Modulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity with intracellular fractions of hamster adrenals

Investigations on the effects of long-term administration of a methionine-enkephalin analogue on the adrenal zona fasciculata of rats treated with dexamethasone or dexamethasone and ACTH

Prolonged (7 days) methionine-enkephalin (DALA) treatment provoked a dose-dependent increase in the volume of zona fasciculata cells of dexamethasone-administered rats, along with a notable rise in the plasma concentration of corticosterone and the activity of 11 beta-hydroxylase. Comparable dose-dependent effects were observed after chronic administration of ACTH to dexamethasone-suppressed rats. The chronic administration of the maximum dose of DALA (500 micrograms/kg/day) was found to significantly further the trophic action of ACTH on the zona fasciculata of dexamethasone-treated animals. It is suggested that enkephalins act independently of and synergistically with ACTH in stimulating the growth and steroidogenic capacity of the rat adrenal zona fasciculata.

On the control of HMG-CoA reductase, a key regulatory enzyme of adrenal cholesterol synthesis

In this study we have determined the effect of ACTH on the activity of HMG-CoA reductase in microsomes of hamster adrenals. Cycloheximide was used to study the dependence of the increased enzyme activity by ACTH on de novo protein synthesis. Microsomes were prepared and preincubated with and without NaF and in the presence or absence of phosphorylase phosphatase in order to differentiate between expressed (McNaF) and total (McPP) activity. ACTH induced (after 120 and 180 min) significant increases in HMG-CoA reductase activity with a latent period of 60 min for both McNaF and McPP preparations. Cycloheximide alone decreased the activity of the reductase and the coadministration of cycloheximide + ACTH caused a greater loss of activity. Also, both treatments produced an accumulation of free cholesterol in adrenals suggesting an increased turnover of the reductase by these substances. Preincubation of microsomes at 37 degrees C enhanced per se HMG-CoA reductase activity, but the relative increase produced by ACTH treatments or endogenous ACTH remained essentially the same. In conclusion, under experimental conditions used, the enhancement of HMG-CoA reductase activity produced by ACTH seem to be due to increased enzyme synthesis.