bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preferential increase in prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase compared with lipoxygenase activity in sheep placenta and amnion at term pregnancy and after intrafetal glucocorticoid administration
Authors: Langlois D. A. , Fraher L. J. , Khalil M. W. , Fraser M. , Challis J. R. G.
Published: December 2008

Prostaglandins (PGs) have been implicated as stimulants to myometrial contractility at parturition in many species. To determine whether the increased production of PGs at parturition reflects a general increase in the metabolism of arachidonic acid or a specific increase in PG endoperoxide H synthase (PGHS) compared with lipoxygenase activities, and to determine intrauterine sites of these activities, we examined the metabolism of [3H]arachidonic acid by homogenates of placenta, amnion and chorion from sheep at days 78–80, 100–105, 135–140 of pregnancy and at term (day 145). Tissues were also obtained from fetuses at day 125; four of these were infused for 84 h with cortisol and four were used as saline-treated controls. The endogenous arachidonic acid content at the start of incubation was measured by capillary gas chromatography. Radioactive metabolites were separated and quantified by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography.

At each gestational age arachidonic acid was converted to PGs, leukotrienes (LTs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). Conversion to PGs was greater in amnion than in chorion or placenta between days 78 and 140. The formation of PGs rose in placenta at term to a mean value twice that of amnion and ten times that of chorion. In amnion, the ratio of PG: LT rose significantly at term relative to 100–140 days of gestation. In placenta, the ratio of PG: LT produced from arachidonic acid and the ratio of total PGHS: lipoxygenase products rose significantly at term. In the day-125 fetuses treated with cortisol there was a significant increase in PG production relative to that in control fetuses infused with saline in placenta, amnion and chorion; the placenta and amnion being the major sites of PG production. Production of LTs and HETEs also rose significantly in the chorion and the placenta relative to controls. In both the placenta and the amnion there was a significant increase in the ratio of total PGHS to lipoxygenase products formed. We conclude that at term labour and in labour induced by intrafetal cortisol infusion, the placenta is the major site of arachidonic acid metabolism, and that there is a preferential increase in the formation of PGs over lipoxygenase products. These results are consistent with the suggestion that there is an increase in the expression or activity of PGHS in the placenta of sheep in late pregnancy.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 139, 195–204
Suppression of basal secretion of FSH inhibits follicular development and maturation during the oestrous cycle of the rat
Authors: Noguchi J. , Watanabe G. , Taya K. , Sasamoto S.
Published: December 2008

The role of basal FSH secretion during the rat oestrous cycle in regulating ovulation was examined by suppressing FSH secretion using charcoal-treated porcine follicular fluid (pFF). Although 0·5 ml pFF given at 05.00 and 11.00 h on the day of pro-oestrus had no effect on ovulation, 0·5 ml pFF given five times at 6-h intervals from 11.00 h on dioestrus to 11.00 h on pro-oestrus completely eliminated ovulation on the morning of the next oestrus. When 0·25 ml pFF was given on the same schedule, all animals ovulated a significantly decreased number of oocytes (9·0 ± 0·8) at the next oestrus. During the period of pFF treatment, the number of follicles capable of ovulating in response to human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) decreased (7·6 ± 0·7 at 05.00 h on pro-oestrus) and plasma levels of oestradiol showed a peak level 6 h later than in controls treated with 0·5 ml steroid-free porcine serum. Treatment with pFF suppressed plasma FSH concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, although plasma LH was inhibited irregularly. Supplementary administration of LH throughout the treatment period with 0·5 ml pFF resulted in ovulation of one to three oocytes in response to hCG in only three out of ten animals. These results suggest that basal secretion of FSH during the rat oestrous cycle plays an essential role in follicular development and maturation towards ovulation, and that the levels of FSH secretion may contribute to the maturation of normal numbers of follicles for ovulation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 139, 287–293
Monoclonal antibodies to bovine growth hormone potentiate hormonal activity in vivo by enhancing growth hormone binding to hepatic somatogenic receptors
Authors: Massart S. , Maiter D. , Portetelle D. , Adam E. , Renaville R. , Ketelslegers J.-M.
Published: December 2008

Administration of GH complexed with monoclonal antibodies (MABs) potentiates the in vivo actions of the hormone. In particular, growth and serum IGF-I concentrations of GH-treated hypophysectomized rats are increased by concomittant injection of anti-GH MABs. Among 37 anti-bovine GH (bGH) MABs, we selected one MAB with the most potentiating effects to investigate the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. Hypophysectomized rats were killed 18 h after a single s.c. injection of bGH (100 μg/rat), alone or complexed with increasing doses of MAB (4, 40, 400 μg/rat; MAB:bGH molar ratio: 0·005, 0·05, 0·5). IGF-I was measured by radioimmunoassay in acid–extracted sera and livers, whereas liver IGF-I mRNA was quantified by Northern blot hybridization. The in vivo occupancy of liver somatogenic (GH) receptors was derived from the determinations of total and free 125I-labelled bGH binding to liver homogenates treated with 4 mol MgCl2/l or water. Injection of MAB–bGH complexes enhanced body weight gain and raised serum IGF-I, liver IGF-I and liver IGF-I mRNA more than bGH alone (1·6-, 6-, 10- and 7-fold increases at the highest dose of MAB, compared with bGH alone; P < 0·001). These potentiating effects of the MAB were dose-dependent and significant potentiation of the growth response was already observed with the lowest dose of MAB. In vivo occupancy of liver GH receptors was markedly higher 18 h after injection of MAB–bGH complexes than after bGH alone, and this effect was also dose-dependent (receptor occupancy of 28%, 37% and 83% after 4, 40 and 400 μg of MAB respectively compared with 6% after bGH alone; P < 0·05, 0·05 and 0·001 respectively). In contrast, the in vitro binding of 125I-labelled bGH to liver homogenates was decreased in the presence of high doses of MAB.

