Angiotensin II-induced aldosterone synthesis is potentiated by epidermal growth factor

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent mitogen and has effects in several endocrine systems. We examined the effects of EGF on basal and angiotensin II (AII)-induced aldosterone synthesis in freshly isolated rat and cultured human adrenal glomerulosa cells. EGF alone caused a significant increase in basal aldosterone synthesis in both the rat and human cells. In addition, EGF caused a significant increase in AII-induced aldosterone secretion in both rat and cultured human cells during short and long term incubations. Further, we observed that the effect of EGF was highly specific to AII since it did not alter either potassium (8.7 mM) or ACTH (10(-10) M) mediated increases in aldosterone synthesis. We also investigated possible mechanisms of action of EGF. Since earlier studies showed that the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid plays a key role in mediating AII-induced aldosterone synthesis, we studied the effect of lipoxygenase inhibition in EGF action. We observed that the nonselective lipoxygenase blocker BW755c, which blocked AII-induced aldosterone synthesis, also inhibited EGF mediated increase in aldosterone synthesis. We also examined the effects of EGF on diacylglycerol (DG) formation since DG is an important second messenger in AII action. We found that EGF stimulated basal DG levels and also potentiated AII-induced DG formation, suggesting that EGF may potentiate AII-induced aldosterone synthesis via increases in DG. These results suggest that EGF may play an important role in aldosterone synthesis by acting as a specific positive modulator of AII action in the adrenal.

Sphingosine inhibits angiotensin-stimulated aldosterone synthesis

Sphingosine and other protein kinase C inhibitors were tested for their ability to inhibit aldosterone synthesis by bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells. Sphingosine inhibited angiotensin (AII)-stimulated aldosterone synthesis (IC50 of 5 microM). At doses that totally blocked steroidogenesis, sphingosine did not affect protein synthesis or [125I]AII binding to cells. Sphingosine also inhibited dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP)-stimulated aldosterone synthesis. Sphingosine inhibited pregnenolone synthesis from cholesterol, but not the conversion of progesterone or 20 alpha-hydroxycholesterol to aldosterone. These results suggest that sphingosine inhibits steroidogenesis at a locus close to that where stimulation occurs by AII and dbcAMP. Other protein kinase C inhibitors were tested. Retinal, 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H-7), and staurosporine inhibited aldosterone synthesis stimulated by AII and dbcAMP. Retinal and H-7 also inhibited progesterone conversion to aldosterone, and retinal blocked [125I]AII binding. Staurosporine was more specific, inhibiting AII-stimulated aldosteronogenesis at concentrations which had little effect on conversion of progesterone to aldosterone. Because they inhibited dbcAMP stimulation, none of the inhibitors was sufficiently specific to use as a probe of the role of protein kinase C. The IC50 of sphingosine suggests that this or related products of lipid hydrolysis could act as endogenous regulators of adrenal cell function.

Oxygen sensitivity of potassium- and angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone release by bovine adrenal cells

Angiotensin II (AII) and extracellular K+, acting through different intracellular mechanisms, stimulate aldosterone release in a synergistic fashion. We have previously shown that decreases in oxygen (O2) within the physiological range inhibit AII, cyclic AMP (cAMP) and ACTH-stimulated aldosterone release. The present experiment evaluated the effect of various concentrations of O2 on K+-stimulated aldosterone release in the presence and absence of AII. Dispersed bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells were incubated with different concentrations of K+ (0.9-5.4 mmol/l) without and with AII (10 nmol/l) under different concentrations of O2 (0, 5 or 50%); 21% O2 (pO2 = 19.9 +/- 0.5 kPa,n = 9) was used as reference control for comparison. In all cases, increases in K+ stimulated aldosterone release, an effect augmented by AII. Under 0% O2 (pO2 = 8.1 +/- 0.3 kPa, n = 3) and 5% O2 (pO2 = 12.8 +/- 0.5 kPa, n = 3), aldosterone release stimulated by K+ or K+/AII was significantly inhibited compared with that under 21% O2. Conversely, under 50% O2 (pO2 = 36.3 +/- 2.5 kPa, n = 3), aldosterone release stimulated by K+ or K+/AII was significantly augmented. Cortisol secretion was not significantly affected by 5% or 50% O2 but was significantly decreased under 0% O2. The effect of O2 on K+/AII stimulation of aldosterone release, as well as previous experiments with cAMP, progesterone and ACTH, suggest a final common post-receptor oxygen-sensitive component of the aldosterone synthetic pathway. It is suggested that one or more enzymes in the aldosterone synthetic pathway is/are exquisitely sensitive to small changes in O2 within the physiological range.

