Type 2 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in human fetal tissues

11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) catalyzes the conversion of active cortisol to inactive cortisone, and regulates the access of cortisol to both the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors. Two isoforms of 11 beta-HSD have been described, the cloned "type 1" NADP(H)-dependent dehydrogenase/oxo-reductase and a high affinity NAD-dependent dehydrogenase (type 2). In the fetus, 11 beta-HSD activity may serve to protect developing tissues from cortisol excess or may modulate the permissive actions of glucocorticoids. We have studied 11 beta-HSD activity and mRNA levels in human mid-gestational fetal tissues. Tissue homogenates were incubated with either 0.1 mumol/L cortisol and 400 mumol/L NAD, 2.5 mumol/L cortisol and 400 mumol/L NADP, or 0.1 mumol/L cortisone wither either 400 mumol/L NADPH or NADH. No activity (< 2.5% conversion) was observed in fetal tissues using either cortisone or 2.5 mumol/L cortisol as a substrate. 11-oxo-reductase activity was observed in maternally-derived decidua. In keeping with these activity studies, northern blot analysis of fetal tissue RNA and PCR-reverse transcriptase of type 1 11 beta-HSD mRNA indicated 11 beta-HSD mRNA in decidua, but failed to detect any type 1 11 beta-HSD mRNA transcripts in fetal tissues. In contrast when 0.1 mumol/L cortisol was used as a substrate in the presence of NAD, 11 beta-HSD activity was ubiquitous with highest levels seen in the kidney (131 +/- 16 (SE) pmoles cortisone formed/h/mg.protein) > lung > gonad > liver > colon. 11 beta-HSD activity in fetal tissues is mediated by the type 2, high affinity, isoform. The widespread distribution of this novel isoform suggests that it may play an important role in fetal development. Type 1 11 beta-HSD mRNA and activity are absent in mid-gestational fetal tissues, but present in maternally-derived decidua, suggesting that its ontogeny is a late-gestational of post-natal event.

The NCI-H295 cell line: a pluripotent model for human adrenocortical studies

The human adrenal cortex is a complex endocrine organ that secretes mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens. These steroids arise from morphologically and biochemically distinct zones of the adrenal gland. Studying secretion of these distinct steroid hormones has, in the past, required the isolation of cells from each of the adrenocortical zones. Indeed, the lack of a human adrenocortical cell line retaining the ability to produce any of the major adrenal steroid products has slowed studies on normal and abnormal adrenal function. This obstacle has now been largely overcome with the availability of H295 cells, which represents the first adrenocortical cell line to maintain the ability, under specified conditions, to produce all the adrenocortical steroids (i.e., mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and adrenal androgens). Thus, H295 cells appear to act as pluripotent adrenocortical cells capable of being directed to produce each of the zone-specific steroids. The H295 cell line should prove to be of value in studying the molecular and biochemical mechanisms controlling adrenal steroidogenesis.

Ontogeny of steroidogenic enzyme expression in the porcine conceptus

This study examined fetal steroidogenic enzyme expression and function during pregnancy in the pig. Northern and Western analyses were performed to detect the cytochrome P450 enzyme 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17-20 lyase (P450c17) and that for cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc), as well as 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) expression in several porcine fetal tissues. The data demonstrate higher steroidogenic enzyme expression in the fetal adrenal glands and testes than in the placenta at all stages of development examined. Although steroidogenic enzyme expression was maintained throughout gestation in both the fetal adrenals and the testes, adrenal P450c17 expression was higher in the early and late stages when compared with the intermediate stages of fetal development. The stimulation of fetal adrenal steroidogenic enzyme expression in the later stage fetuses was accompanied by increased expression of P450c17 in both the fetal testes and placenta. The expression of 3 beta-HSD by porcine fetal testes was low compared with that of the fetal adrenal gland at all stages of development. Adrenal explants and cultured cells secreted cortisol and androstenedione but much lower amounts of corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and aldosterone. Secretion of cortisol and androstenedione by adrenal explants was maintained by ACTH for 5 days of culture but declined in controls. In cultured porcine fetal adrenal cells, ACTH and angiotensin II stimulated the secretion of multiple steroids. Porcine fetal testis explants and cultured cells secreted testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione, but were only moderately responsive to trophic stimulation by LH. In general, the data suggest that the fetal adrenal glands and the fetal testes have the potential to contribute significantly to the production of steroids during pregnancy in pigs.

