bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The integrative control of adrenocorticotrophin secretion: a critical role for corticotrophin-releasing hormone
Authors: Evans M J , Mulligan R S , Livesey J H , Donald R A
Published: December 2004

Perifused equine anterior pituitary cells were used to investigate the relationships between the secretion of ACTH and substances known to either stimulate (corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), and arginine vasopressin (AVP)) or inhibit (cortisol) ACTH secretion. The experiments were designed to mimic the hormone milieu present in vivo in the horse, with cortisol (0 or 100 nmol/l) and CRH (0 or 0·02 nmol/l) perifused continuously, and pulses of AVP (10 nmol/l) applied for 5 min at 30-min intervals.

In columns perifused with 0·02 nmol CRH/1 there was no significant overall effect of 100 nmol cortisol/l on the ACTH responses to pulses of AVP, although there was a significant interaction between AVP pulse number and cortisol showing that ACTH total area (pmol ACTH proportional to area under response curve) in response to AVP pulses 1 and 2 was significantly (P<0·05) decreased in columns perifused with 100 nmol cortisol/l. However ACTH incremental area (pmol ACTH proportional to the area above the CRH-induced baseline) was not affected by cortisol at any AVP pulse.

This contrasts with the effect of cortisol in columns perifused with 0 nmol CRH/l, where 100 nmol cortisol/l significantly decreased ACTH total area (P=0·0075) and incremental area (P=0·049) at all AVP pulses compared with the responses in columns receiving 0 nmol cortisol/l.

There was a fall off in ACTH responsiveness with time during the experiment which, in the presence of 0·02 nmol CRH/1, was significantly (P<0·001) greater with 0 nmol cortisol/l than with 100 nmol cortisol/l and if 6 (rather than 3) pulses of AVP were given, whereas with 0 nmol CRH/l there was no difference in the fall off with time between columns receiving 0 and 100 nmol cortisol/l.

These results show that the control of ACTH secretion is influenced not only by independent action of secretagogues such as CRH and AVP, or inhibitors such as cortisol, but by a complex interaction of these factors with one another. CRH may have a role in 'protecting' the ACTH response to pulses of AVP in the presence of cortisol. It follows that, in vivo, 'background' CRH could allow an increase in ACTH in response to AVP released by a new stress, despite the presence of elevated cortisol.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 148, 475–483
Expression of the c-myc gene in human adrenals: regulation by adrenocorticotropin in primary cultures
Authors: Liu J , Voutilainen R , Kahri A I , Heikkilä P
Published: December 2004

We have analyzed the expression of the c-myc proto-oncogene in human adrenal glands in vivo and in primary cell cultures by Northern blot analysis. c-myc mRNA was consistently expressed in all human adrenals studied. Expression in adult adrenals was found to be approximately 50% of that in fetal adrenals, but much higher than that in adult liver and kidney. Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) treatment increased c-myc mRNA accumulation dose- and time-dependently up to more than 5-fold (on average), with the maximal effect at 2 h. (Bu)2cAMP and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) also induced c-myc gene expression. There was no synergistic effect between the ACTH, (Bu)2cAMP and TPA treatments. The basal level of c-myc expression was reduced by the protein kinase inhibitors H-7 (1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine dihydrochloride), staurosporine and HA1004 (N-(2-guanidinoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide hydrochloride). H-7 totally abolished ACTH-, TPA- and (Bu)2cAMP-induced c-myc expression, while staurosporine inhibited the stimulatory effects of ACTH and TPA, and HA1004 weakly inhibited the effects of ACTH and (Bu)2cAMP. Incubation with cycloheximide or 10% fetal calf serum increased c-myc mRNA levels 3- and 4-fold respectively. Our data show that the c-myc gene is expressed abundantly in normal human adrenals, and that this expression can be regulated by multiple factors in the primary cultures.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 148, 523–529
Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on cyclic AMP accumulation in sheep pituitary cells in vitro
Authors: Sawangjaroen K , Sernia C , Curlewis J D
Published: December 2004

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) are known to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in rat pituitary cells but no direct effects have been reported on sheep pituitary cells. In this study we determined whether either peptide could stimulate intracellular cAMP accumulation in dispersed sheep pituitary cells in primary culture. Time course studies with PACAP showed that tachyphylaxis developed rapidly and so a short incubation time (5 min) was used to define the dose–response relationship. PACAP dose-dependently stimulated intracellular cAMP levels with a half-maximum response at 2·9 ± 0·2 nmol/l (n=4). In contrast, VIP only caused a small increase in intracellular cAMP levels at the highest dose tested (1 μmol/l). The VIP antagonist [4C1-d-Phe6,Leu17]VIP had no effect on the cAMP response to either PACAP or VIP while the peptide PACAP(6–38), a putative PACAP antagonist, blocked the cAMP response to PACAP. The desensitisation to PACAP was further investigated by pretreating cells with PACAP for 30 min. After a further 15 min in culture medium alone, these cells showed no cAMP response to subsequent treatment with PACAP but could respond to forskolin. When a longer incubation period of 240 min was used between the first and second treatment with PACAP, a partial return in responsiveness to PACAP was observed. In summary, these results show that PACAP activates adenylate cyclase in sheep pituitary cells but that there is rapid development of tachyphylaxis. Experiments with the antagonists suggest that the response to PACAP is via the PACAP type I receptor. In contrast, physiological doses of VIP do not stimulate cAMP accumulation in sheep pituitary cells.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 148, 545–552
LH and testosterone modulate mercuric chloride-induced acute renal failure in male rats: the implication of stress-induced hypogonadism
Authors: Nomura K , Kikuchi C , Ogasawara M , Katayama M , Ujihara M , Toraya S , Demura H
Published: December 2004

