bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stressor Specificity of Sex Differences in Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity: Cortisol Responses to Exercise, Endotoxin, Wetting, and Isolation/Restraint Stress in Gonadectomized Male and Female Sheep
Authors: Turner A. I. , Rivalland E. T. A. , Clarke I. J. , Tilbrook A. J.
Published: January 2014

Sex differences in the stress-induced activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in sheep appear to be dependent on the stressor encountered and occur irrespective of the presence of gonadal steroids. We tested the hypotheses that cortisol responses to exercise, endotoxin, wetting (experiment 1), and isolation/restraint (experiment 2) stress differ between gonadectomized male and female sheep. At weekly intervals (in experiment 1), we subjected gonadectomized rams and ewes (n = 6/group) to control conditions, to exercise stress, to iv injection of endotoxin, and to wetting stress. In a second experiment (experiment 2), we subjected gonadectomized rams and ewes (n = 5/group) to control conditions or to isolation/restraint stress. In both experiments, we measured plasma concentrations of cortisol before, during, and after stress at a frequency of at least 15 min with samples collected (from an indwelling jugular catheter) at a greater frequency around the time of the stressor. Cortisol responses to wetting (experiment 1) and isolation/restraint (experiment 2) stress were significantly higher in females compared with males but in response to exercise (experiment 1) and endotoxin (experiment 1) stress, there were no differences between the sexes. For some stressors, there are sex differences in sheep in the stress-induced activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis that are independent of the presence of the sex steroids, but the existence of these sex differences and the direction of these sex differences differs, depending on the stressor imposed.
Antibodies to Thyroid Peroxidase Arise Spontaneously with Age in NOD.H-2h4 Mice and Appear after Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Authors: Chen Chun-Rong , Hamidi Sepehr , Braley-Mullen Helen , Nagayama Yuji , Bresee Catherine , Aliesky Holly A. , Rapoport Basil , McLachlan Sandra M.
Published: January 2014

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a common autoimmune disease, is associated with autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO, unlike abundant and easily purified Tg, is rarely investigated as an autoantigen in animals. We asked whether antibodies (Abs) develop to both TPO and Tg in thyroiditis in mice that is induced (C57BL/6 and DBA/1 strains) or arises spontaneously (NOD.H-2h4). Screening for TPOAbs was performed by flow cytometry using mouse TPO-expressing eukaryotic cells. Sera were also tested for binding to purified mouse Tg and human TPO. The antibody data were compared with the extent of thyroiditis. Immunization with mouse TPO adenovirus broke self-tolerance to this protein in C57BL/6 mice, but thyroiditis was minimal and TgAbs were absent. In DBA/1 mice with extensive granulomatous thyroiditis induced by Tg immunization, TPOAbs were virtually absent despite high levels of TgAbs. In contrast, antibodies to mouse TPO, with minimal cross-reactivity with human TPO, arose spontaneously in older (7–12 months) NOD.H-2h4 mice. Unexpectedly, TgAbs preceded TPOAbs, a time course paralleled in relatives of probands with juvenile Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. These findings demonstrate a novel aspect of murine and human thyroid autoimmunity, namely breaking B cell self-tolerance occurs first for Tg and subsequently for TPO.
Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Activation in Adrenocortical Adenomas Is Frequently due to Somatic CTNNB1-Activating Mutations, Which Are Associated with Larger and Nonsecreting Tumors: A Study in Cortisol-Secreting and -Nonsecreting Tumors
Authors: Bonnet Stéphane , Gaujoux Sébastien , Launay Pierre , Baudry Camille , Chokri Ilham , Ragazzon Bruno , Libé Rossella , René-Corail Fernande , Audebourg Anne , Vacher-Lavenu Marie-Cécile , Groussin Lionel , Bertagna Xavier , Dousset Bertrand , Bertherat Jérôme , Tissier Frédérique
Published: January 2014

Background

Abnormal β-catenin immunohistochemistry and mutations of the β-catenin gene (CTNNB1) have been reported in adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs), but the frequencies of these defects and the phenotype of such tumors have not been clearly determined.

Objective

The objective of the study was to describe the Wnt/β-catenin pathway alterations in 100 ACAs and their association with clinicopathological characteristics.

Patients and methods

One hundred consecutive ACAs (excluding Conn’s adenomas) were studied clinically by β-catenin immunohistochemistry and direct sequencing of CTNNB1.

Results

Thirty-five ACAs were nonsecreting adenomas (NSAs), 19 were subclinical cortisol secreting adenomas (SCSAs), and 46 were cortisol secreting adenomas (CSAs). Fifty-one tumors had abnormal cytoplasmic and/or nuclear β-catenin immunohistochemical staining, indicating Wnt/β-catenin pathway alteration. Thirty-six tumors showed CTNNB1 mutations, which all showed abnormal immunohistochemical β-catenin accumulation. Among the 64 nonmutated tumors, only 15 (23%) showed cytoplasmic and/or nuclear β-catenin staining (P < 0.0001). Tumors with CTNNB1 mutations were predominantly nonsecreting (61% NSAs, 22% SCSAs, 16% CSAs) whereas nonmutated tumors were predominantly secreting (20% NSAs, 17% SCSAs, 62% CSAs) (P < 0.0001). Mean tumor size and weight were, respectively, 4.2 cm (±1.2) and 28.4 g (±21.1) for tumors with CTNNB1 mutations vs. 3.4 cm (±0.9) and 18.2 g (±8.1) for nonmutated tumors (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Abnormal cytoplasmic and/or nuclear β-catenin immunohistochemical staining occurs in about half of ACAs. This suggests the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which could be explained by activating mutations of CTNNB1 in 70% of the cases. CTNNB1 mutations are mainly observed in larger and nonsecreting ACAs, suggesting that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation is associated with the development of less differentiated ACAs.
Is the Vitamin D Receptor Found in Muscle?
Authors: Wang Yongji , DeLuca Hector F.
Published: January 2014