We conclude that low amounts of MABs complexed with bGH potentiate the stimulation by the hormone of liver IGF-I synthesis and secretion in a dose–dependent manner. These effects are mediated, at least in part, through changes in hormone-receptor interaction in vivo, leading to enhanced and/or prolonged binding of bGH to its somatogenic receptors.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 139, 383–393
Effect of a β3-adrenergic agonist, BRL35135A, on glucose uptake in rat skeletal muscle in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Abe H. , Minokoshi Y. , Shimazu T.
Published: December 2008

The effects of the β3-agonist, BRL35135A, on glucose uptake in the peripheral tissues of the rat, including skeletal muscle, were studied using the 2-[3H]deoxyglucose method in anaesthetized adult animals. Intravenous infusion of the β3-agonist dose-dependently increased the rate constant of glucose uptake in three types of skeletal muscle, brown adipose tissue, white adipose tissue, heart and diaphragm, but not in the brain, spleen or lung. Although infusion of the β3-agonist did not change the plasma concentration of glucose appreciably, it caused an increase in the plasma concentration of insulin when given at more than 25 μg/kg per h. To ascertain whether the effect of the β3-agonist on glucose uptake in skeletal muscle is mediated by insulin, glucose uptake into soleus muscle isolated from young rats was also measured in vitro using different concentrations of the β3-agonist. The β3-agonist BRL37344 (an active metabolite of BRL35135A) significantly increased glucose transport in a dose-dependent manner, with maximum stimulation at 100 pmol/l. These results demonstrate that glucose uptake in skeletal muscle can be enhanced independently of the action of insulin, probably through the mediation of β3-adrenoceptors present in the tissue.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 139, 479–486
Interaction of monoclonal antibodies with growth hormone-binding protein and its complex with growth hormone
Authors: Sadeghi H. , Lumanglas A. L. , Baumbach W. R. , Wang B. S.
Published: December 2008

The properties of four independent lines of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to rat GH-binding protein (GHBP) were examined. Three MAbs, designated GHR-12, GHR-13 and GHR-16, were raised against the entire GHBP molecule. The fourth MAb, designated as GHBP4·3, was raised against the 17 amino acid residues at the C-terminal end of rat GHBP. The interaction of these antibodies with GHBP and their effect on GH binding to GHBP were analysed by conventional competition binding assays and surface plasmon resonance, i.e. with a Biospecific Interaction Analysis (BIAcore) instrument. The binding affinity of these MAbs to GHBP ranged from 29 nmol/l to 30·9 pmol/l. The pair-wise antibody binding to GHBP on BIAcore suggested that GHR-13 and GHR-16 recognized different antigenic determinants while part of the GHR-12 epitope might be shared with the other antibodies. The antibodies inhibited the interaction of GH with GHBP in the competition binding assay. However, in sequential binding on the BIAcore instrument, they were able to bind GHBP after its interaction with GH, indicating that the inhibition observed in the competition binding assay resulted from steric hindrance rather than direct interference with the GH-binding site of GHBP. The present findings, therefore, suggest that these antibodies are useful for investigating GHBP and its interaction with GH.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 139, 495–501
Effects of Asn87 and Asp318 mutations on ligand binding and signal transduction in the rat GnRH receptor.
Authors: Cook J. V. , Faccenda E. , Anderson L. , Couper G. G, , Eidne K. A. , Taylor P. L.
Published: December 2008

The gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor is unlike other G-protein coupled receptors in that the highly conserved amino acids, Asp in the second transmembrane region and Asn in the seventh, are interchanged. Site-directed mutagenesis studies mutated these residues back to their normally conserved positions. Two single mutants Asn87Asp & Asp318Asn and one double mutant Asn87Asp Asp318Asn were transiently expressed in COS-1 cells and their effect on binding to GnRH and inositol phosphate production measured. The single mutant Asp318Asn had no effect on ligand binding but abolished GnRH-dependent inositol phosphate production, whereas mutations Asn87Asp and Asn87Asp Asp318Asn show a complete loss of GnRH binding and subsequent inactivation of its second messenger system.

Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
Post-transcriptional block in oxytocin gene expression within the seminiferous tubules of the bovine testis
Authors: Ungefroren H , Davidoff M , Ivell R
Published: December 2008

Northern blot hybridization showed that bovine and sheep testis, unlike testes from other mammals, contain moderate levels of an apparently normal oxytocin gene transcript. In situ hybridization localized this mRNA to within the seminiferous tubules, possibly in the Sertoli cells. Conflicting with this result, immunohistochemistry showed that both oxytocin and the syngeneic neurophysin I epitopes are both clearly restricted to the Leydig cells, being expressed here at a low level. Since illegitimate transcription from spurious start sites can lead to a lack of translation product, the integrity of the major ruminant testicular transcripts of the oxytocin gene was checked using differential hybridization, RNase protection and multiple polymerase chain reaction assays. All tests showed the transcripts to have a normal, translatable composition and to be transcribed from the conventional 5' initiation site. Therefore, the block in oxytocin gene expression within the tubules is probably due to a lesion at the post-transcriptional level. The low level peptide expression in the Leydig cells can probably be attributed to the presence of functional transcripts in these cells, which are below the level of significant detection for the in situ hybridization assay.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 63–72
Expression of growth hormone-binding protein with a hydrophilic carboxyl terminus by the mouse placenta: studies in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Barnard R , Thordarson G , Lopez M F , Yamaguchi M , Edens A , Cramer S D , Ogren L , Talamantes F
Published: December 2008

GH-binding protein (GHBP) or GH receptor is present in numerous extrahepatic tissues in the rodent. From mid- to late gestation in the mouse, the maternal serum concentration of GHBP increases 30- to 50-fold. We have investigated whether the placenta might synthesize GHBP and potentially contribute to this increase. RNA was isolated from placentas and subjected to Northern analysis using a cDNA probe to the shared region of GHBP and GH receptor-encoding mRNAs. From day 8 to day 18 of gestation, the GHBP-encoding mRNA (1·4 kb) increased 45-fold in quantity. The GH receptor-encoding mRNA (4·2 kb) increased sixfold by day 14 and then remained steady until day 18. These changes which were not co-ordinated parallel reported changes in the steady-state concentrations of 1·4 and 4·2 kb mRNAs in maternal liver, suggesting shared regulatory factors. Extracts of freshly isolated trophoblasts were assayed for GHBP with a radioimmunoassay specific for GHBP with a hydrophilic carboxyl terminus. The cytosolic content of immunoreactive GHBP increased fourfold from mid- to late gestation. Trophoblasts were isolated from placentas and cultured for 2 days on collagen gels in defined medium. Cultured cells were at least 90% viable and secreted mouse placental lactogen-II (mPL-II). Immunocytochemistry was carried out simultaneously on cells cultured from day 7 to day 17 of gestation using a monoclonal antibody (MAb 4·3), which recognizes the hydrophilic C-terminus of GHBP. Cell-localized GHBP was present in trophoblasts cultured for 2 days, but GHBP was not detectable by radioimmunoassay or by immunoprecipitation in concentrated culture media from cultures treated with 100 ng mouse GH/ml or 100 ng mPL-II/ml or from untreated cultures. RNA was isolated from cells cultured in an identical manner to those analysed by immunocytochemistry. Three GH receptor/GHBP mRNA species of 8, 4·2 and 1·4 kb were observed. The quantity of 4·2 and 1·4 kb mRNAs did not change significantly in cultures from day 7 to day 15 of gestation but, in cultures from day 17 of gestation, the amount of 1·4 kb mRNA dropped significantly, while that of the 4·2 kb mRNA remained unchanged. GHBP- and GH receptor-encoding mRNAs are not co-ordinately regulated in vivo or in vitro. Although mPL-II was secreted into the medium by cultured trophoblasts, secretion of GHBP could not be detected. The culture medium may not contain the specific factors required for secretion of placental GHBP, or placental GHBP may not be destined for secretion.

The results show that GHBP (as distinct from GH receptor) is expressed by the placenta in vivo and trophoblasts in vitro. From mid-gestation onwards, GHBP mRNA increases dramatically in vivo and the cytosolic content of GHBP in freshly isolated trophoblasts increases. This suggests an important local regulatory role for placental GHBP during gestation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 125–135
In vivo growth hormone gene expression in neonatal rat thymus and bone marrow
Authors: Binder G , Revskoy S , Gupta D
Published: December 2008

The ontogenesis of GH gene expression in the pituitary gland and immune organs of rats was studied by in vitro amplification of GH mRNA using a specific reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Samples were obtained after microsurgery and total RNA extraction of fetal, neonatal and adult rat tissues. Amplification was followed by analysis using Southern blot techniques and hybridization using a specific digoxigenin-labelled GH cDNA probe. The study was started on day 15 of gestation. GH gene expression occurred in the pituitary gland on day 17. GH mRNA was found in the bone marrow and thymus of neonatal rats but not in the spleen or liver. No GH transcripts were detected in the immune organs of fetal or adult rats. The transient GH expression in rat immune organs may indicate a specific function of GH in the development of the immune system during the neonatal period.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 137–143
Several insulin-like growth factor-I analogues and complexes of insulin-like growth factors-I and -II with insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 fail to mimic the effect of growth hormone upon lactation in the rat
Authors: Flint D J , Tonner E , Beattie J , Gardner M
Published: December 2008

Lactation was suppressed in rats using a combined treatment of bromocriptine (to reduce prolactin concentrations) and a specific antiserum to rat GH administered twice daily for 2 days. When milk production had ceased, as determined by litter weight loss and the absence of milk in the stomachs of pups, attempts were made to reinitiate lactation using prolactin, GH, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) precomplexed to recombinant human IGF-binding protein-3 (hIGFBP-3) or IGF-I plus IGF-II precomplexed to hIGFBP-3. Despite the fact that all treatments except prolactin led to increases in serum IGFs and IGFBP-3, only prolactin and GH provoked the reinitiation of milk production as determined by increased litter weight gain, milk in the stomach of pups and a significant increase in the weight of the mammary glands.

