bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Peptide Orphanin FQ Inhibits β-Endorphin Neurons and Neurosecretory Cells in the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus by Activating an Inwardly-Rectifying K+ Conductance
Authors: Wagner Edward J. , Rønnekleiv Oline K. , Grandy David K. , Kelly Martin J.
Published: April 2003

Orphanin FQ (OFQ) is a novel heptadecapeptide whose structure resembles that of dynorphin A1–17. Its receptor shares appreciable homology with µ-, δ- and ĸ-opioid receptors, and is highly expressed in the hypothalamus. The present study examined the effects of OFQ on neurons within the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the mediobasal hypothalamus, using intracellular recordings from coronal slices. In current clamp, OFQ produced a hyperpolarization of ARC neurons, including those immunopositive for β-endorphin, tyrosine hydroxylase and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This hyperpolarization was dose-dependent, insensitive to antagonism by naloxone and was associated with a decrease in input resistance. In voltage clamp, OFQ produced an outward current associated with an increase in conductance. Varying the extracellular K+ concentration shifted the reversal potential for the OFQ response to the degree predicted by the Nernst equation. Furthermore, barium chloride markedly attenuated both the OFQ-induced hyperpolarization and decrease in input resistance. Administration of maximally effective concentrations of OFQ, followed by coadministration of maximal concentrations of either OFQ and the µ-opioid receptor agonist DAMGO or OFQ and the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen produced additive hyperpolarizations and outward currents. If DAMGO was applied first, followed by the coadministration of DAMGO and OFQ, then the responses were occluded. Taken together, these results indicate that OFQ inhibits β-endorphin neurons, as well as A12 dopamine and GnRH neurosecretory cells, within the ARC by activating a subset of inwardly-rectifying K+ channels. This suggests that OFQ is not only an antiopioid peptide, but that it also modulates the hypothalamo-pituitary axis and, ultimately, reproductive behavior.
Long-Term Inhibitory Effects of Somatostatin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 on Growth Hormone Release by Serum-Free Primary Culture of Pituitary Cells from European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: Rousseau Karine , Huang Yung-Sen , Le Belle Nadine , Vidal Bernadette , Marchelidon Jacques , Epelbaum Jacques , Dufour Sylvie
Published: April 2003

To investigate the ability of hypothalamic and peripheral factors to directly regulate growth hormone (GH) release in a primitive teleost, the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.), we used primary cultures of dispersed pituitary cells. When cultured for 12 days in a serum-free medium, pituitary cells continuously released large amounts of GH, which exceeded the initial cellular content. Somatotropin-release inhibiting hormone (SRIH-14) dose-dependently inhibited GH release (EC50 0.75 nM) up to a maximal inhibitory effect of 95%. No desensitization of somatotropes to SRIH was observed over the 12 days of culture. Use of receptor subtype-selective SRIH agonists suggests the existence on eel somatotropes of SRIH receptor(s) related to the mammalian sst2/sst3/sst5 class rather than to the sst1/sst4 class. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) dose-dependently inhibited GH release (EC50 0.03 nM) up to a maximal inhibitory effect of 85%, without desensitization. IGF1 and IGF2 were equipotent in inhibiting GH release, whereas insulin was 1,000 times less active, suggesting the implication of a receptor related to the mammalian IGF type 1 receptor. These results indicate that eel somatotropes are active in vitro without any specific additional factors, and suggest the existence of a dominant inhibitory control of GH release in vivo. Two potential candidates for this chronic negative regulation are a neurohormone, SRIH and a circulating factor, IGF1. These data underline the early evolutionary origin of the molecular and functional SRIH-GH-IGF1 neuroendocrine axis in vertebrates.
Dehydration-Induced Renin Secretion: Involvement of Histaminergic Neurons
Authors: Kjær Andreas , Knigge Ulrich , Jørgensen Henrik , Warberg Jørgen
Published: April 2003

Renin secretion is controlled locally in the kidneys as well as via central neuronal mechanisms. The neuronal mechanisms are not fully understood but may involve the neurotransmitter histamine (HA) since centrally infused HA stimulates renin secretion. This, however, does not prove that HA is of any physiological importance for the regulation of renin secretion. Dehydration is a physiological stimulus of renin secretion and, therefore, we studied the possible role of hypothalamic histaminergic neurons in dehydration-induced renin secretion in conscious male rats. In addition, we expanded on our previous investigations of HA-induced renin secretion. Twenty-four hours of dehydration induced a 3-fold increase in plasma renin activity (PRA). Pretreatment with the HA synthesis inhibitor α-fluoromethylhistidine inhibited the dehydration-induced PRA secretion by 80% whereas pretreatment with the H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine (MEP) or the H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine (RAN) inhibited the PRA response to dehydration by approximately 40%. In euhydrated control rats, none of the HA-blocking agents had any significant effect on basal PRA secretion. Central administration of HA stimulated PRA almost 2-fold and the maximum concentration of PRA was reached after 15 min. Pretreatment with the H1 receptor antagonist MEP or the H2 receptor antagonist RAN totally inhibited the HA-induced PRA secretion. We conclude that HA activates renin secretion via H1 and H2 receptors and that HA seems to be a physiological mediator of dehydration-induced renin secretion via activation of H1 and H2 receptors. The effect is probably indirect and may among others involve the catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems.
Selective Inhibition of Magnocellular Vasopressin Neurons by Hypoosmolality: Effect on Histamine- and Stress-Induced Secretion of Adrenocorticotropin and Prolactin
Authors: Kjær Andreas , Knigge Ulrich , Jørgensen Henrik , Warberg Jørgen
Published: April 2003

