Comparison of second messenger formation in human keratinocytes following stimulation with epidermal growth factor and bradykinin.

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 microM) 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 [3H]-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.