D4 dopamine receptor enhances angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone secretion through PKC-ε and calcium signaling

Aldosterone secretion is subjected to dopaminergic regulation. Our previous study showed that both human D2 and D4 dopamine receptors (D2R and D4R) modulate aldosterone secretion, but in opposing directions. The inhibitory effect of D2R is mediated by attenuating protein kinase C-μ (PKC-μ) and calcium-dependent signaling. The mechanism of D4R effect on angiotensin II (AII)-stimulated aldosterone secretion is explored in this study. Experiments were done with primary human adrenal cortical cells and human adrenocarcinoma (NCI-H295R) cells. Activation of different PKC isoforms was detected by specific phospho-PKC antibodies and PKC translocation. The role of calcium-dependent signaling was examined by measuring the cytoplasmic inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and calcium ([Ca2+]i). The D4R agonist PD-168,077 enhanced AII-stimulated aldosterone synthesis and secretion as early as 30 min following exposure independently of the modulation of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) transcription. CYP11B2 mRNA level elevated by AII was augmented by D4R in the later period. These effects were reversed by the D4R antagonist L-745,870. AII activated PKC-α/βII, -ε, and -μ but not PKC-δ, -θ, or -ζ/λ of H295R cells. The D4R agonist selectively enhanced AII-stimulated PKC-ε phosphorylation and its translocation to the cell membrane. Furthermore, the D4R agonist enhanced the AII-stimulated elevation of intracellular IP3 and [Ca2+]i. Inhibition of PKC-ε translocation by the PKC-ε-specific inhibitory peptide attenuated AII-stimulated aldosterone secretion, CYP11B2 mRNA expression, and elevation of intracellular IP3 and [Ca2+]i. We conclude that D4R augmented aldosterone synthesis/secretion induced by AII. The mechanisms responsible for this augmentation are mediated through enhancing PKC-ε phosphorylation and [Ca2+]i elevation.