We investigated the effect of selective inhibition of magnocellular arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin neurons on histamine (HA)- and restraint-stress-induced adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion in conscious male rats. The inhibition of magnocellular neurons was obtained by inducing chronic hypoosmolality via continuous exposure of the rats to the AVP V2 receptor agonist 1-deamino(8-D-arginine)vasopressin (DDAVP) which was released from osmotic pumps implanted subcutaneously. In DDAVP-treated rats, plasma osmolality and sodium concentration were 273 mosm/l and 130 mmol/l, respectively. In control rats, the corresponding values were 291 mosm/l and 139 mmol/l. HA (270 nmol) administered intracerebroventricularly or 5 min of restraint stress stimulated ACTH and PRL secretion 4- to 11-fold in normoosmolar rats. In hypoosmolar rats, the HA-induced ACTH response was inhibited more than 40% whereas the restraint-stress-induced ACTH response was unaffected. Conversely, the PRL response to HA in hypoosmolar rats was unaffected whereas the PRL response to restraint stress was inhibited by 40%. In summary, chronic hypoosmolality inhibits HA-induced ACTH and restraint-stress-induced PRL secretion indicating involvement of magnocellular AVP in these responses.
Evidence for GnRH Regulation by Leptin: Leptin Administration Prevents Reduced Pulsatile LH Secretion during Fasting
Authors: Nagatani Shoji , Guthikonda Padma , Thompson Robert C. , Tsukamura Hiroko , Maeda Kei-Ichiro , Foster Douglas L.
Published: April 2003

Administration of leptin during undernutrition improves reproductive function, but whether this occurs at the level of the brain, pituitary, or gonads is not yet clear. The present study tested the hypothesis that one important mechanism is the control of pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Our approach was to determine if leptin could prevent the marked suppression of pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion which occurs during fasting. Leptin (3 µg/g i.p.; three times/48 h) or vehicle was administered during a 48-hour fast in adult ovariectomized and estrogen-treated ovariectomized rats (n = 5–7/group). LH was measured in blood samples collected every 6 min for 2 h before and after fasting. In vehicle-treated animals, plasma insulin and leptin levels decreased after fasting. As expected, the LH pulse frequency also decreased markedly. When circulating leptin remained artificially elevated during fasting, the suppression of LH pulse frequency did not occur. Leptin treatment maintained a high LH pulse frequency in the presence or absence of estrogen. The finding that leptin modulates LH pulse frequency indicates that this fat-derived hormone conveys information about nutrition to mechanisms which regulate pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. Because this occurs in the absence of estrogen, the mechanism does not necessarily involve modulation of negative feedback.
Identification and Characterization of a Receptor from Goldfish Specific for a Teleost Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone-Like Peptide
Authors: Chan Koon-Wing , Yu Kei-Li , Rivier Jean , Chow Billy K.-C.
Published: April 2003

In mammals, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), acting via the GHRH receptor, plays an important role in the regulation of growth hormone (GH) synthesis and secretion as well as the proliferation and differentiation of somatotropes in the pituitary. In fishes, information concerning the functional role of the characterized GHRHs is limited. For that reason, a putative goldfish GHRH receptor cDNA was characterized in this study. The receptor cDNA is 2,243 bp in length, encoding a 438-amino-acid-long polypeptide with 7 putative transmembrane-spanning regions, which is a characteristic of G-protein-coupled receptors. The receptor, when expressed in COS-7 cells, showed minimal responses (2-fold cAMP responses) when stimulated with 100 nM of human GHRH, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). However, this receptor was found to be specific for a carp GHRH-like peptide isolated from the brain of common carp (Cyprinus carpio); there was a significant and dose-dependent increase in intracellular cAMP (a maximum response of 22-fold increase with an EC50 of 0.1 nM) when the transfected cells were stimulated with this peptide. As a preliminary study to investigate the functional role of this receptor, the tissue distribution of the mRNA was analyzed by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The receptor mRNA was found to be present in the brain, pituitary, gut, gill, heart, liver, skeletal muscle, spleen, ovary and testis. Together with a goldfish PACAP type 1 receptor and a VIP1 receptor recently isolated in our laboratory, characterization of this putative GHRH receptor provides the molecular basis for the future understanding of the neuroendocrine control of growth and reproduction by these neuropeptides in goldfish as well as other teleosts.
Nitric Oxide (NO) Stimulates Gonadotropin Secretion in vitro through a Calcium-Dependent, cGMP-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Pinilla Leonor , González Dolores , Tena-Sempere Manuel , Aguilar Enrique
Published: April 2003

