Effects of prolactin on the water and sodium content of larval tissues from neotenic and metamorphosing Ambystoma tigrinum

Sexually dimorphic basal water absorption at the isolated pelvic patch of Japanese tree frog, Hyla japonica

Frogs ingest little water orally, but absorb the majority of the water needed for normal physiological performance through a specific region of the ventral skin, the pelvic patch. We observed non-stimulated (basal water absorption, BWA) water flux through the isolated pelvic patch in vitro in Japanese tree frog (Hyla japonica). We found that water flux through non-stimulated skin from the pelvic patch was greater in males than females. This water flux was confirmed as BWA by observing no effect following the in vitro administration of propranolol and [adamantaneacetyl(1), O-Et-D-Tyr(2), Val(1), aminobutyryl(6), Arg(8, 9)] vasopressin, which are a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist and a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, respectively. We further examined this phenomenon following gonadectomy, treatment with sex hormones (E2, 17beta-estradiol; TP, testosterone propionate), estrogenic chemicals (BPA, bisphenol A; MTX, methoxychlor) or prolactin (PRL, a hormone regulated by sex hormones that has osmoregulatory activity). Ovariectomy increased BWA in females. Injection (in vivo treatment) of E2 or PRL reduced BWA in males, whereas TP injection increased BWA in females. However, the in vitro addition of E2, TP, or PRL to the Ringer's solution on the serosal side of the ventral skin patch did not alter BWA. Subsequently, we injected (in vivo treatment) BPA or MTX, environmental chemical contaminants with known hormonal actions in mammals. Injection of BPA or MTX reduced BWA in males as observed following treatment with E2. These results provide the first evidence of sexual dimorphism in BWA through the isolated pelvic patch. The gonad appears essential for observed sexual dimorphism in BWA, and we hypothesize that sex hormones regulate the release of PRL, that in turn influences BWA indirectly. E2 is known to exert a specific stimulatory effect on PRL secretion. In addition, we have observed that some endocrine disrupting contaminants also eliminate the sexual dimorphism in BWA observed in the Japanese tree frog.

Functional characterization of the intermediate isoform of the human prolactin receptor

Prolactin-dependent signaling occurs as the result of ligand-induced dimerization of the prolactin receptor (PRLr). While three PRLr isoforms have been characterized in the rat, studies have suggested the existence of several human isoforms in breast carcinoma species and normal tissues. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed on mRNA isolated from the breast carcinoma cell line T47D, revealing two predominant receptor isoforms: the previously described long PRLr and a novel human intermediate PRLr. The nucleotide sequence of the intermediate isoform was found to be identical to the long isoform except for a 573-base pair deletion occurring at a consensus splice site, resulting in a frameshift and truncated intracytoplasmic domain. Scatchard analysis of the intermediate PRLr revealed an affinity for PRL comparable with the long PRLr. While Ba/F3 transfectants expressing the long PRLr proliferated in response to PRL, intermediate PRLr transfectants exhibited modest incorporation of [(3)H]thymidine. Significantly, however, both the long and intermediate PRLr were equivalent in their inhibition of apoptosis of the Ba/F3 transfectants after PRL treatment. The activation of proximal signaling molecules also differed between isoforms. Upon ligand binding, Jak2 and Fyn were activated in CHO-K1 cells transiently transfected with the long PRLr. In contrast, the intermediate PRLr transfectants showed equivalent levels of Jak2 activation but only minimal activation of Fyn. Last, Northern analysis revealed variable tissue expression of intermediate PRLr transcript that differed from that of the long PRLr. Taken together, differences in signaling and tissue expression suggest that the human intermediate PRLr differs from the long PRLr in physiological function.

The prolactin gene is expressed in the mouse kidney

BACKGROUND

Prolactin (PRL), originally identified as an anterior pituitary hormone exhibiting lactogenic activity, is now recognized as a versatile hormone expressed in a wide variety of tissues.

