bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serial analysis of the effects of methimazole therapy on circulating B cell subsets in Graves' disease
Authors: Corrales J J , Orfao A , López A , Ciudad J , Mories M T
Published: December 2004

The immunosuppressive effects of antithyroid drug therapy are well recognized; however, the cellular mechanisms underlying their action remain largely unknown. In the present paper we have prospectively analyzed the in vivo effects of methimazole treatment on a large number of circulating B cell subsets, involved in the effector phase of the immune response, in a group of 18 hyperthyroid patients with Graves' disease (GD). The patients were sequentially studied before (day 0) and 7, 14, 30, 90 and 180 days after methimazole therapy. The results were compared with both a group of 19 age- and sex-matched healthy controls and a group of 20 untreated/euthyroid GD patients in long-term remission. The combination of flow cytometry and three colour immunofluorescence revealed a clear increase (P<0·001) in the numbers of circulating total B cells (CD19+) due to a significant increase (P<0·001) in the CD5+, FMC7+, CD5+/FMC7+ and CD23+ B cell subsets in hyperthyroid GD patients with respect to both healthy individuals and to GD patients in long-term remission. The absolute numbers of all these B cell subsets analyzed before treatment, although abnormal, were not statistically different from those observed during the whole period of therapy. When comparing the percentages of these B cell subsets during treatment, significant changes (P<0·001) were only observed in the proportion of CD5+, CD5+/FMC7+ and CD5 −B cells at the end of the follow-up period with respect to those found both before and during the first month of therapy. Whereas CD5+ and CD5+/FMC7+ B cells decreased (P<0·001) after 3 months of therapy, CD5 − B cells showed a significant increase (P<0·001) at the end of therapy. It is remarkable that the percentage of CD5+, CD5+/FMC7+, CD5 − and CD23+ B cell subsets were abnormal during the whole period of treatment and that they never reached normal values. These results show that, in vivo, GD patients treated with methimazole exhibited an abnormal but rather stable pattern of B cell distribution, similar to that present in hyperthyroid untreated GD patients, except for the CD5+ and CD5 − B cell populations. Our findings suggest that in vivo methimazole therapy would not directly have an important influence on circulating B cell subsets.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 151, 231–240
Characterization of a monoclonal antibody reacting with the free human luteinizing hormone β-subunit
Authors: Pantel J , Robert P , Troalen F , Chanson P , Schaison G , Bellet D , Bidart J-M
Published: December 2004

Measurement of serum luteinizing hormone (hLH) is important for the detection and follow-up of patients with pathological processes of the reproductive axis. Detection of the uncombined form of the β-subunit of hLH, or free hLHβ, has proved to be of clinical interest in the recognition of gonadotroph adenomas. As no monoclonal antibody specific for the free hLHβ is at present available, we elicited monoclonal antibodies using free hLHβ as an immunogen. An antibody, named BLH01, was selected for its specific binding to the free β-subunit, and its antibody-binding site was characterized at the molecular level, emphasizing the importance of amino acid residues located between the disulfide-bonded Cys93 and Cys100. This region has been demonstrated as being particularly critical for the specific binding of lutropic hormones to their receptors. Topographic assignment of the epitope recognized by BLH01 was then achieved by cross-matching studies based on a library of antibodies directed to hLHβ, and the location of some epitopes on the three-dimensional model of the β-subunit is proposed. A two-site immunoassay based on BLH01 as capture antibody was then developed. This assay, using BLH01, may constitute a simple, sensitive and highly specific procedure for assessing the clinical usefulness of measuring free hLHβ, particularly for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients presenting with pituitary adenomas.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 151, 251–258
Reduction in circulating IGF-I and hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels after caecal ligation and puncture are associated with differential regulation of hepatic IGF-binding protein-1, -2 and -3 mRNA levels
Authors: Rodríguez-Arnao J , Yarwood G , Ferguson C , Miell J , Hinds C J , Ross R J M
Published: December 2004

Sepsis is characterized by a severe shift in metabolism, characterized by low IGF-I levels. We have studied the influence of caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) on the levels of circulating IGF-I and hepatic IGF-I and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-1, -2 and -3 mRNA in adult male Wistar rats (n=12) and compared it with sham-operated rats (n=6). In order to exclude anorexia-induced changes we also studied animals pair-fed to both groups. IGF-I levels were measured by RIA. Steady-state hepatic IGF-I, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 mRNA levels were measured by Northern blot analysis using specific rat cDNA probes. Food intake averaged 13·0 ± 2·0 g/day in the sham-operated rats fed ad libitum during the study period, with a sharp decline in food intake in the CLP animals (2·3 ± 1·3 g/day). After CLP, there was a significant reduction in circulating IGF-I levels (467·2 ± 50·9 μg/l) compared with sham-operated animals (924·0 ± 75·3 μg/l; P=0·04) or those pair-fed to the CLP rats (612·5 ± 52·9 μg/l; P=0·04). Total hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels were significantly reduced (2·57 ± 0·05 densitometric units (DU)) after CLP compared with the sham-operated group (2·71 ± 0·04; P=0·04), or their pair-fed controls (2·75 ± 0·08 DU; P<0·05). Hepatic IGFBP-3 mRNA levels were lower after CLP (0·37 ± 0·04 DU) than in the sham-operated animals (0·66 ± 0·09 DU; P=0·04) or their pair-fed controls (0·61 ± 0·05 DU; P=0·04). On the other hand, hepatic IGFBP-2 mRNA levels were increased after CLP (0·91 ± 0·11 DU) compared with sham-operated animals (0·28 ± 0·06 DU; P=0·01) or with their pair-fed controls (0·22 ± 0·22; P=0·01), as were hepatic IGFBP-1 mRNA levels (CLP animals 0·95 ± 0·11 DU; sham-operated 0·30 ± 0·04 DU, P=0·01; pair-fed 0·30 ± 0·02 DU, P=0·01). No significant difference between sham-operated animals and their pair-fed controls was observed in circulating IGF-I levels (888·0 ± 109·3 μg/l; P=not significant (N.S.)), hepatic mRNA levels for IGF-I (2·72 ± 0·06 DU; P=N.S), IGFBP-3 (0·71 ± 0·07 DU; P=N.S.), IGFBP-2 (0·25 ± 0·07 DU; P=N.S.) or IGFBP-1 (0·27 ± 0·06 DU; P=N.S.).