Steroid secretory characteristics of a virilizing adrenal adenoma in a woman

A tumour of the left adrenal gland was identified in a woman who presented with virilization and secondary amenorrhea. Preoperatively, the plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone and 5-androstene-3 beta,17 beta-diol were elevated two- to fourfold whereas those of urinary 17-ketosteroids were elevated more than tenfold. The production rate of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate was more than 16 times that in normal women whereas those of dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and androstenedione were approximately twofold greater; plasma testosterone was derived almost entirely from the peripheral conversion of androstenedione. Blood was obtained by catheterization of the ovarian veins, left adrenal gland vein and inferior vena cava (at two different sites) and plasma steroid levels were determined: testosterone and cortisol levels were elevated in all blood samples whereas those of androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and 11-desoxycortisol were approximately six- to eightfold, 1.5-fold and nine- to 22-fold higher in the effluent on the left adrenal gland/tumour compared with the levels in the other compartments. Blood was collected hourly for 24 h to determine steroid levels under basal conditions and, also, after ACTH treatment. Plasma cortisol levels increased markedly upon ACTH administration and fell to very low levels 11 h later, but those of androstenedione, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 5-androstene-3 beta,17 beta-diol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were not affected by ACTH treatment. A histological diagnosis of cortical adenoma of the extirpated tumour was made. Tissue explants and adenoma cells were maintained in culture to characterize the steroid-metabolizing properties of the tumour. The secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate by tissue explants was highly initially, but declined to almost undetectable levels after 5 days in culture. In the presence of ACTH, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate secretion remained elevated throughout the entire study up to 5 days. Basal secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione, 11-desoxycortisol, cortisol, testosterone and 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione by adenoma cells was either very low or undetectable. In the presence of ACTH, dibutyryl cyclic AMP or cholera toxin the secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione and 11-desoxycortisol increased markedly with time in culture up to 3 days, whereas the other steroids were undetected in the medium. A homogenate of adenoma tissue metabolized testosterone to androstenedione, but the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone was minimal. The findings of this study served to establish that virilization in this woman was due at least in part, to excess testosterone--and testosterone-derived 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone--produced at extra-adrenal tissue sites almost exclusively through metabolism of tumour-secreted androstenedione.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Regulation of expression of the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases of human placenta and fetal adrenal

The appropriate expression of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-->4-isomerase (3 beta-HSD) is vital for mammalian reproduction, fetal growth and life maintenance. Several isoforms of 3 beta-HSD, the products of separate genes, have been identified in various species including man. Current investigations are targeted toward defining the processes that regulate the levels of specific isoforms in various steroidogenic tissues of man. High levels of expression of 3 beta-HSD were observed in placental tissues. It has been generally considered that the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblastic cells are the principal sites of 3 beta-HSD expression and, moreover, that 3 beta-HSD expression is intimately associated with cyclic AMP-promoted formation of syncytia. Herein we report the presence of 3 beta-HSD immunoreactive and mRNA species in uninucleate cytotrophoblasts in the chorion laeve, similar to that in syncytia but not cytotrophoblast placenta. In vitro, 3 beta-HSD levels in chorion laeve cytotrophoblasts were not increased with time nor after treatment with adenylate cyclase activators, whereas villous cytotrophoblasts spontaneously demonstrated progressive, increased 3 beta-HSD expression. Moreover, 3 beta-HSD synthesis appeared to precede morphologic syncytial formation. Thus high steroidogenic enzyme expression in placenta is not necessarily closely linked to formation of syncytia. Both Western immunoblot and enzymic activity analyses also indicated that the 3 beta-HSD expressed in these cytotrophoblastic populations was the 3 beta-HSD type I gene product (M(r), 45K) and not 3 beta-HSD type II (M(r), 44K) expressed in fetal testis. In cultures of fetal zone and definitive zone cell of human fetal adrenal, 3 beta-HSD expression was not detected until ACTH was added. ACTH, likely acting in a cyclic AMP-dependent process, induced 3 beta-HSD type II activity and mRNA expression. The higher level of 3 beta-HSD mRNA in definitive zone compared with fetal zone cells was associated with parallel increases in cortisol secretion relative to dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate formation.

Immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes, P450scc, 3 beta-HSD, P450c17, and P450arom in the Hokkaido brown bear (Ursus arctos yesoensis) testis

Hokkaido brown bears (Ursus arctos yesoensis) are seasonal breeders and the profile of their serum testosterone concentrations undergoes annual changes. However, precise sites of steroidogenesis in the bear testis have not been identified. Therefore, our objective was to localize steroidogenic enzymes by immunocytochemistry using polyclonal antibodies generated against steroidogenic enzymes of mammalian origin. The steroidogenic enzymes localized were cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc), 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17), and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) as biosynthetic sites of pregnenolone, progesterone or androstenedione, androgens, and estrogens, respectively. Testes were collected from three adult bears prior to the mating season (April, Hokkaido, Japan) and prepared for immunostaining with primary antibodies, followed by an avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. P450scc was localized in Leydig cells and spermatids. 3 beta-HSD was found only in Leydig cells. P450c17 was identified in Leydig cells and spermatids. Finally, P450arom was found in Leydig cells and in spermatids that stained very intensely. Therefore, Leydig cells appear to be a site of progestin (both delta 4 and delta 5 C21 steroids), androgen, and estrogen production, whereas spermatids appear to be a site of pregnenolone, androgen, and estrogen production. Immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes suggests that steroidogenesis may occur not only in Leydig cells, but also in spermatids of the Hokkaido brown bear testis prior to the mating season. We also suggest that Leydig cells and spermatids are the predominant sites of androgen and estrogen synthesis, respectively, in the Hokkaido brown bear testis.

