents mimic the membrane responses. Now we provide evidence that treatment with NO donors stimulates soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in the MCC, and as a result cGMP increases. S-Nitrosocysteine (SNC, an NO donor) and 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP) both induced the membrane depolarization and increase in input resistance that are characteristic of the very slow EPSP. Two inhibitors of sGC, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinequinone (LY83583) and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4, 3-a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ), suppressed both the very slow EPSP and the membrane responses to SNC but not the histamine membrane responses. NO-induced cGMP production was determined in the MCC using cGMP immunocytochemistry (cGMP-IR). In the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), 10 microM SNC was sufficient to induce cGMP-IR, and the staining intensity increased as the SNC dose was increased. This cGMP-IR was suppressed by ODQ in a dose-dependent manner and completely blocked by 10 microM ODQ. Histamine did not induce cGMP-IR. The results suggest that NO stimulates sGC-dependent cGMP synthesis in the MCC and that cGMP mediates the membrane responses. The cotransmitter histamine induces essentially the same membrane responses but seems to use a separate and distinct second messenger pathway.

Topics: 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aplysia; Cyclic GMP; Cysteine; Enzyme Inhibitors; Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials; Ganglia, Invertebrate; Guanylate Cyclase; Immunohistochemistry; Neurons; Nitric Oxide; Nitroso Compounds; Oxadiazoles; Quinoxalines; S-Nitrosothiols; Stimulation, Chemical

The involvement of adenylate cyclase-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AC-cAMP) in gonadotropin-stimulated testicular steroidogenesis is well known. Little is known about the role of guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GC-cGMP) or early chloride conductance stimulated by gonadotropins in steroidogenesis. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 1 IU/L caused significant androgen secretion without a discernible effect on cAMP production. Despite negligible intracellular cAMP, the protein kinase A inhibitor H89 blocked basal and hCG-stimulated steroidogenesis. The GC inhibitors methylene blue (MB) and LY83583 decreased androgen secretion, but hCG did not stimulate cGMP production and there was not a steroidogenic response to exogenous cGMP. A chloride-channel inhibitor, diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC), at concentrations up to 0.6 mmol/L stimulated basal steroid secretion and hCG 10 IU/L stimulated cAMP production, but higher concentrations had an inhibitory effect. Substitution of chloride by gluconate enhanced basal steroid secretion, but nitrate completely abolished the effect of 1 IU/L hCG on androgen secretion, which could be partially overcome by increasing the gonadotropin concentration. In conclusion, chloride, perhaps by activating AC-cAMP, mediates the steroidogenic action of gonadotropins in mouse Leydig tumor cells (MLTC-1). Inorganic nitrate probably inhibited steroidogenesis via conversion to nitric oxide (NO) without involving the GC-cGMP pathway. Nevertheless, the results obtained with GC inhibitors suggest a role for the GC-cGMP pathway in Leydig cell steroidogenesis.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Androgens; Animals; Calcium Channel Blockers; Chlorides; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gonadotropins; Guanylate Cyclase; Isoquinolines; Leydig Cell Tumor; Mice; Nitrates; ortho-Aminobenzoates; Sulfonamides; Testosterone

1. The cardiac effects of the NO donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP), S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) and 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1) were studied in frog fibres to evaluate the contribution of cyclic GMP-dependent mechanisms. 2. SNP and SNAP (0.1-100 microM) reduced the force of contraction in a concentration-dependent manner in atrial and ventricular fibres. This effect was associated with a reduction in the time to peak (TTP) and the time for half-relaxation of contraction (T). 3. SIN-1 (100 microM) also reduced the force of contraction in two-thirds of the atrial fibres. However, it exerted a positive inotropic effect in the remaining atrial fibres, as well as in most ventricular fibres. 4. The guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxidiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ, 10 microM) antagonized the negative inotropic effects of SIN-1 (50 microM) and SNAP (25 microM) but had no effect on the positive inotropic response to SIN-1 (100 microM). 5. In the presence of SIN-1, superoxide dismutase (SOD, 50-200 U ml-1) either potentiated the negative inotropic effect or turned the positive inotropic effect of the drug into a negative effect. SOD had no effects when applied alone or in the presence of SNAP. 6. 6-Anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY 83583, 3-30 microM), a superoxide anion generator also known as a cyclic GMP-lowering agent, exerted a positive inotropic effect, which was antagonized by SOD (200-370 U ml-1) but not by ODQ (10 microM). 7. We conclude that SNP, SNAP and SIN-1 exert cyclic GMP-dependent negative inotropic effects, which are attributed to the generation of NO. In addition, SIN-1 and LY 83583 exert cyclic GMP-independent positive inotropic effects, which require the generation of superoxide anion.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Half-Life; Heart; Heart Atria; Heart Ventricles; In Vitro Techniques; Molsidomine; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Myocardial Contraction; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroprusside; Penicillamine; Rana esculenta; S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine

1. We hypothesized that acetylcholine would attenuate the metabolic effect of increasing cAMP and decreasing cGMP on cardiac myocyte O2 consumption (VO2) in dog, and this effect would be altered in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) produced by aortic valve placation. 2. Steady-state VO2 of a suspension of ventricular myocytes from control (n = 7) and LVH (n = 6) dogs was measured by Clark O2 electrodes during electrical stimulation (5 ms, 1 Hz, in 2 mm Ca2+). Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP were determined by radioimmunoassay. Cellular cAMP was increased by forskolin (adenylate cyclase stimulator) and cGMP was decreased by LY83583 (guanylate cyclase inhibitor) both at 10(-7,-6,-5,-4) M with and without 10(-6) M acetylcholine. 3. Baseline cGMP level in LVH (62 +/- 10 fmol 10(-5) myocytes) was significantly greater than that in control (20 +/- 3), although the myocyte VO2 (356 +/- 39 nL O2 min(-1) 10(-5) myocytes) and cAMP levels (3.9 +/- 0.6 nmol 10(5-1) myocytes) were similar to control (312 +/- 23 and 6.9 +/- 3.1). 4. Forskolin increased myocyte cAMP in both control and LVH myocytes and increased VO2 by 51 +/- 13 in control and 91 +/- 65 in LVH myocytes. LY83583 decreased myocyte cGMP levels in control and LVH myocytes and increased VO2 by 128 +/- 57 in control and 43 +/- 26 in LVH myocytes. 5. Acetylcholine altered the cAMP, cGMP, and VO2 levels in control to 2.4 +/- 0.4, 30 +/- 3 and 213 +/- 27 and LVH to 2.5 +/- 0.3, 85 +/- 9 and 261 +/- 32. Acetylcholine attenuated the maximal effects of forskolin on VO2 to 32 +/- 27 in control and 66 +/- 56 in LVH myocytes. Acetylcholine also decreased the maximal effects of LY83583 to 82 +/- 50 in control and 19 +/- 19 in LVH myocytes. 6. The positive metabolic effects of both increases in myocyte cAMP and decreases in cGMP were blunted by acetylcholine. There was a significant increase in myocyte cGMP with forskolin in LVH myocytes. Acetylcholine decreased the increased myocyte VO2 caused by elevated cAMP or decreased cGMP in both control and LVH myocytes, although the absolute decrease in cAMP was reduced and the absolute values of cGMP were higher in LVH myocytes.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cell Separation; Colforsin; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Dogs; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Enzyme Inhibitors; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; In Vitro Techniques; Oxygen Consumption; Radioimmunoassay; Vasodilator Agents

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator and relaxes smooth muscle of a variety of tissues, but the effects of CGRP on human myometrial contractions and the changes in CGRP receptors (CGRP-Rs) in human myometrium have not been described. We report that CGRP induced dose-dependent relaxation in spontaneously contracting myometrium from pregnant women. This relaxation effect is diminished in myometrium obtained from patients during labor and in the nonpregnant state. CGRP-induced relaxations are inhibited by a CGRP-R antagonist (CGRP(8-37)), a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (LY(83583)), and a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME). Both Western blotting and mRNA analysis showed that CGRP-Rs are present in human myometrium, and that the expression of these receptors is increased during pregnancy and decreased during term labor. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that CGRP-Rs are abundant in the myometrial cells of pregnant women who are not in labor, and are minimal in uterine specimens from women in labor and in the nonpregnant state. We conclude that increased CGRP-Rs in myometrium, and resulting enhanced myometrial sensitivity to CGRP, may play a role in maintaining human myometrium in a quiescent state during pregnancy, and that a decline in the CGRP-Rs at term could contribute to the initiation of labor.

Topics: Adult; Aminoquinolines; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Cesarean Section; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Hysterectomy; Myometrium; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Peptide Fragments; Pregnancy; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Single-Blind Method; Uterine Contraction

We have previously shown that reoxygenation of hypoxic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) leads to the activation and deposition of complement. In the present study, we investigated whether the terminal complement complex (C5b-9) influences HUVEC nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) translocation and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) protein expression after hypoxia/reoxygenation by decreasing endothelial cGMP. Additionally, we investigated the action of anti-human C5 therapy on endothelial cGMP, NF-kappaB translocation, and VCAM-1 protein expression. Reoxygenation (0.5 to 3 hours, 21% O(2)) of hypoxic (12 hours, 1% O(2)) HUVECs in human serum (HS) significantly increased C5b-9 deposition, VCAM-1 expression, and NF-kappaB translocation compared with hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs treated with the recombinant human C5 inhibitor h5G1.1-scFv. Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced cGMP synthesis was significantly higher in normoxic HUVECs compared with hypoxic HUVECs reoxygenated in HS but did not differ from hypoxic HUVECs reoxygenated in buffer or HS treated with h5G1.1-scFv. Treatment of hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs with h5G1.1-scFv or cGMP analogues significantly attenuated NF-kappaB translocation and VCAM-1 protein expression. Treatment with NO analogues, but not a cAMP analogue, cGMP antagonists, or an NO antagonist, also significantly attenuated VCAM-1 expression. We conclude that (1) C5b-9 deposition, NF-kappaB translocation, and VCAM-1 protein expression are increased in hypoxic HUVECs reoxygenated in HS; (2) reoxygenation of hypoxic HUVECs in HS, but not buffer alone, attenuates ACh-induced cGMP synthesis; and (3) treatment of hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs with h5G1.1-scFv attenuates C5b-9 deposition, NF-kappaB translocation, and VCAM-1 expression while preserving ACh-induced cGMP synthesis. C5b-9-induced VCAM-1 expression may thus involve an NO/cGMP-regulated NF-kappaB translocation mechanism.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Blotting, Western; Bucladesine; Cell Hypoxia; Cells, Cultured; Complement Membrane Attack Complex; Cyclic GMP; Dibutyryl Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Glutathione; Humans; Immunotherapy; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; NF-kappa B; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroso Compounds; Oxygen; Penicillamine; S-Nitrosoglutathione; Umbilical Veins; Vasculitis; Vasodilation

1. We report opposite inotropic effects of NO donors in frog cardiac fibres. The negative effect, elicited by either 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1) or S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP), involved cyclic GMP (cGMP) production. However, SIN-1, unlike SNAP, could elicit a positive effect, in a superoxide dismutase (SOD)-sensitive manner. SIN-1, unlike SNAP, can release both NO and superoxide anion, the precursors of peroxynitrite (OONO-). The role of these messengers was examined. 2. Catalase did not reduce the positive inotropic effect of SIN-1. Thus, a conversion of superoxide anion into hydrogen peroxide was not involved in this effect. In addition, catalase did not modify the negative effects of SIN-1 plus SOD, or SNAP plus SOD. 3. LY 83583, a superoxide anion generator, elicited a positive inotropic effect, like SIN-1. The effect of LY 83583 was additive to the negative effects of SIN-1 or SNAP, and to the positive effect of SIN-1. Thus, superoxide anion generation, per se, did not account for the positive effect of SIN-1. 4. Authentic peroxynitrite (OONO-), but not mock-OONO- (negative control plus decomposed OONO-), exerted a dramatic positive inotropic effect in cardiac fibres. The effect of OONO- was larger in atrial fibres, as compared with ventricular fibres. 5. The positive effect of OONO- was not additive with that of SIN-1, suggesting a common mechanism of action. In contrast, the effects of either OONO- or SIN-1 were additive with the negative inotropic effect of SNAP. Furthermore, the effect of OONO-, like that of SIN-1, was not antagonized by 1H-[1,2,4]xidiazolo[4, 3-a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ; 10 microM), the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. 6. The positive inotropic effects of SIN-1 and OONO- were not modified by hydroxyl radical scavengers, such as dimethyl-thio-urea (DMTU; 10 mM). 7. The positive inotropic effect of SIN-1 (100 microM) was abolished in sodium-free solutions, a treatment that eliminates the activity of the sodium-calcium exchanger. In contrast, the effect of SIN-1 was unchanged by a potassium channel inhibitor (tetraethyl-ammonium, 20 mM), or a sodium-potassium pump inhibitor (ouabain 10 microM). 8. We conclude that OONO- is a positive inotropic agent in frog cardiac fibres. The generation of OONO- accounts for the positive inotropic effect of SIN-1. OONO- itself was responsible for the positive inotropic effect, and appeared to modulate the activity of the sodium-calcium exchanger.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Function; Catalase; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Heart Atria; Heart Ventricles; Hydroxyl Radical; Molsidomine; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Myocardial Contraction; Myocardium; Nitrates; Nitric Oxide Donors; Oxadiazoles; Oxidants; Quinoxalines; Rana esculenta; Sodium; Sodium-Calcium Exchanger; Ventricular Function

The role of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on the expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by freshly isolated human T lymphocytes was investigated. The presence of NO, generated from any of the NO-donor compounds, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP), DPTA-nonoate (DPTA) or DETA-nonoate (DETA), added 15 min prior to T-cell stimulation (for 24 hr) with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), resulted in up to 50% inhibition of IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-gamma secretion. In contrast, IL-2 secretion was not inhibited. Using the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, LY83583, it was shown that the inhibition of IL-4 and IL-5 was cGMP dependent, whereas additional mechanisms mediated the inhibition of IFN-gamma. Exposure of T cells to the NO-donor compounds for 24 hr prior to stimulation resulted in a more pronounced inhibition of IFN-gamma secretion by DPTA and DETA (P < 0.01), despite the fact that NO generation could no longer be detected. Under these conditions, IL-4 secretion was not inhibited and IL-5 secretion was inhibited to a lesser extent (P < 0.01 for SNAP and DPTA, P > 0.05 for DETA). IL-2 secretion was inhibited after 24 hr of preincubation with the NO-donor compounds, whereas it was not directly affected by NO. The increased inhibitory effects on IFN-gamma and IL-2 secretion could not be accounted for by the antiproliferative effects of the NO-donor compounds, which were diminished after 24 hr of preincubation relative to 15 min of preincubation. For IFN-gamma, the inhibition was at least partially effected at the transcriptional level as shown by decreased mRNA accumulation. These data show that NO can modulate the balance between the expression, by human T-lymphocytes, of T helper 1- and T helper 2-type cytokines, through selective and persistent inhibition of the expression of IFN-gamma via a cGMP-independent mechanism.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; DEET; Enzyme Inhibitors; Flow Cytometry; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-2; Interleukin-4; Interleukin-5; Lymphocyte Activation; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Penicillamine; RNA, Messenger; T-Lymphocytes

In recent years nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as an important intra- and intercellular transmitter involved in the control of hypothalamic-pituitary axis. In order to discriminate the potential actions of NO at hypothalamic or pituitary level in the control of PRL and LH release, we have studied PRL and LH secretion by dispersed pituitary cells obtained from males, cycling and lactating females in the presence of 1) sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor; 2) cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the second messenger for a wide range of NO actions; 3) Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME), a competitive inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS) and 4) oxadialoquinoxalione (OQD) and LY 83,583, antagonists of guanylyl cyclases. We found that SNP (at doses of 100 and 500 micromol) stimulated LH and FSH release and partially blocked the inhibitory action of dopamine (50 and 100 nmol) on prolactin secretion. These effects were not mimicked by cGMP and remained in the presence of OQD and LY 83,583. NAME alone had no significant effect on hormone secretion. These results suggest that NO plays a role in the control of gonadotropins and prolactin secretion acting directly at the pituitary level and that these effects are mediated by mechanisms other than changes in cGMP levels.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Dopamine; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Oxadiazoles; Pituitary Gland, Anterior; Prolactin; Quinoxalines; Rats; Rats, Wistar

We tested the hypothesis that increased O2 consumption and inotropy after reduction of myocardial cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) are mediated through L-type calcium channels. Anesthetized, open-chest New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups. Hearts were exposed to control vehicle (n = 8); LY83583 (LY, 10(-3) mol/l, guanylate cyclase inhibitor, (n = 9); nifedipine (nif, 10(-4) mol/l, L-type calcium channel blocker, n = 8), or nif+LY (n = 6). Vehicle or compound was applied topically to the epicardium for 15 min. Subepicardial (EPI) blood flow increased (from 213 +/- 22 to 323 +/- 24 ml/ min/100 g) in the presence of LY, as did subendocardial (ENDO) blood flow (from 238 +/- 20 to 333 +/- 38 ml/min/ 100 g). O2 consumption increased in the presence of LY:18.0 +/- 1.0 (EPI) and 17.0 +/- 0.6 (ENDO) ml O2/min/100 g as compared with 9.5 +/- 2.0 (EPI) and 10.6 +/- 2.5 (ENDO) in the control group. The increase in O2 consumption with LY was undiminished in the presence of nif (nif+LY group 21.0 +/- 3.0 ml O2/min/100 g EPI and 22.1 +/- 3.8 ENDO). Nif alone decreased left ventricular dP/dtmax from (2,762 +/- 197 to 2,413 +/- 316 mm Hg/s) and maximal rate of change in wall thickness (dW/dtmax from 13.5 +/- 2.0 to 9.5 +/- 0.8 mm/s), while percent change of wall thickness (from 21.3 +/- 3.3 to 31.3 +/- 7.2) and dW/dtmax (from 13.3 +/- 3.0 to 15.3 +/- 2.3 mm/s) increased in the nif+LY group. Thus, the positive O2 consumption and inotropic effects of decreasing cGMP were undiminished by nif. These results suggest that the cGMP reduction induced increases in O2 consumption and that inotropy may not be mediated through L-type calcium channels.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium Channel Blockers; Cardiotonic Agents; Cyclic GMP; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Nifedipine; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxygen Consumption; Rabbits

In our study we have examined the importance of cyclic guanylate monophosphate (cGMP) in NO-mediated intestinal cellular damage. Epithelial cells were harvested from a 20-cm segment of rat proximal small intestine by dispersion using citrate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion. Incubation of cells with the nitric oxide donors, S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (10-1000 microM) produced a concentration-dependent increase in cell injury and an increase in cellular cGMP formation as determined by immunoassay. In addition, cell injury was also increased by treatment of cells with the cell permeable analogue, dibutryryl cGMP (db cGMP; 0.1-2.0 mM). Suppression of cellular cGMP production by incubating cells with the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY83583 (5-20 microM) attenuated the damaging actions of SNAP or SNP. However, LY83583 treatment did not reduce ethanol-mediated (10% v/v) cell injury. Furthermore the cytotoxic actions of SNAP or SNP were enhanced by preincubation of cells with the selective cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, zaprinast (10 mM). The damaging actions of SNAP, SNP and db cGMP were reduced by treating cells with superoxide dismutase (100 U/ml). Similarly SNAP, SNP and db cGMP treatments resulted in an increase in the in vitro production of reactive oxygen metabolites as assessed by the fluorescent probe 2'7' dichlorofluoresein diacetate. These findings indicate that cGMP mediates intestinal cell injury in response to high levels of nitric oxide as produced by the nitric oxide donors, SNAP and SNP. Furthermore these data suggest that the cGMP-induced damage to intestinal epithelial cells involves the generation of reactive oxidants.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Epithelial Cells; Guanylate Cyclase; Intestine, Small; Male; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Penicillamine; Rats; Rats, Wistar; S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine; Superoxide Dismutase

The cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) analogue, 8-bromo-cGMP (1 mM), increased glucose oxidation in isolated soleus muscle. The nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (15 mM), increased glucose, pyruvate, palmitate and leucine oxidation. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ did not affect SNP-stimulated glucose oxidation (or other glucose utilization parameters), thus eliminating the influx of Ca2+ as a mechanism for the increases. The guanylate cyclase inhibitor, LY-83583 (10 microM), inhibited SNP-stimulated palmitate oxidation and activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Activation of PKG might supersede any inhibitory effects of NO on respiration to stimulate metabolic fuel oxidation in skeletal muscle.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Enzyme Inhibitors; Glucose; Leucine; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Skeletal; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Oxidation-Reduction; Palmitates; Pyruvic Acid; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Vasodilator Agents

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitors methylene blue and LY83583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione) on relaxation and increases in intracellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) concentration ([cGMP]i) induced by sodium nitroprusside, 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) and diethylamine-nitric oxide (NO) in porcine tracheal smooth muscle in vitro. We measured (1) the effect of NO donors on isometric force and [cGMP]i and (2) the ability of methylene blue and LY83583 to antagonize these effects. In muscle strips contracted with carbachol (0.1-0.3 microM), both sodium nitroprusside and diethylamine-NO caused relaxation and an increase in [cGMP]i. By contrast, SIN-1 caused a relaxation which was not associated with a concomitant increase in [cGMP]i. Methylene blue (10 microM) and LY83583 (10 microM) completely blocked the increase in [cGMP]i induced by sodium nitroprusside and diethylamine-NO; however substantial relaxation remained. It is concluded that in porcine airway smooth muscle, (1) relaxation induced by some NO donors may occur without a concomitant increase in [cGMP]i; and (2) whereas relaxation induced by some NO donors may be associated with increases in [cGMP]i, the relaxation is not completely dependent upon it.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Antidotes; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Guanylate Cyclase; Isometric Contraction; Methylene Blue; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth; Nitric Oxide; Swine

Endothelial cells play an important role in the regulation of vascular activity through the release of endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF) now believed to be nitric oxide (NO). NO and the NO donor drug nitroglycerin relax vascular smooth muscle by stimulating soluble guanylyl cyclase leading to elevation of intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP). Halothane has been shown to inhibit the action of NO on blood vessels. This study was designed to further investigate the mechanisms by which halothane attenuates NO-induced vascular relaxations. This was done by examining the effects of halothane on nitroglycerin and NO-induced relaxations in the presence and absence of the inhibitors of soluble guanylyl cyclase, methylene blue and 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY 83583). Thoracic aortas from anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were excised and cut into rings and the endothelium was removed. The aortic rings were suspended in organ baths containing Krebs solution and equilibrated at their optimal passive tension. When a stable plateau of contraction was produced by EC60 concentrations of norepinephrine, increasing concentrations of nitroglycerin or NO were added to the baths to relax the rings. This contraction-relaxation procedure was repeated three or four times. In some baths halothane was administered by a calibrated vaporizer 10 min before beginning the second procedure. Either methylene blue or LY 83583 was added to the baths 20 min before the third procedure. The combination of halothane, methylene blue or LY 83583 was added before the fourth procedure. Halothane, methylene blue or LY 83583 significantly inhibited nitroglycerin-induced relaxation individually. Halothane and LY 83583 also significantly inhibited NO-induced relaxations (5 x 10(-9)-3 x 10(-8) M and 5 x 10(-9)-3 x 10(-5) M, respectively) individually. The combination of halothane and methylene blue or halothane and LY 83583 significantly inhibited nitroglycerin-induced relaxation, also, the combination of halothane and LY 83583 significantly inhibited NO-induced relaxations. Halothane, methylene blue and LY 83583 treatment led to rightward shift in the concentration-effect curves. Halothane, in combination with methylene blue or LY 83583, produced inhibition equivalent to the sum of their individual effects. The present study demonstrates that the halothane, methylene blue and LY 83583 attenuate nitroglycerin and NO-induced relaxations of endothelium-denu

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Anesthetics, Inhalation; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Binding, Competitive; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Halothane; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Methylene Blue; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitroglycerin; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vasodilator Agents

