Bis(acetato)bis(1-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole)copper(II): preparation, characterization, crystal structure, DNA strand breakage and cytogenetic effect.

The preparation, characterization and antitumour properties of the complex [Cu(O2CMe)2L2] (1), where L = 1-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole, are described. The crystal structure of 1 (triclinic, space group P1, a = 6.743(1), b = 8.006(1), c = 15.898(1) A, alpha = 102.87(1), beta = 101.10(1), gamma = 76.76(1) degree, Z = 1) has been determined (R = 0.0254, Rw = 0.0275). In the centrosymmetric complex the copper ion is in an essentially square planar environment consisting of two pyridine-type imidazole nitrogen atoms and an oxygen atom from each acetate ligand; the second oxygen atoms of the carboxylate functionalities are involved in weak interactions with the metal completing the coordination to a very distorted tetragonal bipyramid. Complex 1 has been also characterized by elemental analyses, thermal methods, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and spectroscopic (IR and far-IR, FT-Raman, UV/VIS, EPR) techniques. The effect of the complex on the in vitro DNA strand breakage was examined. It was found that 1 causes degradation on the linearized pKS DNA, ds and ss DNA. High concentrations of this Cu(II) complex cause scissions on the relaxed and the supercoiled DNA. Furthermore, the in vivo cytogenic effect of 1 was examined on human lymphocyte cells. This study presents indications that 1 could have some relevance in the treatment of tumour cell lines. An orbital interpretation of the interaction of 1 with the DNA bases is proposed.

Internalization of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor is mediated by both phospholipase C-dependent and -independent processes.

Consequent to agonist exposure, many G protein-coupled receptors undergo sequestration or internalization. Results with receptors linked to adenylate cyclase, such as the beta 2-adrenergic receptor, or receptors linked to phospholipase C (PLC) have provided conflicting results regarding the role of second messenger-dependent (i.e., protein kinase A or C) and -independent (i.e., beta-adrenergic receptor kinase) kinases in mediating this process. Recent results for truncated and mutated gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptors (GRP-R), as well as muscarinic cholinergic receptors, suggest that activation of protein kinase C may be needed for full receptor internalization. Nearly all G protein-coupled receptors studied to date, including the GRP-R, possess two highly conserved amino acids that are important in mediating receptor-G protein coupling to second messengers, i.e., arginine in the proximal second intracellular loop and alanine in the distal third intracellular loop. We selectively mutated each of these residues in the GRP-R to determine their importance for activation of PLC. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to change arginine at position 139 to glycine (R139G mutant) and alanine at position 263 to glutamate (A263E mutant), with stable cell lines being created by transfection of the wild-type or mutated receptor cDNA into BALB/3T3 fibroblasts. Both R139G (Kd = 12.0 +/- 1.6 nM) and A263E (Kd = 12.2 +/- 1.7 nM) had a lower affinity for bombesin than did wild-type GRP-R (Kd = 1.4 +/- 0.4 nM); however, characteristic stoichiometries for the binding of agonists to this receptor were maintained equally in all three cell lines (bombesin > GRP >> neuromedin B). The wild-type GRP-R exposed to bombesin increased [3H]inositol phosphates (a measure of PLC activation) approximately 4-fold, with an EC50 of 5.1 +/- 2.2 nM. In contrast, [3H]inositol phosphates were not significantly increased in cells expressing R139G or A263E receptors, demonstrating that Arg139 and Ala263 are required for GRP-R activation of PLC. However, when receptor internalization at 37 degrees was assessed by ligand acid-stripping studies, 53 +/- 2% of A263E receptors were internalized at 90 min, compared with 85 +/- 5% of wild-type GRP-R, whereas only 10 +/- 3% of R139G receptors were internalized. Preincubation of either mutant cell line with 100 nM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate markedly increased internalization rates, such that at 90 min 62 +/- 2% of R139G receptors and 82 +/- 1% of A263E receptors were internalized.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effect of inhibition of microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase on cytoplasmic calcium and enzyme secretion in pancreatic acini.