The significance of stress-induced hypogonadism remains unclear. Since plasma testosterone and LH have renotropic activity that is other than reproductive, we hypothesize that stress-induced hypogonadism is an adaptive response to protect the kidney. To examine this hypothesis, we prepared hypogonadal male rats with different levels of LH and testosterone through orchiectomy (castration), through chronic treatment with a slowly secreted form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHA; GnRHA pretreatment), or through both treatments concomitantly (castration with GnRHA pretreatment). Castrated rats had undetectable plasma testosterone and high plasma LH. GnRHA-pretreated rats had low plasma testosterone and normal plasma LH. Castrated rats with GnRHA pretreatment had undetectable plasma testosterone and normal plasma LH. We compared their sensitivity to HgCl2 nephrotoxicity and found that, when a low dose of HgCl2 (1·5 mg/kg body weight (BW)) was injected s.c. to induce acute renal failure, endogenous creatinine clearance (Ccr) decreased from 390 ± 30 to 94 ± 17 ml/h per kg BW in intact (unpretreated) rats. Such a decrease in Ccr was completely prevented in castrated rats (388 ± 30 ml/h per kg BW) and partially prevented in GnRHA-pretreated rats (216 ± 40 ml/h per kg BW). When a high dose of HgCl2 (2·25 mg/kg BW) was injected, half of the eight intact rats died but castrated rats and GnRHA-pretreated rats survived (P<0·05). The elevated resistance in castrated rats was reduced when plasma LH was reduced with GnRHA pretreatment, but was restored by additional pretreatment with ovine LH (40 μg/day), as evidenced by changes in Ccr. Elevated resistance in castrated rats was also reduced by the administration of testosterone propionate. In conclusion, hypogonadism activated the preventive and defensive mechanisms that protect the kidney through both decreased plasma testosterone and high or even normal plasma LH.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 148, 553–559
Median charge of gonadotrophin isoforms in the pituitary gland and in the circulation of sheep fetuses from mid- to late gestation
Authors: Phillips D J , McNatty K P , Smith P , Pettersson K , Wide L
Published: December 2004

The heterogeneity of LH and FSH in the sheep fetus was studied by determining the median charge of pituitary and circulating isoforms. Pituitary extracts from male and female fetuses at days 75, 95, 120 and 135 of gestation were subjected to agarose suspension electrophoresis. For all fetuses except the day 75 age group, the median mobility of the gonadotrophin isoforms in matching serum samples from the individual fetuses were also determined. LH and FSH in extracts, peripheral samples and column eluates were measured using sensitive and specific sandwich fluoroimmunoassays for ovine gonadotrophins. The median charge of pituitary LH became more basic (P<0·001) with gestational age, whereas for pituitary FSH more acidic forms (P<0·001) were present in the older groups. The female fetuses had more basic pituitary isoforms of LH than the males (P<0·01) between days 95 and 135, and for FSH at day 75 (P<0·05). In the matching serum samples, the median charge of the LH (P<0·001) and FSH (P<0·05) isoforms were more acidic than those in the pituitary gland. No significant effects of age or sex were detected in the median charge of the gonadotrophin isoforms in serum, but in a number of instances the median charge could not be determined due to low serum concentrations which affected the group sizes. These data show that in the sheep fetus LH and FSH are differentially regulated in qualitative as well as quantitative terms, and that the charge of fetal gonadotrophin isoforms changes according to the age and sex of the fetus.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 29–39
Acute effect of thyroid hormone in the rat heart: role of calcium
Authors: Segal J , Masalha S , Schwalb H , Merin G , Borman J B , Uretzky G
Published: December 2004

Several observations provide some clues as to the possible mode of the regulatory action of thyroid hormone (TH) in the heart, indicating delayed action at the level of the nucleus and acute effects on the plasma membrane. Here we present evidence for a direct and rapid stimulatory effect of TH in the intact normal heart. In the isolated perfused rat heart, 3,5,3′-tri-iodothyronine (T3) produced a positive inotropic effect increasing both the left ventricular peak systolic pressure (P) and +dP/dt values, but had no significant effect on heart rate. This effect of T3 was: (1) very rapid in onset (starting after 15 s) and transient, increasing gradually to reach a maximum (80% above control) at about 20 min, and declining progressively 20 to 30 min later; (2) dose-related and biphasic, occurring at physiological concentrations as low as 1 pm (+dP/dt) and 10 pm (P), reaching a maximum at 1 nm, and decreasing at higher concentrations; and (3) thyroid hormone specific, as shown by the effects of several TH analogs (l-T3>l-thyroxine (T4)=d-T3>d-T4; 3,3′,5′-tri-iodothyronine (rT3), 3,5,-l-di-iodothyronine and dl-thyronine had no effect). The calcium blockers nifedipine and verapamil, at concentrations of 10−8–10−5 m given before or after the addition of T3 (10−9–10−6 m), inhibited the T3-induced increase in cardiac inotropic activity in a time- and dose-related fashion. We suggest that the acute effect of TH in the heart is plasma membrane-mediated and calcium-dependent.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 73–80
A V1-type receptor for mediating the neurohypophysial hormone-induced ACTH release in trout pituitary
Authors: Pierson P M , Guibbolini M E , Lahlou B
Published: December 2004