NMDA has two beneficial effects on primary neuronal cultures of cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) established from 10-day-old rat pups. First, NMDA is neurotrophic and will enhance survival of CGCs in culture in the absence of ethanol. Second, ethanol exposure will induce cell death in CGC cultures, and NMDA can lessen this ethanol-induced cell loss, i.e., NMDA is neuroprotective. Because NMDA can stimulate production of nitric oxide (NO), which can in turn enhance synthesis of cyclic GMP, this study tested the hypothesis that the NO-cyclic GMP pathway is essential for NMDA-mediated neurotrophism and neuroprotection. Inhibiting the synthesis of NO with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester eliminated both the NMDA-mediated neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. Similarly, inhibiting production of cyclic GMP with the agent LY83583 also abolished these effects. The NO generator 2,2'-(hydroxynitrosohydrazono) bisethanamine produced neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects that were similar to those induced by NMDA. Also, 8-bromo-cyclic GMP produced neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects that were quite similar to the effects produced by NMDA. In conclusion, NMDA enhances survival of cerebellar granule cells and protects the cells against ethanol-induced cell death by a mechanism(s) that involves the NO-cyclic GMP pathway.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Cerebellum; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Ethanol; N-Methylaspartate; Neurons; Neuroprotective Agents; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitroso Compounds; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Several studies have shown that increasing cGMP in the heart reduces contractility, however, decreasing basal cGMP levels have also been shown in some studies to reduce contractility. This study was designed to evaluate the hypothesis that decreasing basal levels of cGMP decreases ventricular contractility, and that this depressed function is associated with a decrease in cAMP.. Using paced, constant flow, buffer-perfused rat hearts, we determined the effects of intracoronary infusions of the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, LY83583 (10(-5) M), on ventricular function, oxygen consumption, and ventricular content of cGMP and cAMP. These experiments were conducted in the absence and presence of isoproterenol (ISO) to increase baseline left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and cAMP.. LY83583, infused for 25 min, decreased LVDP by 44 +/- 3 (SE), 77 +/- 20 and 120 +/- 38 mmHg, in control, 10(-9) M, and 10(-8) M ISO-stimulated hearts, respectively. Regardless of the level of ISO stimulation, LY83583 reduced LVDP to the same sub-basal level. Oxygen consumption also decreased, but proportionately less than LVDP. ISO increased cAMP without changing cGMP. LY83583 decreased cGMP by about 25% at all levels of ISO, and decreased cAMP by 22% in the 10(-8) M ISO-stimulated group.. Guanylyl cyclase inhibition by LY83583 decreased cGMP, cAMP and ventricular contractility. However, LY83583 depression of contractility was not always associated with a reduction in cAMP, suggesting that LY83583 can depress contractility by both cAMP-dependent and independent mechanisms.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Depression, Chemical; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Male; Myocardial Contraction; Myocardium; Oxygen Consumption; Perfusion; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Physiological levels of nitric oxide (NO) regulate vascular tone and protect the microvasculature from injury whereas excessive NO may be harmful. The present study explored the effects of NO on human endothelial cell apoptosis. We found that the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) inhibited TNFalpha-induced endothelial apoptosis and that this was mediated partly through the cGMP pathway. In contrast, high SNAP concentration induced endothelial apoptosis via cGMP-independent pathways and the cGMP pathway protected against NO-induced apoptosis. These findings demonstrate that low NO concentrations contribute to human endothelial cell survival, whereas higher NO concentrations are pathological and promote destruction of endothelial cells.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Apoptosis; Cell Survival; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Nitric Oxide; Penicillamine; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Umbilical Veins

In neutrophils activated to secrete with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, intermediate filaments are phosphorylated transiently by cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (G-kinase). cGMP regulation of vimentin organization was investigated. During granule secretion, cGMP levels were elevated and intermediate filaments were transiently assembled at the pericortex to areas devoid of granules and microfilaments. Microtubule and microfilament inhibitors affected intermediate filament organization, granule secretion, and cGMP levels. Cytochalasin D and nocodazole caused intermediate filaments to assemble at the nucleus, rather than at the pericortex. cGMP levels were elevated in neutrophils by both inhibitors; however, with cytochalasin D, cGMP was elevated earlier and granule secretion was excessive. Nocodazole did not affect normal cGMP elevations, but specific granule secretion was delayed. LY83583, a guanylyl cyclase antagonist, inhibited granule secretion and intermediate filament organization, but not microtubule or microfilament organization. Intermediate filament assembly at the pericortex and secretion were partially restored by 8-bromo-cGMP in LY83583-treated neutrophils, suggesting that cGMP regulates these functions. G-kinase directly induced intermediate filament assembly in situ, and protein phosphatase 1 disassembled filaments. However, in intact cells stimulated with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, intermediate filament assembly is focal and transient, suggesting that vimentin phosphorylation is compartmentalized. We propose that, in addition to changes in microfilament and microtubule organization, granule secretion is also accompanied by changes in intermediate filament organization, and that cGMP regulates vimentin filament organization via activation of G-kinase.

Topics: Actin Cytoskeleton; Aminoquinolines; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Type I; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Cytochalasin D; Cytoplasmic Granules; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Intermediate Filaments; Kinetics; Microtubules; Models, Biological; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Neutrophils; Nocodazole; Phosphorylation; Signal Transduction; Vimentin

Maximum velocity of shortening, Vo, was measured by the method of Edman [J Physiol (Lond) 291:143-159, 1979] on extensor digitorum longus muscles of a mouse in vitro at 20 degreesC. Blockers of nitric oxide synthase, 10 mM nitro-l-arginine or 1 mM 7-nitroindazole, reduced Vo by 18% and 22%, respectively. On removal of the inhibitor, Vo returned to the control value. It was found that 10 mM nitro-d-arginine, an enantiomer of nitro-l-arginine inactive against nitric oxide synthase, did not affect Vo. A donor of nitric oxide, 0.1 mM nitroprusside, increased Vo by 15%. It removed the inhibition caused by nitro-l-arginine. Another donor of nitric oxide, 1 microM (+/-)-S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), increased Vo by 8%. An inhibitor of cGMP synthase, 0.01 mM Ly-83583, decreased Vo by 18%. An analogue of cGMP, 0.1 mM 8-bromo-cGMP, increased Vo by 17%. A general inhibitor of phosphodiesterases, 0.02 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), increased Vo by 17%. An inhibitor specific of cGMP phosphodiesterase, 0.01 mM dipyridamole, increased Vo by 8%. The maximal isometric force (F0) was not modified by the drugs, except by 7-nitroindazole and Ly-83583, which depressed F0 by 12%. The cGMP level in tetanized muscles decreased by 12-27% in the presence of blockers of nitric oxide synthase. We conclude that the level of intracellular nitric oxide modulates Vo through the cGMP pathway.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Biomechanical Phenomena; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Skeletal; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitroarginine; Nitroprusside; Penicillamine; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Stereoisomerism

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (10(-9)-10(-6) mol) and carbachol (10(-9)-10(-6) mol) induced dose-dependent vasodilatation in the perfused rabbit isolated ovarian vascular bed. Carbachol, but not SNP-induced vasodilatation was abolished by treatment with CHAPS (4. 7 mg ml-1, 30 s) to remove the endothelium. Carbachol-induced responses were also significantly attenuated by LY 83583 (10(-5) M) and methylene blue (3x10(-5) M). L-NOARG (10(-5) M) reduced carbachol-induced vasodilatation. None of these compounds affected SNP-induced vasodilator responses. Both SNP- and carbachol-induced vasodilatation were attenuated by raising the [K+] in the Krebs' solution to 40 mM. The responses were also reduced by TEA (20 mM) but not by glibenclamide. It was therefore concluded that SNP induced cGMP-independent vasodilator responses in the perfused rabbit ovarian vascular bed. This vasodilator response involved membrane hyperpolarisation since it was lost in high [K+] Krebs' solution. (c) 1998 The Italian Pharmacological Society.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Carbachol; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Methylene Blue; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Nitroarginine; Nitroprusside; Ovary; Rabbits; Vasodilation

A nitric oxide (NO)-like product of the L-arginine NO synthase pathway has been shown to be a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that is involved in the slow component of the inhibitory junction potential (IJP) elicited by stimulation of nonadrenergic, noncholinergic nerves. However, the exact nature of the nitrergic transmitter, the role of cGMP, and the involvement of a potassium or a chloride conductance in the slow IJP remain unresolved. We examined the effects of soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitors LY-83583 and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), potassium-channel blockers and putative chloride-channel blockers diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) and niflumic acid (NFA) on the hyperpolarization elicited by an NO. donor, diethylenetriamine/NO adduct (DNO), NO in solution, and an NO+ donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), in the guinea pig ileal circular muscle. Effects of these blockers on purinergic (fast) and nitrergic (slow) IJP were also examined. DNO-induced hyperpolarization and nitrergic slow IJP were suppressed by LY-83583 or ODQ and DPC or NFA but not by the potassium-channel blocker apamin. In contrast, hyperpolarization caused by SNP or solubilized NO gas and purinergic fast IJP were antagonized by apamin but not by inhibitors of guanylate cyclase or chloride channels. These results demonstrate biological differences in the actions of different redox states of NO and suggest that NO. is the nitrergic inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Apamin; Chloride Channels; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Guinea Pigs; Ileum; In Vitro Techniques; Muscle, Smooth; Neuromuscular Junction; Neurotransmitter Agents; Niflumic Acid; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroprusside; ortho-Aminobenzoates; Oxadiazoles; Oxidation-Reduction; Potassium Channel Blockers; Quinoxalines

To investigate the mechanisms whereby guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) modulates microvessel permeability in vivo, we measured changes in microvessel hydraulic conductivity (Lp) and endothelial cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in response to the cGMP analogs 8-bromo-cGMP (8-BrcGMP) and 8-(p-chlorophenylthio)cGMP (8-pCPT-cGMP) in the presence and absence of inflammatory stimuli in intact individually perfused microvessels in frog and rat mesenteries. The cGMP analog caused a transient increase in Lp and potentiated ATP or bradykinin-induced increases in Lp in frog and rat mesenteric microvessels, respectively. The mean peak value of the test Lp/control Lp after exposure to 8-BrcGMP was 5.3 +/- 0.5 in frog microvessels and 2.8 +/- 0.4 in rat microvessels. The ATP-induced increase in Lp in frog microvessels was further raised by 8-BrcGMP from 7.0 +/- 0.9 to 12.4 +/- 1.9 times the control. In rat mesenteric microvessels, the bradykinin-induced increase in Lp was potentiated by 8-BrcGMP from 4.8 +/- 0.4 to 8.3 +/- 1.3 times the control and was suppressed by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83583 to 2.6 +/- 0.5 times the control. A similar but larger effect was found when using 8-pCPT-cGMP. In contrast to the actions of increased cGMP on microvessel permeability, cGMP analogs had no effect on basal endothelial [Ca2+]i and did not alter the magnitude and time course of ATP or bradykinin-induced increases in endothelial [Ca2+]i. These results suggested that an elevation of cGMP levels in endothelial cells is a necessary step to increase microvessel permeability in intact microvessels, and this regulatory process occurs downstream from Ca2+ influx, which differs from that reported in large-vessel endothelium in culture and in vascular smooth muscle cells. Experiments carried on microvessels in both frog and rat mesenteries provided a direct comparison of the endothelial cell regulatory mechanisms between species.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Bradykinin; Calcium; Cell Membrane Permeability; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Female; Isotonic Solutions; Male; Mesentery; Rana pipiens; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Ringer's Solution; Time Factors; Venules

The role of intracellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate concentration ([cGMP]i) in nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxations in the uterus has become controversial. We found the NO donor S-nitroso-L-cysteine (CysNO) to potently (IC50 = 30 nM) inhibit spontaneous contractions in the nonpregnant human myometrium. CysNO treatment increased [cGMP]i significantly (P < 0.001), and this increase was blocked by the guanylyl cyclase inhibitors methylene blue (10 microM) or LY-83583 (1 microM); however, pretreatment with these guanylyl cyclase inhibitors failed to block CysNO-mediated relaxations. Intracellular cAMP concentrations were not altered by treatment of tissues with 10 microM CysNO. Incubation with the cGMP analogs 8-bromo-cGMP or beta-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-cGMP did not significantly affect spontaneous contractility. Pretreatment of tissues with charybdotoxin [a calcium-dependent potassium channel (BK) blocker] completely reversed CysNO-induced relaxations. We conclude that NO is a potent inhibitor of spontaneous contractile activity in the nonpregnant human uterus and that, although guanylyl cyclase and BK activities are increased by NO, increases in [cGMP]i are not required for NO-induced relaxations in this tissue.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Charybdotoxin; Cyclic GMP; Cysteine; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Methylene Blue; Myometrium; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroso Compounds; S-Nitrosothiols; Uterine Contraction

The phototransduction mechanism of the extra-ocular photoreceptor cells Ip-2 and Ip-1 in the mollusc Onchidium ganglion was examined. Previous work showed that the depolarizing receptor potential of another extra-ocular photoreceptor cell, A-P-1 is produced by a decrease of the light-sensitive K+ conductance activated by a second messenger, cGMP and is inactivated by the hydrolysis of cGMP. Here, a hyperpolarizing receptor potential of Ip-2 or Ip-1 was associated with an increase in membrane conductance. When Ip-2 or Ip-1 was voltage-clamped near the resting membrane potential, light induced an outward photocurrent corresponding to the above hyperpolarization. The spectral sensitivity had a peak at 510 nm. The shift of reversal potentials of the photocurrent depended on the Nernst equation of K(+)-selective conductance. The photocurrent was blocked by 4-AP and L-DIL, which are effective blockers of the A-P-1 light-sensitive K+ conductance. These results suggested that the hyperpolarization is mediated by increasing a similar light-sensitive K+ conductance to that of A-P-1. The injection of cGMP or Ca2+ into a cell produced a K+ current that mimicked the photocurrent. 4-AP and L-DIL both abolished the cGMP-activated K+ current, while TEA suppressed only the Ca(2+)-activated K+ current. These results indicated that cGMP is also a second messenger that regulates the light-sensitive K+ conductance. The photocurrent was blocked by LY-83583, a guanylate cyclase (GC) inhibitor, but was unaltered by zaprinast, a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. Together, the present results suggest that increasing the internal cGMP in Ip-2 or Ip-1 cells light-activates GC rather than inhibits PDE, thereby leading to an increase of the light-sensitive K+ conductance and the hyperpolarization.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; 4-Aminopyridine; 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; Abdomen; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Electric Conductivity; Electrophysiology; Enzyme Inhibitors; Membrane Potentials; Mollusca; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Photic Stimulation; Photoreceptor Cells, Invertebrate; Potassium; Purinones; Second Messenger Systems; Tetraethylammonium; Vision, Ocular

The effects of nitric oxide on the activities of thapsigargin-sensitive sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) and Ca2+ uptake by sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes prepared from white skeletal muscle of rabbit femoral muscle were studied. Pretreatment of the SR preparations with nitric oxide at concentrations of up to 250 microM for 1 min decreased the SERCA activity concentration dependently, and also decreased their Ca2+ uptake. Both these effects of nitric oxide were reversible. Inhibitors of guanylyl cyclase and protein kinase G (PKG) had no significant effect on the nitric oxide-induced inhibitions of SERCA and Ca2+ uptake. Moreover, dithiothreitol did not reverse the inhibitory effects of nitric oxide on SERCA and Ca2+ uptake. These findings suggest that nitric oxide inhibits SERCA, mainly SERCA 1, of rabbit femoral skeletal muscle by an action independent of the cyclic GMP-PKG system or oxidation of thiols, and probably by a direct action on SERCA protein.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Caffeine; Calcium; Calcium Channel Agonists; Calcium Channel Blockers; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Dithiothreitol; Guanylate Cyclase; Heparin; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Nitric Oxide; Ouabain; Rabbits; Ryanodine; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Thapsigargin; Thionucleotides

Taurine is known to increase ATP-dependent calcium ion (Ca2+) uptake in retinal membrane preparations and in isolated rod outer segments (ROS) under low calcium conditions (10 microM) (Pasantes-Morales and Ordóñez, 1982; Lombardini, 1991). In this report, ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in retinal membrane preparations was found to be inhibited by 5 microM cadmium (Cd2+), suggesting the involvement of cation channel activation. The activation of cGMP-gated cation channels, which are found in the ROS, is a crucial step in the phototransduction process. An inhibitor of cGMP-gated channels, LY83583, was found to inhibit taurine-stimulated ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake but had no effect on ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in the absence of taurine, indicating that taurine may be increasing ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake through a mechanism of action involving the opening of cGMP-gated channels. The activation of cGMP-gated channels with dibutyryl-cGMP and with phosphodiesterase inhibition using zaprinast caused an increase in ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in isolated ROS, but not in taurine-stimulated ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake. LY83583 had the same effects in isolated ROS as in retinal membrane preparations. Another inhibitor of cGMP-gated channels, Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS, produced the same pattern of inhibition in isolated ROS as LY83583. Thus, there appears to be a causal link between taurine and the activation of the cGMP-gated channels in the ROS under conditions of low calcium concentration, a connection that suggests an important role for taurine in the visual signalling function of the retina.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Biological Transport; Cadmium; Calcium; Calcium Channels; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ion Channel Gating; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Rod Cell Outer Segment; Taurine

We investigated the mechanism of guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) production in rabbit parotid acinar cells. Methacholine, a muscarinic cholinergic agonist, stimulated cGMP production in a dose-dependent manner but not isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic receptor stimulant. Methacholine-stimulated cGMP production has been suggested to be coupled to Ca2+ mobilization, because intracellular Ca2+ elevating reagents, such as thapsigargin and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, mimicked the effect of methacholine. The cGMP production induced by Ca2+ mobilization has also been suggested to be coupled to nitric oxide (NO) generation because the effects of methacholine, thapsigargin and A23187 on cGMP production were blocked by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and hemoglobin, a scavenger of nitric oxide (NO). Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, stimulated cGMP production. Furthermore, methacholine stimulated NO generation, and NOS activity in the cytosolic fraction in rabbit parotid acinar cells was exclusively dependent on Ca2+. These findings suggest that cGMP production induced by the activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors is coupled to NO generation via Ca2+ mobilization.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Calcimycin; Calcium; Citrulline; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Methacholine Chloride; Models, Biological; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Parotid Gland; Rabbits; Receptors, Muscarinic; Thapsigargin; Time Factors

Saccharomyces cerevisiae was inoculated into a dilute synthetic minimal medium with glycerol as the carbon source. The number of live cells in the cultures was determined by colony counts on agar plates. Untreated control cells had doubled in number about once at the end of the first week and had gone through eight doublings by the end of the second week. Addition of either 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (8-bromo-cGMP) or human recombinant insulin, made the cells go through 12 and 10 doublings, respectively, by the end of the first week. In contrast, 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8-bromo-cAMP) had only slight stimulating effects on cell multiplication, but if it was combined with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) the cells went through about 12 doublings during the first week. Addition of LY 83583, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, prevented cell proliferation. Further addition of 8-bromo-cGMP bypassed this inhibition. Singly, bradykinin or PMA did not affect cell multiplication. However, when these two compounds were combined, the cells went through about 10 doublings during the first week. Neither bradykinin, nor PMA had any releasing effect on the inhibition of LY 83583. These results indicate the existence of several routes leading to cell proliferation in wildtype S. cerevisiae cells.

Topics: 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; Aminoquinolines; Bradykinin; Cell Division; Culture Media; Cyclic GMP; Drug Interactions; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Insulin; Recombinant Proteins; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Signal Transduction; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

We have shown that endogenous nitrogen oxides (NOx) modulate excitation-contraction coupling in diaphragm. Because cyclic GMP (cGMP) is a second messenger for nitric oxide (NO) inhibition of smooth muscle contraction, we rested the hypothesis that NO acts via cGMP in diaphragm. Fiber bundles from rat diaphragm were studied in vitro. Immunohistochemical analysis using a cGMP-specific monoclonal antibody confirmed the presence of cGMP in the subsarcolemmal region, near nitric oxide synthase (NOS). cGMP measured by ELISA in control muscle (0.27 pmol/mg +/- 0.01 SE) was significantly increased by the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine 1 mM (0.55+/-0.05; N = 6; P < 0.001). Contractile studies showed that the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) 10 mM increased submaximal (40 Hz) tetanic force (P < 0.0001). L-NNA effects were exaggerated by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY83583 5-10 microM; force at 40 Hz was increased (P < 0.001). L-NNA effects were partially reversed by 8-bromo-cGMP 1 mM (8-Br-GMP; a cell-permeable cGMP analogue; P < 0.0001) or dipyridamole 10 microM (DPM; a phosphodiesterase inhibitor; P < 0.0001). 8-Br-GMP and DPM produced more-complete L-NNA reversal in combination (P < 0.0001). We conclude that cGMP functions as a second messenger by which NO inhibits diaphragm contraction.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Diaphragm; Dipyridamole; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Male; Muscle Contraction; Nitric Oxide; Nitroarginine; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Second Messenger Systems

Acetylcholine has long been implicated in nocturnal phase adjustment of circadian rhythms, yet the subject remains controversial. Although the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), site of the circadian clock, contains no intrinsic cholinergic somata, it receives choline acetyltransferase-immunopositive projections from basal forebrain and mesopontine tegmental nuclei that contribute to sleep and wakefulness. We have demonstrated that the SCN of inbred rats in a hypothalamic brain slice is sensitive to cholinergic phase adjustment via muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) only at night. We used this paradigm to probe the muscarinic signal transduction mechanism and the site(s) gating nocturnal responsiveness. The cholinergic agonist carbachol altered the circadian rhythm of SCN neuronal activity in a pattern closely resembling that for analogs of cGMP; nocturnal gating of clock sensitivity of each is preserved in vitro. Specific inhibitors of guanylyl cyclase (GC) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), key elements in the cGMP signal transduction cascade, blocked phase shifts induced by carbachol. Further, carbachol administration to the SCN at night increased cGMP production and PKG activity. The carbachol-induced increase in cGMP was blocked both by atropine, an mAChR antagonist, and by LY83583, a GC inhibitor. We conclude that (1) mAChR regulation of the SCN is mediated via GC-->cGMP-->PKG, (2) nocturnal gating of this pathway is controlled by the circadian clock, and (3) a gating site is positioned downstream from cGMP. This study is among the first to identify a functional context for mAChR-cGMP coupling in the CNS.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Afferent Pathways; Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atropine; Carbachol; Carbazoles; Cholinergic Agents; Cholinergic Fibers; Circadian Rhythm; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Indoles; Muscarinic Antagonists; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Muscarinic; Signal Transduction; Suprachiasmatic Nucleus; Time Factors

The diffusible messenger carbon monoxide (CO) has been proposed to mediate endogenous cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) formation and sensory adaptation in vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). We have identified and characterized a long-lasting form of odor response adaptation (LLA) that operates at the level of isolated salamander ORNs and does not require any interactions from other cells. Manifestations of LLA are seen in reduced amplitude and prolonged kinetics of the cAMP-mediated excitatory odor response and the generation of a persistent current component that lasts for several minutes and is attributable to cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel activation by cGMP. Because these effects can be mimicked by micromolar amounts of exogenous cGMP or CO, we applied various inhibitors of cGMP formation. LLA is abolished selectively by heme oxygenase inhibitors known to prevent CO release and cGMP formation in ORNs, whereas odor excitation remains unaffected. In contrast, blockers of nitric oxide synthase are unable to eliminate LLA. Several controls rule out a contribution of nonspecific actions to the effects of CO inhibitors. The results indicate that endogenous CO/cGMP signals contribute to olfactory adaptation and underlie the control of gain and sensitivity of odor transduction. The findings offer a mechanism by which a single, brief odor stimulus can be translated into long-lasting intracellular changes that could play an important role in the perceptual adaptation to odors, and explain the longstanding puzzle that the olfactory CNG channels can be gated by both cAMP and cGMP.