Cytochrome P450c17 from porcine and bovine adrenal catalyses the formation of 5,16-androstadien-3 beta-ol from pregnenolone in the presence of cytochrome b5

The synthesis of 5,16-androstadien-3 beta-ol from pregnenolone occurs via a cytochrome P450-dependent reaction (andien-beta synthase) that is analogous to the C17-hydroxylase/lyase reaction. It is not known whether the andien-beta synthase activity in adult porcine testis involves cytochrome P450c17 or is unique to porcine testis. Andien-beta synthase activity in testis microsomes was inhibited by high pH and concentration of salt, while C17-hydroxylase/lyase activity was stimulated under these conditions. Cytochrome P450c17 purified from adult porcine testis and adrenal glands and bovine adrenal glands had only C17-hydroxylase/lyase activity in the absence of cytochrome b5. However, when cytochrome b5 isolated from porcine testis was added, andien-beta synthase activity was detected in all three preparations of cytochrome P450c17, with the highest activity found in the porcine preparations. The andien-beta synthase activity was further increased from 2.5 to 6 times when NADH cytochrome b5 reductase was added along with cytochrome b5. Levels of mRNA for cytochrome b5 relative to cytochrome P450c17 mRNA were five times higher in porcine testis than in porcine adrenal. It appears that the andien-beta synthase activity is catalysed by cytochrome P450c17, which is not unique to the porcine testis and is dependent upon adequate levels of cytochrome b5.

Temporal and spatial localization of steroidogenic enzymes in premenopausal human ovaries: in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical study

In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical localization of cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc), 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD), cytochrome P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase (P450c17) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) was performed in 50 morphologically normal human premenopausal ovaries, and correlated these findings with their endometrial phase. In general, mRNA expression of these enzymes examined by in situ hybridization were in good agreement with immunolocalization examined by immunohistochemistry. Expression of P450scc, 3 beta HSD and P450c17 was observed in large-sized preantral follicles, consisting of more than five layers of granulosa cells, preovulatory follicles, corpora lutea, and some degenerating corpora lutea and atretic follicles in all endometrial phases. Several follicles and/or corpora lutea positive for these enzymes were observed in the same ovary. Expression of P450arom was generally observed in only one follicle (antral or preovulatory follicle) or corpus luteum per case in mid proliferative to premenstrual phase, and was not observed in menstrual to early proliferative phase. These findings indicated that (1) expression of steroidogenic enzymes was associated with the continual human ovarian process including follicular development and atresia, and (2) especially, P450arom expression may occur only in a selected antral follicle and may have an important role in dominant follicular development.

Human NCI-H295 adrenocortical carcinoma cells: a model for angiotensin-II-responsive aldosterone secretion

Excessive secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal results in the most common form of endocrine hypertension. An understanding of the regulatory processes involved in aldosterone synthesis and release is needed to define the biomolecular mechanisms controlling excessive production of aldosterone. However, in vitro studies regarding the regulatory mechanisms of human aldosterone production have been limited because of difficulties in obtaining tissue and the subsequent isolation of aldosterone-secreting glomerulosa cells. Herein we describe an adrenocortical carcinoma cell line, NCI-H295, which provides a suitable angiotensin-II (AII)-responsive model system to investigate the acute and chronic regulation of aldosterone synthesis. The cells were characterized with regard to the effects of AII on second messenger systems, aldosterone release, and levels of aldosterone synthase (P450c18) mRNA. In the presence of lithium, AII caused a rapid, but transient, increase in the production of inositol tris- and bisphosphates, whereas a prolonged gradual accumulation of inositol monophosphate occurred. Treatment with AII resulted in a 4.5-fold increase in total inositol phosphates in a concentration-dependent manner and an increase in intracellular cytoplasmic free Ca2+. Significant increases in aldosterone (3.5-fold) were detected within 1 h of AII addition. Aldosterone release occurred in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. The type 1 AII (AT1) receptor was shown to be responsible for activation of phosphoinositidase-C, increased intracellular free Ca2+, and aldosterone production, as determined by use of the AT1 receptor antagonist DuP753. In addition, AII treatment resulted in a time-dependent increase in levels of P450c18 mRNA, as detected by RNAse protection assay. In summary, NCI-H295 cells provide a valuable model system to define mechanisms regulating human aldosterone production.

Growth hormone transgenes regulate the expression of sex-specific isoforms of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-->4-isomerase in mouse liver and gonads

The sexually dimorphic pattern of GH secretion regulates the expression of several steroidogenic enzymes in rat liver, including a male-specific 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-->4-isomerase (3 beta HSD). Recently, we identified male-specific isoforms of immunoreactive 3 beta HSD in mouse liver [42 kilodaltons (kDa)] and gonads (47 kDa). To test whether GH can regulate the expression of these murine 3 beta HSDs, endogenous forms of 3 beta HSD were studied in transgenic mice expressing heterologous GH transgene products. Mice from five transgenic lines were used; two expressed GH transgenes encoding the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) promoter fused to either the human (h) GH (somatogenic and lactogenic) or bovine (b) GH (somatogenic) structural genes, and three expressed GH transgenes encoding the mouse metallothionein-1 (MT1) promoter fused to the hGH, hGH variant (hGHv), or bGH structural genes. Control mice were normal nontransgenic littermates. Expression of a male-specific (42 kDa) isoform of hepatic 3 beta HSD is dramatically suppressed in all transgenic mouse lines, as detected on Western immunoblots, without affecting a 47-kDa isoform expressed in livers of both male and female mice. This negative regulation was not observed in mouse kidney, which normally expresses two 3 beta HSD isoforms (in both sexes) with molecular masses similar to those in liver. Considering that PEPCK and MT1 promoters direct expression of GH fusion genes in both tissues, the inhibition of hepatic, but not renal, 3 beta HSD immunoreactivity suggests that GH affects sex-specific, rather than tissue-specific, expression of 3 beta HSD. As in the liver, sex-specific expression of 3 beta HSD in the testis is also suppressed by heterologous GH, but with one notable difference. Only human-derived GH (MT1-hGH and MT1-hGHv) effectively inhibits expression of the 47-kDa sex-specific isoform of testicular 3 beta HSD, without affecting the 44-kDa isoform expressed in gonads of both male and female mice. These results suggest that the negative effects of heterologous GH on sex-specific 3 beta HSDs may be mediated by PRL receptors in the testis and GH receptors in the liver. PEPCK-GH transgenes had little effect on testicular 3 beta HSD, possibly because this promoter (unlike MT1) is relatively inactive in this tissue. In the liver of male transgenics (PEPCK-hGH), loss of the sex-specific (42-kDa) 3 beta HSD has little effect on the Km for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; 11 microM) compared with that in normal controls (16 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Growth hormone transgenes regulate the expression of sex-specific isoforms of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-->4-isomerase in mouse liver and gonads

