Prostacyclin stimulation of the activation of blood coagulation factor X by platelets.

When platelets were incubated with prostacyclin, prostaglandin E1, or prostaglandin D2 at concentrations insufficient to increase the level of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP), coagulation factor X was activated by a platelet cysteine protease. Prostacyclin or prostaglandin E1 at higher concentrations increased the cyclic AMP level and inhibited the activation of factor X by platelets. Inhibition of platelet adenylate cyclase by 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine allowed the activation of the protease at higher concentrations of the autocoids. Prostaglandins A1, A2, B1, B2, E2, F2 alpha, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and thromboxane B2, which do not affect platelet cyclic AMP level, did not stimulate the protease.

Central prostaglandin D(2) exhibits anxiolytic-like activity via the DP(1) receptor in mice.

We found that prostaglandin (PG) D(2), the most abundant PG produced in the central nervous system (CNS), exhibited anxiolytic-like activity at a dose of 10-100pmol/mouse after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration in the elevated plus-maze test in mice. A DP(1) receptor-selective agonist, BW245C, mimicked the anxiolytic-like activity of PGD(2), while a DP(2) receptor agonist 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD(2) was inactive. The anxiolytic-like activity of PGD(2) was blocked by a DP(1) antagonist, BWA868C, suggesting that PGD(2)-induced anxiolytic-like activity was mediated by the DP(1) receptor. Adenosine A(2A) or GABA(A) receptor antagonists, SCH58261 or bicuculline, respectively, also blocked its anxiolytic-like activity. Taken together, centrally administered PGD(2) may induce anxiolytic-like activity via the A(2A) and GABA(A) receptors, downstream of the DP(1) receptor.

Characterization of the platelet prostaglandin D2 receptor. Loss of prostaglandin D2 receptors in platelets of patients with myeloproliferative disorders.

Prostaglandin (PG) D(2) is synthesized in platelets at concentrations which could inhibit aggregation via activation of adenylate cyclase. To more directly define platelet-PG interactions, a binding assay has been developed for platelet PG receptors with [(3)H]PGD(2) as ligand. [(3)H]PGD(2) binding to intact platelets was saturable and rapid with the ligand bound by 3 min at 20 degrees C. PG competed with the [(3)H]PGD(2) binding site with a potency series: PGD(2) (IC(50) = 0.08 muM) >> PGI(2) (IC(50) = 2 muM) > PGE(1) (IC(50) = 6 muM) > PGF(2alpha) (IC(50) = 8 muM). Scatchard analysis of binding data from six normal subjects showed a single class of binding sites with a dissociation constant (K(d)) of 53 nM and 210 binding sites per platelet. This PGD(2) receptor assay was then used to study platelets from five patients with myeloproliferative disorders (polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and chronic myelogenous leukemia), as over 90% of these patients have platelets resistant to the effects of PGD(2) on aggregation and adenylate cyclase activity (1978. Blood.52: 618-626.). In the presence of 50 nM [(3)H]PGD(2), the patients' platelets bound 7.1+/-2.9 fmol ligand/10(8) platelets compared with 15.1+/-1 fmol/10(8) platelets in normals, a decrease of 53% (P < 0.01). Scatchard analysis showed that the K(d) of [(3)H]PGD(2) binding (33 nM) was comparable to normal platelets, which indicates that the decreased PGD(2) binding in these platelets represented fewer receptors rather than altered affinity of the ligand for the binding site. The 53% decrease in [(3)H]PGD(2) binding correlated with a 48% decrease in PGD(2)-activated platelet adenylate cyclase. The characterization of the platelet PGD(2) binding site provides further direct evidence that there are at least two PG receptors on platelets, one for PGE(1) and PGI(2), and a separate receptor for PGD(2). Direct binding analysis will be a useful tool for studying the role of PG in regulating platelet function, as demonstrated by the selective loss of PGD(2) binding sites in patients with myeloproliferative disorders.

9 alpha,11 beta-prostaglandin F2, a novel metabolite of prostaglandin D2 is a potent contractile agonist of human and guinea pig airways.

