Tonicity inversely modulates lipocalin-2 (Lcn2/24p3/NGAL) receptor (SLC22A17) and Lcn2 expression via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in renal inner medullary collecting duct cells: implications for cell fate and bacterial infection.

BACKGROUND: We have previously evidenced apical expression of the 24p3/NGAL/lipocalin-2 receptor (Lcn2-R; SLC22A17) in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells, which are present in vivo in a hyperosmotic/-tonic environment that activates canonical Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. The localization of Lcn2-R in the inner medulla is intriguing considering local bacterial infections trigger toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4)-mediated secretion of the bacteriostatic Fe3+-free (apo-)Lcn2. AIM: To determine the effects of osmolarity/tonicity changes, Wnt/ß-catenin and TLR-4 activation on Lcn2-R and Lcn2 expression and cell viability in rat primary IMCD and mouse (m)IMCD3 cells. METHODS: Normosmolarity/-tonicity was 300 mosmol/l whereas hyperosmolarity/-tonicity was induced by adding 100 mmol/l NaCl + 100 mmol/l urea (600 mosmol/l, 1-7 days). Lcn2-R and Lcn2 expression were determined by qPCR, immunoblotting, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. ß-catenin was silenced by RNAi. Cell viability/death was determined with MTT and LDH release assays. TLR-4 was activated by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). RESULTS: Hyperosmotic/-tonic media upregulated Lcn2-R by ~4-fold and decreased Lcn2 expression/secretion, along with Wnt/ß-catenin activation, in IMCD cells. These effects of hyperosmotic/-tonic media on Lcn2-R/Lcn2 expression were reverted by normosmolarity/-tonicity, ß-catenin silencing and/or LPS. Exposure of cells with endogenous or stably overexpressing Lcn2-R to apo-Lcn2 or LPS decreased cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: Lcn2-R upregulation and Lcn2 downregulation via Wnt/ß-catenin may promote adaptive osmotolerant survival of IMCD cells in response to hyperosmolarity/-tonicity whereas Lcn2 upregulation and Lcn2-R downregulation via TLR-4 and/or normosmolarity/-tonicity may protect IMCD cells against bacterial infections and prevent autocrine death induction by Lcn2.

Initial autophagic protection switches to disruption of autophagic flux by lysosomal instability during cadmium stress accrual in renal NRK-52E cells.

The renal proximal tubule (PT) is the major target of cadmium (Cd2+) toxicity where Cd2+ causes stress and apoptosis. Autophagy is induced by cell stress, e.g., endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and may contribute to cell survival or death. The role of autophagy in Cd2+-induced nephrotoxicity remains unsettled due to contradictory results and lack of evidence for autophagic machinery damage by Cd2+. Cd2+-induced autophagy in rat kidney PT cell line NRK-52E and its role in cell death was investigated. Increased LC3-II and decreased p62 as autophagy markers indicate rapid induction of autophagic flux by Cd2+ (5-10 µM) after 1 h, accompanied by ER stress (increased p-PERK, p-eIF2α, CHOP). Cd2+ exposure exceeding 3 h results in p62/LC3-II accumulation, but diminished effect of lysosomal inhibitors (bafilomycin A1, pepstatin A +E-64d) on p62/LC3-II levels, indicating decreased autophagic flux and cargo degradation. At 24 h exposure, Cd2+ (5-25 µM) activates intrinsic apoptotic pathways (Bax/Bcl-2, PARP-1), which is not evident earlier (≤6 h) although cell viability by MTT assay is decreased. Autophagy inducer rapamycin (100 nM) does not overcome autophagy inhibition or Cd2+-induced cell viability loss. The autophagosome-lysosome fusion inhibitor liensinine (5 µM) increases CHOP and Bax/Bcl-2-dependent apoptosis by low Cd2+ stress, but not by high Cd2+. Lysosomal instability by Cd2+ (5 µM; 6 h) is indicated by increases in cellular sphingomyelin and membrane fluidity and decreases in cathepsins and LAMP1. The data suggest dual and temporal impact of Cd2+ on autophagy: Low Cd2+ stress rapidly activates autophagy counteracting damage but Cd2+ stress accrual disrupts autophagic flux and lysosomal stability, possibly resulting in lysosomal cell death.

