Temperature dependence of cholesterol binding to cytochrome P-450scc of the rat adrenal. Effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cycloheximide

SNARE-Mediated Cholesterol Movement to Mitochondria Supports Steroidogenesis in Rodent Cells

Vesicular transport involving soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins is known to be responsible for many major cellular activities. In steroidogenic tissues, chronic hormone stimulation results in increased expression of proteins involved in the steroidogenic pathway, whereas acute hormone stimulation prompts the rapid transfer of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane to be utilized as substrate for steroid hormone production. Several different pathways are involved in supplying cholesterol to mitochondria, but mobilization of stored cholesteryl esters appears to initially constitute the preferred source; however, the mechanisms mediating this cholesterol transfer are not fully understood. To study the potential contribution of SNARE proteins in steroidogenesis, we examined the expression levels of various SNARE proteins in response to hormone stimulation in steroidogenic tissues and cells and established an in vitro mitochondria reconstitution assay system to assess the contribution of various SNARE proteins on cholesterol delivery for steroidogenesis. Our results from reconstitution experiments along with knockdown studies in rat primary granulosa cells and in a Leydig cell line show that soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein-α, synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa, syntaxin-5, and syntaxin-17 facilitate the transport of cholesterol to mitochondria. Thus, although StAR is required for efficient cholesterol movement into mitochondria for steroidogenesis, specific SNAREs participate and are necessary to mediate cholesterol movement to mitochondria.

Controle de dopagem de anabolizantes: o perfil esteroidal e suas regulações

O conceito de perfil esteroidal é discutido neste artigo. As principais vias biossintéticas são apresentadas. A importância do monitoramento do perfil esteroidal é demonstrada dentro da clínica médica e da medicina esportiva. Parâmetros da literatura para a identificação de dopagem por esteróides endógenos são apresentados, assim como os fatores que acarretam alterações no perfil esteroidal normal. É dada atenção especial a essa última abordagem.

Intramitochondrial cholesterol transfer

Cholesterol serves as the initial substrate for all steroid hormones synthesized in the body regardless of the steroidogenic tissue or final steroid produced. The first steroid formed in the steroidogenic pathway is pregnenolone which is formed by the excision of a six carbon unit from cholesterol by the cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme system which is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It has long been known that the regulated biosynthesis of steroids is controlled by a cycloheximide sensitive factor whose function is to transfer cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, thus, the identity of this factor is of great importance. A candidate for the regulatory factor is the mitochondrial protein, the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein. Cloning and sequencing of the StAR cDNA indicated that it was a novel protein, and transient transfections with the cDNA for the StAR protein resulted in increased steroid production in the absence of stimulation. Mutations in the StAR gene cause the potentially lethal disease congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia, a condition in which cholesterol transfer to the cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, P450scc, is blocked, filling the cell with cholesterol and cholesterol esters. StAR knockout mice have a phenotype which is essentially identical to the human condition. The cholesterol transferring activity of StAR has been shown to reside in the C-terminal part of the molecule and a protein sharing homology with a region in the C-terminus of StAR has been shown to display cholesterol transferring capacity. Recent evidence has indicated that StAR can act as a sterol transfer protein and it is perhaps this characteristic which allows it to mobilize cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane. However, while it appears that StAR is the acute regulator of steroid biosynthesis via its cholesterol transferring activity, its mechanism of action remains unknown.

On the model controversy for substrate-induced spin-state transition in cytochrome P450: (a new perspective)

Three models have been proposed for substrate-induced spin-state transition in cytochrome P450. These are referred to as two-, three- and four-state models. In this communication the three models are reviewed with respect to their experimental basis and their ability to accommodate the results reported on the effects of substrates on spin-state and reduction of various P450's. In addition, a new perspective is presented.

