Endogenous hypothalamic somatostatins differentially regulate growth hormone secretion from goldfish pituitary somatotropes in vitro

Loss of function in somatostatin receptor 5 has no impact on the growth of medaka fish due to compensation by the other paralogs

Somatic growth in vertebrates is regulated endocrinologically by the somatotropic axis, headed by the growth hormone (GH) and the insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I). Somatostatin (Sst), a peptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus, modulates GH actions through its receptors (Sstr). Four Sstr subtypes (Sstr 1-3 and 5) have been identified in teleosts. However, little is known about whether they have a specific function or tissue expression. The aim of this study was to determine the role of sstr2 and sstr5 in the growth of the medaka (Oryzias latipes). The assessed expression pattern across diverse tissues highlighted greater prevalence of sstr1 and sstr3 in brain, intestine and muscle than in pituitary or liver. The expression of sstr2 was high in all the tissues tested, while sstr5 was predominantly expressed in the pituitary gland. A CRISPR/Cas9 sstr5 mutant with loss of function (sstr5-/-) was produced. Assessment of sstr5-/- indicated no significant difference with the wild type regarding growth parameters such as standard length, body depth, or peduncle depth. Furthermore, the functional loss of sstr5 had no impact on the response to a nutritional challenge. The fact that several sstr subtypes were upregulated in different tissues in sstr5-/- medaka suggests that in the mutant fish, there may be a compensatory effect on the different tissues, predominantly by sstr1 in the liver, brain and pituitary, with sstr2 being upregulated in pituitary and liver, and sstr3 only presenting differential expression in the brain. Analysis of the sstr subtype and the sstr5-/- fish showed that sstr5 was not the only somatostatin receptor responsible for Sst-mediated Gh regulation.

The effect of environmental stressors on growth in fish and its endocrine control

Fish body growth is a trait of major importance for individual survival and reproduction. It has implications in population, ecology, and evolution. Somatic growth is controlled by the GH/IGF endocrine axis and is influenced by nutrition, feeding, and reproductive-regulating hormones as well as abiotic factors such as temperature, oxygen levels, and salinity. Global climate change and anthropogenic pollutants will modify environmental conditions affecting directly or indirectly fish growth performance. In the present review, we offer an overview of somatic growth and its interplay with the feeding regulatory axis and summarize the effects of global warming and the main anthropogenic pollutants on these endocrine axes.

Nutrient regulation of somatic growth in teleost fish. The interaction between somatic growth, feeding and metabolism

This review covers the current knowledge on the regulation of the somatic growth axis and its interaction with metabolism and feeding regulation. The main endocrine and neuroendocrine factors regulating both the growth axis and feeding behavior will be briefly summarized. Recently discovered neuropeptides and peptide hormones will be mentioned in relation to feeding control as well as growth hormone regulation. In addition, the influence of nutrient and nutrient sensing mechanisms on growth axis will be highlighted. We expect that in this process gaps of knowledge will be exposed, stimulating future research in those areas.

Identification, Expression, and Functions of the Somatostatin Gene Family in Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus)

Somatostatins (SSTs) are a family of proteins consisting of structurally diverse polypeptides that play important roles in the growth regulation in vertebrates. In the present study, four somatostatin genes (SST1, SST3, SST5, and SST6) were identified and characterized in the spotted scat (Scatophagus argus). The open reading frames (ORFs) of SST1, SST3, SST5, and SST6 cDNA consist of 372, 384, 321, and 333 bp, respectively, and encode proteins of 123, 127, 106, and 110 amino acids, respectively. Amino acid sequence alignments indicated that all SST genes contained conserved somatostatin signature motifs. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the SST genes were expressed in a tissue specific manner. When liver fragments were cultured in vitro with synthetic peptides (SST1, SST2, or SST6 at 1 μM or 10 μM) for 3 h or 6 h, the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 (Igf-1 and Igf-2) in the liver decreased significantly. Treatment with SST5 had no significant effect on Igf-1 and Igf-2 gene expression. This study provides an enhanced understanding of the gene structure and expression patterns of the SST gene family in S. argus. Furthermore, this study provides a foundation for future exploration into the role of SST genes in growth and development.

An SNP-Based Genetic Map and QTL Mapping for Growth Traits in the Red-Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus akaara)

The red-spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara) is one of the most commercially important aquatic species in China. However, its seedstock has low larval survival rates, and its stability is confronted with the danger of overexploitation. In this study, a high-density genetic map was constructed using 3435 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 142 first generation (F₁) full-sib offspring and two parents of a red-spotted grouper population. The total genetic length of the map was 2300.12 cM with an average intermarker distance of 0.67 cM. Seventeen genome-wide significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for growth-related traits were detected on 24 linkage groups, including 5 QTLs for full length, 7 QTLs for body length, and 5 QTLs for body weight. The contribution values of explained phenotypic variance ranged from 10.7% to 12.9%. Moreover, 13 potential candidate genes for growth-related traits were identified. Collectively, these findings will be useful for conducting marker-assisted selection of the red-spotted grouper in future studies.

Structural and functional analysis of two novel somatostatin receptors identified from topmouth culter (Erythroculter ilishaeformis)

In the present study, we cloned and characterized two somatostatin (SS) receptors (SSTRs) from topmouth culter (Erythroculter ilishaeformis) designated as EISSTR6 and EISSTR7. Analysis of EISSTR6 and EISSTR7 signature motifs, 3D structures, and homology with the known members of the SSTR family indicated that the novel receptors had high similarity to the SSTRs of other vertebrates. EISSTR6 and EISSTR7 mRNA expression was detected in 17 topmouth culter tissues, and the highest level was observed in the pituitary. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that SS14 significantly inhibited forskolin-stimulated pCRE-luc promoter activity in HEK293 cells transiently expressing EISSTR6 and EISSTR7, indicating that the receptors can be activated by SS14. We also identified phosphorylation sites important for the functional activity of EISSTR6 and EISSTR7 by mutating Ser^{23, 43, 107, 196, 311} and Ser^{7, 29, 61, 222, 225} residues, respectively, to Ala, which significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of SS14 on the CRE promoter mediated by EISSTR6 and EISSTR7. Furthermore, treatment of juvenile topmouth culters with microcystin-LR or 17β-estradiol significantly affected EISSTR6 and EISSTR7 transcription in the brain, liver and spleen, suggesting that these receptors may be involved in the pathogenic mechanisms induced by endocrine disruptors. Our findings should contribute to the understanding of the structure-function relationship and evolution of the SSTR family.

