Second messenger, cAMP

Taking ai-adrenoceptors as an example, several possible mechanisms have been suggested (see Starke 1987). The first rests on evidence that these autoreceptors are coupled to a Gi (like) protein so that binding of an a2-adrenoceptor agonist to the receptor inhibits the activity of adenylyl cyclase. This leads to a fall in the synthesis of the second messenger, cAMP, which is known to be a vital factor in many processes involved in exocytosis. In this way, activation of presynaptic a2-adrenoceptors could well affect processes ranging from the docking of vesicles at the active zone to the actual release process itself... 

The exact process(es) by which a2-adrenoceptors blunt release of transmitter from the terminals is still controversial but a reduction in the synthesis of the second messenger, cAMP, contributes to this process. a2-Adrenoceptors are negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase, through a Pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi-like protein, and so their activation will reduce the cAMP production which is vital for several stages of the chemical cascade that culminates in vesicular exocytosis (see Chapter 4). The reduction in cAMP also indirectly reduces Ca + influx into the terminal and increases K+ conductance, thereby reducing neuronal excitability (reviewed by Starke 1987). Whichever of these releasecontrolling processes predominates is uncertain but it is likely that their relative importance depends on the type (or location) of the neuron. 

Several groups have shown that hormonal stimuli which lead to NaCl secretion in normal tissues fail to do so in CF tissues (reviewed in [17,18,60]). The production of the second messenger cAMP was unimpeded in these CF tissues. Hence it was... 

G-protein coupled receptors Signal activates a G-protein that activates downstream enzymes—makes second messenger (cAMP or Ca2+). 

Figure 9-7 Synthesis and Degradation of the Second Messenger, cAMP...

Among the best studied protein kinases in the brain are those activated by the second messengers cAMP, cGMP, Ca2+ and DAG [4,5]. 

FIGURE 50-5 A model for the transduction of odors in OSNs. The individual steps are detailed in the text. Note that several feedback loops modulate the odor response, including inhibition of the CNG channel by Ca2+ ions (purple balls) that permeate the channel, and a Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) -mediated desensitization of the channel that underlies rapid odor adaptation. Several other mechanisms, including phosphodiesterase-mediated hydrolysis of the second messenger, cAMP, and phosphorylation of the OR by various kinases, have also been described. 

Protein kinases, in cooperation with other proteins, form multiprotein complexes which are susceptible to activation upon external agonist stimuli. According to different functions in cell-cycle regulation, the conformational changes are initiated by autophosphorylation and dimerization transmitted by the previously discussed second messengers cAMP, cGMP, IP3, PIP3, AA and DAG. 

Although details will vary, in each case an agonist at its receptor activates adenylate cyclase and the second messenger cAMP is produced from ATP. cAMP activates protein kinase A and a cascade of reactions may follow. These may be metabolic reactions, as in the cases just described, or activation of a cAMP response-element protein, CREB. CREB is a transcription factor with affinity for specific sites on DNA. Control of protein synthesis follows. 

Glucagon, a peptide of 29 amino acids, is a product of the A cells of the pancreas. It is the antagonist of insulin and, like insulin, mainly influences carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Its effects are each opposite to those of insulin. Glucagon mainly acts via the second messenger cAMP (see p. 384). 

In the case of the P2-catecholamine receptor (illustrated here), the a-subunit of the Gs protein, by binding to adenylate cyclase, leads to the synthesis of the second messenger cAMP. cAMP activates protein kinase A, which in turn activates or inhibits other proteins (2 see p.l20). 

Effects. Eicosanoids act via membrane receptors in the immediate vicinity of their site of synthesis, both on the synthesizing cell itself (autocrine action) and on neighboring cells (paracrine action). Many of their effects are mediated by the second messengers cAMP and cGMP. 

Adrenergic receptors These are membrane bound G-protein coupled receptors which function primarily by increasing or decreasing the intracellular production of second messengers cAMP or inositol triphosphate (IP3)/diacyl glycerol (DAG). Adrenergic receptors are classified into two main groups [Pg.131]

Acting as an intracellular second messenger, cAMP mediates such hormonal responses as the mobilization of stored energy (the breakdown of carbohydrates in liver or triglycerides in fat cells stimulated by B-adrenomimetic catecholamines), conservation of water by the kidney (mediated by vasopressin), Ca2+ homeostasis (regulated by parathyroid hormone), and increased rate and contractile force of heart muscle ( -adrenomimetic catecholamines). It also regulates the production of adrenal and sex steroids (in response to corticotropin or follicle-stimulating hormone), relaxation of smooth muscle, and many other endocrine and neural processes. 

After dopamine was identified as a neurotransmitter in 1959, it was shown that its effects on electrical activity in central synapses and on production of the second messenger cAMP by adenylyl cyclase could be blocked by antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and thiothixene. This evidence led to the conclusion in the early 1960s that these drugs should be considered dopamine-receptor antagonists and was responsible for the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia described earlier in this chapter. The antipsychotic action is now thought to be produced (at least in part) by their ability to block dopamine in the mesolimbic and mesocortical systems. 

The / -Adrenergic Receptor System Acts through the Second Messenger cAMP... 

First, the binding of one hormone molecule to one receptor catalytically activates several Gs molecules. Next, by activating a molecule of adenylyl cyclase, each active Gsa molecule stimulates the catalytic synthesis of many molecules of cAMP. The second messenger cAMP now activates PKA, each molecule of which catalyzes the phosphorylation of many molecules of the target protein—phosphorylase b kinase in Figure 12-16. This... 

Dopamine activates adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C (PLC) via a D, receptor and inhibits through a D2 receptor, thereby regulating the production of intracellular second messengers, cAMP, Ca2+, and 1,2-diacylglycerol. D, and D2 receptors are decreased in the striatum of patients with dementia. There is considerable evidence to suggest that intracellular levels of cAMP have a protective role for dopaminergic neurons. Intracellular concentrations of cyclic nucleotides are regulated by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases and CaMPDE, one of the most intensely studied and best-characterized phosphodiesterases. 

The G protein-GTP complexes related to receptors for these hormones activate adenylyl cyclase, which synthesizes the second messenger cAMP. Cyclic AMP activates protein kinases, which phosphorylate certain intracellular proteins (eg, enzymes), thus producing the hormonal effect. Conversely, dopamine binding to lactotroph receptors causes conformational changes in its G protein that reduce the activity of adenylyl cyclase and inhibit the secretion of prolactin. 

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