We analysed the effects of specific neurohypophysial analogues for pharmacological characterization of the type of vasotocin receptor involved in the control of the adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) release from the perifused pituitary in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Mammalian corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and teleostean neurohypophysial peptides (arginine vasotocin (AVT) and isotocin (IT)) stimulated ACTH release. Analysis of concentrations giving half-maximal effects (D50) showed that these peptides affected ACTH release in the following order of potency: CRF (8 × 10−13m) >AVT (2 × 10−10 m)>IT (10−7 m). Maximal responses (Dmax) were obtained for hormonal concentrations of 10−10 m, 10−8 m and 10−6 m respectively. This suggests that AVT and IT have different roles in the control of ACTH release. The values obtained for AVT and IT were in agreement with the circulating levels we previously found for these peptides.

Specific V1 or V2 agonists or antagonists (with reference to vasopressin in mammals) were used to define the specificity of the neurohypophysial peptide receptor involved in this stimulation. The V1 agonist, [Phe2, Orn8]-oxytocin, stimulated ACTH release while the V2 agonist, [deamino1, Val4, d-Arg8]-vasopressin, had no such effect. Maximal and half-maximal responses were obtained in the presence of the V1 agonist with 10−7 m and 7 × 10−9 m respectively, and were in the range of values obtained with natural peptides. The V1 antagonist, [d(CH2)51, O-Me-Tyr2, Arg8]-vasopressin, and the V2 antagonist, [d(CH2)51, d-Ile2, Ile4, Arg8, Ala9]-vasopressin, maximally reversed the 10−9 m AVT-stimulated ACTH release by 60% and 25% respectively, for a 5 × 10−10 m concentration of the analogues and a D50 approximately 2 × 10−11 m.

These results demonstrated the presence of only one V1-type receptor in fish pituitary, with some of the structural and functional peculiarities typically displayed by the mammalian V1a-type receptor, but distinct from it. In this sense, the fish pituitary vasotocin receptor may represent a novel type of neurohypophysial hormone receptor, more closely related to the mammalian V1b-type.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 109–115
Expression levels of the insulin-like growth factor-II gene (IGF2) in the human liver: developmental relationships of the four promoters
Authors: Li X , Cui H , Sandstedt B , Nordlinder H , Larsson E , Ekström T J
Published: December 2004

We have studied the insulin-like growth factor-II gene (IGF2) promoter usage in normal human liver from fetal to late adult life by quantifying the specific transcripts by RNase protection assays using exon-specific probes. While the fetal liver uses only three promoters (P2, P3, P4) for the transcription of IGF2, all four promoters can be used from the age of 2 months after birth.

The levels of the individual promoter transcripts vary substantially during development and the P3 promoter, which is a highly active fetal promoter, was not used by all the investigated adult patients but was detected in 30% of the adult group as a whole. The PI promoter, which has previously been considered as the only one responsible for IGF2 transcription in the postnatal/adult liver, displayed a trend of increasing relative and absolute activity throughout life, but in some adult cases it was found to be less active than the P4 promoter. The P4 promoter displayed an age-related trend of decreasing activity from a very high fetal level, but individual exceptions were apparent. The P2 promoter transcript, peaking at the age of 2 months, showed a relatively even absolute amount from 18 months onwards. Thus, while P2 and P3 were both found to reach their highest activity after birth, the P4 promoter displayed its highest transcription at the fetal stage.

The total IGF2 transcription, primarily from P2, P3 and P4, was found to peak shortly after birth. After this age, the P3 promoter transcript declined most rapidly and a low or zero amount was detected in adulthood. From the age of 18 months to old adulthood the total IGF2 mRNA, derived primarily from P1, P2 and P4, displayed a relatively even amount (approximately one tenth) of that seen at the peak at 2 months. This data may be important in relation to translatability of the various IGF2 transcripts.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 117–124
Pulsatile and diurnal secretion of GH and IGF-I in the chronically catheterized pig fetus
Authors: Bauer M , Parvizi N
Published: December 2004

The ontogeny of GH and IGF-I secretion was investigated in the fetal pig. Pulse studies were performed to describe the pattern of GH release. Twenty-four-hour profiles were recorded to examine possible diurnal variations in these hormones.

(I) Pulse studies. Blood samples were obtained at 15-min intervals for 2-h periods from 24 male and 20 female fetuses at various gestational ages (fetal day 89–113; term 113 ± 1 s.d.). Fetuses revealed a pulsatile GH release. The GH pulse frequency did not vary with gestational age in either sex (0·95 ± 0·19 pulses/h). In males the GH pulse amplitude decreased with increasing fetal age (r= −0·41; P<0·02). In female fetuses no significant correlation could be calculated. Mean GH concentrations fell significantly in male fetuses 3 to 4 days before delivery (P<0·05) and the same tendency was observed in females (P<0·06). Between fetal days 94 and 98 GH pulse amplitude and GH and IGF-I concentrations were higher in males than in females (P<0·01, P<0·001 and P<0·02 respectively). Fetal IGF-I secretion showed no ontogenetic changes in both sexes. However, maternal IGF-I concentrations increased with progressing gestation (r=0·46; P<0·001).