Heterogeneous pools of cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity in adrenal mitochondria from ACTH-treated rats: differential responses to different reducing precursors

Side-chain cleavage (SCC) of endogenous cholesterol in adrenal mitochondria isolated from ACTH-treated rats indicates that the size of the reactive cholesterol pool depends on the reducing precursor. At optimal concentrations of reductant, this pool was typically at least 2 times greater for isocitrate than for succinate. Succinate-supported reactions were rapidly completed, were highly sensitive to a 2-min preincubation, and failed to deplete spectrally detected P-450SCC-cholesterol complexes. Cholesterol SCC with 1 mM isocitrate exhibited 2-3 times more fast-phase metabolism, a pronounced slow phase, insensitivity to preincubation, and 60% depletion of spectrally detected cholesterol-P-450SCC complexes. Addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and EDTA, either during homogenization or directly to the incubation, prevented preincubation losses in response to succinate and removed most of the difference between succinate and isocitrate activities. This effect of BSA/EDTA was reversed within 5 min by octanoate by a mechanism that was enhanced by Ca2+. These distinct reductant characteristics suggest that only a subpopulation of mitochondria or of pools of activity within individual mitochondria can support cholesterol SCC with succinate while isocitrate is necessary for the remainder. The rapid responses of succinate-supported metabolism to preincubation or to octanoate suggest depletion of a critical factor for cholesterol metabolism. Metabolism of added 20 alpha-hydroxycholesterol or deoxycorticosterone established that NADPH remained fully available after succinate-supported cholesterol metabolism had stopped or after preincubation. Cessation of pregnenolone formation, therefore, results from a failure to supply cholesterol, not inadequate NADPH. The preincubation effect suggests loss of an energy-dependent component that enhances this supply of cholesterol. One possibility tested was that GTP, an activator of intermembrane cholesterol transfer (Xu et al. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 17674-17680), was being lost. Added GTP slightly activated succinate-supported pregnenolone production but did not prevent preincubation-induced losses. alpha-Ketoglutarate, which can generate matrix GTP, is an effective reductant that, in combination with succinate, prevents preincubation-induced losses.

Levels of adrenodoxin, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase and cytochromes P-45011 beta, P-45021, P-450scc, in adrenal zona fasciculata-reticularis tissue from androgen-treated rats

Treatment of rats with methylandrostenediol (MAD), an anabolic androgen, caused a profound reduction (65%) in the level of cytochrome P-450 11 beta in rat adrenocortical mitochondria as measured by immunoblots using a specific antibody. The decreases in mitochondrial cytochrome P-450scc (15%) and adrenodoxin (20%) were much less than that observed for cytochrome P-45011 beta. A 35% decrease in adrenal microsomal cytochrome P-450 21 and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase levels was brought about by the treatment with MAD. The data establish that the preferential decrease in adrenal steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase activity associated with androgen treatment results from a decrease in cytochrome P-450 11 beta. This is consistent with the role of 11-deoxycorticosterone in the pathogenesis of androgen-induced hypertension in rats.

Effects of a prolonged treatment with aminoglutethimide on the zona fasciculata of rat adrenal cortex: a morphometric investigation

The effects of a 7-day administration of aminoglutethimide (AG) on the adrenal zona fasciculata were examined in "normal" and dexamethasone/ACTH-treated rats. There was a 70-74% decrease in the concentration of corticosterone in blood, but no conspicuous qualitative changes suggesting cell degeneration occurred. Morphometry showed that AG induced a significant hypertrophy of the zona fasciculata and its parenchymal cells only in "normal" animals, which was due to an increase in the volume of the mitochondrial compartment and to proliferation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. This response to AG was considered to be non-specific and mediated by the enhanced secretion of ACTH following the decrease in the blood level of corticosterone. AG administration significantly increased the volume of the lipid-droplet compartment and the number of intramitochondrial lipid-like inclusions in both groups of animals. These changes were interpreted as the morphological counterpart of the AG-induced block of cholesterol utilization in steroid synthesis.

