bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preputial Sebocyte 5α-Reductase Isoform Specificity*
Authors: Deplewski Dianne , Liao Shutsung , Rosenfield Robert L.
Published: January 2014

We determined whether the 5α-reductase (5α-R) isozyme specificity in rat preputial sebocytes is in accordance with that of sebaceous glands (type 1 isoform) or with that of other genital tract androgen-dependent organs (type 2). Immunostaining indicated expression of type 1 5α-R in preputial epithelial cells in the gland as well as in culture. Northern blots and ribonuclease protection assays both showed the presence of the type 1 isozyme in preputial sebocytes, with little if any expression of the type 2 messenger RNA. Ribonuclease protection assay demonstrated that both homogenized preputial gland and freshly dispersed preputial cells express 2-fold more 5α-R type 1 messenger RNA than does skin and 7-fold more than cultured preputial cells. Since cultured preputial cells do not fully differentiate in monolayer culture, these findings suggest that 5α-R is increasingly expressed as sebaceous cells differentiate. The predominance of the type 1 isoform in preputial sebocytes is important because it indicates programming by a skin- and sebocyte-specific signal in the midst of the genital tract where the type 2 isoform otherwise predominates.
Human Thyroid Fibroblasts Exhibit a Distinctive Phenotype in Culture: Characteristic Ganglioside Profile and Functional CD40 Expression*
Authors: Smith Terry J. , Sempowski Gregory D. , Berenson Charles S. , Cao H. James , Wang Hwai-Shi , Phipps Richard P.
Published: January 2014

Fibroblasts from different regions of the human body exhibit substantial phenotypic diversity, some of which relates to the capacity for cross-talk with cells of the immune system. We examine, for the first time, thyroid fibroblast biology in culture. Thyroid explants were placed in culture, and fibroblasts were outgrown and serially passaged. These fibroblasts take on a morphology in culture resembling cells from other anatomic regions. When treated with PGE2, they assume a stellate morphology similar to that of prostanoid-treated orbital fibroblasts. The ganglioside profile exhibited by these cells is distinct from that observed previously in orbital and dermal fibroblasts. They uniformly express Thy-1, a surface glycoprotein. Messenger RNA encoding CD40, a surface receptor found on bone marrow-derived cells, and CD40 protein were expressed constitutively at low levels. Interferon-γ (500 U/ml) treatment for 48–72 h resulted in high levels of surface HLA-DR and CD40 display. When CD40 is engaged with CD40 ligand (CD40L), nuclear factor-κB binding activity is up-regulated as is interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 expression. IL-1β treatment up-regulates the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, and PGE2. These observations suggest that thyroid fibroblasts possess the molecular machinery necessary for cross-talk with immunocompetent cells such as lymphocytes and mast cells through the CD40/CD40L complex, as well as through classic cytokine networks, and to participate potentially in the inflammatory response of the thyroid gland.
Gonadal Steroids Target AMPA Glutamate Receptor-Containing Neurons in the Rat Hypothalamus, Septum and Amygdala: A Morphological and Biochemical Study*
Authors: Diano Sabrina , Naftolin Frederick , Horvath Tamas L.
Published: January 2014

Interactions between glutamate and gonadal steroids are involved in the regulation of limbic and hypothalamic functions. We hypothesized that hormonal signals affect excitatory neurotransmission by regulating the expression of glutamate receptors (GluR) in limbic and hypothalamic regions. To test this hypothesis, first, the coexpression of dl-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazone-propionate (AMPA) GluR1, GluR2/3, and androgen receptors or estrogen receptors was revealed in the same cells of septal, amygdaloid, and hypothalamic areas by double immunocytochemistry. The highest incidence of colocalization was detected in hypothalamic regions. To demonstrate a regulatory role of testosterone or estradiol on AMPA receptor expression, the hormonal milieu of male and female rats was manipulated by gonadectomy and hormonal treatment. GluR1 and GluR2/3 expression was assessed by Western blots. Statistical analysis demonstrated that testosterone and estradiol have a stimulatory influence on the expression of AMPA receptors in the hypothalamus. The regulatory effect of estradiol on AMPA receptors was found to be site and gender specific: after estradiol treatment, samples taken from the hypothalamus contained increased levels of GluR1 and GluR2/3, whereas in the septum, bed nucleus and amygdala, no changes could be detected. Furthermore, the increase in hypothalamic GluR 2/3 levels was two times higher in females, compared with males, whereas the changes in hypothalamic GluR 1 levels showed no sex differences.

Our results support the hypothesis that the interaction between gonadal steroids and glutamate involves hormone regulation of GluR. This mechanism seems to be gender and site specific, suggesting that excitatory neurotransmission and related physiological mechanisms also may be distinctly different in males and females.
Comparison of the Ligand Binding Specificity and Transcript Tissue Distribution of Estrogen Receptors α and β
Authors: Kuiper George G. J. M. , Carlsson Bo , Grandien Kaj , Enmark Eva , Häggblad Johan , Nilsson Stefan , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: January 2014

The rat estrogen receptor (ER) exists as two subtypes, ERα and ERβ, which differ in the C-terminal ligand binding domain and in the N-terminal transactivation domain. In this study we investigated the messenger RNA expression of both ER subtypes in rat tissues by RT-PCR and compared the ligand binding specificity of the ER subtypes.