(II) 24-h profiles. Eight male and four female late-gestational fetuses (fetal days 104–108) were studied. Blood samples were taken at 30-min intervals over 24 h. Dams and fetuses showed an episodic GH secretion over the 24-h period but no diurnal rhythm was observed. Whereas maternal IGF-I secretion was constant, fetal IGF-I release was characterized by marked fluctuations over the 24 h. In half of the fetuses (n=6) the fluctuations appeared at regular intervals. Again no diurnal rhythm existed.

These data demonstrated that: (1) porcine fetal GH secretion is pulsatile and decreases shortly before birth; (2) a sex difference in GH and IGF-I concentrations exists between fetal days 94 and 98, suggesting that IGF-I is at least partially under the control of GH before birth; (3) fetal GH and IGF-I secretion is episodic over 24 h, but does not vary diurnally; and (4) fetal and maternal GH and IGF-I secretion are regulated independently.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 125–133
The effects of octreotide on GH receptor and IGF-I expression in the GH-deficient rat
Authors: Ambler G R , Butler A A , Padmanabhan J , Breier B H , Gluckman P D
Published: December 2004

Somatostatin has been suggested to influence the somatotrophic axis outside the central nervous system, in reducing GH-induced IGF-I mRNA and IGF-I generation. This study aimed to determine whether such effects were mediated via the GH receptor (GHR). GH-deficient dwarf rats aged 45–47 days (n=8 per group) received twice daily subcutaneous injections of octreotide (1 mg/kg) (group O), saline (group S), octreotide (1 mg/kg) plus bovine GH (0·25 mg/kg) (group OG), or bovine GH (0·25 mg/kg) plus saline (group G) for 10 days.

Octreotide-treated animals had less weight gain compared with saline-treated animals, but not when GH cotreated (group OG vs G). Octreotide had an overall effect on decreasing length gain (P<0·01). Serum IGF-I (ng/ml) was reduced by octreotide (group O 171 ±11, group S 239 ± 20, P<0·01; group OG 283 ± 30, group G 362 ± 10, P<0·001), as was serum insulin (P<0·001). A significant decrease in hepatic and muscle IGF-I mRNA expression was found as expected, yet this was not associated with decreased hepatic GHR expression. Rather, an increase in hepatic 125I-bovine GH specific binding was observed (P<0·001) and, in GH-cotreated animals (OG), hepatic GHR and GH binding protein (GHBP) mRNA expression were also increased by octreotide by approximately 40%. In muscle, octreotide was associated with an approximately 30% decrease in GHBP mRNA and no effect on GHR mRNA.

This study suggests that the suppressive effects of octreotide on IGF-I metabolism, at least in liver, are not mediated via down-regulation of GHR expression, but more likely by direct effects on IGF-I expression.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 223–231
Expression of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and its receptor is regulated during the development of the human placenta
Authors: McCracken S , Layton J E , Shorter S C , Starkey P M , Barlow D H , Mardon H J
Published: December 2004

The development of the placenta is dependent upon the regulated proliferation, invasion and differentiation of trophoblast. Expression of cytokines at the feto-maternal interface suggests that these molecules may participate in placentation. The expression of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) during the development of the human placenta was studied by immunohistochemistry using an anti-G-CSF monoclonal antibody (mAb) and two novel anti-G-CSFR mAbs. G-CSF was present in the stroma of fetal chorionic villi and maternal decidual tissues throughout pregnancy. G-CSFR was detected at high levels in fetal first and third, but not second trimester placental tissues. Staining for G-CSFR was undetectable in maternal decidual tissue from all gestational stages. In first trimester tissues, staining for placental G-CSFR was strongest in differentiated syncytiotrophoblast and invasive, extravillous cytotrophoblast, and weak staining was evident in undifferentiated cytotrophoblast. Immunohistochemical data suggesting temporal regulation of G-CSFR were corroborated by Western blotting and amplification by reverse transcription and PCR of G-CSFR mRNA. These data suggested that expression of G-CSFR in the human placenta is regulated both temporally and spatially, and that placental G-CSF is involved in paracrine regulation, and indicate a role for G-CSF and G-CSFR in trophoblast growth or function during placentation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 249–258
Induction and involvement of endogenous IGF-I in pancreas regeneration after partial pancreatectomy in the dog
Authors: Hayakawa H , Kawarada Y , Mizumoto R , Hibasami H , Tanaka M , Nakashima K
Published: December 2004

To elucidate whether and how IGF-I is involved in the regeneration of the pancreas after partial pancreatectomy, IGF-I mRNA expression, IGF-I protein synthesis, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and DNA replication in the remnant pancreas were determined in the dog. After pancreatectomy, IGF-I mRNA expression was remarkably enhanced in the remnant pancreas, showing the maximal value at post-operative day (POD) 1. Subsequently, IGF-I synthesis in the tissue was significantly stimulated at POD 2, and its maximal concentration was observed at POD 3. Following IGF-I synthesis, ODC activity was induced and its maximal activity was also obtained at POD 3. Finally, DNA replication was induced in the remnant pancreas, and its maximal level was observed at POD 5. These responses in the remnant pancreatic tissue to partial pancreatectomy were greatly enhanced as the resection rate was increased up to 95%. Positive correlations were observed between IGF-I concentrations in the remnant pancreas and the activities of ODC and DNA synthesis in the tissue after 95% pancreatectomy. These results suggest that the gene expression of IGF-I is rapidly induced in the remnant pancreas after partial pancreatectomy, and subsequently synthesized endogenous IGF-I peptides may stimulate ODC and other cell growth-related activities in the tissue in paracrine and/or autocrine manners eventually to induce DNA replication and tissue regeneration.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 259–267
Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-6 produced by human PC-3 prostate cancer cells: isolation, characterization and its biological action
Authors: Srinivasan N , Edwall D , Linkhart T A , Baylink D J , Mohan S
Published: December 2004

