bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormonal regulation of glutathione S-transferase expression in co-cultured adult rat hepatocytes
Authors: Coecke S , Vanhaecke T , Foriers A , Phillips IR , Vercruysse A , Shephard EA , Rogiers V
Published: December 2004

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are subject to regulation by thyroid and sex hormones and by GH. We have used an in vitro experimental system comprising adult rat hepatocytes co-cultured with rat liver epithelial cells of primitive biliary origin, to distinguish between direct and indirect effects of various hormones on GSTs; to identify the GST subunits affected by individual hormones; and to investigate the level at which the hormones act. Tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and 17beta-oestradiol (OE2) reduced GST activities, whereas testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and human growth hormone (hGH) had little effect on total GST activity. HPLC separation of the various GST subunits revealed that T3 and T4 reduced total GST content, in particular the abundance of subunits M1 and M2. The amount of the Pi-class subunit P1 was reduced by OE2. Treatment of the co-cultured cells with this hormone altered the GST subunit profile to one that is more similar to that observed in freshly isolated hepatocytes. Analysis of mRNAs demonstrated that some of the hormones act at a pre-translational level, whereas others act at a translational or post-translational level to regulate the expression of various GST subunits.
Pancreatic pattern of expression of thyrotropin-releasing hormone during rat embryonic development
Authors: Basmaciogullari A , Cras-Meneur C , Czernichow P , Scharfmann R
Published: December 2004

In rodents, the first insulin-producing cells appear in the pancreas at mid-gestation around embryonic day 11 (E11). However, on the basis of various features, such as morphology or hormonal coexpression, it is apparent that these initial insulin-expressing cells are different from those that develop after E15. In the present study, the pancreatic expression of both thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) mRNA and insulin was studied during embryonic and fetal life. We report here that in the rat, while insulin mRNA is detected in the pancreas as early as E12, TRH mRNA cannot be detected before E16. At that stage and later on during fetal and early postnatal life, TRH mRNA is detected in insulin-producing cells, no signal being detected in other endocrine cell types or in exocrine tissue. It was also noted, by means of triple staining performed at E17, that the expression of TRH mRNA was restricted to insulin-expressing cells negative for glucagon, whereas the few insulin-expressing cells present at that stage, which coexpress insulin and glucagon, did not express TRH mRNA. Taken together, these data indicate that TRH is a marker of insulin-expressing cells, which develop after E15.
Extra-pituitary growth hormone in peripheral tissues of early chick embryos
Authors: Harvey S , Johnson CD , Sanders EJ
Published: December 2004

Early embryonic growth is independent of pituitary growth hormone (GH), since it occurs prior to the differentiation of pituitary somatotrophs. Embryogenesis is therefore thought to be regulated by local growth factors. As GH is now known to be produced in many extrapituitary sites, in which it acts in an autocrine or paracrine manner, the possibility that extra-pituitary GH may participate in embryogenesis and organogenesis was assessed by determining the immunocytochemical presence and location of GH- and GH-receptor (GHR)-like proteins in the peripheral tissues of chick embryos during their 21-day incubation period. Immunoreactive (IR)-GH, detectable by a monoclonal and two polyclonal antibodies for chicken GH, was specifically and ubiquitously present in tissues of 3-day-old embryos. At embryonic day (ED) 5, IR-GH was widespread in ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal tissues, but it was not present in every cell of each tissue. IR-GH was particularly abundant i! n the neural tube, notochord, limb bud, somites, heart, stomach, liver, kidney, Wolffian duct and the amnion. By ED8, IR-GH was still widespread and was now present in limb bud cartilage, although the heart and liver were no longer GH immunoreactive. GH receptor immunoreactivity was also present in most tissues and cells of ED3-ED8 embryos. These results demonstrate that extrapituitary GH is abundantly present during early embryogenesis, prior to the differentiation of pituitary somatotrophs (at ED12). Since GH- and GHR-like proteins are present in most tissues of the chick embryo, it is proposed that extrapituitary GH may act as a local growth factor during embryonic development.
Opposite effects of feeding a vitamin A-deficient diet and retinoic acid treatment on brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), UCP2 and leptin expression
Authors: Bonet ML , Oliver J , Pico C , Felipe F , Ribot J , Cinti S , Palou A
Published: December 2004

The relationship between interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) thermogenic potential and vitamin A status was investigated by studying the effects of feeding a vitamin A-deficient diet and all-trans retinoic acid (tRA) treatment on body weight and IBAT parameters in mice. Feeding a vitamin A-deficient diet tended to trigger opposite effects to those of tRA treatment, namely increased body weight, IBAT weight, adiposity and leptin mRNA expression, and reduced IBAT thermogenic potential in terms of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) mRNA and UCP2 mRNA expression. The results emphasize the importance of retinoids as physiological regulators of brown adipose tissue.
The effect of intermittent umbilical cord occlusion on insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins in preterm and near-term ovine fetuses
Authors: Green LR , Kawagoe Y , Hill DJ , Richardson BS , Han VK
Published: December 2004

