bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of thyroidal type-I iodothyronine deiodinase in tri-iodothyronine production by human and sheep thyrocytes in primary culture
Authors: Beech S. G. , Walker S. W. , Dorrance A. M. , Arthur J. R. , Nicol F. , Lee D. , Beckett G. J.
Published: December 2008

We have studied the origin of tri-iodothyronine (T3) secreted by human and sheep thyrocytes in primary culture and also the expression of type-I thyroidal iodothyronine deiodinase (ID-I) in the thyroid and liver of man and various other animals. Inhibitors of ID-I reduced T3 secretion from human but not sheep thyrocytes. In contrast, inhibitors of de-novo thyroid hormone synthesis reduced both thyroxine (T4) and T3 production in sheep thyrocytes, but had no effect on the T3 secreted by human thyrocytes. Human thyrocytes did not produce T4 under the culture conditions used, although some endogenous T4 was present in the cells following their isolation. Although thyrotrophin (TSH) stimulated T3 production in both human and sheep thyrocytes, iodine in the form of potassium iodide was only essential for T3 and T4 production by the sheep cells. Although 125I from Na125I was incorporated into T3 and T4 in TSH-stimulated sheep thyrocytes, no 125I incorporation into T3 or T4 was detected in TSH-stimulated human thyrocytes. Using activity measurements and affinity labelling, ID-I was present in the livers of all species studied, but ID-I could not be detected in thyroid tissue from cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, deer or llamas. In contrast, thyroid tissue from man, mice, guinea-pigs and rats had significant ID-I activity and expressed an affinity-labelled protein with a molecular mass of approximately 28·1 kDa on SDS-PAGE.

These data show that under the culture conditions used, sheep thyrocytes produced T3 by de-novo synthesis, whilst human thyrocytes produced T3 by deiodination of endogenous T4. We conclude that thyroidal ID-I shows marked species difference in its expression and that, in those species which express the enzyme (man, mice, guinea-pigs and rats, in this study), it appears that it may make an important contribution to thyroidal T3 production.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 136, 361–370
Effect of selective serotonin agonists on basal, corticotrophin-releasing hormone- and vasopressin-induced ACTH release in vitro from rat pituitary cells
Authors: Calogero A. E. , Bagdy G. , Moncada M. L. , D'Agata R.
Published: December 2008

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype(s) by which 5-HT acts on the pituitary to stimulate ACTH secretion. We tested the effects of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), the 5-HT1C receptor agonist metachloro-phenylpiperazine (m-CPP), which also binds to other 5-HT receptors with lower affinity, and the 5-HT2/1C receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) on basal, corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP)-stimulated ACTH release from primary rat anterior pituitary cell cultures. 5-HT, 8-OH-DPAT and DOI significantly increased basal ACTH release, an effect which was antagonized by 5-HT receptor antagonists. 5-HT and DOI were effective at nanomolar concentrations whereas 8-OH-DPAT was effective at higher concentrations. 5-HT, 8-OH-DPAT (both at 10 nmol/l) and DOI (at higher concentrations) blunted the stimulatory effect of CRH. The suppressive effects of 8-OH-DPAT and DOI on CRH-stimulated ACTH release were antagonized by (−)propranolol, a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist which binds the 5-HT1A receptor with elevated affinity, and ketanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist respectively. 5-HT, 8-OH-DPAT and DOI showed additive stimulatory effects with AVP but only at the highest concentration tested, whereas m-CPP potentiated AVP-induced ACTH release at concentrations of 1 nmol/l or more. This effect was antagonized by metergoline, a non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist and mianserin, an antagonist which binds the 5-HT1C receptor with elevated affinity.

Thus (1) 5-HT and selective 5-HT agonists such as 8-OH-DPAT, m-CPP and DOI modulate ACTH release by acting directly at the pituitary level; (2) serotonergic stimulation of basal ACTH release is mediated by both 5-HT2 and 5-HT1A receptors; (3) serotonergic inhibition of CRH-stimulated ACTH release is mediated by 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors; whereas (4) serotonergic potentiation of AVP-stimulated ACTH release is mediated mainly by 5-HT1C receptors.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 136, 381–387
Liposome-mediated macrophage depletion: an experimental approach to study the role of testicular macrophages in the rat
Authors: Bergh A. , Damber J.-E. , van Rooijen N.
Published: December 2008

Liposome-entrapped dichloromethylene diphosphonate was injected locally into the right testes of adult rats. This treatment, which has been found to deplete resident macrophages in some other organs, reduced the number of testicular macrophages by at least 90%. Testicular weight and seminiferous tubule morphology were unaffected by liposome treatment. Leydig cell testosterone secretion gradually declined in the macrophage-depleted testes, and there was a compensatory increase in Leydig cell size and testosterone secretion in the contralateral saline-injected testes. These observations suggest that macrophages influence Leydig cell function locally. It is concluded that liposome-mediated depletion of testicular macrophages may serve as an experimental model with which to study the physiological role of these cells.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 136, 407–413
Effect of dopamine on adenylate cyclase activity, polyphosphoinositide metabolism and cytosolic calcium concentrations in frog pituitary melanotrophs
Authors: Desrues L. , Lamacz M. , Jenks B. G. , Vaudry H. , Tonon M. C.
Published: December 2008