Renal cells exposed to cadmium in vitro and in vivo: normalizing gene expression data.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal with a long half-life in biological systems. This half-life is partly as a result of metallothioneins (MTs), metal-binding proteins with a high affinity for Cd. The high retention properties of the kidneys reside in proximal tubular cells that possess transport mechanisms for Cd-MT uptake, ultimately leading to more Cd accumulation. Researchers have studied MT-metal interactions using various techniques including quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), an efficient tool for quantifying gene expression. Often a poor choice of reference genes, which is represented by their instability and condition dependency, leads to inefficient normalization of gene expression data and misinterpretations. This study demonstrates the importance of an efficient normalization strategy in toxicological research. A selection of stable reference genes was proposed in order to acquire reliable and reproducible gene quantification under metal stress using MT expression as an example. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo setups were compared to identify the influence of toxicological compounds in function of the experimental design. This study shows that glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh), tyrosine monooxygenase/tryptophan5-monooxygenase activation-protein, zeta polypeptide (Ywhaz) and beta-actin (Actb) are the most stable reference genes in a kidney proximal tubular cell line exposed to moderate and high Cd concentrations, applied as CdCl2 . A slightly different sequence in reference gene stability was found in renal cells isolated from rats in vivo exposed to Cd. It was further shown that three reference genes are required for efficient normalization in this experimental setup. This study demonstrates the importance of an efficient normalization strategy in toxicological research.

Modulation of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration by IP3-sensitive and IP3-insensitive nonmitochondrial Ca2+ pools.

Intracellular Ca2+ pools play an important role in the adjustment of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations. This review summarizes the recent knowledge on receptor-mediated Ca2+ release and Ca2+ uptake mechanisms in Ca2+ stores of exocrine cells taking the exocrine pancreas and the parotid gland as an example. The intracellular mediator for agonist-induced Ca2+ release is inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) which acts by opening Ca2+ channels from the endoplasmic reticulum or a more specialized organelle called 'calciosome'. This Ca2+ release is the major event to increase cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations of exocrine glands from a resting level of approximately 10(-7) mol/l to approximately 10(-6) mol/l. Subsequently also Ca2+ influx from the extracellular fluid into the cell is increased which involves the action of inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4). Intracellular nonmitochondrial Ca2+ reuptake occurs into IP3-sensitive (IsCaP) as well as into IP3-insensitive Ca2+ pools Ca2+ pools (IisCaP). While Ca2+ uptake into the IisCaP is mediated by a vanadate-sensitive Ca2+ pump, Ca2+ uptake into the IsCaP is mediated by a Ca2+/H+ exchanger at the expense of an H+ gradient which is established by a vacuolar type H+ pump present in the same Ca2+ pool. During stimulation both Ca2+ pools, IsCaP and IisCaP, are probably connected, the nature of which has not yet been clarified. It is suggested that GTP and/or IP4 control Ca2+ conveyance between intracellular Ca2+ pools by forming Ca2+-carrying junctions between membranes. Other models propose that Ca2+, which is released by IP3, induces Ca2+ release from another Ca2+ pool. Taking into account that H+ transport is present in IP3-sensitive Ca2+ pools the possibility of pH-regulated Ca2+ channels in the IisCaP, located in close neighbourhood to the IsCaP, is also considered.

Evidence for a 65 kDa sulfonylurea receptor in rat pancreatic zymogen granule membranes.

In rat pancreatic zymogen granules (ZG), a K+ selective conductance which can be blocked by ATP has been characterized. Here we show that this pathway can be specifically blocked by glibenclamide. Using a rapid filtration assay, we also found specific binding of [3H]glibenclamide to a low-affinity site (Kd 5.6 +/- 1.1 microM) in rat pancreatic zymogen granule membranes (ZGM). In photoaffinity labeling experiments with [3H]glibenclamide, a 65 +/- 1.5 kDa polypeptide was specifically labeled. Previously, a approximately 65 kDa mdr1 gene product has been demonstrated to be involved in the regulation of the K+ selective conductance of ZG. We conclude that this protein may be a subunit of, or associated with, a ZG K(ATP) channel.

Immunolocalization of anion exchanger AE2, Na(+)/H(+) exchangers NHE1 and NHE4, and vacuolar type H(+)-ATPase in rat pancreas.