Gamma 3-melanotropin promotes mitochondrial cholesterol accumulation in the rat adrenal cortex

Gamma 3-melanotropin (gamma 3-MSH) facilitates a rapid, dose-dependent, and cycloheximide-insensitive increase in the concentration of mitochondrial free cholesterol in the adrenals of hypophysectomized rats. Physiological concentrations of various synthetic and native preparations of gamma 3-MSH are potent, while gamma-MSH is not. This cholesterol accumulation coincides with the activation of cholesteryl ester hydrolysis by gamma 3-MSH, while the rates of cholesterol esterification and of mitochondrial cholesterol side-chain cleavage are unaffected. Conversely, ACTH inhibits cholesterol ester esterification. Therefore, gamma 3-MSH and ACTH together may coordinate a substantial shift in the set-point of cholesteryl ester in equilibrium cholesterol cycling toward the right. Because ACTH also activates cholesterol side-chain cleavage, this coordinate effect on the flux of cholesterol substrate is manifest as a potentiation of corticosteroidogenesis by gamma 3-MSH. These data extend our previous studies demonstrating that pro-gamma-MSH polypeptides have an endocrine influence on the rat adrenal cortex.

Chemical modification of the histidine residues of purified hepatic cytochrome P-450: influence on substrate binding and the haemoprotein spin state

A hepatic cytochrome P-450 isolated in an electrophoretically homogeneous form from phenobarbital-treated rats, exists predominantly in the low spin configuration (82% at 20 degrees C). The addition of saturating amounts of the substrate benzphetamine to this haemoprotein shifted the spin equilibrium to the high spin form, resulting in a doubling of the spin equilibrium constant from 0.220 to 0.539 at 20 degrees C. The histidine residues of this low spin, substrate-free cytochrome P-450 were modified in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with diethylpyrocarbonate, and progressive histidine modification resulted in a decrease of both the affinity and extent of substrate interaction with the haemoprotein. Although the histidine-modified haemoprotein maintained the capacity to undergo a temperature-dependent spin transition of the haem iron in the presence of saturating amounts of substrate, this capability was substantially decreased in comparison to the unmodified cytochrome. These results indicate that a histidine residue(s) is involved in the binding of substrate to cytochrome P-450 and hence interferes with the substrate-bound spin equilibrium. Our results further imply that histidine is probably not the sixth ligand of the substrate-free ferric form of the rat liver cytochrome P-450.

Magnetic resonance study of the structure and functions of cytochrome P450

Cytochrome P450 is a membrane-bound enzyme providing oxidation of numerous organic compounds in organisms. The objective of this review is to show the wide possibilities that are provided by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques to the study of the structure and functions of this unique enzyme. High sensitivity of ESR spectra of cytochrome P450 to its functional state and interaction with substrates and inhibitors is illustrated. NMR and proton relaxation make it possible to obtain unique information about the structure of the active center of cytochrome P450 under physiological conditions. ESR and NMR methods allow one to obtain structural data on location of substrates, inhibitors, and their spin-labeled analogs with respect to Fe3+ ions in the enzyme-active center. Of special interest seems to be coupling of ESR with the affinity modification method. For this purpose, the spin-labeled analogs of cytochrome P450 substrates containing alkylating groups were used. As a result, an important datum has been obtained on the structure of active centers of cytochrome P450 in microsomes and in a highly purified state. In conclusion, the problems of the structure and functions of cytochrome P450, which can be most efficiently resolved with the use of magnetic resonance methods, are discussed.

Regulation of mitochondrial compartment volumes in rat adrenal cortex by ether stress

In vivo ether stress of rats causes release of pituitary adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) leading to activation of steroidogenesis in adrenal cortex mitochondria. The present studies show that this treatment also induces a decrease in the volume of the intermembrane space in isolated adrenal mitochondria. This decrease is accompanied by an increase in the volume of the matrix, thus leaving the total mitochondrial volume approximately constant. These effects are prevented by the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, and are specific to the adrenal gland. The decrease in the intermembrane space (or increase in the matrix volume) is correlated with activation of the cholesterol side chain cleavage reaction (the regulated step in steroidogenesis). We propose as a working hypothesis that these changes reflect a hormonally regulated alteration in the relationship between the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes, which may facilitate the rate-limiting movement of cholesterol from the outer to the inner membrane where the side chain cleavage enzyme is located.