In vitro effects of somatostatin on the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor axis in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Growth in vertebrates is mainly mediated by the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis, and somatostatin (SRIF) inhibits growth by decreasing GH release at the pituitary level and antagonizing the release and action of GHRH in the hypothalamus. However, the effects of SRIF on the regulation of growth at levels other than GH release from the pituitary gland are less well known. In the present study, we comprehensively examined the pituitary and peripheral actions of SRIF on the GH-IGF axis in grouper using a primary pituitary and hepatocyte cell culture system. Our results showed that SRIF inhibited GH release at the pituitary level, but had no influence on GH mRNA expression. Basal hepatic GH receptor 1 (GHR1), IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA levels declined over time, whereas GHR2 mRNA levels remained stable throughout the culture period. GH stimulated the hepatic expression of GHR and IGF mRNAs in a dose-dependent manner, while SRIF suppressed both basal and GH-stimulated expression of GHR and IGF mRNAs in primary cultured hepatocytes. The inhibition of GHR and IGF mRNA levels by SRIF was not attributed to the rate of mRNA degradation. To the best of our knowledge, we demonstrated the effects of SRIF on basal and GH-stimulated IGF-II mRNA levels in teleosts for the first time. These results indicate that SRIF regulates growth at the level of the pituitary and peripheral liver.

Somatostatin-28 inhibitory action on somatolactin-α and -β gene expression in goldfish

Somatostain (SS) is known to inhibit growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion. Somatolactin (SL) is a member of the GH/PRL family, but its regulation by goldfish brain somatostatin-28 (gbSS-28) has not been examined. To this end, the structural identity of goldfish SLα was established by 5'/3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends. As revealed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining, the expression of SL isoforms was detected in pituitary cells located in the neurointermediate lobe (NIL). The transcripts of goldfish SS receptor 5a (Sst5a) but not Sst1b, Sst2, or Sst3a were detected in the goldfish NIL cells by RT-PCR. In goldfish pituitary cells, gbSS-28 not only had an inhibitory effect on basal SLα and SLβ mRNA levels but also could abolish insulin-like growth factor-stimulated SL gene expression. In primary cultures of goldfish NIL cells, gbSS-28 reduced forskolin-stimulated total cAMP production. With the use of a pharmacological approach, the adenylate cyclase (AC)/cAMP and phospholipase C (PLC)/inositol trisphosphate (IP3)/protein kinase C (PKC) cascades were shown to be involved in gbSS-28-inhibited SLα mRNA expression. Similar postreceptor signaling cascades were also observed for gbSS-28-reduced SLβ mRNA expression, except that PKC coupling to PLC was not involved. These results provide evidence that gbSS-28 can inhibit SLα and SLβ gene expression at the goldfish pituitary level via Sst5 through differential coupling of AC/cAMP and PLC/IP3/PKC cascades.

Molecular evolution of GPCRs: Somatostatin/urotensin II receptors

Somatostatin (SS) and urotensin II (UII) are members of two families of structurally related neuropeptides present in all vertebrates. They exert a large array of biological activities that are mediated by two families of G-protein-coupled receptors called SSTR and UTS2R respectively. It is proposed that the two families of peptides as well as those of their receptors probably derive from a single ancestral ligand-receptor pair. This pair had already been duplicated before the emergence of vertebrates to generate one SS peptide with two receptors and one UII peptide with one receptor. Thereafter, each family expanded in the three whole-genome duplications (1R, 2R, and 3R) that occurred during the evolution of vertebrates, whereupon some local duplications and gene losses occurred. Following the 2R event, the vertebrate ancestor is deduced to have possessed three SS (SS1, SS2, and SS5) and six SSTR (SSTR1-6) genes, on the one hand, and four UII (UII, URP, URP1, and URP2) and five UTS2R (UTS2R1-5) genes, on the other hand. In the teleost lineage, all these have been preserved with the exception of SSTR4. Moreover, several additional genes have been gained through the 3R event, such as SS4 and a second copy of the UII, SSTR2, SSTR3, and SSTR5 genes, and through local duplications, such as SS3. In mammals, all the genes of the SSTR family have been preserved, with the exception of SSTR6. In contrast, for the other families, extensive gene losses occurred, as only the SS1, SS2, UII, and URP genes and one UTS2R gene are still present.

Identification of the receptors for somatostatin (SST) and cortistatin (CST) in chickens and investigation of the roles of cSST28, cSST14, and cCST14 in inhibiting cGHRH1-27NH2-induced growth hormone secretion in cultured chicken pituitary cells

Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) are proposed to mediate the actions of somatostatin (SST) and its related peptide, cortistatin (CST), in vertebrates. However, the identity, functionality, and tissue expression of these receptors remain largely unknown in most non-mammalian vertebrates including birds. In this study, five SSTRs (named cSSTR1, cSSTR2, cSSTR3, cSSTR4, cSSTR5) were cloned from chicken brain by RT-PCR. Using a pGL3-CRE-luciferase reporter system, we demonstrated that activation of each cSSTR expressed in CHO cells by cSST28, cSST14 and cCST14 treatment could inhibit forskolin-induced luciferase activity of CHO cells, indicating the functional coupling of all cSSTRs to Gi protein(s). Interestingly, cSSTR1-4 expressed in CHO cells could be activated by cSST28, cSST14 and cCST14 with high potencies, suggesting that they may function as the receptors common for these peptides. In contrast, cSSTR5 could be potently activated by cSST28 only, indicating that it is a cSST28-specific receptor. Using RT-PCR, wide expression of cSSTRs was detected in chicken tissues including pituitary. In accordance with their expression in pituitary, cSST28, cSST14, and cCST14 were demonstrated to inhibit basal and novel cGHRH1-27NH2-induced GH secretion in cultured chicken pituitary cells dose-dependently (0-10nM) by Western blot analysis, suggesting the involvement of cSSTR(s) common for these peptides in mediating their inhibitory actions. Collectively, our study establishes a molecular basis to elucidate the roles of SST/CST in birds and provide insights into the roles of SST/CST in vertebrates, such as their conserved actions on pituitary.

