Adenosine A1 receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C-beta 3 in intestinal muscle: dual requirement for alpha and beta gamma subunits of Gi3.

Four native and cloned adenosine receptors (ARs), designated A1AR, A2aAR, A2bAR, and A3AR, have been characterized functionally and by radioligand binding. In the present study, we have used selective antibodies to identify the G protein subunits and phospholipase C (PLC)-beta isoform coupled to A1ARs in smooth muscle membranes and permeabilized muscle cells from rabbit intestine. Immunoblot analysis disclosed the presence of a full complement of G proteins. Adenosine caused contraction of dispersed muscle cells and increases in D-myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, intracellular calcium, and cAMP levels. Contraction and the increases in D-myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate and intracellular calcium levels were abolished by the A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine and augmented by the A2 antagonist CGS-15943; the reverse occurred with cAMP. A selective A1AR agonist, cyclopentyladenosine, inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation; the inhibition was reversed by treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin or a G alpha i3-specific antibody. The pattern of inhibition implied coexistence of A1ARs and A2ARs coupled to interactive signaling pathways, with A2ARs mediating activation of adenylyl cyclase and A1ARs mediating activation of PLC and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Adenosine-stimulated PLC activity in muscle membranes was selectively blocked by G alpha i3- and G beta-specific antibodies, as well as by a PLC-beta 3-specific antibody, but not by antibodies to other PLC-beta isoforms or G proteins. A combination of maximally effective concentrations of G alpha i3- and G beta-specific antibodies did not elicit greater inhibition than did either alone. In contrast, cholecystokinin-stimulated PLC activity was selectively blocked by PLC-beta 1- and G alpha q/11-specific antibodies. Adenosine-stimulated contraction and 45Ca2+ efflux in permeabilized muscle cells were also selectively blocked by G alpha i3-, G beta-, and PLC-beta 3-specific antibodies, whereas cholecystokinin-stimulated contraction was selectively blocked by PLC-beta 1- and G alpha q/11-specific antibodies. The results indicate that A1ARs are coupled to PLC-beta 3 via both alpha and beta gamma subunits of Gi3.