Since the mammary gland has been shown to produce IGFBPs which may inhibit IGF action we also tested three IGF-I analogues, R3-IGF-I, Long-IGF-I and Long-R3-IGF-I. R3-IGF-I has a single amino acid substitution (Glu to Arg) at position 3 whereas Long-IGF-I has a 13 amino acid N-terminal extension. These modifications dramatically reduce the ability of these analogues to bind to IGFBPs although they remain active at the IGF-I receptor. Such IGF analogues would therefore be expected to be active irrespective of the production of inhibitory IGFBPs. However, none was effective in reinitiating lactation, even at doses which have been shown to be biologically effective in terms of nitrogen retention.

We therefore conclude that, despite the fact that GH induces increases in serum IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-3 when administered to lactating rats, the combination of all of these factors fails to reinitiate lactation. The biological significance of these changes and the mechanism by which GH stimulates milk secretion, when there appear to be no GH receptors on mammary epithelial cells, remain unclear, although the fact that both GH and prolactin were able to prevent reductions in DNA content of the gland suggest that regulation of apoptosis may be involved.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 211–216
Comparison of the effectiveness of various procedures for reducing or eliminating insulin-like growth factor-binding protein interference with insulin-like growth factor-I radioimmunoassays on porcine sera
Authors: Frey R S , Hathaway M R , Dayton W R
Published: December 2008

We have examined the efficacy of various methods for reducing the interference of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) radioimmunoassays (RIAs) run on porcine sera. Acid–ethanol (AE) extraction, AE extraction followed by cryoprecipitation, glycyl–glycine (GG) extraction, GG extraction followed by Sephadex G-50 chromatography in 1 mol acetic acid/l (GG/G-50), and Sep-Pak chromatography were analysed. To provide a range of IGF-I and IGFBP levels, sera obtained from control, hypophysectomized, diabetic and somatotrophin-treated pigs were used. Recoveries of IGF-I added to sera prior to treatments other than Sep-Pak chromatography ranged from 85 to 105% and were not significantly different. In contrast, Sep-Pak chromatography gave extremely variable recoveries. 125I-Labelled IGF-I ligand blotting showed that GG extraction followed by acid G-50 chromatography was by far the most effective method of removing or inactivating IGFBPs in porcine sera. Consequently, this procedure was used as a standard against which to compare other extraction procedures. GG extraction alone removed or inactivated low molecular weight binding proteins but appeared to have little effect on IGFBP-3. AE extraction reduced the level of IGFBP-3 but had little effect on lower molecular weight binding proteins. Even though none of the tested procedures completely removed or inactivated the binding proteins, all samples yielded IGF-I displacement curves that were parallel to that obtained for IGF-I standard. Despite yielding parallel displacement curves, sera extracted by various methods gave dramatically different apparent IGF-I levels when subjected to IGF-I RIA. IGF-I RIA of GG extracted sera yielded IGF-I values that were closest to those obtained for identical serum samples subjected to glycyl-glycine extraction followed by G-50 chromatography. For sera from control, hypophysectomized, diabetic and somatotrophin-treated pigs, the relationship of the IGF-I level in GG-extracted sera to that in GG-extracted, acid G-50 chromatographed (GG/G-50) sera was √GG=1·13√GG/G-50−0·23 (r2=0·98). Consequently, GG extraction can be used to remove IGFBP interference with IGF-I RIAs of porcine sera from normal, hypophysectomized, diabetic and somatotrophin-treated animals.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 229–237
Normal gastric inhibitory polypeptide response to oral glucose in hypothyroidism
Authors: Hays J H , Silverman E , Potter B B , Shakir K M M
Published: December 2008

Although the action of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) on the β cells of the pancreas is well documented, the effect of this hormone on insulin secretion in patients who are hypothyroid has not been studied. Hypothyroid patients demonstrate increased serum immunoreactive insulin levels in response to oral glucose when compared with euthyroid subjects. We postulated that a delayed and exaggerated response of GIP could account for the hyperinsulinaemic response. Nine thyroidectomized patients (aged 44·9 ± 3·6 years) who were otherwise healthy but undergoing re-evaluation for recurrence of thyroid carcinoma, were given a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). These subjects were studied 6 weeks after thyroid hormone replacement had been stopped and while on hormone treatment. The serum glucose and plasma GIP responses to oral glucose were similar in the euthyroid and hypothyroid states. The serum insulin response as well as the areas under the curve for insulin following OGTT were significantly elevated (P<0·01) during hypothyroidism. Solid-phase gastric emptying times studied in six patients who were euthyroid and hypothyroid were not different (35 ± 12 versus 36 ± 14 min respectively). None of the subjects had detectable levels of serum thyroglobulin, microsomal or parietal cell antibodies. In summary, we have confirmed a hyperinsulinaemic response to an OGTT and normal solid-phase gastric emptying rates in this form of hypothyroidism. We did not find significant differences in serum glucose or GIP responses and postulate this as evidence of resistance to the effects of endogenous insulin. The mechanism of alterations in carbohydrate tolerance in the hypothyroid state continue to remain unknown.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 309–312
Corticotrophin-releasing hormone does not inhibit growth hormone-releasing hormone-induced release of growth hormone in control subjects but is effective in patients with eating disorders
Authors: Rolla M , Andreoni A , Bellitti D , Ferdeghini M , Ghigo E , Müller E E
Published: December 2008