Saturation ligand binding analysis of in vitro synthesized human ERα and rat ERβ protein revealed a single binding component for 16α-iodo-17β-estradiol with high affinity[ dissociation constant (Kd) = 0.1 nm for ERα protein and 0.4 nm for ERβ protein]. Most estrogenic substances or estrogenic antagonists compete with 16α-[125I]iodo-17β-estradiol for binding to both ER subtypes in a very similar preference and degree; that is, diethylstilbestrol > hexestrol > dienestrol > 4-OH-tamoxifen > 17β-estradiol > coumestrol, ICI-164384 > estrone, 17α-estradiol > nafoxidine, moxestrol > clomifene > estriol, 4-OH-estradiol > tamoxifen, 2-OH-estradiol, 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol, genistein for the ERα protein and dienestrol > 4-OH-tamoxifen > diethylstilbestrol > hexestrol > coumestrol, ICI-164384 > 17β-estradiol > estrone, genistein > estriol > nafoxidine, 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol > 17α-estradiol, clomifene, 2-OH-estradiol > 4-OH-estradiol, tamoxifen, moxestrol for the ERβ protein. The rat tissue distribution and/or the relative level of ERα and ERβ expression seems to be quite different, i.e. moderate to high expression in uterus, testis, pituitary, ovary, kidney, epididymis, and adrenal for ERα and prostate, ovary, lung, bladder, brain, uterus, and testis for ERβ. The described differences between the ER subtypes in relative ligand binding affinity and tissue distribution could contribute to the selective action of ER agonists and antagonists in different tissues.
Thyroid Hormone Controls the Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Receptor Gene at Different Levels in Lung and Heart of Developing and Adult Rats*
Authors: Moreno Beatriz , Rodríguez-Manzaneque Juan Carlos , Pérez-Castillo Ana , Santos Angel
Published: January 2014

Thyroid hormone exerts profound effects on the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs)/IGF factor I receptor (IGF-IR) system through its action on the production of IGF-I peptide and IGF-binding proteins. Most of these actions are mediated by the direct control of pituitary GH gene by thyroid hormone. In this work, we have analyzed the possible effect of hypothyroidism on the expression of IGF-IR gene, both in adult and developing animals. Our results show that in the lung and heart, thyroid hormone exerts a negative effect on IGF-IR gene expression in the adult animals and during perinatal life (from day 15 onwards). This negative effect is exerted at different levels. In the heart, this regulation occurs at a pretranslational level, indicated by the fact that parallel changes in the number of membrane IGF-I receptors and IGF-IR transcripts were observed, whereas in lung, no effect of thyroid hormone was noted in the amount of IGF-IR transcripts, suggesting a translational or posttranslational control. GH does not seem to mediate T3 effects on this gene. In contrast, retinoic acid increases the expression of IGF-IR gene at a transcriptional or posttranscriptional level in adult lung and heart. Because the IGFs/IGF-IR system is depressed in hypothyroid animals, the specific increase in the number of IGF-IRs in the lung and heart of these animals could represent a mechanism to ameliorate the negative effects of hypothyroidism on these important organs.
Regulation of Rat Testis Gonocyte Proliferation by Platelet-Derived Growth Factor and Estradiol: Identification of Signaling Mechanisms Involved*
Authors: Li Hua , Papadopoulos Vassilios , Vidic Branislav , Dym Martin , Culty Martine
Published: January 2014

To determine what factors regulate gonocyte proliferation in newborn rats, we first examined the expression of several signal transduction molecules by immunocytochemistry in 3-day-old rat testis sections. We found that gonocytes specifically expressed the ι and ζ isoforms of protein kinase (PK) C (PKC) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K). Because both the ζPKC and PI 3-K have been shown to play a role in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced cell proliferation, we examined the effects of PDGF on gonocytes. For this, we developed a method to obtain highly purified and viable gonocytes in culture. After enzymatic digestion, differential adhesion, and two successive gradient fractionations, the gonocyte suspension obtained was over 90% pure, as assessed by light microscopy. The viability of cultured gonocytes exceeded 90% after 48 h in the presence of 2.5% FBS used as a survival factor. Immunodetection studies showed that isolated gonocytes expressed ζPKC, PI 3-K, and the PDGF receptor. Treatment with 10 ng/ml PDGF induced a 4-fold increase of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into gonocytes (from 5% proliferative gonocytes under basal conditions to 20% in the presence of PDGF). Because neonatal Sertoli cells secrete high levels of the growth promoting steroid, 17β-estradiol, we also tested its effect and found that it induced gonocyte proliferation at a level comparable with that of PDGF and that this effect was blocked by the estrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 164384. The combination of PDGF and estradiol, however, was not additive, suggesting that their effects were mediated by common molecular target(s). These results demonstrate that PDGF and estradiol activate gonocyte proliferation in vitro, suggesting that they may act as the physiological regulators of gonocyte development in vivo.
Integrin Binding to Immobilized Collagen and Fibronectin Stimulates the Proliferation of Human Thyroid Cells in Culture*
Authors: Vitale Mario , Illario Maddalena , Di Matola Tiziana , Casamassima Adele , Fenzi Gianfranco , Rossi Guido
Published: January 2014