Topics: Acclimatization; Ambystoma; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cadmium; Carbon Monoxide; Cyclic GMP; Cyclohexanols; Enzyme Inhibitors; Eucalyptol; In Vitro Techniques; Menthol; Monoterpenes; Nitroarginine; Odorants; Olfactory Receptor Neurons; omega-N-Methylarginine; Reaction Time; Second Messenger Systems; Sulfonamides; Terpenes

Cyclic GMP has been shown to be in some respects an inhibitory modulator of heart function. Various studies on the modulation of cardiac L-type calcium current (ICa) by cGMP in different species show inconsistency and the role of cGMP remains unclear and controversial. The present study was focused on the differences in the modulation of basal ICa by cGMP in adult and newborn rabbit ventricular cells.. Enzymatically isolated adult and newborn (1-4-day-old) rabbit ventricular myocytes were used to measure ICa under whole-cell voltage clamp conditions with internal perfusion of isolated cells.. We have shown that in adult ventricular cells, the intracellular perfusion of 8BrcGMP did not produce any effect on basal ICa, while intracellular perfusion of 8BrcGMP or 8CPT-cGMP in newborn ventricular cells significantly and reversibly increased basal ICa without changing the voltage dependence for activation of ICa. Both methylene blue and LY-83583 (which inhibit guanylyl cyclase and thus lower cGMP levels), in adult ventricular cells, failed to produce any significant effect on basal ICa, while in newborn ventricular cells the application of methylene blue or LY-83583 produced irreversible inhibition of basal ICa. Similarly, KT-5823, an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, also inhibited basal ICa in newborn ventricular cells but not in adult ventricular cells. However, extracellular application of methylene blue during the intracellular perfusion of 8BrcGMP was unable to inhibit ICa. Extracellular application of nitrosoglutathione which releases nitric oxide produced a significant increase in ICa in newborn but not in adult ventricular cells. Intracellular application of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor peptide blocked the stimulatory effect of cAMP but not of 8CPT-cGMP, while the stimulatory effect of nitrosoglutathione on ICa was not blocked by the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (isobutylmethyl-xanthine).. We propose that, for newborn rabbit ventricular cells, cGMP plays a crucial role in maintaining basal ICa by a mechanism mediated via protein-kinase-G-dependent phosphorylation of calcium channels or some associated protein.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Calcium; Calcium Channels; Carbazoles; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Female; Glutathione; Guanylate Cyclase; Indoles; Male; Methylene Blue; Myocardium; Nitroso Compounds; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Rabbits; S-Nitrosoglutathione; Thionucleotides; Time Factors

It has been proposed that capacitative Ca influx into both pancreatic acinar cells and HT-29 colonic cells is regulated by stimulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NO, in turn, controls cGMP levels through effects on guanylate cyclase. We tested this possibility by measuring Ca (and Ba) entry into human embryonic kidney 293 cells and into 293 cells that had been transfected with the neuronal NOS gene (293/NOS). 293 cells had undetectable levels of NOS, while 293/NOS cells exhibited very high levels [Bredt D.S., Ferris C.D., Snyder S.H. Nitric oxide synthase regulatory sites. J Biol Chem 1992; 267: 10976-10981]. Ca (or Ba) entry into single cells was measured as the rate of increase of the Fura-2 fluorescence ratio (digital imaging microscopy) during rapid changes from Ca-free (or Ba-free) to Ca- (or Ba-) containing solutions (using high K to depolarize the membrane potential). cGMP levels (EIA method) were measured to correlate to rates of Ca entry. 100 microM ATP caused release of Ca from internal stores, but no sustained plateau due to Ca entry in either 293 or 293/NOS cells. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, which inhibits the Ca pump of the internal store, allowing Ca to leak from the store) caused apparent Ca entry to increase 5-10-fold from similar, low levels in both 293 and 293/NOS cells. CPA-stimulated Ca entry was unaffected by the NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) in either 293 or 293/NOS cells. In 293 cells [cGMP] was low; ATP and CPA both increased [cGMP] by 2-fold, and the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY83583 and L-NA decreased [cGMP] by 50-75%. [cGMP] was 20-fold higher in 293/NOS cells than in 293 cells; these [cGMP] were not affected by ATP and CPA, but were effectively decreased by 80-90% by L-NA and by LY83583. Thus, [cGMP] and Ca or Ba entry showed no relationship to each other: Ca entry was small into cells in which [cGMP] was either low (resting 293, CPA + L-NA or CPA + LY83583), intermediate (ATP-treated 293) or high (resting 293/NOS). Similarly, Ca entry was high into cells in which [cGMP] was low (CPA + L-NA- or CPA + LY83583-treated 293), intermediate (CPA-treated 293 and CPA + L-NA-treated 293/NOS) or high (CPA- or ATP-treated 293/NOS). We conclude that, as in most other non-excitable cells, Ca entry into 293 cells is stimulated by loss of Ca from the store but, unlike pancreatic and colonic cells, this capacitative Ca entry does not appear to be regulated by NO and cGMP. Therefore, although capacitative entry across the plasma m

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Aminoquinolines; Barium; Calcium; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Cell Line; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Indoles; Kidney; Membrane Potentials; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitroarginine; Potassium; Transfection

Transient elevations of intracellular Ca2+ play an important role in regulating the sensitivity of olfactory transduction, but such elevations have not been demonstrated in the olfactory cilia, which are the site of primary odor transduction. To begin to understand Ca2+ signaling in olfactory cilia, we used high-resolution imaging techniques to study the Ca2+ transients that occur in salamander olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) as a result of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel activation. To visualize ciliary Ca2+ signals, we loaded ORNs with the Ca2+ indicator dye Fluo-3 AM and measured fluorescence with a laser scanning confocal microscope. Application of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX increased fluorescence in the cilia and other neuronal compartments; the ciliary signal occurred first and was more transient. This signal could be abolished by lowering external Ca2+ or by applying LY83583, a potent blocker of CNG channels, indicating that Ca2+ entry through CNG channels was the primary source of fluorescence increases. Direct activation of CNG channels with low levels of 8-Br-cGMP (1 microM) led to tonic Ca2+ signals that were restricted locally to the cilia and the dendritic knob. Elevated external K+, which depolarizes cell membranes, increased fluorescence signals in the cell body and dendrite but failed to increase ciliary Ca2+ fluorescence. The results demonstrate the existence and spatiotemporal properties of Ca2+ transients in individual olfactory cilia and implicate CNG channels as a major pathway for Ca2+ entry into ORN cilia during odor transduction.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Adaptation, Physiological; Ambystoma; Aminoquinolines; Aniline Compounds; Animals; Calcium; Cilia; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Electric Stimulation; Electrophysiology; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epithelial Cells; Fluorescent Dyes; GTP-Binding Proteins; Ion Channel Gating; Membrane Potentials; Microscopy, Confocal; Olfactory Receptor Neurons; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Potassium; Second Messenger Systems; Time Factors; Xanthenes

We have previously reported that the serine protease plasmin generated during contact activation of human plasma triggers biosynthesis of leukotrienes (LTs) in human peripheral monocytes (PMs), but not in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). We now show that purified plasmin acts as a potent chemoattractant on human monocytes, but not on PMNs. Human plasmin or plasminogen activated with urokinase, but not active site-blocked plasmin or plasminogen, elicited monocyte migration across polycarbonate membranes. Similarly, stimulation of monocytes with plasmin, but not with active site-blocked plasmin or plasminogen, induced actin polymerization. As assessed by checkerboard analysis, the plasmin-mediated monocyte locomotion was a true chemotaxis. The plasmin-induced chemotactic response was inhibited by the lysine analog trans-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid (t-AMCA), which prevents binding of plasmin/ogen to the appropriate membrane binding sites. In addition, active site-blocked plasmin inhibited monocyte migration triggered by active plasmin. Further, plasmin-induced monocyte chemotaxis was inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTX) and 1-O-hexadecyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycerol (HMG) and chelerythrine, two structurally unrelated inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC). Plasmin, but not active site-blocked plasmin or plasminogen, triggered formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in monocytes. LY83583, an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, inhibited both plasmin-induced cGMP formation and the chemotactic response. The latter effect could be antagonized by 8-bromo-cGMP. In addition, KT5823 and (Rp)-8-(p-chlorophenylthio)guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate [(Rp)-8-pCPT-cGMPs], two structurally unrelated inhibitors of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, inhibited plasmin-mediated monocyte chemotaxis. Thus, beyond being a stimulus for lipid mediator release, plasmin is a potent and specific chemoattractant for human monocytes acting via a cGMP-dependent mechanism. Therefore, plasmin represents a proinflammatory activator for human monocytes.

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Benzophenanthridines; Binding Sites; Carbazoles; Chemotactic Factors; Chemotaxis; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fibrinolysin; Glyceryl Ethers; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Indoles; Lysine; Male; Monocytes; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Neutrophils; Organ Specificity; Pertussis Toxin; Phenanthridines; Plasminogen; Protein Kinase C; Signal Transduction; Thionucleotides; Tranexamic Acid; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

Unidirectional blue light directs the rhizoid-thallus axis in the apolar zygotes of Fucus and Pelvetia. Here, it is shown that blue light (but not red light) increased cyclic GMP levels of Pelvetia zygotes by about a factor of 2. When the increase in cyclic GMP was blocked by a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, photopolarization was also blocked. Bathing the cells in a permeant cyclic GMP analog, which should tend to collapse intracellular cyclic GMP gradients, reduced the degree of photopolarization. Growing the cells in the dark in a gradient of the analog caused the rhizoids to tend to form on the low concentration side. It appears that the stimulation of the blue light photoreceptors on the side nearer the light activates guanylyl cyclase and results in a transcytoplasmic cyclic GMP gradient that is necessary for polarization.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Adenine; Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors; Aminoquinolines; Cell Division; Cell Polarity; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Light; Phaeophyceae; Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases; Zygote

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) receptors and their signaling pathways were characterized in dispersed rabbit gastric muscle cells. 125I-PACAP-27 and 125I-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) binding to muscle cells were inhibited equally by PACAP and VIP (mean inhibitory concentration 0.8 to 1.3 nM) and desensitized to the same extent (70-80%) by exposure to either peptide. PACAP, like VIP, increased cytosolic free Ca2+ and the formation of L-[3H]citrulline, NO-3/NO-2, guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), and adenosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and induced relaxation (mean effective concentration 1.8 +/- 0.1 nM) that was partly inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), VIP-(10-28), and PACAP 6-38. L-[3H]citrulline and cGMP formation were blocked by nifedipine, L-NNA, and pertussis toxin (PTx), implying activation of a G protein-coupled, Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide (NO) synthase. PACAP-induced relaxation was inhibited to the same extent (46-49%) by nifedipine, L-NNA, PTx, and the protein kinase G inhibitor KT-5823; the inhibition reflected the component of relaxation mediated by the NO-cGMP pathway. The residual relaxation was abolished by the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89. The pattern of inhibition of all responses was identical to that observed with VIP. Desensitization with VIP or PACAP abolished cAMP formation but had no effect on L-[3H]citrulline and cGMP formation induced by either peptide. Receptor protection with VIP or PACAP preserved fully all responses (L-[3H]citrulline, cGMP, and cAMP formation and relaxation) to either peptide. The complete cross-competition, cross-desensitization, cross-antagonism, and cross-protection of receptors by either VIP or PACAP are consistent with interaction of both peptides with the same receptors; the receptors consist of two classes, each coupled to a distinct signaling pathway.

Topics: Adenylate Cyclase Toxin; Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium; Carbazoles; Cells, Cultured; Citrulline; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Cytosol; Enzyme Inhibitors; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanylate Cyclase; Indoles; Isoquinolines; Kinetics; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth; Neuropeptides; Neurotransmitter Agents; Nifedipine; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitroarginine; Pertussis Toxin; Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Rabbits; Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; Receptors, Pituitary Hormone; Signal Transduction; Stomach; Sulfonamides; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

L2 cells, a cloned pneumocyte-derived cell line, express voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels, causing transient depolarizing spikes of the membrane potential (Vm) [P. Dietl, T. Haller, B. Wirleitner, H. Völkl, F. Friedrich, and J. Striessing. Am. J. Physiol. 269 (Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 13): L873-L883, 1995]. In this study, we examined the effect of nitric oxide (NO)- and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent cell signaling on the activity of L-type Ca2+ channels. Using conventional microelectrodes, spontaneous depolarizations (SD) of Vm by activation of these channels are regularly seen in the presence of 10 mM bath Sr2+. The NO donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 1 mM), 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1; 100 microM), as well as S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP; 10 microM) caused a significant reduction of the frequency of Sr(2+)-induced SD. These effects were completely reversed by 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinequinone (10 microM), an inhibitor of the soluble guanylyl cyclase, and could be mimicked by 8-bromoguanosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcGMP; 100 microM). Perforated patch-clamp experiments revealed that 8-BrcGMP exerted a significant decrease of the depolarization-induced L-type Sr2+ current in the majority of tested cells. Consistent with the dependency of these NO-mediated effects on cGMP, incubation of L2 cells with SNP, SIN-1, and SNAP lead to a pronounced increase of cellular cGMP concentration. We conclude that the NO donors inhibit the activity of L-type Ca2+ channels in L2 cells via a cGMP-dependent pathway. In the alveoli, this might occur under conditions associated with the release of NO.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium Channels; Calcium Channels, L-Type; Cell Line; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epithelium; Guanylate Cyclase; Kinetics; Membrane Potentials; Microelectrodes; Molsidomine; Nitroprusside; Penicillamine; Pulmonary Alveoli; Rats; S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine; Signal Transduction; Strontium; Time Factors

Hippocampal cyclic GMP (cGMP) has been recently postulated to participate in an early phase of memory consolidation of an inhibitory avoidance learning in rats. Here we report on the effects of the intrahippocampal infusion of a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (LY 83583) in the consolidation of one-trial step-down inhibitory avoidance and on the effect of this task on hippocampal cGMP levels and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) activity. Bilateral intrahippocampal administration of LY 83583 (2.5 micrograms per side) caused full amnesia for inhibitory avoidance when given immediately (0 min) after training, but not 30 min post-training. Rats submitted to the inhibitory avoidance task showed a significant increase in both cGMP levels and in PKG activity in the hippocampus at 0 min after training. No changes were observed 30 min after training. These findings provide further evidence that the hippocampal cGMP/PKG cascade is involved in the early stages of memory formation of an inhibitory avoidance task in rats.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Avoidance Learning; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Hippocampus; Male; Memory; Protein Kinases; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Relatively high concentrations of azathioprine had an inhibitory effect on interleukin 8 (IL-8)- or formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-activated (fMLP)-chemotaxis by human neutrophils. However, application of low concentrations of azathioprine in a concentration gradient gave a chemotactic stimulation to random migration. Stimulation of migration was maximal at a concentration of 5 microM azathioprine; at higher concentrations stimulation decreased again. The activating effect of azathioprine is located in the mercaptopurine moiety of the molecule, since mercaptopurine also stimulated neutrophil migration. In contrast to some other chemotactic agents such as fMLP and IL-8, an activating concentration (5 microM) of azathioprine did not cause an upregulation of CD11b expression on neutrophils in suspension. High concentrations of azathioprine (1 mM) inhibited CD11b expression of fMLP- or IL-8- activated neutrophils; the latter could explain the inhibitory effect of azathioprine. Azathioprine caused a transient stimulation of cGMP level; inhibitors of guanylate cyclase inhibited azathioprine-stimulated migration, suggesting that cGMP was associated with the stimulating effect of azathioprine on migration. Antagonists of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (G-kinase) strongly inhibited azathioprine-activated migration, indicating that the effect of azathioprine proceeds via G-kinase. The antagonists had only a marginal effect on inhibition of IL-8-activated chemotaxis by high concentrations of azathioprine, thus the G-kinase seems not to be of great importance on the inhibitory effect of azathioprine.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Azathioprine; CD11 Antigens; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Type I; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Dithionitrobenzoic Acid; Dithiothreitol; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Interleukin-8; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Neutrophils; Up-Regulation

To investigate the effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) accumulation and on carbachol (CCh)-stimulated inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) production and contraction in ciliary muscle (CM) and iris sphincter (Sph) isolated from bovine and other mammalian species.. Ciliary muscle and sphincter isolated from cows, cats, dogs, rabbits, monkeys, and humans were used. Bovine specimens were used in the present work. Accumulation of cGMP and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in tissue extracts was measured by radioimmunoassay, IP3 production was measured by ion-exchange chromatography, and changes in tension were recorded isometrically.. In general, CNP and SNP exerted differential inhibitory effects on muscarinic-receptor-induced responses in CM and Sph isolated from the various species. Thus in bovine CM, SNP stimulated cGMP formation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and dose dependently inhibited CCh-induced IP3 production and contraction. These effects were inhibited by LY 83583, a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, and mimicked by 8-Br-cGMP, a cell-membrane permeable analogue of cGMP. The inhibitory effects of the soluble cGMP analogue are tissue and species specific. Sodium nitroprusside had no effect on the muscarinic responses in bovine Sph, but it attenuated CCh-induced contractions in Sph isolated from cats, dogs, and rabbits. In bovine Sph, CNP increased cGMP accumulation in a time- and dose-dependent manner and dose dependently inhibited CCh-induced IP3 production and contraction. LY 83583 had no effect on the muscarinic responses. C-type natriuretic peptide attenuated CCh-induced contraction in CM isolated from monkey and human, but it had no influence on this response in CM isolated from cows, cats, and dogs.. In bovine CM, SNP effects are probably mediated through soluble guanylyl cyclase, whereas in Sph the CNP effects are mediated through membrane-bound guanylyl cyclase, which is associated with the type-B natriuretic peptide receptor. Agents that strongly increase intracellular cGMP levels, including SNP and CNP, produce significant inhibition of CCh-induced IP3 production and contraction. These effects are tissue and species specific. The results indicate that the cGMP signaling system, similar to the cAMP system, has a major inhibitory influence on the muscarinic responses in smooth muscles of the iris-ciliary body. The agents CNP and SNP, which stimulate cGMP accumulation in the ocular smooth muscles, could reduce intraocular pressure, presumably by increasing uveoscleral outflow induced by relaxation of the CM. However, the relationships between the CNP- and SNP-induced inhibition of the muscarinic stimulation and the reported intraocular pressure-lowering effects of the cGMP-elevating agents remain to be determined.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Carbachol; Cats; Cattle; Ciliary Body; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Dogs; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Iris; Macaca mulatta; Muscarinic Agonists; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type; Nitroprusside; Proteins; Rabbits; Radioimmunoassay

Nitric oxide has been shown to decrease myocardial contractility and O2 consumption. This study was designed to evaluate the hypothesis that nitric oxide-mediated increases in cyclic GMP require elevated cyclic AMP to produce cardiac depression. Using isolated, Langendorff-perfused rat hearts, we determined the effects of intracoronary nitroprusside (NP, 1 and 10 mM) in the absence and presence of isoproterenol (ISO, 10(-8) M) on cardiac function, O2 consumption, cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP. ISO, with and without NP, increased cyclic AMP (from 287 +/- 21 to 477 +/- 33 pmol/g) without altering cyclic GMP. Left-ventricular pressure increased from 97 +/- 12 to 178 +/- 9 mm Hg and dP/dtmax from 1,786 +/- 275 to 4,049 +/- 354 mm Hg/s. NP increased cyclic GMP (from 4 to 30 pmol/g) in both the absence and presence of ISO, but NP did not alter cyclic AMP. Without ISO, NP insignificantly altered left-ventricular pressure; however, in the presence of ISO, NP significantly decreased left-ventricular pressure by -25 +/- 4 mm Hg and decreased dP/dtmax by -619 +/- 142 mm Hg/s. Isoproterenol increased O2 consumption, but the changes with NP were not significant. When this study was repeated in the presence of LY83583, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, NP still produced cardiac depression in the presence of ISO. Therefore, cardiodepressant effects of NP were only observed against a background of inotropic stimulation with ISO. However, effects of NP on contractility were unrelated to increases in cyclic GMP or cyclic GMP-induced changes in cyclic AMP.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Isoproterenol; Male; Myocardial Contraction; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Exogenous nitric oxide (NO), not derived from NO-donors, but applied directly, could enhance exocytosis of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils induced by suboptimal concentrations of the chemotactic peptide fMLP. The enhancement was maximal at 30 microM NO. Higher concentrations of NO strongly inhibited fMLP-induced exocytosis. The potentiation of fMLP-induced exocytosis by NO could not be reversed by the inhibitors of guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) accumulation, LY-83583 and methylene blue, or the antagonists of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, Rp-8-pCPT-cGMPS and Rp-8-Br-cGMPS. The concentration of NO needed to enhance fMLP-induced exocytosis was much higher than the concentration leading to an increase in intracellular cGMP levels. These observations suggest that the enhancement of exocytosis by NO is not likely to be mediated by cGMP. At the concentration which inhibited fMLP-induced exocytosis, NO reduced the intracellular level of glutathione. Since it is known that inactivation of intracellular sulfhydryl groups causes complete inhibition of the exocytotic response, it seems evident that the very strong inhibition of exocytosis by high NO concentrations is due to the reaction of NO with glutathione or with other sulfhydryl group-containing targets.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Drug Synergism; Enzyme Inhibitors; Exocytosis; Female; Methylene Blue; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Neutrophils; Nitric Oxide; Peritoneal Cavity; Rabbits; Stimulation, Chemical

We tested the hypothesis that a reduction in myocardial cyclic GMP would increase myocardial O2 consumption and that renal hypertension (One Kidney-One Clip, 1K1C)-induced cardiac hypertrophy would change this relationship.. Either vehicle or LY83583 (10(-3) M, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor) was topically applied to the left ventricular surface of control of 1K1C anesthetized open-chest New Zealand white rabbits (N = 38). Coronary blood flow (radioactive microspheres) and O2 extraction (microspectrophotometry) were used to determine subepicardial (EPI) and subendocardial (ENDO) O2 consumption and myocardial cyclic GMP was determined by radioimmunoassay.. The heart weight/body weight ratio was greater in the 1K1C rabbits (3.16 +/- 0.20) than controls (2.58 +/- 0.08 g/kg). Systolic blood pressure was higher in 1K1C rabbits (116 +/- 8 mm Hg) than controls (80 +/- 6), but topical LY83583 had no significant hemodynamic effects. LY83583 significantly and similarly decreased EPI cyclic GMP in both control (7.9 +/- 1.2 to 6.0 +/- 1.0 pmol/g) and 1K1C (7.7 +/- 1.2 to 5.3 +/- 0.9) hearts and control ENDO (8.7 +/- 1.7 to 7.2 +/- 1.2) but not 1K1C ENDO (6.7 +/- 0.5 to 5.7 +/- 1.1). Myocardial O2 consumption was significantly increased in control with LY83583 (EPI 6.6 +/- 1.1 to 15.6 +/- 1.4 and ENDO 7.2 +/- 0.9 to 14.2 +/- 0.7 ml O2/min/100 g), but not in 1K1C hearts (EPI 12.1 +/- 1.0 to 12.9 +/- 1.2 or ENDO 11.4 +/- 0.7 to 12.9 +/- 0.9).. Thus myocardial O2 consumption was only increased by LY83583 in control hearts, but LY83583 decreased cyclic GMP similarly in both the control and 1K1C EPI. This indicated, at least in the EPI, a dissociation of the inverse relationship between the myocardial level of cyclic GMP and O2 consumption in the 1K1C rabbit heart.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Cardiomegaly; Coronary Circulation; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Hypertension, Renal; Male; Myocardium; Oxygen Consumption; Pericardium; Rabbits

To directly investigate the possible role of large-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (KCa) channels in nitro-vasodilator-induced relaxation of airway smooth muscle, we used cell-attached patch-clamp techniques to test the effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on KCa channels in freshly dispersed porcine tracheal smooth muscle cells. Channel open-state probability (nPo) increased approximately 13-fold with exposure to 10(-5) M SNP, and this was partially reversed by addition of the guanylate cyclase inhibitors methylene blue (3 X 10(-4) M) or LY-83583 (5 X 10(-5) M). Pretreatment with the guanosine 3',5' -cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (G kinase) inhibitor Rp-8-(p-chlorophenylthio) cGMP-phosphorothioate (2 X 10(-5) M) prevented activation of KCa channels by SNP. We also tested the ability of G kinase to directly activate KCa channels in inside-out patches. G kinase (2.5 U/microliter) with ATP (0.5 mM) and cGMP (0.1 mM), but not ATP and cGMP alone, increased nPo approximately 23-fold. We conclude that SNP activates KCa channels in airway smooth muscle via guanylate cyclase and G kinase. Phosphorylation of the channel protein by G kinase may account for this response. Consequent membrane hyperpolarization and inhibition of Ca2+ entry through voltage-dependent channels may contribute to SNP-induced relaxation of airway smooth muscle.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Membrane Potentials; Methylene Blue; Muscle, Smooth; Nitroprusside; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Potassium Channels; Regression Analysis; Swine; Thionucleotides; Trachea

It has been proposed that both inositol trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors contribute to the Ca signal generated at fertilization of the sea urchin egg. Pharmacological studies indicate that cyclic adenosine diphosphate-ribose (cADPr) is the endogenous modulator of Ca release by the ryanodine-like receptor in eggs and that cADPR cyclase, the enzyme responsible for cADPR synthesis, can be stimulated by 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Also, recent results show that the gaseous transmitter nitric oxide (NO) releases calcium in eggs via a mechanism linked to cGMP and cADPR production. Results reported here show that fertilization induces a rapid and transient increase in the intracellular concentration of cGMP. This increase occurs during the latent period, before the major increase in cytoplasmic free calcium (Cai), consistent with the hypothesis that cGMP production may play a key role in the Ca signal seen at fertilization.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium; Cyclic GMP; Cytosol; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Fertilization; Kinetics; Male; Membrane Potentials; Nitroprusside; Onium Compounds; Organophosphorus Compounds; Ovum; Sea Urchins; Sperm-Ovum Interactions; Spermatozoa