In the last few years, nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as an important intra- and intracellular messenger involved in the control of hypothalamic-pituitary function. The present experiments were undertaken in order to evaluate the pituitary component in the modulatory action of NO on gonadotropin secretion, as well as the second messenger pathway(s) involved. In a first step, we assessed LH and FSH secretion by hemipituitaries incubated in the presence of increasing concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a potent NO donor, and cyclic guanosin monophosphate (cGMP), the second messenger for a wide range of NO actions. In addition, given that SNP induces the release of NO and cyanide ions, the response to SNP was tested in the presence of hemoglobin (an NO scavenger) or rhodanese + sodium thiosulfate (inactivators of cyanides) in order to ensure that the effects of SNP on gonadotropin secretion were mediated by the release of NO. SNP (10–4–10–3 M) stimulated gonadotropin secretion in our incubation system, whereas cGMP, at all doses tested, was ineffective. Similar results were obtained using dispersed pituitary cells. The stimulatory action of SNP is attributable to its ability to induce NO release since it was blocked by hemoglobin, but preserved after incubation with rhodanese + sodium thiosulfate. In further experiments, we aimed to identify the mechanism(s) underlying SNP-induced gonadotropin secretion. First, to evaluate the involvement of calcium (Ca2+), the effects of SNP were analyzed in a calcium-free medium, after depletion of Ca2+ stores by caffeine, in the presence of the Ca2+ chelator ethylene glycol bis (p-aminoethyl ether) N,N-tetra-acetic acid (EGTA), and after incubation with the Ca2+ channel blockers verapamil and nifedipine. Second, to confirm that cGMP is not involved in the stimulatory action of SNP, the effects of the latter on gonadotropin secretion were tested in the presence of the antagonists of the guanylyl cyclases oxadiazoloquinoxaline and LY 83,583. Our results showed that the stimulatory action of SNP on gonadotropin release is blunted in Ca2+-free medium and after incubation with EGTA, verapamil, nifedipine, and caffeine. On the contrary, the effect of SNP remained unaltered after antagonization of guanylyl cyclases. We conclude that NO, acting at the pituitary level, stimulates gonadotropin secretion through a calcium-dependent, cGMP-independent mechanism.
Growth Hormone-Dependent Regulation of Pituitary GH Secretagogue Receptor (GHS-R) mRNA Levels in the Spontaneous Dwarf Rat
Authors: Kamegai Jun , Wakabayashi Ichiji , Miyamoto Kaoru , Unterman Terry G. , Kineman Rhonda D. , Frohman Lawrence A.
Published: April 2003

Growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) are synthetic peptidyl and nonpeptidyl compounds that are believed to stimulate the release of GH by a direct effect on the pituitary somatotrope and by stimulation of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) release and the suppression of somatostatin (SRIH) tone. Recently, the receptor for these pharmacologic agents was cloned and its expression localized to the pituitary and hypothalamus. The elucidation of an unique GHS receptor (GHS-R) suggests there is a yet to be identified endogenous ligand which could exert an important role in regulation of GH secretion. It is clearly established that GH acts to regulate its own production by feeding back at the level of the hypothalamus to downregulate GHRH and upregulate SRIH synthesis and by induction of IGF-I, which acts at the pituitary to block somatotrope responsiveness to GHRH. If the endogenous GHS/GHS-R signaling system is important in regulating GH release, it might be reasoned that changes in circulating GH concentrations would also directly or indirectly (via generation of IGF-I) modify GHS-R production. To test this hypothesis we used RT-PCR to examined pituitary and hypothalamic GHS-R mRNA levels in the spontaneous dwarf rat (SDR), an animal model characterized by the absence of GH due to a point mutation in the GH gene. In the absence of GH feedback regulation, SDR pituitary GHS-R mRNA levels were 385 ± 61% greater (p < 0.01) than those observed in normal controls while SDR hypothalamic GHS-R mRNA levels were not significantly different from those in normal rats. Three-day subcutaneous infusion of rat GH by osmotic pump reduced SDR pituitary GHS-R mRNA levels to 55 ± 9% of vehicle-treated controls (p < 0.05) but did not significantly alter hypothalamic GHS-R mRNA levels. To test if the changes in GHS-R mRNA levels observed following GH treatment were due to elevation of circulating IGF-I concentrations, SDRs were infused with recombinant human IGF-I. Replacement of IGF-I did not significantly alter either pituitary or hypothalamic GHS-R mRNA levels, indicating that GH acts independent of circulating IGF-I to regulate pituitary GHS-R expression in the SDR model.
Site-Specific Induction of Fos Immunoreactivity in Preoptic and Hypothalamic NADPH-Positive Neurons during Glucoprivation
Authors: Briski Karen P. , Sylvester Paul W.
Published: April 2003

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase, e.g. NADPH diaphorase (NADPH-d), catalyzes formation of the free radical, nitric oxide (NO), and occurs within brain structures that have functional significance for energy fuel homeostasis. The following studies examined whether populations of NADPH-d-positive neurons in the hypothalamus and nearby preoptic area express immunoreactivity for the nuclear transcription factor, Fos, in response to glucose substrate imbalance. Eight days after bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and subcutaneous implantation of silastic capsules containing 30 µg estradiol benzoate/ml, female rats were injected i.p. with the glucose antimetabolite, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG; 400 mg/kg), or the vehicle, saline. The animals were sacrificed by transcardial perfusion 2 h after these treatments. Sections at 150-µm intervals throughout preoptic area and anterior and tuberal regions of the hypothalamus were processed for dual cytoplasmic NADPH-d enzyme activity and nuclear Fos-immunoreactivity (-ir). The glucose antimetabolite elicited expression of nuclear Fos-ir by NADPH-d-positive neurons in several neural structures, including the medial preoptic area, median preoptic nucleus, anterior commissural, periventricular magnocellular supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, and medial part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. In contrast, the extensive populations of NADPH-d-positive neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and lateral hypothalamic area showed very little immunolabeling for Fos in response to glucoprivation. This demonstration of nuclear immunoreactivity for Fos suggests that cellular glucopenia elicits the transcriptional activation, via AP-1 regulatory sites, of multiple populations of hypothalamic neurons characterized by the functional capacity to generate NO, and thus that this gaseous neurotransmitter may fulfill a role(s) in central neural mechanisms governing regulation of compensatory motor responses to metabolic imbalance.
Photoperiod Affects the Gonadotropin- Releasing Hormone Neuronal System of Male Prairie Voles (Microtus ochrogaster)
Authors: Kriegsfeld Lance J. , Nelson Randy J.
Published: April 2003