The expression of integrins of the β1 family and their possible biological effects were investigated in normal human thyroid cells in monolayer culture. The expression of β1 andα 1–6 integrin subunits was determined by flow cytofluorometry with specific antibodies. Follicular cells of subconfluent monolayer cultures expressedα 2β1 and α3β1 at high levels, while α1β1 was only slightly expressed, and α4β1,α 5β1, and α6β1 were never detected. Cell attachment assays were performed in fibronectin-, type I collagen-, and laminin-coated microtiter plates. Thyroid cells, while adherent to collagen and fibronectin, showed poor attachment to laminin despite the abundance of their putative receptorsα 2β1 and α3β1. In serum-free medium, collagen and fibronectin induced cytoskeletal organization, change of cell shape from round to flat, and cell spreading. [3H]Thymidine incorporation and proliferation assays were used to evaluate the effects of collagen and fibronectin on DNA synthesis and cell growth in the absence of a change in spreading or cell shape. Both substrates, in low serum-containing medium, induced a concentration-dependent increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation partially inhibited by RGD-containing peptides that blocked the cell attachment.

Thyrocytes cultured in low serum-containing medium on immobilized fibronectin or collagen showed a dose-dependent stimulation of proliferation. These data indicate that fibronectin and collagen can regulate the cytoskeletal organization and cell shape and stimulate the proliferation of normal human thyroid cells in culture and that integrins mediate these effects of extracellular matrix proteins.
Prolactin Regulation of Islet-Derived INS-1 Cells: Characteristics and Immunocytochemical Analysis of STAT5 Translocation*
Authors: Stout L. E. , Svensson A. M. , Sorenson R. L.
Published: January 2014

The major changes in pancreatic islet function during pregnancy and after exposure to lactogens are an increase in β-cell proliferation and enhanced insulin secretion. In this study we examined INS-1 cells as a potential model for further inquiry into PRL signaling inβ -cells. Proliferation of β-cells, insulin secretion, and quantitative immunocytochemical analysis of STAT5 translocation were studied.

PRL treatment of INS-1 cells resulted in a 2- to 4-fold increase in cell proliferation compared to that in the control group. In contrast, there was no effect of PRL treatment on HIT cell proliferation and only a very small effect on RIN cell proliferation. A significant effect on INS-1 cell proliferation was observed at 10 ng/ml and reached a maximum at 200 ng/ml.

PRL treatment resulted in enhanced insulin secretion from INS-1 cells. There was a time-dependent increase in insulin secretion, which when corrected for cell number was 1.5-fold greater in the PRL-treated cells. The effects of PRL on cell division and insulin secretion were glucose dependent.

The presence of the JAK family of tyrosine kinases and the transcription factor STAT5 in INS-1 cells was examined by immunocytochemical techniques. Although all members of the JAK family of kinases were detected, the staining intensity of JAK-2 was noticeably more intense. Initial studies of STAT5 translocation were performed using PRL-dependent Nb2 lymphoma cells, in which PRL treatment resulted in a nearly complete translocation of cytoplasmic STAT5 to the nucleus. Under control conditions there was a near-equal fluorescence intensity of STAT5 staining in the nucleus and cytoplasm of INS-1 cells. PRL treatment resulted in a time-dependent increase in STAT5 staining in the nucleus, with a corresponding decrease in the cytoplasm. The STAT5 staining intensity in the nucleus remained elevated for the duration of PRL treatment. This effect was reversible upon removal of PRL from the medium. Besides PRL, both GH and FBS induced a similar translocation of STAT5 to the nucleus. Although present in RIN cells, no detectable changes in STAT5 were observed in RIN cells after exposure to PRL, GH, or FBS.

INS-1 cells should provide a good model for further inquiry into the intracellular signaling pathways used by PRL and how these events alter islet function.
Interleukin-3 and Interleukin-6 Stimulate Cortisol Secretion from Adult Human Adrenocortical Cells
Authors: Weber M. M. , Michl P. , Auernhammer C. J. , Engelhardt D.
Published: January 2014

Accumulating data indicate that interleukins can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We evaluated the effect of human recombinant interleukin-3 (IL-3) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on cortisol secretion from adult human adrenocortical cells in primary culture. IL-3 and IL-6 (100 μg/L) equipotently stimulated basal cortisol secretion approximately 5-fold. The stimulatory effect was significant after 12 h (p < 0.01) and maximum cortisol levels were induced after 48 h. In contrast to ACTH, which significantly induced cAMP levels in parallel to its steroidogenic effect, IL-3 or IL-6 had no significant effect on cAMP. Furthermore, we showed that specific inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway by indomethacin completely blocked the steroidogenic effect of IL-6 while the effect of IL-3 was not affected. In contrast, coincubation with nordihydroguaiaretic acid—a specific inhibitor of the lipoxygenase system—abolished IL-3 stimulated steroidogenesis but had no effect on IL-6 stimulated cortisol secretion. These findings indicate that IL-3 and Il-6 directly stimulate the steroidogenesis at the adrenal level through activation of different, cAMP-independent pathways. While the stimulatory effect of IL-6 on cortisol secretion from adult human adrenocortical cells seems to be mediated through the cyclooxygenase pathway, the effect of IL-3 on adrenocortical cortisol secretion is dependent on the lipoxygenase pathway.
Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Regulates GLUT4 and GLUT1 Glucose Transporter Expression and Stimulates Transcriptional Activity of the GLUT1 Promoter in Muscle Cells*
Authors: Viñals Francesc , Ferré Josep , Fandos César , Santalucia Tomàs , Testar Xavier , Palacín Manuel , Zorzano Antonio
Published: January 2014

