Regulation of angiotensin II binding sites in neuronal cultures by catecholamines

Previous studies determined that direct activation of protein kinase C (PKC) with phorbol esters increases the number of angiotensin II (ANG II)-specific binding sites in neuronal cultures prepared from the hypothalamus and brain stem of 1-day-old rats. In the physiological situation, PKC is activated by diacylglycerol, which can be produced by multiple pathways, such as stimulation of inositol phospholipid (IP) hydrolysis, phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis, or by de novo synthesis. In the present study we have examined whether stimulation of IP hydrolysis, and presumably activation of PKC, can mimic the actions of phorbol esters on ANG II-specific binding. We have incubated neuronal cultures with agents that increase IP hydrolysis and have determined the effects on ANG II-specific binding. Incubation of neuronal cultures with norepinephrine (NE) at concentrations (greater than 5 microM) and for times (15-60 min) that cause large increases in IP hydrolysis caused increases in the number of ANG II-specific binding sites, mimicking the actions of phorbol esters. The return of IP hydrolysis to control values was associated with a return of ANG II-specific binding to control levels. The upregulatory action of NE was abolished by prazosin, demonstrating the involvement of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. In addition, this effect was blunted by the PKC antagonist H 7, suggesting PKC involvement in the response. Thus we have determined a potential physiological mechanism by which stimulation of IP hydrolysis by NE, and possible subsequent activation of PKC, leads to upregulation of ANG II-specific binding sites in neuronal cultures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)