The sexually dimorphic pattern of GH secretion regulates the expression of several steroidogenic enzymes in rat liver, including a male-specific 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-->4-isomerase (3 beta HSD). Recently, we identified male-specific isoforms of immunoreactive 3 beta HSD in mouse liver [42 kilodaltons (kDa)] and gonads (47 kDa). To test whether GH can regulate the expression of these murine 3 beta HSDs, endogenous forms of 3 beta HSD were studied in transgenic mice expressing heterologous GH transgene products. Mice from five transgenic lines were used; two expressed GH transgenes encoding the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) promoter fused to either the human (h) GH (somatogenic and lactogenic) or bovine (b) GH (somatogenic) structural genes, and three expressed GH transgenes encoding the mouse metallothionein-1 (MT1) promoter fused to the hGH, hGH variant (hGHv), or bGH structural genes. Control mice were normal nontransgenic littermates. Expression of a male-specific (42 kDa) isoform of hepatic 3 beta HSD is dramatically suppressed in all transgenic mouse lines, as detected on Western immunoblots, without affecting a 47-kDa isoform expressed in livers of both male and female mice. This negative regulation was not observed in mouse kidney, which normally expresses two 3 beta HSD isoforms (in both sexes) with molecular masses similar to those in liver. Considering that PEPCK and MT1 promoters direct expression of GH fusion genes in both tissues, the inhibition of hepatic, but not renal, 3 beta HSD immunoreactivity suggests that GH affects sex-specific, rather than tissue-specific, expression of 3 beta HSD. As in the liver, sex-specific expression of 3 beta HSD in the testis is also suppressed by heterologous GH, but with one notable difference. Only human-derived GH (MT1-hGH and MT1-hGHv) effectively inhibits expression of the 47-kDa sex-specific isoform of testicular 3 beta HSD, without affecting the 44-kDa isoform expressed in gonads of both male and female mice. These results suggest that the negative effects of heterologous GH on sex-specific 3 beta HSDs may be mediated by PRL receptors in the testis and GH receptors in the liver. PEPCK-GH transgenes had little effect on testicular 3 beta HSD, possibly because this promoter (unlike MT1) is relatively inactive in this tissue. In the liver of male transgenics (PEPCK-hGH), loss of the sex-specific (42-kDa) 3 beta HSD has little effect on the Km for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; 11 microM) compared with that in normal controls (16 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Regulation of human adrenal carcinoma cell (NCI-H295) production of C19 steroids

The regulation of biosynthesis of the adrenal C19 steroids (the so-called adrenal androgens) remains unclear. Understanding adrenal production of C19 steroids is important when the benefits of these steroids are considered on processes and diseases associated with aging. In vitro studies defining the mechanisms that regulate the production of human adrenal C19 steroids have been limited because of the difficulties in obtaining adrenal tissue. A cell line that retains differentiated adrenal functions would greatly facilitate research in this area. Herein, we describe the use of the human adrenocortical tumor H295 cell line as a model to evaluate mechanisms controlling C19 and C21 steroid production. The cells were characterized with regard to ACTH, forskolin, and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) responsiveness, as measured by increased cAMP production, synthesis of steroids, and induction of 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17). Forskolin and dbcAMP, which were more effective than ACTH, enhanced the production of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), and androstenedione over a 48-h treatment period. Comparison of the relative amounts of measured steroid secreted under forskolin treatment indicated that the primary product was cortisol (70%), followed by androstenedione (14%), DHEA (9%), and DHEAS (7%). Cortisol was also demonstrated to be the major steroid product by examination of UV-detectable steroids after high performance liquid chromatographic separation. The increases in steroid production caused by ACTH, forskolin, and dbcAMP occurred in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. A key enzyme in the production of C19 steroids is P450c17. ACTH, forskolin, and dbcAMP increased the activity of 17 alpha-hydroxylase by approximately 2.5-, 10-, and 10-fold, respectively. These effects on enzyme activity occurred in a concentration-dependent manner and coincided with increased levels of P450c17 mRNA. In summary, H295 cells should provide a much-needed model to study mechanisms controlling the secretion of glucocorticoids and C19 steroids, because steroid production in these cells is hormonally controlled and associated with the induction of P450c17.