Intermittent umbilical cord compression with resultant fetal hypoxia can have a negative impact on fetal growth and development. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins (IGFBPs) are the most important regulators of fetal growth. In preterm (107-108 days of gestation) and near-term (128-131 days of gestation) ovine fetuses, we have determined the effect of intermittent umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) over a period of 4 days on the profile and expression of IGFs and IGFBPs. In experimental group animals (preterm n=7; near term n=7) UCOs were carried out by complete inflation of an occluder cuff (duration 90 s) every 30 min for 3-5 h each day, while control fetuses (preterm n=7; near term n=7) received no UCOs. Ewes were euthanized at the end of day 4, and fetal heart, lung, kidney, liver, skeletal muscle and placenta were collected. During UCOs, PO(2! ) fell (by approximately 13 mmHg), pH fell (by approximately 0.05) and PCO(2) increased (by approximately 7 mmHg), and changed to a similar extent in both preterm and near-term groups. In both preterm and near-term groups, there was no difference in fetal body or organ weight between UCO and control fetuses. No significant changes were observed in plasma IGF-I and -II concentrations or IGFBP-1, -2, -3 or -4 levels throughout the 4-day study at either gestational age. In the preterm group UCO fetuses, IGF-II mRNA (1.2-6.0 kb) levels were lower in fetal lung (33%, P<0.05), heart (54%, P<0.01) and skeletal muscle (29%, P<0.05), but there were no differences in IGF-I mRNA levels (7.3 kb); IGFBP-2 mRNA (1.5 kb) levels were lower in the right lobe of the liver (42%, P<0.05) and kidney (22%, P<0.01), but hig! her in the heart (72%, P<0.01), while IGFBP-4 (2.4 kb) levels were lower in skeletal muscle (21%, P<0.01). In the near-term group UCO fetuses, IGFBP-2 mRNA levels were greater in the placenta (39%, P<0.05). Thus, intermittent UCO as studied has a greater effect on the expression of genes encoding certain peptides of the fetal IGF system in selected tissues in preterm fetuses than that in near-term fetuses. Altered IGFBP-2 mRNA levels with reduced IGF-II mRNA levels in selected tissues may mediate changes in growth and/or differentiation that might become apparent if the length of the UCO study were extended.
Endocrine regulation and extended follow up of longitudinal growth in intrauterine growth-retarded rats
Authors: Houdijk EC , Engelbregt MJ , Popp-Snijders C , Delemarre-Vd Waal HA
Published: December 2004

Bilateral uterine artery ligation in late gestation was performed in pregnant dams in order to determine the effects of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) on long-term postnatal somatic growth and the GH neuroendocrine axis in the adult female and male rat. Body weight (BW), nose-anus length (NAL) and tail length (TL) were recorded at regular intervals in both the IUGR and control (CON) offspring until the age of 93 days. Spontaneous 6-h GH secretory profiles and serum IGF-I were determined around the age of 100 days in both the IUGR and the CON group. No catch-up growth in BW, NAL or TL was observed in young adult male IUGR rats. Female IUGR rats did catch up in NAL beyond the age of 57 days and in TL before weaning, but did not catch up at any time in BW. Spontaneous 6-h GH secretory profiles in female and male IUGR rats at a mean age of 100+/-4 days were similar to their controls at a mean age of 101+/-4 days. Overall median 6-h rat GH plasma concentrations, rat GH peak amplitude, number of rat GH peaks and sum of peak area were not significantly different. Median serum IGF-I levels in young adult female and male IUGR rats showed no difference when compared with their respective controls. These results demonstrate that IUGR, after bilateral uterine artery ligation in late gestation, leads to incomplete BW catch-up growth in young adult rats of both sexes with physiological GH/IGF-I secretion, suggesting intrauterine modulation of tissue responsiveness to GH and IGF-I. Female IUGR rats do catch up in NAL and TL, developing disturbed body proportions.
Electron microscopic visualization of membrane-mediated uptake and translocation of estrogen-BSA:colloidal gold by hep G2 cells
Authors:   Moats RK, Ramirez VD
Published: December 2004

Previously, we have identified a membrane-mediated uptake and translocation of 1,3,5(10)-estratrien-3, 17beta-diol 6-(O-carboxymethyl)oxime:(125)I-labeled BSA (E6(125)I-BSA) in vivo in immature female rat liver from the plasma membrane (P3 fraction) to the mitochondria and/or lysosomes (P2 fraction). To further investigate this unique effect, current experiments have involved the use of 1,3,5(10)-estratrien-3, 17beta-diol 17-hemisuccinate:( 125)I-BSA (E17(125)I-BSA) to demonstrate the presence of binding sites and translocation of the ligand in human hepatoblastoma (Hep G2) cells. In addition, an estrogen-BSA:colloidal gold conjugate, E17 BSA:Au, was used to directly visualize this uptake in Hep G2 cells. Hep G2 cells displayed high-affinity, stereospecific binding of E17(125)I-BSA. This same ligand was also translocated from the P3 fraction to the P2 fraction. In contrast, (125! )I-BSA was minimally removed from the culture medium. Electron micrographs of Hep G2 cells labeled with E17 BSA:Au demonstrated uptake of this ligand by clathrin-coated pits, indicative of receptor-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, this ligand was also found in larger vesicles and multivesicular bodies, suggesting the involvement of the compartment of uncoupling of receptor and ligand (CURL), but never in the nucleus. As early as 30 min post-exposure, the ligand could be viewed in organelles, many of which had vesiculated interiors, resembling rounded, vesiculated mitochondria. Labeled BSA was detected mainly in the extracellular compartment, with few multivesicular bodies containing the labeled BSA. The translocation of E17 BSA:Au was virtually eliminated by 100 nM unlabeled E17 BSA or free 17beta-estradiol, but not 17alpha-E6 BSA, 17alpha-estradiol or P6 BSA, and also by exposure of the cells to reduced temperature. These experiments are the first t! o visually demonstrate membrane binding and specific uptake of an estrogen-containing ligand while allowing the intracellular structures responsible to be seen. Furthermore, they identify a potentially new pathway of receptor-mediated endocytosis; namely, the shuttling of estrogens to the mitochondria, in addition to the classical lysosomal pathway.
Expression of TRH and TRH-like peptides in a human glioblastoma-astrocytoma cell line (U-373-MG)
Authors: Garcia SI , Porto PI , Martinez VN , Alvarez AL , Finkielman S , Pirola CJ
Published: December 2004