Prostaglandin (PG) D2, the predominant prostanoid released from activated mast cells in humans is initially metabolized by reduction of the C-11 keto function to yield 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2. In this study the airways effects of 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 were compared with those of its epimer 9 alpha,11 alpha-PGF2 (PGF2 alpha) and PGD2. 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 was a potent contractile agonist of isolated guinea pig trachea and 4-mm human airways in vitro; the potencies of the PGs relative to PGD2 (= 1.00) being 0.65 (NS) and 4.08 (P less than 0.001) for 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2, and 0.52 (P less than 0.01) and 2.40 (P less than 0.001) for PGF2 alpha, respectively. When inhaled by asthmatic subjects, 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 was a potent bronchoconstrictor agent, being approximately equipotent with PGD2 and 28-32 times more potent than histamine (P less than 0.01). These studies suggest that 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 is at least equipotent with PGD2 as a bronchoconstrictor agonist, and in being a major metabolite of PGD2, could contribute to the bronchoconstrictor effect of this mast cell-derived mediator in asthma.

Emerging roles of DP and CRTH2 in allergic inflammation.

The lipid mediator prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) has long been implicated in various inflammatory diseases including asthma. PGD(2) elicits biological responses by activating two seven-transmembrane (7TM) G-protein-coupled receptors, the D-prostanoid receptor DP and the chemoattractant receptor homologous-molecule expressed on T-helper-type-2 cells (CRTH2), which are linked to different signaling pathways. Understanding how immune cells integrate and coordinate signals that are triggered by the same ligand is crucial for the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies. Here, we examine the roles of DP and CRTH2 in the orchestration of complex inflammatory processes, and discuss their importance as emerging targets for the treatment of asthma and inflammatory diseases.

Cell cycle effects of prostaglandins A1, A2, and D2 in human and murine melanoma cells in culture.

Our interest in prostaglandins (PGs) as antitumor agents stemmed from the report of Bregman and Meyskens (Cancer Res., 43: 1642-1645, 1983) that PGA1, PGA2, and PGD2 inhibited colony formation by human melanoma cells obtained from fresh biopsies of melanoma patients. We tested several PGs and found that PGA1, PGA2, and PGD2 were the most cytotoxic to L1210 cells in culture. Therefore, we studied these PGs for their effects on growth, cell survival, and cell progression of murine (B16) and human (RPMI7932,SK Mel 28) melanoma cells in culture. Although the three PGs equally inhibited the growth of B16 cells, PGD2 was more inhibitory to RPMI 7932 or SK Mel 28 than PGA1 or PGA2. Similarly the three PGs were almost equally active in inhibiting colony formation by B16 cells. However, against human melanoma cells, PGD2 was much more active than PGA1, whereas PGA2 was inactive. Towards the end of our study, we obtained PGJ2 and found that it was as cytotoxic as PGD2 for L1210 cells but was more lethal for human melanoma cells. The primary effect of all three PGs was to block cell progression from G1 to S. At 2.5 micrograms of PGD2 per ml, the blockade of cells in G1 and normal progression through the other phases resulted in accumulation of 80-90% of the cells in G1. At this dose, there was no inhibition of DNA synthesis, and cells in S progressed apparently normally through S, until all cells were blocked in G1. DNA synthesis was inhibited at 5 micrograms/ml which slowed cell progression through S and accumulated cells in G1. The partial synchronization of cells in G1 may be useful in devising new combinations of PGD2 with antitumor drugs.

Inhibitory effects of prostaglandin A2 on c-myc expression and cell cycle progression in human leukemia cell line HL-60.

The effect of prostaglandin A2 (PGA2) on c-myc expression was investigated in a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL-60, which responded to PGA2 with a dose-dependent growth inhibition. Northern blot analysis indicated that treatment with PGA2 at 0.5 to 5.0 micrograms/ml remarkably reduced the steady state level of c-myc mRNA within 3 h, and then it gradually recovered according to the order of concentration of the drug. In contrast to c-myc, the level of class I HLA mRNA, as an internal control, was not diminished by PGA2 treatment. Further, this reduction of c-myc was not disturbed by cycloheximide, suggesting that this PGA2 action on c-myc expression is independent of de novo protein synthesis. Cytofluorometric analysis revealed that the exposure of HL-60 cells to PGA2 at 0.5 or 5.0 micrograms/ml arrested the cells in the G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle. This accumulation of the cells in G0-G1 phase continues until 24 or 36 h at 0.5 or 5.0 micrograms/ml, respectively. The G0-G1 arrest of the cell cycle was also recovered as the inhibition of c-myc was released. This recovery may be due to the loss of activity of PGA2 in culture medium. This study clearly showed that PGA2 treatment arrested HL-60 cells in the G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle and was associated with the reduction of c-myc mRNA.