In summary, after CLP there was a reduction in both circulating and hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels associated with a specific and differential regulation of hepatic IGFBP-1, -2 and -3 mRNA levels. Although we cannot eliminate a possible effect of surgical stress combined with malnutrition, our results suggest that these changes are a specific effect of sepsis rather than simply a result of surgical stress or poor nutrition alone.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 151, 287–292
Retrogradely labelled neurosecretory neurones of the rat hypothalamic arcuate nucleus express Fos protein following systemic injection of GH-releasing peptide-6
Authors: Dickson S L , Doutrelant-Viltart O , Dyball R E J , Leng G
Published: December 2004

Previously, we demonstrated that the synthetic hexapeptide GH-releasing peptide (GHRP-6) activates a subpopulation of arcuate neurones, as reflected by increased electrical activation and by the detection of Fos protein in cell nuclei. Here we set out to determine (1) what proportion of the cells activated by GHRP-6 are neurosecretory neurones and (2) whether the cells activated by GHRP-6 contain tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; a marker of dopaminergic cells in this region) or β-endorphin. In the first study, adult male rats were injected i.v. with the retrograde tracer, Fluorogold, to detect cells which project outside the blood–brain barrier (and are therefore likely to be neurosecretory neurones). Three days later the conscious rats were injected i.v. with 50 μg GHRP-6 and the brains processed for the immunocytochemical detection of Fos protein. Between 68% and 82% of the arcuate neurones expressing Fos protein following GHRP-6 injection were retrogradely labelled with Fluorogold. In the second study, conscious male rats, bearing a chronically implanted jugular catheter, were killed 90 min following an i.v. injection of 50 μg GHRP-6 and the brains were processed for the double immunocytochemical detection of Fos protein and either TH or β-endorphin. Less than 7% (mean ± s.e.m.= 6·7 ± 2·6% nuclei/section per rat) of the arcuate neurones expressing Fos protein following GHRP-6 injection were TH-containing cells. Of 143β-endorphin-containing arcuate cells detected only four cells were identified as containing Fos protein. Thus, the majority of arcuate neurones activated by GHRP-6 (1) project outside the blood–brain barrier (and are therefore likely to be neurosecretory neurones) and (2) were not identified as TH- or β-endorphin-containing cells.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 151, 323–331
Insulin-like growth factor I enhancement of steroidogenesis by bovine granulosa cells and thecal cells: dependence on de novo cholesterol synthesis
Authors: Spicer L J , Hamilton T D , Keefer B E
Published: December 2004

Studies were conducted to determine the importance of de novo cholesterol synthesis and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme in the action of IGF-I in bovine granulosa and thecal cells. Granulosa and thecal cells from bovine follicles were cultured for 2 days in 10% fetal calf serum and then treated with luteinizing hormone (100 ng/ml) and IGF-I (0 or 100 ng/ml) for an additional 2 days in serum-free medium. During the last 24 h of treatment, cells were concomitantly treated with simvastatin (0, 0·5 or 5 μg/ml) or 25-hydroxycholesterol (0 or 10 μg/ml). Simvastatin, a potent inhibitor of the key enzyme controlling de novo cholesterol synthesis, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, completely inhibited (P<0·05) progesterone production by granulosa cells and progesterone and androstenedione production by thecal cells. Simvastatin also inhibited (P<0·05) granulosa cell and thecal cell proliferation. Concomitant treatment with mevalonate, an immediate product of HMG-CoA reductase, attenuated the inhibitory effect of simvastatin on progesterone and androstenedione production by thecal cells and blocked the inhibitory effect of simvastatin on cell proliferation. The addition of 25-hydroxycholesterol, a substrate for cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, had no effect (P>0·10) on IGF-I-stimulated progesterone or androstenedione production by thecal cells and actually inhibited (P<0·05) IGF-I-stimulated progesterone production by granulosa cells. These results provide indirect evidence indicating that stimulation of HMG-CoA reductase is an important locus of IGF-I action in bovine granulosa and thecal cells, whereas IGF-I has little or no effect on side-chain cleavage enzyme activity in these same cell types under the culture conditions employed.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 151, 365–373
Occurrence of WE-14 and chromogranin A-derived peptides in tissues of the human and bovine gastro-entero-pancreatic system and in human neuroendocrine neoplasia
Authors: Gleeson C M , Curry W J , Johnston C F , Buchanan K D
Published: December 2004