The human glioblastoma-astrocytoma cell line U-373-MG shows morphological features typical of its neuroectodermal origin. Cells showed positive immunostaining for the glial fibrillary acidic protein. We used this cell culture for studying the putative production of TRH and TRH-related peptides. In a cell extract and conditioned medium, cation and anion exchange chromatography and HPLC revealed the presence of TRH and acidic TRH-like peptides which were identified, at least in part, as pGlu-Glu-ProNH(2). These findings demonstrated that U-373-MG cells are able to produce and release these peptides. Further evidence of TRH synthesis was obtained by amplification using RT-PCR of a 396 bp fragment that corresponds to the TRH precursor mRNA. Our results therefore suggest that the U-373-MG cell line may be a useful model for studying the regulation of TRH and TRH-related peptide production and the interaction of these peptides with other classical neurotransmitter systems. In fact, pilocarpine (a muscarinic cholinergic agonist) enhanced and nicotine (a nicotinic cholinergic agonist) decreased TRH and TRH-related compound production by this cell line. These data also point out that glia may produce substances with neuromodulatory action.
Estradiol-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2) activity in the frog (Rana esculenta) testis
Authors: Chieffi P , Colucci-D'Amato GL , Staibano S , Franco R , Tramontano D
Published: December 2004

Several lines of evidence support a key role of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) in male fertility. We have used a non-mammalian vertebrate model, the frog Rana esculenta, to investigate the regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activity in the testis during the annual sexual cycle and to study whether E(2 )exerts a role in spermatogenesis through the regulation of ERK1/2 activity. ERK1/2 proteins are present in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the primary and secondary spermatogonia (SPG), and in the nucleus of primary spermatocytes. The annual E(2) profile shows a progressive increase during active spermatogenesis with a peak in the month of June. In parallel, ERK1/2 are highly phosphorylated during the period of active spermatogenesis (from April to July) compared with the regressive period (September/October) and winter stasis (from November to March). E(2) treatment induces the proliferation of primary SPG, possibly via the activation of ERK1/2, and this effect is counteracted by the anti-estrogen ICI 182-780.
Sustained activation of Erk1/2 MAPK and cell growth suppression by the insert-negative, but not the insert-positive isoform of the human calcitonin receptor
Authors: Raggatt LJ , Evdokiou A , Findlay DM
Published: December 2004

Recently we reported that calcitonin (CT) induces growth arrest at the G2 stage of the cell cycle in HEK-293 cell lines expressing the most abundant, insert-negative, isoform of the human CT receptor (insert -ve hCTR). The present study investigates the involvement of the MAPK signalling pathway in the anti-proliferative actions of CT and compares the activity of an isoform of the hCTR that contains a 16 amino acid insert in the first putative intracellular loop (insert +ve hCTR). Comparison of HEK-293 cells stably transfected with the insert -ve or the insert +ve hCTR, showed that accumulation of cAMP and intracellular free calcium in response to CT were specific for the insert -ve receptor isoform. However, a novel acidification of the extracellular medium was mediated by both isoforms. Treatment with CT of cells expressing the insert -ve hCTR, caused a decrease in cell growth associated with an induction of p21(WAF1/CIP1). Analysis by fluorescence-activated cell scanning showed that growth inhibition was associated with an accumulation of cells in G2. CT treatment of cells expressing the insert -ve, but not insert +ve hCTR, induced the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 MAPK, which persisted for at least 72 h. Treatment of cells expressing the insert -ve hCTR with the MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, PD-98059, inhibited the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and abrogated the growth inhibitory effects of salmon CT, the accumulation of cells in G2, and the associated induction of p21(WAF1/CIP1). These data suggest that activation of Erk1/2 are downstream effectors of the insert -ve hCTR in modulating cell cycle progression.
Alternative 5'-untranslated regions of mouse GH receptor/binding protein messenger RNA are derived from sequences adjacent to the major L2 promoter
Authors: Moffat JG , Dao H , Talamantes F
Published: December 2004