In vitro modulation of proliferation and melanization of S91 melanoma cells by prostaglandins.

The effects of prostaglandins (PGs) on the Cloudman S91 melanoma CCL 53.1 cell line indicate that melanogenesis and proliferation are regulated by separate mechanisms that are not necessarily cyclic AMP (cAMP) dependent. These cells responded to PGE1 and PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner, by an increase of tyrosinase activity and by inhibition of proliferation. PGA1 and PGD2 inhibited cellular proliferation and tyrosinase activity, while PGF2 alpha had no effect after 24 h of treatment. PGE1, but not PGE2 or PGD2, increased cellular cAMP levels after 30 min of treatment. Treatment with 10 micrograms/ml PGE1 inhibited cellular proliferation after 4 h and enhanced tyrosinase activity after 12 h. Tyrosinase stimulation by PGE1 required de novo transcription and translation. Actinomycin D, cycloheximide, and the tyrosinase inhibitor phenylthiocarbamide blocked tyrosinase activation but did not alter the inhibitory effect of PGE1 on proliferation. Dibutyryl cAMP and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine augmented tyrosinase activation by PGE1 without enhancing the inhibitory action of PGE1 on cell growth. Neither blockage nor enhancement of the PGE1 effect on tyrosinase altered the PGE1-induced retardation of proliferation. These results are in marked contrast to the traditional concept that elevation of cAMP levels in melanoma cells necessarily results in stimulation of melanogenesis and inhibition of proliferation. The data presented propose independent and possibly alternative pathways for the regulation of these two cellular events.

Specific inhibition by prostaglandin D2 and its metabolites of lysozyme synthesis in mouse macrophage-like cell line, Mm-1.

The cultured mouse macrophage-like cell line Mm-1 synthesizes and secretes lysozyme continuously like normal macrophages. Culture of the cells in the presence of prostaglandin D2 for 3 days strongly inhibited their production of lysozyme activity. Prostaglandin D2 caused dose-dependent inhibition of the activity: 1 X 10(-6) M prostaglandin D2 caused about 50% inhibition. Inhibition by prostaglandin D2 was not related to cytotoxicity and was reversible. The rate of synthesis of lysozyme protein was measured by culturing Mm-1 cells with radioactive amino acids and then immunoprecipitating the protein. At the concentrations used, prostaglandin D2 inhibited the synthesis of lysozyme dose-dependently, but did not suppress the synthesis of total protein. Of the various types of prostaglandin, only prostaglandin D2 inhibited the production of lysozyme in Mm-1 cells. Moreover, prostaglandin D2 did not inhibit the production of other lysosomal enzymes, such as acid proteinase, acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase, and did not affect Fc receptors on the cell surface, adherence of cells to the culture dish or the cell morphology. These results indicate that prostaglandin D2 specifically inhibits the synthesis of lysozyme in Mm-1 cells. When Mm-1 cells were cultured for 3 days in the presence of the ethyl acetate extract from the culture medium in which Mm-1 cells had been cultured with prostaglandin D2 for 3 days, the production of lysozyme activity of Mm-1 cells was also markedly inhibited by the extract. After the incubation of prostaglandin D2 for 3 days with Mm-1 cells, less than 10% of the initial prostaglandin D2 remained and two major metabolites appeared. These results suggest that the metabolites of prostaglandin D2 were involved in the inhibitory action of prostaglandin D2 in Mm-1 cells.

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase in the dense tubule system of human blood platelets stimulated by forskolin, prostacyclin and prostaglandin D2.

