Forskolin (cyclic adenosine monophosphate)-dependent protein phosphorylation in isolated gastric glands

I. M. Modlin, D. E. Schafer, M. Tyshkov, G. H. Ballantyne, G. R. Fratesi, J. R. Roberts and M. J. Zdon

Improved management of peptic ulcer disease requires elucidation of cellular processes underlying gastric secretion. The intracellular execution of regulatory commands to secretory cells involves protein phosphorylation. We studied cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent phosphorylation in isolated gastric glands (IGGs) using forskolin, which directly stimulates adenylate cyclase. Forskolin stimulated secretion by both parietal and chief cells. In a separate set of studies, IGGs were incubated for 45, 90, and 105 minutes in modified Ham's F-10 medium containing orthophosphate labeled with phosphorus 32. The forskolin (10(-4) M) was added to some IGG preparations at 90 minutes. The reaction was terminated with sodium dodecyl sulfate and boiling. The proteins were resolved on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, stained with Coomassie blue, and autoradiographed. Incorporation of phosphorus 32 increased progressively at 45, 90, and 105 minutes. Forskolin enhanced phosphorylated bands around 92 kilodaltons. These results are consistent with the major role of cAMP in the regulation of gastric cellular function. The study of cAMP-stimulated phosphorylation may be an important tool in the elucidation of intracellular regulatory mechanisms of gastric secretion. Modulation of these mechanisms may be the ideal therapeutic modality for treatment of acid-secretory disorders.