Regulation of olfactory signalling via cGMP-dependent protein kinase

Strong odor stimuli elicit a slow and sustained increase of the cGMP concentration in isolated rat olfactory cilia. Elevated cGMP levels appear to attenuate the primary response to odorant stimulation. Incubating cilia with membrane-permeable cGMP derivates caused a significantly reduced cAMP signal in response to odorant stimulation. This inhibitory effect was mimicked by 8-(4-chlorophenlythio)-cGMP, a selective activator of cGMP-activated protein kinases; in contrast, a selective inhibitor, [8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate] of cGMP kinases enhanced the reactivity to odorant stimulation. The data suggest that the responsiveness of olfactory sensory cells is governed by a cGMP-dependent protein kinase. Western-blot analysis using subtype-specific antibodies indicated that cytosolic type-I cGMP kinase, but not the membrane-associated type-II cGMP kinase, is expressed in olfactory sensory neurons.