Platelets were briefly fixed in paraformaldehyde/glutaraldehyde and then incubated with 5'-adenylyl imidodiphosphate under conditions suitable for the cytochemical detection of adenylate cyclase activity. The adenylate cyclase activity of these platelets retains the ability to respond to prostaglandins E1, D2, I2 (prostacyclin), forskolin and fluoride. Sites of stimulated adenylate cyclase activity were localized cytochemically by the reaction of lead with the reaction product imidodiphosphate to form deposits of lead imidodiphosphate that are visible in the electron microscope. Reaction product deposition was seen only in the dense tubule system of human platelets when the incubation medium contained forskolin, prostacyclin, or prostaglandin D2 at concentrations known to stimulate the enzyme in intact platelets. Epinephrine, an antagonist of adenylate cyclase inhibited the cytochemical reaction stimulated by prostacyclin. The fact that the cytochemical reaction was induced by agonists that stimulate the enzyme through two different types of prostaglandin receptors and by forskolin, which acts distal to the receptors, confirms that the method specifically detects adenylate cyclase. The presence of adenylate cyclase in the dense tubules may be significant for the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ and arachidonic acid metabolism by this membrane system.

Receptor-specific threshold effects of cyclic AMP are involved in the regulation of enzyme release and superoxide production from human neutrophils.

We have investigated the sequence of events leading from the activation of adenylate cyclase and increases in intracellular cyclic AMP to the modulation of enzyme release and superoxide production in human neutrophils. In the isolated plasma membrane, adenylate cyclase is activated by both prostaglandin E1 and isoproterenol. In the whole cell only a small increase in cyclic AMP is observed, though in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, methylisobutylxanthine a substantial amplification in intracellular cyclic AMP is observed with both isoproterenol and prostaglandin E1. These conditions are relevant to the regulation of cell function, since fMet-Leu-Phe-stimulated superoxide production is inhibited by either prostaglandin E1 or isoproterenol in the absence of methylisobutylxanthine, while enzyme release is inhibited only via the prostaglandin E1 receptor and then only in the presence of methylisobutylxanthine. For enzyme release and superoxide production, the order of potency for three prostaglandins tested was prostaglandin E1 greater than prostaglandin D2 much greater than prostaglandin F2 alpha. Our results suggest that (a) superoxide production is more sensitive to regulation by cyclic AMP than enzyme release, (b) the type of receptor occupied as well as the threshold level of cyclic AMP attained are important to the regulation of enzyme release, and (c) although elevation in cyclic AMP is inhibitory to neutrophil function, phosphodiesterase inhibition is required in addition to adenylate cyclase activation to effect maximal inhibition.

Inhibition of Friend virus (FVP)-induced murine erythropoiesis with prostaglandin (PGF2 alpha): potentiation and inhibition of erythropoietin and prevention of both with PGD2.

An erythropoietin-independent virus-induced murine erythroleukemia (FVP) is used to compare the effects of an erythropoiesis inhibitory factor (EIF) isolated from human urine with the effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha. The consequent inhibition of FVP-induced erythropoiesis suggests that EIF and PGF2 alpha have similar effects on the FVP-induced erythropoiesis in mice, and the effect of PGF2 alpha is indirect. The similarity of the actions of EIF and PGF2 alpha may indicate a potential role for prostaglandins in the physiological control of some types of erythrocytosis.

The effect of prostaglandin D2 on the response of human skin to histamine.

The interaction of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and histamine in human skin was studied by intradermal injection of the compounds alone or in combination in healthy volunteers. Responses were recorded by measurement of areas of wheal and erythema, and changes in cutaneous blood flow quantified using a laser Doppler flow meter. The effect of a near-threshold dose of PGD2 on histamine dose-response relationships and on the response to a single low dose of histamine were examined. Histamine caused dose-related increases in blood flow and in areas of wheal and erythema in human skin. Prostaglandin D2 caused dose-related increases in blood flow and erythema area, but not wheal area, in the dose range used. When the compounds were injected together, PGD2 did not potentiate the increase in blood flow and areas of wheal and erythema due to histamine. The modest augmentation of histamine response in the presence of PGD2 could be attributed to summation alone. The role of PGD2 in cutaneous disorders such as the physical urticarias, in which its release has been demonstrated, is therefore uncertain. In the amounts measured in the urticarias, it is unlikely alone to cause a significant cutaneous response; nor does it appear to act by potentiation of the response to histamine.

Prostaglandin E2 and D2 but not MSH stimulate the proliferation of pigment cells in the pinnal epidermis of the DBA/2 mouse.

