Differences in the post-translational processing of beta-endorphin in rat anterior and intermediate pituitary

Roles of β-Endorphin in Stress, Behavior, Neuroinflammation, and Brain Energy Metabolism

β-Endorphins are peptides that exert a wide variety of effects throughout the body. Produced through the cleavage pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), β-endorphins are the primarily agonist of mu opioid receptors, which can be found throughout the body, brain, and cells of the immune system that regulate a diverse set of systems. As an agonist of the body's opioid receptors, β-endorphins are most noted for their potent analgesic effects, but they also have their involvement in reward-centric and homeostasis-restoring behaviors, among other effects. These effects have implicated the peptide in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, making it a research target of interest. This review briefly summarizes the basics of endorphin function, goes over the behaviors and regulatory pathways it governs, and examines the variability of β-endorphin levels observed between normal and disease/disorder affected individuals.

TAILS N-terminomics and proteomics reveal complex regulation of proteolytic cleavage by O-glycosylation

Proteolytic processing is an irreversible post-translational modification functioning as a ubiquitous regulator of cellular activity. Protease activity is tightly regulated via control of gene expression, enzyme and substrate compartmentalization, zymogen activation, enzyme inactivation, and substrate availability. Emerging evidence suggests that proteolysis can also be regulated by substrate glycosylation and that glycosylation of individual sites on a substrate can decrease or, in rare cases, increase its sensitivity to proteolysis. Here, we investigated the relationship between site-specific, mucin-type (or GalNAc-type) O-glycosylation and proteolytic cleavage of extracellular proteins. Using in silico analysis, we found that O-glycosylation and cleavage sites are significantly associated with each other. We then used a positional proteomic strategy, terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates (TAILS), to map the in vivo cleavage sites in HepG2 SimpleCells with and without one of the key initiating GalNAc transferases, GalNAc-T2, and after treatment with exogenous matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) or neutrophil elastase. Surprisingly, we found that loss of GalNAc-T2 not only increased cleavage, but also decreased cleavage across a broad range of other substrates, including key regulators of the protease network. We also found altered processing of several central regulators of lipid homeostasis, including apolipoprotein B and the phospholipid transfer protein, providing new clues to the previously reported link between GALNT2 and lipid homeostasis. In summary, we show that loss of GalNAc-T2 O-glycosylation leads to a general decrease in cleavage and that GalNAc-T2 O-glycosylation affects key regulators of the cellular proteolytic network, including multiple members of the serpin family.

60 YEARS OF POMC: Biosynthesis, trafficking, and secretion of pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a prohormone that encodes multiple smaller peptide hormones within its structure. These peptide hormones can be generated by cleavage of POMC at basic residue cleavage sites by prohormone-converting enzymes in the regulated secretory pathway (RSP) of POMC-synthesizing endocrine cells and neurons. The peptides are stored inside the cells in dense-core secretory granules until released in a stimulus-dependent manner. The complexity of the regulation of the biosynthesis, trafficking, and secretion of POMC and its peptides reflects an impressive level of control over many factors involved in the ultimate role of POMC-expressing cells, that is, to produce a range of different biologically active peptide hormones ready for action when signaled by the body. From the discovery of POMC as the precursor to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and β-lipotropin in the late 1970s to our current knowledge, the understanding of POMC physiology remains a monumental body of work that has provided insight into many aspects of molecular endocrinology. In this article, we describe the intracellular trafficking of POMC in endocrine cells, its sorting into dense-core secretory granules and transport of these granules to the RSP. Additionally, we review the enzymes involved in the maturation of POMC to its various peptides and the mechanisms involved in the differential processing of POMC in different cell types. Finally, we highlight studies pertaining to the regulation of ACTH secretion in the anterior and intermediate pituitary and POMC neurons of the hypothalamus.

A systematic study of site-specific GalNAc-type O-glycosylation modulating proprotein convertase processing

Site-specific GalNAc-type O-glycosylation is emerging as an important co-regulator of proprotein convertase (PC) processing of proteins. PC processing is crucial in regulating many fundamental biological pathways and O-glycans in or immediately adjacent to processing sites may affect recognition and function of PCs. Thus, we previously demonstrated that deficiency in site-specific O-glycosylation in a PC site of the fibroblast growth factor, FGF23, resulted in marked reduction in secretion of active unprocessed FGF23, which cause familial tumoral calcinosis and hyperostosis hyperphosphatemia. GalNAc-type O-glycosylation is found on serine and threonine amino acids and up to 20 distinct polypeptide GalNAc transferases catalyze the first addition of GalNAc to proteins making this step the most complex and differentially regulated steps in protein glycosylation. There is no reliable prediction model for O-glycosylation especially of isolated sites, but serine and to a lesser extent threonine residues are frequently found adjacent to PC processing sites. In the present study we used in vitro enzyme assays and ex vivo cell models to systematically address the boundaries of the region within site-specific O-glycosylation affect PC processing. The results demonstrate that O-glycans within at least ±3 residues of the RXXR furin cleavage site may affect PC processing suggesting that site-specific O-glycosylation is a major co-regulator of PC processing.

Molecular fingerprint of neuropeptide S-producing neurons in the mouse brain

Neuropeptide S (NPS) has been associated with a number of complex brain functions, including anxiety-like behaviors, arousal, sleep-wakefulness regulation, drug-seeking behaviors, and learning and memory. In order to better understand how NPS influences these functions in a neuronal network context, it is critical to identify transmitter systems that control NPS release and transmitters that are co-released with NPS. For this purpose, we generated several lines of transgenic mice that express enhanced green-fluorescent protein (EGFP) under control of the endogenous NPS precursor promoter. NPS/EGFP-transgenic mice show anatomically correct and overlapping expression of both NPS and EGFP. A total number of ∼500 NPS/EGFP-positive neurons are present in the mouse brain, located in the pericoerulear region and the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus. NPS and transgene expression is first detectable around E14, indicating a potential role for NPS in brain development. EGFP-positive cells were harvested by laser-capture microdissection, and mRNA was extracted for expression profiling by using microarray analysis. NPS was found co-localized with galanin in the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus of the lateral parabrachial area. A dense network of orexin/hypocretin neuronal projections contacting pericoerulear NPS-producing neurons was observed by immunostaining. Expression of a distinct repertoire of metabotropic and ionotropic receptor genes was identified in both NPS neuronal clusters that will allow for detailed investigations of incoming neurotransmission, controlling neuronal activity of NPS-producing neurons. Stress-induced functional activation of NPS-producing neurons was detected by staining for the immediate-early gene c-fos, thus supporting earlier findings that NPS might be part of the brain stress response network.