Previous studies have shown that corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) inhibits GH secretion in response to GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) in normal women and men, and animal studies suggest that this effect is mediated by an increased release of somatostatin from the hypothalamus. It has been reported that there are abnormalities in the neuroendocrine regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-somatotrophic axis and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis in patients with eating disorders. The present study therefore investigated the ability of CRH to inhibit the GH response to GHRH in eight young women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and in seven young women with eating disorders which were not otherwise specified (NOS). We also compared the effect of CRH in the patients with the response it caused in ten control women. In contrast to a previous report, combined i.v. administration of 50 μg human CRH (hCRH) and 50 μg GHRH(1–29) caused a GH response in control women which was higher, although not significantly so, than that induced by GHRH alone (area under the curve (AUC) 988·5 ±506·0 compared with 1568·4 ±795·6 (s.e.m.) ng/ml per 120 min for GHRH alone and GHRH plus hCRH respectively).

Conversely, the administration of hCRH given together with GHRH markedly inhibited the GH response induced by the latter in both AN patients (AUC 2253·0 ±385·7 compared with 1224·4 ±265·7 ng/ml per 120 min for GHRH and GHRH plus hCRH respectively; P<0·005 and NOS patients (AUC 2827·4±281·1 compared with 308·5 ± 183·4 ng/ml per 120 min for GHRH and GHRH plus hCRH respectively; P<0·0001). These results (1) refute the suggestion that there is an inhibitory influence of CRH over GH secretion under normal conditions, (2) indicate that this inhibitory influence exists in patients with eating disorders, and (3) imply that, in the latter, hypothalamic somatostatinergic function is, at least in part, preserved.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 327–332
Characterization of two relaxin genes in the chimpanzee
Authors: Evans B A , Fu P , Tregear G W
Published: December 2008

Relaxin is a peptide hormone which has a variety of physiological effects on tissues of the reproductive tract as well as other organs such as the heart and brain. Whereas all non-primates so far examined have only a single relaxin gene, humans have two genes (H1 and H2, or gene 1 and gene 2). H2 relaxin is synthesized in the corpus luteum during pregnancy and is also found in the placenta and prostate, whereas expression of H1 has been very difficult to detect. We have begun a study of relaxin genes in the chimpanzee to assess whether this species may provide a suitable model in which to examine the roles of gene 1 relaxin. We find that the chimpanzee has two relaxin genes, one of which is very similar to H2. The second gene has an gene 1 type A chain but the B chain is of the gene 2 type, possibly due to a gene conversion event. The authentic chimpanzee gene 2 (Ch2) is expressed in the corpus luteum of pregnancy and in the placenta. Ch1 is not expressed in the placenta, but the mRNA can be detected by polymerase chain reaction in the corpus luteum.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 385–392
Decreased number and size and the defective function of testicular macrophages in long-term hypophysectomized rats are reversed by treatment with human gonadotrophins
Authors: Gaytan F , Bellido C , Romero J L , Morales C , Reymundo C , Aguilar E
Published: December 2008

Macrophages are a common cell type in the testicular interstitium of the rat and are morphologically and functionally related to Leydig cells. We investigated the number of macrophages and Leydig cells in long-term (24 weeks) hypophysectomized (LTHX) or sham-operated rats. LTHX rats showed a 76% decrease in the number of macrophages, whereas the number of Leydig cells was only slightly decreased (by 18%). The profile areas of both macrophages and Leydig cells were very much decreased (46% and 66% respectively).

Sham-operated and LTHX rats were treated with vehicle or human FSH and LH (hFSH/hLH; 75 IU/kg body weight per day) for 1 week. This treatment induced a 286% increase in the number of macrophages and a 32% increase in the number of Leydig cells in LTHX rats. The profile areas of macrophages and Leydig cells were also increased (212% and 184% respectively). About 80% of macrophages showed vacuolization of the cytoplasm. Gonadotrophin treatment did not induce changes in cell numbers in sham-operated animals but about 30% of macrophages showed large cytoplasmic vacuoles.

Vehicle- or hormone-treated LTHX rats were given a single injection of ethylene dimethane sulphonate (EDS) and killed 72 h later. Leydig cells were absent from the testicular interstitium of sham-operated rats but there were large numbers of dead Leydig cells (about 40% of the pre-existing population) in the testicular interstitium of LTHX rats 3 days after EDS treatment. Complete clearance of the testicular interstitium from EDS-killed Leydig cells was found in LTHX rats treated with hFSH/hLH. These results indicate that the decreased number and size and the defective function of testicular macrophages in LTHX rats can be restored by treatment with gonadotrophins.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 399–407
Effect of inhibin immunoneutralization on steroidogenesis in rat ovarian follicles in vitro
Authors: Smyth C D , Gosden R G , McNeilly A S , Hillier S G
Published: December 2008