Epidermal melanocytes proliferate following a variety of physical stimuli, for example, mechanical injury to the skin or exposure to UV radiation. We suggest that some transducer in the epidermis converts the physical modality into a biochemical signal which is responsible for initiation of mitosis. Melanocyte stimulating hormone, both alpha and beta variants, administered parenterally for periods up to 4 weeks do not alter the number of melanocytes per mm2 in several strains of neonatal or adult mice. Ultraviolet B and arachidonic acid both stimulate proliferation of pigment cells. Indomethacin which inhibits cyclooxygenase and the formation of prostaglandins (PGs) blocks the proliferation induced by both agents. We tested a wide variety of PGs. We observed that PGD2 applied daily to the skin of a mouse causes a small increase in melanocyte density (cells/mm2). PGE2 in similar doses applied topically caused a large increase. PGE2 caused an increase in the uptake of tritiated thymidine by dopa-positive dendritic cells. This indicates that PGE2 stimulated some melanocytes to proliferate. Histologic studies indicate that PGE2 also enhances melanogenesis. PGE2 is synthesized in the skin and affects keratinocytes and Langerhans cells as well as pigment cells. We postulate that it is one compound that can modulate the interaction of these 3 main cells of the epidermis.

Suppressive effect of prostaglandin (PG)D2 on pulsatile luteinizing hormone release in conscious castrated rats.

The effect of intraventricular administration of prostaglandin (PG)D2 on pulsatile LH release was studied in castrated conscious rats. The administration of 5 micrograms of PGD2 into the lateral ventricle inhibited pulsatile discharge of LH secretion, in contrast to the stimulatory effect of PGE2. Intraventricular administration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD2, a metabolite of PGD2, had no significant effect. Intravenous administration of 100 micrograms of PGD2 caused only a slight decrease in LH secretion. Intravenous administration of naloxone, a specific opiate antagonist, blocked the suppressive effect of PGD2 on Lh release. These results suggest that PGD2 plays an inhibitory role in pulsatile LH secretion in castrated male rats and that opiate receptors are involved in the PGD2-induced inhibition of LH secretion.

Evidence that a short-lived effect of copper leads to amplification of prostaglandin E2 stimulation of the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone from median eminence explants.

We have previously shown that copper (Cu) amplifies prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulation of LHRH release from explants of the median eminence area (MEA) incubated under in vitro conditions. In this study, we have carried out an extensive comparative study of the kinetics of the process of PGE2 stimulation and C alpha-amplified PGE2 (Cu/PGE2) stimulation of LHRH release. MEA explains obtained from adult male rats were incubated under in vitro conditions, and LHRH released into the medium was assayed by RIA. Kinetic parameters were established by varying the time of exposure of the MEA to Cu or PGE2 and the dose of Cu or PGE2. Cu action requires a minimal 5-min period of exposure of the MEA, is rapidly manifested (less than 5 min after transfer of Cu-free medium), and is reversible (half-life, 10-15 min). Cu amplification of PGE2 action is a saturable function of the concentration of both Cu and PGE2; half-saturation and saturation were achieved with 120 and 200 microM copper, respectively, and with 0.6 and 10 microM PGE2, respectively. A 5-min exposure of Cu-treated MEA to PGE2 has the following time course of PGE2 action: the maximal rate of LHRH release is attained within 5 min; release is maintained at the maximal rate for another 5 min and then declines. Importantly, this decline is not prevented by a longer (15-min) exposure of the MEA to PGE2, indicating desensitization to PGE2 action. When MEA treated with Cu (5 min) and PGE2 (15 min) is allowed to recover for 45 min in buffer, the tissue regains its responsiveness to PGE2. All of the kinetic parameters of the process induced by PGE2 alone are similar to those described above for Cu/PGE2, except that the magnitude of the maximal rate of PGE2-stimulated release is 4- to 6-fold lower and that release is maintained at this rate for about 45 min. We also examined the PG structure specificity for stimulation of LHRH release and found that PGD2 by itself or after Cu pretreatment is much less effective than PGE2 in stimulating LHRH release. In summary, Cu amplification of PGE2 stimulation of LHRH release from LHRH neuronal terminals (i.e. MEA explants) involves rapid activation of a short-lived component.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Role of brain prostaglandins in the control of vasopressin secretion in the conscious rat.