We used thapsigargin (TG), 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), each of which inhibits microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase, to evaluate the effects of this inhibition on cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) and secretagogue-stimulated enzyme secretion in rat pancreatic acini. Using single-cell microspectrofluorimetry of fura-2-loaded acini we found that all three agents caused a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i by mobilizing calcium from inositol-(1,4,5)-trisphosphate-sensitive intracellular calcium stores and by promoting influx of extracellular calcium. Concentrations of all three agents that increased [Ca2+]i potentiated the stimulation of enzyme secretion caused by secretagogues that activate adenylate cyclase but inhibited the stimulation of enzyme secretion caused by secretagogues that activate phospholipase C. With BHQ, potentiation of adenylate cyclase-mediated enzyme secretion occurred immediately whereas inhibition of phospholipase C-mediated enzyme secretion occurred only after several min of incubation. In addition, the effects of BHQ and CPA on both [Ca2+]i and secretagogue-stimulated enzyme secretion were reversed completely by washing whereas the actions of TG could not be reversed by washing. Concentrations of BHQ in excess of those that caused maximal changes in [Ca2+]i inhibited all modes of stimulated enzyme secretion by a mechanism that was apparently unrelated to changes in [Ca2+]i. Finally, in contrast to the findings with TG and BHQ, CPA inhibited bombesin-stimulated enzyme secretion over a range of concentrations that was at least 10-fold lower than the range of concentrations over which CPA potentiated VIP-stimulated enzyme secretion.

A chimeric VIP-PACAP analogue but not VIP pseudopeptides function as VIP receptor antagonists.

The ability to assess the importance of VIP in different physiological processes is limited by the lack of specific potent antagonists. In the present study, we have adopted two different approaches used successfully with other peptides in an attempt to identify new VIP receptor antagonists. One involves the formation of pseudopeptides by insertion of reduced peptide bonds in the NH2-terminus from position 2 to 8 of VIP. The other methodology involves the formation of a COOH-terminal chimeric analogue by combining VIP(6-28) and PACAP(28-38). The ability of each of these peptides to function as an antagonist was compared with reported VIP antagonists. All of the peptides inhibited [125I]VIP binding to VIP receptors on guinea pig pancreatic acini. For the pseudopeptides the affinities were: [psi 3-4]VIP (0.2 microM) = 4 x [psi 4-5]VIP = 8 x [psi 8-9]VIP = 14 x [psi 6-7]VIP, [psi 2-3]VIP = 25 x [psi 5-6]VIP. Each nonpseudopeptide analogue also inhibited VIP binding with relative potencies of VIP(6-28)-PACAP(28-38) (1 microM) = 2.5 x [4-Cl-D-Phe6,Leu17]VIP, VIP(10-28), neurotensin(6-11)-VIP(7-28) = 6 x [Ac-Tyr1,D-Phe2]GRF. All pseudopeptides were agonists with relative potencies: [psi 3-4]VIP > [psi 6-7], [psi 4-5]VIP > [psi 5-6] > [psi 8- 9]VIP > [psi 2-3]VIP. The reported VIP receptor antagonist, neurotensin(6-11)-VIP(7-28), was also an agonist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Discovery of a novel class of neuromedin B receptor antagonists, substituted somatostatin analogues.

Bombesin-related peptides have widespread activities in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Recent studies show two subtypes of receptors; a gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor subtype and a neuromedin B (NMB) receptor subtype exist. In contrast to the GRP receptor, no antagonists exist for the NMB receptor. In the present study we report that certain somatostatin (SS) octapeptide analogues function as selective NMB receptor antagonists. The most potent analogue, D-Nal-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Nal-NH2, inhibited binding of 125I-[D-Tyr degree]NMB to NMB receptor-transfected 3T3 cells and C6 cells. This analogue had 100-fold lower affinity for GRP receptors. Structure-function studies were performed by synthesizing 18 structurally related SS octapeptide analogues; each of these analogues, but not native SS-14 or SS-28, also inhibited binding to NMB receptors. The stereochemistry at positions 1, 2, 7, and 8, the hydrophobicity and ring size of the substitution in positions 1, 3, and 4, and the basicity of the group in position 5 were all important in determining NMB receptor affinity. No SS octapeptide analogue increased [3H]inositol phosphates in NMB receptor-transfected cells; however, each analogue inhibited NMB-stimulated increases. The most potent analogue, D-Nal-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Nal-NH2, caused a parallel rightward shift of the NMB dose-response curve, the Schild plot slope was not significantly different from unity, and the affinity was 230 nM. SS octapeptide analogues also interacted with SS receptors and mu-opioid receptors; however, there was no correlation between the affinities of the analogues for these receptors and their affinities for NMB receptors, demonstrating that these activities can be separated. The results demonstrate for the first time a class of antagonists with > 100-fold selectivity for NMB versus GRP receptors. Because the structural requirements for determining NMB, SS, and mu-opioid receptor activity differ, it is likely that highly selective, specific, high affinity NMB receptor antagonists can now be developed that will be useful in defining the role of NMB in various physiological processes.