We have previously reported that innervation-dependent basal contractile activity regulates in an inverse manner the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT4 glucose transporters in skeletal muscle. Based on the facts that muscle innervation decreases and muscle denervation increases cAMP levels, we investigated whether cAMP might mediate the effects of innervation/denervation on glucose transporter expression. Treatment of L6E9 myotubes with 8-bromo-cAMP, forskolin, or monobutyryl-8-bromo-cAMP led to a marked decrease in GLUT4 protein levels; 8-bromo-cAMP also diminished GLUT4 messenger RNA (mRNA), suggesting pretranslational repression. In contrast, L6E9 myoblasts and myotubes responded to 8-bromo-cAMP or forskolin by increasing the cell content of GLUT1 protein. Induction of GLUT1 protein was a consequence of the activation of different mechanisms in myoblast and myotube cells; whereas 8-bromo-cAMP treatment caused a substantial increase in GLUT1 mRNA in myoblasts, no change in GLUT1 mRNA was detected in myotubes. The increase in GLUT1 mRNA in L6E9 myoblasts induced by 8-bromo-cAMP was the result of transcriptional activation, as concluded from transfection analysis of 2.1 kilobases of the rat GLUT1 gene promoter fused to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. Furthermore, the stimulatory effect of 8-bromo-cAMP on the transcriptional activity of the GLUT1 promoter required a 33-bp sequence lying 5′ upstream of the transcription start site. In all, cAMP inversely regulates GLUT4 and GLUT1 glucose transporter expression in muscle cells. Furthermore, our results suggest that down-regulation of GLUT4 expression and up-regulation of GLUT1 expression in muscle associated with denervation are partly attributable to cAMP.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-5 Binds to Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-I*
Authors: Nam Taek Jeong , Busby Walker , Clemmons David R.
Published: January 2014

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) has been shown to bind to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of both fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. The ECM-IGFBP-5 interaction is mediated in part by binding to heparan sulfate containing proteoglycans. Because proteoglycans may not be the only components of ECM that bind to IGFBP-5, we have determined its ability to bind to other ECM proteins. When a partially purified mixture of the proteins that were present in fibroblast conditioned medium was purified by IGFBP-5 affinity chromatography, a 55-kDa protein was eluted. Amino acid sequencing of the amino terminal 28 amino acids showed that it was human plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). To determine if this interaction was specific, purified human PAI-1 was incubated with IGFBP-5 and the IGFBP-5/PAI-1 complex immunoprecipitated with anti-PAI-1 antiserum. When the precipitate was analyzed by immunoblotting using anti-IGFBP-5 antiserum, the intensity of the IGFBP-5 band was substantially increased compared with controls that did not contain human PAI-1. A synthetic IGFBP-5 peptide that contained the amino acid sequence between positions 201 and 218 inhibited IGFBP-5/PAI-1 interaction. Coincubation of IGFBP-5 mutants that contained substitutions for specific basic residues located between positions 201 and 218 with PAI-1 indicated that some of these amino acids were important for binding. Two mutants that contained neutral substitutions for specific basic amino acids within the glycosaminoglycan binding domain had reduced binding to PAI-1. In contrast, three other mutants that also had substitutions for charged residues in the same region had no reduction in binding. Heparin and heparan sulfate inhibited the IGFBP-5/PAI-1 interaction; however, several other glycosaminoglycans had no effect. PAI-1 was determined to be an important ECM component for binding because approximately 27% of total ECM binding could be inhibited with anti-PAI-1 antiserum. Competitive binding studies with unlabeled IGFBP-5 showed that the dissociation constant of PAI-1 for IGFBP-5 was 9.1 × 10−8m. In summary, IGFBP-5 binds specifically to plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Because this is present in the extracellular matrix of several cell types, it may be one of the important binding components of ECM. PAI-1 binding partially protects IGFBP-5 from proteolysis, suggesting that it is one of the ECM components that is involved in mediating this effect.
1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Actions in LNCaP Human Prostate Cancer Cells Are Androgen-Dependent*
Authors: Zhao Xiao-Yan , Ly Lan H. , Peehl Donna M. , Feldman David
Published: January 2014

