PGE(2), Ca(2+), and cAMP mediate ATP activation of Cl(-) channels in pigmented ciliary epithelial cells.

Purines regulate intraocular pressure. Adenosine activates Cl(-) channels of nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells facing the aqueous humor, enhancing secretion. Tamoxifen and ATP synergistically activate Cl(-) channels of pigmented ciliary epithelial (PE) cells facing the stroma, potentially reducing net secretion. The actions of nucleotides alone on Cl(-) channel activity of bovine PE cells were studied by electronic cell sorting, patch clamping, and luciferin/luciferase ATP assay. Cl(-) channels were activated by ATP > UTP, ADP, and UDP, but not by 2-methylthio-ATP, all at 100 microM. UTP triggered ATP release. The second messengers Ca(2+), prostaglandin (PG)E(2), and cAMP activated Cl(-) channels without enhancing effects of 100 microM ATP. Buffering intracellular Ca(2+) activity with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'- tetraacetic acid or blocking PGE(2) formation with indomethacin inhibited ATP-triggered channel activation. The Rp stereoisomer of 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate inhibited protein kinase A activity but mimicked 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. We conclude that nucleotides can act at >1 P2Y receptor to trigger a sequential cascade involving Ca(2+), PGE(2), and cAMP. cAMP acts directly on Cl(-) channels of PE cells, increasing stromal release and potentially reducing net aqueous humor formation and intraocular pressure.