Aldosterone biosynthesis induced by ACTH and angiotensin II in newborn rat adrenocortical cells transfected by c-EJ-Ha-ras oncogene

Adrenocortical cells were obtained by fractionated trypsination of newborn rat adrenal glands and transfected with a plasmid containing the EJ/T24-Ha-ras oncogene. Isolation of adhesive cells led to a proliferative cell line with an overexpression of 21 kDa ras protein. These cells incubated with corticosterone or deoxycorticosterone as the precursor produced a high level of 18-hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone as identified by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry. ACTH and angiotensin II increased the basal production of aldosterone nineteen-fold and six-fold respectively. Under ACTH stimulation the ratio between aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone production was 1:3. The transformation of corticosterone under angiotensin II stimulation yielded up to 41% of 18-hydroxycorticosterone (4.7 micrograms/mg of cell protein per 24h) and 4.4% of aldosterone (0.5 microgram/mg of cell protein per 24h) in a low potassium concentration medium (6 mmol/l). To our knowledge this is the first report of continuous proliferative adrenocortical cells producing aldosterone.

ACTH-induced inhibition of the action of angiotensin II in bovine zona glomerulosa cells. A modulatory effect of cyclic AMP on the angiotensin II receptor

Both angiotensin II and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are well known to play a crucial role on the regulation of aldosterone production in adrenal glomerulosa cells. Recent observations suggest that the steroidogenic action of ACTH is mediated via the cAMP messenger system, whereas angiotensin II acts mainly through the phosphoinositide pathway. However, there have been no reports concerning the interaction between the cAMP messenger system activated by ACTH and the Ca2+ messenger system induced by angiotensin II. Both ACTH and angiotensin II simultaneously act on adrenal cells for regulating steroidogenesis under physiological conditions. Thus the present experiments were performed to examine the effect of ACTH on the action of angiotensin II by measuring angiotensin II receptor activity, cytosolic Ca2+ movement, and aldosterone production. The major findings of the present study are that short-term exposure to a high dose of ACTH (10(-7) M) inhibited 125I-angiotensin II binding to bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells, decreased the initial spike phase of [Ca2+]i induced by angiotensin II, and inhibition of angiotensin II-induced aldosterone production. Low dose of ACTH (10(-10) M), which did not increase cAMP formation, did not affect angiotensin II receptor activity. These studies have shown that angiotensin II receptors of bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells can be down-regulated by 1 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP, as well as by effectors which are able to activate cAMP formation (10(-7) M ACTH and 10(-5) M forskolin). The rapid decrease in angiotensin II receptors induced by 10(-7)M ACTH was associated with a decreased steroidogenic responsiveness and a decreased rise in the [Ca2+]i response induced by angiotensin II. These studies show that the cAMP-dependent processes activated by ACTH have the capacity to interfere with signal transduction mechanisms initiated by receptors for angiotensin II.

Regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis: a continual challenge

Aldosterone secretion by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex is directly influenced by a large, growing number of different physiologic agents. Their action includes: 1) acute stimulation or inhibition of early biosynthetic steps; 2) long-term activation or suppression of late biosynthetic steps; and 3) induction of growth or atrophy of zona glomerulosa cells. In rats, adaptation of late steps of aldosterone biosynthesis to sodium and potassium intake is mediated by the induction or repression of a second form of cytochrome P-45011 beta, which differs from the main form of the enzyme by a lower molecular weight and a greater range of catalytic properties.