Antisera were generated to the synthetic peptides SREWEDS and KELTAE which correspond to residues 315–321 and 332–337 of human chromogranin A (CgA) respectively. KELTAE represents the C-terminal hexapeptide of WE-14, and SREWEDS (residue 316 human CgA Lys/Arg substitution) represents the C-terminal heptapeptide of the Intervening Peptide, located between pancreastatin and WE-14. The antisera were employed to study the occurrence of WE-14 and CgA-derived peptides in human and bovine gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) tissues and in a range of human GEP neuroendocrine tumours. Immunocytochemical analyses of normal human and bovine tissues demonstrated that each antiserum immunostained endocrine cells throughout the GEP tract. Variable intensities of immunostaining were detected in neoplastic tissues. Quantitatively, the highest levels of SREWEDS and KELTAE immunoreactivity were detected in pancreatic extracts, with lower levels in gastrointestinal tissues. Elevated levels of each immunoreactant were detected in neoplastic tissues. Chromatographic analysis resolved several SREWEDS-related peptides and a major KELTAE-related peptide that co-eluted with synthetic human WE-14. The present study has demonstrated that CgA is processed to generate distinct peptide products in normal and neoplastic tissues of the GEP system. A single molecular species co-eluting with synthetic human WE-14 was predominant and consistently detected in all the tissues studied.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 151, 409–420
Cytokine modulation of inhibin secretion in cultured rat granulosa cells
Authors: Imai M , Yamoto M , Otani H , Nakano R
Published: December 2004

In the present study, we examined the effects of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on inhibin secretion by cultured rat granulosa cells using immunoblotting and two-site enzyme immunoassay for inhibin A (α-βA dimer). FSH stimulated the secretion of the inhibin α-βA dimer (32 kDa) by the cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition to the predominant 32 kDa inhibin α-βA dimer staining, staining of minor immunoreactive bands was also enhanced by FSH. TNFα alone did not have any effect on inhibin secretion. Immunoblot analyses using an antiserum against α-subunit and an antiserum against βA-subunit revealed a dose-dependent inhibition by TNFα of FSH-stimulated secretion of inhibin by rat granulosa cells. Similarly, TNFα inhibited in a dose-dependent manner FSH-stimulated inhibin secretion when measured using a two-site enzyme immunoassay. IL-1β alone did not exert any effect on inhibin secretion but it inhibited FSH-stimulated inhibin release in a dose-dependent manner (using both immunoblotting and a two-site assay for inhibin A). The present observations suggest that TNFα and IL-1β inhibit gonadotrophin-stimulated inhibin production by cultured rat granulosa cells.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 151, 449–457
Stimulatory effects of taurine on insulin secretion by fetal rat islets cultured in vitro
Authors: Cherif H , Reusens B , Dahri S , Remacle C , Hoet J-J
Published: December 2004

Islets of rat fetuses born to mothers fed a low protein diet (LP) have a depressed insulin secretion in vitro in response to secretagogues. These fetuses have lower plasma levels of taurine than controls. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of taurine on fetal islets insulin secretion. After 5 days of culture in serum containing standard RPMI medium, islets were cultured for 2 days in serum-free DME/F12 medium with 8·2 or 16·7 mm glucose alone or with taurine at 0·3 or 3 mm. They were then incubated for 120 min in Krebs Ringer solution with glucose alone (5·6 or 16·7 mm) or glucose (5·6 mm) added to leucine or arginine (both at 10 mm). In both concentrations of glucose, taurine increased the fractional insulin release by islets stimulated with secretagogues tested during the incubation. The effect did not seem to be mediated by changes in cAMP content. In a second set of experiments, islets cultured in RPMI medium for 7 days were incubated in the presence of Krebs Ringer solution with leucine (10 mm) or with sulfur amino acids (taurine at 10 mm, methionine or cysteine at 5 mm) for 120 min. Taurine and methionine stimulated insulin release at the same magnitude as leucine, whereas cysteine had no effect. In conclusion, taurine enhances insulin secretion by fetal islets, at least in vitro. Low taurine levels in fetuses from LP mothers might be implicated in their depressed insulin secretion.

Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 151, 501–506
Activation of estrogen receptor-mediated gene transcription by IGF-I in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Lee A V , Weng C-N , Jackson J G , Yee D
Published: December 2004