Impact of gene/genome duplications on the evolution of the urotensin II and somatostatin families

The present review describes the molecular evolution of two phylogenetically related families of neuropeptides, the urotensin II (UII) and somatatostatin (SS) families. The UII family consists of four paralogous genes called UII, URP, URP1 and URP2 and the SS family is composed of six paralogous genes named SS1, SS2, SS3, SS4, SS5 and SS6. All these paralogs are present in teleosts, while only four of them, UII, URP, SS1 and SS2 are detected in tetrapods. Comparative genomics showed that most of these genes, namely UII, URP, URP1 and URP2 on the one hand and SS1, SS2 and SS5 on the other hand arose through the 2R. In contrast, the teleost-specific 3R had a much more moderate impact since it only concerned the UII and SS1 genes, which once duplicated, generated a second UII copy and SS4, respectively. The two remaining genes, SS3 and SS6, arose through tandem duplications of the SS1 and SS2 genes respectively, probably in the stem lineage of actinopterygians, before the emergence of teleosts. The history of the UII and SS families has also been marked by massive gene lost, both in tetrapods and in teleosts, but only after the 3R in this latter lineage. Finally, ancestral UII and SS genes are thought to have arisen through tandem duplication of a single ancestral gene, largely before the 1R. An important challenge for the future will be to understand the physiological significance of the molecular diversity of these two families.

Calcium and other signalling pathways in neuroendocrine regulation of somatotroph functions

Relative to mammals, the neuroendocrine control of pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion and synthesis in teleost fish involves numerous stimulatory and inhibitory regulators, many of which are delivered to the somatotrophs via direct innervation. Among teleosts, how multifactorial regulation of somatotroph functions are mediated at the level of post-receptor signalling is best characterized in goldfish. Supplemented with recent findings, this review focuses on the known intracellular signal transduction mechanisms mediating the ligand- and function-specific actions in multifactorial control of GH release and synthesis, as well as basal GH secretion, in goldfish somatotrophs. These include membrane voltage-sensitive ion channels, Na(+)/H(+) antiport, Ca(2+) signalling, multiple pharmacologically distinct intracellular Ca(2+) stores, cAMP/PKA, PKC, nitric oxide, cGMP, MEK/ERK and PI3K. Signalling pathways mediating the major neuroendocrine regulators of mammalian somatotrophs, as well as those in other major teleost study model systems are also briefly highlighted. Interestingly, unlike mammals, spontaneous action potential firings are not observed in goldfish somatotrophs in culture. Furthermore, three goldfish brain somatostatin forms directly affect pituitary GH secretion via ligand-specific actions on membrane ion channels and intracellular Ca(2+) levels, as well as exert isoform-specific action on basal and stimulated GH mRNA expression, suggesting the importance of somatostatins other than somatostatin-14.

Goldfish brain somatostatin-28 differentially affects dopamine- and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-induced GH release and Ca(2+) and cAMP signals

Dopamine (DA) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) stimulate goldfish growth hormone (GH) release via cAMP- and Ca(2+)-dependent pathways while DA also utilizes NO. In this study, identified goldfish somatotropes responded to sequential applications of PACAP and the DA D1 agonist SKF38393 with increased intracellular Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)), indicating that PACAP and DA D1 receptors were present on the same cell. A native goldfish brain somatostatin (gbSS-28) reduced SKF38393-stimulated cAMP production and PACAP- and NO donor-elicited GH and [Ca(2+)](i) increases, but not PACAP-induced cAMP production nor the GH and [Ca(2+)](i) responses to forskolin, 8-bromo-cAMP and SKF38393. gbSS-28 might inhibit PACAP-induced GH release by interfering with PACAP's ability to increase [Ca(2+)](i) in a non-cAMP-dependent manner. However, DA D1 receptor activation bypassed gbSS-28 inhibitory effects on cAMP production and NO actions via unknown mechanisms to maintain a normal [Ca(2+)](i) response leading to unhampered GH release.

Three native somatostatin isoforms differentially affect membrane voltage-sensitive ion currents in goldfish somatotrophs

Message encoding for three isoforms of somatostatin (SS) peptides, SS-14, goldfish brain (gb)SS-28 and [Pro²]SS-14, are expressed in goldfish hypothalamus and pituitary tissues. All three native goldfish SSs are active in reducing basal and stimulated growth hormone (GH) responses in cultured goldfish pituitary cells, although with different potencies and efficacies. In the present study, we examined the effects of these three endogenous SSs on electrophysiological properties of goldfish somatotrophs and their physiological relevance. Voltage-sensitive K+ , Ca²+ and Na+ channels in identified goldfish somatotrophs in primary culture were isolated using whole-cell, amphotericin B-perforated patch-clamp techniques. None of the three SSs affected Na+ currents but all three SSs increased maximal K+ current magnitude, with SS-14 being the most effective. [Pro²]SS14 did not affect Ba²+ currents through voltage-sensitive Ca²+ channels but SS14 decreased the magnitude of early and late Ba²+ currents, whereas gbSS-28 reduced that of the late Ba²+ current. Under current-clamp conditions, SS14 and gbSS28 attenuated evoked action potential magnitudes by 34% and 18%, respectively, although [Pro²]SS14 had no effects. However, all three SSs decreased basal intracellular Ca²+ levels ([Ca²+ ](i)) and suppressed basal GH release. These data suggest that, although the ability of SS-14 and gbSS-28 to decrease basal [Ca²+](i) and GH release can be explained, at least in part, by their attenuating effects on cell excitability and current flow through voltage-sensitive Ca²+ channels, [Pro²]SS14-induced reduction in GH responses and [Ca²+](i) cannot be explained by changes in Ca²+ channel properties.