Heterogeneity of 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) sequences is a common feature of growth hormone receptor/binding protein (GHR/BP) mRNA from a number of species. Two major 5'UTR sequences (designated L1 and L2 in the mouse) have been cloned from rodents, ruminants and primates, and are known to correspond to transcripts generated from independently regulated promoters. A variable number of other 5'UTRs with diverse sequences have been cloned from rat, human and bovine tissues. To characterize alternative 5'UTR usage in mouse GHR/BP mRNA, we carried out 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends using RNA from non-pregnant mouse liver and adipose tissue. Three novel 5'UTR sequences were obtained. Sequencing of genomic DNA revealed that exons corresponding to these three sequences are clustered within 1 kb downstream of the exon encoding 5'UTR L2, and the associated L2 promoter. The novel 5'UTRs are present at very low levels relative to the total pool of GHR/BP mRNA in liver, fat, kidney, and mammary gland as determined by ribonuclease protection assays. On the basis of these data, we propose that these 5'UTR sequences may result from the use of cryptic transcription start sites and splice donor sites under the influence of the adjacent L2 promoter/enhancer region.
IGF-I inhibits apoptosis induced by serum withdrawal, but potentiates TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis, in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Niesler CU , Urso B , Prins JB , Siddle K
Published: December 2004

We have previously shown that human preadipocytes in primary culture undergo apoptosis in response to serum deprivation and addition of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and have proposed that regulation of preadipocyte apoptosis in vivo may contribute to the overall control of adipose mass. In the present study we have investigated both pro- and anti-apoptotic factors, and the signalling pathways by which they act, in murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Apoptotic indices (fraction of cells undergoing apoptosis) were determined by microscopic examination of acridine orange-stained cells, fluorescence-activated cell sorting of propidium iodide-stained cells, or phase-contrast video microscopy. Murine 3T3-L1 cells were more susceptible to apoptosis than human preadipocytes. In medium containing 10% newborn calf serum, the basal apoptotic index was very low (<2%), but the number of apoptotic cells increased significantly following serum withdrawal (10% after 24 h). Addition of TNF-alpha (6 nM) stimulated apoptosis in both serum-containing and serum-free media (apoptotic indices of 12% and 20% respectively after 24 h). IGF-I inhibited by approximately 50% the apoptosis induced by serum withdrawal, but increased by 25% the apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha in serum-free medium. It was shown by using specific inhibitors of lipid and protein kinases (LY294002, rapamycin, PD98059, SB203580) that both phosphoinositide 3-kinase and MAP kinase pathways contribute to the anti-apoptotic action of IGF-I on serum-starved cells, while phosphoinositide 3-kinase but not MAP kinase activity is required for the paradoxical pro-apoptotic action of IGF-I in the presence of TNF-alpha. We conclude that, in addition to its previously described anti-apoptotic action, IGF-I can also be pro-apoptotic in 3T3-L1 cells in the presence of TNF-alpha, and that both the anti- and pro-apoptotic effects of IGF-I require the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase.
Hormonal control of plasmin and tissue-type plasminogen activator activity in rat milk during involution of the mammary gland
Authors: Tonner E , Allan GJ , Flint DJ
Published: December 2004

We have proposed that growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) interact to suppress apoptosis in the mammary gland. GH increases insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) synthesis whereas PRL suppresses the production of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) in the epithelial cells, which would otherwise inhibit IGF-mediated cell survival. IGFBP-5 was present in milk from involuting glands at high concentrations (approximately 60 microg/ml) and had a high affinity (8.03 x 10(-10) M) for IGF-I, suggesting an inhibitory effect of IGFBP-5 in the mammary gland. IGFBP-5 was present in the micellar fraction of milk and binds specifically to alpha(s2)-casein. Since alpha(s2)-casein also binds plasminogen and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), resulting in the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, and since IGFBP-5 binds to plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), we investigated whether apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation might be coordinately controlled by GH and PRL possibly acting through IGFBP-5. Litters were removed from lactating rats to initiate involution. Plasminogen activation and t-PA activity were both increased dramatically after 48 h and GH and PRL suppressed this response. By contrast, 17beta-oestradiol, progesterone or corticosterone did not influence either process. An antiserum to IGF-I, which blocked systemic IGF-I effects, failed to inhibit the activation of plasminogen or the increase in t-PA, suggesting that paracrine effects of IGF-I may be more important. Teat-sealing, which led to the accumulation of milk without hormonal changes, also led to increases in plasminogen activation and t-PA activity, suggesting that locally produced factors (of which IGFBP-5 is one) are important in controlling ECM remodelling. We propose that GH and PRL inhibit apoptosis and ECM remodelling by a process that involves the control of IGF-I and PAI-1 availability by IGFBP-5, thus allowing these processes to be tightly coordinated.
The catechol estrogen, 4-hydroxyestrone, has tissue-specific estrogen actions
Authors: Westerlind KC , Gibson KJ , Evans GL , Turner RT
Published: December 2004