Progesterone 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity is catalyzed by human cytochrome P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase

Progesterone and pregnenolone are metabolized to 17 alpha-hydroxysteroids by a cytochrome P450-dependent 17 alpha-hydroxylase (P450c17). The same enzyme can also catalyze the removal of the side-chain of these 17 alpha-hydroxylated steroids to yield androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone, respectively. We investigated the metabolism of progesterone by monkey kidney tumor (COS 1) cells transfected with a plasmid vector containing the cDNA encoding the complete amino acid sequence for human cytochrome P450c17. Transfected COS 1 cells converted progesterone to 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone as well as 16 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, but no detectable androstenedione was produced. However, pregnenolone was converted to 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone and, ultimately, dehydroepiandrosterone. No 16 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone was produced. The kinetics of progesterone metabolism by the enzyme expressed in COS 1 cells indicated that both 17 alpha- and 16 alpha-hydroxylated products were products were produced from a common active site. Microsomes prepared from fetal adrenal and adult testis converted progesterone to 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone as well as 16 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. No detectable androstenedione was produced by these preparations. Antibodies raised against porcine cytochrome P450c17 inhibited the 17 alpha- and 16 alpha-hydroxylation of progesterone to the same extent when using fetal adrenal microsomes, whereas no inhibition of 21-hydroxylation of progesterone was observed. Similar results were obtained with the imidazole antimycotic agent ketoconazole, which is a preferential cytochrome P450c17 inhibitor. From these results we conclude that human cytochrome P450c17 exhibits marked progesterone 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity in addition to its 17 alpha-hydroxylase function when expressed not only in a heterologous cell expression system but also, importantly, in human steroidogenic cells. Furthermore, the human enzyme has extremely low C-17,20-lyase activity toward progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, and 16 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and fails to convert these to corresponding C19 steroids.

Multiple isoforms of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-->4-isomerase in mouse tissues: male-specific isoforms are expressed in the gonads and liver

Multiple isoforms of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-->4-isomerase (3 beta HSD) are expressed in various mouse tissues in a tissue-specific, sex-specific, and developmental manner. Three distinct immunoreactive species [molecular masses, 47, 44, and 42 kilodaltons (kDa)] are detectable by Western immunoblot analysis using a 3 beta HSD antiserum. Different immunoreactive isoforms are expressed in steroidogenic (44 and 47 kDa in gonads) and nonsteroidogenic (42 and 47 kDa in liver and kidney) tissues. Two of these isoforms are sex-specific in the gonads (47 kDa) and liver (42 kDa), because they are detectable only in male mice. Sex-specific expression in the liver is developmentally regulated. Low levels of this male-specific hepatic isoform are first detectable at 23-25 days of age, but its level of expression increases progressively during sexual maturation to adult levels. NAD(+)-dependent 3 beta HSD activity is detectable in homogenates of all tissues examined, but the kinetic characteristics of this activity differ among tissues and are sexually dimorphic in the liver. Apparent Michaelis constants for dehydroepiandrosterone are much lower in steroidogenic (0.24 +/- 0.07 microM for testis) than in nonsteroidogenic (range, 10-100 microM for liver and kidney) tissues and are lower in male mouse liver (16 +/- 1 microM) than in female mouse liver (82 +/- 20 microM). Oligonucleotides with unique sequences but encoding homologous regions of the mouse type I, II, and III 3 beta HSD cDNAs were used for Northern blot analyses. A type I oligomer hybridizes with RNA from steroidogenic (adrenal, ovary, and testis) tissues, and a type III oligomer hybridizes with RNA from nonsteroidogenic (liver and kidney) tissues. A type II oligomer, however, hybridizes specifically with RNA from testis and liver of male mice, tissues that express a male-specific 3 beta HSD. These results suggest that type II-like transcripts may encode a 47-kDa sex-specific 3 beta HSD in testis and a 42-kDa sex-specific 3 beta HSD in liver of male mice. It is unclear how many members of subfamilies of the 3 beta HSD gene family will be discovered. The mouse may prove to be a valuable experimental model, as this is the first species in which multiple immunoreactive isoforms can be identified in a single tissue. This multiplicity makes it difficult to correlate the size and number of immunoreactive isoforms with the diverse kinetic characteristics of NAD(+)-dependent 3 beta HSD activities in tissue homogenates and to develop isoform-specific probes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in tissues of the human fetus determined with 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol and dehydroepiandrosterone as substrates