Involvement of protein kinase C and intracellular Ca2+ in goldfish brain somatostatin-28 inhibitory action on growth hormone release in goldfish

Goldfish brain somatostatin-28 (gbSS-28) is present in brain and pituitary tissues of goldfish. We assessed whether gbSS-28 targets Ca(2+) and/or protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent signaling cascades in inhibiting growth hormone (GH) release. gbSS-28 decreased basal GH release from primary cultures of dispersed goldfish pituitary cells and intracellular free calcium levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) in goldfish somatotropes. gbSS-28 partially reduced [Ca(2+)](i) and GH responses induced by two endogeneous gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs), salmon (s)GnRH and chicken (c)GnRH-II. Furthermore, gbSS-28 reduced GH increases and abolished [Ca(2+)](i) elevations elicited by two PKC activators, tetradecanoyl 4beta-phorbol-13-acetate and dioctanyl glycerol. The PKC inhibitors Gö6976 and Bis II abolished [Ca(2+)](i) responses to PKC activators, but only attenuated GnRH-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i) and did not alter basal [Ca(2+)](i). In cells pretreated with Bis II, gbSS-28 further reduced basal [Ca(2+)](i). Our results suggest that gbSS-28 inhibits GnRH-induced GH release in part by attenuating PKC-mediated GnRH [Ca(2+)](i) signals. gbSS-28 reduces basal GH release also via reduction in [Ca(2+)](i) but PKC is not involved in this regard.

Somatostatin and somatostatin receptors in fish growth

Multiple forms of somatostatin (SS) and SS receptors (SSTR) are produced widely in the tissues of fish and interact to coordinate numerous physiological processes. Insight into their role in growth regulation emerged from studies of abnormal growth and of whole animals. The influence of SS on organismal growth operates at several levels of the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) system. SS inhibits production and release of pituitary GH, but not all forms of SS are equipotent in this action. SS also influences the GH-IGF-1 system in an extrapituitary manner by reducing sensitivity to GH as well as by inhibiting IGF-1 production and secretion, and diminishing IGF-1 sensitivity. Peripheral actions of SS are important for the local control of growth and may help to coordinate growth with other processes such as metabolism, development, and reproduction by reprogramming cell responsiveness.

Response of the somatotropic axis to alterations in feed intake of channel catfish (Ictaluruspunctatus)

To better understand the effects of reduced feeding frequency on the GH-IGF-I axis, channel catfish (Ictaluruspunctatus), were either fed (Fed control, commercial diet fed daily), fed every other day (FEOD, commercial diet fed every other day), or not fed (Unfed, no feed). Pituitary GH mRNA increased whereas hepatic growth hormone receptor (GHR), IGF-I mRNA, and plasma IGF-I decreased in the FEOD and Unfed fish (P<0.05). In another study, fish were either continually fed (Fed) or fasted and then re-fed (Restricted) to examine the physiological regulation of somatostatin-14 (SS-14) and SS-22 mRNA. Fasting increased (P<0.05) levels of SS-14 mRNA in the hypothalamus and pancreatic islets (Brockmann bodies) at d 30 while re-feeding decreased SS-14 mRNA to control values in all tissues examined by d 45. Fasting had no effect on levels of SS-22 mRNA in the pancreatic islets whereas SS-22 mRNA was not detected in the stomach or hypothalamus. The results demonstrate that feeding every other day has similar negative impacts on components of the GH-IGF-I axis as fasting. The observed increase in SS-14 mRNA in the hypothalamus and pancreatic islets suggests a role for SS-14 in modulating the GH-IGF-I axis in channel catfish.

Cloning, tissue distribution and effects of food deprivation on pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP)/PACAP-related peptide (PRP) and preprosomatostatin 1 (PPSS 1) in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

Full-length complementary deoxyribonucleic acid sequences encoding pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP)/PACAP-related peptide (PRP) and preprosomatostatin 1 (PPSS 1) were cloned from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) hypothalamus using reverse transcription and rapid amplification of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid ends. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction shows that PRP/PACAP mRNA and PPSS 1 mRNA are widely distributed throughout cod brain. During development, PRP/PACAP and PPSS 1 were detected at the 30-somite stage and pre-hatching stage, respectively, and expression levels gradually increased up to the hatched larvae. PPSS 1, but not PRP/PACAP, appeared to be affected by food availability during early development. In juvenile cod, PPSS 1 expression levels increased and remained significantly higher than that of control fed fish throughout 30 days of starvation and during a subsequent 10 days refeeding period. In contrast, PRP/PACAP expression levels were not affected by 30 days of food deprivation, but a significant increase in expression levels was observed during the 10 days refeeding period in the experimental food-deprived group as compared to the control fed group. Our results suggest that PRP/PACAP and PPSS 1 may be involved in the complex regulation of growth, feeding and metabolism during food deprivation and refeeding in Atlantic cod.