Estrogen and IGF-I are potent mitogens for most breast cancer cell lines, and although their signaling pathways contrast, there is considerable interaction between them. Recent evidence indicating that IGF-I can alter estrogen receptor (ER) action led us to investigate whether an inhibitor of IGF-I action, IGF-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), could affect transcriptional activation of ER. First, we confirmed that tamoxifen (TAM) could inhibit IGF-I-mediated proliferation of MCF-7 cells. Although TAM can increase IGFBP-3 expression in MCF-7 cells, and this binding protein has been shown to be able to inhibit IGF action, TAM had no effect on IGF-I-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of IGF-I receptor or the downstream signaling molecule, insulin receptor substrate-1. Therefore, to confirm that IGF-I was affecting transcriptional activation of ER, we utilized a gene reporter assay using a single consensus estrogen response element (ERE-tk-luc) upstream ofluciferase. As expected, estradiol (E2; 1 nm) increased transcriptional activation three- to fivefold from the ERE in three ER-positive breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, ZR-75 and T47D). A 2·5- to 4-fold increase was also seen with IGF-I (5 nm). TAM (1 μm) effectively blocked activation by E2 and IGF-I, indicating disruption of ER-mediated transcription. As expected, human recombinant IGFBP-1 (80 nm) completely inhibited IGF-I-mediated activation of ER, however, IGFBP-1 also caused a significant decrease in E2-mediated activation. We also noticed that IGF-I increased the activity of all plasmids that we cotransfected including TATA-luc, SV40-luc and pGLBasic. This effect was post-transcriptional, as it was not affected by actinomycin D (2 μg/ml), while we were able to completely inhibit E2-mediated transcriptional activation of ERE-tk-luc. Unlike the complete inhibition of ER-mediated transcriptional activation by actinomycin D, IGF-I-mediated transactivation was reduced by only 50%, indicating that the activation by IGF-I represented both transcriptional and post-transcriptional effects. This study confirmed that IGF-I can cause transcriptional activation of endogenous ER in human breast cancer cells, and inhibition of ER action by IGFBP-1 suggests that IGF-I signaling may be necessary for maximal ER activation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 39–47
Characterization of insulin glycation in insulin-secreting cells maintained in tissue culture
Authors: Abdel-Wahab Y H A , O'Harte F P M , Barnett C R , Flatt P R
Published: December 2004

Characteristics of cellular insulin glycation were examined in the pancreatic B-cell line, BRIN-BD11. The extent of insulin glycation increased stepwise during 72 h of culture at 5·6–33·3 mmol/l glucose, attaining levels up to 27%. Glycation of insulin at 33·3 mmol/l glucose was rapid, reaching maximal values within 2 h, and not readily reversible during 2 to 24 h of subsequent exposure to 5·6 mmol/l glucose. Glycated insulin was readily secreted by BRIN-BD11 cells upon active stimulation with glucose and other secretagogues. Cellular insulin glycation was decreased by 66–80% by inhibitors of protein glycation, vitamin C, aminoguanidine or acetylsalicylic acid. Modulation of insulin-secretory activity of BRIN-BD11 cells by co-culture at high glucose with diazoxide, l-alanine or glibenclamide indicated that long-term stimulation of secretion was associated with a decrease in the extent of insulin glycation. Glycation of insulin in vitro was substantially less extensive than in BRIN-BD11 cells, although glucose-6-phosphate and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate were 1·4- to 2·0-fold more reactive than glucose per se. These observations indicate that insulin is readily glycated and secreted from insulin-secreting cells under hyperglycaemic conditions in culture.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 59–67
Rapid changes in heteronuclear RNA for corticotrophin-releasing hormone and arginine vasopressin in response to acute stress
Authors: Ma X-M , Levy A , Lightman S L
Published: December 2004

The rapid detection of gene activation is important for our understanding of gene regulation. We have therefore studied heteronuclear (i.e. nascent) RNA (hnRNA) by using 35S-labelled corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) riboprobes and arginine vasopressin (AVP) oligonucleotide probes directed against intronic and exonic sequences of both CRH and AVP transcripts for in situ hybridization studies of transcriptional changes during acute stress. CRH and AVP intronic signals (found in newly synthesized transcripts) were confined to the nuclei of the parvocellular cells in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) whilst CRH and AVP exonic signals (found in both newly formed and mature transcripts) were primarily located in the cytoplasm of these cells. AVP hnRNA and mRNA were also present at high levels in the magnocellular PVN. The levels of CRH hnRNA and parvocellular AVP hnRNA in the PVN were significantly increased 1 and 2 h after the onset of restraint. The levels of CRH mRNA on the other hand were not significantly increased until 4 h after the onset of restraint. The number of AVP mRNA-expressing neurons in the medial parvocellular cells of the PVN significantly increased at 2 h and peaked at 4 h after the onset of stress. In contrast, densitometric analysis indicated that the increase in AVP mRNA levels in these cells did not reach significant difference from control until 4 h after the onset of restraint. There were no significant changes in AVP hnRNA or AVP mRNA levels in the magnocellular subdivision of PVN at any time point after the onset of restraint.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 81–89
Inhibition of L-692,429-stimulated rat growth hormone release by a weak substance P antagonist: L-756,867
Authors: Cheng K , Wei L , Chaung L-Y , Chan W W-S , Butler B , Smith R G
Published: December 2004

H2N,d-Arg,Pro,Lys,Pro,d-Phe,Gln,d-Trp,Phe,d-Trp,Leu, Leu,NH2 (L-756,867), a weak substance P antagonist, inhibited L-692,429-stimulated GH release from rat primary pituitary cells in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 50 nm, L-756,867 shifted the dose–response curve of L-692,429-induced GH release to the right by about tenfold. It also impaired the ability of L-692,429 to potentiate the effect of growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) on GH release. Substance P (1 μm) had no effect on basal or L-692,429-stimulated GH release. When tested in anesthetized rats, L-756,867 inhibited L-692,429- and growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide- (GHRP-6)-stimulated GH secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Complete inhibition was observed at an i.v. dose of 100 μg/kg of L-756,867. However, at the same concentration, it had no effect on GRF-induced GH secretion. d-Lys3-GHRP-6, a GHRP-6 antagonist, had no effect on GHRP-6 or L-692,429-induced GH secretion even at an i.v. dose of 2 mg/kg. These results indicate that L-692,429 and GHRP-6 stimulate GH release both in vitro and in vivo via a common receptor and signaling pathway which is different from that of substance P in spite of the fact that their effects are inhibited by a weak substance P antagonist.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 155–158
Expression patterns of the c-myc gene in adrenocortical tumors and pheochromocytomas
Authors: Liu J , Voutilainen R , Kahri A I , Heikkilä P
Published: December 2004

