The epigenetic EZH2/H3K27me3 axis modulates lactotroph tumor cell proliferation

Interest in epigenetics has gained substantial momentum as a result of their identified role in the regulation of tumor progression as well as their ability to pharmacologically target genes. Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) tend to be inactivated via epigenetic modification, and although emerging evidence has suggested a role for epigenetic factors in PitNET tumorigenesis, the degree to which these factors may be targeted by new therapeutic strategies still remains poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to examine the participation of the EZH2/H3K27me3 axis in the proliferation of lactotroph tumor cells. We demonstrated that the levels of EZH2 and H3K27me3 were increased in murine experimental prolactin (PRL) tumors with respect to a control pituitary, in contrast with the low p21 mRNA levels encountered, with an H3K27me3 enrichment being observed in its promoter region in a GH3 tumor cell. Furthermore, specific EZH2/H3K27me3 axis inhibition blocked the proliferation of primary tumor cell culture and GH3 cells, thereby making it an attractive therapeutic target for PRL PitNETs.

Ultrastructural and molecular evidence of macroautophagy in functioning PitNETs and experimental pituitary tumors

INTRODUCTION

Macroautophagy is a lysosome-mediated degradation process that controls the quality of cytoplasmic components and organelles, with its regulation depending on autophagy-related proteins (Atg) and with Beclin1/Atg6 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3/Atg8) being key players in the mammalian autophagy. As reports on this mechanism in the field of pituitary neuropathology and neuroendocrinology are scarce, our study analyzed the ultrastructural signs of macroautophagy and the expression of Beclin1 and LC3 proteins in human functioning PitNETs and in experimental pituitary tumors.

METHODS

a group of functioning humans PitNETs and an experimental lactotroph model in rats of the F344 strain stimulated with oestradiol benzoate (BE) were used. Ultrastructural and molecular evidence of the macroautophagic process was evaluated using different techniques.

RESULTS

In functioning PitNETs cohort, 60% exhibited evidence of macroautophagy, with a significant difference found for Beclin1 and LC3 between macro and micro PitNETs (p < 0.05). In the experimental model, the expression of both Beclin1 and LC3 proteins was immunopositive in normal and tumoral glands when analyzed by immunofluorescence, western blot and immunohistochemistry. In the experimental model, protein expression was associated with increased glandular size and weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed evidence of macroautophagy at the pituitary level and the important role of Beclin1 and LC3 in the progression of functioning PitNETs, implying that this mechanism participate in regulating pituitary cell growth.

Changes of stem cell niche during experimental pituitary tumor development

To investigate the putative stem cell/tumor stem cell (SC/TSC) niche contribution to hyperplasic/adenomatous pituitary lesions, we analyzed variation in the pituitary stem cell population during the development of experimental pituitary tumors. Pituitary tumors were induced in female F344 rats with estradiol benzoate for 5, 10, 20 and 30 days. Cells positive for GFRa2, Sox2, Sox9, Nestin, CD133 and CD44 were identified in the marginal zone and in the adenoparenchyma in both control and 30D groups, with predominant adenoparenchyma localization of GRFa2 and SOX9 found in tumoral pituitaries. GFRa2, Nestin, CD133 and CD44 were upregulated at the initial stages of tumor growth, whereas Sox9 significantly decreased at 5D, with Sox2 remaining invariable during the hyperplasic/adenomatous development. In addition, isolated pituispheres from normal and tumoral pituitary glands enriched in SC/TSC were characterized. Pituispheres from the 30D glands were positive for the above-mentioned markers and showed a significant increase in the proliferation. In conclusion, our data revealed pituitary SC pool fluctuations during hyperplastic/adenomatous development, with differential localization of the SC/TSC niche in this process. These findings may help to provide a better understanding of these cell populations, which is crucial for achieving advancements in the field of pituitary tumor biology.

Pivotal role of NF-κB in cellular senescence of experimental pituitary tumours

The molecular mechanisms underlying the capability of pituitary tumours to avoid unregulated cell proliferation are still not well understood. However, the NF-κB transcription factor, which is able to modulate not only cellular senescence but also tumour progression, has emerged as a targeted candidate. This work was focused on the NF-κB role in cellular senescence during the progression of experimental pituitary tumours. Also, the contribution of the signalling pathways in senescence-associated NF-κB activation and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and pro-survival-NF-κB target genes transcription were analysed. A robust NF-κB activation was seen at E20-E40 of tumour development accompanied by a marked SA-β-Gal co-reactivity in the tumour pituitary parenchyma. The induction of TNFα and IL1-β as specific SASP-related NF-κB target genes as well as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl pro-survival genes was shown to be accompanied by increases in the p-p38 MAPK protein levels, starting at the E20 stage and strengthening from 40 to 60 days of tumour growth. It is noteworthy that p-JNK displayed a similar pattern of activation during pituitary tumour development, while p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 were downregulated. By employing a pharmacological strategy to abrogate NF-κB activity, we demonstrated a marked reduction in SA-β-Gal activity and a slight decrease in Ki67 immunopositive cells after NF-κB blockade. These results suggest a central role for NF-κB in the regulation of the cellular senescence programme, leading to the strikingly benign intrinsic nature of pituitary adenomas.

