Abstract
Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by the drug indomethacin suppresses the synthesis of the cyclic AMP
antagonist, prostaglandylinositol cyclic phosphate
(cyclic PIP), and leads to a metabolic state comparable
to type II diabetes. It was of interest whether
prostaglandindeficiency likewise causes sensitization
of adenylyl cyclase, as this has been reported for
the diabetic state. In liver plasma membranes of indomethacintreated male rats, basal and forskolinstimulated cyclic AMP synthesis remained unchanged when compared to untreated control rats. In control rats, stimulation of cyclic AMP synthesis by fluoride (2.2-fold) or glucagon (3.5-fold) was much lower than stimulation by forskolin (6.6-fold). In contrast, in indomethacin treated rats, stimulation of cAMP synthesis
by fluoride (4.6-fold) or glucagon (5.2-fold) nearly
matched the stimulation by forskolin (6.4-fold). The
level of α[1]adrenergic receptors was slightly reduced, from 450 to 320 fmol/mg protein, by the indomethacin treatment. Independent of the treatment by indomethacin, stimulation of cyclic AMP synthesis by adrenaline failed, in agreement with the low density of adrenergic βreceptors. In conclusion, PGE deficiency sensitizes adenylyl cyclase in rat liver for G proteincoupled receptors (glucagon) and also for fluoride.