We and others have recently shown that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] significantly inhibits cell proliferation and increases secretion of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in LNCaP cells, an androgen-responsive human prostate cancer cell line. The present study was designed to investigate the possible interactions between 1,25-(OH)2D3 and androgens in the regulation of LNCaP cellular function. LNCaP cell growth was dose-dependently inhibited by 1,25-(OH)2D3 (60% inhibition at 10 nm) when cells were cultured in medium supplemented with FBS (FBS medium). 1,25-(OH)2D3-treated cells showed a 5-fold increase in PSA secretion, similar to the increase seen in dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated cells. In combination, 1,25-(OH)2D3 and DHT synergistically enhanced PSA secretion 22-fold. This synergistic effect was even greater when cells were cultured in medium supplemented with charcoal-stripped serum (CSS medium), where endogenous steroids are substantially depleted. Under these conditions, 1,25-(OH)2D3 and DHT together stimulated PSA secretion up to 50-fold over the untreated control. Radioligand binding assays and Western blot analyses showed that the androgen receptor (AR) content was increased significantly by 1,25-(OH)2D3 at 48 h. Furthermore, the steady-state mRNA level of AR was up-regulated approximately 2-fold by 1,25-(OH)2D3 at 24 h. When cells were grown in CSS medium, 1,25-(OH)2D3 alone no longer inhibited cell growth or induced PSA secretion. Titration experiments revealed that the addition of DHT at 1 nm to the medium restored the antiproliferative activity of 1,25-(OH)2D3. Conversely, an antiandrogen, Casodex, completely blocked 1,25-(OH)2D3 antiproliferative and PSA stimulation activities when cells were cultured in FBS medium. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the antiproliferative and PSA induction activities of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in LNCaP cells are dependent upon androgen action and that AR up-regulation by 1,25-(OH)2D3 likely contributes to the synergistic actions of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and DHT in these cells.
Spatio-Temporal Expression Patterns of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) During Follicular Development in the Rat Ovary*
Authors: Ronen-Fuhrmann Tamar , Timberg Rina , King Steven R. , Hales Karen H. , Hales Dale B. , Stocco Douglas M. , Orly Joseph
Published: January 2014

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is a vital mitochondrial protein that is indispensable for the synthesis of steroid hormones in the steroidogenic cells of the adrenal cortex and the gonads. Recent studies have shown that StAR enhances the conversion of the substrate for all steroid hormones, cholesterol, into pregnenolone, probably by facilitating cholesterol entry into the inner compartment of the mitochondria where the steroidogenic cytochrome P450scc complex resides. To study the potential of StAR to affect ovarian steroidogenesis during follicular development, we examined the time-dependent expression of StAR protein and messenger RNA in PMSG/human CG (hCG)-treated immature rats. Western blot analyses and immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methodologies have revealed a biphasic expression of StAR in the ovaries responding to hormones. The first peak of StAR expression was generated by PMSG administration and lasted for 24 h. Furthermore, it was restricted to the entire network of the ovarian secondary interstitial tissue, as well as to a fewer scattered theca-interna cells. The second burst of StAR expression was observed in response to the LH surge, as simulated by hCG. This time, StAR was expressed in the entire theca-interna and interstitial tissue, as well as in those granulosa cells that were confined to periovulatory follicles. Immunoelectron microscopy studies revealed the over 90% of StAR antigenic sites are localized in the inner compartments of the mitochondrion, suggesting a rapid removal of StAR precursor from the mitochondrial surface, where it is believed to exert its activity. Altogether, our observations portray dynamic acute alterations of StAR expression during the process of follicular maturation in this animal model. Furthermore, if StAR indeed determines steroidogenic capacities in the ovary, our findings imply that, in immature rats undergoing hormonally induced first ovulation: 1) the early phases of follicular development are supported by androgen production originating from nonfollicular cells; 2) estrogen production in the granulosa cells of Graafian follicles is nourished by a submaximal androgenic output in the theca-interstitial compartments of the ovary.
Substitution of Ala564 in the First Zinc Cluster of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)-Binding Domain of the Androgen Receptor by Asp, Asn, or Leu Exerts Differential Effects on DNA Binding*
Authors: Brüggenwirth Hennie T. , Boehmer Annemie L. M. , Lobaccaro Jean Marc , Chiche Laurent , Sultan Charles , Trapman Jan , Brinkmann Albert O.
Published: January 2014

In the androgen receptor of a patient with androgen insensitivity, the alanine residue at position 564 in the first zinc cluster of the DNA-binding domain was substituted by aspartic acid. In other members of the steroid receptor family, either valine or alanine is present at the corresponding position, suggesting the importance of a neutral amino acid residue at this site. The mutant receptor was transcriptionally inactive, which corresponded to the absence of specific DNA binding in gel retardation assays, and its inactivity in a promoter interference assay. Two other receptor mutants with a mutation at this same position were created to study the role of position 564 in the human androgen receptor on DNA binding in more detail. Introduction of asparagine at position 564 resulted in transcription activation of a mouse mammary tumor virus promoter, although at a lower level compared with the wild-type receptor. Transcription activation of an (ARE)2-TATA promoter was low, and binding to different hormone response elements could not be visualized. The receptor with a leucine residue at position 564 was as active as the wild-type receptor on a mouse mammary tumor virus promoter and an (ARE)2-TATA promoter, but interacted differentially with several hormone response elements in a gel retardation assay. The results of the transcription activation and DNA binding studies could partially be predicted from three-dimensional modeling data. The phenotype of the patient was explained by the negative charge, introduced at position 564.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-(7–36) Amide and Peptide YY Mediate Intraduodenal Fat-Induced Inhibition of Acid Secretion in Dogs*
Authors: Fung Leslie C. , Chisholm Connie , Greenberg Gordon R.
Published: January 2014