The PC-3 human prostatic carcinoma cell line has been extensively used as a model for studies on the regulation of prostate tumor cell proliferation. Because of the importance of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) in the control of IGF activities that regulate cell proliferation in normal and malignant cell types, we undertook studies to characterize the IGFBPs produced by PC-3 prostate tumor cells in culture. We previously found, using an IGF-I affinity column for purification and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation assay for IGFBP detection, that PC-3 cells in culture produced a single predominant IGFBP, IGFBP-4, which inhibits IGF activities. We now present evidence that PC-3 cells also produce IGFBP-6 in abundant quantity; in the previous study this was apparently not detected in the IGF-I-bound fraction with the PEG precipitation and Western ligand blot assays. In the current study, IGF-II affinity purification of IGFBPs produced by PC-3 cells, followed by C8 HPLC reverse-phase chromatography using a shallow acetonitrile gradient, produced two major protein peaks. N-terminal amino acid sequence of peak 1 was identical to that of IGFBP-6 while that of peak 2 was identical to that of IGFBP-4. Characterization of purified IGFBP-6 from PC-3 cells revealed properties which are distinct from other IGFBPs. PEG did not precipitate the complex of 125I-IGF-II/IGFBP-6 while it precipitated the complexes between 125I-IGF-II and other IGFBPs. Indeed, IGFBP-6 decreased the amount of 125I-IGF-II tracer in the PEG precipitate in a dose-dependent manner. Also, the binding of IGFBP-6 with 125I-IGF-II was poor in Western ligand blots compared with other IGFBPs. In studies on IGFBP-6 actions, IGFBP-6 completely inhibited IGF-II-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation in MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblast cells while it had only minimal inhibitory effects on IGF-I-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation. This differential effect is associated with the fact that IGFBP-6 has greater affinity for IGF-II than IGF-I. The results of this study indicated that (1) Western ligand blotting is not sensitive for identification of IGFBP-6, (2) the unique behavior of IGFBP-6 in the PEG assay system necessitates the use of charcoal adsorption procedure for IGFBP-6 activity detection and (3) PC-3 cells should provide a useful model system for studying regulation of IGFBP-6 expression and the role of IGFBP-6 in modulating IGF actions.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 297–303
Anti-idiotypic antibody as an oestrogen mimetic in vivo: stimulation of creatine kinase specific activity in rat animal models
Authors: Sömjen D , Amir-Zaltsman Y , Mor G , Gayer B , Lichter S , Barnard G , Kohen F
Published: December 2004

Previous studies indicated that the anti-idiotypic antibody (clone 1D5) significantly increased the specific activity of creatine kinase (CK) activity in the rat uterus, and in vitro in skeletal cells capable of responding to oestradiol (E2), suggesting that the antibody has oestrogenic-like activity. Moreover, the F(ab′)2 dimer of clone 1D5 acted like an antagonist and completely inhibited the increase in CK specific activity by either E2 or clone 1D5 in these skeletal cells. In the present study, we examined the in vivo effects of clone 1D5 and its proteolytic fragment, the F(ab′)2 dimer, E2 and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on CK specific activity in the epiphyseal cartilage, diaphyseal bone, uterus, prostate, thymus and pituitary of immature or gonadectomized female and male rat animal models. In the intact immature animals, clone 1D5 caused an increase in CK in all organs of the female except in the pituitary. In the diaphyseal bone and prostate of male rats there was no stimulation by 1D5. The CK response in the uterus, epiphysis, and diaphysis of immature female rats was dose-dependent and was blocked by either the anti-oestrogen tamoxifen or the F(ab′)2 dimer of clone 1D5. E2, DHT, as well as clone 1D5, stimulated CK specific activity in both the diaphysis and epiphysis of ovariectomized female and castrated male rats, whereas sex specificity in the CK response was observed also in the uterus and the prostate of gonadectomized animals. Collectively, these results suggest that, as in cell culture, an intact antibody is necessary for the observed stimulation of CK specific activity and the F(ab′)2 dimer can act as an antagonist. Furthermore, the observed biological effects of clone 1D5 which are absolutely parallel to E2, imply that the anti-idiotypic antibody is able to penetrate the cell and reach the nuclear oestrogen receptor and transduces a signal to the nucleus, by as yet uncharacterized mechanisms.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 305–312
Demonstration of in vivo metabolic effects of 3,5-di-iodothyronine
Authors: Cimmino M , Mion F , Goglia F , Minaire Y , Géloën A
Published: December 2004