Somatostatin inhibits hepatic growth hormone receptor and insulin-like growth factor I mRNA expression by activating the ERK and PI3K signaling pathways

Previously, we reported that somatostatins (SS) inhibit organismal growth by reducing hepatic growth hormone (GH) sensitivity and by inhibiting insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) production. In this study, we used hepatocytes isolated from rainbow trout to elucidate the mechanism(s) associated with the extrapituitary growth-inhibiting actions of SS. SS-14, a predominant SS isoform, stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of several endogenous proteins, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a member the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, and protein kinase B (Akt), a downstream target of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). SS-14 specifically stimulated the phosphorylation of both ERK 1/2 and Akt in a concentration-dependent fashion. This activation occurred within 5–15 min, then subsided after 1 h. The ERK inhibitor U0126 retarded SS-14-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, whereas the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 blocked SS-14-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt. SS-14-inhibited expression of GH receptor (GHR) mRNA was blocked by U0126 but not by LY294002. By contrast, U1026 had no effect on SS-14 inhibition of GH-stimulated IGF-I mRNA expression, whereas LY294002 partially blocked the inhibition of GH-stimulated IGF-I mRNA expression by SS-14. These results indicate that SS-14-inhibited GHR expression is mediated by the ERK signaling pathway and that the PI3K/Akt pathway mediates, at least in part, SS-14 inhibition of GH-stimulated IGF-I expression.

Somatostatin signaling and the regulation of growth and metabolism in fish

The study of the somatostatins (SS) signaling system in fish has provided important information about the structure, function, and evolution of SSs and their receptors. The SS signaling system elicits widespread biological actions via multiple hormone variants, numerous receptor subtypes, and a variety of signal transduction pathways. SSs alter growth via both direct and indirect actions, including inhibiting growth hormone release at the pituitary, decreasing hepatic GH sensitivity, and lowering plasma IGF-I levels. Metabolism also is significantly influenced by SSs. SSs stimulate the breakdown of energy stores and influences digestion, food intake, nutrient absorption, and food conversion both directly and through the modulation of other hormonal systems. The study of fish, which display a diversity of habitat types and life history forms, reveals that the SS signaling system helps regulate energy partitioning and integrate metabolism with growth and other biological processes.

New insight into the molecular evolution of the somatostatin family

The present review describes the molecular evolution of the somatostatin family and its relationships with that of the urotensin II family. Most of the somatostatin sequences collected from different vertebrate species can be grouped as the products of at least four loci. The somatostatin 1 (SS1) gene is present in all vertebrate classes from agnathans to mammals. The SS1 gene has given rise to the somatostatin 2 (SS2) gene by a segment/chromosome duplication that is probably the result of a tetraploidization event according to the 2R hypothesis. The somatostatin-related peptide cortistatin, first identified in rodents and human, is the counterpart of SS2 in placental mammals. In fish, the existence of two additional somatostatin genes has been reported. The first gene, which encodes a peptide usually named somatostatin II (SSII), exists in almost all teleost species investigated so far and is thought to have arisen through local duplication of the SS1 gene. The second gene, which has been characterized in only a few teleost species, encodes a peptide also named SSII that exhibits a totally atypical structure. The origin of this gene is currently unknown. Nevertheless, because the two latter genes are clearly paralogous genes, we propose to rename them SS3 and SS4, respectively, in order to clarify the current confusing nomenclature. The urotensin II family consists of two genes, namely the urotensin II (UII) gene and the UII-related peptide (URP) gene. Both UII and URP exhibit limited structural identity to somatostatin so that UII was originally described as a "somatostatin-like peptide". Recent comparative genomics studies have revealed that the SS1 and URP genes, on the one hand, and the SS2 and UII genes, on the other hand, are closely linked on the same chromosomes, thus confirming that the SS1/SS2 and the UII/URP genes belong to the same superfamily. According to these data, it appears that an ancestral somatostatin/urotensin II gene gave rise by local duplication to a somatostatin ancestor and a urotensin II ancestor, whereupon this pair was duplicated (presumably by a segment/chromosome duplication) to give rise to the SS1-UII pair and the SS2-URP pair.

Novel signals mediating the functions of somatostatin: the emerging role of NO/cGMP

The neuropeptide somatostatin is a cyclic tetradecapeptide, which is widely distributed in the peripheral and central nervous system. It mediates a plethora of physiological actions and functions as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator or trophic factor. Somatostatin activates six receptor subtypes that are expressed differentially in different tissues and are coupled to diverse signalling pathways. In order to elucidate the functional role of the individual receptor subtypes, many investigations focused on the assignment of each receptor to a particular signalling pathway. Signalling pathways involving enzyme (adenylate cyclase, phospholipases, phosphatases) and ion channel systems in native and recombinant receptor systems have been extensively studied. A one to one situation (receptor/pathway) has yet to be established, thus justifying the diverse actions of somatostatin. Recently, a NO/cGMP pathway has been shown to mediate the functions of somatostatin and its receptors. This review will present the findings that support the emerging role of NO/cGMP as a novel signal in SRIF's actions in retinal physiology and somatotroph release.

Somatostatin inhibits basal and growth hormone-stimulated hepatic insulin-like growth factor-I production

Growth of vertebrates is controlled by the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) system, and somatostatins (SSs) have been shown to inhibit growth by reducing the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary. In this study, we used rainbow trout to assess the effects of SSs on the production of IGF-I. Somatostatin-14 (SS-14-I) implantation for 15 days significantly reduced steady-state levels of IGF-I mRNA in liver and lowered IGF-I concentration in plasma compared to control animals. The direct effects of SSs were examined on hepatocytes incubated in vitro. SS-14-I inhibited basal and GH-stimulated IGF-I mRNA expression. SS-14-I inhibition of GH-stimulated IGF-I expression was concentration- and time-dependent; the ED(50) was ca. 40 ng/ml and the maximum response was observed after 6h. All SS isofoms tested, including the N-terminally extended form of SS-14-I, SS-28-I, and the [Tyr(7), Gly(10)]-substituted forms of SS, SS-14-II, SS-25-II and SS-28-II, inhibited GH-stimulated IGF-I mRNA expression. The inhibitory effects of SS-14-I on steady-state levels of IGF-I mRNA resulted from reduced IGF-I mRNA transcription and not from altered mRNA stability. SS-14-I also reduced basal and GH-stimulated release of IGF-I into culture medium. These results indicate that SSs regulate growth in an extrapituitary manner by reducing hepatic IGF-I biosynthesis and secretion.