METHODS

In this study, the expression of PRL in the mouse kidney was investigated by solution-phase and in situ reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Mouse PRL (mPRL) transcript and protein are localized in the parietal epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule. Pit-1 is a positive transcription factor for the expression of the PRL gene. The presence of Pit-1 transcript in the kidney was also assessed by RT-PCR methods. The localization of Pit-1 mRNA coincided well with that of PRL. Immunoreactivity to mouse PRL receptor (mPRL-R) is distributed on the luminal membrane of the proximal tubule cells and the parietal epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that the parietal epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule synthesize PRL de novo and suggest that Pit-1 contributes to the transcriptional regulation of PRL gene expression in the kidney, and PRL expressed in this tissue functions in an autocrine/paracrine fashion.

Hormonal effect on the osmotic, electrolyte and nitrogen balance in terrestrial Amphibia

Two main hormones regulate water balance in amphibian. First, mesotocin (MT) acting as a diuretic agent, and second arginine vasotocin (AVT) being an anti-diuretic hormone. In addition, prolactin (PRL), aldosterone, corticosterone, angiotensin II and atriunatriuretic hormones, play a role too in regulating water and ion balance. The hormones affect the epidermis and bladder permeability to water and ions as well as the kidney through the control of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The main questions concern the presence and action of these hormones during the amphibian's life history. Are they present in both larval and adult stages? Are these hormones being synthesized in both aquatic and terrestrial adult phases? Under what circumstances are they being stored or released? Would the target organs (epidermis, bladder, kidney) respond in a similar way during all periods? The problem is the fact that under most circumstances an amphibian while in an aquatic environment responds physiologically differently than when on land. Only partial information concerning hormone presence, release and control of water balance is available at the moment, and even that is fragmentary and based on only a very small number of amphibian species.

Effects of prolactin, growth hormone, and triiodothyronine on prolactin receptors in larval and adult tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum)

The effects of porcine growth hormone (pGH) or ovine prolactin (oPRL) alone and in combination with triiodothyronine (T3) on renal PRL receptors were determined in both pre- and post-metamorphic tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum). The protein hormones were given at a dose of 1.0 micrograms/gm body weight/day and the T3 was given at 10.0 ng/gm body weight/day. The duration of treatment was 7 days. Effects on growth, and plasma thyroid hormone levels were also determined. Ovine PRL increased growth in both larvae and adults and reversed metamorphic changes. Administration of T3 increased the plasma T3 concentration, as measured by radioimmunoassay, and when given alone caused weight loss at both stages. The GH decreased plasma T4 and increased plasma T3 concentrations, indicating that it caused an increase in T4 deiodination. In adults the renal PRL receptor affinity of 2.9 +/- 0.7 x 10(10) L/mol and capacity of 160 +/- 22 fmol/mg protein were higher than the corresponding values of 1.8 +/- 0.3 x 10(10) L/mol and 29.2 +/- 3.8 fmol/mg in larvae. In adults only, there is an additional low-affinity, high capacity PRL binding site. The oPRL treatment decreased the binding capacity of 33.2 +/- 1.2 and 5.9 +/- 4.9 fmol/mg in adults and larvae, respectively. By contrast, pGH increased the capacities to 249 +/- 18 and 62.1 +/- 6.8 fmol/mg in adults and larvae, respectively. Treatment with T3 alone doubled the oPRL binding capacity to 58.3 +/- 4.7 fmol/mg in larvae, but there was no effect in adults. In both developmental stages the effects of oPRL and pGH on the receptors were not changed by the simultaneous T3 treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reduced calcium and inhibition of protein kinase C mimic the enhancement of ornithine decarboxylase activity of prolactin in Ambystoma tigrinum tissues

We previously reported that prolactin (PRL) could increase the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in liver slices taken from larval tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum). This action of the hormone was inhibited by oxytocin (OT), the calcium ionophore A23187, and diacyglycerol (DG) and was duplicated by 10 microM verapamil (VML), a calcium channel blocker. Here, we expand these results to show that 1) a higher dose of VML (50 microM) produces an additive effect with PRL; 2) addition of small amounts of calcium (0.1 mM) to the liver culture medium blocks PRL action; 3) neither nifedipine (NIF), a different type of calcium channel blocker, nor EDTA alter PRL action; and 4) gossypol, a reported inhibitor of protein kinase C, mimics PRL action. Additionally, we show that PRL increases ODC activity in tiger salamander tail skin in vitro, a tissue previously demonstrated to be a PRL target tissue in this species. The same set of treatments which we have shown to modify PRL effects on ODC in liver slices affects PRL action in the tail skin in a parallel manner. Thus, the mechanism whereby PRL enhances ODC activity appears to be the same in both these tissues. These results are discussed in conjunction with the findings from similar studies using mammalian tissues in an attempt to assess the current picture of the mechanism of PRL action and the possible role of inositol phospholipid turnover, calcium, and protein kinase C in the action of this hormone.