The objective of the present study was to test in vivo the metabolic effects of 3,5-di-iodothyronine (3,5-T2) in unanesthetized and unrestrained male Sprague–Dawley rats. Amino acid and lipid metabolisms were investigated by breath tests using as tracers the 13C-carboxyl-labeled molecules of leucine, α-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) and octanoic acid, in four different groups of rats: hypothyroid animals (receiving propylthiouracil (PTU) and iopanoic acid), hypothyroid animals treated with either a daily i.p. injection of 3,5-T2 (25 μg/100 g body weight), or triiodothyronine (T3) (1 μg/100 g body weight), and control euthyroid animals receiving equivalent volumes of the vehicle solutions. Energy expenditure was measured by continuous monitoring of O2 consumption and CO2 production in these different groups. Daily energy expenditure was decreased by 30% in PTU-treated rats. The chronic treatments with 3,5-T2 and T3 restored daily energy expenditure to the control level. 13CO2 recovered in breath following the i.v. injection of octanoic acid-[1-13C] was decreased in hypothyroid animals compared with control animals (P<0·05) and restored to control values by T3 and 3,5-T2 treatments. The 13CO2 recovered in breath after i.v. injection of leucine-[1-13C]was increased in PTU-treated compared with control animals (P<0·05). Chronic treatment with either 3,5-T2 or T3 restored 13CO2 to control values. Excretion of 13CO2 recovered in breath following the i.v. injection of KIC-[1-13C] was increased in PTU-treated compared with control animals. Chronic treatments with either 3,5-T2 or T3 did not restore KIC decarboxylation. These results suggest that 3,5-T2 exerts metabolic effects on energy expendi ture, on both lipid β-oxidation and leucine metabolism in hypothyroid rats. We conclude that 3,5-T2 is a metabolically active iodothyronine.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 319–325
Pup contact induces the expression of long form prolactin receptor mRNA in the brain of female rats: effects of ovariectomy and hypophysectomy on receptor gene expression
Authors: Sugiyama T , Minoura H , Toyoda N , Sakaguchi K , Tanaka M , Sudo S , Nakashima K
Published: December 2004

Prolactin receptor (PRL-R) mRNA expression levels in the female rat brain (cerebrum) during pup contact stimulation were determined by the reverse transcription-PCR method. The high expression levels of long form PRL-R mRNA found in the brain of lactating rats were markedly reduced by removal of pups, and long form PRL-R mRNA levels were recovered by resumption of pup contact. Interestingly, pup contact stimuli of nulliparous virgin rats also markedly induced long form but not short form PRL-R mRNA expression in the brain in 1·3 days, together with the expression of maternal behaviour. In ovariectomized (OVX) or hypophysectomized (HYPOX) virgin rats, or in OVX plus HYPOX virgin rats, however, brain long form PRL-R mRNA was not significantly induced by pup contact stimuli for as long as 7 days, while maternal behaviour was fully expressed in these rats after 7 days of pup contact. The in situ hybridization experiments revealed that the long form PRL-R mRNA induced in virgin rats in contact with pups or in lactating rats was localized in the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus. No significant increase in mRNA was detected in other regions of the brain, such as the hypothalamus or cortex, in these maternal female rats. These results suggest that pup contact induces the expression of long form PRL-R mRNA in the choroid plexus of the brain in the presence of female sex steroid and pituitary hormones for the rapid expression of maternal behaviour. Our studies also suggested that maternal behaviour can be expressed in OVX or HYPOX rats after exposure to pups for 7 days without any significant increase in brain PRL-R mRNA expression.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 335–340
Cortisol decreases IGF-I mRNA levels in human osteoblast-like cells
Authors: Swolin D , Brantsing C , Matejka G , Ohlsson C
Published: December 2004

Excess levels of glucocorticoids are known to cause osteoporosis. It is speculated that the effect of glucocorticoids could be mediated via regulation of IGF-I. The aims of the present study were to detect and quantify the expression of IGF-I and/or IGF-II mRNA transcripts in human osteoblast-like cells and to investigate whether glucocorticoids regulate the expression of IGF-I mRNA transcripts in human osteoblast-like cells.

Cultures of human osteoblast-like cells from trabecular bone were established. The IGF-IA and IGF-IB transcripts were detected in human osteoblast-like cells from seven out of nine patients while the IGF-II transcript was detected in human osteoblast-like cells from eight out of nine patients, as determined by RT-PCR assays. Human osteoblast-like cells, as well as human muscle tissue, expressed approximately 1/10 of the IGF-I mRNA levels found in liver, as determined by RNase protection solution hybridization assay. The IGF-I mRNA levels did not decrease with age in the human osteoblast-like cells and no difference was seen between males and females. However, cortisol (10−6 mol/l) decreased IGF-I mRNA levels.

In summary, the present study has shown that human osteoblast-like cells express IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA transcripts and that cortisol down-regulates the IGF-I mRNA levels, indicating that some of the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on bone formation in humans is mediated via a reduced autocrine/paracrine expression of IGF-I.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 397–403
Hormonal regulation of IGF-binding protein-2 expression in proliferating C2C12 myoblasts
Authors: Ernst C W , White M E
Published: December 2004