The active form of vitamin D, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, is critical for the regulation of serum calcium and phosphorus levels that in turn support bone mineralization and neuromuscular activity. It is well known that vitamin D deficiency causes rachitic/osteomalacic myopathy and cardiac disorder and the provision of vitamin D can reverse the symptoms. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The question of whether the vitamin D receptor is found in muscle has been debated but not settled. We recently studied all available antibodies against the vitamin D receptor and found that most antibodies used detect proteins other than the vitamin D receptor, and therefore, the utility of these antibodies may generate the false-positive results. Using antibodies that do not detect proteins in tissues from vitamin D receptor null mice, we have developed a specific and sensitive immunohistochemical assay. The results from this investigation show that the vitamin D receptor is undetectable in skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle, suggesting that the function of vitamin D on muscle is either of an indirect nature or does not involve the known receptor.
Inactivation of Melatonin Receptors by Protein Kinase C in Human Prostate Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gilad Eli , Matzkin Haim , Zisapel Nava
Published: January 2014

The pineal hormone melatonin regulates seasonal reproduction and pubertal development in mammals. We recently found melatonin receptors in the human benign prostate tissue, primarily associated with the microsome-enriched fraction of the epithelial cells. In cultured benign prostate epithelial cells, melatonin, at physiological concentrations, suppressed [3H]thymidine incorporation and cGMP levels. The effects of melatonin were transient, suggesting inactivation of the receptors. In the present study, the possibility of inactivation of the prostate melatonin receptors by protein kinase C (PKC) was explored.

Treatment of the microsome-enriched fraction with crude rat brain PKC in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) or CaCl2 abolished the specific [125I]melatonin binding. This effect was prevented by the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (GF-109203). [125I]Melatonin binding could be reinstated by iodoacetamide treatment.

In benign prostate epithelial cells in culture, TPA pretreatment markedly reduced the apparent affinity of [125I]melatonin binding. In addition, TPA ablated the cells responses to melatonin, namely the suppression of [3H]thymidine incorporation and cGMP levels. Pretreatment with GF-109203 prevented the TPA effects on[ 125I]melatonin binding and responses. In addition, GF-109203 slowed down the inactivation of the melatonin-mediated inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation.

Taken together, these data show that melatonin receptors are desensitized by PKC and imply that the transient response to melatonin may be the outcome of a direct or indirect melatonin-mediated activation of endogenous PKC.
Effect of Endothelin-1 on Corticosteroid Secretion by the Frog Adrenal Gland Is Mediated by an EndothelinA Receptor*
Authors: Cartier Franck , Remy-Jouet Isabelle , Fournier Alain , Vaudry Hubert , Delarue Catherine
Published: January 2014

We have previously reported that endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulates the in vitro secretion of corticosterone and aldosterone from the adrenal gland of the frog Rana ridibunda. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pharmacological profile of the endothelin receptor subtype involved in the corticotropic effect of ET-1. The mixed ETA/ETB receptor antagonist Ro 47–0203 (10−5m) totally blocked the stimulatory effect of ET-1 (5 × 10−9m) on corticosterone and aldosterone secretion. The action of ET-1 was also inhibited by the selective ETA receptor antagonist BQ-485 (10−7m). In contrast, the selective ETB receptor antagonist IRL 1038 (10−6m) did not affect the response of the frog adrenal gland to ET-1. In addition, the selective ETB receptor agonist IRL 1620 (10−6m) did not mimic the stimulatory effect of ET-1. The high affinity ETC receptor agonist endothelin-3 (ET-3) stimulated corticosteroid secretion, but was 400 times less potent than ET-1. Moreover, the action of ET-3 was also blocked by BQ-485 (10−7m). These data indicate that the stimulatory effects of ET-1 and ET-3 on corticosteroid secretion by the frog adrenal gland are mediated by an ETA receptor subtype.
Maternal Adrenalectomy Eliminates a Surge of Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone in the Mother and Attenuates the Prenatal Testosterone Surge in the Male Fetus*
Authors: Sinha Partha , Halasz Ildiko , Choi Jennifer F. , McGivern Robert F. , Redei Eva
Published: January 2014

Previous work has established a number of sex-related deficits in immune function, behavior, and endocrine responses to stress in the offspring of dams exposed to ethanol. To examine the potential role of maternal glucocorticoids as a mediator of these sexually dimorphic effects in the fetus, we examined the influence of prenatal alcohol exposure in the presence or absence of maternal glucocorticoids on fetal plasma corticosterone (CORT) production. An additional question to be addressed by these studies was whether maternal adrenalectomy could eliminate the known inhibition by ethanol of the prenatal surge of plasma testosterone in male fetuses.

Pregnant dams were adrenalectomized (ADX) or sham-adrenalectomized on gestational day (G) 7 and placed on a liquid diet containing 35% ethanol-derived calories or pair-fed an isocaloric control diet throughout the experiment. On G18, G19, and G21, plasma levels of CORT, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were measured in male and female fetuses and their mothers. Ethanol administration consistently increased maternal plasma CORT levels but did not significantly alter CORT levels in the fetus. Maternal ADX resulted in compensatory increases in fetal CORT levels that were lower in fetuses of ADX dams on alcohol, suggesting a direct effect of ethanol on fetal pituitary-adrenal activity. There were no significant sex differences in fetal plasma CORT levels in response to any of these manipulations.