Differential involvement of nitric oxide signaling in dopamine and PACAP stimulation of growth hormone release in goldfish

Previous studies in goldfish pituitary cells have shown that nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/nitric oxide (NO) signaling is involved in mediating the growth hormone (GH) release response to gonadotropin-releasing hormones. In this study, the involvement of this signaling pathway in mediating the action of two cAMP-mobilizing neuroendocrine stimulators of GH release, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and dopamine (DA), was investigated in cell column perifusion experiments with primary cultures of dispersed pituitary cells. GH responses to PACAP were unaffected by three NOS inhibitors, aminoguanidine hemisulfate, 1400W and 7-nitroindazole (7-Ni). PACAP-stimulated GH release was also not reduced by two NO scavengers, rutin hydrate and PTIO, but NO-donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-elicited GH release was additive to the GH response to PACAP. In contrast, DA-induced GH secretion was reduced by 7-Ni, rutin hydrate and PTIO while not being additive to the GH response induced by SNP. These results indicate that although both PACAP and DA stimulation of acute GH release involve activation of adenylate cyclase/cAMP, DA- but not PACAP-signaling also utilizes the NOS/NO second messenger system.

Neuroendocrine control of growth hormone in fish

The biological actions of growth hormone (GH) are pleiotropic, including growth promotion, energy mobilization, gonadal development, appetite, and social behavior. Accordingly, the regulatory network for GH is complex and includes many endocrine and environmental factors. In fish, the neuroendocrine control of GH is multifactorial with multiple inhibitors and stimulators of pituitary GH secretion. In fish, GH release is under a tonic negative control exerted mainly by somatostatin. Sex steroid hormones and nutritional status influence the level of brain expression and effectiveness of some of these GH neuroendocrine regulatory factors, suggesting that their relative importance differs under different physiological conditions. At the pituitary level, some, if not all, somatotropes can respond to multiple regulators. Therefore, ligand- and function-specificity, as well as the integrative responses to multiple signals must be achieved at the level of signal transduction mechanisms. Results from investigations on a limited number of stimulatory and inhibitory GH-release regulators indicate that activation of different but convergent intracellular pathways and the utilization of specific intracellular Ca(2+) stores are some of the strategies utilized. However, more work remains to be done in order to better understand the integrative mechanisms of signal transduction at the somatotrope level and the relevance of various GH regulators in different physiological circumstances.

Polygenic expression of somatostatin in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides): molecular cloning and distribution of the mRNAs encoding three somatostatin precursors

In the present study, three preprosomatostatin (PSS) cDNAs were characterized from hypothalamus of orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides. The first cDNA encodes a 123-amino acid protein (PSSI) that contains the SS14 sequence at its C-terminal extremity and that is identical to that of PSSI of human and other vertebrates. The second cDNA encodes a 127-amino acid protein (PSSII) that contains the SS28 sequence with [Tyr7, Gly10]-SS14 at its C-terminus. The third cDNA encodes a 110-amino acid protein (PSSIII) that contains the somatostatin variant [Pro2]-SS14 at its C-terminal extremity. All these three PSS mRNAs were expressed in brain and pituitary with different mRNA levels. In peripheral tissues, PSSII was more widely distributed than PSSI and PSSIII. High mRNA levels of PSS were found in stomach, intestine and ovary. PSS mRNAs were detected throughout embryogeny and early larval development. Its levels increased with the embryonic development and maintained a higher level during larva developing. The mRNA distribution suggests that the three grouper PSS products play important physiological functions in adult fish as well as in cell growth and organ differentiation in embryo and larva development.

Differential contribution of nitric oxide and cGMP to the stimulatory effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone and low-concentration somatostatin on growth hormone release from somatotrophs

There is increasing evidence that nitric oxide (NO) produced by NO synthase (NOS), and their signalling partners, guanylyl cyclase and cGMP, play a relevant role in growth hormone (GH) secretion from somatotrophs. We previously demonstrated that both GH-releasing hormone (GHRH; 10(-8) M) and low concentrations of somatostatin (10(-15) M) stimulate pig GH release in vitro, whereas a high somatostatin concentration (10(-7) M) inhibits GHRH-induced GH secretion. To ascertain the possible contribution of the NOS-NO and guanylyl cyclase-cGMP routes to these responses, cultures of pituitary cells from prepubertal female pigs were treated (30 min) with GHRH (10(-8) M) or somatostatin (10(-7) or 10(-15) M) in the absence or presence of activators or blockers of key steps of these signalling cascades, and GH release was measured. Two distinct activators of NO route, SNAP (5x10(-4) M) or L-AME (10(-3) M), similarly stimulated GH release when applied alone (with this effect being blocked by 10(-7) M somatostatin), but did not alter the stimulatory effect of GHRH or 10(-15) M somatostatin. Conversely, two NO pathway inhibitors, NAME (10(-5) M) or haemoglobin (20 microg/ml) similarly blocked GHRH- or 10(-15) M somatostatin-stimulated GH release. 8-Br-cGMP (10(-8) to 10(-4) M) strongly stimulated GH release, suggesting that cGMP may function as a subsequent step in the NO pathway in this system. Interestingly, 10(-7) M somatostatin did not inhibit the stimulatory effect of 8-Br-cGMP. Moreover, although 8-Br-cGMP did not modify the effect of GHRH, it enhanced GH release stimulated by 10(-15) M somatostatin. Accordingly, a specific guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, LY-83, 583 (10(-5) M) did not alter 10(-15) M somatostatin-induced GH release, whereas it blocked GHRH-induced GH secretion. These results demonstrate for the first time that the NOS/NO signalling pathway contributes critically to the stimulatory effects of both GHRH and low-concentration somatostatin on GH release, and that, conversely, the subsequent guanylyl cyclase/cGMP step only mediates GHRH- and not low-concentration somatostatin-induced GH secretion from somatotrophs.