We studied the effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on migration of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. Exogenous NO enhanced random migration of neutrophils in a concentration-dependent way. An optimally stimulatory effect was observed with 0.5 microM NO, whereas at higher NO concentrations the enhancing effect decreased again. NO caused a rapid and transient increase in intracellular guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels. The enhancing effect of NO on random migration was largely reversed by the inhibitors of cGMP accumulation, LY-83583 and methylene blue, and by the antagonists of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, 8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer (Rp-8-Br-cGMPS) and 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-8-pCPT-cGMPS). These observations strongly suggest that the enhancement of random migration by NO is mediated by cGMP and cGMP-dependent protein kinase. The effect of NO on migration did not occur in the absence of extracellular calcium. Although NO did not induce a measurable elevation of intracellular free calcium, pre-incubation with the intracellular calcium chelator Fura-2/AM abolished the enhancing effect of NO. It appears therefore that a small change in the level of cytoplasmic free calcium does play a role in the enhancement of random migration by NO. High concentrations of NO were found to inhibit chemotaxis induced by an optimal concentration of the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). This inhibitory effect was also dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. A role for cGMP in the inhibition of fMLP-induced chemotaxis by NO is not supported by our measurements of intracellular cGMP levels. In contrast to the effects on fMLP, NO did not affect chemotaxis induced by the phorbol ester PMA. In conclusion, we show that NO, not derived from NO donors but applied directly, may stimulate or inhibit neutrophil migration, dependent on the concentration. The enhancing effect of NO on random migration is mediated by cGMP, which emphasizes the importance of this second messenger as a modulator of neutrophil functional.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Egtazic Acid; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Kinetics; Magnesium; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Neutrophils; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Rabbits; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

In the present study, we describe a role for cyclic GMP (cGMP) in the signalling pathway that leads from alpha-adrenergic receptor activation to intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in rat lacrimal acinar cells. The alpha-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine, stimulates intracellular Ca2+ release which is blocked by inhibitors of guanylate cyclase and cGMP-dependent protein kinase Ia. The membrane-permeable cGMP analogues, dibutyryl-cGMP and 8-bromo-cGMP, potentiate ( approximately 5-fold) the Ca2+ response to submaximal phenylephrine stimulation. In contrast, the same cGMP analogues have no effect on cyclic ADP-ribose-evoked Ca2+ release from permeabilized lacrimal acinar cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that cGMP, via cGMP-dependent protein kinase I alpha , is required for intracellular Ca2+ release following alpha-adrenergic receptor activation in lacrimal acinar cells.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Calcium; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic ADP-Ribose; Cyclic GMP; Dibutyryl Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Kinetics; Lacrimal Apparatus; Male; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitroarginine; Phenylephrine; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Nitric oxide (NO) has been postulated as a regulator of vascular reactivity, and the current study tested the hypothesis that NO-induced decreased sensitivity to vasoconstrictors persists following removal of NO. Endothelium-denuded segments of rat aorta were incubated 2-4 h at 37 degrees C with the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP). Incubation produced rightward shifts in concentration response curves for phenylephrine [i.e., half-maximum effective concentration (EC50; in microM): control = 0.016, NO = 0.14], aluminum fluoride (i.e., EC50 in mM: control = 1.66, NO = 2.29), and KCl (i.e., EC50 in mM: control = 5.9, NO = 23.9). Similar shifts were seen for two other NO donors. The SNAP-induced shift was not attenuated by a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, LY-83583 (10 microM) and was not mimicked by 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (100 microM). It was attenuated by 1,4-naphthoquinone (50 microM), an inhibitor of endogenous mono-ADP ribosyltransferases. NO incubation increased cGMP content (4.6 +/- 0.8 vs. 1.5 +/- 0.15 pmol/mg protein), an increase unaffected by 1,4-naphthoquinone (3.3 +/- 1.0 pmol/mg protein) but prevented by LY-83583 (1.6 +/- 0.36 pmol/mg protein). ADP ribosylation of three proteins was observed in membranes from HEK 293 cells: 88,66, and 38 kDa. ADP ribosylation of the 38-kDa protein was stimulated in a concentration-dependent manner by NO but was not decreased by 1,4-naphthoquinone. In conclusion, NO produces a long-lasting inhibition of vascular contractility by both a cGMP-dependent and -independent mechanism. Based on the observations of 1,4-naphthoquinone, we conclude that the cGMP-independent mechanism is not stimulation of endogenous ADP ribosylation but some other covalent modification in the pathway that mediates contraction.

Topics: ADP Ribose Transferases; Aluminum Compounds; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta; Cyclic GMP; Fluorides; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Naphthoquinones; Nitric Oxide; Penicillamine; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors; Potassium Chloride; Rats; Rats, Inbred WKY; S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine; Time Factors; Vasoconstriction; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Vasodilator Agents

It has previously been observed that nitric oxide (NO) and the opioids Met- and Leu-enkephalin contribute to hypoxia-induced pial artery dilation in the newborn pig. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between NO and opioids in hypoxic pial dilation. Piglets equipped with closed cranial windows were used to measure pial artery diameter and collect cortical periarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for assay of opioids. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 10(-8) and 10(-6) M) elicited pial dilation that was blunted by the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83583 (10(-5) M; 10 +/- 1 and 23 +/- 1 vs. 3 +/- 1 and 7 +/- 1% for 10(-8) and 10(-6) M SNP before and after LY-83583, respectively). SNP-induced dilation was accompanied by increased CSF Met-enkephalin, and coadministration of LY-83583 with SNP blocked these increases in CSF opioid concentration (1,144 +/- 59, 2,215 +/- 165, and 3,413 +/- 168 vs. 1,023 +/- 16, 1,040 +/- 18, and 1,059 +/- 29 pg/ml for control and 10(-8) and 10(-6) M SNP before and after LY-83583, respectively). SNP-induced release of CSF Leuenkephalin was also blocked by LY-83583. Similar blunted vascular and biochemical effects of SNP were observed with coadministration of the purported guanosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) antagonist, the phosphorothioate analogue of 8-bromo-cGMP (BrcGMP) [(R)-p-BrcGMP[S]; 10(-5) M]. The cGMP analogue, BrcGMP, elicited dilation that was also accompanied by increased CSF Met- and Leu-enkephalin. Vascular and biochemical effects of BrcGMP were blunted by (R)-p-cGMP[S] and unchanged by LY-83583. Hypoxia-induced pial artery dilation was attenuated by N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 10(-6) M), an NO synthase inhibitor (25 +/- 2 vs. 14 +/- 1%). Hypoxic pial dilation was accompanied by increased CSF Met-enkephalin, and these increases were attenuated by L-NNA (1,137 +/- 60 and 3,491 +/- 133 vs. 927 +/- 25 and 2,052 +/- 160 pg/ml for control and hypoxia before and after L-NNA, respectively). Hypoxia also increased CSF Leuenkephalin, and these CSF changes were similarly attenuated by L-NNA. These data show that cGMP increases CSF Met- and Leu-enkephalin. Furthermore, these data suggest that NO contributes to hypoxic dilation, at least in part, via formation of cGMP and the subsequent release of opioids.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cerebral Arteries; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Hypoxia; Male; Narcotics; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Swine; Vasodilation

Smooth muscle cells isolated from cecal circular smooth muscle of the guinea pig were used to determine whether thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) can inhibit the contractile response produced by 10(-6) M carbachol by exerting a direct action on muscle cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect of 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (an inhibitor of particulate guanylate cyclase), 6-anilinoquinoline-5,8-quinone (an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) on the TRH-induced relaxation of cecal circular smooth muscle cells was examined. TRH inhibited the contractile response produced by 10(-6) M carbachol in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 4 nM, 2',5'-Dideoxyadenosine and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate did not have any significant effect on the TRH-induced relaxation. On the other hand, 6-anilinoquinoline-5,8-quinone and N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester significantly inhibited the relaxation produced by TRH. Our findings show that TRH has a direct inhibitory effect on the isolated cecal circular smooth muscle cells via activation of nitric oxide synthase and soluble guanylate cyclase.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Carbachol; Cecum; Cell Size; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

Carbon monoxide (CO) enhanced random migration of human neutrophils. An optimally stimulatory effect was observed with 10 microM CO. CO caused a rapid and transient increase in intracellular level of guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). The enhancing effect of CO on random migration was reversed to a large extent by inhibitors of cGMP accumulation, and by antagonists of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (G-kinase). These results strongly suggest that the enhancement of random migration by CO is mediated by cGMP and G-kinase. Using hemoglobin, a scavenger of CO, we could show that stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase over an extended period of time, rather than the observed fast and transient increase in intracellular cGMP levels, is responsible for CO-activated migration. We postulate that CO, like nitric oxide (NO), acts as a biological signal in the immune system.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Carbon Monoxide; Cell Movement; Cyclic GMP; Drug Antagonism; Enzyme Activation; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Methylene Blue; Neutrophils

The ability of ANP to inhibit the hydrolysis of phosphoinositides was examined in [3H] myoinositol-labeled intact murine Leydig tumor (MA-10) cells. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulated the formation of inositol monophosphate (IP1), inositol bisphosphate (IP2), and inositol trisphosphate (IP3) both in a time-and dose-dependent manner in MA-10 cells. ANP inhibited the AVP-induced formation of IP1, IP2, and IP3 in these cells. The inhibitory effect of ANP on the AVP-stimulated formation of IP1, IP2, and IP3 accounted for 30%, 38% and 42%, respectively, which was observed at the varying concentrations of AVP. ANP caused a dose-dependent attenuation in AVP-stimulated production of IP1, IP2 and IP3 with maximum inhibition at 100 nM concentration of ANP. The production of inositol phosphates was inhibited in the presence of 8-bromo cGMP in a dose-dependent manner, whereas dibutyryl-cAMP had no effect on the generation of these metabolites. The LY 83583, an inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase and cGMP production, abolished the inhibitory effect of ANP on the AVP-stimulated production of inositol phosphates. Furthermore, 10 microM LY 83583 also inhibited the ANP-stimulated guanylyl cyclase activity and the intracellular accumulation of cGMP by more than 65-70%. The inhibition of cGMP-dependent protein kinase by H-8, significantly restored the levels of AVP-stimulated inositol phosphates in the presence of either ANP or exogenous 8-bromo cGMP. The results of this study suggest that ANP exerts an inhibitory effect on the production of inositol phosphates in murine Leydig tumor (MA-10) cells by mechanisms involving cGMP and cGMP-dependent protein kinase.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine Vasopressin; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Hydrolysis; Inositol; Leydig Cell Tumor; Male; Mice; Phosphatidylinositols; Testicular Neoplasms; Tumor Cells, Cultured

In this study we tested the hypothesis that lactate, independent of changes in pH, can affect skeletal muscle blood flow through arteriolar dilation that may be mediated by guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. Isolated, cannulated, and pressurized first-order rat cremaster skeletal muscle arterioles were studied in a chamber containing Krebs-bicarbonate buffer under no-flow conditions. At pH 7.4 and PO2 of 65 Torr, neutralized lactic acid (lactate) and pyruvic acid (pyruvate) caused arteriolar dilation over the 1-10 mM concentration range. This response to lactate was not altered by 10(-5) M indomethacin, 10(-4) M NG-nitro-L-arginine, or removal of the endothelium. However, responses to 1 and 3 mM pyruvate were significantly inhibited by 100% by endothelium removal, and the response to 10 mM pyruvate was inhibited by 71%. The relaxation of endothelium-denuded arterioles to lactate was inhibited by 10 microM methylene blue, 10 microM LY-83583, hypoxia (PO2 7-10 Torr), and diphenyliodonium, an inhibitor of superoxide-producing flavo-protein enzymes. In contrast, arteriolar dilation to the acidification of the Krebs buffer to pH 7.15, produced by increasing the CO2 concentration of the gas mixture from 5 to 10%, was not inhibited by methylene blue. These results are consistent with lactate-induced skeletal muscle arteriolar dilation being dependent on H2O2-mediated activation of vascular smooth muscle guanylate cyclase and independent of endothelium-derived mediators.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arterioles; Cattle; Cyclic GMP; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; In Vitro Techniques; Indomethacin; Lactic Acid; Male; Methylene Blue; Muscle, Skeletal; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitroarginine; Placenta; Pulmonary Artery; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Regional Blood Flow; Vasodilation

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Cholinergic Antagonists; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Helix, Snails; In Vitro Techniques; Neurons; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; omega-N-Methylarginine; Second Messenger Systems

1. We have previously found that carbon monoxide (CO) potently relaxes the lamb ductus arteriosus and have ascribed this response to inhibition of a cytochrome P450-based mono-oxygenase reaction which sustains contractile tone. Our proposal, however, has been questioned on the evidence of findings in other blood vessels implicating the guanylyl cyclase-based relaxing mechanism as the target for CO. To investigate this issue further, we have carried out experiments in the isolated ductus from near-term foetal lambs and have examined the effect of CO concomitantly on muscle tone and cyclic GMP content, both in the absence and presence of guanylyl inhibitors, or during exposure to monochromatic light at 450 nm. 2. CO (65 microM) reversed completely, or nearly completely, the tone developed by the vessel in the presence of oxygen (30%) and indomethacin (2.8 microM). Cyclic GMP content tended to increase with the relaxation, but the change did not reach significance. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, mimicked CO in relaxing the ductus. Contrary to CO, however, SNP caused a marked accumulation of cyclic GMP with levels being positively correlated with the relaxation. 3. Methylene blue (10 microM) reduced marginally the CO relaxation, whilst LY-83583 (10 microM) had an obvious, albeit variable, inhibitory effect. Basal cyclic GMP content was lower in tissues treated with either compound and rose upon exposure to CO. However, the levels attained were still within the range of values for tissues prior to any treatment. Furthermore, the elevation in cyclic GMP was not related to the magnitude of the CO relaxation. 4. Illumination of the ductus with monochromatic light at 450 nm reversed the CO relaxation and any concomitant increase in cyclic GMP. In the absence of CO, light by itself had no effect. 5. Ductal preparation with only muscle behaved as the intact preparations in reacting to CO, both in the absence and presence of guanylyl cyclase inhibitors, or during illumination. 6. We conclude that the primary action of CO in the ductus arteriosus is not exerted on the guanylyl cyclase heme and that cyclic GMP may only have an accessory role in the relaxation to this agent. This finding reasserts the importance of a cytochrom P450-based mono-oxygenase reaction for generation of tone and as a target for CO in the ductus.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Carbon Monoxide; Cyclic GMP; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Ductus Arteriosus; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Guanylate Cyclase; Indomethacin; Light; Methylene Blue; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Relaxation; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Oxygen; Pregnancy; Sheep

Adhesion of circulating tumor cells to microvascular endothelium plays an important role in tumor metastasis to distant organs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) would attenuate tumor cell adhesion (TCA) to naive or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated postcapillary venules. A melanoma cell line, RPMI 1846, was shown to be much more adhesive to postcapillary venules isolated from rat mesentery than to corresponding precapillary arterioles. Although venules exposed to LPS for 4 h demonstrated an increased adhesivity for the melanoma cells, TCA to LPS-treated arterioles was not altered. Isolated venules exposed to DETA/NO (1 mM), an NO donor, for 30 min prior to tumor cell perfusion prevented the increment in adhesion induced by LPS and attenuated TCA to naive postcapillary venules. While L-arginine (100 microM), an NO precursor, failed to decrease TCA to naive postcapillary venules, this treatment abolished LPS-stimulated TCA to postcapillary venules. The effect of L-arginine was reversed by administration of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM), an NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor. These observations indicate that both exogenous and endogenous NO modulate TCA to postcapillary venules. To assess the role of NO-induced activation of cGMP in the reduction in TCA produced by DETA/NO, two additional series of experiments were conducted. In the first series, LY-83583 (10 microM), a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, was shown to completely reverse the effect of DETA/NO on TCA to both naive and LPS-activated postcapillary venules. On the other hand, administration of 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-B-cGMP) (1 mM), a cell permeant cGMP analog, mimicked the effect of DETA/NO and reduced TCA to LPS-stimulated postcapillary venules. These data suggest that (a) tumor cells are more likely to adhere to postcapillary venules than to corresponding precapillary arterioles, (b) LPS enhances TCA to postcapillary venules, (c) both exogenously applied (DETA/NO) and endogenously generated (L-arginine) NO attenuate the enhanced adhesion induced by LPS, but only DETA/NO reduced TCA to naive postcapillary venules, and (d) the NO-induced reduction in TCA to LPS-activated postcapillary venules occurs by a cGMP-dependent mechanism.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arterioles; Cell Adhesion; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Cricetinae; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; DEET; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Melanoma; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Venules

1. We studied the relation of nitric oxide-mediated relaxation of longitudinal muscle to changes in cyclic GMP content of the tissue in the proximal colon of rats. 2. Dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) induced nitric oxide-mediated relaxation of the segments with a concomitant increase in cyclic GMP content. 3. LY 83583 and methylene blue, soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitors, significantly inhibited the stimulatory effects of DMPP and EFS on the cyclic GMP content, but did not affect the relaxant responses of the segments to DMPP and EFS. 4. Rp-8 bromo cyclic GMPS, an inhibitor of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase had no effect on DMPP- and EFS-induced relaxation. 5. These data strongly suggested that nitric oxide-mediated relaxation of the rat proximal colon is not associated with change in cyclic GMP content of the tissue.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Colon; Cyclic GMP; Dimethylphenylpiperazinium Iodide; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth; Nicotine; Nicotinic Agonists; Nitric Oxide; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is the main physiological stimulus for human skin pigmentation; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are still unclear. Recently, nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP have been involved in mediation of skin erythema induced by UVB. Therefore, we investigated the role of NO and cGMP in UVB-induced melanogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated that UVB stimulation of melanogenesis was mimicked by exogenous NO donors. Additionally, we showed that NO stimulated cGMP synthesis and that cGMP was also a potent stimulator of melanogenesis. Furthermore, the inhibition of the melanogenic effect of NO by guanylate cyclase inhibitor demonstrated that NO mediated its effect through the activation of guanylyl cyclase. Interestingly, 1 min after UVB irradiation, we observed a significant increase in cGMP content in melanocytes. The effects of UVB on cGMP production and on melanogenesis were blocked by both guanylate cyclase and NO synthase inhibitors. Additionally, inhibition of cGMP-dependent kinase also prevented the stimulation of melanogenesis by UVB and NO. Therefore, we concluded that NO and cGMP production is required for UVB-induced melanogenesis and that cGMP mediated its melanogenic effects mainly through the activation of cGMP-dependent kinase.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Melanins; Melanocytes; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Penicillamine; S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine; Signal Transduction; Ultraviolet Rays

The anterior pituitary gland is a site of nitric oxide (NO) production and action, suggesting a local regulatory function. We recently reported that NO inhibits in vitro prolactin release. The aim of the present study was to establish the mechanism of action of NO on prolactin release and to determine whether NO is involved in the inhibitory effect of GABA on prolactin release. Since NO exerts its action through cGMP by activating guanylate cyclase in different tissues, we examined the effect of sodium nitroprusside (NP), a NO releaser, on intrapituitary cGMP levels. Incubation of anterior pituitary glands with 0.5 mM NP 4-fold increased intrapituitary cGMP content, but decreased intrapituitary cAMP levels. In addition, we studied the effect of NP on prolactin release in the presence of LY 83583, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase activity and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase activity. 10 microM LY 83583 and 0.5 mM IBMX blocked the inhibitory effect of NP on prolactin release. (10(-3) M) 8Br-cGMP, an analogue of cGMP, mimicked the effect of NP on prolactin release. On the other hand, NO seems to be involved in the inhibitory effect of GABA on prolactin release since hemoglobin, a scavenger of NO, and Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS), blocked the pituitary response to GABA. Moreover, GABA (10(-6) M) stimulated NOS activity by almost 50%. GABA increased intrapituitary cGMP levels and decreased cAMP. Dopamine stimulated NOS activity weakly. These observations suggest that NO, acting through the guanylate cyclase-cGMP pathway, inhibits prolactin secretion. In addition, NO may be involved in the inhibitory effect of GABA and dopamine on prolactin release.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Dopamine; Enzyme Inhibitors; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Hemoglobins; Male; Neurotransmitter Agents; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Pituitary Gland; Prolactin; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Prostaglandins (PG)E2 and prostacyclin (PGI2) can cause vasodilation in selective vascular beds and could act in part by inhibiting the production of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1). We recently reported that these prostanoids inhibit ET-1 production/secretion from cultured endothelial cells via the generation of guanosine 3'-5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). It is unclear whether this results from the stimulation of the particulate (membrane) of soluble (cytosolic) form of guanylate cyclase, and whether these effects are through an intermediate, such as nitric oxide. PGE2 and PGI2 each caused a three- to fourfold increase in both membrane and whole bovine aortic endothelial cell guanylate cyclase activity. The stimulations were significantly reversed (80-90%) by the compound LY-83583, an antagonist to cGMP generation, but were unaffected by methylene blue (MB), an inhibitor of nitric oxide-induced soluble guanylate cyclase. In contrast, the prostaglandins did not generate cGMP in cytosolic fractions. The prostaglandins inhibited ET-1 secretion from the intact cells, which was significantly prevented by LY-83583, but not by MB. Neither prostaglandin stimulated NO synthase activity, an indicator of nitric oxide generation. We conclude that PGE2 and PGI2 are likely to inhibit ET-1 secretion through the activation of the particulate guanylate cyclase, identifying a novel mechanism by which the prostanoids signal in the endothelial cell.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cattle; Cyclic GMP; Dinoprostone; Endothelin-1; Endothelium, Vascular; Epoprostenol; Guanylate Cyclase; Nitric Oxide Synthase

1. The membrane potential of rabbit gastric parietal cells is dominated by a Cl- channel with a subpicosiemens single channel conductance in the basolateral membrane. The effects of 3-[[[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]carbamoyl]amino-N-methylbenzamide++ + (DQ-2511: ecabapide), a vasodilator, on the opening of this Cl-1 channel, the cyclic GMP content and the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of parietal cells were investigated by whole-cell patch-clamp technique, enzyme immunoassay and Fura 2-fluorescence measurement. 2. Ecabapide stimulated the opening of the Cl-1 channel as determined by the reversal potential. This stimulation was concentration-dependent, and its EC50 value was 0.2 microM. Both the basal and ecabapide-induced openings of the channel were inhibited by 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB, 500 microM), a Cl- channel blocker. Another Cl- channel blocker, niflumic acid (500 microM) was much less effective. 3. The power spectra of the currents before and after the addition of ecabapide (10 microM) were analysed. Both spectra contained only one Lorentzian (1/f2) component. 4. 6-Anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583; 5 microM) which prevents activation of soluble guanylate cyclase, significantly inhibited both the basal and ecabapide (10 microM)-induced openings of the Cl- channel. 5. Ecabapide (0.01-100 microM) concentration-dependently elevated the cyclic GMP content in the parietal cell-rich suspension. The EC50 value was 0.2 microM. 6. In single Fura 2-loaded parietal cells, ecabapide (10-100 microM) did not increase [Ca2+]i. 7. These results indicate that ecabapide stimulates an intracellular production of cyclic GMP in the parietal cell without increasing [Ca2+]i, and leads to an activation of the housekeeping Cl- channel.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Anti-Ulcer Agents; Benzamides; Calcium; Chloride Channels; Cyclic GMP; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Membrane Potentials; Nitrobenzoates; Parietal Cells, Gastric; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Rabbits; Vasodilator Agents

In this study, we have addressed the potential role of cGMP in regulating calcium entry in Jurkat T-lymphocytes. These cells display capacitative Ca(2+)-entry in response to the intracellular Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin (TG). In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, TG stimulates a sustained elevation of intracellular cGMP levels. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, TG induces no apparent increase in the levels of cGMP. However, experiments using Mn2+, as a surrogate for Ca2+, demonstrated that TG increased the rate of divalent cation entry in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Treatment of Jurkat cells with the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, LY83583 (20 microM), completely blocked cGMP formation in response to TG. However, LY83583 treated cells still exhibited a sustained, albeit partially reduced, Ca2+ response induced by TG. These data demonstrate that, in Jurkat cells, the sustained formation of cGMP is dependent on elevated intracellular Ca2+, and that elevated levels of cGMP are not necessary for the activation of capacitative Ca2+ entry.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Calcium; Cell Line; Cyclic GMP; Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; T-Lymphocytes