Inhibin is a putative gonadal paracrine factor produced by FSH-stimulated granulosa cells. To assess the paracrine function of inhibin further, preantral follicles (approx. 240 μm) with attached thecal cells were isolated mechanically from immature rat ovaries and cultured individually in vitro for 5 days in medium containing homologous serum and FSH. After 5 days, follicles had grown to preovulatory size (approx. 470 μm) with a commensurate increase in oestradiol secretion but not progesterone. Immunoneutralization of endogenous inhibin resulted in a significant decrease in oestradiol secretion and an increase in progesterone accumulation. When antiserum-treated follicles were supplemented with exogenous inhibin, oestradiol secretion was restored and progesterone accumulation was reduced. Aromatase substrate (androstenedione) levels were too low to measure, regardless of antiserum treatment. However, follicles treated with inhibin antiserum in the presence of exogenous androstenedione also exhibited oestradiol levels similar to untreated controls while progesterone accumulation remained elevated. We interpret these data as evidence that inhibin secreted by FSH-stimulated granulosa cells exerts a physiologically significant paracrine function in the follicle wall. Based on previous observations that inhibin stimulates androgen synthesis by isolated thecal/interstitial cells, it is proposed that granulosa-derived inhibin promotes thecal androgen synthesis and hence oestrogen synthesis during preovulatory follicle development. The antiserum-induced increase in progesterone accumulation is most probably explained by reduced metabolism of C21 steroid substrate to androgen in thecal/interstitial cells deprived of inhibin. It is concluded that inhibin is a physiological modulator of follicular steroidogenesis which exerts its effect at the level of thecal cell androgen synthesis.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 437–443
Metabolism of testosterone trans-4-n-butylcyclohexyl carboxylate, a high potency androgen, in rodents and primates: in vitro studies
Authors: Monder C , Vincze I , Blye R P , lohan F
Published: December 2008

Testosterone trans-4-n-butylcyclohexyl carboxylate releases continuous physiological levels of testosterone into the circulation of men or monkeys over a period of 8 to 10 weeks from an intramuscular depot and may, therefore, be an agent of choice for androgen replacement therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the metabolism of the ester and its side chain. The ester was hydrolysed by blood sera of guinea-pig, rabbit and rat, but not horse or man. It was slowly hydrolysed by rat and cynomolgus liver and the testosterone metabolites androstenedione and androstanediol were formed. Bucyclic acid (trans-4-n-butylcyclohexyl carboxylate) was slowly metabolized to two metabolites, M1 and M2, by cynomolgus liver homogenates. The acid metabolites were analysed by chromatography and mass spectrometry after reaction with diazomethylpyrene to form fluorescent pyrenyl esters. When compared with synthetic compounds using the criteria of chromatographic mobility and mass spectral analysis, the polar metabolite was identified as hydroxy-4-n-butylcyclohexyl carboxylate. The less polar metabolite could not be definitively identified.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 465–473
Differences in the association of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-I variants with rat, sheep, pig, human and chicken plasma-binding proteins
Authors: Lord A P D , Bastian S E P , Read L C , Walton P E , Ballard F J
Published: December 2008

Associations between labelled insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins in plasma have been compared in the rat, sheep, human, pig and chicken. The IGFs tested were recombinant human IGF-I, the truncated variant, des(1–3)IGF-I, and LR3IGF-I, an extended form that had been engineered so as to minimize interactions with IGF-binding proteins. Marked species differences were demonstrated, notably that the IGF-I variants which exhibited extremely weak binding in rat plasma bound significantly in plasma from the other species. This result was shown both by size-exclusion chromatography of labelled IGFs added to plasma, in which the extent of variant IGF-I binding decreased in the order sheep>human>pig=chicken>rat, and by competition for labelled IGF-I binding in vitro, in which the order was pig=chicken>sheep>human>rat. Notwithstanding these differences, the two IGF-I variants showed only slight between-species binding differences when tested with purified rat, sheep and human IGF-binding protein-3. Ligand blotting experiments with plasma from the five species similarly showed a consistent pattern in that IGF-I binding was much greater than des(1–3)IGF-I binding, which in turn was greater than LR3 IGF-I binding. These experiments suggest first that IGF-binding properties measured after the removal of endogenous IGFs do not always reflect the situation with untreated plasma or in vivo, and secondly, the increased potencies of des(1–3)IGF-I and LR3 IGF-I in rat growth studies that have been ascribed to higher concentrations of these peptides in the free form cannot necessarily be extended to other species.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 475–482
Effects of hypothyroidism on the growth hormone axis in sheep
Authors: Fletcher T P , Clarke I J
Published: December 2008

This study examined the effect of thyroidectomy (TX) on the GH axis in sheep. The secretion of GH was monitored 10 and 77 days after TX or sham-TX when the effects on plasma GH and prolactin levels of the injection of 0·5 μg GH-releasing factor (GRF)/kg and 1 μg thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH)/kg were also assessed.

There were no significant differences in GH pulse amplitude, pulse frequency, inter-pulse interval and GH secreted/h between sham-TX and TX animals at 10 or 77 days after TX.

There was no difference in the GH response to GRF injection in sham-TX sheep at any time but in TX sheep the GH response was significantly (P<0·05) attenuated 10 days after TX. After 77 days the GH response was similar to the response before TX. There was no measurable GH response to injection of TRH in sham-operated or TX sheep at any time. The prolactin response to TRH was not affected by TX or sham-TX.