A novel surge of maternal plasma DHEA was found on G19 that was absent in plasma from ADX dams. In spite of the absence of a surge on G19, plasma DHEA levels of ADX dams rose from very low levels at G18 to levels on G21 that were significantly higher than in Sham dams. A normal testosterone surge was observed in male fetuses on G18 and G19 from sham-adrenalectomized dams administered the pair-fed diet. However, this surge was greatly attenuated in males administered ethanol and also in male fetuses from ADX dams. These results reveal a direct inhibitory influence of ethanol on fetal CORT secretion as well as on the prenatal testosterone surge in males. Furthermore, these studies demonstrate the presence of a surge of DHEA in the pregnant rat. Overall, these data suggest that there is a critical adrenal factor in the rat that regulates the maternal surge of DHEA on G19 and the prenatal testosterone surge of male fetuses on G18–19.
Effects of Antagonists of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) on GH and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Levels in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing the Human GHRH Gene, an Animal Model of Acromegaly*
Authors: Kovacs Magdolna , Kineman Rhonda D. , Schally Andrew V. , Zarandi Marta , Groot Kate , Frohman Lawrence A.
Published: January 2014

Transgenic mice overexpressing the human GH-releasing hormone (hGHRH) gene, an animal model of acromegaly, were used to investigate the effects of potent GHRH antagonists MZ-4–71 and MZ-5–156 on the excessive GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) secretion caused by overproduction of hGHRH. Because metallothionein (MT)-GHRH mice express the hGHRH transgene in various tissues, including the pituitary and hypothalamus, initial experiments focused on the effectiveness of the GHRH antagonists in blocking basal and stimulated GH secretion from pituitary cells in vitro. Both MZ-4–71 and MZ-5–156 suppressed basal release of GH from superfused MT-GHRH pituitary cells, apparently by blocking the action of endogenously produced hGHRH. In addition, these antagonists effectively eliminated the response to stimulatory action of exogenous hGHRH(1–29)NH2 (30 and 100 nm). To ascertain whether MZ-4–71 and MZ-5–156 could antagonize the effect of hGHRH hyperstimulation in vivo, each antagonist was administered to MT-GHRH transgenic mice in a single iv dose of 10–200 μg. Both compounds decreased serum GH levels in transgenic mice by 39–72% at 1 h after injection. The inhibitory effect of 50 μg MZ-5–156 was maintained for 5 h. Twice daily ip administration of 100 μg MZ-5–156 for 3 days suppressed the highly elevated serum GH and IGF-I concentrations in transgenic mice by 56.8% and 39.0%, respectively. This treatment also reduced IGF-I messenger RNA levels in the liver by 21.8% but did not affect the level of GH messenger RNA in the pituitary. Our results demonstrate that GHRH antagonists MZ-4–71 and MZ-5–156 can inhibit elevated GH levels caused by overproduction of hGHRH. The suppression of circulating GH concentrations induced by the antagonists seems to be physiologically relevant, because both IGF-I secretion and synthesis also were reduced. Our findings, showing the suppression of GH and IGF-I secretion with GHRH antagonists, suggest that this class of analogs could be used for the diagnosis and therapy of disorders characterized by excessive GHRH secretion.
Cloning, Tissue Expression, and Chromosomal Localization of the Mouse IRS-3 Gene
Authors: Sciacchitano Salvatore , Taylor Simeon I.
Published: January 2014

Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins are key regulators of basic functions such as cellular growth and metabolism. They provide an interface between multiple receptors and a complex network of intracellular signaling molecules. Two members of this family (IRS-1 and IRS-2) have been identified previously. In this investigation, we analyzed a mouse expressed sequence tag clone that proved to be a new member of the IRS family. Sequence analysis of this clone and comparison with the sequences deposited in GenBank demonstrates this protein may be the murine homolog of rat IRS-3, recently purified and cloned from rat adipocytes. Accordingly, we have named our protein mouse IRS-3. The expressed sequence tag clone contains the complete coding sequence of 1485 bp, encoding a protein of 495 amino acids. Sequence alignment with the other members of the IRS family shows that this protein contains pleckstrin homology and phosphotyrosine-binding domains that are highly conserved. In addition, there is conservation of many tyrosine phosphorylation motifs responsible for interactions with downstream signaling molecules containing SH2 domains. The murine IRS-3 messenger RNA (2.4 kilobases in length) is expressed in many tissues, with highest levels in liver and lung. Mouse IRS-3 is highly expressed in the first part of the embryonic life, when IRS-1 messenger RNA is barely detectable. Unlike the genes encoding IRS-1 and IRS-2, the IRS-3 gene contains an intron (344 bp in length) in the region between the pleckstrin homology and the phosphotyrosine-binding domains. Fluorescent in situ hybridization localized the mouse IRS-3 gene on the telomeric region of chromosome 5G2. Cloning of the murine IRS-3 gene will make it possible to apply genetic approaches to elucidate the physiological role of this new member of the IRS family of proteins.
Thyroid Hormones Inhibit Type 2 Iodothyronine Deiodinase in the Rat Cerebral Cortex by Both Pre- and Posttranslational Mechanisms*
Authors: Burmeister Lynn A. , Pachucki John , St. Germain Donald L.
Published: January 2014