Abundant c-myc gene expression in neoplasms has been often linked to poor prognosis. As c-myc mRNA is expressed and hormonally regulated in human adrenals, we examined the c-myc gene expression in adrenal tumors by RNA analysis and immunohistochemistry to find out the possible role of c-myc in adrenal neoplasms. The abundant expression of the c-myc gene in normal adrenals was localized to the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis, with much lower expression in the zona glomerulosa and adrenal medulla. In hormonally active adrenocortical carcinomas (n=6) and in virilizing adenomas (n=4), c-myc mRNA levels were approximately 10% of those in normal adrenals (n=11). In contrast, adrenal adenomas from patients with Cushing's (n=4) and Conn's (n=9) syndrome, non-functional adenomas (n=2), adrenocortical hyperplasias (bilateral, n=5; nodular, n=4), and non-functional adrenocortical carcinomas (n=3) expressed c-myc mRNA to the same extent as normal adrenals. The c-myc mRNA abundance in benign adrenal pheochromocytomas (n=19) was similar to that in normal adrenal medulla. However, in malignant adrenal pheochromocytomas (n=6), the average c-myc mRNA levels were approximately threefold that in benign adrenal pheochromocytomas. There was a good correlation between c-myc mRNA expression and immunohistochemical reactivity in both normal and pathological adrenal tissues. Southern blot analysis revealed no amplification or rearrangement of the c-myc gene in any of the adrenal tumors.

In conclusion, c-myc expression localized to zona fasciculata and reticularis in normal adrenals. Virilizing adenomas and hormonally active adrenocortical carcinomas expressed c-myc mRNA clearly less than the other adrenal neoplasms and normal adrenal tissue. On the other hand, malignant pheochromocytomas contained more c-myc mRNA than benign ones. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms and significance for the distinct expression pattern of the c-myc gene in different adrenal neoplasms.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 175–181
Regulatory peptides and other neuroendocrine markers in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid
Authors: Hanna F W F , Ardill J E S , Johnston C F , Cunningham R T , Curry W J , Russell C F J , Buchanan K D
Published: December 2004

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an APUDoma (APUD refers to amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation) arising from the parafollicular cells. Diarrhoea has been reported in some 30% of patients, variously attributed to excess production of calcitonin (CT), serotonin (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) or other factors.

The regulatory factors in MTC were examined employing immunocytochemistry and RIA to tumours and their extracts. The patients were followed up for more than 15 years. CT and calcitonin gene-related peptide were universally expressed in all the tumours. The neuroendocrine markers chromogranin A (and its fragments pancreastatin and WE-14), neurone-specific enolase, protein gene product 9·5 and carcino-embryonic antigen were found in the majority of MTCs and might be useful as immunocytochemical markers. 5-HT, substance P, neurokinin A, glucagon and VIP could not be detected, excluding them as candidates in the diarrhoea of MTC.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 275–281
Prolactin-like protein-B: heterologous expression and characterization of placental and decidual species
Authors: Cohick C B , Xu L , Soares M J
Published: December 2004

Prolactin-like protein-B (PLP-B) is a member of a family of proteins expressed by the rat placenta and/or decidua with characteristics similar to prolactin (PRL). In this report, we present the heterologous expression and characterization of PLP-B. Recombinant PLP-B heterologously expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells exhibited similar immunoreactive and electrophoretic characteristics with PLP-B produced by rat placental and decidual tissues. N-terminal sequencing verified the identity and purity of the recombinant PLP-B species and the site of cleavage of the signal peptide from the mature secreted PLP-B species. Polyclonal antibodies were generated to the recombinant PLP-B and used for Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses. Recombinant and native PLP-B migrated as a doublet at 30–31 kDa in SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. Treatment of recombinant and native PLP-B with N-glycanase accelerated their electrophoretic mobility, indicative of their glycoprotein nature. PLP-B was localized exclusively to decidual cells in the developing deciduum and spongiotrophoblast cells in the placental junctional zone. The level of PLP-B protein expression dramatically declined prior to parturition. Potential PRL-like biological actions of PLP-B were also investigated. PLP-B bound weakly to ovarian and liver PRL receptors and did not stimulate the proliferation of lactogen-dependent Nb2 lymphoma cells. In conclusion, recombinant PLP-B possesses characteristics similar to native decidual and placental PLP-B and may represent a hormone/cytokine that has important modulatory actions during the establishment of pregnancy and the initiation of parturition.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 291–302
Additive effects of lactation and food restriction to increase hypothalamic neuropeptide Y mRNA in rats
Authors: Wilding J P H , Ajala M O , Lambert P D , Bloom S R
Published: December 2004