It has previously been shown that dopamine plays a pivotal role in the regulation of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) secretion from the intermediate lobe of the pituitary. In the present study, we have investigated the various intracellular mechanisms that are associated with the action of dopamine on frog pituitary melanotrophs. Dopamine reduced forskolin-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production and the inhibitory effect of dopamine was blocked by the dopaminergic D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride. The D2 receptor agonist apomorphine inhibited incorporation of [3H]inositol into membrane phospholipids. Dopamine also inhibited the formation of inositol trisphosphate and provoked accumulation of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate. The inhibitory effect of dopamine on inositol trisphosphate production was mimicked by D2 receptor agonists and blocked by sulpiride. Using a double-wavelength microfluorimetric approach, we found that dopamine caused a rapid and transient decrease in K+-evoked stimulation of intracellular calcium concentration. The timecourses of the responses of the various intracellular messengers indicate that blockage of voltagedependent calcium channels is the primary event associated with activation of dopamine D2 receptors, while inhibition of polyphosphoinositide breakdown, related to blockage of voltage-dependent calcium channels, and reduction of cAMP production are secondary events which may contribute to the sustained inhibitory effect of dopamine on α-MSH release.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 136, 421–429
Pregnancy in growth hormone-deficient rats: assessment of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and IGFBP protease activity
Authors: Gargosky S. E. , Nanto-Salonen K. , Tapanainen P. , Rosenfeld R. G.
Published: December 2008

Pregnancy in rodents is associated with important maternal metabolic changes. Early pregnancy is considered to be an anabolic phase of nutrient storing, while in late pregnancy, a catabolic phase develops to help meet the metabolic demands of the rapidly growing conceptus. Similarly, major changes also occur in the IGFs, IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and GH axis. In the rat, maternal serum IGF-I levels increase from early to mid-pregnancy, after which IGF-I levels decline. Conversely, as IGF-I levels decline, pituitary-derived rat GH increases twofold. This coincides with a decrease in IGFBP-3 and the appearance of an IGFBP protease. However, the physiological role of these changes is unclear.

The aim of our study was to examine the roles of GH, IGFs and IGFBPs during pregnancy in a unique isolated GH-deficient rat model, spontaneous dwarf rats.

Pregnancy in GH-deficient dams resulted in a significantly reduced litter number, and maternal weight gain (day 21–day 1) was reduced by 28% when compared with dams with normal GH levels (GH-normal dams). In the sera of GH-normal dams, IGF-I levels increased 2·6-fold by day 4 of pregnancy and then progressively declined to below non-pregnant levels. Serum IGF-II levels were low and remained unchanged. Western-ligand blot analysis showed that IGFBP-3 was present in non-pregnancy and early pregnancy sera, but declined dramatically after day 12. This decline in IGFBP-3 coincided with the detection of an IGFBP protease. In contrast, in non-pregnancy sera from GH-deficient rats, serum IGF-I concentrations were 10% of the levels seen in GH-normal females, and neither IGF-I nor IGF-II concentrations changed with pregnancy. Furthermore, in GH-deficient dams, serum IGFBP-3 (as assessed by Western-ligand blot analysis) was low in non-pregnancy and early pregnancy sera, and became undetectable by day 12 of pregnancy. The low concentrations of IGFBP-3 in early pregnancy serum from GH-deficient rats coincided with IGFBP-proteolytic activity, and the decline in serum IGFBP-3 after day 16 was the result of increased protease activity.

In conclusion, isolated GH deficiency results in: (1) reduced maternal weight gain and correspondingly smaller litter sizes; (2) low and unchanged maternal serum IGF-I levels; (3) low, but declining, serum IGFBP-3 levels; and (4) activity of IGFBP protease(s) detectable in early and late pregnancy, which may modulate the bioavailability and bioactivity of IGFs by regulating IGFBP-3.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 136, 479–489
An enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay for human pituitary glycoprotein free α-subunit: evaluation and initial experience in patients with pituitary disease
Authors: Anyaoku V. N. , Wood D. F. , Pavlou R. , Williams P. , Tan K. , Fidler S. , Johnston D. G.
Published: December 2008

An enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring human pituitary glycoprotein free α-subunit is described. Pituitary tumours may secrete glycoprotein hormones, their free subunits (α, β) or a combination of these. Non-functioning adenomas often secrete free α-subunit. Assays for free α-subunit have previously used radioimmunoassay or immunoradiometric principles. Some of these methods are time-consuming and lack specificity and sensitivity. In order to overcome these problems, we have developed a two-site ELISA for α-subunit which uses a monoclonal antibody to α-subunit as the capture antibody to provide greater specificity. An affinity-purified polyclonal anti α-subunit conjugated to alkaline phosphatase was the signal antibody. Detection and quantification were based on phenolphthalein monophosphate conversion to phenolphthalein. The ELISA specifically measured glycoprotein free α-subunit in serum or plasma, discriminating between α-subunit and the intact glycoprotein hormones. The assay can be completed in 4 h. The assay sensitivity was 0·03 μg/l, and a normal range of 0·05 to 0·22 μg/l was established. In a retrospective study, elevated circulating glycoprotein α-subunit was detected in 22% of patients with non-functioning pituitary tumours previously treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 136, 511–516
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY ENHANCEMENT OF FSH-INDUCED UTERINE GROWTH IN SNELL DWARF MICE
Authors: Glencross R. G. , Lovell R. D. , Holder A. T.
Published: December 2008

The enhancing effect of bovine FSH monoclonal antibody (bFSH-MAb) on the gonadotrophic activity of FSH was investigated in dwarf mice using a uterine weight bioassay.