The type 2 5′-deiodinase (D2) appears to play an important role in maintaining the intracerebral T3 content relatively constant during changes in thyroidal state. Previous studies have demonstrated that the regulation of this enzyme by thyroid hormone and its analogs occurs at a posttranslational level. The availability of the rat D2 complementary DNA now allows an assessment of whether pretranslational regulation of this enzyme also occurs in the cerebral cortex. In rats rendered hypothyroid by the addition of methimazole to the drinking water, D2 messenger RNA (mRNA) is increased 70% (P = 0.03). Treatment with l-T3 (50 μg/100 g BW) for 4 days results in an 80% decrease in D2 mRNA compared with that in euthyroid controls (P < 0.001). Administration of lower doses of l-T3 (0.25–3 μg/100 g BW·day) is associated with a dose-dependent decrease in cortical D2 mRNA, but little or no change in D2 activity. The decrease in D2 mRNA in response to T3 treatment can be demonstrated within 4 h. Treatment of hypothyroid rats for 2 weeks with graded doses of l-T4 (0.1–1.5 μg/100 g BW·day) results in a significant decrease in cortical D2 activity, but not mRNA. The association between D2 activity and D2 mRNA in euthyroid, hypothyroid, and hormone-treated rats across a full range of thyroidal states suggests that l-T4 treatment is associated with greater changes in cortical D2 activity (via posttranslational effects) than mRNA, whereas l-T3 treatment has a greater effect on decreasing D2 mRNA (i.e. pretranslational effects). In conclusion, these studies demonstrate both pre- and posttranslational regulation of cortical D2 expression. The relative contribution of each mechanism depends on the ambient thyroid hormone concentration.
Two Frog Melanotrope Cell Subpopulations Exhibiting Distinct Biochemical and Physiological Patterns in Basal Conditions and under Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulation*
Authors: Gonzalez de Aguilar Jose Luis , Malagon Maria M. , Vazquez-Martinez Rafael M. , Lihrmann Isabelle , Tonon Marie-Christine , Vaudry Hubert , Gracia-Navarro Francisco
Published: January 2014

Cell heterogeneity designates the phenomenon by which a particular cell type is composed of morphologically and physiologically distinct cell subpopulations. We have previously isolated two subsets of melanotrope cells in the intermediate lobe of the frog pituitary by means of a separation procedure based on a Percoll density gradient. High density (HD) melanotrope cells were found to exhibit a more granulated cytoplasm and a lower secretory rate than low density (LD) cells. In the present study, we have investigated the biochemical and functional characteristics of each melanotrope cell subpopulation by using various approaches, including chromatographic analysis for the measurement of the proportion of acetylated αMSH, microfluorimetric measurement of the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and in situ hybridization for quantification of POMC messenger RNA (mRNA). Under basal conditions, LD melanotrope cells showed higher secretory activity, acetylation rate, [Ca2+]i, and POMC mRNA content compared to HD cells. Incubation of the cells with 100 nm TRH for 2 h induced a more pronounced activation ofα MSH secretion, [Ca2+]i mobilization, and POMC mRNA accumulation in LD than in HD melanotrope cells. Conversely, TRH increased the rate of acetylation of αMSH in HD cells, but did not affect acetylation in LD cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the frog intermediate lobe is composed of two subsets of endocrine cells with distinct biochemical and functional characteristics. The coexistence of two cell subpopulations in the frog pars intermedia is consistent with the idea of a cell secretory cycle, in which each melanotrope subset represents a specific state of cellular activity.
Reconstitution of Calcium-Regulated Parathyroid Hormone Secretion from Streptolysin-O-Permeabilized Parathyroid Cells by Guanosine 5′-O-(Thio)Triphosphate*
Authors: Matovcik Lisa M. , Rhee Steven S. , Schaefer Jean F. , Kinder Barbara K.
Published: January 2014

Intracellular Ca2+ levels determine the amount of PTH secretion from parathyroid cells. Dissociated calf parathyroid cells were permeabilized with streptolysin-O (SLO) to provide an in vitro model system to examine Ca2+-dependent regulation of hormone secretion. PTH release from these cells was energy dependent and increased by cytosolic cofactors. Guanosine 5′-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPγS) increased PTH secretion from SLO-permeabilized cells in a dose-dependent manner from 0.1–100 μm. In the absence of GTPγS there was no relationship between the ambient Ca2+ concentration and the rate of PTH secretion. However, in the presence of GTPγS, intracellular Ca2+ inhibited PTH secretion with an EC50 of approximately 0.1 μm, corresponding to physiological intracellular Ca2+ levels. Thus, the addition of GTPγS to SLO-permeabilized parathyroid cells reconstituted the inverse relationship between extracellular Ca2+ and PTH secretion that is observed in vivo and in intact cells. The data indicate that this effect is mediated at least in part by heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphatases. In addition, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II appears to mediate low Ca2+-dependent PTH secretion from these cells.
Basal and Growth Hormone-Induced Hepatic Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-Binding Protein-3 Is Independent of Hyperinsulinemia and Increased Energy Status in the Genetically Obese Zucker Rat*
Authors: Melián E. , Velasco B. , Barrios R. , Sanchez-Franco F.
Published: January 2014