Efflux of potassium ions in angiotensin II-stimulated bovine adrenocortical cells

Angiotensin II (AII) stimulation of steroidogenesis is known to be associated with depolarization of the adrenocortical cell membrane. In these cells, membrane permeability to potassium ions governs electrical potential. The effects of AII on the rate of efflux of K+ in relation to the control of aldosterone synthesis has been investigated in bovine adrenocortical cells preloaded with 43K. In static incubations, the pattern of 43K efflux fitted a model with two exponential components with t1/2 values of 47.7 +/- 1.7 and 14.2 +/- 0.6 (S.E.M.) min. AII increased the efflux rate of the slow-exchange component (t1/2 37.1 +/- 0.6 min) and retarded efflux from the fast-exchange component. With ouabain present to prevent reuptake of the isotope, the rate of efflux for both components was increased in unstimulated cells (t1/2 28.4 +/- 1.1 and 12.0 +/- 0.7 min). AII again increased the rate of efflux from the slow component (t1/2 = 24.2 +/- 1.7 min, P less than 0.01) and retarded efflux from the fast component. These biphasic effects were apparent in cells treated with a range of AII concentrations (0.1 nmol/l-1 mumol/l) but the point in time at which increased efflux from the slower component predominated over retardation of the slow component was earlier for cells treated with 1 mumol AII/l than for cells treated with lower concentrations. We suggest that decreases and increases in K+ efflux caused by AII are associated with depolarization and repolarization respectively. Changes in intracellular concentrations of Ca2+ may link these events.

Aldosterone synthesis in salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia with complete absence of adrenal 21-hydroxylase

BACKGROUND

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a disorder of cortisol and aldosterone biosynthesis that results from mutations in the CYP21 gene encoding the adrenal 21-hydroxylase P-450c21. It can cause severe salt wasting in newborns that requires long-term treatment with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. We describe a spontaneous partial recovery from this disorder in a 19-year-old woman who had discontinued treatment.

METHODS

We measured plasma and urinary levels of adrenal hormones, plasma renin activity, and sodium balance longitudinally in the patient and four other patients in whom adrenal hyperplasia had been diagnosed in infancy and in whom DNA analysis had predicted a complete absence of functional P-450c21. The ratio of plasma renin activity to urinary aldosterone was used as a measure of the response of the adrenal zona glomerulosa. Two patients underwent intravenous infusion of [3H]progesterone for the measurement of extraadrenal production of 21-hydroxylated precursors of aldosterone.

RESULTS

The patient who had discontinued her medication excreted a normal amount of aldosterone (20.0 nmol per square meter of body-surface area per day) while following a diet low in sodium. Her ratio of plasma renin activity to urinary aldosterone-18-glucuronide excretion was 1.7 after three days of sodium restriction, as compared with a ratio of 4.7 at the age of nine years (normal range, 0.03 to 0.1). The percentage of extraadrenal conversion of progesterone to deoxycorticosterone was low. The four other patients had variable responses to sodium restriction after the neonatal period (range for plasma renin activity:urinary aldosterone-18-glucuronide, 1.9 to 19.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients with salt-wasting 21-hydroxylase deficiency have functionally equivalent mutations in their CYP21 genes, they may vary from one another and over time in their ability to produce mineralocorticoids. This variation may be attributable to another adrenal enzyme with 21-hydroxylase activity.

Effects of calcium channel blockers on potassium homeostasis

The known effects of calcium channel blockers on various aspects of potassium homeostasis are reviewed. Regulation of potassium homeostasis requires both renal and external handling mechanisms. Signaling by calcium appears to mediate both of these. Calcium channels have been identified in adrenal glomerulosa cells, and cellular calcium entry has been demonstrated in vitro to be necessary for the synthesis and secretion of aldosterone. Calcium channel antagonists such as verapamil and nifedipine, at pharmacologic doses, can block aldosterone production. In vivo, however, only chronic administration of verapamil appears to attenuate aldosterone responsiveness to angiotensin II. Chronic administration of nifedipine does not have a dramatic effect on aldosterone production following potassium loading. Other studies have demonstrated improved extrarenal potassium disposal following treatment with calcium channel blocking agents. Clinically, there are no reports of either hyperkalemia or hypokalemia with the routine therapeutic use of these agents given alone. This review was prompted by the development of hyperkalemia in a patient with chronic renal failure following the initiation of therapy with the calcium channel blocker diltiazem: however, numerous other etiologies may also have contributed to the development of hyperkalemia in this case. Review of the data indicates that current evidence implicating this class of drugs in the pathogenesis of disordered potassium regulation remains equivocal.