3 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD)/delta 5-->4-isomerase activity in steroidogenic tissues is required for the synthesis of biologically active steroids. Previously, by use of dehydroepiandrosterone (3 beta-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, DHEA) as substrate, it was established that in addition to steroidogenic tissues 3 beta-HSD/delta 5-->4-isomerase activity also is expressed in extraglandular tissues of the human fetus. In the present study, we attempted to determine whether the C-5,C-6-double bond of DHEA serves to influence 3 beta-HSD activity. For this purpose, we compared the efficiencies of a 3 beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroid (DHEA) and a 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-reduced steroid (5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol, 5 alpha-A-diol) as substrates for the enzyme. The apparent Michaelis constant (Km) for 5 alpha-A-diol in midtrimester placenta, fetal liver, and fetal skin tissues was at least one order of magnitude higher than that for DHEA, viz the apparent Km of placental 3 beta-HSD for 5 alpha-A-diol was in the range of 18 to 40 mumol/l (n = 3) vs 0.45 to 4 mumol/l for DHEA (n = 3); for the liver enzyme, 17 mumol/l for 5 alpha-A-diol and 0.60 mumol/l for DHEA, and for the skin enzyme 14 and 0.18 mumol/l, respectively. Moreover, in 13 human fetal tissues evaluated the maximal velocities obtained with 5 alpha-A-diol as substrate were higher than those obtained with DHEA. A similar finding in regard to Kms and rates of product formation was obtained by use of purified placental 3 beta-HSD with DHEA, pregnenolone, and 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-17-one (epiandrosterone) as substrates: the Km of 3 beta-HSD for DHEA was 2.8 mumol/l, for pregnenolone 1.9 mumol/l, and for epiandrosterone 25 mumol/l. The specific activity of the purified enzyme with pregnenolone as substrate was 27 nmol/mg protein.min and, with epiandrosterone, 127 nmol/mg protein.min. With placental homogenate as the source of 3 beta-HSD, DHEA at a constant level of 5 mumol/l behaved as a competitive inhibitor when the radiolabeled substrate, [3H]5 alpha-A-diol, was present in concentrations of 20 to 60 mumol/l, but at lower substrate concentrations the inhibition was of the mixed type; similar results were obtained with [3H]DHEA as the substrate at variable concentrations in the presence of a fixed concentration of 5 alpha-A-diol (40 mumol/l).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Inherited congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the rabbit is caused by a deletion in the gene encoding cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) comprises a family of inherited human disorders caused by a defect in cortisol biosynthesis. We previously reported absent cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme cytochrome P450 (P450scc) expression in rabbits affected with CAH. Further molecular studies via Southern blotting analyses, using a full-length human P450scc cDNA probe and a cloned rabbit P450scc cDNA probe, demonstrated the absence of P450scc DNA fragments in CAH animals. Reverse transcriptase-based polymerase chain reactions revealed that P450scc mRNA was not detectable in the adrenals of CAH rabbits, confirming the previous findings of absent P450scc gene expression by Northern and Western blotting. Cloning and sequencing of a 1336-basepair fragment of rabbit P450scc cDNA (85% of the coding sequence) revealed an approximately 80% identical nucleotide sequence and a 76% identical amino acid sequence compared to the human P450scc cDNA. We conclude that a large deletion mutation in the P450scc gene is most likely responsible for the absent P450scc gene expression resulting in the lethal and feminizing form of CAH in the rabbit. Further investigation of adrenal and gonadal steroidogenic enzyme gene expression in this CAH animal model will provide a greater understanding of the molecular genetics of CAH, while wild-type P450scc gene transfer experiments using CAH adrenals in vitro or in vivo will ultimately characterize the molecular basis of CAH and provide a foundation for CAH gene therapy modality.

Angiotensin-II stimulates an increase in cAMP and expression of 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 in fetal bovine adrenocortical cells

While known to be a potent activator of phosphoinositidase C, angiotensin II (A-II) also causes a small but significant increase in cAMP production through the type 1 A-II (AT1) receptor in bovine adrenocortical cells (Mol Cell Endocrinol 81:33-41, 1991). We have carried out studies on primary cultures of fetal bovine adrenocortical cells to examine the effects of A-II on the expression of cytochrome P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase (P450c17), which is known to be regulated in a cAMP-dependent fashion. Prolonged treatment (48 h) of cells with A-II (10(-7) M) did not give rise to a detectable increase in P450c17 as measured by immunoblotting, although both A-II and the protein kinase C activator, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) attenuated the large increase in P450c17 induced by ACTH (10(-8) M). A-II alone (10(-7) M) however, caused a time-dependent increase in cAMP secretion, reaching 8-fold within 3 h. Prolonged treatment of cells with A-II also resulted in a 3-fold increase in P450c17 mRNA within 12 h (10(-7) M), and a dose-dependent increase in 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity within 48 h (16.4-fold max at 10(-7) M). The stimulatory actions of A-II alone (10(-7) M) on cAMP levels, P450c17 mRNA, and 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity were much smaller than in response to ACTH (10(-8) M), but were largely reproduced by TPA (10(-7) M), suggesting a role for protein kinase C in mediating these responses to A-II. These findings indirectly support the hypothesis that A-II alone can stimulate an increase in cAMP in adrenocortical cells. Such a stimulation of cAMP may then result in increased expression of steroidogenic enzymes, as we have shown is the case for P450c17 expression. However, A-II in the presence of ACTH appears to attenuate the ACTH-stimulated expression of P450c17.