β-Endorphin inhibits phagocytic activity of lizard splenic phagocytes through μ receptor-coupled adenylate cyclase-protein kinase A signaling pathway

The receptor-coupled intracellular signaling mechanism of endogenous opioid peptide β-endorphin (β-end) is explored for the first time in ectothermic vertebrates using wall lizard as a model. β-End inhibited the percentage phagocytosis and phagocytic index of lizard splenic phagocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of β-end on phagocytosis was completely antagonized by non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone and also by selective μ-receptor antagonist CTAP. However, selective antagonists for other opioid receptors like NTI for δ-receptor and NorBNI for κ-receptor did not alter the effect of β-end on phagocytosis. This suggests that β-end mediated its inhibitory effect on phagocytic activity of splenic phagocytes exclusively through μ opioid receptors. The μ opioid receptor-coupled downstream signaling cascade was subsequently explored using inhibitors of adenylate cyclase (SQ 22536) and protein kinase A (H-89). Both SQ 22536 and H-89 abolished the inhibitory effect of β-end on phagocytosis in a concentration-related manner. Implication of cAMP as second messenger was corroborated by cAMP assay where an increase in intracellular cAMP level was observed in response to β-end treatment. It can be concluded that β-end downregulated the phagocytic activity of lizard splenic phagocytes through μ opioid receptor-coupled adenylate cyclase-cAMP-protein kinase A pathway.

Analyzing the evolution of beta-endorphin post-translational processing events: studies on reptiles

In many cartilaginous fishes, most ray-finned fishes, lungfishes, and amphibians, the post-translational processing of POMC includes the monobasic cleavage of beta-endorphin to yield an opioid that is eight to ten amino acids in length. The amino acid motif within the beta-endorphin sequence required for a monobasic cleavage event is -E-R-(S/G)-Q-. Mammals and birds lack this motif and as a result beta-endorphin(1-8) is a not an end-product in either group. Since both mammals and birds were derived from ancestors with reptilian origins, an analysis of beta-endorphin sequences from extant groups of reptiles should provide insights into the manner in which beta-endorphin post-translational processing mechanisms have evolved in amniotes. To this end a POMC cDNA was cloned from the pituitary of the turtle, Chrysemys scripta. The beta-endorphin sequence in this species was compared to other reptile beta-endorphin sequences (i.e., Chinese soft shell turtle and gecko) and to known bird and mammal sequences. This analysis indicated that either the loss of the arginine residue at the cleavage site (the two turtle species, chick, and human) or a substitution at the glutamine position in the consensus sequence (gecko and ostrich) would account for the loss of the monobasic cleavage reaction in that species. Since amphibians are capable of performing the beta-endorphin monobasic reaction, it would appear that the amino acid substitutions that eliminated this post-translational process event in reptilian-related tetrapods must have occurred in the ancestral amniotes.

Analysis by mass spectrometry of POMC-derived peptides in amphibian melanotrope subpopulations

We have previously shown that the melanotrope population of the pituitary intermediate lobe of Rana ridibunda is composed of two subpopulations, of low (LD) and high density (HD), that show distinct ultrastructural features and display different synthetic and secretory rates. To investigate whether LD and HD melanotrope cells also differ in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) processing, we have analyzed the POMC-end products in single cells from both subpopulations by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The mass spectra revealed the presence of 8 POMC-derived peptides in HD and LD melanotrope cells, indicating a similar processing of the precursor in both subpopulations. However, the relative abundance of three POMC-end products (i.e. lys-gamma1-MSH, acetyl-alpha-MSH, and CLIP fragment) was higher in the HD subset. Moreover, two peptides with molecular weights of 1030 and 1818 Da, respectively, were detected that could not be assigned to any product deduced from the frog POMC sequence. The relative amount of the 1030 Da peptide was higher in LD melanotrope cells. Taken together, our results suggest that POMC processing is differentially regulated in the two melanotrope cell subsets.

Kalirin inhibition of inducible nitric-oxide synthase

Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a neurotransmitter. However, excess NO produced from neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) or inducible NOS (iNOS) during inflammation of the central nervous system can be neurotoxic, disrupting neurotransmitter and hormone production and killing neurons. A screen of a hippocampal cDNA library showed that a unique region of the iNOS protein interacts with Kalirin, previously identified as an interactor with a secretory granule peptide biosynthetic enzyme. Kalirin associates with iNOS in vitro and in vivo and inhibits iNOS activity by preventing the formation of iNOS homodimers. Expression of exogenous Kalirin in pituitary cells dramatically reduces iNOS inhibition of ACTH secretion. Thus Kalirin may play a neuroprotective role during inflammation of the central nervous system by inhibiting iNOS activity.

Proteolytic processing of the Aplysia egg-laying hormone prohormone

By using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS, individual peptidergic neurons from Aplysia are assayed. A semiquantitative method is developed for comparing single-cell profiles by using spectral normalization, and peptides are localized to specific cells by mass spectrometric cell mapping. In addition to all previously identified products of the egg-laying hormone (ELH) gene, other peptides are formed from proteolytic hydrolysis of Leu-Leu residues within ELH and acidic peptide (AP). AP exhibits further processing to yield AP1-20 and AP9-27. These peptides appear to be colocalized in vesicles with ELH, transported to specific neuronal targets, and released in a Ca2+-dependent manner. A differential peptide distribution is observed at a specific target cell, and a low-frequency variation of AP, [Thr21]AP, is detected in a single animal.