We have studied the expression and localization of several H(+) and HCO(3)(-) transporters, whose presence in the rat pancreas is still unclear. The Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger AE2, the Na(+)/H(+) exchangers NHE1 and NHE4, and the 31-kD and 70-kD vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) subunits were detected by immunoblotting and immunocytochemical techniques. Immunoblotting of plasma membranes with transporter-specific antibodies revealed protein bands at approximately 160 kD for AE2, at approximately 90 kD and approximately 103 kD for NHE1 and NHE4, respectively, and at 31 kD and 70 kD for V-ATPase. NHE1 and NHE4 were further identified by amplification of isoform-specific cDNA using RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry revealed a basolateral location of AE2, NHE1, and NHE4 in acinar cells. In ducts, NHE1 and NHE4 were basolaterally located but no AE2 expression was detected. V-ATPase was detected in zymogen granules (ZGs) by immunogold labeling, and basolaterally in duct cells by immunohistochemistry. The data indicate that NHE1 and NHE4 are co-expressed in rat pancreatic acini and ducts. Basolateral acinar AE2 could contribute to Cl(-) uptake and/or pH regulation. V-ATPase may be involved in ZG fusion/exocytosis and ductal HCO(3)(-) secretion. The molecular identity of the ductal Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger remains unclear.

Immunolocalization of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase in rat submandibular gland and adaptive changes induced by acid-base disturbances.

Using antibodies against the 31-kD and 70-kD subunits of vacuolar type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) and light microscopic immunocytochemistry, we have demonstrated the presence of this V-ATPase in rat submandibular gland. We have also investigated the adaptive changes of this transporter during acid-base disturbances such as acute and chronic metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. Our results show intracellularly distributed V-ATPase in striated, granular, and main excretory duct cells in controls, but no V-ATPase immunoreaction in acinar cells. Both acute and chronic metabolic acidosis caused a shift in V-ATPase away from diffuse distribution towards apical localization in striated and granular duct cells, suggesting that a V-ATPase could be involved in the regulation of acid-base homeostasis. In contrast, during acidosis the main excretory duct cells showed no changes in the V-ATPase distribution compared to controls. With acute and chronic metabolic alkalosis, no changes in the V-ATPase distribution occurred. (J Histochem Cytochem 46:91-100, 1998)

Effect of mycophenolic acid on TNF alpha-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules in human venous endothelial cells in vitro.

1. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an inhibitor of inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase and therefore interferes with cellular GTP biosynthesis. Recently, MPA has been used as an antiproliferative and immunosuppressive agent. In the present study, the effect of MPA on the expression of the endothelial cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), intercellular (I) CAM-1, vascular (V) CAM-1 and endothelial (E)-selectin, was investigated in tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha)-activated cultured human venous endothelial cells (EC). 2. Surface expression of CAMs was measured by flow cytometry and mRNA expression by Northern blot analysis. Transcriptional activation of CAMs by the nuclear factor NF-kappaB was determined by an electromobility shift assay. The function of CAMs was studied by a static adhesion assay with human monocyte-like undifferentiated U937 cells. 3. Pretreatment of TNF alpha- (5 ng ml(-1), 12 h) activated EC with MPA (10 microM, 24 h) increased the binding of U937 cells, which had not been treated with MPA, by approximately 2 fold. MPA-pretreatment of EC did not affect TNF alpha-induced surface expression of ICAM-1. However, VCAM-1 and E-selectin were increased 2-3 fold and remained elevated up to 24 h, by which time TNF alpha-activated control EC had returned to baseline levels of expression. The effect of MPA on the surface expression of CAMs was half-maximal at approximately 1 microM and required > or = 12 h of pretreatment. Guanosine (0.3 mM), a precursor of GTP, did not prevent the effect of MPA on the expression of CAMs in TNF alpha-activated EC. 4. Kinetics of mRNA expression of CAMs mirrored protein expression: mRNA for ICAM-1 was unaffected, whereas TNF alpha-induced mRNA expression for E-selectin and VCAM-1 was prolonged and increased by MPA. This effect was not due to increased transcription mediated by the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB. However, half-life for E-selectin mRNA was increased 10 fold by MPA, whereas ICAM-1 mRNA half-life was unchanged. 5. The data demonstrate that apart from its antiproliferative effects on lymphocytes, MPA enhances TNF alpha-induced VCAM-1 and E-selectin surface expression on EC by selectively increasing the mRNA-stability of these cell adhesion molecules. This effect of MPA on EC appears to be independent from inhibition of inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase.

Immortalized bovine pancreatic duct cells become tumorigenic after transfection with mutant k-ras.