Guanabenz-induced inhibition of aldosterone secretion from isolated rat adrenal glomerulosa cells

The authors examined the effects of the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist guanabenz and other alpha-adrenergic ligands on aldosterone secretion and cyclic nucleotide content in isolated rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. Guanabenz inhibited aldosterone secretion stimulated by potassium, angiotensin II (AII), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), exhibiting IC50 values of 35 microM, 43 microM, and 58 microM for stimulation by 10 mM K+, 1 nM AII, and 10 pM ACTH, respectively. Guanabenz did not affect the cGMP content of purified adrenal glomerulosa cells but inhibited ACTH stimulation of cAMP accumulation. Guanabenz inhibition of ACTH-induced cAMP may represent a mechanism for inhibition of aldosterone secretion, however, guanabenz also inhibited aldosterone secretion stimulated by the cAMP analog dibutyryl cAMP. The effect of guanabenz on the early and late pathways of steroidogenesis was tested in the isolated rat glomerulosa cells using 25-OH cholesterol and steroid precursors to aldosterone. Guanabenz inhibited the steroidogenic response to 25-OH cholesterol stimulation of aldosterone secretion but induced a much smaller inhibition of the steroidogenic response to exogenous pregnenolone, progesterone, and 11-deoxycorticosterone. These results suggested that guanabenz inhibited aldosterone secretion primarily through inhibition of the early component of the steroidogenic pathway prior to pregnenolone formation. The effects of guanabenz were not mimicked by other alpha-adrenergic ligands suggesting that these effects of guanabenz were not mediated through activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors.

Angiotensin-II-induced changes in diacylglycerol levels and their potential role in modulating the steroidogenic response

Angiotensin-II (Ang II) not only increases aldosterone secretion from bovine adrenal glomerulosa (AG) cells, but also primes these cells to respond to a subsequent challenge with the calcium channel agonist Bay K 8644. In cultured AG cells we investigated the hypothesis that this priming effect was the result of a persistent elevation in diacylglycerol (DAG) content. Ang II elicited an increase in DAG content, which was maintained for up to 75 min after the removal of Ang II, an effect which could underlie the ability of Ang II to prime the cells to respond to Bay K 8644. We then investigated the possibility that the DAG found in bovine AG cells consists of multiple species and the potential relationship of the species to the persistent elevation. We found that [3H]arachidonate and [14C]myristate were differentially incorporated into phospholipids, with approximately 80-85% of the latter radiolabel contained in phosphatidylcholine. Ang II elicited increases in the levels of both arachidonate- and myristate-containing DAG. The subsequent addition of an Ang II antagonist resulted in a rapid decrease in [3H]arachidonate-labeled DAG levels, but a much slower decline in myristate-containing DAG. These results suggest that the species of DAG generated in response to hormonal stimulation may be important in determining the speed with which this signal is terminated. Ang II also stimulated the release of water-soluble [3H]choline metabolites, in particular choline and phosphorylcholine, from prelabeled cells. These results indicate that 1) various DAG species exhibit different turnover rates; and 2) perhaps as a result of this disparity, the increase in DAG induced by an agonist may persist for a considerable period of time after the removal of the agonist or the inhibition of its action.

Differential signal transduction efficacy and biological activity of triprolyl and pentasarcosyl angiotensin II in adrenal cortex and vascular smooth muscle

Two synthetic analogues of angiotensin II (ANG II) with an extended N-terminus, (Sar)5-ANG II and (Pro)3-ANG II, have been tested in vitro for their ability to bind to ANG II receptors, to raise cytosolic free calcium concentration, [Ca++]i, and to induce a biological response in bovine adrenal zona glomerulosa cells and in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells. The results indicate that the two analogues did not behave identically in these two target cells for ANG II. On one hand, in the adrenal cortex, (Sar)5-ANG II and (Pro)3-ANG II were very weak agonists and (Sar)5-ANG II could even be used as an antagonist of ANG II-induced aldosterone production. On the other hand, both peptides were almost as potent as ANG II in vascular smooth muscle cells, with respect to signal messenger generation and prostacyclin synthesis. Such peptides may be useful tools in the elucidation of the differences among ANG II receptors from various target tissues.