Development and application of homologous radioimmunoassay for newt prolactin

A specific and sensitive homologous radioimmunoassay (RIA) for newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) prolactin (PRL) was developed. PRL isolated from newt pituitary glands was used for generating antiserum in a rabbit, for radioiodination, and for the standard. Several dilutions of plasma and pituitary homogenate of newts yielded dose-response curves which were parallel to the standard curve. Plasma from hypophysectomized newts showed the least amount of cross-reaction. Pituitary homogenates of other species of urodeles such as Ambystoma mexicanum and Onychodactylus japonicus gave inhibition curves which were parallel to the standard curve. Purified PRLs of anurans such as Rana catesbeiana and Bufo japonicus gave inhibition curves which did not parallel the standard. Bovine PRL and ovine PRL showed no inhibition of binding even at relatively high doses in this RIA. The RIA was applied to the determination of plasma and pituitary PRL levels in the adult newts treated with dopamine agonist (bromocriptine) and/or antagonist (pimozide). Pimozide enhanced PRL levels and bromocriptine antagonized it, while pituitary PRL levels were not appreciably changed.

Effects of prolactin on water balance and kidney function in bullfrog tadpoles

In four experiments of similar design, stage III-XII bullfrog tadpoles were treated for 5-13 days with either 10 micrograms/day ovine prolactin (PRL) or 10 microliters/day saline (0.7% NaCl). In all cases, saline-treated tadpoles lost ca. 10% of their body weight, whereas PRL-treated animals either maintained their weight or gained slightly. Compared with controls, PRL-treated tadpoles showed a significantly higher water content and a 10-20% increase in inulin space (= extracellular volume). PRL treatment also significantly decreased plasma [Na+] (but not total extracellular [Na+]), and the rates of renal inulin clearance (= glomerular filtration rate) and urine production. PRL-treated tadpoles showed significant retention of the water taken up in response to a salt load. These data suggest that the PRL-induced weight gain observed in bullfrog tadpoles is accompanied by major changes in renal function and the size, water content, and sodium concentration of the extracellular fluid compartment.

Evidence for hepatic involvement in the regulation of amphibian development by prolactin

Hormonal control of amphibian development involves thyroid hormones (TH), which promote metamorphosis, and prolactin (PRL), which antagonizes the effects of TH and promotes larval growth. Although the liver is not considered to be a regulator of developmental processes such as metamorphosis, it secretes a PRL-synergizing factor (synlactin) in response to PRL. We explored the possibility that the liver may participate in the antimetamorphic actions of PRL in Rana catesbeiana. Bullfrog tadpoles, in which release of endogenous PRL was suppressed by injections of bromocryptine to induce metamorphic changes including tail regression, received hormone-containing implants in various sites. PRL implants in the spleen to deliver hormone directly to the liver via the hepatic portal drainage not only prevented tail regression but actually caused a substantial increase in the height of the tail fin. PRL implanted in other sites or GH implanted in the spleen was much less effective. The liver of animals with intrasplenic PRL implants secreted more synlactin in vitro than that of tadpoles with subcutaneous PRL implants. Young grass frogs were injected with ovine (o) GH or oPRL to determine effects on hepatic synlactin secretion. Although the GH stimulated body growth it did not induce the liver to secrete synlactin. By contrast, PRL treatment did stimulate hepatic secretion of synlactin without stimulating body growth. These results indicate that the liver of pre- and postmetamorphic animals can be stimulated by PRL to secrete synlactin. Furthermore, the antimetamorphic actions of PRL in tadpoles appears to be mediated, at least in part, by an action on the liver. Synlactin may mediate this hepatic effect.