Mutation of the K-ras gene is thought to be an early and important event in pancreatic carcinogenesis. In order to study the role of this molecular alteration in the transition from the normal to the neoplastic pancreatic cell, bovine pancreatic duct cells were first immortalized by SV40 large T antigen (Ag) complementary (c)DNA transfection and then transfected with a mutated K-ras gene. As did primary duct cells, the immortalized duct cells (more than 100 passages) expressed cytokeratins, carbonic anhydrase type-II, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and multidrug resistance (mdr). They grew as a single layer after transplantation under plastic domes and formed three-dimensional structures resembling ducts when grown on Matrigel. Cell growth was stimulated by insulin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, but cells did not respond to gastrin and CCK-8. They did not form colonies in soft agar nor did they form tumors in nude mice. Immortalized cells transfected with mutated K-ras acquired the ability to form tumors after orthotopic injection into the nude mouse pancreas. It is concluded that SV 40 immortalized bovine pancreatic

Expression of a sodium bicarbonate cotransporter in human parotid salivary glands.

The human parotid gland secretes much of the bicarbonate that enters the mouth. Prompted by studies of animal models, this study sought evidence for the expression of a functional Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporter (NBC) in human parotid acinar cells. Microfluorometric measurements of intracellular pH in isolated acini showed that the recovery from an acid load was achieved in part by HCO(3)(-) uptake via a Na(+)-dependent, DIDS-sensitive mechanism. By reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, a full-length NBC1 clone was obtained showing more than 99% homology with the human pancreatic isoform hpNBC1. Expressed in Xenopus oocytes, the electrogenicity of the transporter was detected as an inwardly directed, Na(+)- and HCO(3)(-)-dependent flux of negative charge. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies raised to NBC1 showed strong staining of the basolateral membrane of the acinar cells. Therefore, it was concluded that a functional electrogenic Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporter is expressed in the human parotid gland, and that it contributes to pH regulation in the acinar cells and could play a significant part in salivary secretion.

Stimulus-secretion coupling in exocrine glands: the role of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, calcium and cAMP.

Enzyme, electrolyte and fluid secretion from exocrine glands is stimulated by neurotransmitters and peptide hormones. Whereas for some of these secretagogues calcium is an important intracellular messenger, for others it is cyclic AMP. Regulation of steady state free Ca2+ concentration at rest and at stimulation have been studied in isolated permeabilized acinar cells from pancreas, parotid and lacrimal glands by measuring the free Ca2+ concentration of the surrounding incubation medium with a Ca2+-specific macroelectrode. Ca2+ transport mechanisms have been further characterized in subcellular membrane fractions by measuring 45Ca2+ uptake into membrane vesicles from rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and plasma membranes (PM). The data show that the intracellular messenger for secretagogue-induced Ca2+ release from RER is inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) which is produced during stimulation by phospholipase C mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol-bisphosphate. At rest both Ca2+ uptake into RER and Ca2+ extrusion from the cell is promoted by (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPases with different characteristics in both types of membranes and by a coupled Na+/Ca2+ countertransport in the PM which keep cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration at a low level of approximately 2 - 4 X 10(-7) mol/l. During stimulation the Ca2+ permeability of endoplasmic reticulum membrane increases via IP3 and that of the PM by a yet unknown "receptor-operated" mechanism. These events lead to increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration that is a trigger for enzyme, electrolyte and fluid secretion.

Distribution of V-ATPase in rat salivary glands.

Using immunohistochemistry we have investigated the presence and cellular distribution of the 31-kDa subunit of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) in secretory endpieces and the duct system of rat major salivary glands. In all three salivary glands studied the 31-kDa subunit of V-ATPase was not expressed in secretory endpieces. In rat parotid gland V-ATPase was luminally located in main excretory and striated duct cells. In contrast, both rat submandibular and sublingual glands showed a diffuse intracellular V-ATPase distribution. The differences in V-ATPase immunolocalization in rat salivary glands probably reflect the structural heterogeneity of the different glands. The data also suggest that the duct systems of major salivary glands may modify the H+ and HCO3- concentration of the final saliva in different ways.

The role of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in renal carcinogenesis: lessons from cadmium toxicity studies.