Sterol carrier protein2 (SCP2)-mediated transfer of cholesterol to mitochondrial inner membranes

Rats treated with cycloheximide accumulate cholesterol in the adrenal mitochondria. This cholesterol is largely associated with the mitochondrial outer membrane. The addition of homogeneous sterol carrier protein2 (SCP2) to these mitochondria stimulated pregnenolone production to a greater extent than with mitochondria from untreated rats. Adrenal mitochondria from cycloheximide-treated rats were incubated in the presence of aminoglutethimide and cycloheximide to prevent further utilization of cholesterol for pregnenolone synthesis. Outer and inner membrane fractions of these mitochondria incubated with and without 0.75 microM SCP2, were prepared following hypotonic disruption. Incubations of mitochondria in the presence of SCP2 caused a marked shift in cholesterol from outer to inner membrane fractions. The findings provide direct evidence for a role of SCP2 or a similar peptide in modulating transfer of cholesterol to the inner membrane site of cholesterol side chain cleavage.

Temperature effects on optical absorption and circular dichroism of cytochrome P-450scc from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria

Temperature-dependent spin changes of the heme iron atom on cytochrome P-450scc were studied by optical absorption and circular dichroism measurements. The optical absorption and circular dichroism spectra of cholesterol-free cytochrome P-450scc did not change between 10 and 26 degrees C. In contrast, the absorbance at 390 nm and the ellipticity at 330 nm of cholesterol-bound cytochrome P-450scc decreased upon temperature elevation, and the absorbance at 424 nm correspondingly increased. These spectral changes were reversible in respect of temperature. The far-ultraviolet circular dichroism spectra of both cholesterol-bound and -free cytochrome P-450scc were not affected by temperature. In addition, bound cholesterol molecule is not released from the cytochrome molecule by increasing temperature. From these results, we propose that temperature modulates specific interactions between the heme protein and bound cholesterol rather than the gross secondary structural changes of the protein.

Identification of the cycloheximide-sensitive site in angiotensin-stimulated aldosterone synthesis

We have investigated the action of a protein synthesis inhibitor on the ability of angiotensin II (AII) to stimulate steroid synthesis. Isolated bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells were incubated in the presence and absence of angiotensin and cycloheximide, and the effects of the inhibitor on six cellular processes were measured. Cycloheximide at 7 and 28 microM inhibited the ability of the hormone to stimulate aldosterone synthesis. These concentrations of cycloheximide blocked protein synthesis by 72 and 79% respectively. Cycloheximide did not block receptor binding of angiotensin, the effect of angiotensin on [32P]phosphate incorporation into phosphatidylinositol, nor the ability of the hormone to alter 45Ca2+ fluxes. Mitochondrial conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone is thought to be the rate-determining step in corticosteroid synthesis. Mitochondria isolated from cells treated with angiotensin made pregnenolone at a higher rate than control mitochondria. Cycloheximide blocked this effect when it was present in the cell incubation medium with angiotensin. Cycloheximide added directly to mitochondria had no effect on pregnenolone synthesis. Cycloheximide also blocked AII stimulation of pregnenolone synthesis in intact cells. We propose that protein synthesis is required for angiotensin to exert its stimulatory effects at one particular locus: activation of mitochondrial pregnenolone synthesis. Protein synthesis is not required for other angiotensin-stimulated processes in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells.