Administration of 10 micrograms prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), the primary PG identified in the rat brain, into the lateral cerebral ventricle of conscious rats resulted in a significant elevation in the plasma vasopressin (AVP) concentration, without a change in mean arterial blood pressure or heart rate. The central administration of indomethacin (100 micrograms) resulted in a significant attenuation of the AVP response to a peripheral osmotic stimulus (iv 2.5 M NaCl; 100 microliters/kg X min for 30 min), but had little effect on the AVP response to hemorrhage (two successive 10% reductions in the estimated blood volume). Administration of another PG synthetase inhibitor, meclofenamate (100 micrograms, into the lateral cerebral ventricle), resulted in a significant attenuation of the AVP response to both the osmotic stimulus and hemorrhage. It is concluded that brain PGs play a central role in the control of AVP secretion.

Prostaglandins affect the central nervous system to produce hyperglycemia in rats.

The influence of prostaglandins (PG) on central nervous system regulation of blood sugar homeostasis was studied in rats. Substances were injected into the third cerebral ventricle of anesthetized rats while rectal temperature and hepatic venous plasma glucose concentration were recorded. Stereotaxic microinjection of PGD2, E1, E2, and F2 alpha produced hyperglycemia and hyperthermia. The relative order of potency in hyperglycemia, PGF2 alpha greater than D2 greater than E1 greater than E2, was not consistent with that of hyperthermia, PGE2 greater than F2 alpha greater than E1 greater than D2, which suggests that hyperglycemia was a primary, not secondary, response to hyperthermia. Injection of PGF2 alpha caused a dose dependent (5-200 micrograms) increase in the hepatic venous plasma glucose level. Neither the injection of PGF2 alpha (50 micrograms) into the cortex nor into the systemic vein caused hyperglycemia. The injection of PGF2 alpha into the ventricle resulted in the increase of not only glucose, but also glucagon, epinephrine, and norephinephrine in the hepatic venous plasma. However, constant infusion of somatostatin through the femoral vein completely prevented the increase of glucagon after administration of PGF2 alpha, although the increase of plasma glucose level was still observed. PGF2 alpha-induced hyperglycemia did not occur in adrenodemedullated rats. Intravenous injection of naloxone or propranolol did not affect the hyperglycemia, but phentolamine significantly prevented the hyperglycemic effect of PGF2 alpha. These results suggest that intraventricular PGF2 alpha affects the central nervous system to produce hyperglycemia by increasing epinephrine secretion from the adrenal medulla.

Effects of protein kinase C activation on human platelet cyclic AMP metabolism.

Treatment of intact human platelets with the tumour-promoting phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), specifically inhibited PGD2-induced cyclic AMP formation without affecting the regulation of cyclic AMP metabolism by PGI2, PGE1, 6-keto-PGE1, adenosine or adrenaline. This action of PMA was: (i) concentration-dependent; (ii) not mediated by evoked formation or release of endogenous regulators of adenylate cyclase activity (thromboxane A2 or ADP); (iii) mimicked by 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DiC8) but not by 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (which does not activate protein kinase C); (iv) attenuated by Staurosporine. These results indicate that activation of protein kinase C in platelets may provide a regulatory mechanism to abrogate the effects of the endogenous adenylate cyclase stimulant PGD2 without compromising the effects of exogenous stimulants of adenylate cyclase (PGI2, 6-keto-PGE1, adenosine).

Effects of thrombin, phorbol myristate acetate and prostaglandin D2 on 40-41 kDa protein that is ADP ribosylated by pertussis toxin in platelets.

Intact platelets were stimulated with thrombin and the amount of GTP-binding protein (G-protein) oligomers was assessed by measuring ADP ribosylation of 40-41 kDa protein by pertussis toxin in isolated membranes. The toxin substrate fell by 57-62% in 10-60 s, but then returned towards normal over 5 min. Recovery was greatly enhanced by removal of thrombin from receptors with hirudin. Phorbol myristate acetate increased ADP-ribosylatable protein, but only back to initial levels prior to PMA. In contrast prostaglandin D2 plus theophylline (which increase cyclic AMP) did not increase ADP ribosylation, but could completely block the fall of the toxin substrate caused by thrombin. These results indicate that activation of thrombin receptors promotes the dissociation of G-protein oligomers to release free alpha-subunits, and this effect can be modulated by protein kinase C and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. The possible relationships of these findings to the regulation of stimulus-response coupling in platelets is discussed.