No studies have investigated the hormonal regulation of IGF-binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) secretion and mRNA expression in myoblasts. In this study, cells of the C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line were used to examine the effects of various agents on the hormonal regulation of IGFBP-2. Conditioned medium (CM) was collected and cells were harvested at 2, 4, 6, 15 and 24 h after exposure to treatment media containing porcine insulin (pINS) or recombinant human IGF-I (rhIGF-I), and at 6, 15 and 24 h after exposure to treatment media containing dexamethasone (DEX) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Relative abundance of a single 1·8 kb IGFBP-2 mRNA transcript was determined by Northern analysis using total cellular RNA and a labeled cDNA specific for rat IGFBP-2. IGFBP-2 was detected in CM by probing Western blots with 125I-IGF-I (ligand blot analysis). We have previously shown by immunoblot analysis that the predominant 32 000 Mr protein on ligand blots is IGFBP-2. Treatment with 10−9 or 10−6 m pINS led to a rapid reduction (P<0·01) in relative IGFBP-2 mRNA abundance and protein secretion relative to controls. Treatment with 7 × 10−10 or 7 × 10−9 m (5 or 50 ng/ml) rhIGF-I increased IGFBP-2 mRNA abundance and protein secretion (P<0·01). Cultures treated with 10−8 m DEX exhibited significantly increased (P<0·001) IGFBP-2 mRNA and protein. IGFBP-2 secretion was not affected by 10−6 m PGE2 but mRNA levels were higher than controls at 24 h (P<0·01). These findings suggest that multiple factors, including growth factors and metabolic hormones, are involved in regulating IGFBP-2 expression in C2C12 myoblasts.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 417–429
Changes in the binding characteristics of the μ, δ and κ subtypes of the opioid receptor in the hypothalamus of the normal cyclic ewe and in the ovariectomised ewe following treatment with ovarian steroids
Authors: Thom B , Canny B J , Cowley M , Wright P J , Clarke I J
Published: December 2004

The μ, δ and κ opioid receptor subtypes were measured across the oestrous cycle of the ewe and in ovariectomised (OVX) ewes treated with oestrogen and/or progesterone. We have used a subtype-specific opioid receptor binding assay, in which [3H]diprenorphine non-preferentially labelled each receptor subtype in the presence of blocking concentrations of site-specific opioid analogues. The density and affinity of each receptor subtype was measured in the preoptic area (POA) of the hypothalamus and the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH). Normally cycling ewes were killed during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle and at various times after an injection of a synthetic prostaglandin (cloprostenol) to synchronise the onset of the follicular phase. OVX ewes were either untreated as controls (n=4) or treated with oestrogen (n=4), progesterone (n=4) or oestrogen and progesterone combined (n=4). The total number of opioid receptors did not alter across the oestrous cycle or with steroid hormone treatment. In the POA, the mean (± s.e.m.) number of δ receptors was significantly (P<0·05) greater during the luteal phase than 24 h into the follicular phase (133 ± 45 vs 35 ± 8 fmol/mg protein). A significantly (P<0·05) greater number of δ receptors was also found in the OVX progesterone-treated ewes compared with the control animals (172 ± 9 vs 39 ± 4 fmol/mg protein). In the MBH, the number of δ receptors was significantly (P<0·01) greater in ewes killed 56 h after prostaglandin than luteal-phase ewes (184 ± 40 vs 51 ± 7 fmol/mg protein). The number of μ receptors in both the POA and the MBH was also significantly (P<0·05) higher in the 56-h group than in the 12-h group. A similar trend was also observed in the steroid-treated animals, although differences did not reach statistical significance. The δ:μ ratio in the POA was significantly (P<0·05) higher in the luteal-phase animals than any of the other groups killed after a cloprostenol injection that causes luteolysis. Similarly the ratio of δ receptor density to μ receptor density was greater (P<0·05) in the OVX progesterone-treated ewes than in the OVX control ewes. No differences were found in the κ receptor density across the cycle or with different steroid treatments. These data suggest that the relative proportions of the δ and μ subtypes of the opioid receptor in the hypothalamus change during the oestrous cycle. Regulation appears to be due to the feedback effects of ovarian steroids with progesterone altering the δ:μ ratio. In the MBH, there was a general increase in both δ and μ subtypes during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. This may explain, in part, how the responsiveness of the GnRH/LH axis to opioid peptides and antagonists changes across the cycle.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 149, 509–518
Nutritional regulation of gene expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins and the acid-labile subunit in various tissues of rats
Authors: Takenaka A , Mori M , Yamada S , Ohgane J , Takahashi S-I , Noguchi T
Published: December 2004

The plasma concentration and liver mRNA content of IGF-I are regulated by the quantity and quality of dietary proteins. To determine whether the synthesis of IGF-binding proteins (BPs) is also affected by protein nutrition, we assessed plasma concentration, tissue mRNA content and liver transcription rate of each BP after rats were fed either a 12% casein or a protein-free diet for 1 week. Protein deprivation reduced the plasma concentration of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-4 and increased that of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2. The mRNA content in tissues and liver transcription rates of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-4 did not change in response to protein deprivation although their plasma concentrations decreased. The increased plasma IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 concentrations were explained by the increased mRNA content and transcription rate of their genes in the liver. Although IGFBP-1 mRNA was increased by protein deprivation not only in liver but also in kidney, IGFBP-2 mRNA was increased only in liver and did not increase in any other tissue examined. In addition, the liver mRNA content of the acid-labile subunit, which can form a ternary complex with IGFs and IGFBP-3, was not affected by protein deprivation. These results show that tissue-specific synthesis of each BP is regulated in a distinct way in response to protein deprivation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 150, 33–41
The ovine pancreatic protein which binds insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 is procarboxypeptidase A
Authors: Fowke P J , Hodgkinson S C
Published: December 2004