Cytochrome P-450scc: enzymology, and the regulation of intramitochondrial cholesterol delivery to the enzyme

The mechanism and properties of the adrenal cortex enzyme system which catalyzes the side chain cleavage of cholesterol to form pregnenolone are summarized. Cytochrome P-450scc, an integral inner mitochondrial membrane protein, interacts with its electron donor adrenodoxin via an aqueous-exposed (matrix side) site, and with its substrate cholesterol via an active site in communication with the hydrophobic phospholipid milieu. In a purified, phospholipid vesicle-reconstituted system, membrane-dissolved cholesterol interacts rapidly with and can be readily metabolized by the membrane-associated cytochrome, and thus represents a readily accessible cholesterol pool. Evidence for a rapidly metabolizable mitochondrial substrate pool (presumably that in the inner mitochondrial membrane) and the regulation by ACTH of cholesterol movement from other site(s) (presumably the outer mitochondrial membrane) into the reactive pool is reviewed; additional evidence is provided which supports the idea that the outer mitochondrial membrane/intermembrane space provides the rate-limiting block to cholesterol utilization. Possible mechanisms by which ACTH might regulate intramitochondrial cholesterol movement are discussed. ACTH has been found to regulate intramitochondrial aqueous volumes (both the matrix and the intermembrane space) in a cycloheximide-inhibitable manner, and it is proposed that these volume changes reflect an altered relationship of outer and inner membranes which may promote movement of cholesterol.

Polypeptide activators of cholesterol side-chain cleavage

A rate-determining step in the cAMP-dependent action of ACTH on adrenal steroid biosynthesis is the interaction of cholesterol substrate with the cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P-450 in the mitochondrion. This interaction is rapidly and reversibly sensitive to inhibitors of protein synthesis. For this reason a hormone-dependent, labile protein activator of cholesterol side-chain cleavage has long been postulated as an obligatory intermediate in the tropic regulation of this reaction. Applying recent advances in liquid chromatography, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and enzyme reconstitution into liposomes, several laboratories have now reported the isolation and partial characterization of polypeptide candidates for the status of "labile protein."

The transfer of cholesterol and hydroxycholesterol derivatives from liposome to soluble cytochrome P-450 scc

We have studied the cholesterol-binding reaction with purified steroid-free cytochrome P-450scc. By mixing an aqueous solution of cholesterol-, pregnenolone- and progesterone-free cytochrome with cholesterol-containing liposomes, the low to high spin conversion of the hemoprotein was observed spectrophotometrically and by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. When the binding rates were compared at a fixed molar heme: cholesterol ratio of 1 : 1, 20 mol% cholesterol-dioleoylglycerophosphocholine liposomes react with the cytochrome at a faster rate than 50 mol% cholesterol-dimyristoylglycerophosphocholine liposomes, indicating that the availability of cholesterol molecules in an unsaturated membrane is better than in a saturated membrane. When the number of cholesterol-dioleoylglycerophosphocholine liposomes was increased, the cholesterol-binding rates increased markedly. These results imply that the collision of the liposomes with the soluble hemoprotein molecules plays an important role in the binding reaction under our experimental conditions. The binding reaction was found to be temperature-dependent with a refractive temperature at near 20 degrees C. From the comparison of the binding abilities among cholesterol derivatives tested, wer conclude that the alpha-face of the A-B transfused rings and the portion of the hydrocarbon side-chain of cholesterol are important for the binding. Additionally, polar derivatives had faster rates than non-polar steroids in structurally homologous series.

ACTH stimulation on cholesterol side chain cleavage activity of adrenocortical mitochondria. Transfer of the stimulus from plasma membrane to mitochondria

Adrenocortical mitochondrial cholesterol side chain cleavage reactions are regulated by the influence of pituitary ACTH. The mechanism of the stimulation involves adenyl cyclase, cAMP-dependent protein kinase, cholesterol esterase, and ribosomal labile protein synthesis. Through these reactions the stimulus reaches the mitochondrial side chain cleavage enzyme system. In this review article, the current implications on the stimulus transfer from the plasma membrane to the mitochondrial inner membrane are summarized. In particular the availability of cholesterol to P-450scc was discussed in terms of the distribution of cholesterol molecules in the membranes.