The posttranslational modification of beta-endorphin in the intermediate pituitary of the toad, Bufo marinus, includes processing at a monobasic cleavage site

Fractionation of an acid extract of 15 B. marinus intermediate pituitaries by a combination of gel filtration chromatography and cation exchange chromatography revealed one major and five minor forms of beta-endorphin in this tissue. Based on reversed-phase HPLC and immunological properties, as well as amino acid composition and primary sequence analysis, it was deduced that the sequence of the major form of B. marinus beta-endorphin is N-acetyl-YGGFMTPE. Overall, the steady-state analyses of the minor forms of beta-endorphin indicated that the posttranslational processing of beta-endorphin in the toad intermediate pituitary includes endoproteolytic cleavage at both paired basic and monobasic cleavage sites.

Characterization of beta-endorphin- and alpha-MSH-related peptides in rat heart

POMC-derived peptides and mRNA have been identified in heart tissue, although POMC processing has not been fully characterized. In the present study, we found that beta-lipotropin and ACTH were localized in rat heart, although they were almost entirely converted to beta-endorphin- and alpha-MSH-related peptides. Ion exchange HPLC analysis revealed that beta-endorphin(1-31) was further processed to alpha-N-acetyl-beta-endorphin(1-31), which comprised 35.9 +/- 0.1% of total immunoreactivity, and smaller amounts of beta-endorphin(1-27), beta-endorphin(1-26), and their alpha-N-acetylated derivates. The predominant alpha-MSH immunoreactive peptides coeluted with alpha-MSH and N,O-diacetyl-alpha-MSH by reverse-phase HPLC, although small amounts of ACTH(1-13)-NH2 were also present. Thus, multiple forms of beta-endorphin and alpha-MSH are localized in rat heart. beta-Endorphin(1-31) is a minor constituent, however, indicating that nonopioid beta-endorphin peptides predominate.

Differential N-acetylation of alpha-MSH and beta-endorphin in the intermediate pituitary of the turtle, Pseudemys scripta

Steady-state analyses of the intermediate pituitary of the turtle, Pseudemys scripta, indicated that alpha-MSH-sized immunoreactive forms and beta-endorphin-sized immunoreactive forms are major end products of melanotropic cells. Three forms of alpha-MSH-related immunoreactivity were detected. The two major forms had the same reversed-phase HPLC properties as synthetic N,O-diacetyl-ACTH(1-13)-NH2 and N-acetyl-ACTH(1-13)-NH2. These forms accounted for 97% of the total alpha-MSH-related immunoreactivity detected. A minor peak of ACTH(1-13)-NH2 was also detected. Multiple forms of beta-endorphin-related immunoreactivity were detected, which varied in net positive charge (+1 to +5), apparent molecular weight (2.4 to 3.5 kDa), and degree of N-terminal acetylation. Although N-acetylated forms of beta-endorphin were detected in the turtle intermediate pituitary, the major forms of turtle beta-endorphin were nonacetylated. These features of the turtle intermediate pituitary POMC-specific N-acetylation mechanism are similar to, yet distinct from, the POMC N-acetylation mechanisms observed for mammals. These data suggest that POMC-specific N-acetylation mechanisms were present in reptiles prior to the divergence of the anapsid and synapsid lines.

N-acetylation and C-terminal proteolysis of beta-endorphin in the anterior lobe of the horse pituitary

beta-Endorphin is post-translationally processed to both N-acetylated and C-terminally shortened derivatives in the anterior lobe of the horse pituitary, a processing pattern qualitatively different from that of the rat and virtually every other mammalian species. Thus, separation of the molecular forms of beta-endorphin using gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography showed that the horse anterior lobe primarily contains beta-endorphin-1-31 and N-acetyl-beta-endorphin-1-27 along with smaller amounts of beta-lipotropin, beta-endorphin-1-27, and N-acetyl-beta-endorphin-1-31 and -1-26, in contrast to the rat anterior lobe, which contains approximately equal amounts of beta-lipotropin and beta-endorphin-1-31. Immunohistochemical experiments using an antiserum which specifically recognizes N-acetylated beta-endorphin peptides confirmed that N-acetyl-beta-endorphin immunoreactivity is present in the anterior lobe of the horse, but not the rat. The intermediate lobe of both species primarily synthesizes N-acetylated, C-terminally shortened beta-endorphin peptides, and while distinct species differences do occur, they were relatively minor, consisting of quantitative differences in the relative proportion of each peptide. These results are consistent with earlier reports that beta-endorphin processing in the rat pituitary is tissue specific; the anterior and intermediate lobes produce entirely different sets of beta-endorphin peptides. In the equine pituitary, however, both pituitary lobes produce the same multiple beta-endorphin forms, possessing both opioid and nonopioid properties, although their relative amounts differ.

In vivo enhancement of NK cell activity with met-enkephalin and glycyl-glutamine: their possible role in the conditioned response

These studies investigated the effect of met-enkephalin, glycyl-glutamine, and naltrexone on NK cell activity in vivo and in vitro. It was found that both met-enkephalin (which shares the amino-terminal end of beta-endorphin) and glycyl-glutamine (which reflects the carboxyl-terminal end of beta-endorphin) can enhance the NK cell activity of mice prestimulated with a low dose (1 microgram/mouse) of poly I:C. Naltrexone had no effect. In vivo prestimulation of the mice with 1 microgram poly I:C was necessary as mice which were not pretreated with poly I:C did not show enhanced NK cell activity when treated with either met-enkephalin or glycyl-glutamine. In vitro studies however indicate that the drugs when cultured together with the NK cells from mice preactivated with poly I:C did not have a direct stimulatory effect on the NK cells. These studies imply that while beta-endorphin released from the pituitary could be involved in enhancement of activated NK cells in vivo other indirect peripheral pathways might be involved. The results suggest beta-endorphin probably reacts with other accessory type cells which in turn release the mediators which are required for the stimulation of NK cells in vivo.