We have investigated the possible roles of cyclic GMP (cGMP) in initiating or regulating capacitiative Ca2+ entry in rat pancreatic acinar cells. In medium containing 1.8 mM external Ca2+, thapsigargin activated Ca2+ entry and slightly but significantly increased intracellular cGMP concentration. This rise in cGMP levels was prevented by pretreating the cells with the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, LY-83583, or by omitting Ca2+ during stimulation by thapsigargin or methacholine. LY-83583 and NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA, an inhibitor of NO synthase) both had a small inhibitory effect on Ca2+ entry when they were added after thapsigargin in Ca2(+)-containing medium, and they reduced by 32 and 48% respectively the thapsigargin-induced capacitative Ca2+ entry when added to the cells during a 20 min preincubation period. However, neither dibutyryl cGMP (Bt2cGMP) nor sodium nitroprusside, an NO mimic, affected either basal intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i or thapsigargin-induced capacitative Ca2+ entry. Further, the inhibitory effects observed after preincubation with LY-83583 or L-NA could not be prevented by preincubation with Bt2cGMP, nor could they be reversed by adding Bt2cGMP, 8-bromo-cGMP or sodium nitroprusside acutely after activation of capacitative Ca2+ entry by thapsigargin. Finally, pretreatment of cells with LY-83583 or L-NA did not affect Ca2+ signalling in response to 1 microM methacholine, including the pattern of [Ca2+]i oscillations. In conclusion, in pancreatic acinar cells, the rise in cellular cGMP levels appears to depend on, rather than cause, the increase in [Ca2+]i with agonist stimulation.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Biological Transport; Calcium; Calcium Channels; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fura-2; Guanylate Cyclase; Methacholine Chloride; Muscarinic Agonists; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitroarginine; Pancreas; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Terpenes; Thapsigargin

The biochemical signaling pathways involved in nitric oxide (NO)-mediated cholinergic inhibition of L-type Ca2+ current (ICa[L]) were investigated in isolated primary pacemaker cells from the rabbit sinoatrial node (SAN) using the nystatin-perforated whole-cell voltage clamp technique. Carbamylcholine (CCh; 1 microM), a stable analogue of acetylcholine, significantly inhibited ICa(L) after it had been augmented by isoproterenol (ISO; 1 microM). CCh also activated an outward K+ current, IK(ACh). Both of these effects of CCh were blocked completely by atropine. Preincubation of the SAN cells with L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 0.2-1 mM), which inhibits NO synthase (NOS), abolished the CCh-induced attenuation of ICa(L) but had no effect on IK(ACh). Coincubation of cells with both L-NAME and the endogenous substrate of NOS, L-arginine (1 nM), restored the CCh-induced attenuation of ICa(L), indicating that L-NAME did not directly interfere with the muscarinic action of CCh on ICa(L). In the presence of ISO the CCh-induced inhibition of ICa(L) could be mimicked by the NO donor 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1; 0.1 mM). SIN-1 had no effect on its own or after a maximal effect of CCh had developed, indicating that it does not inhibit ICa(L) directly. SIN-1 failed to activate IK(ACh), demonstrating that it did not activate muscarinic receptors. Both CCh and NO are known to activate guanylyl cyclase and elevate intracellular cGMP. External application of methylene blue (10 microM), which interferes with the ability of NO to activate guanylyl cyclase, blocked the CCh-induced attenuation of ICa(L). However, it also blocked the activation of IK(ACh), suggesting an additional effect on muscarinic receptors or G proteins. To address this, a separate series of experiments was performed using conventional whole-cell recordings with methylene blue in the pipette. Under these conditions, the CCh-induced attenuation of ICa(L) was blocked, but the activation of IK(ACh) was still observed. Methylene blue also blocked the SIN-1-induced decrease in ICa(L). 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583; 30 microM), an agent known to decrease both basal and CCh-stimulated cGMP levels, prevented the inhibitory effects of both CCh and SIN-1 on ICa(L), but had no effect on the activation of IK(ACh) by CCh. In combination, these results show that CCh- and NO-induced inhibition of ICa(L) is mediated by cGMP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Carbachol; Cardiotonic Agents; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanylate Cyclase; Heart Rate; Isoproterenol; Methylene Blue; Molsidomine; Muscarinic Agonists; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; omega-N-Methylarginine; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Rabbits; Receptors, Cholinergic; Receptors, Muscarinic; Sinoatrial Node; Thionucleotides

In the present study, using porcine coronary artery rings in vitro, we examined the role of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effects of the 5'-uronamide adenosine agonists, 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA) and 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)]phenylethyl-amino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS-21680) as opposed to the endothelium-independent actions of the C2- and N6-substituted analogues, 2-chloroadenosine (CAD) and N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA). The NO synthase inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 30 microM), and the NO-destroying agent, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY-83583, 10 microM), attenuated the relaxations of endothelium-intact but not -denuded rings to NECA and CGS-21680. The effect of L-NMMA on NECA-induced relaxation was reversed by L-arginine (100 microM), a substrate for NO synthesis. In the endothelium-intact tissues, both NECA and CGS-21680 elicited enhanced production of nitrite, a stable metabolite of NO. This was also attenuated by L-NMMA or endothelium removal. Furthermore, NECA (10 microM) induced augmentation of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) production in the intact arteries, which was also inhibited by L-NMMA, LY-83583, or endothelium removal. In contrast, vasorelaxant responses generated by CAD and CPA were not altered by either L-NMMA or LY-83583. Both agents (10 microM) were also unable to alter nitrite and/or guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels of the coronary artery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Coronary Vessels; Cyclic GMP; Male; Nitric Oxide; Nitrites; omega-N-Methylarginine; Receptors, Purinergic P1; Swine; Vasodilation; Vasodilator Agents

Nitric oxide, which is produced by cytokine-activated mononuclear cells, is thought to play an important role in inflammation and immunity. While the function of nitric oxide as a direct cytotoxic effector molecule is well established, its function as a transducer molecule in immune cells is not. By use of whole-cell patch clamp recordings, we show that nitric oxide activates cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator CI- currents in normal human cloned T cells by a cGMP-dependent mechanism. This pathway is defective in cystic fibrosis-derived human cloned T cells. These findings not only delineate a novel transduction mechanism for nitric oxide but also support the hypothesis that an intrinsic immune defect may exist in cystic fibrosis.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Arginine; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Chloride Channels; Clone Cells; Cyclic GMP; Cystic Fibrosis; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Membrane Proteins; Nitric Oxide; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Penicillamine; S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine; Signal Transduction

A possible role of the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway in the regulation of Ca2+ entry into HT29/B6 human colonic epithelial cells was investigated using digital image processing of Fura-2 fluorescence and immunoblotting for nitric oxide synthase (NOS). We tested the hypothesis that Ca2+ store depletion causes increased NOS activity and [NO], which is stimulatory to Ca2+ entry by increasing guanylate cyclase (GC) and [cGMP]. Cells were incubated in 95 mM K(+)-containing solutions to depolarize the cell membrane potential and thereby exclude effects of NO and CGMP on K+ or Cl- channels, which might affect Ca2+ entry. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.5 microM and 30 microM), a NO donor, only slightly raised intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) in resting cells, but in 100 microM carbachol-stimulated cells the sustained, elevated Ca2+ plateau (reflecting Ca2+ entry) as well as Ba2+ entry were increased by 0.5 microM SNP, while 5, 10 or 30 microM SNP either had no effect or were inhibitory. Pretreatment of cells with the NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine (1 mM) reduced carbachol-stimulated Ca2+ entry, and simultaneous treatment with 0.5 microM (but not 30 microM) SNP restored Ca2+ influx. 8-Br-cGMP (1 mM) had little effect on [Ca2+]i or on rates of Ca2+ or Ba2+ influx into resting cells, but there were large effects on cells in which capacitative Ca2+ entry was activated by carbachol or cyclopiazonic acid (10 microM). The GC inhibitor LY83583 (10 microM) reduced carbachol-stimulated Ca2+ entry, and this entry was restored with 8-Br-cGMP. Western blotting revealed that endothelial-type NOS was present in the particulate fraction of cells. The data are consistent with the notion that Ca2+ entry into HT29/B6 cells is regulated by endothelial NOS/NO and GC/cGMP, but effects are most pronounced in store-depleted cells. Thus, NO and cGMP appear to potentiate the action of messengers released from the store during the emptying process, but NO and cGMP have only small effects of their own to open the Ca2+ channel in the plasma membrane. High [SNP] appeared to be inhibitory while low [SNP] was stimulatory, indicating that a precise range of [NO] may be required for effective stimulation of Ca2+ entry.

Topics: Amino Acid Oxidoreductases; Aminoquinolines; Arginine; Barium; Biological Transport; Calcium; Carbachol; Colon; Colonic Neoplasms; Cyclic GMP; Epithelium; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Indoles; Intestinal Mucosa; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitroarginine; Nitroprusside; Second Messenger Systems; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which has direct vasorelaxant effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In the present study, IL-1 markedly increased intracellular levels of the vasodilatory mediator, cAMP, in human saphenous and human aortic VSMC. IL-1-induced cAMP was associated with a marked increase in prostacyclin (PGI2) production, and was reversed by indomethacin and tranylcypromine, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and PGI2 synthetase respectively. Furthermore, PGI2, but not PGE2, was a potent inducer of cAMP production in HSVSMC, implicating a role for PGI2 in mediating IL-1-induced cAMP production. In previous studies, IL-1 increased immunoreactive cGMP production in human saphenous VSMC through a pathway inhibitable by soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitors, methylene blue and LY83583, but not by nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors, suggesting a role of NO-independent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. However, in the present study, it was found that cAMP cross-reacted significantly in cGMP radioimmunoassays employing three out of four commercial antisera, that IL-1 did not affect cGMP production in human saphenous or human aortic VSMC as determined by an RIA having low cAMP cross-reactivity, and that both LY83583 and methylene blue inhibited IL-1-induced increases in cAMP. The results implicate prostacyclin-dependent cAMP production as a mediator of the vasodilatory effects of IL-1 in humans.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epoprostenol; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Interleukin-1; Methylene Blue; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Saphenous Vein; Solubility; Vasodilator Agents

Long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampus is a type of synaptic plasticity that is thought to be involved in learning and memory. Several lines of evidence suggest that LTP involves 3',5'-cyclic GMP (cGMP), perhaps as an activity-dependent presynaptic effector of one or more retrograde messengers (refs 2-12, but see ref. 13). However, previous results are also consistent with postsynaptic effects of cGMP. This is difficult to test in hippocampal slices, but more rigorous tests are possible in dissociated cell culture. We have therefore developed a reliable method for producing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent LTP at synapses between individual hippocampal pyramidal neurons in culture. We report that inhibitors of guanylyl cyclase or of cGMP-dependent protein kinase block potentiation by either tetanic stimulation or low-frequency stimulation paired with postsynaptic depolarization. Conversely, application of 8-Br-cGMP to the bath or injection of cGMP into the presynaptic neuron produces activity-dependent long-lasting potentiation. The potentiation by cGMP involves an increase in transmitter release that is in part independent of changes in the presynaptic action potential. These results support a presynaptic role for cGMP in LTP.

Topics: Action Potentials; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Guanylate Cyclase; Long-Term Potentiation; Magnesium; Neurons; Neurotransmitter Agents; Presynaptic Terminals; Pyramidal Cells; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; Synapses; Thionucleotides

To study the regulatory role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on the Cl- transport activity of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, RPE cells from rabbits were cultured and exposed to ANP and other reagents under perfusion. The changes in intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) were continuously recorded using a Cl(-)-sensitive fluorescent dye. The cGMP content was estimated by radioimmunoassay. ANP increased the cGMP content and the [Cl-]i in RPE cells. A guanylate cyclase activator, nitric oxide, and a cell permeable cGMP precursor, 8-Br-cGMP, also increased the level of cGMP and the [Cl-]i. A guanylate cyclase inhibitor, LY83583, an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, KT5823, and an inhibitor of Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter, bumetanide, diminished or abolished the ANP-induced increase in [Cl-]i. ANP facilitates Cl- accumulation in RPE cells, which is mediated by guanylate cyclase, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biological Transport; Carrier Proteins; Cells, Cultured; Chlorides; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fluorescent Dyes; Guanylate Cyclase; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Pigment Epithelium of Eye; Potassium; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Kinases; Rabbits; Radioimmunoassay; Sodium; Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Symporters

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), found in mammalian ovarian granulosa cells and oocytes (Kim et al., 1992, 1993), induces the human acrosome reaction (Anderson et al., 1994). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether ANP, as egg-derived peptides from sea urchins, can act as a chemoattractant to human spermatozoa. Small lengths of capillary tubing that contained different concentrations of ANP were suspended over a suspension of washed spermatozoa. The number of spermatozoa that entered the tubing was determined. More than twice the number of spermatozoa moved into the tubing that contained a maximally effective concentration of ANP, as compared with tubing that contained only medium. The concentration of ANP that produced a half-maximal effect was 0.7 nM. The effect was blocked by LY83583, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase. ANP produced more than a twofold increase in the rate of cGMP formation, an effect that was blocked by LY83583. Human ANP (5-27), a fragment of the intact peptide, had no chemoattractant activity. These findings suggest that a specific sperm receptor exists for the chemoattractant activity of ANP that is associated with guanylate cyclase. The chemoattractant activity of ANP is independent of the presence of extracellular calcium ions and is independent of the action of ANP as a stimulus of the acrosome reaction. There is no association between the chemoattractant activity of follicular fluid and the follicular fluid concentration of ANP. These data suggest that factors besides ANP are responsible for the chemoattractant activity of follicular fluid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Acrosome; Adult; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Chemotactic Factors; Chemotaxis; Cyclic GMP; Female; Follicular Fluid; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Ovum; Receptors, Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Sea Urchins; Spermatozoa

Atrial natriuretic factor causes a strong stimulation of human neutrophil migration in the concentration range of 4 x 10(-9) and 10(-7) M. The effect, which depends on the presence of extracellular Mg2+ but not on extracellular Ca2+, is composed of a chemokinetic and a chemotactic component. Cyclic GMP level of neutrophils is enhanced by atrial natriuretic factor. Two inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY 83583) and methylene blue, have no effect on stimulation of migration by atrial natriuretic factor. Atrial natriuretic factor-activated migration is inhibited by pertussis toxin. Migration by electroporated neutrophils is synergistically enhanced by guanosine-5'-[gamma thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma[S]) and atrial natriuretic factor or by GTP gamma[S] and chemotactic peptide, while GTP gamma[S] and dioctanoyl glycerol give an additive effect. The results suggest that besides a modulation via cGMP a part of the effect of atrial natriuretic factor on migration is regulated via the ANF receptor-subtype that does not activate guanylate cyclase.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Auranofin; Cell Movement; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Guanosine Triphosphate; Humans; Methylene Blue; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Neutrophils; Pertussis Toxin; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an important mediator in sepsis and septic shock. Kupffer cells (KCs) are the resident macrophages of the liver and are potent producers of TNF-alpha in response to inflammatory stimuli such as bacterial endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although the effects of exogenous cytokines such as interferon-gamma on TNF-alpha production by macrophages have been fairly well studied, the intracellular pathways regulating KC TNF-alpha synthesis are largely unknown. We investigated the role of guanylate cyclase and cGMP in LPS-induced KC TNF-alpha synthesis. Exogenous 8-BrcGMP and dbcGMP increased LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha synthesis but had no effect on KC TNF-alpha in the absence of LPS. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide-releasing substance that stimulates guanylate cyclase, increased TNF-alpha synthesis in response to LPS, whereas methylene blue and LY83583, guanylate cyclase inhibitors, decreased KC TNF-alpha synthesis. The inhibitory effect of methylene blue could be overcome with exogenous dbcGMP or SNP. Our results demonstrate that guanylate cyclase and cGMP mediate LPS-induced KC TNF-alpha synthesis and suggest that agents that alter cyclic nucleotide metabolism in KCs may affect the response of these cells to inflammation and inflammatory stimuli.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cell Membrane Permeability; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Dibutyryl Cyclic GMP; Guanylate Cyclase; Kupffer Cells; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Methylene Blue; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Second Messenger Systems; SRS-A; Stimulation, Chemical; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Previous research by our laboratory demonstrated that in vivo administration of morphine to rats suppresses concanavalin-A (Con-A)-stimulated proliferation of splenic lymphocytes in a dose-dependent, naltrexone-reversible manner. More recently, we showed that morphine-induced suppression of Con A-stimulated proliferation of lymphocytes depends on an increase in macrophage production of nitric oxide (NO) in splenocyte cultures. The present study investigated effector mechanisms through which morphine-induced increases in macrophage-derived NO decrease lymphocyte proliferation in Con A-stimulated splenocyte cultures. The results show that the addition of hemoglobin, a scavenger of extracellular NO, to Con A-stimulated splenocyte cultures dose-dependently attenuates the suppressive effect of morphine on proliferation. The addition of superoxide dismutase, a scavenger of superoxide anions, to splenocyte cultures does not antagonize the suppressive effect of morphine on Con A-stimulated proliferation. The addition of either methylene blue or 6-anilino-5, 8-quinolinedione (LY 83583), two inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase, to splenocyte cultures dose-dependently antagonizes the suppressive effect of morphine on Con A-stimulated proliferation. Taken together with our previous results, the present results suggest that in vivo administration of morphine increases the synthesis and extracellular release of NO from macrophages in Con A-stimulated splenocyte cultures. The results further suggest that the formation of the oxidant peroxynitrite through a reaction between NO and superoxide anion does not contribute significantly to the suppression of lymphocyte proliferation; instead, the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by NO in target cells, most likely the lymphocytes, accounts more completely for the morphine-induced suppression of lymphocyte proliferation.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Hemoglobins; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lymphocyte Activation; Macrophages; Male; Methylene Blue; Morphine; Nitric Oxide; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Spleen; Superoxide Dismutase

In Xenopus oocytes expressing slowly activating IsK channels superfusion with the nitroso-donor S-Nitroso-Cysteine (SNOC) resulted in an increase of IsK, which was greatly enhanced when the amino acid-exchanger rBAT was coexpressed. The effects of SNOC on IsK could not be prevented by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83,583 and the cGMP kinase inhibitor H8, but was abolished in the presence of staurosporine. SNOC also increased the currents induced by the expression of protein mutants lacking intracellular sites, previously described to be involved in IsK regulation by oxidation and phosphorylation. These data suggest that the NO-donor SNOC regulates IsK indirectly via a cGMP independent, but staurosporine sensitive, pathway.

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Cysteine; Female; Guanylate Cyclase; Isoquinolines; Kinetics; Membrane Potentials; Nitroso Compounds; Oocytes; Potassium Channels; Protein Kinase C; S-Nitrosothiols; Staurosporine; Xenopus laevis

The biochemical mechanism subserving smooth muscle relaxant effects of sodium nitroprusside was examined on U46619, 9,11-dideoxy-9 alpha,11 alpha-methanoepoxy PGF2 alpha, precontracted guinea-pig lung strips and hilar bronchial rings. Lung strips were resistant to the relaxant action of sodium nitroprusside or sodium nitrite (NaNO2), whereas they markedly relaxed to 8-bromo-cyclic GMP (8-Br-cGMP), a membrane permeable analogue of cGMP. Precontracted bronchial rings completely relaxed to sodium nitroprusside, NaNO2, or 8-Br-cGMP in a concentration-dependent manner. Sodium nitroprusside (10 microM) substantially raised tissue cGMP level in lung strips. Conversely, sodium nitroprusside had no detectable effect on cGMP levels in bronchial rings. In the presence of 10 microM dipyridamole, an agent which preferentially inhibits cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase, cGMP levels in lung strips treated with sodium nitroprusside was significantly enhanced, but sodium nitroprusside demonstrated no relaxant effect on the preparations. However, dipyridamole potentiated sodium nitroprusside-induced precontracted bronchial ring relaxation without affecting the bronchial tissue cGMP level. In the presence of 10 microM LY83583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinoline-dione), a specific cGMP concentration-lowering agent, sodium nitroprusside-mediated elevation of cGMP level in lung strips was significantly reduced with no effect on the functional response. LY83583 demonstrated no inhibitory effect on either relaxation or cGMP level in bronchial rings treated with sodium nitroprusside. Our results suggest that precontracted smooth muscle in lung strips and in hilar bronchi respond distinctly to sodium nitroprusside. Furthermore, sodium nitroprusside mediates bronchial smooth muscle relaxation by mechanisms unrelated to cGMP.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Aminoquinolines; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Bronchi; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Guanylate Cyclase; Guinea Pigs; Lung; Male; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth; Nitroprusside; Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic; Sodium Nitrite; Thromboxane A2; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Vasodilator Agents

Stimulation of portal vein myocytes with noradrenaline (NA) in the presence of a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blocker, evoked a transient increase in the concentration of free cytosolic Ca2+, due to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate mediated Ca2+ release, followed by activation of a Ca2+ entry pathway. Combining patch-clamp and indo-1 measurements we have tested the effects of various pharmacological agents on this Ca2+ entry following NA-induced Ca2+ release in order to determine the mechanism involved. Only the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83583 specifically inhibited the maintained Ca2+ entry during NA stimulation. This inhibition was reversed by dibutyryl cGMP (DB-cGMP) or 8-bromo cGMP. Under control conditions, addition of DB-cGMP to the external solution was without effect. Thapsigargin and caffeine each depleted the intracellular Ca2+ store but did not evoke Ca2+ entry in venous myocytes under control conditions. However, application of DB-cGMP or NA after Ca2+ store depletion induced by caffeine or thapsigargin caused a rise in [Ca2+]i by activation of a Ca2+ entry pathway. The effect of cGMP seems to involve phosphorylation since cGMP-activated protein kinase inhibitors KT-5823 and H-8 blocked the NA-induced Ca2+ entry. Our results thus suggest that the activation of the voltage-independent Ca2+ entry by NA involves an increase in cellular cGMP.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Anticoagulants; Antifungal Agents; Biological Transport; Caffeine; Calcium; Calcium Channel Agonists; Cell Membrane; Cyclic GMP; Dibutyryl Cyclic GMP; Doxorubicin; Econazole; Enzyme Inhibitors; Ethers, Cyclic; Genistein; Heparin; Ion Channel Gating; Isoflavones; Membrane Potentials; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Norepinephrine; Okadaic Acid; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Portal Vein; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sodium; Sympathomimetics; Terpenes; Thapsigargin

1. Using whole cell voltage-clamp recordings, the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor LY83583 [6-(phenylamino)-5,8-quinolinedione] is shown to act as a potent blocker of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels in isolated olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) of the tiger salamander. 2. Under our experimental conditions, onset of the blockade by LY83583 occurs on the time scale of seconds and is completely reversed upon wash-out of the drug. Dose-response curves reveal a Kd of 1.4 microM (at -60 mV). Other data suggest that LY83583 acts within the CNG channel pore and that the channels must be in an activated state before the drug can exert its effect. 3. It appears that LY83583 can act on both CNG channels and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and that these two effects can be distinguished by their different recovery behaviors. The LY83583-induced blockade of CNG channels activated directly by guanosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) is rapidly reversible (with a recovery time constant of approximately 3 s), whereas previous results have shown that no recovery is obtained during minute-long washing periods when the channels are activated indirectly through exogenous carbon monoxide application, which acts as a stimulator of sGC in ORNs. 4. LY83583 appears to be a novel and useful agent in examining neural functions due to CNG channel responses.

Topics: Ambystoma; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Ion Channel Gating; Nasal Mucosa; Olfactory Receptor Neurons; Patch-Clamp Techniques

Recent demonstration of cytokine-inducible production of nitric oxide (NO) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from rat aorta has implicated VSMC-derived NO as a key mediator of hypotension in septic shock. Our studies to determine whether an inducible NO pathway exists in human VSMC have revealed a novel cytokine-inducible, NO-independent pathway of guanylate cyclase activation in VSMC from human saphenous vein (HSVSMC). Interleukin 1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased cGMP at 24 h, whereas IL-2 and IL-6 were ineffective. The effect of IL-1 on cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) was delayed, occurring after 6 h of exposure, and was maximal after 10 h. Methylene blue and LY83583 reversed the IL-1-induced increase in cGMP, suggesting that it was mediated by activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. However, IL-1-induced cGMP in HSVSMC was not inhibited by extracellular hemoglobin. Also, the effect of IL-1 on cGMP was not reversed by nitro- or methyl-substituted L-arginine analogs, aminoguanidine, or diphenyleneiodonium, all of which inhibit IL-1-induced NO synthase in rat aortic VSMC (RAVSMC). IL-1-induced cGMP in HSVSMC was also independent of tetrahydrobiopterin and extracellular L-arginine, as it was not affected by 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxyprytimidine, an inhibitor of tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis, and was similar in L-arginine-free and L-arginine-containing media. Analysis of NO synthase mRNA with the use of polymerase chain reaction indicates that levels of mRNA for inducible NO synthase are several orders of magnitude lower in IL-1-treated human HSVSMC than in IL-1-treated RAVSMC. IL-1-induced cGMP was also NO independent in human umbilical artery VSMC, and NO dependent in rat vena cava VSMC. Together these results indicate that IL-1 activates a novel NO-independent pathway of soluble guanylate cyclase activation in human VSMC.