Recent data indicate that the catechol estrogen, 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE(1)), has no effect on any target tissue including bone, whereas 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone (16 alpha-OHE(1)) exerts tissue-selective estrogen agonist activity. The effect of the catechol estrogen, 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE(1)), putatively associated with tumorigenesis, has not been studied in the skeleton. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 4-OHE(1) on tibia, uterine and mammary gland histology and blood cholesterol in ovariectomized (OVX'd) growing rats. Ten-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously with 200 microg/kg BW per day with 4-OHE(1), 17 beta-estradiol (E(2)) or vehicle for three weeks. OVX resulted in uterine atrophy, increased body weight, radial bone growth and cancellous bone turnover, and hypercholesterolemia. E(2) prevented these changes with the expected exception that the subcutaneous infusion of this high dose of estrogen did not prevent the hypercholesterolemia. 4-OHE(1) prevented the increase in blood cholesterol and the increase in body weight. 4-OHE(1) appeared to have partial estrogen activity in the uterus; uterine weight and epithelial cell height were significantly greater than the OVX rats but significantly less (twofold) than the E(2) animals. Analysis of variance indicated that 4-OHE(1) slightly decreased the periosteal mineral apposition rate (P<0.05) compared with vehicle-treated rats but had no effect on double-labeled perimeter or bone formation rate. Similarly, 4-OHE(1) was a partial estrogen agonist on cancellous bone turnover. The data suggest that the catechol estrogen, 4-OHE(1), unlike 2-OHE(1), has estrogen activity. Furthermore, the profile of activity differs from that of 16 alpha-OHE(1). Our results suggest that estrogen metabolites may selectively influence estrogen-target tissues and, concomitantly, modulate estrogen-associated disease risk.
Estrogen modulates osteoblast proliferation and function regulated by parathyroid hormone in osteoblastic SaOS-2 cells: role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-binding protein-5
Authors: Nasu M , Sugimoto T , Kaji H , Chihara K
Published: December 2004

Although there is clinical evidence showing that combined therapy with parathyroid hormone (PTH) and estrogen is additively effective in increasing the bone mass of patients with osteoporosis, the mechanism of the interaction between these hormones remains unclear. The present study was performed to determine whether estrogen would affect osteoblast proliferation and function modulated by PTH in human osteoblastic SaOS-2 cells. Human PTH-(1-34) significantly inhibited [(3)H]thymidine (TdR) incorporation, which was attenuated by 24 h pretreatment with 10(-10) to 10(-7) M 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta-E(2)) in a concentration-dependent manner. PTH significantly stimulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, collagen synthesis and type-1 procollagen mRNA expression after pretreatment with 17 beta-E(2 )in these cells. Tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen, antagonized these 17 beta-E(2)-induced effects. Pretreatment with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mimicked estrogen action, and coincubation of 3 microg/ml anti-IGF-I antibody antagonized the effects of 17 beta-E(2 )as well as those of IGF-I. In the presence of 17 beta-E(2 )pretreatment, PTH strongly stimulated IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-5 mRNA expression in these cells, and recombinant IGFBP-5 increased type-1 procollagen mRNA expression and ALP activity. In conclusion, estrogen attenuates PTH-induced inhibition of osteoblast proliferation and PTH stimulates osteoblast function in the presence of estrogen pretreatment. IGF-I and/or IGFBP-5 seemed to be involved in the estrogen-induced modulation of PTH action on osteoblast proliferation and function.
Gastrointestinal growth factors and pancreatic islet hormones during postoperative IGF-I supplementation in man
Authors: Leinskold T , Adrian TE , Arnelo U , Larsson J , Permert J
Published: December 2004

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has been demonstrated to exert a nitrogen sparing effect, both experimentally and in patients after abdominal surgery. IGF-I is a major mediator for the anabolic effects of growth hormone (GH). Whether elevated circulating IGF-I levels are the sole mediator of the anabolic effects following GH has not been clarified. IGF-I influences glucose metabolism, both through its own specific receptor and by activating the insulin receptor, and has also been proposed to influence pancreatic islet secretion directly. In the present study, the postoperative effects of IGF-I on plasma levels of other gastrointestinal and pancreatic islet hormones and growth factors were measured in patients after abdominal surgery. Fifteen patients who were candidates for large bowel resection were randomly divided into two groups: IGF-I-treated (n=8) and placebo-treated (n=7). The IGF-I group received daily two s.c. injections of human recombinant IGF-I (80 microg/kg body weight) for five days, beginning on the morning of the first postoperative day. The other group received placebo injections. Fasting plasma levels of gastrointestinal growth factors (epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha, IGF-II), gastrointestinal hormones (gastrin, enteroglucagon, peptide YY), and islet hormones (insulin, islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and pancreatic glucagon) were determined by RIA preoperatively and after five days of treatment. No significant effects of IGF-I on other growth factors or gastrointestinal hormones were seen. A marked increase in plasma insulin postoperatively compared with the preoperative levels (42+/-3 vs 61+/-5 pM, P<0.05) was seen in the placebo group, whereas the postoperative levels in the IGF-I-treated patients remained unchanged (44+/-3 vs 45+/-4 pM). A similar pattern was observed for IAPP and cortisol concentrations. No differences in glucagon concentrations were seen. In conclusion, these results suggest that IGF-I does not influence production of other gastrointestinal hormones thought to be involved in alimentary growth or pancreatic glucagon. In contrast, IGF-I caused a marked reduction of insulin and IAPP secretion. The inhibition of beta-cell secretion could be direct or, alternatively, could involve an improvement in postoperative insulin resistance, perhaps by reducing serum cortisol.
Autocrine signals promote osteoblast survival in culture
Authors: Tumber A , Meikle MC , Hill PA
Published: December 2004