Wnt/beta-catenin signaling plays a crucial role during embryogenesis. However, this signaling pathway also plays a role in normal adult tissues and in carcinogenesis, including cadmium (Cd2+) induced nephrocarcinogenesis, which is the topic of this review. Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is tightly regulated in mature epithelia to balance cell proliferation, differentiation and death. This is accomplished by modulating phosphorylation of the multifunctional protein beta-catenin which in turn determines its preference for a particular fate, i.e. cell-cell adhesion by binding to E-cadherin, proteasomal degradation, or co-activation of the transcription factor Tcf/Lef. The pivotal role of beta-catenin is not limited to Wnt signaling, but can be challenged by other transcription factors under stress conditions (e.g. FOXO, HIF-1alpha, NF-kappaB, c-jun), where beta-catenin acts as a molecular switch in response to the cellular redox status. Aberrant Wnt/beta-catenin signaling can contribute to carcinogenesis of intestinal, lung or kidney epithelia, either by mutations of its signaling components and/or disruption of linked signaling networks. The nephrotoxic metal Cd2+ causes renal cancer in humans. Because it is not genotoxic Cd2+ is thought to induce mutations and carcinomas indirectly: Possible mechanisms include oxidative stress, inhibition of DNA repair, aberrant gene expression, deregulation of cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and/or disruption of cell adhesion. Wnt signaling may contribute to Cd2+ carcinogenesis because Cd2+ disrupts the junctional E-cadherin/beta-catenin complex, resulting in excessive nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and activation of Tcf4. Up-regulation of target genes of the beta-catenin/Tcf4 complex, such as c-myc, cyclin D1 and the multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (MDR1/ABCB1), leads to increased proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, adaptation to Cd2+ toxicity and thereby promotes the selection of mutated and pre-neoplastic cells.

H+-dependent calcium uptake into an IP3-sensitive calcium pool from rat parotid gland.

In permeabilized parotid cells and in isolated membrane vesicles from parotid endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Mg-ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake was measured using a Ca2+-specific macroelectrode and 45Ca2+, respectively. Mg-ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by vanadate (2 x 10(-3) mol/l) by approximately 45% in permeabilized cells and by approximately 70% in membrane vesicles from ER during the initial 10 min. After this lag phase, Ca2+ uptake increased and low steady-state free [Ca2+] of approximately 3 x 10(-7) mol/l was still reached in presence of vanadate within 30-40 min. Subsequent addition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) caused a similar Ca2+ release compared with control. This indicates that in presence of vanadate an IP3-sensitive Ca2+ pool was filled. However, when protonophores, such as nigericin or carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone, were added in addition to vanadate, this low steady-state free [Ca2+] was not reached. 45Ca2+ uptake was reduced by approximately 70% within 60 min, and IP3 did not cause 45Ca2+ release when given subsequently, indicating that filling of an IP3-sensitive Ca2+ pool was prevented. Mg-ATP-driven H+ uptake into ER vesicles, as estimated with acridine orange, was abolished by protonophores and by the H+-ATPase blockers N-ethylmaleimide and Dio 9 but was unaltered by vanadate. Preincubation of ER vesicles in a medium without Ca2+, but with vanadate and with Mg-ATP to generate an H+ gradient, allowed demonstration of 45Ca2+ uptake from a medium that did not contain ATP. The cation sequence in absence of vanadate for support of Mg-ATP-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake was K+ greater than Na+ greater than Li+ = choline+ and, in presence of vanadate, was choline+ greater than Li+ = Na+ greater than K+. A preformed H+ gradient dissipated more rapidly in presence of K+ compared with choline+, probably due to an intrinsic K+ permeability of ER membrane. Our data indicate that both a Ca2+ and a H+ pump are located in a compartment of ER that is also sensitive to IP3. Ca2+ uptake is coupled to an H+ gradient that is generated by the H+ pump and most likely occurs via Mg-ATP-driven Ca2+-H+ countertransport but to some extent can also operate in absence of ATP at the expense of the H+ gradient.

Photoaffinity labeling and purification of ZG-16p, a high-affinity dihydropyridine binding protein of rat pancreatic zymogen granule membranes that regulates a K(+)-selective conductance.