Somatostatin molecular variants in the vitreous fluid: a comparative study between diabetic patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and nondiabetic control subjects

OBJECTIVE

There is growing evidence to indicate that somatostatin could be added to the list of natural antiangiogenic factors that exist in the vitreous fluid. In addition, a deficit of intravitreous somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI) has been found in diabetic patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In the present study, we have determined the main molecular variants of somatostatin (somatostatin-14 and somatostatin-28) in the vitreous fluid and plasma of nondiabetic control subjects and diabetic patients with PDR. In addition, the contribution of cortistatin, a neuropeptide with strong structural similarities to somatostatin, to SLI and its levels in vitreous and plasma in both nondiabetic and diabetic patients has also been measured. RESERCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma and vitreous fluid from 22 diabetic patients with PDR and 22 nondiabetic control subjects were analyzed. Somatostatin-14, somatostatin-28 and cortistatin were measured by radioimmunoassay but separation by high-performance liquid chromatography was required to measure somatostatin-14.

RESULTS

The predominant molecular form of somatostatin within the vitreous fluid was somatostatin-28 (fivefold higher than somatostatin-14 in control subjects and threefold higher in patients with PDR). Cortistatin significantly contributed to SLI and its intravitreous levels were higher than those detected in plasma (nondiabetic control subjects: 147 [102-837] vs. 78 [24-32] pg/ml; patients with PDR: 187 [87-998] vs. 62 [24-472] pg/ml; P = 0.01 for both). Intravitreous somatostatin-14 was similar in both subjects with PDR and the control group (P = 0.87). By contrast, somatostatin-28 concentration was lower in patients with PDR than in nondiabetic control subjects (350 +/- 32 vs. 595 +/- 66 pg/ml; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Somatostatin-28 is the main molecular variant in the vitreous fluid. The intravitreous SLI deficit detected in patients with PDR is mainly due to somatostatin-28. Cortistatin is abundant in the vitreous fluid and significantly contributes to SLI. These findings could open up new strategies for PDR treatment.

Periprandial changes in growth hormone release in goldfish: role of somatostatin, ghrelin, and gastrin-releasing peptide

In goldfish, growth hormone (GH) transiently rises 30 min after meals, returning to baseline at 1 h postmeal. Somatostatin (SRIF) is the major inhibitor of GH release. Three cDNAs encoding pre-pro-SRIF (PSS) have been previously cloned from goldfish brain: PSS-I, which encodes SRIF-14; PSS-II, which is potentially processed into gSRIF-28 that has [Glu1,Tyr7,Gly10]SRIF-14 at the COOH terminus; and PSS-III, which encodes [Pro2]SRIF-14 at its COOH terminus. In goldfish, bombesin (BBS), mimicking the endogenous gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), acutely suppresses food intake and also stimulates GH release. Ghrelin was recently characterized in goldfish as a GH secretagogue and an orexigen. In this paper, we studied the changes in SRIF mRNA levels during feeding and analyzed the influences of BBS and ghrelin peptides on forebrain PSS expression. The results showed a 60% reduction in PSS-II mRNA after meals, but no changes in the expression of PSS-I and PSS-III were found. Intraperitoneal injections of 100 ng/g body wt of BBS increased GH secretion and decreased PSS-I and PSS-II gene expression. Intraperitoneal injection of goldfish ghrelin (100 ng/g body wt) transiently increased the serum GH levels and increased PSS-I, while decreasing PSS-II mRNA levels. Ghrelin (50 ng/g body wt) blocked the effects of BBS (100 ng/g body wt) on PSS-I but not on PSS-II expression. Coadministration of BBS and ghrelin decreased only the PSS-II gene expression. We conclude that the interactions between BBS/GRP and ghrelin can account for the postprandial variations in serum GH levels and the forebrain expression of PSS-II. Furthermore, we demonstrate that intraperitoneal administration of BBS reduces the ghrelin expression levels in the gut. Thus the inhibition of production of ghrelin in the gut may contribute to the satiety effects of BBS/GRP peptides.

Neuropeptides and the control of food intake in fish

The brain, particularly the hypothalamus, integrates input from factors that stimulate (orexigenic) and inhibit (anorexigenic) food intake. In fish, the identification of appetite regulators has been achieved by the use of both peptide injections followed by measurements of food intake, and by molecular cloning combined with gene expression studies. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the most potent orexigenic factor in fish. Other orexigenic peptides, orexin A and B and galanin, have been found to interact with NPY in the control of food intake in an interdependent and coordinated manner. On the other hand cholecystokinin (CCK), cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) are potent anorexigenic factors in fish, the latter being involved in stress-related anorexia. CCK and CART have synergistic effects on food intake and modulate the actions of NPY and orexins. Although leptin has not yet been identified in fish, administration of mammalian leptin inhibits food intake in goldfish. Moreover, leptin induces CCK gene expression in the hypothalamus and its actions are mediated at least in part by CCK. Other orexigenic factors have been identified in teleost fish, including the agouti-related protein (AgRP) and ghrelin. Additional anorexigenic factors include bombesin (or gastrin-releasing peptide), alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), tachykinins, and urotensin I. In goldfish, nutritional status can modify the expression of mRNAs encoding a number of these peptides, which provides further evidence for their roles as appetite regulators: (1) brain mRNA expression of CCK, CART, tachykinins, galanin, ghrelin, and NPY undergo peri-prandial variations; and (2) fasting increases the brain mRNA expression of NPY, AgRP, and ghrelin as well as serum ghrelin levels, and decreases the brain mRNA expression of tachykinins, CART, and CCK. This review will provide an overview of recent findings in this field.