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is known to modulate the actions of insulin-like growth factors (IGF)-I and -II at the level of the cell. Proposed mechanisms include association of IGFBP-3 with cell surface proteoglycan, with cell surface binding proteins, proteolysis and/or internalization of IGFBP-3. In previous studies we have characterized a protein of 40 kDa in extracts of ovine pancreas and muscle which binds IGFBP-3 on ligand blot analyses. This paper reports the identity of the pancreatic species as procarboxypeptidase A (peptidyl-l-amino acid hydrolase, E.C. 3.4.17.1; proCPA). Identity was established by amino terminal sequence analysis, binding studies with pure bovine carboxypeptidase A (CPA) and observations that the binding activity was present in pancreatic secretions consistent with the role of proCPA as a secretory zymogen. The binding activity was inhibited by unlabelled IGFBP-3 at high doses (10 μg/ml) and reduced but not abolished by preincubation of 125I-IGFBP-3 with excess IGF-I. Digestion of 125I-IGFBP-3 with mature CPA produced a 26 kDa product. Modification of IGFBP-3 by CPA or binding to proCPA may provide a mechanism for modulation of IGFBP activity and hence IGF action.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 150, 51–56
IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 in plasma of GH-deficient rats
Authors: Butler A A , Gallaher B W , Ambler G R , Gluckman P D , Breier B H
Published: December 2004

The majority of IGF-I circulates in a large (150 kDa) ternary complex with IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and a non-IGF-binding acid-labile subunit. The secretion of ternary complex into the circulation from liver has been considered to be GH-dependent; however, recent data indicate that GH does not directly regulate hepatic IGFBP-3 synthesis. To examine the role of insulin in regulating plasma IGFBP-3 levels, postpubertal male GH-deficient (dw/dw) rats were treated every 8 h with injections (s.c.) of 0·9% saline, 20 μg insulin/day, 200 μg hIGF-I/day, or 20 μg insulin/day plus 200 μg hIGF-I/day, for 10 days with the animals being killed 2–3 h after the final injection. Hypoglycaemia was not observed in any of the treatment groups. hIGF-I treatment increased longitudinal growth and weight gain (P<0·05), while insulin treatment had no effect. Plasma IGF-I levels were increased in groups treated with hIGF-I (P<0·05), while insulin treatment resulted in a reduction (P<0-05): saline=267·1 ± 15·6 (ng/ml ± s.e.m.), insulin=219·3 ± 17·5, hIGF-I=391·7 ± 17·6, insulin plus hIGF-I=357·5 ± 31·8. Hepatic IGF-I mRNA expression was increased in insulin-treated dw/dw rats in comparison with hIGF-I-treated animals (P<0·05) but not in comparison with saline control or the combined treatment groups. Plasma levels of intact IGFBP-3, measured by ligand blot analysis, were increased in all treatment groups compared with saline (P<0·05): saline=100·0 ± 9·4% (% of saline ± s.e.m.), insulin=149·9 ± 17·5%, hIGF-I= 191·4 ± 17·3%, insulin plus hIGF-I=205·4 ± 15·3%. The levels of the 28/32 kDa IGFBPs and IGFBP-4 in plasma were increased by hIGF-I treatment (P<0·05) but not by insulin treatment. Hepatic specific 125I-bovine GH binding was not significantly different in any of the treatment groups. This study provides the first evidence in non-diabetic animals that insulin regulates hepatic IGF-I mRNA expression, plasma IGF-I and plasma IGFBP-3 levels in the GH-deficient state without changes in hepatic GH receptors. The divergent response of plasma IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels to insulin treatment in the present study may indicate an effect of insulin on the clearance of IGF-I from the circulation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 150, 67–76
Superior potency of infused IGF-I analogues which bind poorly to IGF-binding proteins is maintained when administered by injection
Authors: Tomas F M , Lemmey A B , Read L C , Ballard F J
Published: December 2004

The relative potency of IGF-I and the analogue LR3IGF-I to either promote growth or reverse catabolism in rats when administered by injection rather than by continuous infusion has been examined. LR3IGF-I has very low affinity for the IGF-binding proteins in the rat and hence is cleared from the circulation more quickly than is IGF-I. Experiments were performed in normal growing rats (150 g body weight) and in rats made catabolic by dexamethasone infusion (20 μg/day). IGFs or vehicle were delivered subcutaneously for 7 days either by continuous infusion via osmotic pumps or by injection once or twice daily at 320 and 400 μg/day in normal and catabolic rats respectively.

As expected, continuous infusion of IGFs showed greater efficacy than either of the injection modes especially in its anti-catabolic actions. When infused continuously LR3 IGF-I was generally 1·5- to 2-fold more potent than IGF-I for changes in body weight gain, visceral organ weights and feed use efficiency. Notably, LR3 IGF-I remained more potent than IGF-I in several of these effects even when the peptides were given by once-daily injection. In addition, Nτ-methylhistidine excretion by dexamethasone-treated rats was reduced to a threefold greater extent by injected LR3 IGF-I than by injected IGF-I. Notwithstanding these effects, LR3IGF-I was barely equipotent with IGF-I for reversal of carcass muscle loss in dexamethasone-treated rats.

Despite its more rapid clearance from the circulation, injected LR3IGF-I retains superior potency to injected IGF-I for several actions, albeit the potency is much reduced compared with continuous infusion. Thus our data indicate that use of IGF analogues which have low affinity for binding proteins may have advantages in potency and/or tissue specificity where IGFs are necessarily administered by injection.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 150, 77–84