Peripheral serum corticosteroid concentrations in relation to the rat adrenal cortical circadian rhythm in androgen-induced hypertension

Adrenal function was assessed in control rats and in rats treated for 2 and 4 weeks with 17 alpha-methylandrostenediol (MAD; 17 alpha-methyl-5-androstene-3 beta-diol), a synthetic androgen known to produce hypertensive cardiovascular disease. In both groups and at both time periods, a circadian rhythm of blood corticosteroid concentrations was observed. The high point for serum corticosterone (B), 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone (18-hydroxy-DOC), and 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) concentrations occurred at the beginning of the dark period (1800 hours), and the low point occurred at the onset of the light period (0600 hours). Serum concentrations of DOC were always found to be higher in MAD-treated rats as compared with controls. The serum concentrations of B and 18-hydroxy-DOC were lower than control values at 1800 hours but higher than control concentrations at 0600 hours. The in vitro 11 beta- and 18-hydroxylation of DOC was markedly reduced with MAD treatment. In contrast, cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity was higher in animals treated with MAD. These in vitro findings correlated with spectral studies that showed a decreased binding of DOC to cytochrome P450(11) beta and increased binding of cholesterol to cytochrome P450scc. These studies suggest that MAD treatment selectively decreases 11 beta- and 18-hydroxylation in adrenal mitochondria, and this results in an increased serum concentration of DOC, a hypertensinogenic steroid. This effect of MAD on peripheral serum DOC concentration is most readily observed in quiescent animals at the high point of the circadian rhythm.

Pro-adrenocorticotropin/endorphin-derived peptides: coordinate action on adrenal steroidogenesis

A synthetic peptide, representing a portion of the 16K (16,000 dalton)-fragment sequence within the pro-adrenocorticotropin/endorphin precursor molecule, potentiates the steroidogenic action of the 1 to 24 portion of adrenocorticotropin [ACTH(1-24)] on the rat adrenal cortex. The peptide has 27 amino acid residues and consists of gamma-melanotropin with a carboxyl terminal extension. It affects both the inner and outer adrenocortical zones of hypophysectomized animals, as evidenced by a synergistic augmentation of corticosterone and aldosterone production, respectively. The peptide can be distinguished from adrenocorticotropin by its activation of cholesterol ester hydrolase and its failure to stimulate cholesterol side-chain cleavage.

Effects of cholesterol, hydroxycholesterols and calcium on pregnenolone production rates in mitochondrial fractions from rat testes

The in vitro regulation of the mitochondrial conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone in rat testis tissue has been further investigated. Pregnenolone production rates by isolated mitochondrial fractions could be stimulated by the addition of cholesterol. The stimulation was always highest in mitochondria isolated from lutropin-treated testes relative to control and cycloheximide treated testes. Addition 20- or 25-hydroxycholesterol resulted in a greater stimulation of pregnenolone production rates and these rates were unaffected by prior treatment with cycloheximide. When both cholesterol and 20- or 25-hydroxycholesterol were present in the incubation medium, pregnenolone production rates were mainly influenced by the hydroxycholesterol, even in the presence of a ten-fold excess of cholesterol. Ca2+ in vitro stimulated pregnenolone production rates from endogenous cholesterol as well as from added cholesterol. However, pregnenolone production rates in the presence of hydroxycholesterol were not influence by the addition of Ca2+ in vitro.

Electron paramagnetic resonance studies of the purified cytochrome P-450scc and P-45011beta from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria

Electron paramagnetic resonance studies have been carried out on two species of cytochrome P-450 (P-450scc and P-45011beta) purified from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria. The g values of the steroid-bound cytochromes in the high spin form were determined at 4.2 degrees K to be 8.07, 3.60 and 1.70 for P-450scc and 8.00, 3.65 and 1.71 for P-45011beta. The E/D values were estimated to be 0.103 for P-450scc and 0.099 for P-45011beta. Either high spin P-450 was converted into the low spin form by the treatment with an NADPH dependent electron donating system and subsequent gel filtration in order to remove the steroid. The g values of the low spin ferric cytochromes were 2.423, 2.247 and 1.914 for P-450scc and 2.430, 2.251 and 1.919 for P-45011beta at 77 degrees K. The values for magnitude of delta/gamma, magnitude of V/gamma and k were 5.69, 5.21 and 1.11 for P-450scc and 5.94, 5.38 and 1.16 for P-45011beta. These studies indicate that there are some differences in the ferric heme environment between P-450scc and P-45011beta.

