Induction of functional β adrenergic receptors in HeLa cells

Abstract

HeLa cells contain β adrenergic receptors that are characterized by specific binding of I [3H] dihydroalprenolol, increased 3',5' cyclic AMP production in intact cells after incubation with l isoproterenol, and increased adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] activity in the presence of l isoproterenol. After cells were cultured with butyrate, the number of β adrenergic receptors, cyclic AMP production in intact cells, and adenylate cyclase activation by l isoproterenol were increased severalfold over those of untreated cells. The increase involved the induction of synthesis of new receptor molecules with identical affinities for l [3H] dihydroalprenolol; all three processes were blocked by cycloheximide and actinomycin D. This induction was relatively specific for butyric acid and only the closely related short chain fatty acids, propionic and valeric acids, were capable of partially inducing the same effect. In contrast to induction of β adrenergic binding sites, there was no increase in basal or fluoride activated adenylate cyclase activity, indicating that the β adrenergic receptor and adenylate cyclase are different molecules that may be controlled separately.