Topics: Amino Acid Oxidoreductases; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Base Sequence; Catecholamines; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; DNA Primers; Enzyme Activation; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Imidazolines; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-1; Lipopolysaccharides; Methylene Blue; Molecular Sequence Data; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitrites; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rats; RNA, Messenger; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Resting human blood monocytes from some donors were found to produce a small amount of 3'-5' guanine cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) in response to interleukin 4 (IL-4). A much higher response was observed when monocytes were preincubated with interferon (IFN-gamma), which alone was ineffective. Preincubation of monocytes with IL-4 led, in contrast, to their subsequent incapacity to generate cGMP in response to IL-4. The accumulation of cGMP induced by IL-4 in IFN-gamma preincubated monocytes was dose-dependent and peaked about 15 min after its addition. It was inhibited in the presence of NG-mono-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase pathway. This suppressive effect of L-NMMA was reverted by an excess of L- but not of D-arginine. Accumulation of cGMP was significantly reduced by addition of soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitors, such as LY83583 [correction of LY83853] and methylene blue, but was not impaired in the presence of EGTA, suggesting that the pathway involved is calcium independent. In addition, IL-4 induced an increased secretion of nitrite by monocytes, that was potentiated by IFN-gamma and inhibited by L-NMMA. Taken together, these results suggest that the sequential exposure of monocytes to IFN-gamma and IL-4 elicits the release of NO from L-arginine, which in turn is capable to stimulate soluble guanylyl cyclase.

Topics: Amino Acid Oxidoreductases; Aminoquinolines; Arginine; Calcium; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Egtazic Acid; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-4; Kinetics; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Methylene Blue; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitroprusside; omega-N-Methylarginine

The mechanism of activation of the agonist-stimulated Ca2+ entry pathway in the plasma membrane is not known. To determine the role of nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) and cGMP in the regulation of this pathway, we used intact and streptolysin O (SLO)-permeable pancreatic acini and measured the relationship between Ca2+ release from internal stores, the NO metabolic pathway, generation of cGMP, and activation of Ca2+ entry. We found that agonist- or thapsigargin (Tg)-activated Ca2+ entry is inhibited by L-NA, a specific inhibitor of NOS, and by LY83583, an inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase. Inhibition of Ca2+ entry by inhibition of NOS was reversed by the NO releasing molecules NO2- and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and by Bt2cGMP. Inhibition of Ca2+ entry by inhibition of guanylyl cyclase was reversed by Bt2cGMP, but not by the NO releasing agents. The use of L-NA-treated cells and different concentrations of SNP revealed that cGMP has a dual effect on Ca2+ entry. Increasing cGMP up to 10-fold above control activated Ca2+ entry. Further increase in cGMP up to 80-fold above control inhibited Ca2+ entry in a concentration-dependent manner. Measurement of cellular cGMP in intact cells showed that carbachol, Tg, and NO2- increased cGMP to similar levels. The effects of carbachol and Tg were inhibited by L-NA and LY83586, whereas the effect of NO2- was inhibited only by LY83583. SLO-permeabilized cells were shown to be agonist-competent in that the agonist induced Ca2+ release from the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) pool and activated a NO-dependent generation of cGMP. These cells were used to study the regulation of NOS by Ca2+ and by Ca2+ content of the internal stores. When internal stores were maintained loaded with Ca2+, increasing medium [Ca2+] up to 2.5 microM only modestly increased NOS activity. In contrast, the depletion of Ca2+ from internal stores markedly increased NOS activity independent of medium [Ca2+]. Thus, NOS senses both cytosolic [Ca2+]i and internal store Ca2+ load. We propose that activation of Ca2+ entry involves an agonist-mediated Ca2+ release from internal stores which activates a cellular pool of NOS to generate cGMP, which then modulates Ca2+ entry pathway in the plasma membrane. This mechanism can explain the capacitative nature of Ca2+ entry. The biphasic effect of cGMP provides the cells with a negative feedback mechanism which inhibits Ca2+ entry during periods of high cell [Ca2+]i. This could allow oscillatory behavior of Ca2+ entry

Topics: Amino Acid Oxidoreductases; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Biological Transport; Calcium; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Activation; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitroarginine; Pancreas; Rats; Signal Transduction

Many antidepressants inhibit 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) transport resulting in increased 5HT levels in the synapse. However, physiological regulation of neurotransmitter uptake has not been demonstrated. We have examined the effect of receptor-activated second messengers on the 5HT transporter in rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL 2H3). Here, we show that activation of an A3 adenosine receptor results in an increase of 5HT uptake in RBL cells, due to an increase in maximum velocity (Vmax). The A3 adenosine receptor-stimulated increase in transport is blocked by inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and by a cGMP-dependent kinase inhibitor. In fact, compounds that generate nitric oxide (NO) and the cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP mimicked the effect of A3 receptor stimulation, suggesting that the elevation in transport occurs through the generation of the gaseous second messenger NO and a subsequent elevation in cGMP. Additionally, the 5HT transporter is differentially regulated by second messengers since direct activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters decreases 5HT uptake by decreasing Vmax. Our results suggest that the changes in transport are due to a direct modification of the 5HT transporter, possibly by phosphorylation, which appears to alter the rate at which transport occurs. As the 5HT transporter in RBL cells is identical to that in neurons, our results suggest that analogous mechanisms may operate in the brain.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Amino Acid Oxidoreductases; Amino Acid Sequence; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Biological Transport; Carrier Proteins; Cell Membrane; Cyclic GMP; GTP-Binding Proteins; Imidazoles; In Vitro Techniques; Membrane Glycoproteins; Membrane Transport Proteins; Methylene Blue; Molecular Sequence Data; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Paroxetine; Protein Kinase C; Rats; Receptors, Purinergic P1; Second Messenger Systems; Serotonin; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; Signal Transduction; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The role of cGMP as a second messenger for renin secretion is contentious. This was investigated using a superfused collagenase-dispersed rat kidney cortex cell preparation devoid of indirect influences on renin secretion. Nitroprusside, atriopeptin II and 8-Br-cGMP all increased renin release but the dose-response relationships were biphasic. At low dose ranges there was a positive correlation between increasing drug concentration and renin secretion, but at high drug concentrations, a negative correlation was apparent. Methylene blue, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, also suppressed baseline renin release at 10(-5) and 10(-6) M, but stimulated release at 10(-3) M. Using mid-range drug concentrations, the cGMP specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor MB22948 potentiated renin release in response to nitroprusside and 8-Br-cGMP. Inhibition of guanylate cyclase with either methylene blue or LY83583 attenuated renin release in response to nitroprusside, but, as expected, had no effect on 8-Br-cGMP induced release. We conclude that, under physiological conditions, cGMP is a stimulatory second messenger for renin release. This activity is mimicked at low dose ranges by 8-Br-cGMP, nitroprusside and atriopeptin II. In response to high doses of these drugs an unknown inhibitory pathway is activated and this opposes, in a dose-related manner, the stimulatory actions of cGMP for renin release.

Topics: 3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cyclic GMP; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Kidney Cortex; Methylene Blue; Nitroprusside; Peptide Fragments; Purinones; Rats; Renin; Second Messenger Systems

1. The relaxation by nitroglycerin (GTN) and nitric oxide (NO) of aortic smooth muscles from rabbit and rat contracted by phenylephrine was inhibited by LY 83583 (LY) and methylene blue (MB) (the same applied to guinea-pig aorta), while the relaxation by SNP was not inhibited in rabbit. The relaxation by ANP was not inhibited. 2. All these agents produced concentration-dependent increases in cyclic GMP. While the increases by GTN and NO were inhibited by LY and MB, the increases by SNP were inhibited only in rat and those by ANP were not inhibited. 3. Thus, LY behaved essentially similar to MB, indicating that the substance is an inhibitor of activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by NO and NO-related vasodilators. It was assumed that, like MB, LY facilitated intracellular release of NO from SNP in rabbit.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cyclic GMP; Drug Interactions; Enzyme Activation; Guanylate Cyclase; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Methylene Blue; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitroglycerin; Nitroprusside; Rabbits; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Vasodilator Agents

Several lines of evidence suggest that cyclic GMP might be involved in long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. Arachidonic acid, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, three molecules that have been proposed to act as retrograde messengers in LTP, all activate soluble guanylyl cyclase. We report here that an inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase blocks the induction of LTP in the CA1 region of hippocampal slices. Conversely, cGMP analogues produce long-lasting enhancement of the excitatory postsynaptic potential if they are applied at the same time as weak tetanic stimulation of the presynaptic fibres. The enhancement is spatially restricted, is not blocked by valeric acid (APV), nifedipine, or picrotoxin, and partially occludes LTP. This synaptic enhancement may be mediated by the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Inhibitors of PKG block the induction of LTP, and activators of PKG produce activity-dependent long-lasting enhancement. These results suggest that guanylyl cyclase and PKG contribute to LTP, possibly as activity-dependent presynaptic effectors of retrograde messengers.

Topics: Action Potentials; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Guanylate Cyclase; Guinea Pigs; Hippocampus; In Vitro Techniques; Long-Term Potentiation; Male

An endothelium-derived factor with the properties of nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the regulation of Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activity in vascular smooth muscle. To examine this phenomenon further and to explore its modulation by guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), studies were carried out in the isolated rabbit aorta. Incubation of endothelium-denuded rings with NO (1 microM) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10 microM) caused a time-dependent increase in ouabain-sensitive (OS) 86Rb uptake with the maximal stimulation (approximately 170%) seen after 20 min. In contrast, increases in cGMP concentration caused by NO and SNP (40- and 20-fold increases, respectively) were transient, with peak values observed after 2 min and significantly lower values by 10 min. The ability of NO or SNP to increase OS Rb uptake in endothelium-denuded rings was not mimicked by incubation with 8-bromo- or dibutyryl-cGMP or increases in cGMP caused by treatment with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine. Depletion of intracellular cGMP levels by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY83583 also did not alter OS Rb uptake. SNP-stimulated OS Rb uptake was not inhibited by LY83583 in endothelium-denuded rings; however, it was completely prevented by the Na(+)-H+ exchange inhibitors amiloride and ethylisopropylamiloride. The results suggest that NO stimulates Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in rabbit aorta by a mechanism independent of its ability to increase the intracellular cGMP concentration. They also suggest that NO may stimulate Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity secondary to increases in Na(+)-H+ exchange.

Topics: Amiloride; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Biological Transport; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Kinetics; Male; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Ouabain; Rabbits; Rubidium; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase

This study was designed to determine if nitric oxide (NO) has direct effects on heart rate or if it is involved in the chronotropic actions of adrenergic or cholinergic stimulation. Right atria were isolated from hearts of adult male rats, bathed in Krebs-Henseleit buffer (37 degrees C), and used to monitor spontaneous rate. For comparison, ring segments of thoracic aorta were also suspended in the Krebs-Henseleit solution and used to examine vascular actions of various agents. The dose-dependent chronotropic effects of acetylcholine (10(-7)-10(-3) M) and norepinephrine (10(-8)-3 x 10(-4) M) in right atria were not affected by pretreatment with 10(-4) M N-nitro-L-arginine or 10(-3) M N-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester, inhibitors of L-arginine-derived NO production. SIN-1 (3-morpholino-sydnonimine), an agent which releases NO in aqueous solution, elicited a dose-dependent (0.3-100 microM) vasorelaxation in aortic preparations constricted with 60 mM KCl; the ED50 value for this effect was increased by pretreatment with methylene blue (10 microM) and LY-83,583 (6-(phenylamino)-5,8- quinolinedione; 1 and 3 microM), compounds which inhibit NO-induced stimulation of guanylate cyclase. SIN-1 produced a negative chronotropic effect in right atria; however, this action was not observed at concentrations less than 300 microM and was not antagonized by methylene blue or LY-83,583. 8-Bromo cyclic GMP produced a dose-dependent (10-3000 microM) decrease in KCl-induced tension in aortic rings. In right atria, 8-bromo cyclic GMP elicited a positive chronotropic effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Acetylcholine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Arginine; Cyclic GMP; Guanylate Cyclase; Heart Atria; Heart Rate; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Methylene Blue; Molsidomine; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitroarginine; Norepinephrine; Parasympathetic Nervous System; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Sympathetic Nervous System; Vasodilator Agents

1. The relaxant responses of S-nitroso-L-cysteine (CysNO), S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP), S-nitroso-N-acetyl-L-cysteine (SNAC) and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) in the rat gastric fundus (forestomach) were studied and compared to the relaxant responses obtained in response to nitric oxide (NO) and electrical field stimulation (EFS, 10 s strains) of non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) nerves. 2. CysNO (10(-7)-3 x 10(-4) M) caused transient relaxation of the precontracted rat gastric fundus, comparable to the response to NO (10(-6)-10(-4) M) and EFS. SNAP, SNAC and GSNO elicited more sustained relaxations. 3. The cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, zaprinast (3 x 10(-5) M) increased the relaxant effect of CysNO, SNAP and GSNO while the NO-synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 3 x 10(-4) M) had no influence. 4. In the presence of LY 83583 (10(-5) M), which releases superoxide anions, the relaxant response to NO and CysNO was decreased, whereas that to all other stimuli was unaltered. The inhibitory effect of LY 83583 on CsNO-induced relaxations was prevented by superoxide dismutase (SOD, 1000 u ml-1). 5. Tissues incubated for 1 h with 5.5 x 10(-4) M nitroglycerin (GTN) became tolerant to GTN. In this condition, the relaxant response to 10(-5) M NO was maintained, while the relaxations by EFS (8 Hz) and 3 x 10(-5) M SNAP were significantly decreased. The reduction of the response to the other S-nitrosothiols was not significant. 6. The combination of nitrate tolerance and 10-5 M LY 83583 caused a significantly larger inhibition of the relaxant response to EFS (8 Hz) than nitrate tolerance alone. The combination of LY 83583 and GTN tolerance reduced the relaxant effect of 10-5 M NO to a similar extent to LY 83583 alone, while the relaxant response to 10-4 M GTN was reduced to the same extent as after 1 h exposure to 5.5 x 10-4 M GTN alone.7. It is concluded that S-nitrosothiols potently relax the rat gastric fundus, possibly by a cyclic GMP-dependent mechanism and S-nitrosothiols such as SNAC and GSNO may be involved in NANC neurotransmission.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Cysteine; Drug Tolerance; Electric Stimulation; Female; Gastric Fundus; Glutathione; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Nitric Oxide; Nitroglycerin; Nitroso Compounds; Penicillamine; Rats; Rats, Wistar; S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine; S-Nitrosoglutathione; S-Nitrosothiols

Thapsigargin induced endothelium-dependent relaxation and cGMP production in rat thoracic aorta, and these effects were inhibited by nitric oxide (NO) pathway inhibitors, a calmodulin inhibitor and removal of Ca2+, suggesting that NO is involved in the thapsigargin-induced relaxation. Thapsigargin may deplete Ca2+ stores in the endothelial cells by inhibiting the Ca(2+)-ATPase, a Ca2+ pump, which in turn triggers influx of extracellular Ca2+, leading to activation of constitutive NO synthase and resultant NO generation. The NO thus formed may activate soluble guanylate cyclase to produce cGMP in the vascular smooth muscle.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Arginine; Calcium; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Cyclic GMP; Male; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitroarginine; Rats; Rats, Wistar; SRS-A; Terpenes; Thapsigargin

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is the most potent endogenous vasoconstrictor yet identified. This peptide plays an important role in the regulation of arterial tone, in part through its interaction with endogenous vasodilator compounds. To understand the interactions of endothelin with the vasoactive prostaglandins (PGs), we determined the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostacyclin (PGI2), and thromboxane A2 on ET-1 synthesis and secretion from cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells and on ET-1 action in aortic smooth muscle cells. Both PGE2 and PGI2 (vasodilator prostaglandins) caused an approximately 40% inhibition of basal ET-1 secretion and a 50% inhibition of serum-stimulated ET-1 secretion in a dose-related and time course fashion. In contrast, the vasoconstrictor prostaglandin, thromboxane A2, had no effect on ET-1 secretion. PGE2 and PGI2 similarly inhibited the basal production of new ET-1 protein (translation) by 40-50% and inhibited the basal steady-state mRNA expression of ET-1 in bovine aortic endothelial cells by 60-70%. Both prostaglandins also caused an approximately 55% inhibition of ET-1 transcription, as shown by chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter studies. PGE2 and PGI2 strongly stimulated cGMP generation; both the PG stimulation of cGMP and the inhibition of ET-1 secretion and translation were reversed by LY83583, a general inhibitor of cGMP generation. The PG-induced inhibition of ET-1 secretion and translation was also reversed by KT5823, an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, but not by (Rp)-adenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphate, an inhibitor of protein kinase A activation. PGE2 and PGI2 also inhibited both basal and ET-1-stimulated DNA synthesis in aortic smooth muscle cells by approximately 45% through a cGMP-dependent mechanism. Therefore, two endogenous PGs, known to be important vasodilators in vivo, significantly inhibit the transcription, translation, secretion, and action of ET-1. We propose that the vasodilator action of the PGs results, in part, from their ability to inhibit the production of this potent vasoconstrictor.

Topics: Alkaloids; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta; Carbazoles; Cattle; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase; Cyclic GMP; Dinoprostone; DNA; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Endothelins; Endothelium, Vascular; Epoprostenol; Indoles; Kinetics; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Protein Biosynthesis; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; RNA, Messenger; SRS-A; Thymidine; Transfection

When islets were cultured with interleukin-1 beta (1 or 100 pmol/l) for 12 h in arginine-containing medium, cyclic GMP levels were increased 1.6- and 4.5-fold respectively. The arginine analogue, N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, which blocks nitric oxide formation and partially reverses inhibition of insulin secretion by 100 pmol/l interleukin-1 beta, largely, but not completely, blocked generation of cyclic GMP. Treatment of islets with 100 pmol/l interleukin-1 beta for 12 h significantly decreased islet cyclic AMP generation in the absence of isobutylmethylxanthine (from 13.1 +/- 0.7 to 9.3 +/- 0.8 fmol/micrograms islet protein), this fall was arginine-dependent and may have resulted from an effect on a cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase, since it was masked if isobutylmethylxanthine was present. Isobutylmethylxanthine (0.4 mmol/l) reduced the inhibitory potency of interleukin-1 beta in 15 h slightly but significantly from 80.5 to 59.0%. The morpholinosydnonimine SIN-1, which is a nitric oxide donor, inhibited insulin secretion, raised islet cyclic GMP and lowered cyclic AMP; its effects were similar to those of interleukin-1 beta. However, 6-anilinoquinoline-5,8-quinone, [LY83583 (1-10 mumol/l)], inhibited insulin secretion, and significantly decreased cyclic GMP while 8-bromocyclic GMP stimulated insulin secretion. Both low- and high-dose interleukin-1 beta treatment give a large arginine-dependent and a small, yet significant, arginine-independent increase in cyclic GMP. The inhibitory effect of SIN-1 or interleukin-1 beta on insulin secretion seems to depend to a small extent on decreased islet cyclic AMP, though sustained increases in nitric oxide or depleted islet GTP may directly affect the secretory process.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Arginine; Cells, Cultured; Colforsin; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Insulin; Insulin Secretion; Interleukin-1; Islets of Langerhans; Kinetics; Molsidomine; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The effect of various modulators of cytoplasmic guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) level on the step-up photophobic responses in Blepharisma japonicum has been investigated to clarify the possible role of cGMP in the mechanism of photosensory signal transduction. Membrane-permeable analogs of cGMP, 8-bromo-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate or dibutyryl cGMP, caused a marked dose-dependent prolongation of the latency for the photophobic response, resulting in inhibition of the photophobic response in Blepharisma japonicum. A similar effect was observed when cells were treated with 3'-isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and pertussis toxin, a G-protein activity modulator. The G-protein activator, fluoroaluminate, and 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY 83583), an agent which effectively lowers the cytoplasmic cGMP level, significantly enhanced the photoresponsiveness of these ciliates to visible light stimuli. These results suggest that cellular cGMP serves as a signal modulator in the photophobic response of Blepharisma japonicum.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cell Movement; Cholera Toxin; Ciliophora; Cyclic GMP; Dibutyryl Cyclic GMP; Light; Pertussis Toxin; Signal Transduction; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

In the pancreatic acinar cell, hormonal stimulation causes a rise in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration by activating the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores (Berridge, M. J., and Irvine, R. F. (1989) Nature 341, 197-205). The released Ca2+ is, for the most part, extruded from the cell, necessitating a mechanism for Ca2+ entry and reloading of intracellular Ca2+ stores (Putney, J. W., Jr. (1990) Cell Calcium 11, 611-624; Rink, T. J. (1990) FEBS Lett. 268, 381-385). However, neither the mechanism of depletion-activated Ca2+ entry nor the signal that activates it is known. We report here that a sustained inward current of depletion-activated Ca2+ entry can be measured in pancreatic acinar cells using patch-clamp recording methods. Furthermore, the current can be blocked by an inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase, can be reactivated by 8-bromo-cGMP after inhibition, and can be activated in the absence of Ca2+ depletion by perfusing the cell with cGMP, but not cAMP. Intracellular perfusion with 1,3,4,5-inositol tetrakisphosphate did not activate an inward current, whereas perfusion with 2,4,5-inositol trisphosphate did activate an inward current. We conclude that cGMP may be an intracellular messenger that regulates depletion-activated Ca2+ entry.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium; Calcium Channels; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Inositol Phosphates; Kinetics; Membrane Potentials; Models, Biological; Pancreas; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Second Messenger Systems; Time Factors

LY83583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione), considered to be a relatively specific repressor of cyclic GMP formation, is shown in the present study to inhibit (K(i) = 3 microM) glutathione reductase from bovine intestinal mucosa. As glutathione disulphide has been reported to inhibit guanylate cyclase irreversibly [Braughler, Biochem Pharmacol 32: 811-818, 1983], the inhibition of glutathione reductase should affect the activity of guanylate cyclase and may thus have physiological implications in the action of endothelium-derived relaxation factor and the design of muscle relaxants. LY83583 is reduced by NADPH and glutathione reductase in aerobic media and this may offer a route to the metabolic activation of LY83583. These results may have significant implications for the design of heart-regulating drugs (e.g. those used in angina), such as glyceryl trinitrate, which act via guanylate cyclase.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cattle; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Down-Regulation; Drug Design; Glutathione; Glutathione Reductase; Guanylate Cyclase; Intestinal Mucosa; Kinetics

Human neutrophils were activated by the bacterial chemotactic peptide N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) to produce superoxide (O2-) and to release the primary granule enzyme beta-glucuronidase and the predominantly secondary granule enzyme lysozyme. Pretreatment with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) increased the secretion of all three substances upon addition of fMLP. The augmentation by GM-CSF was significantly attenuated by the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor AA861 and by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY83583. The secretion induced by fMLP alone was much less affected by either of the two inhibitors. AA861 inhibited leukotriene B4 production in neutrophils primed with GM-CSF and stimulated with fMLP, and LY83583 inhibited GM-CSF-evoked increases of 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate. The data suggest that activation of lipoxygenase and guanylate cyclase is not critical to the fMLP stimulation pathway, but they may be important components of the pathway by which GM-CSF augments neutrophil responses to fMLP. However, AA861 and LY83583 may have important actions in addition to inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and guanylate cyclase.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Benzoquinones; Cyclic GMP; Drug Interactions; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Leukotriene B4; Lipoxygenase Inhibitors; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Neutrophils; Second Messenger Systems; SRS-A

As auranofin resembles some neutrophil activating sulphur containing compounds, it was decided to investigate whether it had activating effects on neutrophil migration in addition to the published inhibitory effects.. The Boyden chamber assay was used to determine the migration velocity of human neutrophils. The difference between chemotaxis and chemokinesis was established with a chequerboard assay.. Low concentrations of auranofin stimulated human neutrophil migration; concentrations of auranofin higher than 1 mumol/l were inhibitory. Inhibitors of leukotriene formation, or of protein kinase C, had the same effect on auranofin induced potentiation of migration as on fMLP activated migration. Auranofin, at a concentration of 100 nmol/l, caused a transient increase in the cGMP level of neutrophils. The auranofin induced increase in migration was strongly inhibited by methylene blue and by LY83583, two inhibitors of cGMP accumulation.. The auranofin induced enhancement of migration is partly due to a chemokinetic effect, but mainly due to a chemotactic effect. The potentiating effect of auranofin on migration is not specifically due to the ability of the drug to inhibit protein kinase C activity or to generate leukotrienes. These results suggest that the enhancement of neutrophil migration by low levels of auranofin is related to the enhancement of cGMP levels in neutrophils.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Auranofin; Cell Migration Inhibition; Chemotaxis; Cyclic GMP; Humans; Leukotriene B4; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Neutrophils; Protein Kinase C

The mechanism of action of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was examined in isolated gastric and taenia coli muscle cells and compared with that of nitric oxide (NO), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and isoproterenol. In gastric muscle cells, VIP stimulated NO production, increased adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels, and induced relaxation in a concentration-dependent fashion. The NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine abolished NO and cGMP production and partly inhibited relaxation. The soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY 83583 abolished cGMP production and partly inhibited relaxation. (R)-p-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphorothioate [(R)-p-cAMPS], a preferential inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAK), and KT5823, a preferential inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK), partly inhibited relaxation separately and abolished relaxation in combination. The pattern implied that VIP induced relaxation by activation of cAK and by NO-mediated stimulation of cGMP and activation of cGK. In taenia coli muscle cells, VIP did not increase NO production or cGMP levels: relaxation was accompanied by an increase in cAMP and was partly inhibited by (R)-p-cAMPS and KT5823 and abolished by a combination of both inhibitors. Isoproterenol increased only cAMP levels in both cell types, which induced relaxation by activating cAK at low concentrations of agonist and both cAK and cGK at high concentrations in a pattern identical to that observed with VIP in taenia coli muscle cells. SNP and NO increased only cGMP levels in both cell types, which induced relaxation by activating cGK only. We conclude that cAK and cGK can be activated separately and mediate relaxation independently.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Cell Separation; Colon; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Digestive System; Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; Enzyme Activation; Gastric Fundus; Guinea Pigs; Isoproterenol; Muscle Relaxation; Muscles; Nitrates; Nitric Acid; Nitroarginine; Nitroprusside; Protein Kinase C; SRS-A; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) are two second messengers that have been proposed to act as a dualistic system in biological regulation. To determine if cGMP plays a role in the mediation of circadian rhythmicity of the adenylate cyclase (AC)-cAMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE) system in the achlorophyllous ZC mutant of the unicellular flagellate Euglena, the levels of cAMP and cGMP were monitored in synchronized cell populations, and the effects of the cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP) and the cGMP inhibitor 6-anilinoquinoline-5,8-quinone (LY 83583) on the activity of AC and PDE, as well as on the level of cAMP, were measured in vivo. A bimodal, 24-hr rhythm of cGMP content was found in both dividing and nondividing cultures in either a 12-hr:12-hr light-dark cycle or constant darkness. The peaks and troughs of the cGMP rhythm occurred 2 hr in advance of those of the cAMP rhythm that has been reported previously. The addition of 8-Br-cGMP at different circadian times increased the cAMP level in vivo by two to five times, whereas LY 83583 reduced the amplitude of the cAMP rhythm so that it disappeared. The effects of 8-Br-cGMP on the activity of AC and PDE were circadian phase-dependent and consistent with the changes in cAMP content. These findings suggest that cGMP may serve as an upstream effector that mediates the cAMP oscillation by regulation of the AC-cAMP-PDE system.