Genetically obese Zucker rats, like obese humans, have normal or elevated circulating insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels in the presence of low GH secretion. Hyperinsulinemia, increased energy status, or other nutritional factors associated with obesity could be responsible for these findings directly by increasing hepatic IGF-I production at the transcriptional or posttranscriptional level. Alternatively, circulating IGF-I could be modulated indirectly by affecting its binding proteins. To further elucidate this point, we quantitated hepatic IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and GH receptor messenger RNAs (mRNAs) expression in obese Zucker rats under different serum GH and insulin conditions using lean rats as controls. Eleven-week-old male rats were studied basally (intact) or after hypophysectomy (hx) at 9 weeks. In each condition, animals were killed before or 6 h after one dose of recombinant human GH (1.5 μg/g body weight ip). At this time, in addition to the mRNA expression of the above-mentioned genes, body weight, glycemia, insulinemia, serum GH (rat and human), and serum IGF-I levels were determined. Obese Zucker rats were significantly heavier than controls in all the conditions studied and did not show differences in glycemia. Severely hyperinsulinemic intact obese rats (146.9 ± 14 vs. 46.3 ± 3 μU/ml, P < 0.001) showed compared with intact lean rats significantly lower serum GH (2.39 ± 0.9 vs. 4.98 ± 0.68 ng/ml, P < 0.01), decreased hepatic IGF-I mRNA and IGFBP-3 mRNA accumulation (IGF-Ia: 79 ± 5.9% vs. 100 ± 0.9%, P < 0.05; IGF-Ib: 67 ± 5.5% vs. 100.1 ± 1.9%,P < 0.001; IGFBP-3: 54.7 ± 2.75% vs. 100.5 ± 1.55%, P < 0.001), and similar circulating IGF-I levels (1439 ± 182 vs. 1516 ± 121 ng/ml). Under comparable serum GH levels in GH-treated intact, hx, and GH-treated hx animals, hyperinsulinemia and/or increased body weight present in obese rats were not associated with increased hepatic IGF-I and IGFBP-3 mRNA amount. No differences in GH receptor/GH-binding protein mRNAs were found in any experimental condition. These results suggest that in vivo the imbalance of the serum GH/IGF-I axis present in obesity is primarily due to events distal to the hepatic IGF-I and IGFBP-3 mRNAs expression, which is tightly correlated to GH levels.
Tissue-Specific Transcription Start Sites and Alternative Splicing of the Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)/PTH-Related Peptide (PTHrP) Receptor Gene: A New PTH/PTHrP Receptor Splice Variant that Lacks the Signal Peptide*
Authors: Joun HoSeung , Lanske Beate , Karperien Marcel , Qian Fang , Defize Libert , Abou-Samra Abdul
Published: January 2014

The PTH/PTHrP receptor gene is expressed in bone and kidney as well as in many other tissues. Using primer extension followed by rapid cloning of amplified complementary DNA ends, we have isolated new PTH/PTHrP receptor complementary DNAs with different splicing patterns and have characterized a new upstream transcription start site. Three 5′ nontranslated exons, U3, U2 and U1, located 4.8, 2.5, and 1.2 kb upstream of the exon that encodes the putative signal peptide of the classical receptor (exon S), have been characterized. Four types of splicing patterns were recognized. Type I splicing pattern is transcribed from exon U1 and is spliced to exons S and E1; this pattern was found in most tissues tested. Types II, III, and IV splicing patterns are transcribed from exon U3 and have a restricted tissue distribution. Type II splice pattern, containing exons U3, U2, and S and type III splicing pattern, containing exon U3, U2, and E1 (skipping exon S), was found only in kidney. Type IV splice pattern, containing exon U3 and S was found both in kidney and ovary.

Because the type III splice variant skips exon S, translation of this splice variant initiates at a different AUG codon. The type III splice variant was weakly expressed on the cell surface of COS-7 cells, as assessed by double antibody binding assay, and no detectable ligand binding was observed on intact cells. The type III splice variant, however, increased cAMP accumulation in COS-7 cells when challenged with PTH(1–34), PTH(1–84) and hPTHrP(1–36) with EC50s that are similar to those observed in COS-7 cells expressing the type I variant but with a maximum stimulation that was lower than that observed in COS-7 cells expressing the type I variant. These data indicate low levels of cell surface expression of the type III splice variant. Treatment of COS-7 cells with tunicamycin decreased the size of the type I splice variant from a broad band of 85 kDa to a compact band of about 60 kDa. The type III splice variant did not change in size in COS-7 cells treated with tunicamycin, indicating that the type III splice variant did not undergo any glycosylation step. In conclusion, the PTH/PTHrP receptor gene uses alternate promoters in a tissue-specific manner that results in several tissue-specific alternatively spliced transcripts. One of these transcripts, the type III splice variant, is expressed in kidney and lacks the signal peptide.
Galparan: A Powerful Insulin-Releasing Chimeric Peptide Acting at a Novel Site*
Authors: Östenson Claes-Göran , Zaitsev Sergei , Berggren Per-Olof , Efendic Suad , Langel Ülo , Bartfai Tamas
Published: January 2014

Galparan is a 27-amino acid long chimeric peptide, GWTLNSAGYLLGP-INLKALAALAKKIL amide, consisting of galanin-(1–13) linked to mastoparan amide via a peptide bond to provide the mastoparan and galanin effector parts of the molecules. Galparan (10μ m) powerfully stimulates insulin secretion from isolated rat pancreatic islets in a reversible and dose-dependent manner; the stimulation is 26-fold at 3.3 mm glucose and 6-fold at 16.7 mm glucose. Galparan also enhances insulin secretion to a similar extent from islets of diabetic GK rats. The stimulatory effect of galparan on insulin release is not directly dependent on extracellular Ca2+, nor can it be explained only by changes in free cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations. Furthermore, galparan is effective in evoking insulin release in B cells depolarized by 25 mm KCl when ATP-sensitive K+ channels are kept open by diazoxide. Thus, galparan, like mastoparan, stimulates exocytosis of insulin at a distal site in the stimulus-secretion coupling of the B cell. This distal site is not identical to that used by mastoparan, as pertussis toxin pretreatment does not influence the insulinogenic effect of galparan. In conclusion, galparan evokes a large and reversible insulin secretion, acting at a yet unknown distal site and also promoting exocytosis in depolarized B cells from normal rats as well as diabetic GK rats.
Interaction of Mouse Placental Lactogens and Androgens in Regulating Progesterone Release in Cultured Mouse Luteal Cells
Authors: Thordarson G. , Galosy S. , Gudmundsson G. O. , Newcomer B. , Sridaran R. , Talamantes F.
Published: January 2014