These results suggest that TX in sheep does not affect GH secretion but paradoxically the response to GRF is attenuated in hypothyroid sheep in the short term. TRH causes release of prolactin but not GH in sheep.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 495–502
Total amounts of circulating human chorionic gonadotrophin α and β subunits can be assessed throughout human pregnancy using immunoradiometric assays calibrated with the unaltered and thermally dissociated heterodimer
Authors: Nagy A-M , Glinoer D , Picelli G , Delogne-Desnoeck J , Fleury B , Courte C , Kaufman J-M , Robyn C , Meuris S
Published: December 2008

The aim of the present study was to determine the variations in the balance between total (free plus combined) circulating α and β subunits of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) throughout human pregnancy.

The equivalence between the International Units (IU) of hCG (IRP 75/537) and those assigned to the α (IRP 75/569) and β (IRP 75/551) free subunits was experimentally determined by using intact and thermally dissociated hCG. Heat exposure (2 min at 100 °C) of hCG preparations resulted in a complete dissociation of hCG into free, soluble and intact α and β subunits. The hCG and α and β subunit contents of unaltered and heated hCG preparations were assessed by specific immunoradiometric assays. The amount of immunoreactive subunits dissociated by heat from hCG could then be evaluated on a molar basis.

Circulating hCG and its free α and β subunits were immunoassayed in 836 blood samples collected from healthy pregnant women at different gestational ages. After conversion of hCG and its subunits into a common IU system, the gestational profiles of the total amounts (free plus combined) of α- and βhCG subunits increased together and peaked at 9–10 weeks of gestation. Thereafter, total α and β subunits decreased and subsequently remained stable until term. The decline in total αhCG subunit was less marked than that of total βhCG subunit. The α- to βhCG ratio was equimolar until 10 weeks of gestation when it increased almost fourfold until term (P<0·0001). Finally, the free fraction of the total circulating αhCG subunit represented 5–7% in early pregnancy but reached 60–70% in the last trimester (P<0·0001). In contrast, the free fraction of the total βhCG subunit decreased slightly from 4–5% of total β subunit in early pregnancy to 2–3% at term (P<0·0001).

The present study suggests that thermal dissociation of hCG is a useful method with which to calibrate immunoassays on a molar basis in order to assess circulating levels of the heterodimer and its subunits.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 513–520
The Effect of GH-Releasing Peptide-2 (GHRP-2 or KP 102) on GH Secretion from Primary Cultured Ovine Pituitary Cells Can be Abolished by a Specific GH-Releasing Factor (GRF) Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Wu Danxing , Chen Chen , Katoh Kazuo , Zhang Jin , Clarke Iain J.
Published: December 2008

A newly synthesised GH-releasing peptide, KP 102 (also named GHRP-2), was studied in an in vitro perifusion system of primary cultured ovine anterior pituitary cells. Application of KP 102 to the perifusion medium caused a dose-dependent increase in GH secretion. Dose-response relationships indicated that KP 102 had similar potency to GRF and was 10-fold more potent than earlier generations of GH-releasing peptide (GHRP-6 and GHRP-1) tested in same system. The response to a second application of KP 102 given within 1 h of initial application was significantly lower than the response to the first application. When KP 102 (or GRF) was applied first and then GRF (or KP 102) given 1 h later, the second response was not attenuated. When GRF and KP 102 were coadministered, an additive effect on release of GH was obtained. The effect of maximal dose of KP 102 (100nM) on GH release was totally abolished by [Ac-Tyr1, d-Arg2] GRF 1-29 (1μM) which is believed to be a specific antagonist for the GRF receptor. Blockade of Ca2+ channels by Cd2+ (2mM) diminished the basal GH secretion and abolished the increase in GH release in response to KP 102 (100nM). These data suggest that the action of KP 102 is blocked by a GRF receptor antagonist and therefore acts through a different receptor to that employed by earlier generations of GH-releasing peptides. GH release in response to KP 102 involves an increase in Ca2+ influx and there is no cross-desensitization between KP 102 and GRF responses.
Adrenocortical dysplasia: a mouse model system for adrenocortical insufficiency
Authors: Beamer W G , Sweet H O , Bronson R T , Shire J G M , Orth D N , Davisson M T
Published: December 2008

A spontaneous autosomal recessive mutation causing disordered morphogenesis of the adrenal cortex has been identified in DW/J inbred strain mice and named adrenocortical dysplasia (acd). The acd mutant gene has been mapped just proximal to oligosyndactyly (Os) and esterase-1 (Es-1) in the central region of chromosome 8. Both male and female acd/acd mice are characterized by reduced survival, retarded growth, skin hyperpigmentation, poorly developed pelage and focal ureteral blockage leading to hydronephrosis. Morphometric measurements showed that acd/acd cortical cells and nuclei were increased sevenfold in volume; nuclei often showed a variety of inclusions. Cortical cells of acd/acd mice contained large numbers of mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets characterisitic of steroidogenic cells. While cortical X-zones failed to develop in acd/acd adrenals, medullary cells and nuclei were unaffected by mutant gene action. Resting serum corticosterone levels in female, but not male, mutant mice were significantly lower than in +/? normal littermates, whereas ACTH levels were significantly elevated in mutants of both sexes. Serum aldosterone levels were normal in acd/acd mice. Functional studies of adrenals cultured in vitro revealed that acd/acd adrenals secreted reduced amounts of corticosterone per pair of glands under both basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions. However, correction of the corticosterone secretion data to mg cortical mass in culture showed that the mutant cortical tissue secreted the same amount of glucocorticoid as did their +/? normal littermate glands. We conclude that the acd mutant gene acts in an unknown fashion to cause a fundamental defect in cellular proliferation in the adrenal cortex, leading to compensatory marked hypertrophy of cortical cells and grossly enlarged nuclei. The role of acd action in adrenal cortical development remains to be established.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 141, 33–43
Mechanisms of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II-induced IGF-I receptor down-regulation in BC3H-1 muscle cells
Authors: Rosenthal S M , Brown E J
Published: December 2008