Topics: 3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases; Adenylyl Cyclases; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cell Division; Circadian Rhythm; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Euglena; Models, Biological; SRS-A

The present study was designed to assess the effect of LY83583 on H2O2/O2- production from endothelial cells and neutrophils, as determined by chemiluminiscence generation in vitro. We found that LY83583 increased H2O2/O2-production from endothelial cells, but inhibited the H2O2/O2- production from phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated neutrophils. Furthermore, LY83583 consumed NADPH under certain conditions. Since neutrophils generate superoxide anion radicals via an NADPH-oxidase, we suggest that the reduction of chemiluminiscence, seen after addition of LY83583 to phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated neutrophils, is due to increased consumption of NADPH. In endothelial cells, NADPH is required as a co-factor in the generation of nitric oxide, which may interact with superoxide anion. A consumption in NAPDH would therefore be expected to decrease the production of nitric oxide and increase H2O2/O2-generation. The consumption of NADPH in endothelial cells could also cause reduced scavenger functions of the glutathion system, resulting in a further increase in H2O2 release.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Luminescent Measurements; NADP; Neutrophils; Oxidation-Reduction; SRS-A; Superoxides; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

Our laboratory has previously described in isolated 1- to 4-mm calf pulmonary arteries, an endothelium-independent contraction to hypoxia that appears to involve the removal of a H2O2-elicited guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated relaxation. In this study, we examined the effects of changes in O2 tension (PO2) on isolated endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded calf pulmonary resistance arteries of approximately 200 microns in diameter. Resistance arteries precontracted with U46619 were found to undergo a contraction when exposed to a PO2 of 24-27 Torr (hypoxia) from a Po2 of 150 Torr (O2 atmosphere). This contraction was significantly larger in endothelium-intact than endothelium-removed arteries. In the intact artery, 30 microM nitro-L-arginine (NLA), an inhibitor of the biosynthesis of nitric oxide-like activators of guanylate cyclase, increased tone under O2 atmosphere and reduced the contraction to hypoxia to the level observed in the endothelium-removed artery. Reoxygenation caused a relaxation, which was not dependent on the endothelium or inhibited by NLA. The inhibitor of guanylate cyclase activation, LY83583 (10 microM), increased tone under O2 atmosphere, eliminated the contraction to hypoxia, and inhibited the relaxation to reoxygenation, whereas indomethacin (10 microM) did not alter these responses. Thus modulation of a cGMP mechanism, not involving the endothelium or metabolism of arginine, is a primary mediator of responses to changes in O2 tension, and the endothelium appears to cause an enhancement of the contraction to hypoxia via suppression by hypoxia of the tonic generation of an arginine-derived relaxing factor.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Cattle; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Hypoxia; Indomethacin; Nitroarginine; Oxygen; Partial Pressure; Prostaglandin Antagonists; Pulmonary Artery; Vascular Resistance; Vasoconstriction; Vasodilation

We have demonstrated previously that in response to hypoxia, isolated rat pulmonary arteries show an initial endothelium-dependent relaxation followed by an endothelium-independent transient contraction. In the presence of increased extracellular Ca2+, both of these responses were enhanced in endothelium-intact arteries. Nitro-L-arginine, a blocker of the biosynthesis of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), abolished the initial endothelium-dependent relaxation and Ca(2+)-induced enhancement of hypoxic contraction in endothelium-intact arteries but did not alter responses in endothelium-denuded vessels. Inhibition of prostaglandin formation with indomethacin had no effect on the hypoxia-elicited responses. Preincubation with LY 83583, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase activation, abolished the initial hypoxia-elicited relaxation and subsequent contraction. M & B 22948, a guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase inhibitor, decreased tone under O2 but not under N2, causing an apparent enhancement of the contraction to hypoxia. Thus the modulation of hypoxic responses by the endothelium is dependent on changes in EDRF production, and a decrease in smooth muscle cGMP not involving an EDRF mechanism appears to mediate the endothelium-independent hypoxic contraction observed in the isolated rat pulmonary artery.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Cyclic GMP; Hypoxia; In Vitro Techniques; Indomethacin; Male; Nitroarginine; Pulmonary Artery; Purinones; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

Previously we showed that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) decreases cardiac cell volume by inhibiting ion uptake by Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport. Digital video microscopy was used to study the role of guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) in this process in rabbit ventricular myocytes. Each cell served as its own control, and relative cell volumes (volume(test)/volume(control)) were determined. Exposure to 10 microM 8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP) reversibly decreased cell volume to 0.892 +/- 0.007; the ED50 was 0.77 +/- 0.33 microM. Activating guanylate cyclase with 100 microM sodium nitroprusside also decreased cell volume to 0.889 +/- 0.009. In contrast, 8-bromo-adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (8-Br-AMP; 0.01-100 microM) neither altered cell volume directly nor modified the response to 8-Br-cGMP. The idea that cGMP decreases cell volume by inhibiting Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport was tested by blocking the cotransporter with 10 microM bumetanide (BUM) and removing the transported ions. After BUM treatment, 10 microM 8-Br-cGMP failed to decrease cell volume. Replacement of Na+ with N-methyl-D-glucamine or Cl- with methanesulfonate also prevented 8-Br-cGMP from shrinking cells. The data suggest that 8-Br-cGMP, like ANF, decreases ventricular cell volume by inhibiting Na+/K+/2Cl-cotransport. Evidence that ANF modulates cell volume via cGMP was also obtained. Pretreatment with 10 microM 8-Br-cGMP prevented the effect of 1 microM ANF on cell volume, and ANF suppressed 8-Br-cGMP-induced cell shrinkage. Inhibiting guanylate cyclase with the quinolinedione LY83583 (10 microM) diminished ANF-induced cell shrinkage, and inhibiting cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase with M&B22948 (Zaprinast; 100 microM) amplified the volume decrease caused by a low dose of ANF (0.01 microM) approximately fivefold. In contrast, neither 100 microM 8-Br-cAMP nor 50 microM forskolin affected the response to ANF. The effects of ANF, LY83583, and M&B29948 on cGMP levels in isolated ventricular myocytes were confirmed by 125I-cGMP radioimmunoassay. These data argue that ANF shrinks cardiac cells by increasing intracellular cGMP, thereby inhibiting Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport. Basal cGMP levels also appear to modulate cell volume.

Topics: 3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Chlorides; Cyclic GMP; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Myocardium; Potassium; Purinones; Rabbits; Second Messenger Systems; Sodium; SRS-A

The cellular mechanisms through which halothane dilates blood vessels remain largely unknown. The present studies were designed to determine the effects of 0.59 and 0.9 mM halothane (equivalent to 2.0% and 3.0%, respectively) on tissue cyclic guanosine 3,5-monophosphate (cGMP) level and guanylate cyclase enzyme activity in canine middle cerebral arteries. Rings of cerebral arteries preconstricted with 5-hydroxytryptamine (0.2 microM) were exposed for 15 min to low or high concentrations of halothane or for 5 min to sodium nitroprusside (50 microM). The vessels were instantaneously frozen by immersing them in liquid N2; they then were homogenized, and the tissue cGMP levels were determined using radioimmunoassay. Halothane produced 2.23 +/- 0.44- and 4.47 +/- 0.87-fold increases in tissue cGMP levels over control at 0.59 and 0.9 mM, respectively. Sodium nitroprusside, a nitrovasodilator, also increased the tissue cGMP level 7.80 +/- 1.36-fold over the control value. To understand better the mechanisms of halothane-induced increase of tissue cGMP level, the effects of this anesthetic agent on guanylate cyclase enzyme activity were examined. Halothane, unlike sodium nitroprusside, did not modulate the activity of the soluble guanylate cyclase enzyme. However, halothane (1.0 mM), like atrial natriuretic factor (5 microM), stimulated the particulate guanylate cyclase enzyme activity. LY-83583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione, 10 microM), an agent that inhibits soluble guanylate cyclase activity, significantly reduced the response of the vessels to calcium ionophore (A23187, 0.4 microM), an endothelium-dependent vasodilator, without producing a significant effect on halothane-induced vasodilation. These results suggest that halothane-induced vasodilation of cerebral blood vessels is partly mediated by an increase in tissue cGMP levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Dogs; Guanylate Cyclase; Halothane; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; SRS-A; Vasodilation

The effects of cyclic GMP on the release of calcium from intracellular stores, induced in murine peritoneal macrophages by either ATP or platelet-activating factor, were studied by microfluorimetry with fura-2. When macrophages were incubated for 10-20 min with 10 microM LY83583, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, the rise in intracellular calcium induced by agonist application was strongly depressed. This inhibition of the response to platelet-activating factor could be reversed by the addition of 0.1 mM cyclic 8-bromo-GMP. In the presence of cyclic 8-bromo-GMP, the decay of the calcium transient was speeded. Furthermore, when two calcium transients were evoked within 1 min by stimulating the cells with 10 microM ATP, the second calcium transient was more depressed than the first one in the presence of LY83583. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that cyclic GMP is necessary for the activation of the calcium pump of the intracellular stores.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Biological Transport; Biological Transport, Active; Calcium; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Cytophotometry; Macrophages; Mice; Platelet Activating Factor; SRS-A

The cytokine interleukin 1 (IL-1) inhibits contractile responses in rat aorta by causing endothelium-independent and prolonged activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. The present study tested whether IL-1 activates guanylate cyclase by inducing prolonged production of nitric oxide in cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). IL-1 induced a marked time-dependent increase in cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in VSMC which was significant at 6 h, and increased progressively for up to 36 h. This effect of IL-1 was abolished when protein synthesis was inhibited with cycloheximide or actinomycin D, suggesting that the effect of IL-1 involves new protein synthesis. IL-1-induced cGMP accumulation was inhibited by the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitors, methylene blue, LY83583, and hemoglobin and by the L-arginine analogue NGmonomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). The inhibitory effect of L-NMMA was reversed by a 10-fold excess of L-arginine, but not by D-arginine. Nitrite, an oxidation product of nitric oxide, accumulated in the media of VSMC incubated with IL-1 for 24 h in the presence of L-arginine, whereas both IL-1-induced cGMP accumulation and nitrite production were attenuated in VSMC incubated in L-arginine-deficient medium. In L-arginine-depleted VSMC, IL-1-induced cGMP accumulation was restored to control levels by a 15-min incubation with L-arginine. These results demonstrate that IL-1 activates guanylate cyclase in rat VSMC by inducing production of nitric oxide via a pathway dependent on extracellular L-arginine.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Enzyme Activation; Guanylate Cyclase; Hemoglobins; Interleukin-1; Methylene Blue; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitrites; omega-N-Methylarginine; Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; Rats

1. The aim of this investigation was to study the relationship between contractile responsiveness, activation of the L-arginine pathway and tissue levels of guanosine 3':5'cyclic monophosphate (cylic GMP) in aortic rings removed from rats 4 h after intraperitoneal administration of bacterial endotoxin (E. coli. lipopolysaccharide, LPS, 20 mg kg-1). 2. LPS-treatment resulted in a reduction of the sensitivity and maximal contractile response to noradrenaline (NA). 3. Depression of the maximal contractile response was restored to control by 6-anilo-5,8-quinolinedione (LY 83583, 10 microM), which prevents activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. 4. Cyclic GMP levels in tissue from LPS-treated rats were 2 fold greater than cyclic GMP levels detected in tissue from control (saline-treated) rats. The LPS-induced increase in cyclic GMP content was observed both in the presence and absence of functional endothelium. 5. Addition of L-arginine 1 mM) to maximally contracted aortic rings produced significantly relaxation of rings from LPS-treated rats but not rings from control animals. In the LPS-treated group, addition of L-arginine was also associated with a significant increase in cyclic GMP content. L-Arginine had no effect on the cyclic GMP content of control rings. D-Arginine (1 mM) was without effect. 6. In rings from LPS-treated rats, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 300 microM), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) production, increased the contractile response to NA and prevented the LPS-induced increase in cyclic GMP content. In control rings, L-NAME increased the NA sensitivity only when the endothelium remained intact and reduced the cyclic GMP content of these rings to that of control endothelium-denuded rings. 7. These results demonstrate that LPS-induced hyporeactivity to NA occurs secondarily to activation of the L-arginine pathway and subsequent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase in vascular tissue. In addition they suggest that LPS induces the production of an NO-like relaxing factor in non-endothelial cells.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Cyclic GMP; Endotoxins; Enzyme Activation; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitroarginine; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; SRS-A

L-Arginine (L-Arg) is metabolized by nitric oxide synthase to the reactive intermediate nitric oxide. Since nitric oxide stimulates guanylyl cyclase and cGMP synthesis, L-Arg effects on cGMP accumulation in isolated pancreatic islets of the rat and RINm5F insulinoma cells were determined. Both L-Arg and glucose stimulation increased islet cGMP levels, and glucose potentiated the response to L-Arg alone. A competitive inhibitor of L-Arg metabolism to nitric oxide, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, reduced glucose- and L-Arg-stimulated insulin release and glucose-induced increases in cGMP; however, basal insulin release was slightly increased. D-Arg and L-ornithine did not affect islet cGMP levels, although insulin release was stimulated. RINm5F cell cGMP levels and insulin release increased in response to L-Arg in a concentration- and time-related manner, whereas glucose and L-histidine were without effect. 8-Bromo-cGMP also slightly increased RINm5F cell insulin release. Sodium nitroprusside as a source of nitric oxide increased RINm5F cell cGMP production. Methylene blue and LY83583, inhibitors of soluble guanylyl cyclase activation, reduced RINm5F cell cGMP levels in the presence and absence of L-Arg; LY83583 also reduced glucose-stimulated cGMP levels in islets. Insulin release by glucose and L-Arg was also inhibited by methylene blue and LY83583 in islets. We conclude that glucose and L-Arg stimulate guanylyl cyclase activity and cGMP formation in beta-cells at least in part through metabolism to the reactive intermediate nitric oxide. However, neither nitric oxide nor cGMP synthesis is obligatory for insulin secretion.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Arginine; Cyclic GMP; Glucose; Guanylate Cyclase; Insulin; Insulin Secretion; Insulinoma; Islets of Langerhans; Male; Methylene Blue; Nitroprusside; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Our main objective was to test the efficacy of 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583) in vivo, a putative inhibitor of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) production. If the drug proved capable of lowering plasma, vascular, and kidney levels of cGMP and of inhibiting the hypotensive effect of sodium nitroprusside and methacholine, then LY83583 could be of potential use in exploring the contribution of cGMP to cardiovascular and renal physiology. We found that when administered to trained conscious rats, LY83583 (1-mg/kg bolus, followed by a 2-hr infusion of 3 mg/kg.hr) decreased plasma cGMP concentration by 36% (P less than 0.01). Doubling the dosage of drug (2-mg/kg bolus, 6 mg/kg.hr) decreased plasma cGMP by 46% (P less than 0.05). We next measured tissue levels of cGMP ex vivo from rats that had received LY83583 or vehicle for 2 hr. The cGMP content of aortic segments when LY83583 was infused at the low dose, or renal cortical tissue when LY83583 was infused at both doses, was not significantly different from the cGMP content of tissue from rats that had received vehicle. LY83583 in doses up to 10-mg/kg bolus, followed by 6 mg/kg.hr infusion also failed to attenuate the hypotensive response to sodium nitroprusside or methacholine in conscious rats. Last, we tested whether, in our hands, LY83583 could reduce cGMP of aortic segments and kidney cortical slices in vitro. We found that after 10 min of incubation, 10(-5) M LY83583 decreased intracellular cGMP by approximately 65% and 50% in aortic and kidney tissues, respectively. In order to ascertain whether LY83583 lowered cGMP by stimulating phosphodiesterase, we incubated tissues with 10(-4) M 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine to inhibit the enzyme. In the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine LY83583 still exerted an inhibitory effect on cGMP production by aortic and kidney tissues. In conclusion, although LY83583 is a useful agent to lower renal and vascular tissues levels of cGMP in vitro, its efficacy in vivo seems doubtful.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta, Abdominal; Blood Pressure; Cyclic GMP; Female; Kidney; Methacholine Chloride; Nitroprusside; Rats

ANP increases cellular cGMP content in cultured hepatocytes and decreases Ca2(+)-inflow in a concentration- and time-dependent manner which explains a beneficial effect on hypoxia cell injury (25). Both observations are mimicked by SNP and 8-Br-cGMP and blocked by Ly 83583 indicating a cGMP-mediated mechanism. The protective effect was also inhibited by Pertussis Toxin (PT) without lowering the elevated cGMP-level. But PT in combination with ANP leads to a higher Ca2(+)-inflow. Stimulated Na(+)-inflows are also be lowered by ANP. Here, neither SNP can mimick nor PT can inhibit this effect. Our results now indicate that the beneficial effect by ANP at the cellular level is mediated through cGMP which decreases calcium-inflow. ANP seems to control Ca2(+)-channels direct via a PT-sensitive G-protein and indirect by a cGMP-mediated mechanism and Na(+)-channels cGMP-independent through a PT-insensitive G-protein, thus preventing cells on hypoxia and oxygen radicals.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Calcium; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Free Radicals; GTP-Binding Proteins; Hypochlorous Acid; Hypoxia; Kinetics; Liver; Nitroprusside; Pertussis Toxin; Rats; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

The characteristics of carbon monoxide (CO)-induced, endothelium-independent relaxation of rabbit aorta were compared with those of nitric oxide (NO)-induced and light-induced relaxation and endothelium-dependent relaxation mediated by endothelium-dependent relaxing factor (EDRF). CO was less than one thousandth as potent as NO as a relaxant. Various findings, including an increase in cyclic GMP associated with CO-induced relaxation, led to the conclusion that CO - like NO, EDRF and light - produces relaxation as a result of its stimulation of guanylate cyclase. LY 83583, which generates superoxide, was a potent, fast-acting inhibitor of acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation and NO-induced relaxation, and a fairly potent, moderately fast-acting inhibitor of photorelaxation, but only a very weak inhibitor of CO-induced relaxation. The ability of LY 83583 as well as hemoglobin to inhibit photorelaxation is consistent with the hypothesis that on radiation a photo-induced relaxing factor is formed which can stimulate guanylate cyclase and which can be inactivated by superoxide and by hemoglobin.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Carbon Monoxide; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Light; Nitric Oxide; Rabbits; Vasodilation

Our recent studies indicate that interleukin 1 (IL-1) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide inhibit agonist-induced contractions in rat aortic rings by an endothelium-independent mechanism. The present study investigated the role of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) in the vasodilatory action of IL-1 and endotoxin. Rat aortic rings were denuded of endothelium and incubated for 3 h in physiological salt solution containing no additions, IL-1 (20 ng/ml), or endotoxin (10 micrograms/ml). Contractions induced by phenylephrine (3 x 10(-7) M) were decreased by 40 and 85% in endotoxin- and IL-1-treated rings, respectively. IL-1 increased cGMP content 2.5-fold in the absence of and 5.5-fold in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). Endotoxin also increased cGMP content in the absence and presence of IBMX (5.5- and 25-fold, respectively). Both IL-1- and endotoxin-induced increases in cGMP occurred 3-4 h after initial exposure. The guanylate cyclase inhibitors, LY 83583 and methylene blue, each abolished IL-1- and endotoxin-induced inhibition of contraction and IL-1-induced production of cGMP. Furthermore, hemoglobin, which binds nitric oxide, completely blocked IL-1-induced increases in cGMP. We conclude that IL-1 and endotoxin inhibit vascular contraction in vitro by increasing aortic cGMP content. Studies with inhibitors suggest IL-1 and endotoxin may induce endothelium-independent production of nitric oxide or another free radical that activates soluble guanylate cyclase.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Endotoxins; Enzyme Activation; Guanylate Cyclase; Interleukin-1; Male; Methylene Blue; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Myocardial Contraction; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; SRS-A; Time Factors; Vasodilation

The interaction of hormones acting via the mobilization of calcium and stimulation of cAMP levels in cells was examined by determining the effects of carbachol and forskolin on cAMP and cGMP accumulation in mouse parotid gland. Treatment of isolated acini with either carbachol (0.01 to 20 microM) or forskolin (1 microM) alone produced little or no increase in cAMP levels; carbachol, however, augmented the effect of forskolin on cAMP accumulation approximately 3- to 4-fold. The effects of carbachol on forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels were further augmented approximately 10-fold in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (MIX) but not in the presence of "low Km" cGMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase inhibitor milrinone. Augmentation of cAMP levels also occurred in the presence of carbachol plus the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (0.01 microM). In either the presence or absence of forskolin, carbachol increased cGMP levels independently of the inclusion of MIX and in a fashion parallel to that observed for cAMP accumulation. In the presence of forskolin (1 microM), the concentration of carbachol that produced half-maximal effects on cAMP and cGMP levels was 0.62 and 0.72 microM, respectively. Similar values were obtained in the presence of MIX. Cyclic GMP levels were also enhanced by carbachol plus isoproterenol. Hydroxylamine, as well as dibutyryl-cGMP and 8-bromo-cGMP in combination with forskolin, mimicked the effects of carbachol plus forskolin on cAMP levels. LY83583 (6-anillino-5,8-quinolinedione), an agent that lowers cGMP by inhibiting guanylate cyclase, reduced basal levels of cGMP and also completely prevented the increase in cGMP caused by carbachol plus forskolin. In these experiments, however, the augmentation of forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels by carbachol was reduced by approximately 50%. Additional studies suggest that calcium is also required for carbachol augmentation of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation by effects on the adenylate cyclase complex. Augmentation of cAMP levels by carbachol did not involve effects on cAMP degradation. The results suggest that, when cAMP synthesis is stimulated by forskolin or isoproterenol, the muscarinic agonist carbachol augments cAMP accumulation by mechanisms involving cGMP and calcium in mouse parotid gland.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcium; Carbachol; Colforsin; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Hydroxylamine; Hydroxylamines; Mice; Parotid Gland