Intraduodenal fat inhibits gastric acid secretion via the release of one or more hormonal enterogastrones thought to arise from ileo-colonic mucosa. This study determined whether glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-(7–36) amide and peptide YY (PYY), colocalized in L cells found in the ileum, mediate intraduodenal fat-induced inhibition of stimulated gastric acid, and evaluated the influence of cholecystokinin-A (CCK-A) receptor activation. Gastric acid secretion in response to duodenal perfusions of 8% peptone was measured in conscious dogs with gastric and duodenal cannulas. Intraduodenal administration of a 10% fat emulsion suppressed gastric acid secretion by 72 ± 4% (P < 0.001) and increased plasma levels of GLP-1 and PYY by 44 ± 5 and 46 ± 4 fmol/ml, respectively (both P < 0.01). Pretreatment with the CCK-A receptor antagonist MK-329 completely reversed the inhibition of gastric acid by fat, suppressed rises of plasma GLP-1 (maximum change, 23 ± 4 fmol/ml), and reduced plasma PYY responses to baseline. Intravenous infusions of 50 pmol/kg·h GLP-1 or PYY, which reproduced plasma elevations after intraduodenal fat, inhibited gastric acid secretion by 66 ± 5% and 51 ± 6%, respectively (both P < 0.01); coinfusions of GLP-1 and PYY abolished gastric acid secretion (P < 0.001) without influencing plasma gastrin or somatostatin. Pretreatment with 1500 pmol/kg·h of the GLP-1 antagonist exendin-(9–39) amide did not alter the magnitude of inhibition of gastric acid caused by exogenous GLP-1. These results indicate that GLP-1 and PYY released by intraduodenal fat, in part through CCK-dependent pathways, are major enterogastrones in dogs. This inhibitory action occurs independent of circulating concentrations of somatostatin and gastrin and appears to involve a GLP-1 receptor distinct from that mediating incretin effects.
Mass Spectrometric Evidence That Agents That Cause Loss of Ca2+ from Intracellular Compartments Induce Hydrolysis of Arachidonic Acid from Pancreatic Islet Membrane Phospholipids by a Mechanism That Does Not Require a Rise in Cytosolic Ca2+ Concentration**This work was supported by U.S. Public Health Service grants PO1-HL57278, P41-RR-00954, and S10-RR-11260 and by an American Diabetes Association Career Development Award (S.R.).
Authors: Nowatzke William , Ramanadham Sasanka , Ma Zhongmin , Hsu Fong-Fu , Bohrer Alan , Turk John
Published: January 2014

Stimulation of pancreatic islets with glucose induces phospholipid hydrolysis and accumulation of nonesterified arachidonic acid, which may amplify the glucose-induced Ca2+ entry into isletβ -cells that triggers insulin secretion. Ca2+ loss fromβ -cell intracellular compartments has been proposed to induce both Ca2+ entry and events dependent on arachidonate metabolism. We examine here effects of inducing Ca2+ loss from intracellular sequestration sites with ionophore A23187 and thapsigargin on arachidonate hydrolysis from islet phospholipids. A23187 induces a decline in islet arachidonate-containing phospholipids and release of nonesterified arachidonate. A23187-induced arachidonate release is of similar magnitude when islets are stimulated in Ca2+-replete or in Ca2+-free media or when islets loaded with the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA are stimulated in Ca2+-free medium, a condition in which A23187 induces no rise in β-cell cytosolic [Ca2+]. Thapsigargin also induces islet arachidonate release under these conditions. A23187- or thapsigargin-induced arachidonate release is prevented by a bromoenol lactone (BEL) inhibitor of a β-cell phospholipase A2 (iPLA2), which does not require Ca2+ for catalytic activity and which is negatively modulated by and physically interacts with calmodulin by Ca2+-dependent mechanisms. Agents that cause Ca2+ loss from islet intracellular compartments thus induce arachidonate hydrolysis from phospholipids by a BEL-sensitive mechanism that does not require a rise in cytosolic [Ca2+], and a BEL-sensitive enzyme-like iPLA2 or a related membranous activity may participate in sensing Ca2+ compartment content.
Growth Hormone Promotion of Tubulin Polymerization Stabilizes the Microtubule Network and Protects Against Colchicine-Induced Apoptosis**Supported by monies from the National Science and Technology Board of Singapore (to P.E.L.).
Authors: Goh Eyleen L. K. , Pircher Tony J. , Lobie Peter E.
Published: January 2014

We have investigated the effect of GH on microtubular physiology in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably transfected with the complementary DNA for the rat GH receptor (CHO-GHR1–638). We show here that after 30 min of human GH (hGH) treatment of CHO-GHR1–638 cells, there was a significant increase in the level of polymerization of all four tubulin isoforms (α-, β-,γ -, and tyrosinated α-tubulin) compared with the serum-deprived state. However, this transient increase in the levels of polymerized tubulin after hGH treatment was particularly pronounced for β- and tyr α-tubulin. For α- and γ-tubulin, the hGH-induced increase in polymerization state lasted to approximately 3 h and then declined by 7 h, whereas for β- and tyr α-tubulin there was a decrease in the polymerization state at 1–2 h after hGH treatment compared with the level at 30 min (but still greater than the serum-deprived state) followed by a second but lesser wave of increased polymerization lasting to 7 h. The changes in the polymerization state of the tubulins were not accompanied by comparative changes in the level of total cellular tubulin. The proline rich box 1 region of the GH receptor was required for hGH to stimulate tubulin polymerization indicative that this event is JAK dependent. Increased tubulin polymerization still occurred in response to hGH in a receptor truncation lacking the carboxyl terminal half of the intracellular domain of the GH receptor indicative that hGH induced changes in intracellular calcium concentration is not required for tubulin polymerization. Prior treatment of CHO-GHR1–638 cells with hGH retarded colchicine induced microtubule depolymerization and also prevented colchicine induced apoptotic cell death. The integrity of the microtubule network was not required for GH-induced STAT5 mediated transcription as treatment of cells with colchicine, vincristine, or vinblastine did not alter the fold stimulation of the STAT5 mediated transcriptional response to GH. Thus one consequence of cellular treatment with GH is alteration in microtubule physiology.
α2-Heremans Schmid Glycoprotein Inhibits Insulin-Stimulated Elk-1 Phosphorylation, But Not Glucose Transport, in Rat Adipose Cells**This work was supported in part by a Research Award grant from the American Diabetes Association (to M.J.Q.).
Authors: Chen Hui , Srinivas Pothur R. , Cong Li-Na , Li Yunhua , Grunberger George , Quon Michael J.
Published: January 2014