Localization of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the chicken ovarian follicle shifts from the theca layer to granulosa layer with follicular maturation

3 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) catalyzes the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone in the delta 4-3-ketosteroid metabolic pathway and dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenedione in the delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid pathway. It has been suggested that small follicles of the chicken ovary that have not entered the follicular hierarchy metabolize steroids via the delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid pathway, whereas preovulatory follicles that have entered the hierarchy metabolize steroids via the delta 4-3-ketosteroid pathway. Our objective was to localize 3 beta-HSD in follicles of the chicken ovary by immunocytochemistry using an anti-human placental 3 beta-HSD polyclonal antiserum to identify steroidogenic cells that convert pregnenolone to progesterone and/or dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenedione. Three groups of follicles of different maturities were examined: small follicles (1-10 mm in diameter and that have not entered the hierarchy), preovulatory follicles (10-35 mm in diameter and that have entered the hierarchy), and the most recent postovulatory follicle. Chicken ovaries were obtained 2 h after oviposition and fixed with Bouin's solution. Tissues were dehydrated with a series of ethanol, embedded in Paraplast (Brunswick Company, St. Louis, MO), and sectioned. Sections (4 microns) were immunostained for 3 beta-HSD with a Rabbit ExtrAvidin Staining Kit (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO). 3 beta-HSD was localized in the single theca layer of cortical follicles (approximately 1 mm in diameter), which are still embedded in the stromal tissue, and in the theca interna and externa of other small follicles (< 10 mm in diameter). No immunoreactivity was observed in the granulosa layer of the majority of small follicles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is mediated by cAMP in rat Leydig cells and H540 rat Leydig tumor cells

Leydig cells isolated from testes of adult rats have a relatively high level of expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ(5→4)isomerase (3βHSD) in primary culture. Agents which increase the intracellular levels of cAMP such as forskolin, dibutyryl cAMP, and LH can positively regulate the expression of 3βHSD in Leydig cells in vitro. The effects of these agents are manifest at several levels and include increases in (1) 3βHSD activity, (2) the cellular levels of immunoreactive 3βHSD, (3) the rate of synthesis of 3βHSD, and (4) the cellular levels of 3βHSD mRNA which can be readily translated into 3βHSD in vitro. Two rat Leydig tumor cell lines which are steroidogenically active, H540 and R2C cells, also have a relatively high level of expression of 3βHSD. Forskolin can positively regulate the expression of 3βHSD in H540 Leydig tumor cells in which steroidogenesis is responsive to increases in intracellular cAMP, but it has no effect on 3βHSD in R2C Leydig tumor cells in which steroidogenesis is unresponsive to increases in intracellular cAMP. These results clearly support the hypothesis that cAMP mediates transcriptional regulation of 3βHSD in Leydig cells. The implication of these in vitro studies is that, in vivo, LH is required to maintain optimal levels of expression of the gene encoding testicular 3βHSD.

Angiotensin-II-directed glomerulosa cell function in fetal adrenal cells

These studies were undertaken to examine the role of angiotensin II (A-II) in the regulation of adrenal glomerulosa cell differentiation. We were interested particularly in the ability of A-II to support aldosterone production in fetal adrenal cells. Many in vitro studies on acute A-II stimulation of aldosterone synthesis in adrenocortical cells have been documented. However, it is the long-term modification of steroid-metabolizing enzyme expression that leads to the formation and release of specific adrenal steroids. Herein, we used primary cultures of fetal bovine adrenal (FBA) cells to examine the effects of A-II on aldosterone production and the expression of aldosterone synthase cytochrome P450 (P450c18). A-II treatment caused the primary cultures to maintain glomerulosa cell functions. Cells treated for 3 days with A-II increased aldosterone production by 10-fold. A-II stimulation of aldosterone production occurred rapidly (within 30 min) and in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, A-II enhanced the activity of P450c18, the enzyme responsible for conversion of corticosterone to aldosterone. A-II also suppressed ACTH-promoted cortisol production, while increasing ACTH-stimulated release of aldosterone. It appears that these effects of chronic treatment with A-II were mediated through an A-II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor since the AT(1) receptor antagonist, Dup753, blocked aldosterone production and the increased P450c18 activity. Receptor binding studies suggest that FBA cells possess approx. 110,000 AT(1) binding sites/cell with K(d) = 1.8 × 10(-9) M. Via AT(1) receptors, A-II was able to stimulate both inositol phosphates and cAMP production. The stimulation of cAMP production, however, was much less than seen following ACTH treatment. These data give support to the hypothesis that A-II is involved in the differentiation of fetal adrenal cells into glomerulosa cells. This process appears to be mediated through regulation of steroid-metabolizing enzyme expression and the activation of steroid production.

Angiotensin II receptors on human fetal adrenal cells

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine if angiotensin II receptors are present on adrenal cells isolated from the human fetal zone and neocortex and to investigate if angiotensin II affects steroid production by these cells.

STUDY DESIGN

Primary cultures of both fetal zone and neocortex cells were prepared from fetal adrenal glands. Experiments were conducted to examine the binding of radiolabeled angiotensin II, angiotensin II activation of phospholipase C, and angiotensin II effects on steroidogenesis.

RESULTS

The majority of angiotensin II binding sites were of the type 1 subtype, as determined by displacement of radiolabeled angiotensin with specific receptor antagonists. Angiotensin II caused an increase in tritiated inositol phosphate accumulation in both neocortex and fetal zone cells. This increase could be blocked by type 1 angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Angiotensin II stimulated the production of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate production during treatment for 2 days. The stimulation by angiotensin II, however, was substantially less than that seen in response to corticotropin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The human fetal adrenal gland contains type 1 angiotensin II receptors early in gestation. The number of these receptors, albeit low, is sufficient to activate inositol phosphate production and steroidogenesis.