Structural analysis of CGRP receptors on gastric smooth muscle and pancreatic acinar cells.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactivity is widely distributed in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and specific receptors have been described on many GI tissues. In the present study, we compared CGRP receptors on gastric smooth muscle cells with those on pancreatic acini from guinea pig with the use of chemical cross-linking techniques combined with various enzymatic digestions. 125I-labeled rat CGRP-I demonstrated temperature-dependent saturable binding to both acinar and gastric smooth muscle cell membranes. After binding, membranes were incubated with 1 mM disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS), solubilized with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cross-linked radioactivity was analyzed by autoradiography. A single broad radioactive band [molecular weight (M(r)) 57,000] was seen on cell membranes from both tissues and after cross-linking to intact cells. These bands were not altered by addition of dithiothreitol. This radioactive band was not detected without DSS present or with addition of 10 microM rCGRP-I. rCGRP-I inhibited cross-linking with half-maximal inhibition of 32 nM with membranes from both tissues, and there was a close correlation between its ability to inhibit binding and to inhibit cross-linking. Cross-linking was not inhibited by non-CGRP related peptides. With membranes from both tissues, N-glycanase digestion increased the mobility of the original band. Neuraminidase digestion only slightly increased the mobility of the original band; however, the subsequent addition of O-glycanase showed no additional effect on both membranes. Endoglycosidase H digestion had no effect in either tissue. The present results demonstrate that on both tissues the cell membrane receptor for CGRP is an N-linked sialoglycoprotein. The apparent M(r) of this sialoglycoprotein is 57,000, and this polypeptide does not contain disulfide-linked subunits or O-linked carbohydrates.

Pancreatic acini possess endothelin receptors whose internalization is regulated by PLC-activating agents.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and ET-3 mRNA have been found in the pancreas. We investigated the ability of ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3 to interact with and alter dispersed rat pancreatic acinar cell function. Radiolabeled ETs bound in a time- and temperature-dependent fashion, which was specific and saturable. Analysis demonstrated two classes of receptors, one class (ETA receptor) had a high affinity for ET-1 but a low affinity for ET-3, and the other class (ETB receptor) had equally high affinities for ET-1 and ET-3. No specific receptor for ET-2 was identified. Pancreatic secretagogues that activate phospholipase C (PLC) inhibited binding of 125I-labeled ET-1 (125I-ET-1) or 125I-ET-3, whereas agents that act through adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) did not. A23187 had no effect on 125I-ET-1 or 125I-ET-3 binding, whereas the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate reduced binding. The effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) was mediated through its own receptor. Stripping of surface bound ligand studies demonstrated that both 125I-labeled ET-1 and 125I-labeled ET-3 were rapidly internalized. CCK-8 decreased the internalization but did not change the amount of surface bound ligand. Endothelins neither stimulate nor alter changes in enzyme secretion, intracellular calcium, cAMP, or [3H]inositol trisphosphate (IP3). This study demonstrates the presence of ETA and ETB receptors on rat pancreatic acini; occupation of both receptors resulted in rapid internalization, which is regulated by PLC-activating secretagogues. Occupation of either ET receptor did not alter intracellular calcium, cAMP, IP3, or stimulate amylase release.

Occupation of low-affinity cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors by CCK activates signal transduction and stimulates amylase secretion in pancreatic acinar cells.