We have studied the survival requirements of osteoblasts to test the hypothesis that osteoblasts undergo programmed cell death (PCD) or apoptosis unless they are continuously signalled by other cells not to do so. Osteoblasts survived for 6 days in culture at high cell density in the absence of other cell types, serum or exogenous proteins, but they died with the morphological features of apoptosis in these conditions at low cell density. Osteoblast survival was enhanced during the first 2 days of culture by the addition of the sulphydryl compound, cysteine to the culture medium which was converted intracellularly to the antioxidant glutathione. Catalase, an enzyme decomposing hydrogen peroxide, also protected the cells, whereas superoxide dismutase had no effect. Therefore, osteoblasts in culture are sensitive to toxic compounds derived from molecular oxygen, i.e. hydroxyl radicals or hydrogen peroxide spontaneously generated in CMRL medium containing ascorbate and ferrous ions. Conditioned medium from high density cultures prevented osteoblast apoptosis in low density cultures, as long as antioxidants were also present. The enhancing effect of conditioned medium on osteoblast survival was prevented by neutralizing antibodies to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-II but not by antibodies to either platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). These results suggest that in addition to regulating cell growth and differentiation, IGF-I and IGF-II also function as survival factors for osteoblasts. Our data also indicate that antioxidants are required for osteoblast survival and that they enhance growth factor mediated osteoblast survival.
Human granulosa cells are a site of sulphatase activity and are able to utilize dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate as a precursor for oestradiol production
Authors: Bonser J , Walker J , Purohit A , Reed MJ , Potter BV , Willis DS , Franks S , Mason HD
Published: December 2004

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) is the most abundant androgen in the circulation and in ovarian follicular fluid. A steroid sulphatase accepting DHEAS as a substrate has been identified in the follicle, but the cellular location has not been determined. As DHEAS is also a potential source of oestrogen for endocrine-dependent tumours, a potent steroid sulphatase inhibitor oestrone-3-O-sulphamate (EMATE) has been developed which inhibits this activity in rat liver and mammary tumour. The aim of this study was to investigate human granulosa cells as a site of steroid sulphatase activity, to determine whether DHEAS can be utilized as a precursor for oestrogen synthesis and to investigate the inhibitory capacity of EMATE in these cells. Conversion of DHEAS to DHEA was assessed in luteinized granulosa cells by tritiated steroid assay following incubation with or without LH or insulin and steroid accumulation in the medium measured by RIA. The effects of EMATE were assessed by addition of a range of doses during the measurement of conversion of DHEAS to DHEA. Cells from three sizes of small follicles from an unstimulated ovary were also assessed for their ability to produce oestradiol from DHEAS. Sulphatase enzyme activity was present in all cells; the mean conversion of tritiated DHEAS to DHEA was 50% (range 4-65%). LH and EMATE inhibited and insulin stimulated this activity. Addition of DHEAS to granulosa cells caused a dose-dependent increase in oestradiol and androstenedione production with no change in progesterone concentration. LH increased the accumulation of oestradiol in the medium. DHEAS also stimulated oestradiol production by granulosa cells from small follicles. This is the first demonstration that granulosa cells are a site of sulphatase activity and that DHEAS can be utilized as a substrate for androstenedione and oestrogen production. This may be of physiological importance for both normal folliculogenesis and oestrogen-dependent tumour growth.
Capacitative calcium entry is involved in steroidogenesis in bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells
Authors: Ebisawa T , Kondo I , Masaki E , Hori S , Kawamura M
Published: December 2004

Capacitative Ca(2+) entry into bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells was investigated by using the mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and Ca(2+)-induced steroidogenesis as the indicators. Bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells on a glass coverslip were loaded with fura-2. The [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization was detected by a change of fura-2 fluorescence intensity. In the intracellular Ca(2+) store depleted cells, the addition of Ca(2+) to the incubation medium elicited a marked and sustained increase in [Ca(2+)](i). In the intracellular Ca(2+) store non-depleted cells, the addition of thapsigargin, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), induced a slight and transient increase in [Ca(2+)](i), but an extensive and sustained increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was obtained by adding Ca(2+) to the incubation medium after the thapsigargin treatment. The sustained increase induced by thapsigargin was not inhibited by nifedipine, but was inhibited by Zn(2+) and Cd(2+) in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of Zn(2+) was more potent than that of Cd(2+). Thapsigargin stimulated steroidogenesis in the presence of extracellular Ca(2+). The steroidogenic effect of thapsigargin was inhibited by Zn(2+) and Cd(2+) but not by nifedipine. These results suggest that there is, in bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells, a steroidogenesis-linked Ca(2+) entry process other than that involving voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels and that the process might be capacitative Ca(2+) entry.
Very strong correlation between dominant negative activities of mutant thyroid hormone receptors and their binding avidity for corepressor SMRT
Authors: Matsushita A , Misawa H , Andoh S , Natsume H , Nishiyama K , Sasaki S , Nakamura H
Published: December 2004