Trastuzumab inhibits pituitary tumor cell growth modulating the TGFB/SMAD2/3 pathway

In pituitary adenomas, early recurrences and resistance to conventional pharmacotherapies are common, but the mechanisms involved are still not understood. The high expression of epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signal observed in human pituitary adenomas, together with the low levels of the antimitogenic transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TBR2), encouraged us to evaluate the effect of the specific HER2 inhibition with trastuzumab on experimental pituitary tumor cell growth and its effect on the antiproliferative response to TGFB1. Trastuzumab decreased the pituitary tumor growth as well as the expression of ERK1/2 and the cell cycle regulators CCND1 and CDK4. The HER2/ERK1/2 pathway is an attractive therapeutic target, but its intricate relations with other signaling modulators still need to be unraveled. Thus, we investigated possible cross-talk with TGFB signaling, which has not yet been studied in pituitary tumors. In tumoral GH3 cells, co-incubation with trastuzumab and TGFB1 significantly decreased cell proliferation, an effect accompanied by a reduction in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, an increase of SMAD2/3 activation. In addition, through immunoprecipitation assays, a diminution of SMAD2/3-ERK1/2 and an increase SMAD2/3-TGFBR1 interactions were observed when cells were co-incubated with trastuzumab and TGFB1. These findings indicate that blocking HER2 by trastuzumab inhibited pituitary tumor growth and modulated HER2/ERK1/2 signaling and consequently the anti-mitogenic TGFB1/TBRs/SMADs cascade. The imbalance between HER2 and TGFBRs expression observed in human adenomas and the response to trastuzumab on experimental tumor growth may make the HER2/ERK1/2 pathway an attractive target for future pituitary adenoma therapy.

Evidence of cellular senescence during the development of estrogen-induced pituitary tumors

Although pituitary adenomas represent 25% of intracranial tumors, they are usually benign, with the mechanisms by which these tumors usually avoid an invasive profile and metastatic growth development still remaining unclear. In this context, cellular senescence might constitute a plausible explanation for the benign nature of pituitary adenomas. In this study, we investigated the emergence of cellular senescence as a growth control mechanism during the progression of estrogen-induced pituitary tumors. The quantification of Ki67-immunopositive cells in the pituitaries of estrogenized male rats after 10, 20, 40, and 60 days revealed that the mitogenic potential rate was not sustained for the whole period analyzed and successively decreased after 10 days of estrogen exposure. In addition, the expression of cellular senescence features, such as the progressive rise in the enzymatic senescence-associated b-galactosidase (SA-b-gal) activity, IL6, IL1b, and TGFb expression, was observed throughout pituitary tumor development. Furthermore, tumoral pituitary cells also displayed nuclear pATM expression, indicating activated DNA damage signaling, with a significant increase in p21 expression also being detected. The associations among DNA damage signaling activation, SA-b-gal expression, and p21 may provide a reliable combination of senescence-associated markers for in vivo pituitary senescence detection. These results suggest a role for this cellular process in the regulation of pituitary cell growth. Thus, cellular senescence should be conceived as a contributing component to the benign nature of pituitary adenomas, thereby influencing the capability of the pituitary gland to avoid unregulated cell proliferation.

Nutritive and xenobiotic compounds in the alien algae Undaria pinnatifida from Argentine Patagonia

Seaweeds have been used as food since ancient times. The edible brown algae Undaria pinnatifida is native to northeast Asia; however, in 1992, the first specimens in Patagonian environments were found and, since then, have rapidly expanded. The main object of this study was to determine, for the first time in Argentina, the nutritive composition and concentrations of trace elements and hydrocarbons in these alien algae and evaluate their usefulness as food. Sexually mature U. pinnatifida samples were collected at 10-m depth in the Nuevo and San José gulfs. The first site is influenced by activities from Puerto Madryn city, and the latter place was considered as the control. Protein, dietary fiber, and mineral concentrations were similar in both gulfs and in the same order as in eastern countries. Crude protein, indigestible fiber, and calcium and magnesium concentrations were greatest in blade; lipid concentration was greatest in sporophyll; and sodium and potassium concentrations were greatest in midrib. Amino acids showed the greatest concentrations in blades, and these were greater than those reported in kelp from Japan. Cadmium (Cd), arsenic, mercury, and hydrocarbons were detected, but only Cd showed concentrations that could be a risk for consumption. In Argentina, maximum acceptable levels of these contaminants in seaweeds are not established.

