We have examined the ability of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and bradykinin (BK) to stimulate formation of inositol polyphosphates and sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG), and mobilize intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in adult human keratinocytes (KC). Inositol polyphosphates were resolved by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with flow detector spectroscopy. Free intracellular calcium was quantitated using digital ratio imaging fluorescence microscopy of fura-2 loaded KC. The mass amount of DAG was quantitated using the DAG kinase reaction. When comparing maximal doses of BK (0.1-mu-M) and EGF (200 ng/ml), BK stimulated larger increases in all second messengers measured. The majority of cells responded rapidly to BK with global increases in [Ca2+]i. Cells responding to EGF were fewer in number and slower to respond with the Ca2+ signal being less pronounced. Treatment of cells with pertussis toxin (PTX) for 24 h significantly attenuated the BK-stimulated inositol polyphosphate formation and [Ca2+]i while the EGF response remained unaffected in both parameters. BK (10(-9) to 10(-6) M) did not stimulate DNA synthesis in KC as measured by [H-3]-thymidine incorporation when cultures were treated for 5 days. These results demonstrate that the-coupling and biochemical signals produced by stimulation of BK and EGF receptors in human KC are different and suggests that stimulation of second messenger formation from inositol lipid hydrolysis may not be an absolute requirement for the initiation of cell proliferation.

The transmembrane signaling events of GH were investigated in the liver, a major target organ of GH action. Recombinant human GH when added to freshly isolated rat hepatocytes rapidly stimulated the production of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG). The generation of DAG was biphasic with the first transient peak observed at 2 min and the second peak at 15 min (1.2-fold and 1.4-fold over control, respectively). Levels of DAG continued to be elevated above those in control cells at 30 min. The response was dose-dependent with an EC50 of 0.15 nM. Both bovine GH and rat GH, which bind to the rat GH receptor but not to the PRL receptor, also stimulated DAG production. Similarly, human PRL, which binds to the PRL but not GH receptor, stimulated DAG formation to a comparable extent. These results suggest that production of DAG may be an early signaling event mediated by hormone stimulation of both the GH and PRL receptors.