The syndrome of resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is an inherited disorder involving a mutation of the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) gene. Mutant (m) TR inhibits wild-type (wt) TR functions in a dominant negative manner, and this dominant negative effect (DNE) is a crucial factor in RTH pathogenesis. The molecular mechanism of the DNE is still unclear, although several possibilities (including competition between wt- and mTRs at the T(3) response element (TRE), sequestration of TR-associated protein(s) and titration out of functional TR) have been considered. Here we report that the DNE of mTRs is strongly correlated with their binding avidity for the retinoid X receptor (RXR), and especially for corepressor SMRT (silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid hormone receptor), but not for the nuclear receptor corepressor, NCoR. The DNE of six natural TRs and four artificially constructed mTRs was assayed using a TR reporter gene containing TRE-DR4 (DR=direct repeat), TRE-pal (pal=palindrome) or TRE-lap (lap=inverted palindrome) in CV1 cells treated with 10 nM T(3). Of the mTRs examined, F451X (with a carboxy-terminal 11-amino-acid truncation) identified in a patient with RTH exhibited the strongest DNE on all TREs. The binding affinities between mTRs and corepressors SMRT or NCoR were quantified using a two-hybrid interference assay system consisting of VP16-TR(LBD) (LBD=ligand binding domain) and Gal4(DBD)-SMRT (DBD=DNA binding domain), or Gal4(DBD)-NCoR respectively, together with the Gal4 reporter gene. In this assay, VP16-TR(LBD) and Gal4(DBD)-SMRT (or Gal4 (DBD)-NCoR) interact with each other and trans-activate the Gal4 reporter gene. When an equal amount of mTR is coexpressed, it reduces the transcriptional activity of the reporter gene, depending on its binding avidity for a corepressor. A very strong correlation was observed between the SMRT-binding activity and the potency of the DNE among six natural mTRs and also among all mTRs, including four artificially constructed ones. The relationship between NCoR and DNE, however, was not significant. When we assayed the binding avidity of mTRs for RXR by using a two-hybrid assay system consisting of Gal4(DBD)-RXR(LBD) and VP16-TR(LBD), a significant correlation between DNE and binding avidity for the RXR was also observed. These results suggest that a corepressor plays an important role in DNE pathogenesis.
Intracerebroventricular infusion of leptin elevates the secretion of luteinising hormone without affecting food intake in long-term food-restricted sheep, but increases growth hormone irrespective of bodyweight
Authors: Henry BA , Goding JW , Tilbrook AJ , Dunshea FR , Clarke IJ
Published: December 2004

Leptin can act as a satiety factor and exert neuroendocrine effects, but most studies have been performed in fasted animals. We aimed to determine the effect of chronic under-nutrition on the response to a 3-day intracerebroventricular infusion of leptin with regard to food intake and the secretion of pituitary hormones. Ovariectomised ewes (n=6) had a mean (+/-s.e.m. ) bodyweight of 56+/-0.8 kg on a diet available ad libitum (ad lib) or 33.4+/-1 kg on a restricted diet. The differential bodyweight was achieved by dietary means over a period of 6 months prior to the commencement of the study. Leptin (4 microg/h) or vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF)) was infused into the third cerebral ventricle for 3 days. Blood samples were taken prior to commencement and on day 3 of infusion for the assay of plasma hormone levels. The experiment was repeated one week later in a cross-over design. Food intake and metabolic status were monitored daily. The luteinising hormone (LH) pulse amplitude was lower (P<0.05) but plasma growth hormone (GH) levels were higher (P<0.05) in the food-restricted animals. Plasma levels of glucose, lactate, insulin, urea and triglycerides were similar in the two groups but non-esterified fatty acid levels were higher (P<0.01) in the animals on an ad lib diet. Leptin reduced (P<0.05) food intake only in the animals fed an ad lib diet. Leptin increased (P<0.05) the secretion of LH in the food-restricted group only and increased (P<0.05) GH irrespective of bodyweight. In conclusion, leptin does not alter food intake in animals on a restricted diet but can increase the secretion of LH in the same animals. The treatment of leptin was not sufficient to reduce plasma GH levels in the food-restricted animals, suggesting that other factors or mechanisms must be involved in the regulation of this axis.
Influence of the presence of OB-Re on leptin radioimmunoassay
Authors: Murakami T , Otani S , Honjoh T , Doi T , Shima K
Published: December 2004

Leptin, a hormone derived from adipose tissue, regulates energy homeostasis and body weight. In the mouse, serum leptin levels, when measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA), increase by a factor of more than 50 times during pregnancy, compared with those in the non-pregnant state. It is well known that mouse placenta produces the secretory isoform of the leptin receptor, OB-Re. In order to investigate the issue of whether serum leptin levels are actually increased during pregnancy or whether the increased OB-Re concentration plays a role in this phenomenon, serum leptin levels were determined by the immunoprecipitation of leptin using anti-leptin antibody, and were found to be increased only by about ten times during pregnancy. To investigate the influence of OB-Re on leptin measurement by the RIA procedure, serum leptin levels were measured by the RIA after the addition of OB-Re to the serum. The apparent values of leptin levels increased in parallel with the amount of OB-Re added to the serum. Leptin levels, as determined by the RIA, might therefore provide artificially high values when serum levels of the secretory form of OB-R are high, in cases, for example, such as the last period of pregnancy in mice.
In vitro regulation of local secretion and contraction of the bovine oviduct: stimulation by luteinizing hormone, endothelin-1 and prostaglandins, and inhibition by oxytocin
Authors: Wijayagunawardane MP , Miyamoto A , Taquahashi Y , Gabler C , Acosta TJ , Nishimura M , Killian G , Sato K
Published: December 2004

