[en] The neuropeptide substance P, the venom peptide mastoparan and the synthetic polyamine compound 48/80 activate rat peritoneal mast cells, leading to rapid histamine release by exocytosis. Although these effects are inhibited by pertussis toxin and involve a transient increase in IP3, no selective membrane receptors have been identified. However, it has recently been shown that these compounds activate G proteins in vitro. Here Yves Landry and colleagues discuss the proposal that direct activation of G protein is the physiological mechanism of action of substance P on rat peritoneal mast cells, this mechanism being mimicked by mastoparan and 48/80, and possibly by other cationic amphiphilic peptides such as kinins. These compounds might be of help in defining the interaction between membrane receptors and G proteins.
Disciplines :
Biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology
Identifiers :
UNILU:UL-ARTICLE-2008-205
Author, co-author :
Mousli, M.
Bueb, Jean-Luc ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication (FSTC) > Life Science Research Unit
Bronner, C.
Rouot, B.
Landry, Y.
Language :
English
Title :
G protein activation: a receptor-independent mode of action for cationic amphiphilic neuropeptides and venom peptides