Osmoregulatory effects of prolactin and growth hormone in embryonic chicks

Intact White Leghorn chick embryos were treated daily (on Days 6-13) with bovine prolactin (PRL) or ovine growth hormone (GH) at doses of 4-10 micrograms/g embryo wet wt. A control group received an equal volume of avian saline. [Na+] and [Cl-] were determined in allantoic fluid samples taken on Days 10, 12, and 14, and in amniotic fluid and blood plasma on Day 14. Allantoic fluid, amniotic fluid, and plasma osmolarities, embryo wet weight, hematocrit, and allantoic fluid volume were also determined on Day 14. PRL-treated embryos showed significantly lower allantoic [Na+] and [Cl-] compared to controls at Days 10, 12, and 14. Allantoic fluid osmolarity was reduced, and plasma osmolarity increased, at Day 14 in PRL-treated embryos. By contrast, PRL had no effect on allantoic volume, amniotic fluid [Na+], [Cl-], or osmolarity, plasma [Na+] or [Cl-], hematocrit, or embryo wet weight. GH-treated embryos showed significantly reduced allantoic [Na+] at both Days 10 and 14, but no other treatment effect. Calculations show that the decrease in total allantoic Na+ seen in PRL-treated embryos is equivalent in magnitude to 10% of the total egg Na+. Results from studies on embryonic amphibians and mammals suggest that this sodium is likely to be sequestered in an expanded extracellular volume.

Interrenal function in larval Ambystoma tigrinum. II. Control of aldosterone secretion and electrolyte balance by ACTH

Renal clearance techniques were used to assess the role of ACTH on renal electrolyte transport in larval Ambystoma tigrinum. Radioimmunoassay was employed to evaluate changes in circulating aldosterone in these animals. Larvae were hypophysectomized and maintained for 1 week on either ACTH replacement therapy (50 ng/g) or sham injections prior to clearance measurements. Hypophysectomy significantly lowered plasma [Na+] (from 96 to 90 mM), plasma [K+] (from 6 to 4 mM), plasma aldosterone titer (from 157 to 36 pg/ml), fractional Na+ reabsorption (from 97 to 94%), and fractional K+ reabsorption (from 68 to 50%). ACTH replacement restored plasma [Na+] to 96 mM, aldosterone titer to 157 pg/ml, fractional Na+ reabsorption to 96%, and fractional K+ reabsorption to 75%. When steroid synthesis was blocked in a separate set of larvae; ACTH was unable to reverse the sodium depletion which results from adaptation to distilled water. This suggests that ACTH is not acting directly on Na+ transport but acts through a steroid like aldosterone. When larvae were injected intravenously with antialdosterone antibodies their fractional Na+ reabsorption decreased from 95 to 87%. We conclude, therefore, the ACTH works via interrenal steroids, such as aldosterone, to control renal electrolyte transport in this species.

Antagonistic effects of prolactin and oxytocin on tail fin regression and acid phosphatase activity in metamorphosing Ambystoma tigrinum

We have found that the inhibition of thyroxine-induced tail fin regression by prolactin in larval tiger salamanders is antagonized by oxytocin. Other workers have shown that prolactin blocks the rise in activity of several hydrolytic enzymes that occurs in regressing tissue during metamorphosis. Here, we examine the effects of prolactin and oxytocin--given alone and in combination--on tail fin regression and acid phosphatase specific activity in this tissue. Both long-term (12-day) and short-term (48-hr) treatment paradigms using prolactin and oxytocin are investigated. The results show that long-term prolactin treatment of metamorphosing larvae blocks fin regression and the rise in acid phosphatase specific activity seen in metamorphosing controls; short-term prolactin treatment of metamorphosing larvae inhibits fin regression within 48 hr, but does not block the rise in acid phosphatase activity seen in controls; oxytocin antagonizes the effects of prolactin on tail fin regression; and oxytocin treatment (long-term or short-term) of metamorphosing larvae causes an elevation of acid phosphatase activity above that seen in metamorphosing controls. With long-term treatment, this effect of oxytocin is slightly antagonized by prolactin; with short-term treatment, no antagonism is observed even though an effect of prolactin on fin height is still evident. We have interpreted these results as suggesting that the effect of prolactin on hydrolase activity is not a prerequisite for its inhibitory effect on fin regression to occur.

