Gravity and cyclic GMP levels in melanocytic cells
Ivanova, K.; Zadeh, N.H.; Block, I.; Das, P.K.; Gerzer, R.
Journal of Gravitational Physiology a Journal of the International Society for Gravitational Physiology 9(1): P271-P272
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1077-9248 PMID: 15002576 Document Number: 542990
Guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) is a major second messenger molecule, that is believed to play a role in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Here we report that hypergravity induces differential effects on cyclic GMP turnover in melanocytic cells. Nonmetastatic melanoma cells responded to long-time exposure (24 h) of hypergravity (up to 5 x g) with decrease in intracellular cyclic GMP accumulation in the presence of an universal inhibitor of phosphodiesterases (IBMX), whereas the extracellular cyclic GMP increase. In contrast, there were no changes in cyclic GMP turnover in metastatic melanocytes. The expression of the guanylyl cyclases appeared to be not affected. These results suggest that cyclic GMP signaling may be involved in adaptation of human melanocytes to altered gravity conditions.