Pituitary hormones are essential for the maintenance of the corpus luteum in the pregnant mouse during the first half of gestation. Thereafter, hormones from the placenta take over the luteotropic role of the pituitary hormones. Mouse placental lactogen-I (mPL-I) and mPL-II, two PRL-like hormones produced in the placenta, are probably necessary for the maintenance of the corpus luteum in the latter half of pregnancy. A culture system of luteal cells from pregnant mice was developed to investigate the role of hormones from the placenta that may be important for the function of the corpus luteum. Mice were killed on days 10, 14, and 18 of pregnancy, and the corpora lutea were excised from the ovaries and digested in 0.1% collagenase, 0.002% DNase for 1 h. The resulting luteal cell suspension was plated onto 96-well plates coated with fibronectin (1 × 105 cells/well) and cultured for 1–3 days. Medium was changed daily. The cells were treated with various concentrations and combinations of mPL-I, mPL-II, mouse PRL, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone, hydroxyflutamide, cycloheximide, actinomycin D, and fadrozole to study the effects of these different treatments on progesterone (P4) production. The three lactogens (mPL-I, mPL-II, and mouse PRL) all stimulated the release of P4 from the luteal cells. The potency of the lactogens was similar and did not depend on the stage of pregnancy at which the luteal tissue was obtained. However, the responsiveness of the cells to all hormone-stimulated P4 release was gradually reduced the later in pregnancy the tissue was collected. Androgens also stimulated the release of P4 from the luteal cells, and when administered together, the lactogens and the androgens acted synergistically to stimulate P4 release. The androgens acted directly but not through conversion to E2, as determined by the findings that 1) the effects of the androgens could not be reproduced by E2 administration, 2) nonaromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone was as effective as aromatizable androgens, and 3) aromatase inhibitor did not prevent the action of the androgens to stimulate the P4 release. The effect of the androgens on the P4 release was rapid, occurring within 15 min of hormone administration. It was not prevented by inhibitors of protein and RNA synthesis, and the intracellular androgen receptor antagonist hydroxyflutamide did not affect the androgen action. Therefore, the androgen effects were not mediated through the intracellular androgen receptor and de novo protein synthesis was not needed for androgen-stimulated P4 release.
A Steroidogenic Factor-1-Binding Site and Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Response Element-Like Elements Are Required for the Activity of the Rat Aromatase Promoter in Rat Leydig Tumor Cell Lines**This work was completed while M.Y. was a member of the Cell Regulation Graduate Program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. This work was supported by NIH Grant DK-03892.
Authors: Young Maureen , McPhaul Michael J.
Published: January 2014

Although transcription initiation within CYP19 (cytochrome P450 aromatase) occurs immediately 5′ to the initiator methionine (proximal promoter) in two rat Leydig tumor cell lines (R2C and H540) that express high aromatase activity and in rat ovary, the patterns of aromatase expression in the two cell types are distinctive. To define mechanisms controlling different patterns of expression of the rat aromatase proximal promoter, we performed transient transfection and gel mobility shift assays. Transfection experiments using different sized promoter fragments fused to a reporter gene were used to identify regions that are functionally important for transcriptional regulation in steroidogenic cell lines [R2C, H540, and Y1 (mouse adrenocortical cells that express low aromatase activity)]. These experiments indicate that the cAMP response element (CRE) at −231 and the steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) motif are both required for expression of the reporter gene in each steroidogenic cell line and that the CRE at− 169 is similarly required in R2C cells. Gel mobility shift assays confirm binding of nuclear proteins from the steroidogenic cell lines to the SF1 motif and to CRE (−231). Leydig tumor cells also contain nuclear proteins that bind to the CRE (−169), but nuclear extracts from R2C cells produce a uniquely shifted band compared with H540 cells. These results suggest that differences in proteins that bind to distinct elements within the rat aromatase promoter may be responsible for different patterns and levels of aromatase expression in these steroidogenic cell lines.
A Phospholipase A2-Related Snake Venom (from Crotalus durissus terrificus) Stimulates Neuroendocrine and Immune Functions: Determination of Different Sites of Action*
Authors: Chisari Andrea , Spinedi Eduardo , Voirol Marie-Jeanne , Giovambattista Andrés , Gaillard Rolf C.
Published: January 2014