Increasing doses of bovine FSH (NIH-FSH-B1; 3.3, 10 or 30 μg/day) were administered for 5 days to dwarf mice (groups of five) with or without administration of a bFSH-MAb preparation (USDA-bFSH-MC28; 100 μg protein/day) which at a dilution of 1:15 000 bound 50% of 125I-labelled bFSH (USDA-bFSH-BP3). The bFSH, at the doses given, gave no increases in uterine weight; when, however, these doses were given with bFSH-MAb, significant (three- to four fold) increases in uterine weight resulted.
Benzodiazepine antagonism of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone receptors: biphasic actions on growth hormone secretion in domestic fowl
Authors: Harvey S.
Published: December 2008

Benzodiazepines are pharmacological agents widely used for their anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties. However, as these drugs are known to antagonize the binding and action of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) in pituitary tissue, the possibility that they may modulate GH secretion was investigated in domestic fowl, in which TRH is a GH-releasing factor. Chlordiazepoxide (an antagonist of central-type benzodiazepine receptors) had no significant effect on the basal release of GH from incubated chicken pituitary glands, but at concentrations > 10 μmol/l chlordiazepoxide suppressed somatotroph responsiveness and sensitivity to TRH stimulation. At this concentration, chlordiazepoxide competitively displaced the binding of [3H]3-methyl-histidine2-TRH ([3H]Me-TRH) to chicken pituitary membranes. The prior incubation of pituitary glands with chlordiazepoxide had no significant effect on the number of [3H]Me-TRH-binding sites, which were also unaffected by the administration of chlordiazepoxide in vivo. However, contrary to its effects in vitro, chlordiazepoxide reduced basal GH secretion in vivo, whilst potentiating the GH response to systemic TRH challenge. These results demonstrate benzodiazepine antagonism of TRH-binding sites in domestic fowl and a biphasic modulation of GH secretion, which may be mediated through opposing actions at pituitary and central sites.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 137, 35–42
Activin A inhibits cell-cycle progression induced by insulin-like growth factor-I in Balb/c 3T3 cells
Authors: Kojima I. , Mogami H. , Kawamura N. , Shibata H.
Published: December 2008

The present study was carried out to examine the effect of activin A on cell-cycle progression induced by insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in Balb/c 3T3 cells. When activin A was added together with IGF-I to competent cells primed with epidermal growth factor (primed competent cells), both [3H]thymidine incorporation and nuclear labelling induced by IGF-I were inhibited. The inhibition was concentration-dependent and the maximum inhibition was obtained with 1 nmol activin A/l. To ascertain the time in which activin A exerted its inhibitory action, we divided 12 h, the time required for primed competent cells to progress towards the S phase, into four periods and activin A was added during each of the four periods. It was effective when added during either the second (3 to 6 h) or the third period (6 to 9 h) but it did not affect cell-cycle progression when added during the first (0 to 3 h) or the last period (9 to 12 h). We then examined whether activin A affected intracellular events elicited by IGF-I. It did not affect either autophosphorylation of the IGF-I receptor or calcium entry induced by IGF-I. Likewise, it did not cause any change in the radioactivity of 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) in cells prelabelled with [3H]myristate while the increase in the mass of DAG induced by IGF-I was markedly reduced by activin A. The dose-response relationship for the activin A-mediated reduction of DAG mass correlated well with that for the activin A-mediated reduction of DNA synthesis. Activin A was effective in reducing DAG mass even when added 3 h after the addition of IGF-I. These results indicate that activin A attenuates cell-cycle progression in the middle of the G1 phase. The results also raise the possibility that reduction of DAG mass may account for the inhibitory effect of activin A on cell-cycle progression.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 137, 99–105
ACTH secretion from isolated hypophysial anterior lobes of male and female newborn rats: effects of corticotrophin-releasing factor, arginine vasopressin and oxytocin alone or in combination
Authors: Hary L. , Dupouy J. P. , Chatelain A.
Published: December 2008

ACTH release by the anterior pituitary lobes of 8-day-old newborn rats (males and females) in the presence of rat corticotrophin-releasing factor (rCRF), arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin, given alone or in association, was measured in vitro. Rat CRF and AVP induced a dose-dependent release of ACTH in both sexes, while oxytocin was unable to stimulate ACTH secretion except at the highest dose tested. No sex-related difference was noted for any of the responses.

Oxytocin (1 nmol/l) potentiated the response to rCRF (0·20 nmol/l) by the anterior pituitary lobes of females but not by those of males. This oxytocin potentiation was abolished when female newborn rats were injected at birth with testosterone (1 mg). AVP (1 nmol/l) alone stimulated ACTH release from the anterior pituitary lobes of the newborn rats of both sexes and markedly potentiated the ACTH response to rCRF.

Although no difference between the sexes was noted for basal levels of AVP and oxytocin in the hypothalamus, the neurointermediate lobe and the peripheral plasma, the present data on the sex-related effect of oxytocin on the newborn adenohypophysis could, in part, explain why ACTH release in response to ether stress was previously reported to be more lasting in females than in males on day 8 postpartum.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 137, 123–132
A novel method for the extraction of sheep insulin-like growth factors-I and -II from plasma prior to radioimmunoassay
Authors: Moore L. G. , Mylek M. E.
Published: December 2008

The measurement of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in plasma is complicated by the presence of high-affinity IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Consequently, the IGFBPs need to be removed or their IGF-binding effects need to be neutralized prior to assaying samples for IGFs. It was observed that IGFs but not IGFBPs from sheep plasma bind to the size-exclusion gel Sephacryl S-100 HR at a low pH and that the IGFs can subsequently be eluted off at a neutral pH. From this observation a convenient method was developed for the extraction from plasma of ovine (o) IGF-I and -II free from detectable IGFBPs with close to 100% recovery. When assayed in homologous sheep IGF-I and -II radioimmunoassays the Sephacryl-extracted plasma samples gave dose–response curves which were parallel to purified oIGFs. Furthermore, the results obtained by Sephacryl extraction were highly correlated with those found by the established Sephadex G-75 extraction procedure.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 137, 239–245
Effects of thyroxine on avian moulting may not involve prior conversion to tri-iodothyronine
Authors: Pant K. , Chandola-Saklani A.
Published: December 2008

The comparative effects of equimolar doses of thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) and of the inhibition of peripheral monodeiodination were studied on feather regeneration and moult in thyroidectomized and intact adult male spotted munia (Lonchura punctulata). T4 was significantly more effective than T3 at all dose levels in inducing feather regeneration in thyroidectomized birds. Suppression of mono-deiodination by iopanoic acid (IOP) was not accompanied by a suppression of T4-induced feather regeneration in thyroidectomized birds and IOP alone was without effect in thyroidectomized birds. Long-term treatment of intact birds with IOP accelerated the process of moulting by about 3 months. These findings question the prevailing concept that T3 is the finally active biological compound and T4 a mere precursor.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 137, 265–270
Secretion of 19-hydroxyandrostenedione and 19-hydroxytestosterone by porcine Leydig cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Raeside J. I. , Renaud R. L. , Friendship R. M. , Khalil M. W.
Published: December 2008

19-Hydroxytestosterone and 19-hydroxyandrostenedione have been identified as secretory products of the testes in the mature male domestic pig. Their isolation and identification were made by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CGC-MS) of extracts from testicular vein blood and media of incubations with Leydig cells. Blood was collected from veins on the surface of the testes of anaesthetized boars. Collagenase-dispersed Percoll-purified cells (> 90% pure) were incubated (20 × 106 cells/flask) with androstenedione (8·75 μmol/l) or [3H]androstenedione (5 × 106 c.p.m.) for < 60 min. Steroids were recovered from plasma or media by solid-phase extraction and the unconjugated fractions chromatographed isocratically in two solvent systems (acetonitrile: water, 37:63 (v/v) and methanol: water, 70:30 (v/v)) before CGC-MS analysis. 19-Hydroxy-testosterone was present in greater quantities than 19-hydroxyandrostenedione in testicular vein blood; it was also seen as a quantitatively significant metabolite of unlabelled and radioactive androstenedione in the incubation studies. The demonstration of the secretion of 19-hydroxyandrogens from porcine testes thus raises questions concerning the physiological significance of a testicular, rather than an adrenal, secretion of these compounds.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 137, 281–289
Patterns of neurohypophysial hormone release during dehydration in the rat
Authors: Windle R. J. , Forsling M. L. , Smith C. P. , Balment R. J.
Published: December 2008

A study was performed investigating the daily patterns of hormone release accompanying changes in fluid balance in the male rat during 48 h of dehydration. The blood volume decreased by 18%, the largest change occurring during the initial period when the rats showed an effective loss of body sodium. During the second day of dehydration, sodium retention was again seen. Plasma sodium concentrations showed a progressive increase, the total rise being 5–6%; the greatest changes were seen during the dark phases of the cycle which may be due to the nocturnal food intake.

Plasma vasopressin and oxytocin concentrations were significantly elevated throughout dehydration to levels which could be reproduced by acutely increasing plasma sodium and decreasing blood volume to the same extent. The observed increases were influenced by the phase of the day–night cycle, being greatest over the dark phases of the cycle. The overall increases were greatest when dehydration commenced at the start of the dark phase. Dehydration initially led to a rise in plasma corticosterone concentrations, whilst plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide were decreased. Plasma angiotensin II concentrations rose significantly during the later period of sodium retention.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 137, 311–319
The effect of cortisol on the secretion of ACTH by anterior pituitary cells of the horse in culture
Authors: Evans M. J. , Kitson N. E. , Livesey J. H. , Donald R. A.
Published: December 2008

Perifused equine anterior pituitary cells were used to investigate the effect of cortisol on the ACTH response to pulses of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH; 0·01 nmol/l) and arginine vasopressin (AVP; 100 nmol/l), given for 5 min every 30 min for 690 min and ACTH measured in 5-min fractions. At the fourth pulse of secretagogue (0 min), a constant perifusion with cortisol began (0 nmol/l (control), 100, 200, 500, 5000 and 50 000 nmol/l) and continued until the ninth pulse (150 min). For each pulse of secretagogue, the amount of ACTH (pmol) secreted in response to each pulse (ACTH response area), the highest concentration of ACTH (μg/l) measured after each pulse (peak height) and the mean ACTH in the three prepulse fractions (ACTH baseline) were determined. Data from control columns in each experiment were fitted by least squares to an exponential function to produce a mean control value for each end-point; results in all columns were expressed as a percentage of the mean control values.

The addition of cortisol had a highly significant negative effect on ACTH response area, peak height and baseline at all times from + 30 to + 240 min (columns given cortisol compared with the mean of control column values by t-test). Analysis of variance of the data showed that the higher the cortisol concentration, the quicker the ACTH response area (P = 0·0072) and peak height (P = 0·002) decreased to < 50% of mean control, and the greater the maximum percentage change (suppression) in ACTH response area (P <0·0001) and peak height (P <0·0001). The maximum percentage change (suppression) in base-line was independent of cortisol concentration.

At + 30 min after the start of cortisol perifusion, the ACTH response area in CRH columns was significantly lower than in AVP columns (P = 0·0088), and remained lower 90 min after the end of perifusion (P = 0·0084) but the maximum percentage change (suppression) was not different between secretagogues. ACTH peak height was significantly (P < 0·0268) lower in CRH than in AVP columns (from + 30 min until 180 min after the end of cortisol perifusion) and the maximum percentage change (suppression) was also greater (P = 0·0011) in CRH columns.

This study shows the effect of different concentrations of cortisol on CRH- and AVP-induced ACTH secretion by equine anterior pituitary cells, and the time-course for ACTH responses to be inhibited by, and recover from, cortisol perifusion. The highly significant inhibitory effect of cortisol on stimulated ACTH secretion was more apparent when CRH was the secretagogue than when AVP was the secretagogue. The significant inhibitory effect of cortisol on unstimulated baseline secretion of ACTH has not been described previously. These effects occur at physiological concentrations of secretagogues and cortisol. This suggests that, in vivo, circulating cortisol may have an important role in the control of ACTH secretion at pituitary level.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 137, 403–412
The inhibitory effect of noradrenaline on thyrotrophin-stimulated 3,5,3′-tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine release is mediated through a Ca2+-dependent process in the thyroid gland of the mouse
Authors: Oda Y. , Mashita K. , Mori-Tanaka M. , Kitajima K. , Miyagawa J. , Tajima K. , Hanafusa T. , Kono N. , Matsuzawa Y.
Published: December 2008

We examined the effect of noradrenaline on the release of 3,5,3′-tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) from perifused mouse thyroid. Noradrenaline suppressed the thyrotrophin (TSH)-stimulated release of T3 and T4. The addition of prazosin, which is a specific α1 antagonist, or the depletion of Ca2+ from the perifusion buffer completely abolished the inhibitory effect of noradrenaline on TSH-stimulated T3 and T4 release. Noradrenaline did not inhibit TSH-stimulated cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) release in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), which inhibits both cAMPspecific and calmodulin-sensitive phosphodiesterases. Noradrenaline significantly suppressed the TSH-stimulated release of T3 and T4 in the presence of IBMX. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of noradrenaline on TSH-stimulated T3 and T4 release is not mediated through a cAMP-dependent process or the activation of a calmodulin-sensitive phosphodiesterase, and that this inhibition is mediated through a Ca2+-dependent process regulated by the α1-adrenergic system in the mouse thyroid.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 73–80
Presence of growth hormone-binding proteins in cattle plasma and milk
Authors: Devolder A. , Renaville R. , Sneyers M. , Callebaut I. , Massart S. , Goffinet A. , Burny A. , Portetelle D.
Published: December 2008

The presence of GH-binding proteins (GHBPs) in the plasma of adult cattle was investigated using Sephadex G-200 filtration, Western ligand blotting and Western blotting. The changes in the concentration of GHBP in the plasma of dairy half-sister heifers during the first year of life as well as the presence of GHBP in milk were also investigated. When analytical chromatography (on a 1·6 × 100 cm column) was performed, five peaks of recombinant bovine GH (rbGH)-associated radioactivity were revealed in cattle plasma; the first peak, which appeared near the void volume, was presumed to represent aggregates, the second (Mr 290 kDa) and the third peaks (Mr 75 kDa) corresponded to specific rbGH–GHBP complexes; the last two peaks representing free 125I-labelled rbGH and Na[125I]. Western ligand blotting revealed multiple GHBPs. Three major bands were observed at approximately 190, 58 and 31 kDa; an excess of unlabelled hormone blocked the binding of 125I-labelled rbGH. Minor non-specific binding bands were also detected in cattle plasma with molecular weights between 40 and 136 kDa. One monoclonal antibody (8H7) produced against synthetic peptide (amino acids 54–63 of the extracellular domain of the bovine GH receptor) specifically interacted with 190 and 58 kDa bands while the 31 kDa band was not recognized. Finally, Western ligand blots were performed to evaluate the changes in plasma GHBP during the first year of life in 55 dairy half-sister heifers and to identify GHBP in milk. In plasma, the intensity of the 31 kDa band varied greatly between animals while the other specific bands remained stable. In milk, all specific GHBP bands observed by Western ligand blotting disappeared a few days after parturition. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the presence of GHBPs in cattle plasma and milk. There were important variations in GHBP between dairy halfsister heifers during the first year of life but the potential role of these binding proteins in the regulation of the biological activity of GH in ruminants and their functions in milk remain to be determined.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 91–98
Radioimmunoassay of mouse vas deferens protein: developmental profile and hormonal regulation
Authors: Martinez A. , Berger M. , Jean-Faucher Ch. , Veyssière G. , Jean Cl.
Published: December 2008

This study investigated the hormonal regulation of the developmental pattern of a major protein of the mouse vas deferens (MVDP) which represents 10% of the vas deferens protein content. Using a specific radioimmunoassay, MVDP was first detected in 10-day-old males and its concentration increased sharply between 10 and 30 days, reaching adult levels at 40 days. In adult males, MVDP disappeared after castration, and testosterone treatment for 15 days was necessary to reverse the effect of castration completely. In 10-day-old mice castrated at birth, MVDP levels were similar to those measured in controls of the same age. Testosterone administration from 1 to 10 days of age did not induce precocious accumulation of MVDP. These results suggested that the neonatal expression of MVDP is independent of androgens. From 10 to 30 days, the increase in MVDP levels was androgen-dependent as shown by the castration and injection experiments. In males castrated at birth, the androgen-induced accumulation of MVDP was greatly reduced in adulthood. This suggested that neonatal androgens are necessary to obtain full expression of the MVDP gene in adults.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 99–105
Insulin-like growth factor-II and transforming growth factor-α in developing human fetal pancreatic islets
Authors: Miettinen P. J. , Otonkoski T. , Voutilainen R.
Published: December 2008

To understand the development of the human pancreas better, we studied the expression and regulation of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) and transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) genes in the human fetal pancreas and islet-like cell clusters (ICC) from the second trimester human fetuses. Northern blot analysis revealed an abundant expression of IGF-II, insulin and TGF-α mRNAs in the intact pancreas and the cultured ICCs. Furthermore, transcripts for insulin receptor, type-1 and -2 IGF receptors, and GH receptor could be amplified by polymerase chain reaction analysis from the pancreas and the ICCs. With in-situ hybridization, IGF-II mRNA was found in abundance in both the exocrine and endocrine pancreas, exceeding the amount of insulin mRNA. In ICCs, insulin mRNA-containing cells were present as small clusters in the periphery and in the centre of the clusters corresponding to the immunolocation of insulin. The ICCs also contained many epidermal growth factor-, insulin- and type-1 IGF receptor- and TGF-α-positive cells.

When the ICCs were cultured in the presence of various secretagogues, only dibutyryl cyclic AMP was found to up-regulate insulin mRNA (39%; P < 0·05). IGF-II mRNA was also under cyclic AMP-dependent regulation (threefold increase; P = 0·025). Furthermore, blocking the type-1 IGF receptor with a monoclonal receptor antibody drastically reduced insulin expression (87%; P = 0·005) and additionally down-regulated IGF-II mRNA (49%; P = 0·005). IGF-1, IGF-II, TGF-α or epidermal growth factor-receptor antibody had no significant effect on either insulin or IGF-II mRNA. Exogenous TGF-α inhibited the release of insulin by the ICCs. It was concluded that IGF-II and TGF-α may be involved in the regulation of islet growth and differentiation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 127–136
Antiuterotrophic effects of the pure antioestrogen ICI 182,780 in adult female monkeys (Macaca nemestrina): quantitative magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Dukes M. , Waterton J. C. , Wakeling A. E.
Published: December 2008

The antiuterotrophic efficacy of the pure antioestrogen ICI 182,780 has been demonstrated previously by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in ovariectomized oestrogen-treated monkeys (Macaca nemestrina). Further characterization of the effects of ICI 182,780 in intact adult female monkeys with normal menstrual cycles was undertaken to provide an indication of its potential actions in premenopausal women. Changes in the volume of uterine tissues were measured by MRI in early, mid and late cycle. The volume of the uterus varied up to fivefold between individual monkeys but serial observations in individuals provided sufficient precision to allow accurate assessments to be made of changes in the endometrium and myometrium during the course of the menstrual cycle and following ICI 182,780 administration. In comparison with its initial size in untreated monkeys, the endometrium increased in volume by 60% and 125% in the mid and late cycle respectively. In contrast, the size of the myometrium decreased significantly, by 16% from early to mid cycle and then recovered to near its initial volume in the late cycle. Treatment with ICI 182,780 beginning in the early part of the menstrual cycle prevented the growth of the uterus. The magnitude and duration of the response was dependent on whether or not ovulation occurred during treatment with ICI 182,780. In animals rendered anovulatory, growth of the endometrium was blocked completely by ICI 182,780 and the volume of the tissue declined below that present at the start of the menstrual cycle. Antiuterotrophic efficacy was significantly less in monkeys which ovulated during treatment with ICI 182,780. The volume of myometrium was reduced substantially by antioestrogen treatment, and the difference in response between ovulatory and anovulatory monkeys was less marked than that of the endometrium.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 203–209
Distinct regional localization of neurocalcin, a Ca2+-binding protein, in the bovine adrenal gland
Authors: Nakano A. , Terasawa M. , Watanabe M. , Okazaki K. , Inoue S. , Kato M. , Nimura Y. , Usuda N. , Morita T. , Hidaka H.
Published: December 2008

Neurocalcin (molecular weight 23 000 and 24 000) is a Ca2+-binding protein with three putative Ca2+-binding domains and is present in large amounts in nervous tissues. Neurocalcin isoproteins separated by C18 reverse-phase column chromatography are insoluble in buffer solution and it is impossible to determine the dissociation constant of neurocalcin with Ca2+. To overcome this difficulty, recombinant neurocalcin was synthesized, based on one of the cDNAs of the neurocalcin isoproteins. Stoichiometric titration experiments, using recombinant neurocalcin, indicated that this protein bound 2 mol Ca2+/mol protein and that the apparent dissociation constant for Ca2+ was 2·2 μmol/l, suggesting that neurocalcin plays a physiological role in cellular function. Immunoblotting showed that neurocalcin is present in the bovine adrenal gland in addition to the nervous tissues. Neurocalcin, identified by immunoblotting, was purified from the bovine adrenal gland. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of neurocalcin from the bovine brain showed 23 kDa and 24 kDa double bands, while SDS-PAGE of neurocalcin from the adrenal gland showed a single band of apparently 24 kDa, suggesting that the expression of neurocalcin isoproteins differs from tissue to tissue. The content of neurocalcin in the adrenal gland was 10 μg protein/100 g wet tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the occurrence of neurocalcin in zona glomerulosa and adrenal medulla but not in zona fasciculata or zona reticularis. The restricted localization of neurocalcin in the adrenal gland suggests that a similar Ca2+ signal pathway may be present in zona glomerulosa and the adrenal medulla.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 283–290
Renal melatonin excretion in sheep is enhanced by water diuresis
Authors: Valtonen M. , Laitinen J. T. , Eriksson L.
Published: December 2008

Diurnal variation in blood melatonin levels and renal melatonin excretion was monitored in five ewes by blood sampling and quantitative urine collection at 2-h intervals. A typical secretory pattern of melatonin was seen both in blood and urine levels and in the renal excretion of melatonin. Serum melatonin levels increased from daytime values of approximately 200 pmol/l to a mean of 800 pmol/l during darkness. Urine flow rate and urine osmolality did not show any clear diurnal rhythm.

To examine whether urine flow rate affects renal melatonin excretion at night, urine was collected in three consecutive 30-min fractions, and blood was sampled in the middle of each urine collection period when the sheep were in normal water balance or after hydration. Hydration increased urine flow rate over sixfold and decreased urine osmolality well below plasma osmolality. Glomerular filtration rate, measured as creatinine clearance, did not change. Serum melatonin concentrations did not differ between hydrated and non-hydrated sheep. However, urinary melatonin excretion was 1·1 ± 0·3 (s.e.m.) pmol/min at midnight in normal water balance, and significantly higher (2·6 ± 0·4 pmol/min) in the hydrated state.

In this study, the validity of urinary melatonin determinations as an indicator of pineal function was confirmed in normal water balance. In addition, our results suggest that a high tubular fluid load during diuresis increases urinary melatonin excretion because of decreased tubular reabsorption. This means that urine flow rate should be taken into consideration in studies where urinary melatonin levels are used as an index of production of the indole by the pineal gland.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 445–450
Proteolytic modification of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins: comparison of conditioned media from human cell lines, circulating proteases and characterized enzymes
Authors: Frost V. J. , Macaulay V. M. , Wass J. A. H. , Holly J. M. P.
Published: December 2008

Proteolytic modification of circulating insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) has been described in a number of conditions. Using Western ligand blotting and SDS-PAGE analysis of fragmentation patterns of 125I-labelled IGFBP-3 and 125-labelled IGFBP-1, we have examined conditioned media from cultured human cell lines for the presence of proteolytic activity and compared this with the action of circulating proteases and with characterized enzymes including cathepsin D, kallikrein, plasmin and tissue plasminogen activator.

125I-labelled IGFBP-3 was incubated with serum from pregnant women, patients following heart surgery and patients with cancer of the breast, lung or head/neck. Following separation of the preincubated samples by SDS-PAGE, a distinct pattern of degradation fragments was observed which was similar in all cases. This proteolytic activity was inhibited in the presence of EDTA, phenanthroline and 4(-2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulphonylfluoride,HCl. These proteases had no detectable effect on IGFBP-1. Serum-free conditioned medium from a human dermal fibroblast cell line, a rabdomyosarcoma, a cervical, a bladder, a chorio- and two-tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines all contained proteolytic activity which fragmented IGFBP-3. The pattern of fragments was similar in all cell lines but different from that produced by the circulating proteases. Six out of nine cell lines produced protease(s) which degraded IGFBP-1 in addition to IGFBP-3. Whilst all the characterized enzymes tested also fragmented IGFBP-3 and plasmin cleaved IGFBP-1, none of these acted in the same way as either circulating or cell line-derived proteolytic activity. The activity associated with the characterized enzymes and cell lines was inhibited in the presence of serum from normal healthy subjects.

These results demonstrate that the serum of pregnant women, post-operative patients and patients with cancer contain circulating proteases which cause fragmentation of IGFBP-3 but have little effect on IGFBP-1. Cell-derived proteases were shown to act on IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-1 in a number of instances but are not active in the presence of circulating inhibitors. These proteases may play an important role in regulating the availability of IGFs to normal and neoplastic tissues.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 545–554
Increased cytosolic free sodium concentrations in platelets from type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients is associated with hypertension
Authors: Tepel M. , Bauer S. , Husseini S. , Raffelsiefer A. , Zidek W.
Published: December 2008

Cytosolic free sodium concentrations ([Na+]i) in intact platelets from 32 type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients and from 27 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic control subjects were measured with the novel sodium-sensitive fluorescent dye sodium-binding-benzofuran-isophthalate. [Na+]i was significantly higher in platelets from type 2 diabetic patients compared with control subjects (40·6 ± 2·4 vs 32·0 ± 2·0 mmol/l, means ± s.e.m., P<0·03). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly elevated in diabetic patients compared with control subjects. Analysis of diabetic patients showed a significant association between [Na+]i and diastolic blood pressure (P =0·026). Stimulation of Na/H exchange by thrombin increased [Na+]i in both groups. After inhibition of Na/K/ATPase by ouabain (1 mmol/l), [Na+]i was significantly increased both in diabetic patients and non-diabetic subjects in a similar way (by 40·2 ± 7·3 and 31·7 ± 5·3 mmol/l respectively). It is concluded that increased [Na+]i in cells from type 2 diabetic patients may be related to hypertension.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 565–572
Thyroidectomy progressively renders the reproductive system of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) unresponsive to changes in daylength
Authors: Dawson A.
Published: December 2008

If starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are transferred to long days soon after being thyroidectomized, they show gonadal maturation but no subsequent photorefractoriness, suggesting a specific role for thyroid hormones in the development of photorefractoriness. This study tests an alternative hypothesis: that following thyroidectomy all gonadal responses to photoperiodic changes are progressively inhibited. Photoperiodic responses of starlings were examined at two different times after thyroidectomy. Transfer of thyroidectomized birds to long days 4 weeks after thyroidectomy caused testicular growth but at a slower rate than in intact birds, whereas, in thyroidectomized birds kept on short days, testicular growth was greater than in corresponding intact birds. Thirteen weeks after thyroidectomy, there was little or no response to an increase or a decrease in daylength in thyroidectomized birds, whereas intact birds showed marked testicular growth or regression respectively. The results support the hypothesis that the reproductive system gradually becomes unresponsive to changes in daylength during the weeks following thyroidectomy. This long-term effect may mean that earlier conclusions regarding the effects of thyroidectomy need to be reassessed.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 139, 51–55
Biochemical and immunological characterization of oestrogen receptor in the cytosolic fraction of gluteal, omental and perirenal adipose tissues from sheep
Authors: Watson G. H. , Manes J. L. , Mayes J. S. , McCann J. P.
Published: December 2008

Determination of the presence and characterization of oestrogen receptors (ERs) in subcutaneous and internal fat depots were performed and compared with ERs in the uterus using ligand binding and immunological techniques. Successful and consistent measurement of ERs in ovine adipose tissue could only be accomplished in animals depleted of endogenous sex steroids by combined ovariectomy and adrenalectomy. Scatchard, sucrose gradient and Western blot analyses all confirmed the presence of ERs in the cytosolic fractions of various adipose and uterine tissues from ovariectomized-adrenalectomized ewes. The approximate Kd values of 0·1–0·4 nmol/l for oestradiol binding in cytosolic fractions of gluteal, omental and perirenal adipose tissues were similar to the expected high affinity binding of Kd 0·35 nmol/l observed in uterine tissue. The binding was specific for oestrogens, as unlabelled diethylstilboestrol and oestradiol effectively competed with labelled hormone for receptor sites and progesterone, R5020, testosterone and dexamethasone all failed to compete. Mean (± s.e.m.) concentrations of ERs, expressed as fmol specific binding sites per mg protein, were much lower (P<0·05) in adipose tissues than in uterine tissue (975 ± 33). However, the content of ERs was greater (P<0·05) in subcutaneous gluteal fat (11·5 ± 0·8) than in the internal omental or perirenal fat (5 ± 0·6) depots. ERs from adipose and uterine tissues both migrated as moieties of 8S on 5–20% sucrose gradients. Western blot analysis of ERs from uterine and adipose tissues in the presence of protease inhibitors demonstrated an immunostaining band with a molecular mass of 67 kDa. In the absence of protease inhibitors, the adipose ER was degraded into two smaller bands with molecular masses of 45 kDa and 36 kDa.

In conclusion, these results support the presence of specific ERs in adipose tissues of sheep with characteristics similar to those of the ERs of the uterus. Furthermore, their presence is supportive of sex steroid-dependent effects on adipose accretion and metabolism.

Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 139, 107–115