Pregnenolone biosynthesis in isolated cells of Snell rat adrenocortical carcinoma 494

Adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) produced an insignificant stimulation of pregnenolone biosynthesis from endogenous precursors in isolated cells prepared from the rat Snell adrenal carcinoma 494. On the addition of 25-hydroxycholesterol, the rate of pregnenolone synthesis increased 10-fold. These results, noting also the very low cholesterol content of the tumor cells, suggested that lack of cholesterol was responsible for the poor steroidogenic response of the cells to ACTH. Endogenous pregnenolone production was sensitive to cytochalasin B as well as cycloheximide. However, pregnenolone synthesis after the addition of 25-hydroxycholesterol was not affected by these inhibitors. Removal of cycloheximide from the cells resulted in the immediate restoration of the initial rate of pregnenolone synthesis from endogenous precursors. This suggested that cycloheximide was interfering with the action of a stable activated intracellular messenger.

On the role of intra-adrenal unesterified cholesterol in the steroidogenic effect of corticotropin

Since ACTH (corticotropin) increases intra-adrenal and intramitochondrial free cholesterol levels, the relative importance of these effects during ACTH-induced steroidogenesis was examined. Rats were treated in vivo with ACTH plus aminoglutethimide to increase free cholesterol (2--3-fold), and the latter was tested as a steroidogenic factor after removal of aminoglutethimide blockade and subsequent prolonged incubation of the cholesterol-rich adrenal sections in vitro. The increased free cholesterol served as a positive steroidogenic factor only during the early phase of the incubation when other ACTH-induced steroidogenic factors were operative. At later times of incubation, the increased free cholesterol did not, of itself, enhance steroidogenesis unless ACTH was added. These results suggest that the ACTH-induced enhancement of intraadrenal (and mitochondrial) free cholesterol may be important in determining the amount of steroids produced in response to a given ACTH stimulus, but another ACTH-induced factor is more important in initiating the steroidogenic process. This factor (? labile protein) appears to control a metabolic process which is distal to the mitochondrial uptake of free cholesterol.

On the role of protein synthesis in the response of adrenal tumor cells to ACTH

Y-1 adrenal tumor cells were incubated with aminoglutethimide with and without ACTH. Greater production of pregnenolone from endogenous cholesterol was observed (after washing to remove aminoglutethimide) in mitochondria from cells incubated with aminoglutethimide and ACTH than in those from cells incubated with aminoglutethimide alone. This response was inhibited by cycloheximide and puromycin but not by chloramphenicol or actinomycin D. ACTH increased the incorporation of [3H]tyrosine into protein associated with mitochondria but not into total cell protein or protein of postmitochondrial supernatant. This response did not require aminoglutethemide block and was inhibited by cycloheximide and puromycin but not by chloramphenicol or actinomycin D. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP produced both of these responses (increased production of pregnenolone and synthesis of protein associated with mitochondria). The concentration of cycloheximide required to cause 50% inhibition of the responses to ACTH and dibutyryl cyclic AMP was approximately the same for steroidogenesis by whole cells, for production of pregnenolone by isolated mitochondria, for incorporation of [3H]tyrosine into Y-1 cell protein and for the increase in synthesis of protein associated with mitochondria produced by ACTH (0.08--0.2 microgram/ml). Disc gel electrophoresis revealed that the increased incorporation of [3H]tyrosine involved two proteins corresponding to molecular weight of approximately 27,000 and 13,000 respectively. These observations suggest that ACTH promotes synthesis of protein(s) by cytoplasmic ribosomes on stable messenger RNA, that the protein(s) becomes associated with mitochondria and that the protein(s) includes one or more which are associated with the increase in production of pregnenolone produced in mitochondria by the addition of ACTH to adrenal cells.