In rat pancreatic zymogen granules (ZG), an ATP-sensitive K(+) conductance and a Cl(-) conductance have been characterized that are inversely regulated by an approximately 65-kDa multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein (mdr1) gene product. In search of a label for purification of this protein, we found that the dihydropyridine derivative (-)-[(3)H]BZDC-DHP, a recently developed high-affinity ligand for Mdr1, binds with similar affinity to ZG membranes (ZGM) (K(d) = 6.2 nM). Binding was inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of the L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers azidopine and verapamil and by micromolar concentrations of the K(+) channel blockers glibenclamide and quinidine. Inhibition by glibenclamide was noncompetitive. The Mdr1 modulators cyclosporin A and vinblastine did not inhibit binding, which is different from Mdr1. In addition, only (+/-)-BZDC-DHP, azidopine, and verapamil selectively inhibited the K(+) conductance in ZGs, whereas the Cl(-) conductance was not affected. In photoaffinity labeling experiments, (-)-[(3)H]BZDC-DHP surprisingly specifically and selectively labeled a approximately 19-kDa protein in ZGM with a pharmacological profile identical with the high-affinity binding site but did not label a 65-kDa protein. The 19-kDa protein was purified by ion exchange chromatography and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and sequenced. The sequence obtained corresponds to ZG-16p, a recently cloned ZG protein with no apparent homology to Mdr1. The identity of the 19-kDa protein was confirmed by immunoprecipitation of (-)-[(3)H]BZDC-DHP-labeled ZGM with an anti-ZG-16p antibody. Furthermore, it is shown that ZG-16p is associated with the ZGM. We propose that ZG-16p, as part of the submembranous granule matrix, regulates the ATP-sensitive K(+) conductance of ZGs.

Evidence for involvement of a zymogen granule Na+/H+ exchanger in enzyme secretion from rat pancreatic acinar cells.

We have characterized a Na+/H+ exchanger in the membrane of isolated zymogen granules (ZG) from rat exocrine pancreas and investigated its role in secretagogue-induced enzyme secretion. ZG Na+/H+ exchanger activity was estimated by measuring Na+ or Li+ influx and consequent osmotic swelling and lysis of ZG incubated in Na- or Li-acetate. Alternatively, intragranule pH was investigated by measuring absorbance changes in ZG which had been preloaded with the weak base acridine orange. Na+- or Li+-dependent ZG lysis was enhanced by increasing inward to outward directed H+ gradients. Na+-dependent ZG lysis was not prevented by an inside-positive K+ diffusion potential generated by valinomycin which argues against parallel operation of separate electrogenic Na+ and H+ permeabilities and for coupled Na+/H+ exchange through an electroneutral carrier. Na+- and Li+-dependent ZG lysis was inhibited by EIPA (EC50 approximately 25 microM) and benzamil (EC50 approximately 100 microM), but only weakly by amiloride. Similarly, absorbance changes due to release of acridine orange from acidic granules into the medium were obtained with Na+ and Li+ salts only, and were inhibited by EIPA, suggesting the presence of a Na+/H+ exchanger in the membrane. Na+ dependent lysis of ZG was inhibited by 0.5 mm MgATP and MgATP-gamma-S by about 60% and 35%, respectively. Inhibition by MgATP was prevented by incubation of ZG with alkaline phosphatase (100 U/ml), or by the calmodulin antagonists calmidazolium (0.75 microM), trifluoperazine (100 microM) and W-7 (500 microM), suggesting that the ZG Na+/H+ exchanger is regulated by a ZG membrane-bound calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. Na+ dependence of secretagogue (CCK-OP)-stimulated amylase secretion was investigated in digitonin permeabilized rat pancreatic acini and was higher in acini incubated in Na+ containing buffer (30 mm NaCl/105 mm KCl buffer; 6.4 +/- 0.4% of total amylase above basal) compared to buffer without Na+ (0 mm NaCl/135 mm KCl buffer; 4.7 +/- 0.4% of total amylase above basal, P < 0.03). EIPA (50 microM) reduced CCK-OP-induced amylase secretion in Na+ containing buffer from 7.5 +/- 0.6% to 4.1 +/- 0.8% (P < 0.02). In the absence of Na+ in the buffer, CCK-OP-stimulated amylase release was not inhibited by 50 microM EIPA. The data suggest that an amiloride insensitive, EIPA inhibitable Na+/H+ exchanger is present in ZG membranes, which is stimulated by calmodulin antagonists and could be involved in secretagogue-induced enzyme secretion from rat pancreatic acini.

fMLP-induced arachidonic acid release in db-cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells is independent of phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate-specific phospholipase C activation and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) activation.