α2-Heremans Schmid glycoprotein (α2-HSG) is a member of the fetuin family of serum proteins whose biological functions are not completely understood. There is a consensus thatα 2-HSG plays a role in the regulation of tissue mineralization. However, one aspect of α2-HSG function that remains controversial is its ability to inhibit the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase and the biological actions of insulin. Interestingly, some studies suggest that α2-HSG differentially inhibits mitogenic, but not metabolic, actions of insulin. However, these previous studies were not carried out in bona fide insulin target cells. Therefore, in the present study we investigate the effects of α2-HSG in the physiologically relevant rat adipose cell. We studied insulin-stimulated translocation of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter GLUT4 in transfected rat adipose cells overexpressing humanα 2-HSG. In addition, we measured insulin-stimulated glucose transport in adipose cells cultured with conditioned medium from the transfected cells as well as in freshly isolated adipose cells treated with purified human α2-HSG. Compared with control cells, we were unable to demonstrate any significant effect ofα 2-HSG on insulin-stimulated translocation of GLUT4 or glucose transport. In contrast, we did demonstrate that overexpression of α2-HSG in adipose cells inhibits both basal and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Elk-1 (a transcription factor phosphorylated and activated by mitogen-activated protein kinase and other related upstream kinases). Interestingly, we did not observe any major effects of α2-HSG to inhibit insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate-1, -2, or -3, in either transfected or freshly isolated adipose cells. We conclude that α2-HSG inhibits insulin-stimulated Elk-1 phosphorylation, but not glucose transport, in adipose cells by a mechanism that may involve effector molecules downstream of insulin receptor substrate proteins. .
Leptin Decreases Food Intake Induced by Melanin-Concentrating Hormone (MCH), Galanin (GAL) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the Rat
Authors: Sahu Abhiram
Published: January 2014

Recent evidence suggests that leptin reduces food intake (FI) by acting at the hypothalamic level. Leptin decreases hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY), melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and galanin (GAL) gene expression in rats. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that leptin decreases FI by additionally modulating the action of NPY, MCH or GAL in the hypothalamus. Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of NPY, MCH or GAL induced FI in satiated rats. A prior icv injection of leptin (4 μg) completely prevented the increase of FI either by MCH, GAL or NPY. These results suggest that modulation of post-synaptic actions of MCH, GAL and NPY is one of the mechanisms of leptin signaling in the hypothalamus.
Median Eminence Dopaminergic Activation Is Critical for the Early Long-Day Inhibition of Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in the Ewe**Presented, in preliminary form, at the Congress “Bioclock’s 97: the photic system and time measurement in Vertebrates,” Poitiers, France, July 9–11, 1997.
Authors: Bertrand Fabrice , Viguié Catherine , Picard Sophie , Malpaux Benoît
Published: January 2014

In ewes, photoperiod modulates LH release. The median eminence (ME) dopaminergic activity seems to be implicated in the inhibition of LH secretion by photoperiod. This study investigated the functional importance of ME dopaminergic activity for LH secretion inhibition in three inhibitory photoperiodic treatments: after 33 long days (LD) (LD1 treatment), after 72 LD (LD2 treatment), and after 34 short days. Using reverse microdialysis on three groups of seven ewes, a solution of α-methyl-paratyrosine [αMPT, an inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH); 10 mm in Ringer’s lactate] was infused into the ME for 5 h, preceded by a 5-h control period during which only vehicle was infused, in each of the three photoperiodic treatments. αMPT dramatically decreased the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentration, similarly in all three photoperiodic treatments, suggesting a similar inhibition of TH activity. In the LD1 treatment, αMPT significantly increased LH pulse frequency (+1.22 ± 0.46 pulse/5 h from control period, mean± sem, n = 9; P < 0.05) and mean concentration (+51 ± 28%; P < 0.001). In the other two photoperiodic treatments, αMPT had no significant effect on LH release. Thus, blockade of dopamine synthesis in the ME seems to stimulate LH secretion in early, but not long-term, inhibition by LD nor after the transition to short days. Therefore, dopaminergic activity of the ME seems to be critical for LH secretion inhibition in some photoperiodic inhibitory treatments but not in others.
Differential Expression of Progestin Receptor Isoforms in the Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Endometrium of Rhesus Macaques*
Authors: Bethea Cynthia L. , Widmann Andrea A.
Published: January 2014