Neuroendocrine functions of histamine

The neurotransmitter histamine (HA) participates in the neuroendocrine regulation of pituitary hormone secretion and in the regulation of some peripheral hormones. In general, HA has a stimulatory but indirect effect on the release of these hormones by activation of postsynaptic receptors in the hypothalamic region. The release of the pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides ACTH, beta-endorphin (beta-END), and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) occurs by stimulation of H1- and H2-receptors and seems to be mediated via release of corticotropin-releasing hormone and vasopressin from the hypothalamus. The HA-induced release of prolactin (PRL) involves H2-receptors in some hypothalamic areas and H1-receptors in other areas. The release of PRL occurs by histaminergic inhibition of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons and by stimulation of serotoninergic and vasopressinergic neurons. Histaminergic neurons seem to participate in the mediation of the stress-induced release of ACTH, beta-END, alpha-MSH, and PRL. The neurohypophysial hormones vasopressin and oxytocin are stimulated by HA, and a physiological role of HA in the control of vasopressin secretion is likely. HA stimulates the release of peripheral catecholamines and renin. The stress-induced increase in plasma catecholamines and plasma renin activity (PRA) seems also to involve central histaminergic neurons. The effect of HA and stress on peripheral catecholamines is mediated via H1- and H2-receptors, while that on PRA is mediated via H2-receptors.

Chronic haloperidol and chlorpromazine treatment alters in vitro beta-endorphin metabolism in rat brain

To determine if chronic haloperidol (3.0 mg/kg per day) or chlorpromazine (4.2 mg/kg per day) treatment alters central beta-endorphin metabolism, haloperidol and chlorpromazine were perfused via Alzet minipumps into male Sprague-Dawley rats for 8 days. Crude twice-washed membranes, purified synaptic plasma membranes and Golgi-enriched membranes, respectively, were isolated from rat brains and time course incubated with beta-endorphin. All samples were analyzed by high resolution, reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The half-lives of beta-endorphin for animals treated with haloperidol or chlorpromazine were not statistically different from control animals at the crude washed membranes. At the purified synaptic plasma membranes, however, the half-lives of beta-endorphin from haloperidol (t 1/2 = 45.1 min)- and chlorpromazine (t1/2 = 47.0 min)-treated animals were significantly decreased as compared to the control animals (t1/2 = 78.0 min). The half-life of beta-endorphin at the Golgi-enriched membranes was increased for haloperidol (t1/2 = 112.3 min) and chlorpromazine (t1/2 = 103.0 min)-treated animals when compared to control animals (t1/2 = 80.2 min). The findings indicate a differential effect of the dopamine receptor antagonists haloperidol and chlorpromazine on the extracellular fate at the synaptic plasma membranes of beta-endorphin and the intracellular processing at the Golgi-enriched membranes in vitro.

Isolation and full structural characterisation of six adrenocorticotropin-like peptides from porcine pituitary gland. Identification of three novel fragments of adrenocorticotropin and of two forms of a novel adrenocorticotropin-like peptide

A partially purified fraction of extracted porcine pituitary glands which possesses lipolytic and adrenocorticotropic activity has been characterised. It consists of six adrenocorticotropin(ACTH)-like peptides (five of which have not been previously described) which were each purified by sequential reverse-phase (rp) HPLC. Their complete primary structures were determined following amino acid compositional analysis, extensive peptide mapping and partial sequencing. Four of the fragments represent the following ACTH fragments; ACTH(1-31), ACTH(7-34), ACTH(7-36) and ACTH(7-38). By combined analytical rpHPLC and an ACTH radioimmunoassay (with an antiserum exhibiting full cross-reaction with all six ACTH variants isolated here), evidence was obtained from analysis of extracts of whole pituitary that these fragments of ACTH exist in significant amounts relative to intact ACTH(1-39). This suggests that ACTH can undergo more extensive differential proteolytic processing than previously thought. These peptides were found to possess reduced or a complete absence of ACTH-like biological activity. Therefore the biological significance of this processing needs to be resolved. The other two fragments also resembled fragments of ACTH but each possessed the same, single amino acid substitution: a threonine replacing the arginine at the position corresponding to position 8 in the ACTH sequence and had the structures [Thr8]ACTH(1-31) and [Thr8]ACTH(7-31). They possess little ACTH-like biological activity. If these variants are derived from a variant ACTH, this would be a significant finding in view of the site of the amino acid substitution and the highly conserved nature of the ACTH primary structure. The possible physiological and genetic implications are briefly discussed. In this study attempts were also made to identify the DNA coding for the mutant ACTH sequence.

Isoproterenol-stimulated release of beta-endorphin and related peptides from the rat pituitary neurointermediate lobe in vitro: evidence for preferential release of certain molecular forms of beta-endorphin

The intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland synthesizes the multifactorial precursor molecule pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), from which, through a process of post-translational enzymatic processing, beta-endorphin-(1-31) (beta E) and a variety of N alpha-acetylated and C-terminally shortened forms of this peptide are generated. Using an in vitro superfusion system, the release of these endorphins from intact rat neurointermediate lobes (NILs) was investigated under basal and isoproterenol (ISO) stimulated conditions. Superfusion of NILs with the beta-adrenergic agonist ISO (30 min pulse) resulted in a rapid, sustained and concentration-dependent stimulation of the release of beta E-like immunoreactivity (beta E-IR) over basal as determined with an antiserum directed against the C-terminus of the beta E- (1-31) sequence (10(-6) M: + 145%; 10(-7) M: + 73%; 10(-8) m: + 41%). The release of N(alpha)-acetylated-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (AcE-IR) was stimulated to a similar extent. These effects of ISO were antagonized by the competitive alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating the involvement of alpha-adrenoceptors. The beta-related peptides released from the NILs under basal and ISO-stimulated conditions were further characterized, based on their retention times in a reversed-phase HPLC system and their reactivity with specific antisera recognizing respectively the midportion of beta E, the N-terminus of acetylated endorphins, the C-terminus of tau-endorphin (beta E-(1-17); tau E), or the C-terminus of alpha-endorphin (beta E-(1-16); alpha E). In HPLC fractionated superfusates 10 peaks were resolved that reacted with the midportion beta E antiserum. In superfusates collected under basal conditions, three major peaks possessed chromatographical and immunological characteristics of Ac beta E-(1-26), Ac beta E- (1-27) Ac beta E-(1-31). In addition, a prominent peak was found eluting around the retention time of beta E-(1-31), that contained both acetylated and non-acetylated material. Six smaller peaks were observed, with the characteristics of beta E-(1-26) and beta E-(1-27) (these peptides were not resolved with the HPLC system used), Ac tau E, tau E, Aa alpha E, and des-tyrosine-alpha E (DT alpha E), respectively. In superfusates collected during superfusion of NILs with ISO (10(-6) M) all peaks were increased. However, those eluting as beta E-(1-31), beta E-(1-26)/beta E-(1-27), Ac beta E-(1-26) and Ac tau E appeared to be preferentially stimulated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effects of chronic treatment of rats with dopamine receptor drugs on the post-translational processing of Beta-endorphin in the neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary gland