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the most powerful appetite stimulant known, and rates of synthesis and release in the hypothalamus correlate closely with nutritional status. Pregnancy and lactation provide an excellent model of physiological hyperphagia. In this study the authors measured food intake, plasma glucose, insulin and luteinizing hormone (LH) and hypothalamic NPY mRNA in rats during pregnancy and in early and late lactation. The effect of food restriction (to 80% of control) during lactation was also studied. Pregnancy resulted in a modest increase in daily food intake over non-lactating controls (controls: 15·6±0·6 g, pregnant: 19·8±1·1 g, P<0·01) During lactation food intake increased dramatically to 355% of non-lactating levels by the 12th day. Insulin and glucose levels were unchanged in lactation, except in the food-restricted animals, when insulin levels were reduced to 49·5±18·4 pmol/l compared with 215±55 pmol/l (P<0·01) in lactating, non-restricted animals, and glucose was reduced to 3·7±0·2 mmol/l compared with 5·1 ± 0·2 mmol/l in non-restricted lactating animals. Hypothalamic NPY mRNA was unchanged in pregnancy, moderately increased after 5 days lactation (130±6·2% of control, P<0·01) and increased further at 14 days lactation (179 ± 14%, P<0·001). The greatest changes occurred in the animals who were food-deprived during lactation, when hypothalamic NPY mRNA levels reached 324 ± 44% (P<0·001) of non-lactating levels. Increases in hypothalamic NPY synthesis may be partly responsible for the increase in food intake seen in lactation, but unlike in food deprivation, the increase is not related to circulating insulin, suggesting involvement of other regulatory factors.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 365–369
Effect of alteration of maternal plasma progesterone concentrations on fetal behavioural state during late gestation
Authors: Nicol M B , Hirst J J , Walker D , Thorburn G D
Published: December 2004

Placental progesterone synthesis exposes the fetus to high levels of progesterone and progesterone metabolites during late gestation which may influence fetal behaviour. To determine the role of maternal progesterone synthesis in the control of fetal arousal state and fetal breathing movements (FBM), the effect of raising and lowering maternal progesterone concentrations was examined in chronically catheterised fetal sheep. Fetal and maternal vascular catheters, fetal tracheal and amniotic fluid catheters as well as electrodes for recording fetal electrocortical (ECoG), electro-ocular (EOG) and nuchal muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity were implanted between 118 and 122 days gestational age (GA). Progesterone, 100 mg, administered twice daily i.m. for 3 days (130–133 days GA) resulted in a marked elevation in maternal plasma progesterone concentrations (370 ± 121%, n=5, P<0·05), but had no effect on fetal plasma concentrations. Fetal EOG episodes and the duration of fetal behavioural arousal were significantly suppressed throughout the progesterone treatment period (74·4–81·1% and 58–65% respectively, P<0·05, n=5). Four ewes received Trilostane (25 mg i.v.), a 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, between 136 and 140 days GA. Maternal and fetal progesterone concentrations were significantly lowered by 60 min after treatment (19·8 ± 8·0% and 39·5 ± 24·3% respectively, P<0·05). The incidence of fetal EOG activity increased from a pretreatment level of 26·8 ± 1·5 min/h to 30·3 ± 2·8 min/h at 1–6 h and to 35·0 ± 1·7 min/h (P<0·05) during the 7–12 h after Trilostane treatment. The duration of FBM episodes was significantly higher at 1–6 h and 7–12 h after Trilostane treatment (19·5 ± 3·0 and 23·6 ± 5·5 min/h respectively, P<0·05) compared with pretreatment levels (11·2 ± 1·2 min/h). We conclude that increasing maternal progesterone levels suppresses fetal EOG activity and behavioural arousal, whereas reducing maternal progesterone synthesis leads to an elevation of EOG activity and FBM.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 379–386
Effects of growth hormone on cholesterol metabolism in the lactating rat mammary gland
Authors: Shand J H , West D W , Flint D J
Published: December 2004

Lactating rats were treated for 48 h with bromocriptine (to inhibit prolactin release) or bromocriptine together with an antiserum to rat GH. Animals given the combined treatment were also supplemented concurrently with bovine GH (bGH) or human insulin-like growth factor-I (hIGF-I). The effects of these treatments on the activities of 3-methyl-3-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) and neutral cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) and on the microsomal concentrations of non-esterified and esterified cholesterol were measured.

Lack of prolactin decreased HMG-CoA reductase but did not affect ACAT, neutral CEH or the concentrations of microsomal cholesterol or cholesteryl esters. In the absence of both hormones, an even greater reduction in HMG-CoA reductase together with increases in ACAT, neutral CEH and both of the microsomal sterols were observed. Concurrent supplementation with either bGH or hIGF-I wholly or partially prevented the effects on HMG-CoA reductase but only bGH was active against the increase in ACAT. Neither bGH nor hIGF-I could prevent the effects of the anti-hormone treatment on neutral CEH, and the changes in ACAT and CEH activities were broadly reflected in the microsomal sterol concentrations.