Regulation of somatostatins and their receptors in fish

The multifunctional nature of the somatostatin (SS) family of peptides results from a multifaceted signaling system consisting of many forms of SS peptides that bind to a variety of receptor (SSTR) subtypes. Research in fish has contributed important information about the components, function, evolution, and regulation of this system. Somatostatins or mRNAs encoding SSs have been isolated from over 20 species of fish. Peptides and deduced peptides differ in their amino acid chain length and/or composition, and most species of fish possess more than one form of SS. The structural heterogeneity of SSs results from differential processing of the hormone precursor, preprosomatostatin (PPSS), and from the existence of multiple genes that give rise to multiple PPSSs. The PPSS genes appear to have arisen through a series of gene duplication events over the course of vertebrate evolution. The numerous PPSSs of fish are differentially expressed, both in terms of the distribution among tissues and in terms of the relative abundance within a tissue. Accumulated evidence suggests that nutritional state, season/stage of sexual maturation, and many hormones [insulin (INS), glucagon, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and 17beta-estradiol (E2)] regulate the synthesis and release of particular SSs. Fish and mammals possess multiple SSTRs; four different SSTRs have been described in fish and several of these occur as isoforms. SSTRs are also wide spread and are differentially expressed, both in terms of distribution of tissues as well as in terms of relative abundance within tissues. The pattern of distribution of SSTRs may underlie tissue-specific responses of SSs. The synthesis of SSTR mRNA and SS-binding capacity are regulated by nutritional state and numerous hormones (INS, GH, IGF-I, and E2). Accumulated evidence suggests the possibility of both tissue- and subtype-specific mechanisms of regulation. In many instances, there appears to be coordinate regulation of PPSS and of SSTR; such regulation may prove important for many processes, including nutrient homeostasis and growth control.

Brain mapping of three somatostatin encoding genes in the goldfish

In the present study the brain distribution of three somatostatin (SRIF)-encoding genes, PSS-I, PSS-II, and PSS-III, was analyzed by in situ hybridization (ISH) in the goldfish. The PSS-I mRNA showed the widest distribution throughout the brain, whereas PSS-II transcripts were restricted to some hypothalamic nuclei. On the other hand, PSS-III presents an intermediate distribution pattern. All SRIF encoding genes are expressed in hypophysiotropic nuclei supporting the idea that, in addition to SRIF-14, [Pro(2)] SRIF-14, and gSRIF-28 have pituitary-controlling functions. Moreover, each of the genes is expressed in nuclei directly associated with feeding behavior, suggesting a role for SRIF peptides in the central control of food intake and energy balance. Alternatively, they might have a role in processing sensory information related with feeding behavior, since PSS genes are expressed in the main gustatory, olfactory, and visual centers, which project to the hypothalamic feeding center in teleost fish.

In vitro and in vivo effects of ghrelin on luteinizing hormone and growth hormone release in goldfish

We studied the in vitro and in vivo effects of octanoylated goldfish ghrelin peptides (gGRL-19 and gGRL-12) on luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) release in goldfish. gGRL-19 and gGRL-12 at picomolar doses stimulated LH and GH release from dispersed goldfish pituitary cells in perifusion and static incubation. Incubation of pituitary cells for 2 h with 10 nM gGRL-12 and 1 or 10 nM gGRL-19 increased LH-beta mRNA expression, whereas only 10 nM gGRL-19 increased GH mRNA expression. Somatostatin-14 abolished the stimulatory effects of ghrelin on GH release from dispersed pituitary cells in perifusion and static culture. The GH secretagogue receptor antagonist d-Lys(3)-GHRP-6 inhibited the ghrelin-induced LH release, whereas no effects were found on stimulation of GH release by ghrelin. Intracerebroventricular injection of 1 ng/g body wt of gGRL-19 or intraperitoneal injection of 100 ng/g body wt of gGRL-19 increased serum LH levels at 60 min after injection, whereas significant increases in GH levels were found at 15 and 30 min after these treatments. Our results indicate that, in addition to its potent stimulatory actions on GH release, goldfish ghrelin peptides have the novel function of stimulating LH release in goldfish.

Somatostatin in the brain of the cave salamander,Hydromantes genei (Amphibia, Plethodontidae): Immunohistochemical localization and biochemical characterization

The distribution of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the cave salamander Hydromantes genei (Amphibia, Plethodontidae) was investigated by using two distinct antisera raised against somatostatin-14. Most somatostatin-positive cells were detected in the ependymal cell layer surrounding the ventricles. These cells possessed the typical morphological characteristics of tanycytes or radial glial cells. Double-labeling with an antiserum against somatostatin and a monoclonal antibody against glial fibrillary acidic protein showed that somatostatin-immunoreactive cells lining the ventricles also exhibited GFAP-like immunoreactivity. Injection of the neurotracer biocytin into the lateral ventricle revealed that neurons lining the ventricles did not contain somatostatin-like immunoreactivity. In the telencephalon, somatostatin-like immunoreactivity was confined to radial glial cells. In the diencephalon, in addition to somatostatin-immunoreactive cells in the ependyma, positive cell bodies were also found in the periventricular preoptic nucleus, the infundibular nucleus, the epiphysis, and the subcommissural organ. In the metencephalon, positive cell bodies were found in the auricula cerebelli, whereas in the rhombencephalon numerous somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were seen lining the ventricular cavity. Immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in the hypothalamus-median eminence complex. In the pituitary, a discrete group of somatostatin-positive cells was found in the pars distalis. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of brain extracts revealed that the immunoreactive material coeluted with somatostatin-14. The present results show that the somatostatin peptidergic system in the brain of the cave salamander has a more simple organization than those described in the brain of frog and other vertebrates. This feature is probably related to the expression of high pedomorphic characters in plethodontids. The distribution of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity suggests that, in the cave salamander, somatostatin may act as a neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator, a central regulator of fluid homeostasis, and a hypophysiotropic neurohormone.