The progestin receptor exists in at least two isoforms: a long form (PR-B) and a short form (PR-A), which can be separated and detected with Western blot analysis. It has been suggested from in vitro transfection experiments that differential expression of the two isoforms may provide one mechanism for tissue specific actions of progesterone (P). However, more information from in vivo experimentation is needed. It has been reported that P down-regulates the expression of PR in the endometrium and pituitary of E primed macaques. However, PR protein and PR messenger RNA expression in the hypothalamus is maintained with P treatment of E-primed macaques. Thus, there is tissue-specific regulation of PR by its cognate ligand in the nonhuman primate. To gain insight into the tissue-specific regulation of PR by P, we questioned whether differential expression of the isoforms of PR exists in the endometrium, pituitary, and hypothalamus of rhesus monkeys. The expression of PR-A and PR-B was examined after E (28–30 days) and E + P (14 days E + 14 days E + P) treatment in the primate endometrium, pituitary, and hypothalamus. After E or E + P treatment, the levels of PR-A were 5 times higher than PR-B in the endometrium. PR-A was 1.6-fold higher than PR-B in the pituitary. In the hypothalamus, the ratio of A to B ranged from less than 1 (B exceeds A) to unity (A and B equimolar). There was no difference in the ratio of A to B between E-treated and E + P-treated groups in any tissue examined. These observations (a) provide further support of the hypothesis that differential expression of the isoforms of PR may subserve the tissue specific actions of P and (b) also suggest that P does not differentially affect the expression of the isoforms of its cognate receptor in the endometrium, pituitary, or hypothalamus.
Expression of Chicken Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone β-Subunit Messenger Ribonucleic Acid during Embryonic and Neonatal Development*
Authors: Gregory Charles C. , Dean Carlton E. , Porter Tom E.
Published: January 2014

The importance of thyroid hormone from embryonic through neonatal life has been documented in both avian and mammalian species. However, the regulation of thyroid hormone production during this period is not completely understood. The objective of this study was to characterize expression of chicken TSHβ messenger RNA (mRNA) compared with that of thyroid hormones and GH in embryonic and neonatal chickens. Total pituitary RNA was extracted on embryonic days (e-) 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19 and neonatal days (d-) 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 and subjected to ribonuclease protection assays (RPA) for chicken TSHβ mRNA. TSHβ mRNA levels increased through e-19, with e-19 levels being greater than those at all other embryonic ages (P < 0.05). Levels decreased markedly on d-1, then slowly increased to d-6 and stayed elevated through d-12. RIAs were performed for T4, T3, and GH at the same ages. Serum T4 levels increased slowly from less than 1.0 ng/ml on e-11 to a peak of 6.6 ng/ml on d-1 (P < 0.05). After the peak on d-1, posthatch T4 levels stabilized between 3.5–4.5 ng/ml through d-12 (P < 0.05). T3 concentrations were less than 0.25 ng/ml on e-11, increased dramatically between e-19 and d-1 (P < 0.05), and remained high throughout the rest of the experiment, with a concentration of 3.25 ng/ml on d-6 (P < 0.05). GH levels for e-11 through e-17 were below the sensitivity of the GH RIA. On e-19, the GH level was 3 ng/ml and continued to increase through d-12 to a level of 130 ng/ml. As thyroid hormone levels were preceded by maximal TSHβ mRNA levels on e-19, we next determined whether TSHβ gene expression on e-19 was under TRH and T3 regulation. E-19 anterior pituitary cells were cultured in serum-free medium with either TRH (10−8) or T3 (10−8) for 20–24 h. Treatment with T3 significantly decreased levels of TSHβ mRNA (P < 0.05). However, TRH did not produce a significant increase in TSHβ mRNA, although TRH did increase TSHβ mRNA by 60%, on the average, in this study. Therefore, these results indicate that an increase in pituitary TSH production probably regulates thyroid hormone levels during late embryonic development and that negative feedback inhibition of TSH production by thyroid hormones also exists at this critical developmental stage.
Angiotensin II Activates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Via Protein Kinase C and Ras/Raf-1 Kinase in Bovine Adrenal Glomerulosa Cells
Authors: Tian Ying , Smith Roger D. , Balla Tamas , Catt Kevin J.
Published: January 2014

Angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulates growth and mitogenesis in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells, but little is known about the signaling pathways that mediate these responses. An analysis of the growth-promoting pathways in cultured bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells revealed that Ang II, acting via the AT1 receptor, caused rapid but transient activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), with an ED50 of 10–50 pm. Although neither Ca2+ influx nor Ca2+ release from intracellular stores was sufficient to activate MAPK, Ca2+ appeared to play a permissive role in this response. A major component of Ang II-induced MAPK activation was insensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX), although a minor PTX-sensitive component could not be excluded. Ang II also induced the rapid activation of ras and raf-1 kinase with time-courses that correlated with that of MAPK. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was sufficient to activate both MAPK and raf-1 kinase. However, whereas PKC depletion had no effect on Ang II-induced raf-1 kinase activation, it attenuated Ang II-induced MAPK activation. Ang II also stimulated a mobility shift of raf-1, reflecting hyperphosphorylation of the kinase. However, unlike its activation, raf-1 hyperphosphorylation was dependent on PKC and its time-course correlated not with activation, but rather with deactivation of the kinase. Taken together, these findings indicate that Ang II stimulates multiple pathways to MAPK activation via PKC and ras/raf-1 kinase in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells.