PACAP modulates L-type Ca2+ channel currents in vascular smooth muscle cells: involvement of PKC and PKA

The effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) on the L-type Ca2+ channel current (L-channel current) was studied in smooth muscle cells prepared from the rat tail artery. PACAP caused an increase in the amplitude of the L-channel current. The maximal increase (56%) occurred at a PACAP concentration of 1 x 10(-8) M; higher concentrations resulted in a smaller increase. Investigation into the intracellular mechanisms of PACAP action revealed that the increase in L-channel currents was blocked by calphostin C and bisindolylmaleimide IV [protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors] and mimicked by 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of PKC. PACAP was also found to cause translocation of PKC, suggesting that the increase in the current by PACAP was due to PKC. In contrast, activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) by 8-bromo-cAMP caused an inhibition of the L-channel current. A high concentration of PACAP (1 x 10(-6) M) had no effect on the L-channel current. The null effect of PACAP on the L-channel current could be converted to an increase by Rp-cAMPs, a cAMP antagonist, and a decrease by calphostin C. PACAP also increased cAMP accumulation. These observations indicate the effect of PACAP on the L-channel current represents the integration of two signaling mechanisms that involve the activation of PKA and PKC.