In order to maximize survival, animals inhabiting temperate and boreal latitudes exhibit numerous adaptations to changing seasons. Central among this suite of coping strategies is the cessation of breeding during the suboptimal conditions of winter. Many nontropical rodents inhibit reproduction well in advance of winter in response to short day lengths. Male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are small temperate-zone rodents that vary in their reproductive response to photoperiod. Some male voles undergo complete gonadal regression during short days (responders) while others fail to inhibit reproduction when exposed to short day lengths (nonresponders). The neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating this differential response to photoperiod have not been investigated in this species. Presumably, photoperiod can act at any or all levels of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis to regulate reproduction. The present study sought to determine the contribution of the GnRH system to this variable reproductive response to photoperiod. Male prairie voles were housed in either long or short day lengths for 10 weeks. As shown with immunohistochemistry, voles that underwent gonadal regression in response to short photoperiods exhibited increased GnRH neuron numbers in the preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus (POA/AH) relative to both long-day animals and short-day voles that maintained reproductive function. Mean optical density of staining and cell size did not differ among groups. These data suggest that the differential reproductive response to photoperiod in male voles is mediated, in part, by alterations in the GnRH neuronal system.
Estrogen Transiently Increases Delayed Rectifier, Voltage-Dependent Potassium Currents in Ovine Gonadotropes
Authors: Cowley MichaelA. , Chen Chen , Clarke IainJ.
Published: April 2003

Treatment of gonadotropes with estrogen (E) changes the electrophysiological response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) such that the cells are hyperpolarised immediately after stimulation with GnRH and then generate action potentials more frequently than non-E-treated cells. We investigated the role of K+ current in this altered response to GnRH using cultures of ewe pituitary cells enriched for gonadotropes. K+ current density was measured using nystatin-perforated whole-cell recordings in the voltage clamp mode. Treatment of cells with E for 16–20 h significantly (p < 0.01) increased the unit K+ current to 180% of that in vehicle-treated cells. Outward current in these cells flows predominantly through voltage-dependent, delayed rectifier K+ channels (IK), and E alters the magnitude of this current. The effect of E to increase the K+ current was dose- and time-dependent and was maximal after 16–20 h. The unit K+ current values returned to pre-treatment levels after 36 h of E treatment. Several cells were studied both before and after E treatment and the average effect of E on these cells was to increase the unit K+ current by 90%. The time-course of the effect of E on K+ current density is the same as the effect of E to increase LH release in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that the increase in K+ current may be an important part of the mechanism whereby E acts on gonadotropes to facilitate the LH surge which triggers ovulation.
Activation of an Inwardly Rectifying K+ Conductance by Orphanin-FQ/Nociceptin in Vasopressin-Containing Neurons
Authors: Slugg Robert M. , Rønnekleiv Oline K. , Grandy David K. , Kelly Martin J.
Published: April 2003

The orphanin-FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) receptor (previously, ORL1, LC132) has been shown to be coupled to an inwardly rectifying K+ conductance in several neuronal populations. Although OFQ/N receptor mRNA is densely expressed in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), little is known about its coupling to effector system(s). The present study examined the effects of OFQ/N on guinea pig magnocellular neurons within the SON using intracellular recording from hypothalamic slices. In the presence of tetrodotoxin, OFQ/N hyperpolarized 48 of 48 SON magnocellular neurons, 24 of which were subsequently identified by immunocytochemistry as arginine vasopressin positive (AVP+). Nineteen of the 48 SON neurons, including 7 which were AVP+, responded to OFQ/N with an outward current that reversed at the K+ equilibrium potential (EK+) and a decrease in slope resistance consistent with the activation of an inwardly rectifying K+ channel. In 4 of these neurons, BaCl2 significantly attenuated both the hyperpolarization and the decrease in slope resistance induced by OFQ/N. Twenty-one SON neurons, 13 of which were AVP+, responded to OFQ/N with an increase in slope resistance which did not reverse at EK+. An additional 5 neurons (2 were AVP+) were treated with the gap junction blocking agent carbenoxolone (CARB). CARB induced a small hyperpolarization, increased slope resistance and significantly reduced the subsequent OFQ/N-induced hyperpolarization. However, when the CARB and CARB plus OFQ/N hyperpolarizations were summed in these 5 cells, they were no different than the OFQ/N hyperpolarization alone. The effect of two putative OFQ/N receptor antagonists was also evaluated. The ĸ3-opioid antagonist naloxone benzoylhydrazone was without effect (n = 3), and the 13-amino-acid [Phe1Ψ(CH2-NH)Gly2]OFQ/N(1–13)NH2 OFQ/N analog produced a small hyperpolarization on its own in addition to partially antagonizing the effects of OFQ/N (n = 3). Taken together, these results suggest that OFQ/N acts upon SON neurons through two mechanisms, one which hyperpolarizes the neuron by activating an inwardly rectifying K+ conductance, and another which may increase membrane resistance by closing the low-resistance gap junctions.
Chronic Central Infusion of Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Effects on Fos Expression and Peptide Gene Expression in the Rat Arcuate Nucleus
Authors: Bailey Alex R.T. , Giles Michelle E. , Brown Colin H. , Bull Philip M. , Macdonald Lynn P. , Smith Lynsey C. , Smith Roy G. , Leng Gareth , Dickson Suzanne L.
Published: April 2003