Abstract To investigate whether chronic changes in the activity of proopiomelanocortin cells in the neurointermediate lobe (NIL) of the pituitary gland are associated with changes in the enzymatic processing of beta-endorphin (betaE), the effects of treatment of rats with the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol or the dopamine receptor agonist bromocriptine (2.5 mg.kg(-1) sc, once daily for 21 days) were studied on the content of betaE-related peptides in the NIL and on the release of these peptides from NILs in an in vitro superfusion system. Treatment with haloperidol increased, and with bromocriptine decreased the tissue content and the release of N(alpha)-acetyl-, beta-, gamma- and alpha-endorphin-immunoreactivity (AcE-, betaE-, gammaE, and alphaE-IR). The endorphin-IR was further characterized using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and specific radioimmunoassay systems, and the following peptides were identified: des-tyrosine alpha-endorphin (DTalphaE), alphaE, AcalphaE, gammaE, AcgammaE, betaE-(1-31), AcbetaE-(1-31), AcbetaE-(1-27), AcbetaE-(1-26) and betaE-(1-26)/betaE-(1-27) (the latter peptides were not separated with the high-performance liquid chromatography system used). Analysis of NIL superfusates indicated that all peptides found in the tissue were released in vitro. In addition, an as yet unidentified acetylated IR-endorphin component was found which was not observed in extracts of NIL tissue, and therefore was probably formed during release. Following haloperidol treatment, the levels of all betaE-related peptides detected were increased in the tissues as well as superfusates, the increase in AcbetaE-(1-27) being most and that in betaE-(1-26)/betaE-(1-27) least pronounced. Following bromocriptine treatment, the concentrations of all peptides in tissues and superfusates were decreased as compared to vehicle controls. The acetylated endorphins, in particular AcbetaE-(1-27), were most affected and betaE-(1-26)/betaE-(1-27) least affected. The results indicate that chronic modulation of the synthesizing and secretory activity of proopiomelanocortin cells in the NIL is parallelled by changes in the enzymatic processing of betaE.

Pro-TRH-connecting peptides in the rat pancreas during ontogenesis

Rat thyrotropin-releasing hormone prohormone (pro-TRH) is a protein containing five copies of TRH, separated by connecting peptides. We have recently developed radioimmunoassays to synthetic peptides corresponding to prepro-TRH(160-169) and prepro-TRH(178-199). In the present study we have used these assays to investigate the ontogenesis of pro-TRH-derived peptides in the rat pancreas. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis of pancreatic extracts from 2-day-old rats showed the presence of two major immunoreactive peptides exhibiting the same retention time as synthetic prepro-TRH(160-169) and prepro-TRH(178-199), respectively. The concentrations of TRH and pro-TRH cryptic peptides in the rat pancreas rose rapidly after birth, reached a maximum at day 2-4 and decreased gradually afterwards. Streptozotocin treatment of newborn rats induced a marked decrease of TRH (96%), prepro-TRH(160-169) (97%) and prepro-TRH(178-199) content (94%) in pancreatic extracts. These results indicate that the evolution of TRH and pro-TRH-derived peptides follows the same pattern during the postnatal period. Our results also suggest that beta-cells are the only source of pro-TRH-derived peptides in the rat pancreas.

Immunological evidence for multiple forms of alpha-melanotropin (alpha-MSH) in the pars intermedia of the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri

Acid extracts of individual pars intermedia from the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, were fractionated by gel filtration chromatography and analyzed for alpha-melanotropin (alpha-MSH) immunoreactivity. In these studies a C-terminal-specific alpha-MSH radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used. Following gel filtration chromatography on a Sephadex G-75 column, a major peak of immunoreactive alpha-MSH-sized material was detected. On the average there was 338 +/- 72 pmol (SD) of immunoreactive alpha-MSH per lungfish pars intermedia (n = 3). Following gel filtration the immunoreactive alpha-MSH was further analyzed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Three peaks of immunoreactivity were detected. These peaks were designated Peaks 1, 2, and 3. The retention times of these peaks corresponded to, respectively, mammalian ACTH(1-13)amide, N-acetyl-ACTH(1-13)-amide, and N,O-diacetyl-ACTH(1-13)amide. Peaks 2 and 3 represented approximately 95% of the immunoreactive alpha-MSH recovered. Analysis of immunoreactive Peaks 2 and 3 by cation-ion-exchange indicated that both peaks had a net charge of +3 at pH 2.5. Since O-acetyl groups are sensitive to high pH, Peak 3 was incubated for 1 hr at 37 degrees in 0.01 N NaOH, pH 12. Under these conditions, Peak 3 eluted with the same retention time as untreated Peak 2. Collectively, these results indicate that Peaks 2 and 3 correspond to mono- and diacetylated lungfish alpha-MSH, respectively.

Monensin inhibition of corticotropin releasing factor mediated ACTH release

Monensin is a sodium selective carboxylic ionophore that has been helpful in studying the intracellular mechanisms of protein secretion by its ability to inhibit transport of secretory proteins, particularly through the Golgi apparatus, and by its capacity to block intracellular posttranslational processing events. We studied in rat anterior pituitary cell culture the effects of monensin on: CRF stimulated ACTH release; presynthesized (stored) ACTH release; and on forskolin- (activator of adenylate cyclase) and KCl- (a membrane depolarizer which does not stimulate ACTH synthesis) induced ACTH release. Monensin inhibited CRF stimulated ACTH release in a dose-dependent fashion. The ED50 was 2.7 x 10(-8) M and maximal inhibition was 52% at 1.5 x 10(-7) M. Inhibition at 40 minutes of CRF incubation was similar to the percent inhibition noted at 1 hr 40 min and 2 hr 40 min. Monensin (1.5 x 10(-6) M) decreased the amount of ACTH release from cells incubated with cycloheximide plus CRF by 32% (p less than 0.01). Monensin individually inhibited forskolin (2 x 10(-6) M) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (3 x 10(-3) M) mediated ACTH release in a dose-dependent fashion. The inhibition of forskolin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP mediated ACTH release by 1.5 x 10(-6) M monensin was 48% and 46% respectively. Monensin (1.5 x 10(-6) M) also reduced KCl (50 mM) stimulated ACTH release by 48%. This study demonstrates that monensin inhibits CRF mediated ACTH release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The isolation of multiple forms of beta-endorphin from the intermediate pituitary of the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri

The pituitary of the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, was screened immunohistochemically with heterologous antisera specific for either the C-terminal of mammalian beta-endorphin or the acetylated N-terminal of beta-endorphin. Immunopositive cells were only detected with the N-terminal specific antiserum; these cells were restricted to the intermediate pituitary. Acid extracts of the intermediate pituitary were fractionated by Sephadex gel filtration chromatography, CM cation exchange chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. Fractions were analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) with a N-acetyl specific beta-endorphin RIA and by radioreceptor assay for the presence of opiate active forms of beta-endorphin. Both immunoreactive and opiate active forms of beta-endorphin were detected. Of the total beta-endorphin-related material isolated from the intermediate pituitary, approximately 97% was detected with the N-terminal specific RIA and approximately 3% was detected by the radioreceptor assay. The N-acetylated immunoreactive beta-endorphin could be separated into two forms. The major form had an apparent molecular weight of 3.2 Kda. This material had a net charge at pH 2.5 of +5. The minor form of immunoreactive beta-endorphin had an apparent molecular weight of 1.4 Kda and a net charge at pH 2.5 of +1. Neither immunoreactive form exhibited receptor binding activity in the radioreceptor assay. A single peak of opiate active beta-endorphin was detected. This material had an apparent molecular weight of 3.5 Kda and a net charge at pH 2.5 of +7.

Forms of immunoreactive beta-endorphin in the intermediate pituitary of the holostean fish, Amia calva

Acid extracts of the intermediate pituitary of the holostean fish, Amia calva, were fractionated by gel filtration chromatography and analyzed with radioimmunoassays specific for N-acetylated beta-endorphin and C-terminally amidated alpha-MSH. In these extracts beta-endorphin-related immunoreactive material and alpha-MSH-related immunoreactive material were present in roughly equimolar amounts. The immunoreactive beta-endorphin-sized material was tested for opiate receptor binding activity using a beta-endorphin radioreceptor assay. The results of these studies were negative. The immunoreactive beta-endorphin-sized material was further analyzed by cation exchange chromatography at pH 2.5. Two major and three minor peaks of immunoreactive material were isolated. Peak 5 exhibited a net charge of +7 at pH 2.5 and represented 53% of the total immunoreactivity recovered. Peak 2 with a net charge of +3 at this pH represented 38% of the total immunoreactivity recovered. The minor forms, Peaks 1, 3 and 4, exhibited net charges of +2, +4 and +6, respectively. The apparent molecular weights of Peaks 2 and 5 were determined on a Sephadex G-50 column. Peak 2 had an apparent molecular weight of 2.7 Kd and Peak 5 had an apparent molecular weight of 3.5 Kd. Reverse phase HPLC analysis of Peak 5 indicates that this form of Amia beta-endorphin had chromatographic properties similar to salmon beta-endorphin II. These results would suggest that N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal proteolytic cleavage are important post-translational modifications of the forms of Amia beta-endorphin.

Isolation of alpha-melanotropin from the pars intermedia of the larval amphibian, Ambystoma tigrinum

The effect of background adaptation on the steady-state levels of alpha-melanotropin in the pars intermedia of the larval amphibian. Ambystoma tigrinum, was investigated. Acid extracts of pars intermedia obtained from light-adapted and dark-adapted animals were analyzed by radioimmunoassay following Sephadex gel filtration chromatography, reverse-phase HPLC, and Sulfopropyl Sephadex cation-ion-exchange chromatography. For both background adaptation conditions similar results were obtained. The major form of alpha-melanotropin present in the pars intermedia has the following properties: (1) an apparent molecular mass of 1.5 kDa; (2) a net charge at pH 3.5 of +4; and (3) a retention time following reverse-phase HPLC similar to that of synthetic ACTH(1-13)amide. In dark-adapted animals a minor form of alpha-melanotropin which has a net charge of +3 at pH 3.5 was also detected. The latter form represented approximately 10% of the total alpha-melanotropin immunoreactivity in the pars intermedia of dark-adapted animals. These results strongly suggest that the predominant form of alpha-melanotropin in the pars intermedia of larval A. tigrinum is a nonacetylated ACTH(1-13)amide-like polypeptide.

N-acetylated endorphins in ovine anterior pituitary and neuro-intermediate lobe

We have used an antiserum for immunohistochemistry and RIA/RP-HPLC which recognizes all fragments of N-acetylated endorphin (NacEP). In the rat neuro-intermediate lobe (N-IL), in addition to the N-acetylated forms of immunoreactive-beta-endorphin (ir-beta EP) already reported, we have demonstrated Nac beta EP as a minor component. In the sheep pituitary processing of beta EP is markedly different. In the anterior pituitary (AP), staining was indistinguishable with beta EP and NacEP antisera, in contrast with the rat where many fewer AP cells stained with the NacEP antiserum. Secondly, as in the rat, all N-IL cells stained with both antisera; on RP-HPLC, however, the major forms of NacEP in the sheep N-IL were Nac beta EP (approximately 40%), Nac beta EP (approximately 25%) and Nac beta EP (approximately 20%), with Nac beta EP (approximately 2%) as a minor component. A similar profile was seen on RP-HPLC of sheep AP. These data suggest that (1) patterns of processing in sheep AP are similar to those in N-IL, though the extent of acetylation is less and (2) in the sheep pituitary low molecular weight acetylated fragments predominate, in contrast with the rat.

