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Research ArticlePERSPECTIVES IN PHARMACOLOGY

Molecular Mechanisms for Heterologous Sensitization of Adenylate Cyclase

Val J. Watts
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics July 2002, 302 (1) 1-7; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.302.1.1
Val J. Watts
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Abstract

The nine membrane-bound isoforms of the enzyme adenylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1) are highly regulated by neurotransmitters and drugs acting through G protein-coupled receptors to modulate intracellular cAMP levels. In general, acute activation of Gαs-coupled receptors stimulates cAMP accumulation, whereas acute activation of Gαi/o-coupled receptors typically inhibits cAMP accumulation. It is also well established that persistent activation of G-protein coupled receptors will alter subsequent drug-modulated cAMP accumulation. These alterations are thought to represent cellular adaptive responses following prolonged receptor activation. One phenomenon commonly observed, heterologous sensitization of adenylate cyclase, is characterized by an enhanced responsiveness to drug-stimulated cAMP accumulation following persistent activation of Gαi/o-coupled receptors. Heterologous sensitization of adenylate cyclase was originally proposed to explain tolerance and withdrawal following chronic opiate administration and may be a mechanism by which cells adapt to prolonged activation of inhibitory receptors. Such an adaptive mechanism has been suggested to play a role in the processes of addiction to and withdrawal from many drugs of abuse and in psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and depression. Although the precise mechanisms remain unknown, research over the last decade has led to advances toward understanding the molecular events associated with heterologous sensitization of recombinant and endogenous adenylate cyclases in cellular models. These events include the pertussis toxin-sensitive events that are associated with the development of heterologous sensitization and the more recently identified Gαs-dependent events that are involved in the expression of heterologous sensitization.

Footnotes

  • This work was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, MH60397, the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, and Purdue University.

  • ↵1 I have used adenylate cyclase as the common name of the enzyme EC 4.6.1.1 based on the recommendation of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) (http://www.chem.qmw.ac.uk/iubmb/enzyme/EC4/6/1/1.html). Other sources that list adenylate cyclase as the preferred common name includeDorland's Medical Dictionary, the Sourcebook of Enzymes by White and White, Stedman's Medical Dictionary (27th edition), and the Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

  • Abbreviations:
    AC
    adenylate cyclase
    PKA
    cAMP dependent protein kinase A
    • Received March 18, 2002.
    • Accepted April 17, 2002.
  • The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
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Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics: 302 (1)
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Vol. 302, Issue 1
1 Jul 2002
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Research ArticlePERSPECTIVES IN PHARMACOLOGY

Molecular Mechanisms for Heterologous Sensitization of Adenylate Cyclase

Val J. Watts
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics July 1, 2002, 302 (1) 1-7; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.302.1.1

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Research ArticlePERSPECTIVES IN PHARMACOLOGY

Molecular Mechanisms for Heterologous Sensitization of Adenylate Cyclase

Val J. Watts
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics July 1, 2002, 302 (1) 1-7; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.302.1.1
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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • Historical Perspective
    • G Protein α Subunit Specificity for Heterologous Sensitization
    • G Protein α Subunit Expression and Heterologous Sensitization
    • G Protein βγ Subunits and Heterologous Sensitization
    • Role of cAMP Accumulation and PKA in Heterologous Sensitization
    • Adenylate Cyclase Isoform Specificity and Heterologous Sensitization
    • Role of Gαs in Heterologous Sensitization
    • Relevance of Heterologous Sensitization to Drug Abuse
    • Summary and Conclusions
    • Acknowledgments
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