Thyroid function in adult rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa): effects of hypophysectomy and hormone replacement

This study examines the regulation of thyroid activity in adult rough-skinned newts, Taricha granulosa. Aquatic, breeding-condition newts were hypophysectomized and were injected for 23 days with the mammalian adenohypophysial hormones: ACTH, PRL, and GH. During a fourth week of treatment, these newts also received TSH. Plasma T4 concentrations were lower in hypophysectomized newts than in sham-hypophysectomized newts 23 days after surgery. Both ACTH and PRL increased T4 titers above these in saline-injected control newts; GH alone had no effect. TSH effectively increased the plasma T4 concentrations in newts from all five groups. GH, and possibly PRL, depressed the response to TSH. Plasma T4 concentration was positively correlated with body fluid loss, suggesting that hormone concentration/dilution effects may occur generally in animals such as these that undergo substantial seasonal changes in degree of hydration.

Breeding condition, temperature, and the regulation of salt and water by pituitary hormones in the red-spotted newt, Notophthalmus viridescens

In vivo integumental transepithelial potential (TEP) in the Eastern red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) increases linearly with external [Na+] from 0.1 to 10 mM and is anion independent. Both integumental TEP and osmotic permeability are higher in laboratory-conditioned (LC, terrestrial) than in breeding-condition (BC, aquatic) newts at temperatures of 5-25 degrees. Prolactin (PRL) treatment of LC newts decreased both TEP and rate of water uptake. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) treatment resulted in a substantial increase in water uptake in LC newts, while little or no AVT response was seen in PRL-treated or BC newts. Hypophysectomy (HX) or ergocryptine treatment increased TEP in BC newts, whereas HX + PRL maintained TEP at control levels. Although ergocryptine and HX were without effect on water uptake in BC newts kept at 5 degrees for 9 days, HX + ACTH increased water uptake. HX produced a substantial fall in serum [Na+] in BC newts, while either PRL or ACTH replacement elevated serum [Na+]. Combined ACTH and PRL treatment returned serum [Na+] to control levels. These data suggest that high endogenous prolactin plays a significant role in maintaining serum [Na+] and integumental permeability and transport characteristics in breeding-condition N. viridescens. Although PRL and ACTH are both sodium retaining in the aquatic breeding stage, these two hormones promote opposite effects on the integument; PRL decreases both water uptake and integumental TEP, whereas ACTH (presumably acting through the adrenals) increases water uptake and possibly TEP.

Effects of prolactin and bromocriptine in Discoglossus pictus (anuran amphibian. Otth) tadpoles

1. The results obtained by ovine prolactin administration during the larval development of Discoglossus pictus (OTT) suggests that prolactin-like hormone is the "larval factor" necessary for growth and for maintaining the larval aquatic features. 2. Bromocriptine treatment during the larval development of D. pictus has contrary effect on growth and larval structures. 3. Prolactin administration does not inhibit but delays metamorphosis. 4. When bromocriptine is added at late stages of the development, metamorphosis is accelerated.

Water balance of five amphibian species at different stages and phases, as affected by hypophysial hormones

Five amphibian species were studied for the effect of hypophysial hormones on their water balance. The species were three anurans, Rana ridibunda, Bufo viridis and Pelobates syriacus, and two urodeles Salamandra salamandra and Triturus vittatus. In the first four species different stages of development were studied, in the newt both the terrestrial and aquatic phases of the adult were examined. The hormones used were oxytocin (OXY), arginine vasotocin (AVT) and prolactin (PL). Oxytocin caused most water retention when compared with the other hormones, especially responding were juveniles of Rana and Bufo, but also the terrestrial phase of the adult newt Triturus. Arginine vasotocin affected mostly juvenile Pelobates. Prolactin caused water retention in juvenile Rana and in the terrestrial phase of Triturus. In general the hormones affected the juvenile stages more than either larvae or adults.

Prolactin receptors in Rana catesbeiana during development and metamorphosis

Specific binding of ovine prolactin was found in microsomal preparations of tail, gill, and kidney of the bullfrog Ran catesbeiana. Binding by larval and adult liver and by kidney before larval stage XVII was low or nondetectable. Renal binding increased during metamorphic climax and in response to treatment with thyroid hormone. The emergence of renal binding of prolactin may signify a shift in the hormone's participation in the control of hydromineral homeostasis from the gill, which is resorbed, to the kidney. A renal action of prolactin during climax may facilitate metamorphosis.