Isolation of immunoreactive beta-endorphin-related and Met-enkephalin-related peptides from the posterior pituitary of the amphibian, Xenopus laevis

Acid extracts of the posterior pituitary of the amphibian, Xenopus laevis, were analyzed with two heterologous region specific beta-endorphin RIAs. Following gel filtration chromatography and cation exchange chromatography four peaks of immunoreactivity were detected. All four peaks were detected with a N-acetyl specific beta-endorphin RIA. Peak I represented 92% of the total immunoreactivity isolated following cation exchange chromatography. This peak had a net positive charge at pH 2.5 of +1 and an apparent molecular weight of 1.4 Kd. Following reverse phase HPLC, Peak I fractionated into two peaks: Peak Ia and Peak Ib. Both peaks were detected with the N-acetyl specific beta-endorphin RIA and a Met-enkephalin RIA, however, neither peak co-migrated with either Met-enkephalin or N-acetyl-beta-endorphin(1-16). At present it is not clear whether Peak I is derived from pro-opiomelanocortin or one of the other opioid polyproteins. Peaks II, III, and IV represented 8% of the total immunoreactivity recovered following cation exchange chromatography. These peaks had net positive charges of +3, +4, and +5, respectively, and apparent molecular weights of 2.8, 3.2, and 3.5 Kd, respectively. These apparently N-acetylated beta-endorphin-sized forms are minor end products of the pro-opiomelanocortin biosynthetic pathway.

Characterization of the forms of beta-endorphin and alpha-MSH in the caudal medulla of the rat and guinea pig

The post-translational processing of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in brain remains controversial. Classically, there was thought to be a single cell group in the arcuate nucleus with long projections through limbic structures. More recently, a second cell group was discovered in the caudal medulla. This study addresses the question of POMC processing in this region. Steady-state analysis of acid extracts of dorsal caudal medulla from rat and guinea pig CNS by gel filtration chromatography and radioimmunoassay indicated that in both species the major POMC-related end products are alpha-MSH-sized material and beta-endorphin-sized. In this tissue beta-LPH and ACTH represent minor end products. Analysis of the alpha-MSH-sized material from both species by reverse-phase HPLC indicated that in the rat caudal medulla approximately 79% of the alpha-MSH-related material is acetylated, and in the guinea pig caudal medulla approximately 85% of the alpha-MSH-related material is acetylated. Analysis of the forms of beta-endorphin isolated from the rat caudal medulla by cation exchange chromatography revealed that acetylated and non-acetylated forms of beta-endorphin are present in this region of the rat CNS. Approximately 65% of the beta-endorphin in the rat caudal medulla is N-acetylated. Analysis of the forms of beta-endorphin isolated from the guinea pig caudal medulla indicated that approximately 63% of the beta-endorphin is N-acetylated in this region of the guinea pig CNS. These data indicate that the post-translational processing of POMC in the dorsal caudal medulla, the site of the nucleus tractus solitarius POMC cell group, is distinct from the processing patterns that have been reported for POMC systems in the mammalian anterior pituitary, intermediate pituitary and arcuate nucleus.

beta-Endorphin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of male talapoin monkeys in social groups related to dominance status and the luteinizing hormone response to naloxone

beta-Endorphin-like immunoreactivity was measured in the cerebrospinal fluid of 20 male talapoin monkeys living in mixed-sex social groups. It was shown that beta-endorphin was the major immunoreactive peptide; there was no evidence for high molecular weight precursors, or for either N-acetyl or C-shortened metabolites. Dominant males (those at the top of the social hierarchy) had lower levels of beta-endorphin than those of intermediate rank; subordinate males had higher levels than either of the other two ranks--about three times those measured in dominants. There were significant negative correlations between beta-endorphin in cerebrospinal fluid and both the amount of aggression given and sexual behaviour shown towards females. The response of the hypothalamo-pituitary system to opiate blockade was tested by giving the males naloxone in doses of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg and assaying serum levels of luteinizing hormone 20 min later. Dominant males released significant amounts of luteinizing hormone at doses of 0.25 and higher; there was no release in either intermediate or subordinate monkeys at any dose. These findings show that an animal's rank in the social group in which it lives is strongly correlated with beta-endorphin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, and with changes in the neuroendocrine response to opiate blockade. Altered opiate neural activity may be responsible for the depressed levels of sexual behaviour and gonadal function observed in monkeys at the bottom of the hierarchy.

Changes in the processing of beta-endorphin in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland of female rats during sexual maturation

Puberty in the female rat is accompanied by a marked attenuation of the opioid inhibition of luteinizing hormone secretion. One factor which may contribute to this altered role is a change in the metabolism of opioid peptides during sexual maturation. beta-Endorphin undergoes a considerable degree of metabolism through both C-terminal proteolysis and N-acetylation, and these metabolites do not possess opioid activity. The processing of beta-endorphin in the hypothalamus and in the anterior and neurointermediate lobes of the pituitary gland in prepubertal and adult female rats was studied using gel filtration and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with radioimmunoassay. In the anterior lobe, high molecular weight precursors of beta-endorphin (pro-opiomelanocortin and beta-lipotropin) were present in prepubertal (28 days old) rats, but little authentic beta-endorphin was detected. In contrast, only beta-lipotropin and beta-endorphin were present in mature (70 days old) animals. Only beta-endorphin-sized peptides were present in the neurointermediate lobes of both prepubertal and adult rats. However, the proportion of N-acetylated metabolites was higher in sexually mature animals. In the hypothalamus, only beta-endorphin-sized peptides were present in both juvenile and adult animals. However, C-terminal proteolysis increased with age (no acetylated metabolites were detectable in this tissue). The proportion of the total beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity attributable to beta-endorphin was lower in young adult (first dioestrus after vaginal opening) (55%) and mature (dioestrus, 61-64 days old) rats (56%) compared to prepubertal (30 days old) animals (75%) and the proportions of non-acetylated metabolites [beta-endorphin-(1-27) in young adults and beta-endorphin-(1-26) in adults] were increased concomitantly. These changes were correlated with a reduced luteinizing hormone response to the opiate antagonist naloxone in adult compared to prepubertal rats. beta-Endorphin is processed differently in the two lobes of the pituitary gland and in the hypothalamus and the degree of metabolism increases as the rat reaches sexual maturity. The increased metabolism of beta-endorphin in the hypothalamus, the site most likely to be involved in the control of luteinizing hormone secretion, results in a reduction in the relative proportion of the opioid active parent peptide. Thus, increased inactivation of beta-endorphin may contribute to the attenuation of the opioid inhibition of luteinizing hormone secretion observed during puberty.