Immune neuroendocrine interactions are vital for the individual’s survival in certain physiopathological conditions, such as sepsis and tissular injury. It is known that several animal venoms, such as those from different snakes, are potent neurotoxic compounds and that their main component is a specific phospholipase A type 2 (PLA2). It has been described recently that the venom from Crotalus durissus terrificus [snake venom (SV), in the present study] possesses some cytotoxic effect in different in vitro and in vivo animal models. In the present study, we investigated whether SV and its main component, PLA2 (obtained from the same source), are able to stimulate both immune and neuroendocrine functions in mice, thus characterizing this type of neurotoxic shock. For this purpose, several in vivo and in vitro designs were used to further determine the sites of action of SV-PLA2 on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and on the release of the pathognomonic cytokine, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), of different types of inflammatory stress. Our results indicate that SV (25 μg/animal) and PLA2 (5 μg/animal), from the same origin, stimulate the HPA and immune axes when administered (ip) to adult mice; both preparations were able to enhance plasma glucose, ACTH, corticosterone (B), and TNFα plasma levels in a time-related fashion. SV was found to activate CRH- and arginine vasopressin-ergic functions in vivo and, in vitro, SV and PLA2 induced a concentration-related (0.05–10 μg/ml) effect on the release of both neuropeptides. SV also was effective in changing anterior pituitary ACTH and adrenal B contents, also in a time-dependent fashion. Direct effects of SV and PLA2 on anterior pituitary ACTH secretion also were found to function in a concentration-related fashion (0.001–1 μg/ml), and the direct corticotropin-releasing activity of PLA2 was additive to those of CRH and arginine vasopressin; the corticotropin-releasing activity of both SV and PLA2 were partially reversed by the specific PLA2 inhibitor, manoalide. On the other hand, neither preparation was able to directly modify spontaneous and ACTH-stimulated adrenal B output. The stimulatory effect of SV and PLA2 on in vivo TNFα release was confirmed by in vitro experiments on peripheral mononuclear cells; in fact, both PLA2 (0.001–1 μg/ml) and SV (0.1–10 μg/ml), as well as concavalin A (1–100 μg/ml), were able to stimulate TNFα output in the incubation medium.

Our results clearly indicate that PLA2-dependent mechanisms are responsible for several symptoms of inflammatory stress induced during neurotoxemia. In fact, we found that this particular PLA2-related SV is able to stimulate both HPA axis and immune functions during the acute phase response of the inflammatory processes.
Neutralization of Relaxin within the Brain Affects the Timing of Birth in Rats*
Authors: Summerlee A. J. S. , Ramsey D. G. , Poterski R. S.
Published: January 2014

Experiments were performed to determine whether neutralization of relaxin in the brain, by injecting monoclonal antibodies to rat relaxin into the ventricular system of the brain, affected either the timing or the processes of birth in rats.

Pregnant rats were injected daily through a chronically implanted intracerebroventricular cannula either with a specific monoclonal antibody raised against rat relaxin from days 12–22 of gestation or with an antibody raised against fluorescein as a control. The rats were watched closely from the afternoon of day 20 of pregnancy, and the process of birth was observed. No sign of dystocia was observed in any of the rats in the experiment. Neutralization of endogenous relaxin caused a significant decrease in the length of gestation (505.4 ± 3.1 h) compared with that in rats treated with PBS (524.6 ± 0.5 h) or that in rats treated with a nonspecific antibody (525.9 ± 0.7 h). The time to the onset of delivery was also shorter in the relaxin-neutralized group (507.8 ± 1.1 h) compared with that in either PBS-treated (526.5 ± 0.6 h) or fluorescein antibody-treated (525.3 ± 0.7 h) animals. In contrast, there was no significant effect of the relaxin antibody on length of straining, duration of parturition, delivery interval, live birth rate, or body weight of the neonates. Premature delivery in the relaxin-neutralized group was accompanied by a 24-h advance in the fall in plasma progesterone.

These data support the hypothesis that there may be a central relaxin system that is independent of the peripheral relaxin system. Central relaxin may have a significant physiological role on the timing of pregnancy in the rat, but does not affect the course of labor once it has started.
The Synergistic Effects of Vitamin D Metabolites and Transforming Growth Factor-β on Costochondral Chondrocytes Are Mediated by Increases in Protein Kinase C Activity Involving Two Separate Pathways*
Authors: Schwartz Z. , Sylvia V. L. , Dean D. D. , Boyan B. D.
Published: January 2014

Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), as well as the vitamin D3 metabolites 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25), regulate chondrocyte differentiation and maturation during endochondral bone formation. Both the growth factor and secosteroids also affect protein kinase C (PKC) activity, although each has its own unique time course of enzyme activation. Vitamin D3 metabolite effects are detected soon after addition to the media, whereas TGFβ effects occur over a longer term. The present study examines the interrelation between the effects of 1,25, 24,25, and TGFβ on chondrocyte differentiation, matrix production, and proliferation. We also examined whether the effect is hormone-specific and maturation-dependent and whether the effect of combining hormone and growth factor is mediated by PKC.

This study used a chondrocyte culture model developed in our laboratory that allows comparison of chondrocytes at two stages of differentiation: the more mature growth zone (GC) cells and the less mature resting zone chondrocyte (RC) cells. Only the addition of 24,25 with TGFβ showed synergistic effects on RC alkaline phosphatase-specific activity (ALPase). No similar effect was found when 24,25 plus TGFβ was added to GC cells or when 1,25 plus TGFβ were added to GC or RC cells. The addition of 1,25 plus TGFβ and 24,25 plus TGFβ to GC and RC cells, respectively, produced a synergistic increase in [35S]sulfate incorporation and had an additive effect on [3H]thymidine incorporation. To examine the signal transduction pathway involved in producing the synergistic effect of 24,25 and TGFβ on RC cells, the level of PKC activity was examined. Addition of 24,25 and TGFβ for 12 h produced a synergistic increase in PKC activity. Moreover, a similar effect was found when 24,25 was added for only the last 90 min of a 12-h incubation. However, a synergistic effect could not be found when 24,25 was added for the last 9 min or the first 90 min of incubation. To further understand how 24,25 and TGFβ may mediate the observed synergistic increase in PKC activity, the pathways potentially leading to activation of PKC were examined. It was found that 24,25 affects PKC activity through production of diacylglycerol, not through activation of G protein, whereas TGFβ only affected PKC activity through G protein.