Muscle is an important target tissue for insulin-like growth factor (IGF) action. We have previously demonstrated that treatment of myoblasts with IGF-II decreased IGF-I receptor biosynthesis and steady-state mRNA levels. In addition, muscle cell differentiation was associated with a marked increase in the expression and secretion of IGF-II followed by similar down-regulation of the IGF-I receptor, suggesting an autocrine role for IGF-II in this process. To explore further the mechanisms by which IGF-II decreases IGF-I receptor expression in BC3H-1 muscle cells, dose–response studies of IGF-I and -II treatment on the amount of IGF-I receptor mRNA were carried out. In addition, to determine whether IGF-II decreases IGF-I receptor expression by stimulating receptor protein degradation, pulse/chase experiments with [35S]methionine/cysteine were carried out. Both IGF-I and -II induced significant down-regulation of IGF-I receptor mRNA. At low concentrations, IGF-I was more potent than IGF-II in inhibiting IGF-I receptor mRNA accumulation, suggesting that IGF-I receptor down-regulation induced by IGF-II is mediated principally through the IGF-I receptor in these cells. In addition, IGF-II decreased IGF-I receptor expression by stimulating receptor protein degradation as demonstrated by pulse/chase analysis of metabolically labelled receptors. Thus, IGF-II induces IGF-I receptor down-regulation in muscle cells through multiple mechanisms, including decreasing IGF-I receptor mRNA and stimulating IGF-I receptor protein degradation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 141, 69–74
Effects of exogenous relaxin on oxytocin and vasopressin release and the intramammary pressure response to central hyperosmotic challenge
Authors: Wilson B C , Summerlee A J S
Published: December 2008

Experiments were done to study the effects of porcine relaxin on osmotically evoked changes in intramammary pressure and the release of oxytocin and vasopressin in anaesthetized rats. Injections (1 μ1) of hypertonic (0·75 m) NaCl into the left lateral cerebral ventricle were used to induce consistent rises in intramammary pressure and the release of oxytocin and vasopressin. Plasma hormone concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay. Relaxin (5 μg i.v.) significantly (P<0·05) suppressed the intramammary pressure response to osmotic challenge 5 and 10 min after treatment. However, pretreatment with a specific vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist completely negated the effect of relaxin on intramammary pressure. Baseline levels of oxytocin and vasopressin in unstimulated rats were 41 ± 1·6 and 36±1·1 pmol/l respectively. Osmotic challenge induced significant (P<0·05) rises in plasma levels of both hormones (62·8 ±1·1 and 67·9 ± 1·2 pmol/l respectively) which were further augmented by relaxin (81·3±1·8 and 117·1 ±2·4 pmol/l respectively; P<0·05). The data confirm that central osmotic challenge provokes the release of oxytocin and vasopressin but the effects of oxytocin at the level of the mammary gland may be obscured by the action of vasopressin affecting blood flow to the gland.

Journalof Endocrinology (1994) 141, 75–80
Some morphological and hormonal aspects of ovulation and superovulation in the rat
Authors: Szołtys M , Galas J , Jabłonka A , Tabarowski Z
Published: December 2008

In the first experiment, mature female Wistar rats, displaying a regular 4-day oestrous cycle, were killed in succession every 2 or 3 h on the day of pro-oestrus and oestrus until the time of ovulation. In the second experiment, immature female Wistar rats (aged 24 days) were injected s.c. with 30 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) and 56 h later with 20 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). They were killed in groups at 0, 24, 48, 56 and 57 h, and then every 2 h until 72 h. Excised ovaries were homogenized and analysed for steroid content or they were submitted to a routine histological procedure. The cyclic and PMSG/hCG-treated rats exhibited some similarities and differences in the general pattern of steroid content. Either a presumptive endogenous LH surge or administration of hCG resulted in an increase in the ovarian androgen concentration which preceded a rise in progesterone; the progesterone peak, in turn, was accompanied by a fall in the amount of androgens and oestradiol. However, in comparison with cyclic rats, superovulated animals displayed a significantly higher ovarian androgen level for a prolonged period; ovarian oestradiol concentration was also raised while the progesterone content was much lower. Histological analysis revealed large differences between the ovaries of superovulated and cyclic rats, especially with regard to the maturing follicles. The majority of PMSG/hCG-derived follicles showed hypertrophied theca interna and degenerated or luteinized granulosa. A large number of preovulatory follicles did not ovulate. These results clearly indicate that PMSG/hCGinduced follicles are not equal to the follicles developing during a normal oestrous cycle. This should be taken into consideration when using superovulated animals in experiments.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 141, 91–100