ACTH and related peptides: molecular biology, biochemistry and regulation of secretion

The precursor of ACTH and beta-LPH is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of more than 30 000. Its gene consists of three exons with two intervening sequences and most of the protein coding sequence is in exon 3. The gene is expressed not only in the pituitary gland but also in extrapituitary tissues. The gene expression in the anterior pituitary gland is regulated by CRF and glucocorticoids, but it is regulated differently in other tissues. The processing of the ACTH/beta-LPH precursor yields several peptides, but final products vary in tissues due to differential processing. The processing is abnormal in ACTH-producing tumours, especially in ectopic ACTH-producing tumours. Some abnormalities may also occur at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level as well. Peptides derived from the same precursor are secreted concomitantly from the pituitary gland. CRF is the major stimulating factor, but vasopressin and some other factors are also involved in stimulating ACTH release. On the other hand, glucocorticoids inhibit ACTH release by acting at the hypothalamic and pituitary levels. In the pituitary ACTH-producing adenomas of Cushing's disease, CRF, vasopressin as well as other non-physiological factors stimulate ACTH secretion. Such abnormal receptor mechanisms are also seen in ectopic ACTH-producing tumours.

Acetylation of alpha MSH and beta-endorphin by rat neurointermediate pituitary secretory granule-associated acetyltransferase

ACTH(1-8) and ACTH(9-13)NH2 were used as potential enzyme inhibitors to begin examining the relationship between the acetylation of ACTH- and beta-endorphin-related peptides. ACTH(1-8) was a potent inhibitor of the acetylation of both ACTH- and beta-endorphin-related peptides, whereas ACTH(9-13)NH2 was an effective inhibitor only of the acetylation of ACTH-related substrates. This inhibition pattern indicated that there may be an unusual interaction between some ACTH- and beta-endorphin-related peptides as substrates for the acetyltransferase. Utilizing HPLC to separate ACTH- and beta-endorphin-related peptides present in the same reaction mixture, ACTH(1-14) and beta-endorphin(1-27) at Km and saturating concentrations were used as substrates to examine the ability of one peptide substrate to affect the acetylation of the other. It was observed that the acetylation of ACTH(1-14), even at Km concentration, was relatively unaffected by the presence of beta-endorphin(1-27). However, the acetylation of beta-endorphin(1-27) was significantly reduced by the presence of ACTH(1-14). This preferential acetylation of ACTH-related peptides over the acetylation of beta-endorphin-related peptides might have physiological importance under some conditions.

Release of immunoreactive beta-endorphin in vitro from pituitaries of young and old male rats

The release of immunoreactive beta-endorphin (IR-BE) in vitro from the anterior pituitary (AP) and the neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary (NIL) from old male rats was significantly greater than from the AP and NIL from young male rats. In addition, the content and concentration of IR-BE in the AP and NIL was significantly greater in old than in young male rats, as was the concentration of IR-BE in the plasma. Chromatographic analysis revealed that in old male rats, the increase in IR-BE contained in and released by the AP and NIL, and found in the plasma, represented an increase in a peptide which coeluted with beta-endorphin rather than beta-lipotropin. These data suggest that both the AP and the NIL contribute to the elevation in plasma levels of IR-BE observed in old male rats, and that the increase in pituitary and plasma IR-BE in old male rats represents an increase in beta-endorphin.

Induction of the intermediate pituitary by stress: synthesis and release of a nonopioid form of beta-endorphin

beta-Endorphin in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland is posttranslationally modified to produce opioid inactive peptides. Whether these are metabolites or biologically relevant products has not been known. It was found that repeated stress induces increased biosynthesis and release of beta-endorphin-like substances from the intermediate lobe of rats and that opioid-inactive N-acetylated beta-endorphin-(1-31) is selectively made and liberated. The possible role of this nonopioid product and the selective release of peptide forms are discussed.

alpha-melanotropin and beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivities are contained within neurons and nerve fibers of the rat duodenum

Both alpha-melanotropin and beta-endorphin were revealed by immunofluorescence microscopy studies within neurons and nerve fibers of the rat duodenum. An immunohistochemical staining for alpha-melanotropin was seen within neuronal cell bodies and nerve fibers bundles of the myenteric and submucous plexus. A beta-endorphin immunofluorescence was visualized within perikarya and nerve fibers of both the myenteric and submucous plexus. alpha-Melanotropin as well as beta-endorphin immunoreactivities were strictly localized to structures of the enteric nervous system. In crypts and epithelial cells only a non-specific staining was observed.

Biosynthesis and processing of pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides during fetal pituitary development

We have investigated the molecular weight forms of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides present in rat pituitaries during fetal and early postnatal development (embryonic Day 14 to 3 day neonate). At all early ages examined, the major immunoreactive form of corticotropin (ACTH) was POMC. Only during late fetal and early postnatal stages did progressively larger amounts of 4.5K ACTH, a major POMC processing end product, appear. This form was found almost exclusively in isolated anterior lobes. In contrast, 3.5K size endorphin(s), another POMC derivative, were present in whole glands even at early stages (Day 14), and were the major POMC derivative(s) found in isolated intermediate-posterior lobes of older fetuses. Despite the early appearance of 3.5K endorphin(s), alpha-MSH did not appear until Day 19 and was detected only in isolated intermediate-posterior lobes. We have also cultured dispersed fetal pituitary cells in the presence of radioactive amino acids. After immunoprecipitation using affinity-purified antisera, followed by fractionation of the radiolabeled products, we found that POMC biosynthesis does occur in cultures of Day 14 embryonic pituitary cells, and that the major POMC-derived end product produced is 3.5K size endorphin(s). These findings demonstrate that POMC is synthesized at least by Day 14 of rat pituitary development and that lobe-specific processing characteristic of the corresponding adult lobe is apparent at the earliest stages that the lobes can be separated. The presence of 3.5K-sized endorphins at early ages is consistent with the possibility that POMC synthesis first occurs in the intermediate lobe. The noncoordinate appearance of alpha-MSH, 1-39 ACTH, and endorphins implies that the activities of certain cleavage enzymes and acetylation enzymes responsible for lobe-specific post-translational POMC processing may be expressed at different times during development.