Growth hormone (GH) secretagogues induce GH release, in part, by direct actions upon anterior pituitary somatotropes and, in part, by actions upon the neuroendocrine circuitry that regulates GH secretion. In particular, acute systemic administration of GH secretagogues results in increased neuronal activity and Fos protein expression in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Prolonged administration of GH secretagogues has been reported to have long-lasting effects upon GH release, promoting increased pulsatile secretion. Here, we investigated how chronic central infusion of GH secretagogues affects the response of arcuate nucleus neurons to acute systemic administration of GH secretagogues. In male rats, after central infusion of GH secretagogues for 5 days, there was no sustained expression of Fos in the arcuate nucleus, no significant induction of Fos expression in response to acute GH secretagogue challenge, and a greatly attenuated secretion of GH in response to acute GH secretagogue challenge, all reflecting loss of funtional responsiveness to GH secretagogues. In situ hybridisation revealed that, in the arcuate nucleus of GH secretagogue-infused rats, mRNA levels for GH-releasing hormone, neuropeptide Y and somatostatin were not different than in saline-infused animals. However, somatostatin mRNA levels in the periventricular nuclei of GH secretagogue-infused rats were significantly higher than those of saline-infused rats, indicating that this nucleus may play an important role in mediating the effects of chronic GH secretagogue administration.
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone and Morphine Attenuate Growth Hormone Secretagogue-Induced Activation of the Arcuate Nucleus in the Male Rat
Authors: Bailey Alex R.T. , Honda Kazufumi , Smith Roy G. , Leng Gareth
Published: April 2003

Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) administered systemically selectively induce growth hormone (GH) release from the pituitary and the expression of Fos protein in arcuate nucleus neurons. Both the control of GH release and the expression of the GHS receptor in the arcuate nucleus are thought to be regulated, at least in part, by the negative feedback actions of GH. In this study, we utilized the immunocytochemical detection of Fos protein to examine the effects of morphine- and GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)-induced GH release on the activation of arcuate nucleus neurons following GHS administration. Given alone, two structurally different GHS induced significant amounts of Fos-LI in the arcuate nucleus of male rats, suggesting activation of cells in this region. Prior administration of morphine or GHRH significantly reduced the number of Fos-positive cells in the arcuate nucleus of rats injected with either GHS, although when given together, morphine and GHRH did not produce a greater reduction in Fos expression than when given alone. In no case was there a complete reduction in Fos expression, indicating that some arcuate nucleus neurons are not subject to the feedback effects of endogenous GH. These results provide evidence that, in the male rat, GH can feedback to the hypothalamus, altering the responsiveness of neurons involved in the central response to GHS.
Insulin Metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease Differs According to Apolipoprotein E Genotype and Gender
Authors: Craft Suzanne , Asthana Sanjay , Schellenberg Gerard , Cherrier Monique , Baker Laura D. , Newcomer John , Plymate Stephen , Latendresse Shawn , Petrova Andreana , Raskind Murray , Peskind Elaine , Lofgreen Cassin , Grimwood Karla
Published: April 2003

Higher fasting plasma insulin levels and reduced CSF-to-plasma insulin ratios, suggestive of insulin resistance, have been observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who do not possess an apolipoprotein E (APOE)-Ε4 allele. We examined the relationship of APOE and gender to peripheral insulin action and hyperinsulinemic memory facilitation in patients with AD using a sensitive measure of insulin-mediated glucose disposal. Participants were 32 patients with AD (9 without an Ε4 allele, 23 with an Ε4 allele) and 25 healthy age-matched adults (16 without an Ε4 allele, 9 with an Ε4 allele). AD subjects without an Ε4 allele had significantly lower insulin-mediated glucose disposal rates than AD patients with an Ε4 allele (p < 0.03), or than normal adults without an Ε4 allele (p < 0.02). Female AD subjects showed lower insulin-mediated glucose disposal rates than did male AD subjects (p < 0.02). No significant interaction was observed between APOE group and gender, suggesting that these effects are independent. AD subjects without an Ε4 allele also showed significant memory facilitation in the hyperinsulinemic condition (p < 0.04), whereas the AD-Ε4 group did not. Also in the hyperinsulinemic condition, AD patients without an Ε4 allele had lower insulin levels than patients with an Ε4 allele (p < 0.02), and women with AD had lower insulin levels than did men with AD despite similar insulin infusion rates and body mass (p < 0.004). No gender or genotype effects were observed in either condition for normal subjects. These results provide in vivo evidence of differences in insulin-mediated energy metabolism between Ε4 and non-Ε4 AD, and suggest that defective insulin action may be of particular pathophysiologic significance for patients without an Ε-4 allele.
Thyroid Hormone Coadministration Inhibits the Estrogen-Stimulated Elevation of Preproenkephalin mRNA in Female Rat Hypothalamic Neurons
Authors: Dellovade Tammy L. , Kia Hossein Kami , Zhu Y.S. , Pfaff Donald W.
Published: April 2003