Based on the effects of monensin on binding of 125I-CCK-8 and its lack of effect on CCK-8-stimulated amylase secretion we previously proposed that pancreatic acinar cells possess three classes of CCK receptors: high-affinity receptors, low-affinity receptors and very low-affinity receptors [1]. In the present study we treated pancreatic acini with carbachol to induce a complete loss of high-affinity CCK receptors and then examined the action of CCK-8 on inositol trisphosphate IP3(1,4,5), cytosolic calcium and amylase secretion in an effort to confirm and extend our previous hypothesis. We found that first incubating pancreatic acini with 10 mM carbachol decreased binding of 125I-CCK-8 measured during a second incubation by causing a complete loss of high-affinity CCK receptors with no change in the low-affinity CCK receptors. Carbachol treatment of acini, however, did not alter the action of CCK-8 on IP3(1,4,5), cytosolic calcium or amylase secretion or the action of CCK-JMV-180 on amylase secretion or on the supramaximal inhibition of amylase secretion caused by CCK-8. The present findings support our previous hypothesis that pancreatic acinar cells possess three classes of CCK receptors and suggest that high-affinity CCK receptors do not mediate the action of CCK-8 on enzyme secretion, that low-affinity CCK receptors may mediate the action of CCK on cytosolic calcium that does not involve IP3(1,4,5) and produce the upstroke of the dose-response curve for CCK-8-stimulated amylase secretion and that very low-affinity CCK receptors mediate the actions of CCK on IP3(1,4,5) and cytosolic calcium and produce the downstroke of the dose-response curve for CCK-8-stimulated amylase secretion. Moreover, CCK-JMV-180 is a full agonist for stimulating amylase secretion by acting at low-affinity CCK receptors and is an antagonist at very low-affinity CCK receptors.

Thapsigargin defines the roles of cellular calcium in secretagogue-stimulated enzyme secretion from pancreatic acini.

In the present study we used thapsigargin (TG), an inhibitor of microsomal calcium ATPase, to evaluate the roles of free cytoplasmic calcium and intracellular stored calcium in secretagogue-stimulated enzyme secretion from rat pancreatic acini. Using microspectrofluorimetry of fura-2-loaded pancreatic acini, we found that TG caused a sustained increase in free cytoplasmic calcium by mobilizing calcium from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive intracellular stores and by increasing influx of extracellular calcium. TG also caused a small increase in basal amylase secretion, inhibited the stimulation of amylase secretion caused by secretagogues that increase inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, and potentiated the stimulation of amylase secretion caused by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate or secretagogues that increase cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate. Bombesin, which like TG increased free cytoplasmic calcium, also potentiated the stimulation of amylase secretion caused by secretagogues that increase cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, but did not inhibit the stimulation of amylase secretion caused by secretagogues that increase inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Finally, TG inhibited the sustained phase of cholecystokinin-stimulated amylase secretion and potentiated the time course of vasoactive intestinal peptide-stimulated amylase secretion. The present findings indicate that stimulation of amylase secretion by secretagogues that increase inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate does not depend on increased free cytoplasmic calcium per se. In contrast, TG-induced potentiation of the stimulation of secretagogues that increase cellular cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate appears to result from increased free cytoplasmic calcium per se.

Development of a potent bombesin receptor antagonist with prolonged in vivo inhibitory activity on bombesin-stimulated amylase and protein release in the rat.

Of the various types of potent bombesin(Bn)/gastrin releasing peptide receptor antagonists that have been discovered, the desMet14-methyl ester peptides are devoid of residual agonist activity and are among the most potent in terms of in vitro receptor blockade and also in terms of their prolonged inhibition of bombesin-stimulated amylase and protein release in the rat. We have now examined the in vitro and in vivo properties of a new series of methyl ester analogues, [D-Phe6]Bn(6-13)OMe, [D-Phe6,D-Ala11]Bn(6-13)OMe, N alpha-propionyl-[D-Ala24]GRP(20-26)OMe, and [D-pentafluoro-Phe6,D-Ala11]Bn(6-13)OMe, which have an additional D-amino acid substituent and some highly lipophilic moieties at the N-terminus. All analogues were able to potently antagonize the ability of Bn to stimulate amylase release from rat acinar cells, with IC50 values of 2.4, 2.5, 0.6, and 1.3 nM, respectively. The four peptides were found to have binding affinities for these cells comparable to Bn itself, with K(i)s of 10.3, 2.8, 5.5, and 3.6 nM, respectively, but all had little or no affinity for neuromedin B receptors on murine C6 cells. Single bolus IV injections of these peptides were found to potently inhibit amylase and protein release caused by IV infusion of bombesin into the rat. Generally the peptides containing the D-Ala substituent were longer acting than [D-Phe6]Bn(6-13)OMe, so that [D-Phe6,D-Ala11]Bn(6-13)OMe and N alpha-propionyl-[D-Ala24]GRP(20-26)OMe displayed significant inhibitory effects for up to 1.5 h after administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)