The precise regulatory mechanisms of cyclic oviductal contraction in the cow are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of luteinizing hormone (LH), steroids, prostaglandins (PGs) and peptides on the oviductal contraction and secretion of PGs and endothelin (ET-1). In addition, the cyclic expression of mRNA for ET-1 and its receptors (ET-R) was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the in vitro microdialysis study, an infusion of LH alone or in combination with progesterone (P(4)), estradiol-17beta (E(2)) and/or ET-1 stimulated pronounced release of PGE(2), PGF(2alpha) and ET-1 in the oviducts from cows in the follicular and postovulatory phases. The addition of LH, LH+P(4)+E(2) and/or ET-1 to the medium increased the amplitude of oviductal contraction. However, oxytocin (OT) completely blocked the responses of oviductal secretion and contraction. In contrast, these substances did not show any effect in the oviducts from cows in the mid luteal phase. Similar expression patterns of mRNA encoding for ET-R type A and type B were found, which were highest during the postovulatory phase, lower during the luteal phase, with the lowest expression during the follicular phase. We suggest that the preovulatory LH surge, together with increasing E(2) levels from the Graafian follicle and a basal P(4) from regressing corpora lutea (CL), stimulates maximum oviductal production of PG and ET-1, resulting in oviductal contraction for a rapid transport of gametes. OT released from the newly-formed CL may block these mechanisms, and slow contractions for transport of the embryo to the uterus.
Prostaglandin receptors and role of G protein-activated pathways on corpora lutea of pseudopregnant rabbit in vitro
Authors: Boiti C , Zampini D , Zerani M , Guelfi G , Gobbetti A
Published: December 2004

Studies were conducted to characterize receptors for prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) and PGE(2), and the signalling pathways regulating total nitric oxide synthase activity and progesterone production in rabbit corpora lutea (CL) of different luteal stages. CL were obtained at days 4, 9 and 13 of pseudopregnancy and cultured in vitro for 2 h with PGF(2alpha) or PGE(2) and with activators and inhibitors of G protein (Gp), phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C (PKC), adenylate cyclase (AC) and protein kinase A (PKA). High affinity PGF(2alpha) receptor (K(d)=1.9+/-0.6 nM mean+/-s.e.m. ) concentrations increased (P< or =0.01) four- to five-fold from early to mid- and late-luteal phases (50.6+/-8.5, 188.3+/-36.1 and 231.4+/-38.8 fmol/mg protein respectively). By contrast, PGE(2) receptor (K(d)=1.6+/-0.5 nM) concentrations decreased (P< or =0.01) from day 4 to day 9 and 13 (27.5+/-7.7, 12.4+/-2.4 and 16.5+/-3.0 fmol/mg protein respectively). The Gp-dependent AC/PKA pathway was triggered only on day 4 CL, mimicking the PGE(2) treatment and increasing progesterone production. In both day 9 and day 13 CL, the Gp-activated PLC/PKC pathway evoked a luteolytic effect similar to that induced by PGF(2alpha). The time-dependent selective resistance to PGF(2alpha) and PGE(2) by rabbit CL is mediated by factors other than a lack of luteal receptor-ligand interactions.
A loss of aggressive behaviour and its reinstatement by oestrogen in mice lacking the aromatase gene (Cyp19)
Authors: Toda K , Saibara T , Okada T , Onishi S , Shizuta Y
Published: December 2004

Aromatase P450 (CYP19) is an enzyme responsible for conversion of androgens to oestrogens. We generated CYP19 knockout (ArKO) mice by targeting disruption of the CYP19 gene and observed that the ArKO males exhibited a complete loss of aggressive behaviour against intruder mice when examined using a resident-intruder paradigm. The defect in the behaviour of ArKO males was reinstated when the mice received supplements of 17beta-oestradiol soon after birth. Nevertheless, the cumulative duration of the behaviour displayed by the treated mice during the test period of 15 min was 19+/-10 s, which was much shorter than that displayed by wild-type males, 90+/-17 s. When the supplementation was started at 7 days after birth, the defect was not restored. These findings illustrate an absolute requirement for oestrogen during the neonatal stage of a male's life for the development of the potential for aggression observed in adulthood. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates that ArKO males are a useful model in which to investigate the neural mechanisms by which aggressive behaviour is controlled.
Expression of prostanoid receptor genes in baboon chorion and decidua during pregnancy and parturition
Authors: Smith GC , Wu WX , Nathanielsz PW
Published: December 2004

The aim of this study was to determine whether expression of prostanoid receptor genes varied with gestational age or labour in the decidua and chorion of baboons. Tissues were obtained at the time of Caesarean hysterectomy in 15 baboons, 10 prior to the onset of labour in the last third of pregnancy and 5 in spontaneous labour at term. Expression of prostanoid receptor genes was determined using Northern blot analysis and the level of expression was related to each of three housekeeping genes. Expression of the genes encoding the EP(1) and FP receptor in decidua and the EP(4) receptor in chorion was lower with advancing gestational age. Expression of the EP(2) receptor gene was lower in labour in decidua, whereas expression of the IP receptor gene was higher in labour in both decidua (twofold) and chorion (fourfold). It is concluded that there is a complex pattern of change in expression of prostanoid receptor genes in chorion and decidua with advancing gestational age and in association with labour. It seems likely that direct effects of prostaglandins on the choriodecidua may have an important role in parturition in the primate.