Expression of the enkephalin gene in ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of the female rat has been correlated with the performance of lordosis behavior. By antisense DNA evidence, it has been drawn into a causal role as well. Here, we explored whether, parallel to earlier molecular and behavioral results, thyroid hormone coadministration could disrupt the estrogenic induction of preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA. As expected, estradiol benzoate treatment to ovariectomized rats led to a large and significant increase in PPE gene expression in the VMH. This increase was inhibited by coadministration of thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone interference in PPE gene expression was specific to the VMH, as there were no significant effects in the central nucleus of the amygdala or in the caudate/putamen. These in situ hybridization histochemical results form a direct parallel both to previous transcriptional measurements and to reproductive behavior assays in which thyroid hormones were able to oppose estrogenic facilitation. Previous evidence supports the notion of competitive DNA binding and protein/protein interactions providing mechanisms for nuclear thyroid hormone receptors to affect estrogen receptor function, but other, additional mechanisms cannot be ruled out. To date, both oxytocin and PPE gene expression represent potential hypothalamic systems by which thyroid hormones could interfere with estrogen-stimulated female rat reproductive behavior.
Regulation of Hypothalamic Proopiomelanocortin by Leptin in Lean and Obese Rats
Authors: Korner Judith , Chua Jr. Streamson C. , Williams Julie A. , Leibel Rudolph L. , Wardlaw Sharon L.
Published: April 2003

The mechanisms by which leptin influences energy homeostasis are not entirely understood. Several observations indicate that proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is involved in the regulation of food intake and may be a mediator of leptin action. To further study this interaction, a sensitive solution hybridization assay was used to compare the levels of POMC mRNA in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) of lean (+/+, +/faf) and obese leptin receptor-deficient (faf/faf) rats. POMC peptide products were also measured by RIA in the same animals. Cytoplasmic POMC RNA levels were significantly reduced by 53% in obese rats as compared with lean controls: 0.30 ± 0.04 vs. 0.64 ± 0.07 pg/µg total RNA (p < 0.02). Significant reductions in mean concentrations of hypothalamic POMC-derived peptides from the same dissections were detected in the obese rats vs. lean controls: α-MSH 1.77 ± 0.07 vs. 2.34 ± 0.10; β-EP 4.06 ± 0.24 vs. 5.86 ± 0.36; γ3-MSH 5.32 ± 0.20 vs. 6.52 ± 0.12 ng/mg protein (p < 0.001). To determine whether leptin stimulates POMC gene transcription, the acute effect of an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of leptin (5 µg) on POMC primary transcript was quantified in the MBH of lean rats after a 16-hour fast. There was a significant 167% increase in mean POMC hnRNA levels 3 h after i.c.v. leptin injection (1.15 ± 0.22 pg/MBH; p < 0.02), but not after 1 h (0.76 ± 0.08 pg/MBH), compared to saline controls (0.69 ± 0.08 pg/MBH). 4 h after the injection of leptin, POMC hnRNA was still increased, but to a lesser extent (140%), as compared with control animals (p = 0.006). These studies demonstrate for the first time in the leptin receptor-deficient rat that there is an associated decrease in POMC gene expression and peptide levels in the MBH. Furthermore, the acute increase in the levels of POMC primary transcript in non-obese rats after a single i.c.v. injection of leptin supports a role for leptin in the regulation of POMC gene transcription. Taken together, these studies provide further evidence that POMC is an important mediator of the effects of leptin on food intake and energy expenditure.
Perimembrane Localization of the Estrogen Receptor α Protein in Neuronal Processes of Cultured Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Clarke Charlotte H. , Norfleet Andrea M. , Clarke Mark S.F. , Watson Cheryl S. , Cunningham KathrynA. , Thomas Mary L.
Published: April 2003

There is clear evidence of rapid, nongenomic responses to estrogen in a variety of neuronal model systems. To address the question of whether some of these rapid estrogen signals might be transduced by the classical estrogen receptor (ER) α or a closely related protein in nontransformed neurons, we undertook the present study using isolated fetal rat hippocampal neurons. Several antibodies developed to detect ERα were tested in this system and showed positive membrane staining in nonpermeabilized neurons. MC-20, an affinity purified anti-ERα, rabbit polyclonal IgG antibody which does not recognize ERβ was selected to carry out the majority of the experiments. When permeabilized, the hippocampal neurons exhibited low levels of nuclear staining for ERα, but abundant labeling for ERα throughout the entire cell including the neurites. In addition to traditional immunocytochemistry controls, incubation of neurons for 24 h in the presence of 10 µM antisense oligonucleotide directed against the translation start site of ERα reduced ERα immunoreactivity throughout the neurons providing further evidence that the immunostaining was specific for ERα. Confocal and conventional microscopy demonstrated that the antigen was predominately extranuclear and localization of ERα in the neurites suggests that the receptor is in close proximity to the plasma membrane. This localization is consistent with a role for ERα as a transducer of rapid, nongenomic estrogen responses in hippocampal neurons.
Identification of Epidermal Growth Factor mRNA-Expressing Cells in the Mouse Anterior Pituitary
Authors: Honda Junichi , Oomizu Souichi , Kiuchi Yuko , Komatsu Noriko , Takeuchi Sakae , Takahashi Sumio
Published: April 2003