The role of potassium and other ions in the control of aldosterone synthesis

Fast and slow K+ efflux components, independently regulated by angiotensin II (AII), have been identified in bovine adrenocortical cells. We have further investigated the role of potassium in the control of aldosterone synthesis in two ways. Firstly, isotopic tracers, in conjunction with channel modulators, have been used to study the interrelationship of K+ and Ca2+ in the control of AII-stimulated aldosterone synthesis. Secondly, electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPXMA) was used to quantify potassium, sodium, chlorine and phosphorous in control and AII-stimulated cells. The effects of verapamil on 43K efflux were measured at two stages during AII stimulation. During the first ten minutes of treatment, when efflux via the fast component predominates, AII and verapamil both slowed efflux and their effects were additive. If verapamil was added later, at the time when efflux by the fast component appeared exhausted and the stimulatory effect of AII on the slow efflux component was apparent, it again slowed efflux. These data suggest that verapamil prevents calcium-gated K+ channels from opening by blocking Ca2+ channels. However, verapamil had no effect on AII-stimulated calcium efflux. In addition to blocking Ca2+ channels, verapamil may directly inhibit potassium efflux. EPXMA showed a bimodal distribution of potassium concentrations in control cells. However, in cells stimulated with AII for five minutes, the mean potassium content was less than in controls and was not bimodally distributed. Sodium content was increased by AII-treatment, chlorine was lowered and phosphorus remained unchanged. The data confirm previous observations that AII inhibits Na+/K+ ATPase activity.

Inhibition of aldosterone production and angiotensin action by drugs affecting potassium channels

We screened potassium channel agonists and antagonists in a search for pharmacologic probes of the channels that mediate potassium's effects on adrenal zona glomerulosa cells. Suspensions of bovine cells were tested, and aldosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. The most potent inhibitors were pinacidil, capsaicin, glyburide, and quinine. These reagents were more potent against aldosterone production than against cortisol production. Aldosterone produced under basal conditions, as well as that stimulated by potassium, angiotensin II, or dibutyryl cyclic AMP, was antagonized. The vasodilatory and aldosterone-inhibiting potencies of potassium channel reagents were very different. Candidate antihypertensives with potassium channel activity should be tested for adrenal inhibition.

Atrial natriuretic factor is unlikely to be involved in the reduced aldosterone production in the Brattleboro rat

We have previously reported that basal and stimulated aldosterone production in Brattleboro rat (DI) lacking hypothalamic arginine vasopressin is lower than that observed in control Long-Evans rat (LE). In the present study, we investigated the secretion under various experimental conditions, adrenal binding sites, and the aldosterone-inhibiting effect of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). In the conscious resting state, the plasma ANF concentration was similar between LE and DI rats. Pentobarbital anaesthesia (5 mg/100 g body wt.) reduced the plasma ANF concentration equally in both groups, with or without captopril pretreatment. Morphine (10 mg/100 g body wt.) increased ANF secretion dramatically and equally in the two groups of pentobarbital anaesthetized (2 mg/100 g body wt.) rats. In dexamethasone pretreated-pentobarbital anaesthetized rats, a concurrent i.v. ANF infusion (50 ng/min) did not change significantly the corticosterone response to ACTH (1-24) (1 mI.U./100 g body wt.) but steeply depressed ACTH-induced aldosterone production to a similar extent between DI and LE rats. A single class of adrenal ANF receptor sites was found with a similarity in high affinity and maximum binding capacity between the two groups of rats. Taken together, these results suggest that the reduced aldosterone production by Brattleboro rat adrenals is unlikely to be related to the inhibitory effect of ANF.

Streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes causes a time-dependent inhibition of growth and steroidogenic capacity of rat adrenal zona glomerulosa

The effects of streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes on the morphology and secretory activity of the zona glomerulosa were studied in rats whose hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal axes and renin-angiotensin systems had been pharmacologically interrupted by the simultaneous administration of dexamethasone-captopril and maintenance doses of ACTH-angiotensin II. The animals were examined 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after diabetes induction, which was evidenced by conspicuous hyperglycemia. Experimental diabetes caused notable atrophy of the zona glomerulosa and its cells, along with a significant decrease in both basal and angiotensin II-stimulated plasma aldosterone concentration. There was a positive linear correlation between all these changes and the number of days elapsed after streptozotocin administration. These data indicate that experimental diabetes exerts a profound time-dependent direct inhibition of rat zona glomerulosa. The hypothesis is advanced that the chronic lack of insulin that occurs in rats treated with streptozotocin, may depress de novo synthesis of structural and enzymatic proteins in zona glomerulosa cells and reduce their growth and steroidogenic machinery.

Synthesis of 19-nor-aldosterone, 18-hydroxy-19-nor-corticosterone and 18,19-dihydroxycorticosterone in the human aldosterone-producing adenoma

The recently synthesized 18-C-steroid derivative, 19-nor-aldosterone(19-nor- aldo) and 18-hydroxy-19-nor-corticosterone(18-OH-19-nor-corticosterone) possess mineralocoroticoid and hypertensinogenic activity. They and an additional newly synthesized steriod, 18,19-dihydroxycorticosterone[18,19(OH)2-corticosterone], may play a role in the etiology and pathogenesis of disorders thought to be caused by steroids with mineralocorticoid and hypertensionogenic properties. In this study we provide evidence that 19-nor-aldo, 18-OH-19-nor-corticosterone and 18,19(OH)2-corticosterone are produced in vitro by aldosterone-producing adrenal adenomas and adenomas and adenoma of Cushing's syndrome. "silent" adrenal adenomas and the adjacent adrenal tissue. Measurable amounts of these steroids were found in the incubation fluids of adrenal tissues using specific RIAs performed after a sequence of HPLC systems. The rates of production of the three steroids were high in the aldosterone-producing adrenal adenomas and in adrenal hyperplasia compared with in either Cushing's adenoma or "silent" adenoma.

Effect of pro-atrial natriuretic peptides 1-30, 31-67 and 99-126 on angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone production in calf adrenal cells

Pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (Pro-ANP) is a 126 amino acid peptide from which atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) (99-126 amino acid) is derived. ANP has potent diuretic, natriuretic and vasodilatory peptides. ANP is also a potent direct and indirect inhibitor of aldosterone secretion. The N-terminus of the ANP prohormone containing the peptides 1-30 and 31-67 have been demonstrated to have diuretic, natriuretic and vasodilatory properties. Dispersed calf zona glomerulosa cells were incubated with angiotensin II (A-II) and increasing concentrations of the ANP, ProANP 1-30 and 31-67 to determine if their reported natriuretic activity was mediated through suppression of aldosterone secretion. ANP as reported by many investigators produced a dose-dependent and potent inhibition of A-II-mediated aldosterone secretion. The Pro-ANP 1-30 and 31-67 did not affect A-II-stimulated aldosterone secretion at any of the doses tested. This study shows that the reported natriuretic effect of the fragments is not mediated by inhibition of aldosterone secretion.

Inositol phosphate release and steroidogenesis in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. Comparison of the effects of endothelin, angiotensin II and vasopressin

Endothelin has steroidogenic activity in adrenal glomerulosa cells, as do two other vasoconstrictor peptides, angiotensin II and vasopressin. The steroidogenic activities of angiotensin II and vasopressin are probably mediated via the phosphatidylinositol-turnover pathway and associated changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Endothelin caused a steroidogenic response, which was small compared with that to angiotensin II and quantitatively similar to the vasopressin response. Cytosolic free Ca2+ responses were similarly higher to angiotensin II than to either of the other two peptides. However, total inositol phosphate responses to endothelin and angiotensin II were similar when these were measured over 20 min, and were quantitatively greater than the vasopressin response. A detailed study has been made of the phosphatidylinositol-turnover response to endothelin in comparison with responses to angiotensin II and vasopressin. Each of the three peptides produced a rapid and transient rise in Ins(1,4,5)P3 (max. 5-15 s), followed by a slow sustained rise. Ins(1,4,5)P3 was metabolized by both dephosphorylation and phosphorylation pathways, but the relative importance of the two metabolic pathways was different under stimulation by each of the three peptides. These findings show that adrenal glomerulosa cells can distinguish between the stimulation of phosphatidylinositol turnover by three different effectors. These differences in the pathway may be associated with the observed different steroidogenic and Ca2+ responses to the three peptides.