In inflammatory cells, agonist-stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) release is thought to be induced by activation of group IV Ca(2+)-dependent cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase)- and/or protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation and Ca(2+)-dependent translocation of the enzyme to the membrane. Here we investigated the role of phospholipases in N-formylmethionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine (fMLP; 1 nM-10 microM)-induced AA release from neutrophil-like db-cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells. U 73122 (1 microM), an inhibitor of phosphatidyl-inositol-4,5-biphosphate-specific phospholipase C, or the membrane-permeant Ca(2+)-chelator 1, 2-bis¿2-aminophenoxyethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (10 microM) abolished fMLP-mediated Ca(2+) signaling, but had no effect on fMLP-induced AA release. The protein kinase C-inhibitor Ro 318220 (5 microM) or the inhibitor of cPLA(2) arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF(3); 10-30 microM) did not inhibit fMLP-induced AA release. In contrast, AA release was stimulated by the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 (10 microM) plus the PKC activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) (0.2 microM). This effect was inhibited by either Ro 318220 or AACOCF(3). Accordingly, a translocation of cPLA(2) from the cytosol to the membrane fraction was observed with A23187 + PMA, but not with fMLP. fMLP-mediated AA release therefore appeared to be independent of Ca(2+) signaling and PKC and MAP kinase activation. However, fMLP-mediated AA release was reduced by approximately 45% by Clostridium difficile toxin B (10 ng/ml) or by 1-butanol; both block phospholipase D (PLD) activity. The inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC), D609 (100 microM), decreased fMLP-mediated AA release by approximately 35%. The effect of D609 + 1-butanol on fMLP-induced AA release was additive and of a magnitude similar to that of propranolol (0.2 mM), an inhibitor of phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase. This suggests that the bulk of AA generated by fMLP stimulation of db-cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells is independent of the cPLA(2) pathway, but may originate from activation of PC-PLC and PLD.

Monoclonal antibodies against MDR1 P-glycoprotein inhibit chloride conductance and label a 65-kDa protein in pancreatic zymogen granule membranes.

The regulation of Cl- and cation conductances by the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog adenosine 5'-(beta,gamma-methylene)triphosphate (AMP-PCP) was characterized in isolated zymogen granules (ZG) from pancreatic acinar cells. ZG were purified from rat pancreas homogenate by Percoll gradient centrifugation. Cl- conductance was assayed by suspending ZG in isotonic KCl buffer and measuring osmotic lysis induced by maximal permeabilization of ZG membranes (ZGM) for K+ with the K+ ionophore valinomycin (Val). This resulted in influx of K+ through the artificial pathway and of Cl- through endogenous channels. To measure cation conductances ZG (pHi approximately 6) were suspended in pH 7 buffered isotonic monovalent cation acetate salts. The pH gradient was converted into an outside-directed H+ diffusion potential by maximally increasing H+ conductance of ZGM with the protonophore carbonyl cyanide p-chlorophenylhydrazone. Osmotic lysis of ZG was induced by H+ diffusion potential driven influx of monovalent cations through endogenous channels and non-ionic diffusion of the counterion acetate. In the absence of Val, ZG were stable in KCl buffer up to 2 h. AMP-PCP enhanced osmotic lysis approximately 4-fold compared to control, due to activation of Cl- conductance by AMP-PCP and K+ influx through an AMP-PCP-insensitive nonselective cation pathway, which could be blocked by 0.1 mM Ba2+, 0.5 mM quinine, or 0.2 mM flufenamate. In addition, a K+ and Rb+ selective cation conductance was found which was completely blocked by 0.5 mM AMP-PCP or 0.5 mM quinine. AMP-PCP induced Cl- conductance was strongly inhibited by two monoclonal antibodies against MDR1 P-glycoprotein (JSB-1 and C219; 5-10 micrograms/ml), but not by a monoclonal antibody against the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (M3A7; 5 micrograms/ml) or by mouse IgG. The AMP-PCP insensitive nonselective cation conductance was not blocked by monoclonal antibodies against MDR1 P-glycoprotein (MDR1). Immunoblot studies of ZG membranes revealed the presence of a major immunoreactive protein band of approximately 65 kDa with both monoclonal antibodies against MDR1, but no protein of the approximate size of MDR1 (approximately 170 kDa) was detected. We propose that the Cl- channel or a regulator of the channel, that is activated by the non-hydrolyzable ATP analog AMP-PCP in ZG membranes, is a member of the ATP binding cassette superfamily of transporters and may have homology to MDR1 P-glycoprotein.