The results indicate that the cessation of lactation brings about rapid changes in the activities of the enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism within the mammary gland with a definite switch from synthesis to storage. Supplementation with bGH alone was sufficient to maintain cholesterol synthesis at control levels and could also significantly inhibit storage of the sterol as its ester. In the absence of GH, hIGF-I partially supported cholesterol synthesis but had no effect on its conversion to the ester. On a whole-tissue basis, enzyme activities could be correlated with the physiological effects of the anti-hormone treatments.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 447–454
Regulation of lipolysis by somatotropin: functional alteration of adrenergic and adenosine signaling in bovine adipose tissue
Authors: Houseknecht K L , Bauman D E
Published: December 2004

To investigate the cellular mechanisms of somatotropin (ST) action on adipose tissue lipolysis, experiments were conducted using adipose tissue taken from lactating cows treated with excipient or ST (40 mg/day). Stimulation of lipolysis in vitro by the effectors isoproterenol with or without adenosine deaminase, dibutyryl cAMP with or without isobutylmethylxanthine, and forskolin was not altered by ST treatment. Conversely, the response to the antilipolytic effector, phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA), was significantly reduced in adipose tissue explants from ST or fasted cows. The different responses to adrenergic-stimulating agents (in vivo) and PIA (in vitro) were not due to differences in the abundance of α, β or γ subunits of the stimulatory (Gs) and inhibitory (Gi) subunits of the heterotrimeric G-proteins which bind to the β-adrenergic and adenosine receptors respectively. However, the functionality of Gi proteins, as assessed by their ability to be ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin, was significantly reduced in ST-treated but not fasted cows. These data highlight differential regulation of signaling proteins by ST and fasting, both of which result in enhanced in vivo response to adrenergic stimulation of lipolysis.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 465–475
Hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis response to coronary artery embolization: an ovine model of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Charles C J , Rogers S J , Donald R A , Ikram H , Prickett T , Richards A M
Published: December 2004

Although previous studies have described the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) response to the stress of acute myocardial infarction, it is not possible to study the hormone changes immediately after infarction in humans. Accordingly, we have examined the HPA response to microembolization of coronary arteries in 13 sheep compared with 5 sham control sheep. Plasma vasopressin (AVP; P<0·001), ACTH (P=0·005) and cortisol (P=0·005) were all increased 2 h (first sample time) after embolization. Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels returned to baseline levels by 6 h but plasma AVP levels did not return to baseline levels until more than 12 h after embolization. Plasma corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) showed no significant change in response to embolization. In a subset of six animals which were sampled more frequently, the peak responses for plasma AVP, ACTH and cortisol occurred at 40 min after embolization. The maximum responses in any individual sheep observed at this time point were 744 pmol/l for AVP, 144 pmol/l for ACTH and 492 nmol/l for cortisol. CRH levels tended to increase across the first hour but these changes were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the stress hormone responses to microembolization of the coronary arteries have been defined in an ovine model of myocardial infarction. This model is suitable for studying the effects of novel treatments to reduce the stress of myocardial infarction.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 489–493
Prostaglandin F2α promotes the inhibitory action of endothelin-1 on the bovine luteal function in vitro
Authors: Miyamoto A. , Kobayashi S. , Arata S. , Ohtani M. , Fukui Y. , Schams D.
Published: December 2004

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is a primary luteolysin in the cow. Although the mechanisms involved in luteolysis are thought to be a complex of its direct action on luteal cells and indirect effect on luteal blood flow, the detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study focuses on the possible interaction of endothelial cells-derived endothelin-1 (ET-1) with PGF2α in the rapid suppression of progesterone release from the bovine corpus luteum (CL). In in vitro microdialysis system (MDS) of CL, PGF2α acutely stimulated the release of progesterone and oxytocin during infusion and ET-1 release after infusion. Moreover, PGF2α induced slight decrease of progesterone release during the last period of the experiment (8-11 h after PGF2α exposure). Two 1 h-perfusions of ET-1 at 3 h intervals induced only a slight decrease of progesterone release after the second perfusion. This treatment also affected the oxytocin release; the first ET-1 perfusion produced an acute stimulation, whereas the second ET-1 perfusion inhibited the release to below 50%. When the CL pieces were pre-perfused with PGF2α for 2 h, the two consecutive perfusion of ET-1 at 3 h intervals induced drastic decrease in progesterone and oxytocin release only after the second ET-1 perfusion. Thus, a pre-exposure with PGF2α clearly potentiated the inhibiting activity of ET-1 in the progesterone release. These results suggest a physiological impact of PGF2α and ET-1 in the rapid cascade of functional luteolysis in vivo, and a possible interaction between endothelial cells and luteal cells.
Ontogeny of anti-Mullerian hormone, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and androgen receptor expression during ovine fetal gonadal development
Authors: Sweeney T , Saunders P T K , Millar M R , Brooks A N
Published: December 2004

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and androgenic steroids are key factors regulating the masculinisation of the internal and external genitalia during fetal development. AMH is produced in Sertoli cells and causes regression of the Mullerian ducts in the male. 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) is one of the key steroidogenic enzymes regulating testosterone production in Leydig cells. The objective of this experiment was to elucidate the development of the ovine fetal testes by identifying the spatio-temporal expression of AMH, 3β-HSD and androgen receptor expression within them. Fetuses from days 30 and 40 of gestation were fixed intact, while the gonads were dissected from the fetuses on days 70, 100 and 130 of gestation. Tissue was fixed in Bouin's fixative for 6 h, processed into paraffin wax and sections immunostained using rabbit anti-human AMH, 3β-HSD or androgen receptor antibodies.