Neurohypophysial hormones and steroidogenesis in the interrenals of Xenopus laevis

The influence of arginine vasotocin (AVT) on the interrenal secretion of the clawed toad (Xenopus laevis) was studied combining in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo: A single injection of 3 nmol AVT per 100 g body weight was given, and the concentrations of corticosterone and aldosterone in the serum were measured after 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hr. The serum levels of both steroids remained elevated over 6 hr and declined to normal levels within 12 hr. The increase of the aldosterone concentration was relatively stronger than that of corticosterone. In vitro: A perifusion system was used to study the influence of AVT concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 50 nM on the secretion rates of corticosterone and aldosterone. The response of the interrenals was dose dependent; corresponding to the in vivo results, the elevation rate was higher for aldosterone than for corticosterone. The effects of several nonapeptides were compared. AVT was most effective, followed by mesotocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP). Isotocin and oxytocin had less effect. The selective agonist of the mammalian V2 receptor (1-deamino-8-D-arginine)-vasopressin (DDAVP) did not stimulate the interrenals, while the V1 receptor-selective antagonist ((1-beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopentamethylene propionic acid)-2-(O-methyl)-tyrosine)-AVP could not diminish the stimulation by AVT. Thus, the AVT receptor of the amphibian interrenal must be a special one and is different from the V1 and V2 types of mammals. In a comparison of the effects of AVT with other stimulators such as ACTH(1-28) or urotensin II, it was found that the sensitivity of the interrenals to AVT was similar to that of these peptides. The results indicate that AVT plays an important role in the osmomineral regulation of Xenopus laevis by acting on the corticosteroid secretion of the interrenals.

Synthesis of 6 beta-hydroxyaldosterone by A6 (toad kidney) cells in culture

Incubation of aldosterone with confluent layers of A6 (toad kidney) cells leads to its hydroxylation at the 6 beta-position. 6 beta-Hydroxyaldosterone is the major metabolite when the incubation is carried out at pH 6.8, whereas the product comprises 6 beta-hydroxy-17-isoaldosterone accompanied by some 6 beta-hydroxyapoaldosterone at pH 7.4. All products were identified by high-field 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Control experiments indicated that the side-chain isomerization to form the 17-iso and apo derivatives occurs after the cytochrome P 450-dependent synthesis of 6 beta-hydroxyaldosterone.

Implication of phospholipase C in the steroidogenic action of angiotensin II

Angiotensin II (AII) is a major regulator of aldosterone synthesis and secretion by the adrenal zona glomerulosa. Although it has been suggested by many authors that AII acts by increasing the turnover of inositol-lipids, these studies were mainly focussed on the identity and on the kinetics of appearance of inositol phosphates. The purpose of the present study was to establish a relationship between phospholipase C activation and steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex. A primary culture of bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells was used. Dose-response curves for receptor occupation, inositol phosphate production and aldosterone secretion were made under the same experimental conditions, on the third day of culture. 125I-[Sar1, Val5, D-Phe8]AII binding to glomerulosa cells was progressively inhibited by increasing concentrations of AII up to 30 nM. Scatchard analyses showed a Kd of 1.9 +/- 1.1 nM and a maximal binding capacity of 49,000 +/- 4,500 receptors/cell (six experiments). Dose-response curves for AII-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production showed an EC50 of 0.5 +/- 0.1 nM (five experiments). The threshold dose for AII-induced inositol phosphates was around 0.1 nM and the maximal effect was obtained with 30 nM AII. The AII-stimulated steroidogenesis occurred at a threshold dose around 0.03 nM and the maximal effect was obtained with 10 nM AII with an EC50 of 0.5 +/- 0.1 nM (five experiments). These results support previous suggestions that phospholipase C is involved in the steroidogenic action of angiotensin II.