The present studies were performed in order to measure the effects of cyclic GMP (cGMP) on the regulation of free cytosolic calcium [( Ca2+]i) in the pancreatic acinar cell. In guinea pig dispersed pancreatic acini the findings demonstrated that the Ca2+ ionophore, Br A23187, caused a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i in the presence of 3 mM CaCl2 in the media and a transient 20 fold rise in cellular cGMP followed by a sustained 3-4 fold rise in cellular cGMP. Increasing cellular cGMP with nitroprusside, hydroxylamine or dibutyryl cGMP had no effect on resting [Ca2+]i. However, these agents attenuated the increase in [Ca2+]i resulting from Br A23187-induced Ca2+ influx. Nitroprusside also attenuated the carbachol-induced sustained rise in [Ca2+]i that resulted from Ca2+ influx. The nitroprusside effect on carbachol-stimulated acini occurred without decreasing Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane or alteration in the mobilization of Ca2+ from the intracellular agonist-sensitive pool. Inhibition of the increase in cellular cGMP caused by Br A23187 by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583), resulted in augmentation of the increase in [Ca2+]i. This augmentation was reversed with dibutyryl cGMP. These results indicated that cGMP regulated [Ca2+]i in the pancreatic acinar cell. The mechanism involves the removal of Ca2+ from the cytoplasm.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cyclic GMP; Cytosol; Dibutyryl Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Guanylate Cyclase; Guinea Pigs; Hydroxylamines; Nitroprusside; Pancreas; SRS-A

The present studies were performed to determine the role of cyclic GMP in regulating agonist mediated calcium entry in the pancreatic acinar cell. In guinea pig-dispersed pancreatic acini the findings demonstrated that carbachol stimulated a transient 20-40-fold rise in cellular cyclic GMP followed by a sustained 3-4-fold rise in cellular cyclic GMP. The guanylate cyclase inhibitor, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583), caused a dose-dependent inhibition of carbachol-stimulated increases in cellular cyclic GMP both during the initial transient large increase in cyclic GMP and the sustained increase in cyclic GMP. LY83583 also inhibited cellular Ca2+ influx during carbachol stimulation and reloading of the agonist-sensitive pool of Ca2+ at the termination of carbachol stimulation with atropine. The effect of the inhibition on reloading of the agonist-sensitive pool was secondary to its effects on the plasma membrane C2+ entry. The addition of dibutyryl cyclic GMP to LY83583-treated acini restored Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. Nitroprusside increased both cellular cyclic GMP and the rate of Ca2+ influx. During periods when plasma membrane Ca2+ entry was activated, cellular cyclic GMP levels were increased. These results suggest that agonist-induced increases in cellular cyclic GMP are necessary and sufficient to mediate the effects of the agonist on the plasma membrane Ca2+ entry mechanism.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Benzofurans; Calcium; Carbachol; Cell Membrane; Cyclic GMP; Fluorescent Dyes; Fura-2; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Kinetics; Nitroprusside; Pancreas; SRS-A

We have reported evidence that endothelium-independent relaxations of isolated bovine pulmonary arteries to H2O2 and to reoxygenation with 95% O2-5% CO2 after brief exposure to N2 (5% CO2) appear to be mediated by the activation of guanylate cyclase via H2O2 metabolism through catalase. Treatment of endothelium-removed pulmonary arteries with a potential guanylate cyclase-inhibitor, LY 83583, or with the inhibitor of the Zn+2, Cu+2-superoxide dismutase (SOD) diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DETCA), antagonized guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-associated relaxation to H2O2, to reoxygenation and to glyceryl trinitrate, but not the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-associated relaxation to isoproterenol. Superoxide anion (O2-.) levels, detected by lucigenin-elicited chemiluminescence, were enhanced by LY 83583 or DETCA treatment of pulmonary arteries at ambient PO2. Chemiluminescence produced by LY 83583 was markedly potentiated by DETCA treatment, decreased at addition of exogenous SOD, and inhibited markedly by anoxia. LY 83583, but not DETCA, stimulated cyanide-insensitive O2 consumption, consistent with redox cycling of the compound independent of mitochondrial respiration. We propose that O2-. generated on the metabolism of LY 83583, or from cellular electron donors after SOD inhibition by DETCA, inhibits cGMP-mediated relaxations of pulmonary arteries.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Anions; Cattle; Cyclic GMP; Ditiocarb; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hypoxia; Isoproterenol; Nitroglycerin; Oxygen; Oxygen Consumption; Pulmonary Artery; Superoxides; Vasodilation

In open-chest anesthetized dogs acute hypertension causes neutrophil and platelet adhesion to vascular endothelium and selectively potentiates constriction to serotonin in proximal coronary arteries. To examine underlying mechanisms, canine left anterior descending coronary arteries subjected to 15 min hypertension (LAD-HYP) and control left circumflex coronary arteries (CX) perfused at normal pressure were studied in organ chambers. In endothelium-intact LAD-HYP rings, constriction to serotonin was potentiated fourfold compared with control CX rings but was similar in denuded LAD-HYP and CX vessels. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine was not affected by acute hypertension. In LAD-HYP rings 10 microM LY 83583 (which depletes guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and inhibits effects of endothelium-derived relaxing factor) augmented constriction to serotonin twofold. LY 83583 did not affect the serotonin response in hypertensive rings whose endothelium was mechanically removed. Blockade of either leukotriene D4 (LTD4) receptors (either with LY 171883 or SKF 102992) or thromboxane A2 (TxA2) receptors (with SQ 29548) partially blunted constriction to serotonin. Combined LTD4- and TxA2-receptor blockade completely normalized serotonin-induced constriction in LAD-HYP rings. In preconstricted LAD-HYP rings, relaxations to serotonin were markedly impaired but were restored by addition of ketanserin. Normalization of relaxation to serotonin in hypertensive vessels by ketanserin is likely due to inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptamine2 (5-HT2) receptors on platelet membranes. In conclusion, augmented constriction to serotonin in canine epicardial vessels exposed to acute hypertension is not due to an impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation to the amine but to concomitant release of leukotrienes and TxA2 from leukocytes and platelets adhering to damaged endothelium. Activation of 5-HT2 serotonergic receptors on platelet membranes could be a possible trigger mechanism.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Blood Platelets; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Coronary Vessels; Cyclic GMP; Dogs; Endothelium, Vascular; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Hydrazines; In Vitro Techniques; Leukocytes; Male; Nitroprusside; Serotonin; Thromboxane A2; Vasoconstriction; Vasodilation

The patch-clamp technique was used to examine the effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and its second messenger guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) on an amiloride-sensitive cation channel in the apical membrane of renal inner medullary collecting duct cells. Both ANP (10(-11) M) and dibutyryl guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (10(-4) M) inhibited the channel in cell-attached patches, and cGMP (10(-5) M) inhibited the channel in inside-out patches. The inner medullary collecting duct is the first tissue in which ANP, via its second messenger cGMP, has been shown to regulate single ion channels. The results suggest that the natriuretic action of ANP is related in part to cGMP-mediated inhibition of electrogenic Na+ absorption by the inner medullary collecting duct.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cell Membrane; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Ion Channels; Kidney Medulla; Kidney Tubules; Kidney Tubules, Collecting; Natriuresis; Rats; Sodium

We studied the effects and the mechanism of action of the cyclic GMP-lowering substance 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY 83583) on cyclic GMP-mediated inhibition of platelet function. The activation of washed human platelets by thrombin was counteracted by 8-bromo-cyclic GMP and the direct activators of soluble guanylate cyclase, sodium nitroprusside and endothelium-derived relaxant factor (EDRF = nitric oxide). LY 83583 significantly antagonized the inhibitory effect of sodium nitroprusside and EDRF, but not that of 8-bromo-cyclic GMP, on thrombin-induced aggregation, ATP-release, adhesion to native endothelial cells and increase in concentration of free intracellular calcium ions. In accordance, increases in intracellular cyclic GMP by sodium nitroprusside and EDRF were attenuated by LY 83583. The inhibition of cyclic GMP-mediated effects on platelets by LY 83583 could be related to inhibition of platelet soluble guanylate cyclase, as the activation of the purified enzyme from platelets by sodium nitroprusside was directly inhibited by LY 83583. This effect of LY 83583 was attenuated in the presence of superoxide dismutase. Our findings support the hypothesis that sodium nitroprusside and EDRF inhibit platelet activation by stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase via nitric oxide. Consequently, inhibition of nitric oxide-induced cyclic GMP formation by LY 83583, which may act by intracellular generation of superoxide anions, facilitates platelet activation.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Buffers; Calcium; Cyclic GMP; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Platelet Adhesiveness; Platelet Aggregation; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; SRS-A; Swine; Vasodilator Agents

The effect of pertussis toxin (PTX) and the cyclic GMP-lowering agent LY83583 on the relaxatory response induced by glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN) in bovine mesenteric artery was investigated. Pretreatment with PTX (100 ng/ml; 2h) induced a 100-fold right shift of the concentration-effect curve for GTN, while no effect on the relaxatory response elicited by ISDN and ISMN was seen 10 microM LY83583 markedly reduced the relaxatory effect of all the organic nitroesters. Based on the different sensitivity towards PTX it is suggested that GTN induces vascular smooth muscle relaxation by a partly different mechanism than ISDN and ISMN. However, cGMP seems to play a crucial role in mediating the relaxatory response of all the tested organic nitroesters since LY83583 profoundly suppressed the relaxatory response.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cattle; Cyclic GMP; Isosorbide Dinitrate; Mesenteric Arteries; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitrates; Nitroglycerin; Pertussis Toxin; Vascular Resistance; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

Elevated concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide reportedly mitigate acute renal failure in vivo and in the isolated perfused kidney (M. Nakamoto, J.I. Shapiro, P.F. Shanley, L. Chan & R.W. Shrier (1987) J. Clin. Invest. 80, 698-705; S.G. Shaw, J. Weidmann, J. Hodler, A. Zimmermann & A. Paternostro (1987) J. Clin. Invest. 80, 1232-1237). Since atrial natriuretic peptide has been shown to be a potent vasodilator, this beneficial effect may be due entirely to improved haemodynamics. To determine whether atrial natriuretic peptide also has a protective effect at the cellular level, rat hepatocyte cell cultures were treated with atrial natriuretic peptide prior to or after induction of cell damage by hypoxia (0.5% O2 for 4 h) or reactive oxygen (hypochlorous acid). Bleb formation, degradation of radiolabeled trichloroacetic acid-precipitable peptides, release of lactate dehydrogenase and trypan blue exclusion were used as indicators of cell damage. Atrial natriuretic peptide treatment distinctly protected the cell cultures against damage in both cases. This beneficial effect of atrial natriuretic peptide was partly mimicked by sodium nitroprusside, which, like atrial natriuretic peptide, largely increased the cellular cGMP content. 6-Anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (Ly 83583), an inhibitor of particulate guanylate cyclase, blocked the protective effect of atrial natriuretic peptide. Therefore a cGMP-mediated mechanism seems to be involved in the cytoprotective action of atrial natriuretic peptide. Fluorometric measurements using the Ca2+-sensitive dye Quin-2 showed that the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ after cellular insult by hypochlorous acid is prevented by atrial natriuretic peptide. These results suggest that atrial natriuretic peptide may attenuate hypoxic and toxic cell damage by increasing cGMP and reducing intracellular Ca2+.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Calcium; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Hypochlorous Acid; Liver; Male; Nitroprusside; Oxygen; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Time Factors

The influence of cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) on the lipolytic and antilipolytic (inhibition of glucagon-stimulated lipolysis) responses to GH (1 microgram/ml) was examined in chicken adipose tissue in vitro. Both 8-bromo-cGMP (0.1 mM) and sodium nitroprusside (1 mM) (a guanyl cyclase stimulator) completely inhibited the lipolytic effect of GH. A cGMP-lowering agent, LY83583 (10 microM), reversed the inhibitory effect of sodium nitroprusside on GH-stimulated lipolysis. Furthermore, the suppressive effects of insulin (100 ng/ml), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) (100 ng/ml), or insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II/MSA) (100 ng/ml), but not somatostatin (1 ng/ml), on GH-stimulated lipolysis were prevented by LY83583 addition. Neither 8-bromo-cGMP, sodium nitroprusside, nor LY83583 altered GH-induced inhibition of glucagon (1 ng/ml)-stimulated lipolysis. It is proposed that cGMP may mediate inhibitory control of GH-stimulated lipolysis by insulin, IGF-I, and IGF-II in chicken adipose tissue.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cattle; Chickens; Cyclic GMP; Glucagon; Growth Hormone; Insulin; Lipolysis; Male; Nitroprusside; Recombinant Proteins; Somatomedins

The effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) on spontaneous oocyte maturation and cyclic adenosine 3',5'-cumulus-monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity (cAMP-PDE) were evaluated by using cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from proestrous hamsters. After a 2-h incubation period, FSH (10 micrograms/ml and 1 microgram/ml) reduced the percentage of maturing oocytes compared with controls. This inhibition was partially overcome when cGMP-elevating agents (8-Bromo-cGMP, atrial natriuretic factor or sodium nitroprusside) were included with FSH. After a 3-h period, incubation with FSH and cGMP-elevating agents alone increased the maturation rate above that of the controls. The accelerating effects of cGMP on the maturation rate appear to be caused by its capacity to lower cAMP levels. Combining FSH (1 microgram/ml) with sodium nitroprusside reduced cAMP levels in COCs (not oocytes) compared with groups exposed to FSH alone. FSH increased cGMP levels in COCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Both FSH and cGMP-elevating agents produced a dose-dependent increased cAMP-PDE activity in COCs (not oocytes) following a 2-h incubation period. Together, these results suggest that, in vivo, FSH stimulates a rise in both cAMP and cGMP in COCs. While the increase in cAMP may be the initial meiotic trigger, cGMP may serve to subsequently lower cAMP by activating cAMP-PDE and thus permit the maturational process to continue.

Topics: 3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Colforsin; Cricetinae; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Meiosis; Nitroprusside; Oocytes; Proestrus; SRS-A; Time Factors

The ability of LY83583 to antagonize vascular smooth muscle relaxation elicited by a number of vasodilators was examined in rings of rat aorta. LY83583 (0.3-10 microM) inhibited relaxant responses to acetylcholine, calimycin (A23187), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and sodium nitroprusside, whereas responses to atriopeptin III an activator of particulate guanylate cyclase, and papaverine were unaffected. For acetylcholine and calimycin the major effect of LY83583 (0.3-10 microM) was to reduce the maximal response without appreciably altering the EC50 values whereas for ATP the EC50 values were markedly increased by low concentrations of LY83583 (0.3-1 microM) with depression of maximal responses occurring at higher concentrations (10 microM) of the antagonist. In contrast LY83583 produced nonparallel rightward shifts of the curve for sodium nitroprusside without altering the maximal response. In addition, LY83583 (10 microM) reduced basal levels of cyclic GMP and prevented acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside-induced elevations of cyclic GMP, in parallel with reductions in the relaxant responses. In the presence of LY83583 (10 microM) higher concentrations of sodium nitroprusside restored both the relaxant response and the elevation of cyclic GMP. The results of this study show that LY83583 antagonises only those vasodilators which are thought to act via stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase. The nonsurmountable inhibition of relaxation to acetylcholine, calimycin and ATP probably reflects a limited maximal capacity of the endothelium to release EDRF in response to these agents.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Adenosine Triphosphate; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Guanylate Cyclase; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitroprusside; Phenylephrine; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Vasodilator Agents

Elevation of cyclic GMP by muscarinic agonists has been suggested to be responsible for the negative inotropic effects of these agents in cardiac muscle, and for the endothelium-dependent relaxation caused by these agents in vascular smooth muscle. These relationships were studied by monitoring the effects of muscarinic agonists on tension and cyclic GMP levels in rabbit left atrial strips and aortic rings, in the presence and absence of the cyclic GMP lowering agent, LY83583. LY83583 completely blocked both the cyclic GMP increase and the relaxation caused by acetylcholine in rabbit aortic rings with intact endothelial cells. Acetylcholine-induced cyclic GMP elevation and relaxation in these preparations were also blocked by quinacrine and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), but neither response was blocked by the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor U-60257. In the experiments with rabbit left atrium, LY83583 blocked the acetylcholine-induced cyclic GMP elevation but did not block the negative inotropic effects of the drug. Quinacrine, NDGA, and a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue, failed to block either the cyclic GMP increase or the decrease in contractile force caused by carbachol in atrial strips. These results support the suggestion that an increase in cyclic GMP may be responsible for the endothelium-dependent relaxation of rabbit aorta by muscarinic agonists, but not for the direct negative inotropic effects of these drugs in rabbit atrium. Muscarinic agents appear to increase cyclic GMP levels in rabbit atrium and aorta by different mechanisms. Although both are blocked by LY83583, they differ not only in their requirements for endothelial cells, but also in their susceptibility to other blocking agents.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Catechols; Cyclic GMP; Epoprostenol; Female; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Masoprocol; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Myocardial Contraction; Quinacrine; Rabbits; SRS-A

Endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRFs) have been previously shown to exert an inhibitory influence on the contractile effects of alpha-adrenoceptor agonists in vascular smooth muscle. alpha 2-Adrenoceptor agonists such as clonidine have been reported to be particularly susceptible to this effect, and it has been suggested that clonidine acts on alpha 2 receptors on endothelial cells to stimulate the release of EDRF. EDRF release is known to be accompanied by increased levels of cGMP in many blood vessels, and it is suggested that cGMP exerts an inhibitory influence on the smooth muscle cells, which tends to counteract the contractile effect of the clonidine. This hypothesis was tested in isolated rings of rat aorta and mesenteric artery using the cGMP lowering agent, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583). LY83583 markedly decreased resting levels of cGMP in these vascular preparations and completely prevented both the relaxation and the cGMP elevation normally caused by acetylcholine in rat aorta with intact endothelium. These effects of LY83583 are identical to those observed after mechanical disruption of the endothelium. LY83583 also enhanced the contractile responses to norepinephrine and particularly to clonidine in both aorta and mesenteric artery. The effects of LY83583 on contractile responses to both alpha-adrenoceptor agonists were reversed by low concentrations of 8-bromo-cGMP. Clonidine did not increase cGMP levels in vascular preparations with intact endothelia, in the presence or absence of LY83583. Thus, enhanced release of EDRF by clonidine did not appear to be responsible for the inhibition of its contractile effects observed in the presence of intact endothelial cells. Our results suggest instead that this endothelium-dependent inhibition is due to spontaneous release of EDRF, which results in tonic elevation of cGMP in the vascular smooth muscle. This tonic elevation of cGMP exerts a more marked inhibitory effect against contractions induced by the partial agonist, clonidine, than it does against contractions induced by a full agonist, norepinephrine.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta; Clonidine; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Mesenteric Arteries; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Norepinephrine; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Vasodilator Agents

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) has been shown to bind to specific receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and to cause an increase in intracellular cyclic GMP (cGMP) content. We have recently demonstrated that a prominent Na+,K+,Cl- cotransport system is present in VSMC and that a permeable cGMP analog (8-bromo-cGMP) stimulates activity of the cotransporter. We have also shown that the ANF peptide, rat atriopeptin III, stimulates Na+,K+,Cl- cotransport and elevates intracellular cGMP levels in VSMC. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ANF stimulation of Na+,K+,Cl- cotransport occurs via an increase in cGMP levels. When the quinolinedione, 6-anilo-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583) (10 microM), was used to block formation of cGMP in VSMC from primary cultures of rat thoracic aorta, it was found that both basal and rat atriopeptin III (100 nM)-stimulated Na+,K+,Cl- cotransport were significantly inhibited. The effect of LY83583 was dose-dependent and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration was 0.5 microM. LY83583 also inhibited cotransport in the presence of a maximal concentration of 8-bromo-cGMP. However, this inhibition was not seen in cells also treated with 2-O-propoxyphenyl-8-azapurin-6-one (M&B 22,948), an inhibitor of cGMP phosphodiesterase. M&B 22,948 alone also increased levels of cotransport. Since inhibition of cGMP formation blocks ANF-stimulated Na+,K+,Cl- cotransport and inhibition of cGMP breakdown enhances Na+, K+, Cl- cotransport, we conclude that ANF stimulation of Na+,K+,Cl- cotransport in VSMC is mediated via increase in intracellular cGMP levels.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; 3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases; 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Carrier Proteins; Cyclic GMP; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Purinones; Rats; Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Symporters

Cyclic GMP (cGMP) has been proposed to be involved in mediating negative inotropic responses to muscarinic agonists in the presence of cyclic AMP (cAMP)-generating agents in the heart. In order to investigate this hypothesis, the effects of the novel cGMP lowering agent, LY83583, on carbachol-induced increases in cGMP levels and decreases in tension were measured in rabbit isolated left atria and right ventricular papillary muscles, in the presence and absence of the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin. In vehicle-treated preparations, negative inotropic responses to 3 microM carbachol in the presence of 3 microM forskolin were accompanied by significant increases in cGMP levels. Carbachol had no significant effect on forskolin-induced increases in cAMP levels. LY83583 (10 microM) reduced basal tension and basal cGMP levels, and completely abolished carbachol-induced increases in cGMP both in left atria and in papillary muscles. The LY83583 significantly reduced the magnitude of the negative inotropic responses of papillary muscles to carbachol in the presence of forskolin, but had no effect on these responses in left atria. Although a causal relationship has not been established, these data suggest that cGMP may be involved in negative inotropic responses to muscarinic stimulation in the presence of cAMP-generating agonists in ventricular muscle, but not in atria.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Carbachol; Colforsin; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Drug Interactions; Ethanol; Heart; Heart Atria; Myocardium; Papillary Muscles; Rabbits

A novel compound, LY83583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione), was found to lower basal levels of cyclic GMP (cGMP) in fragments of guinea-pig lung incubated in vitro. The lowering of cGMP was dose-related reaching a maximum of 72% at 5 X 10(-5) M. Basal levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) were not lowered by LY83583. cGMP concentrations were also reduced in guinea-pig heart and cerebellum after incubation with LY83583. However, the drug did not alter the levels of this cyclic nucleotide in spleen. Exposure of lung fragments from sensitized guinea pigs to ovalbumin resulted in a marked increase in cGMP and cAMP. LY83583 prevented completely the accumulation of cGMP and attenuated the rise in cAMP. Similar results were obtained in rat cerebellum stimulated with kainic acid. The compound also blocked ovalbumin-induced release of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (leukotrienes) from guinea-pig lung. Subcutaneous administration of LY83583 to guinea pigs did not affect cGMP concentrations in vivo in lung, but the total amount of cGMP in spleen was reduced dramatically. This was accompanied by a marked splenomegaly. LY83585 did not inhibit lung guanylate cyclase. In fact, activity was increased in a cell-free preparation from guinea-pig lung. The mechanism by which LY83583 reduced concentrations of cGMP is presently unknown. Nevertheless, our studies suggest that LY83583 will be a valuable pharmacological tool to help elucidate the role of cGMP in biological events.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Cerebellum; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Guanylate Cyclase; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Lung; Male; Myocardium; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Spleen

A novel cyclic GMP-lowering agent, LY83583(6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione), was used to investigate the possibility that increases in myocardial cyclic GMP levels are responsible for the negative inotropic effects of cholinergic agonists. Concentrations of carbachol from 0.3 to 3 microM elevated cyclic GMP levels in electrically paced rabbit atrial strips by 75 to 200% and decreased contractile force in the strips by 30 to 60%. Pretreatment of the muscles for 10 min with 10 microM LY83583 significantly lowered resting cyclic GMP levels and completely blocked the elevation of cyclic GMP by these concentrations of carbachol. However, the negative inotropic effects of carbachol were not blocked by the LY83583. These results indicate that the negative inotropic effects of carbachol in rabbit atrium are not mediated by increases in tissue levels of cyclic GMP.

Topics: Aminoquinolines; Animals; Atrial Function; Carbachol; Cyclic GMP; Ethanol; Female; Heart Atria; Kinetics; Male; Myocardial Contraction; Myocardium; Rabbits; SRS-A