In vivo effects of adrenocorticotropin on hamster adrenal steroidogenic enzymes

The hamster, a rodent possessing adrenal 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity, was used to study the effect of ACTH on the regulation of cortisol formation in vivo. The characterization of the mRNA and protein of hamster adrenal steroidogenic enzymes revealed close similarities between this animal and other mammalian species. The hamster adrenal RNA hybridized in a single band to cDNA probes for bovine adrenal P450scc, P450(17 alpha), P450c21, to mouse adrenal P450(11 beta), and to pig testis 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) in the areas of 2.2, 2.0, 2.3, 2.0, and 2.1 kilobases, respectively. Immunoblotting analyses revealed the presence of single protein bands reacting with antibodies to bovine P450scc, P450c21, porcine P450(17 alpha), or human placental 3 beta HSD in the areas of 52, 55, 51, and 41 kilodaltons, respectively, whereas two protein bands were detected at 48 and 52 kilodaltons with the antibody to bovine P450(11 beta). After stimulation with ACTH injected at 5-h intervals over 20 h, plasma cortisol levels, which were already increased 2.5 h after the first injection, remained elevated for the duration of treatment and returned to control values 15 h after the last injection. The ratios of plasma cortisol to corticosterone were 1.5, 3.9, and 7 at 0, 2.5, and 5 h after the first injection and continued to rise to a value of 11 at 15 h after multiple injections. This ratio returned to control values 15 h after cessation of either the short term (one injection) or long term (five injections) treatment, indicating a control mechanism favoring cortisol formation upon ACTH stimulation. Of the adrenal enzyme systems examined, only three were directly affected by ACTH treatment. The mRNA level of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A reductase, the key precholesterol regulatory step, increased after ACTH administration within 2.5 h and remained elevated during the entire study period. ACTH provoked a rapid and sustained increase in P450scc mRNA levels, which decreased very slowly after cessation of treatment without reaching control values 30 h after the last injection. Meanwhile, ACTH treatment caused no changes in the amount of adrenal cytochrome P450scc protein during treatment and 30 h after its cessation. Therefore, we postulate that factors other than newly synthesized P450scc protein participate in the control of this rate-limiting step. The high P450scc mRNA levels observed suggest stabilization of mRNA and posttranscriptional events affecting its catabolism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Steroidogenic enzyme expression in porcine conceptuses during and after elongation

The following studies were performed to investigate levels of expression of steroidogenic enzymes in porcine conceptuses between days 12 and 21 postmating and to correlate these findings with estrogen levels in conceptus tissues. In the first experiment, levels of steroidogenic enzymes in individual day 12 blastocysts were examined by Western immunoblot analyses. In a second experiment, Northern blot, slot blot, and Western immunoblot analyses for 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450(17) alpha) were performed on conceptus tissue pooled for each uterine horn of sows on days 12, 14, 16, and 21 postmating. On day 12, P450(17) alpha) protein was detectable in 6-mm blastocysts, with highest levels apparent in 10- to 15-mm (tubular) blastocysts. Filamentous blastocysts appeared to have less P450(17) alpha) protein than did littermate tubular blastocysts. Side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) followed a pattern similar to that of P450(17) alpha. 3 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was undetectable by Western analysis in blastocysts at the stages examined, but was detectable in placenta from fetuses at later stages of gestation. In pooled tissue, P450(17) alpha) protein and mRNA were greater in day 12 conceptuses than in conceptuses from all other days. However, transition from the tubular to the filamentous form on day 12 postmating was associated with a dramatic decline in the level of P450(17) alpha) mRNA. The conceptus 17 beta-estradiol concentration was highly correlated with immunoreactive P450(17) alpha) protein and hybridizable P450(17) alpha) mRNA over days 12, 14, 16, and 21 postmating. These data suggest that the decrease in blastocyst estrogen secretion occurring after the time of elongation in porcine conceptuses may be due to a decrease in P450(17) alpha expression.

Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization of P-45017 alpha (17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase)

Cytochrome P-45017 alpha catalyzes both 17 alpha-hydroxylation and 17,20-side-chain cleavage in steroidogenesis and lies at a key branch point in the pathways of steroid hormone biosynthesis. To obtain information on the precise localization of P-45017 alpha in swine testis, ovary, and adrenal, we undertook the simultaneous detection of P-45017 alpha mRNA and protein by combining immunohistochemistry with in situ hybridization. In situ hybridization was performed on 4% paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections by employing either a 39-base oligomer or a cDNA insert (1.7 KB) of porcine testis P-45017 alpha as DNA probe. Immunohistochemical study was performed by employing anti-P-45017 alpha. Hybridization signals were obtained in Leydig cells of the testis, theca interna of the ovarian follicle, and zona fasciculata reticularis cells of the adrenal cortex. Oligonucleotide probing yielded lower background signal than the cDNA probe. No specific signals were obtained in seminiferous tubules of the testis, medulla, and zona glomerulosa of the adrenal, and in membrana granulosa and interstitial cells of the ovary. Hybridization signals were obtained in the cells where immunoreactivity of the enzyme was observed by immunohistochemistry, except for some Leydig cells of the testis and theca interna cells of the ovary in which only immunoreactivity but not hybridization signal was observed. The present study provided detailed information about the precise cellular localization of P-45017 alpha expression at both the protein and mRNA levels in swine adrenal glands and gonads. This approach of simultaneous immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization analysis of steroidogenic enzymes can be applied in the future to tissues exhibiting abnormal steroid metabolism and should contribute to a better understanding of steroidogenesis.