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) produced within the pituitary gland is associated with the growth of pituitary cells in rats. The aim of the present study was to localize EGF- and EGF receptor-expressing cells, and to clarify the involvement of EGF in DNA replication in 2-month-old male mouse pituitary cells. In situ hybridization of the pituitaries of these mice demonstrated that EGF mRNA was expressed in the anterior and intermediate lobes. Within the anterior pituitary, EGF mRNA-expressing cells were medium-sized and round, and made up 40% of the total number of secretory cells. EGF receptor mRNA was only detected in anterior pituitary cells. Forty-seven percent anterior pituitary cells expressed EGF receptor mRNA. An immunocytochemical study showed that most somatotropes and some mammotropes expressed EGF mRNA. When anterior pituitary cells were enzymatically dissociated and cultured in serum-free medium, RT-PCR demonstrated both EGF mRNA and EGF receptor mRNA expression. Treatment with EGF (1 and 10 ng/ml) for 5 days stimulated DNA replication in mammotropes and corticotropes. These results indicate that the DNA replication in mammotropes and corticotropes is regulated by the paracrine and/or autocrine activity of EGF produced at least in part by these cell types themselves.
Stress-Induced Alterations in Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone and Vasopressin Gene Expression in the Paraventricular Nucleus during Ontogeny
Authors: Dent Gersham W. , Okimoto Darren K. , Smith Mark A. , Levine Seymour
Published: April 2003

From postnatal day (PND) 4 to 14, neonates display a minimal pituitary-adrenal response to mild stress, the so-called ‘stress hyporesponsive period’ (SHRP). During the SHRP, maternal deprivation (MD) alters the pituitary-adrenal system, enabling neonates to become endocrine responsive to specific stimuli. We have previously reported that during the SHRP, mild stress enhances corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Insofar as elevated CRH mRNA was observed both in the presence and absence of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) release, we hypothesized that other ACTH secretagogues may participate in the pituitary stress response. During the SHRP, does arginine vasopressin (AVP) complement the actions of CRH which might be reflected centrally by the enhanced biosynthesis of both neuropeptides? To test this hypothesis we examined the time course of stress-induced CRH and AVP mRNA in the PVN at PND 6, 12, and 18. As an index of neural activity, c-fos mRNA in the PVN was also examined. Restraint was used as the stressor and MD was employed to enable an endocrine response during the SHRP. Despite the absence of stress-induced ACTH, in nondeprived pups during the SHRP, CRH mRNA was rapidly enhanced. In their maternally deprived (DEP) counterparts, ACTH levels were increased, and a significant induction of CRH mRNA was only observed at day 12. AVP mRNA levels were elevated in DEP 12-day-old pups at 15, 30 and 60 min. In rats beyond the SHRP, plasma ACTH levels, CRH and AVP mRNA were all enhanced following restraint. At PND 18, elevated CRH mRNA was not observed until 4 h after stimulus. Following restraint, c-fos mRNA was increased at all three ages, although the magnitude of c-fos response was less during the SHRP. These results demonstrate that when restraint elicits prototypical ACTH release, the neonatal central response is to enhance the biosynthesis of both AVP and CRH. If nucleic acid changes correlate with release, the increased synthesis of both neuropeptides may indicate the potential for AVP to synergize with CRH during the neonatal stress response.
In the African Lungfish Met-Enkephalin and Leu-Enkephalin Are Derived from Separate Genes: Cloning of a Proenkephalin cDNA
Authors: Dores Robert M. , Lee Jenny , Sollars Cristina , Danielson Phillip , Lihrmann Isabelle , Vallarino Mauro , Vaudry Hubert
Published: April 2003

A full-length proenkephalin cDNA (accession number: AF232670) was cloned from an African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) brain cDNA library. The 1,351-bp African lungfish proenkephalin contains an open reading frame that codes 266 amino acids and a stop codon. Within the sequence of lungfish proenkephalin there are 5 pentapeptide opioid sequences (all YGGFM), 1 octapeptide opioid sequence (YGGFMRSL) and 1 heptapeptide opioid sequence (YGGFMGY). A Leu-enkephalin sequence was conspicuously absent in lungfish proenkephalin. These results, coupled with observations on the organization of amphibian proenkephalin and mammalian proenkephalin, indicate that among the Sarcopterygii (lobed finned fish and tetrapods), the appearance of a Leu-enkephalin sequence in proenkephalin may have evolved in either the ancestral amniotes or the ancestral mammals, but not earlier in sarcopterygian evolution. Furthermore, the detection of neurons in the lungfish CNS that are only immunopositive for Met-enkephalin, coupled with earlier anatomical studies on the presence of neurons in the lungfish CNS that are only immunopositive for Leu-enkephalin, indicates that a Leu-enkephalin-coding opioid gene must be present in the CNS of the lungfish. This gene may be the lungfish form of prodynorphin. Given the phylogenetic position of the lungfish in vertebrate evolution, the putative Leu-enkephalin-coding gene must have evolved in the ancestral sarcopterygian vertebrates, or in the ancestral gnathostomes. The apparent slow rate of lungfish evolution makes these organisms interesting models for investigating the evolution of the opioid/orphanin gene family.
Attenuation of Luteinizing Hormone Surges in Neuropeptide Y Knockout Mice
Authors: Xu Ming , Hill Jennifer W. , Levine Jon E.
Published: April 2003