Characterization of two different Ca2+ uptake and IP3-sensitive Ca2+ release mechanisms in microsomal Ca2+ pools of rat pancreatic acinar cells.

We have examined the effect of the Ca2+ (Mg2+)-ATPase inhibitors thapsigargin (TG) and vanadate on ATP-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake into IP3-sensitive Ca2+ pools in isolated microsomes from rat pancreatic acinar cells. The inhibitory effect of TG was biphasic. About 40-50% of total Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by TG up to 10 nM (apparent Ki approximately 4.2 nM, Ca2+ pool I). An additional increase of inhibition up to 85-90% of total Ca2+ uptake could be achieved at 15 to 20 nM of TG (apparent Ki approximately 12.1 nM, Ca2+ pool II). The rest was due to TG-insensitive contaminating plasma membranes and could be inhibited by vanadate (apparent Ki approximately 10 microM). In the absence of TG, increasing concentrations of vanadate also showed two phases of inhibition of microsomal Ca2+ uptake. About 30-40% of total Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by 100 microM of vanadate (apparent Ki approximately 18 microM, Ca2+ pool II). The remaining 60-70% could be inhibited either by vanadate at concentrations up to 1 mM (apparent Ki approximately 300 microM) or by TG up to 10 nM (Ca2+ pool I). The amount of IP3-induced Ca2+ release was constant at approximately 25% over a wide range of Ca2+ filling. About 10-20% remained unreleasable by IP3. Reduction of IP3-releasable Ca2+ in the presence of inhibitors showed similar dose-response curves as Ca2+ uptake (apparent Ki approximately 3.0 nM for IP3-induced Ca2+ release as compared to approximately 4.2 nM for Ca2+ uptake at TG up to 10 nM) indicating that the highly TG-sensitive Ca2+ pump fills the IP3-sensitive Ca2+ pool I. At TG concentrations > 10 nM which blocked Ca2+ pool II the apparent Ki values were approximately 11.3 and approximately 12.1 nM, respectively. For inhibition by vanadate up to 100 microM the apparent Ki values were approximately 18 microM for Ca2+ uptake and approximately 7 microM for Ca2+ release (Ca2+ pool II). At vanadate concentrations up to 1 mM the apparent Ki values were approximately 300 and approximately 200 microM, respectively (Ca2+ pool I). Both Ca2+ pools I and II also showed different sensitivities to IP3. Dose-response curves for IP3 in the absence of inhibitors (control) showed an apparent Km value for IP3 at 0.6 microM. In the presence of TG (inhibition of Ca2+ pool I) the curve was shifted to the left with an apparent Km for IP3 at 0.08 microM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Dual regulation of arachidonic acid release by P2U purinergic receptors in dibutyryl cyclic AMP-differentiated HL60 cells.

ATP promoted biphasic effects on both basal and fMLP-stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) release in neutrophil-like HL60 cells: stimulation in the micromolar range (EC50 = 3.2 +/- 0.9 microM) and inhibition at higher concentrations (EC50 = 90 +/- 11 microM). ATP also inhibited UTP- and platelet activating factor-stimulated AA release. Only stimulatory effects of ATP on basal or fMLP-stimulated phospholipase C were observed. The inhibitory effect of ATP on AA release was not due to reacylation of released AA, chelation of extracellular Ca2+, cell permeabilization, or changes in the rise of [Ca2+]i induced by agonist. The inhibition was rapid, being detected within 5-15 s. The inhibitory effect of ATP on fMLP-stimulated AA release could be desensitized by pretreatment of the cells with 2 mM ATP, but not 20 microM ATP, the concentration that resulted in maximal release of AA and inositol phosphates. The inhibition by ATP was neither dependent on generation of adenosine by ATP hydrolysis nor the result of direct interaction of ATP with P1 purinergic receptors. Among other nucleotides tested (CTP, GTP, ITP, TTP, XTP, adenosine 5'-(beta,gamma-methylene)triphosphate (AMP-PCP), adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate (AMP-P(NH)P), ADP, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP gamma S), and UTP), only UTP and ATP gamma S displayed biphasic effects with potencies and efficacies almost identical to those of ATP. The other nucleotides only exhibited stimulatory effects (EC50 = 60-300 microM). The results are consistent with a model of dual regulation of AA release by two distinct subtypes of P2U receptors in HL60 cells.