The results of the present study indicate that vitamin D metabolites and TGFβ produced a synergistic effect that is maturation-dependent and hormone-specific. Moreover, the synergistic effect between 24,25 and TGFβ was mediated by activation of PKC through two parallel pathways: 24,25 through diacylglycerol production and TGFβ through G protein activation.
The First Extracellular Domain of Corticotropin Releasing Factor-R1 Contains Major Binding Determinants for Urocortin and Astressin*
Authors: Perrin Marilyn H. , Sutton Steve , Bain Deborah L. , Berggren W. Travis , Vale Wylie W.
Published: January 2014

The CRF receptors are members of a 7-transmembrane receptor family that includes GH-releasing hormone (GRF), calcitonin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), secretin, and PTH receptors. To determine the structural features of the CRF receptor that may influence ligand recognition, a series of mutant receptors was analyzed for binding to astressin, a CRF antagonist, and to urocortin, a CRF agonist. Mutant receptors included chimeras between the CRF-R1 and GRF-R or Activin IIB-R, a single membrane spanning receptor serine/threonine kinase. Binding to the mutant receptors was assessed using 125I-[DTyr1] astressin (Ast*) and 125I-[Tyr0]-rat urocortin (Ucn*). There was no binding to a chimeric receptor in which the first extracellular domain (E1c) (i.e. the N-terminal region) of the CRF-R1 was replaced by that of the GRF-R. The complementary chimera in which E1 domain of the GRF-R was replaced by that of the CRF-R1 bound astressin and urocortin with Ki values approximately 10 nm, compared with inhibitory binding dissociation constant (Ki) values of approximately 2–4 nm for the wild-type CRF-R1. The chimera in which E1 of the activin IIB receptor was replaced by E1 of the CRF-R1 bound astressin with a Ki approximately 4 nm. A chimera in which both the first and fourth extracellular domains of the CRF-R1 replaced the corresponding domains of the GRF-R bound astressin with Ki approximately 4 nm and urocortin with a Ki approximately 2 nm. A chimera in which all four extracellular domains of the CRF receptor replaced those of the GRF-R bound astressin and urocortin with Ki values approximately 4 nm and approximately 1 nm, respectively. In conclusion, the major determinants for high affinity binding of CRF agonists and antagonists to CRF-R1 are found in the first extracellular domain of the receptor.
Overexpression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein-4 (IGFBP-4) in Smooth Muscle Cells of Transgenic Mice through a Smooth Muscle α-Actin-IGFBP-4 Fusion Gene Induces Smooth Muscle Hypoplasia
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Niu Wen , Witte David P. , Chernausek Steven D. , Nikiforov Yuri E. , Clemens Thomas L. , Sharifi Behrooz , Strauch Arthur R. , Fagin James A.
Published: January 2014

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) has been postulated to function as a smooth muscle cell (SMC) mitogen and to play a role in the pathogenesis of bladder hypertrophy, estrogen-induced uterine growth, and restenosis after arterial angioplasty. IGF-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) inhibits IGF-I action in vitro and is the most abundant IGFBP in the rodent arterial wall. To explore the function of this binding protein in vivo, transgenic mouse lines were developed harboring fusion genes consisting of a rat IGFBP-4 complementary DNA cloned downstream of either a −724 bp fragment of the mouse smooth muscle α-actin 5′-flanking region (SMP2-BP-4) or− 1074 bp, 63 bp of 5′-untranslated region, and 2.5 kb of intron 1 of smooth muscle α-actin (SMP8-BP-4). SMP2-BP-4 mice expressed low levels of the exogenous IGFBP-4 messenger RNA (mRNA), which was not specifically targeted to SMC-rich tissue environments, and were therefore not analyzed further. Six SMP8-BP-4 transgenic lines derived from separate founders were characterized. Mating of hemizygous SMP8-BP-4 mice with controls produced about 50% transgenic offspring, with equal sex distribution. Expression of IGFBP-4 mRNA in nontransgenic littermates was maximal in liver and kidney. By contrast, transgenic IGFBP-4 mRNA expression, distinguished because of a smaller transcript size, was confined to SMC-containing tissues, with the following hierarchy: bladder > aorta > stomach = uterus. There was no transgene expression in skeletal muscle, brain, or cardiac myocytes. The abundance of IGFBP-4 measured by Western ligand blotting or by immunoblotting, was 8- to 10-fold higher in aorta and bladder of SMP8-BP-4 mice than in their nontransgenic littermates, with no change in plasma IGFBP-4 levels. Transgenic mice exhibited a significant reduction in wet weight of SMC-rich tissues, including bladder, intestine, aorta, uterus, and stomach, with no change in total body or carcass weight. In situ hybridization showed that transgene expression was targeted exclusively to the muscular layers of the arteries, veins, bladder, ureter, stomach, intestine, and uterus. Overexpression of IGFBP-4 was associated with SMC hypoplasia, a reciprocal phenotype to that of transgenic mice overexpressing IGF-I under control of the same promoter (SMP8-IGF-I). Double transgenic mice derived from mating SMP8-BP-4 with SMP8-IGF-I animals showed a modest decrease in wet weight at selected SMC tissues. Although we cannot exclude that the effects of IGFBP-4 may be IGF independent, these data suggest that IGFBP-4 is a functional antagonist of IGF-I action on SMC in vivo.