To clarify the role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the regulation of the reproductive axis, these experiments evaluated the extent to which reproductive hormone secretions may be compromised in the absence of NPY expression. In NPY knockout (NPY-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice, hormone secretions were analyzed under conditions of basal release, following ovariectomy (OVX), in proestrus, after estrogen treatments which induce gonadotropin surges and after injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Radioimmunoassays of serum from metestrous females revealed that basal luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen and progesterone levels, as well as hypothalamic GnRH tissue concentrations, were not different between the two genotypes. The LH and FSH levels and GnRH tissue concentrations were likewise similar in WT and NPY-KO mice 5 and 10 days following OVX. Significant differences in LH levels were observed however when animals were exposed to pheromone stimulation (male mouse urine) to induce preovulatory LH surges. In proestrous animals, mean LH levels at 18.30–19.00 h were reduced by about 66% in NPY-KO versus WT mice (4.33 ± 1.12 ng/ml in the WT mice vs. 1.47 ± 0.42 ng/ml in the NPY-KO mice, p = 0.028). Despite diminishment of LH surges in NPY-KO mice, corpora lutea were equally abundant in the ovaries of NPY-KO and WT mice. In an additional experiment, a surge-inducing regimen of estradiol-17-β (E2) and estradiol benzoate (E2B) was administered to OVX animals. The LH surges in the NPY-KO animals treated in this manner were again diminished by approximately 50% compared to corresponding values in WT animals (WT mice 7.33 ± 0.97 ng/ml, NPY-KO mice 3.58 ± 0.74 ng/ml; p = 0.0063). To assess the contribution of altered pituitary responsiveness to the diminishment of LH surges, LH responses to a GnRH challenge (200 ng/kg subcutaneously) were determined; NPY-KO animals exhibited LH responses that were significantly reduced compared to values in WT mice (WT mice 4.88 ± 0.56 ng/ml, NPY-KO mice 3.00 ± 0.41 ng/ml; p = 0.013). Taken together, these observations do not support the idea that NPY plays a major role in the regulation of basal gonadotropin secretion or in mediating negative feedback actions of gonadal hormones. They demonstrate however that preovulatory NPY release is required for normal amplification of the LH surge that occurs on proestrus. Involvement of NPY in the generation of normal LH surges is partially mediated by the ability of the peptide to prime the anterior pituitary gland to GnRH stimulation.
In vivo and in vitro Effects of Ghrelin/Motilin-Related Peptide on Growth Hormone Secretion in the Rat
Authors: Tolle Virginie , Zizzari Philippe , Tomasetto Catherine , Rio Marie-Christine , Epelbaum Jacques , Bluet-Pajot Marie-Thérèse
Published: April 2003

Ghrelin (Ghr), a 28 amino acid gastric peptide with an n-octanoylation on Ser 3, has recently been identified as an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) receptor. A cDNA was also isolated from a mouse stomach library encoding a protein named prepromotilin-related peptide (ppMTLRP) which shares sequence similarities with prepromotilin. Mouse and rat ppMTLRP sequences (rGhr) are identical and show 89% identity with human ghrelin (hGhr). By analogy with promotilin, cleavage of proMTLRP into an 18 amino acid endogenous processed peptide can be assumed on the basis of a conserved dibasic motif in position 9–10 of its sequence. In the present work, we compared the GH-releasing activity of rGhr28/MTLRP and of hGhr28/MTRLP with that of a shorter form of the peptide, hGhr18. A short peptide devoid of Ser-3 n-octanoylation hGhr18[–] was also tested. Addition of rGhr28, hGhr28 and hGhr18 stimulated GH release to the same extent from superfused pituitaries. The effect was dose dependent in a 10–8 to 10–6M concentration range. In contrast, hGhr 18[–] was inactive. In freely moving animals, both rGhr28 and hGhr28 (10 µg, i.v.) stimulated GH release, whereas the same dose of hGhr18 or of hGhr18[–] was ineffective. After rGhr28, GH plasma levels increased as early as 5 min after injection and returned to basal values within 40–60 min. Expressed as percent stimulation, administration of rGhr28 was equally effective when injected during troughs or peaks of GH. Plasma concentrations of prolactin, adrenocorticotropin and leptin were not modified. Spontaneous GH secretory episodes were no longer observed within 3 h of rGhr28 treatment, but repeated administration of the secretagogue at 3- to 4-hour intervals resulted in a similar GH response. Activation of somatostatin (SRIH) release by ether stress did not blunt the GH response to rGhr28. This suggests that the secretagogue acts in part by inhibiting endogenous SRIH, as further substantiated by the ability of rGhr28 (10–6M), to decrease the amplitude of 25 mM K+-induced SRIH release from perifused hypothalami. In conclusion, (1) n-octanoylation of Ghrs and the shorter form hGhr18 is essential for the direct pituitary GH-releasing effect of this new family of endogenous GHSs; (2) only the longer forms are active in vivo and (3) inhibition of SRIH release appears involved in the mechanism of Ghr action.