While seminiferous cords were absent on day 30 of gestation, pre-cord organisation was apparent and the gonad could be clearly distinguished from surrounding tissue by the presence of AMH and 3β-HSD immunopositive cells. Androgen receptor expression was not apparent at this stage. By day 40 of gestation the testis was organised into distinct seminiferous cords and intense immunostaining for AMH and 3β-HSD was present in Sertoli cells within the cords and Leydig cells in the interstitium respectively. Androgen receptor immunopositive cells were present in the interstitium but cells destined to develop into rete testis were immunonegative. By day 70 of gestation, the rete testis was organised in the centre of the testis and was strongly androgen receptor immunopositive. AMH and 3β-HSD expression was present in Sertoli and Leydig cells respectively. The expression of AMH, 3β-HSD and androgen receptor in the 100 and 130 day gestation fetuses was similar to that identified in the 70 day fetuses. In conclusion, Sertoli and Leydig precursor cells are present in the gonad prior to seminiferous cord formation and contain AMH and 3β-HSD at all stages of gestation examined. While androgen receptor immunoexpression was present in nuclei of interstitial cells from day 40 of gestation and in the rete testis from day 70 of gestation, Sertoli cells were immunonegative for androgen receptor at all of the stages examined.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 153, 27–32
Evidence that systemic relaxin promotes moderate water consumption during late pregnancy in rats
Authors: Omi E C , Zhao S , Shanks R D , Sherwood O D
Published: December 2004

The protein hormone relaxin is secreted by the ovaries throughout the second half of the 23 day pregnancy in the rat. We recently reported that neutralization of endogenous relaxin with monoclonal antibodies for rat relaxin decreases water consumption during the daily light period during the second half of pregnancy in rats. The apparent effects of relaxin on water consumption, however, were extremely modest. One explanation for the failure to observe a greater relaxin-dependent effect on water consumption is failure of the monoclonal antibody for rat relaxin to neutralize all circulating relaxin. A second explanation is that circulating relaxin has only slight effects on water consumption. This investigation was conducted with an experimental model in which circulating relaxin was removed in order to re-examine the effects of relaxin on water consumption during the daily light period in late pregnancy in rats.

On day 9 (D9) of pregnancy, before the presence of relaxin (R) in the circulation, primiparous pregnant rats were ovariectomized (O) or sham ovariectomized (C). Throughout the remainder of pregnancy, rats were treated with combinations of either progesterone (P) and estrogen (E, group OPE) or progesterone, estrogen and porcine relaxin (group OPER) in doses that restore physiological parameters to values similar to those that occur during the second half of pregnancy in intact rats. Progesterone and estrogen were administered by Silastic tubing implants and porcine relaxin was administered via miniature osmotic pump. Sham-ovariectomized animals received either the hormone vehicles (group SC) or no implants (group IC). Water consumption was measured daily from D4 to D20 at both 0700 and 2100 h which was when the lights went on and off respectively.

Water consumption increased as pregnancy continued from D10 to D20 during the daily 10 h dark periods (P<0·01), but not during the 14 h light periods for all four groups. Daily water consumed by rats in group OPE was significantly lower (P<0·05) than that consumed by shamovariectomized rats from D17 to D20 and lower than that consumed by rats in group OPER on D20. During the dark period there was no difference in water consumption among groups. During the light period, however, group OPE consumed significantly less water (P<0·05) than group C from D18 to D22. Moreover, there was a consistent tendency (P<0·13) for the water consumption to be greater in rats in group OPER than in those in the relaxin-deficient group OPE during the daily light period from D11 to D20 of pregnancy.

We conclude that the increase in water consumption that occurs during the daily dark periods during the second half of pregnancy is not attributable to circulating relaxin. Circulating relaxin promotes only modest increases in water consumption during the daily light periods during late pregnancy in the rat.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 153, 33–40
Roles of GTP and phospholipase C in the potentiation of Ca2+-induced insulin secretion by glucose in rat pancreatic islets
Authors: Vadakekalam J , Rabaglia M E , Metz S A
Published: December 2004

Glucose can augment insulin secretion independently of K+ channel closure, provided cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration is elevated. A role for phospholipase C (PLC) in this phenomenon has been both claimed and refuted. Recently, we have shown a role for GTP in the secretory effect of glucose as well as in glucose-induced PLC activation, using islets pre-treated with GTP synthesis inhibitors such as mycophenolic acid (MPA). Therefore, in the current studies, we examined first, whether glucose augments Ca2+-induced PLC activation and second, whether GTP is required for this effect, when K+(ATP) channels are kept open using diazoxide. Isolated rat islets pre-labeled with [3H]myo-inositol were studied with or without first priming with glucose. There was a 98% greater augmentation of insulin secretion by 16·7 mm glucose (in the presence of diazoxide and 40 mm K+) in primed islets; however, the ability of high glucose to augment PLC activity bore no relationship to the secretory response. MPA markedly inhibited PLC in both conditions; however, insulin secretion was only inhibited (by 46%) in primed islets. None of these differences were attributable to alterations in labeling of phosphoinositides or levels of GTP or ATP. These data indicate that an adequate level of GTP is critical for glucose's potentiation of Ca2+-induced insulin secretion in primed islets but that PLC activation can clearly be dissociated from insulin secretion and therefore cannot be the major cause of glucose's augmentation of Ca2+-induced insulin secretion.

Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 153, 61–71