Fmoc-L-glutamic acid g -2-phenylisopropyl ester

We have described the pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive potentiation of P2-purinergic agonist-induced phospholipase C activation, Ca2+ mobilization and arachidonic acid release by an adenosine receptor agonist, N6-(L-2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (PIA), which alone cannot influence any of these cellular activities [Okajima, Sato, Nazarea, Sho and Kondo (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 13029-13037]. In the present study we have found that arachidonic acid release was associated with lysophosphatidylcholine production, and conclude that arachidonic acid is produced by phospholipase A2 in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. This led us to assume that PIA augments P2-purinergic arachidonic acid release by increasing [Ca2+]i which, in turn, activates Ca(2+)-sensitive phospholipase A2. The arachidonic acid-releasing response to PIA was, however, always considerably higher (3.1-fold increase) than the Ca2+ response (1.3-fold increase) to the adenosine derivative. In addition, arachidonic acid release induced by the [Ca2+]i increase caused by thapsigargin, an endoplasmic-reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, or calcium ionophores was also potentiated by PIA without any effect on [Ca2+]i and phospholipase C activity. This action of PIA was also PTX-sensitive, but not affected by the forskolin- or cholera toxin-induced increase in the cellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), suggesting that a PTX-sensitive G-protein(s) and not cAMP mediates the PIA-induced potentiation of Ca(2+)-generated phospholipase A2 activation. Although acute phorbol ester activation of protein kinase C induced arachidonic acid release, P2-purinergic and alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation of arachidonic acid release was markedly increased by the protein kinase C down-regulation caused by the phorbol ester. This suggests a suppressive role for protein kinase C in the agonist-induced activation of arachidonic acid release. We conclude that PIA (and perhaps any of the G1-activating agonists) augments an agonist (maybe any of the Ca(2+)-mobilizing agents)-induced arachidonic acid release by activation of Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipase A2 in addition to enhancement of agonist-induced phospholipase C followed by an increase in [Ca2+]i.

Hypothesis: Cisplatin causes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which interferes with the antioxidant defense system of Corti's organ and results in damage to the hair cells. Background: Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent with the dose-limiting side effect of ototoxicity. Evidence is accumulating that cisplatin interferes with the antioxidant defense system of Corti's organ. Methods: Organotypic explants of P-3 rat organ of Corti were the in vitro model system. Presence of intact auditory hair cells and stereocilia bundle integrity was assayed by phalloidin-FITC staining. Fluorescent dye probes detected H2O2 and intracellular thiol [e.g., glutathione (GSH)]. Spectrophotometric analysis determined antioxidant enzyme levels. Results: There was a rapid dose-dependent cisplatin cytotoxicity in the explants after 48 h of exposure. An accumulation of H2O2 and a reduction of GSH levels were observed within cisplatin-exposed hair cells. L-buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of GSH formation, enhanced cisplatin ototoxicity, whereas N6-(2-phenylisopropyl) adenosine, an adenosine agonist, elevated antioxidant enzyme levels and ameliorated cisplatin toxicity. The following molecules protected hair cells from cisplatin-induced damage: GSH; glutathione diethyl ester (GSHe); ebselen (EBS); 4-methylthiobenzoic acid (MTBA); and D-methionine (D-MET). EBS, MTBA, and D-MET in vitro protection correlates with in vivo protection in rats. Conclusions: Organotypic culture of Corti's organ has been validated as a model for studying cisplatin toxicity and for screening otoprotective molecules. Some of the events that contribute to cisplatin's ability to damage auditory hair cells are generation of ROS (e.g., H2O2), depletion of intracellular GSH, and interference with antioxidant enzymes within the cochlea. Agents that bolster the cochlea's antioxidant system can prevent cisplatin destruction of auditory hair cells. Identified protective agents may prove to be clinically useful in limiting or completely protecting from cisplatin ototoxicity.