Involvement of MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt pathways in the refractory behavior of GH3B6 pituitary tumor cells to the inhibitory effect of TGFβ1

Pituitary tumor cells have a poor response to the growth inhibitory effect of TGFβ1, possibly resulting from the cross talk of TGFβ/Smads signal with other signaling pathways, an undescribed mechanism in these tumoral cells. To address this hypothesis, we investigated whether the mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)/ERK1/2 and phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathways were able to regulate the antimitogenic effect of TGFβ1 on GH3B6 cells. TGFβ1 treatment decreased the cell proliferation and induced an activation of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 (Smad2/3), effects that were potentiated by MEK and PI3K inhibitors, thus indicating the existence of a cross talk between TGFβ1/Smad with the MEK/ERK1/2 or PI3K/Akt pathways. In addition, through immunoprecipitation assays, a direct interaction was observed between Smad2/3-ERK1/2 and Smad2/3-Akt, which decreased when the GH3B6 cells were incubated with TGFβ1 in the presence of MEK or PI3K inhibitors, thereby suggesting that the ERK1/2- and Akt-activated states were involved. These Smad2/3-ERK1/2 and Smad2/3-Akt associations were also confirmed by confocal and transmission electron microscopy. These findings indicate that the TGFβ1-antimitogenic effect in GH3B6 cells was attenuated by the MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt pathways via modulating Smad2/3 phosphorylation. This molecular mechanism could explain in part the refractory behavior of pituitary tumor cells to the inhibitory effect of TGFβ1.

Anandamide-loaded nanoparticles: preparation and characterization

OBJECTIVE

Preparation and characterization of anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine, AEA) loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles (PCL NP) as a research tool to clarify the presence of an AEA transporter in cell membranes and to avoid AEA plastic adsorption and instability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High performance liquid chromatography and light scattering were used to determine encapsulation efficiency, particle size, drug release, permeability and stability.

RESULTS

A high encapsulation efficiency 96.05 ± 1.77% and a particle size of 83.52 ± 21.38 nm were obtained. Nearly 40% of AEA remained in the NP after a 99.9% dilution and only 50% was released after 24 h at 37 °C with a 99% dilution. PCL NP prevented the adsorption of the drug to polypropylene or polystyrene, but not to acrylic multiwell plates. Drug permeability through artificial membranes was low (10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁸ cm/s) and was affected by the presence of NP. NP increased AEA stability in suspension (drug half-life 431 h vs. 12 h) and freeze-dried with 5% sucrose.

CONCLUSION

This article presents the first study where stable AEA-loaded NP with high encapsulation efficiencies have been obtained.

Assessment of recent sediment influence in an urban polluted subantarctic coastal ecosystem. Beagle Channel (Southern Argentina)

In this study, baseline information about the environmental status of Ushuaia (UB) and Golondrina (GB) bays is presented. Surface and bottom seawater and freshwater discharged from land were evaluated. Multivariate analysis identified different water quality zones within the bays, two of them located next to the north and northwest coastlines of UB, where the majority of human activities are developed. Porosity, total organic matter, biochemical components, ammonium, and phytopigments were determined in sediment samples from each quality zone. Benthic fluxes of nutrients and dissolved oxygen were assessed in situ using opaque chambers. In northwest zone of UB, carbon equivalents of proteins and carbohydrates in surficial sediments were the same order as in hypertrophic ecosystems, whereas ammonium and phosphate released from sediment greatly exceeded the allochthonous sources. Management of municipal wastewater is required to remediate this chronic pollution.

17β-oestradiol acts as a negative modulator of insulin-induced lactotroph cell proliferation through oestrogen receptor α, via nitric oxide/guanylyl cyclase/cGMP

OBJECTIVES

17β-oestradiol interacts with growth factors to modulate lactotroph cell population. However, contribution of isoforms of the oestrogen receptor in these activities is not fully understood. In the present study, we have established participation of α and β oestrogen receptors in effects of 17β-oestradiol on lactotroph proliferation induced by insulin and shown involvement of the NO/sGC/cGMP pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell cultures were prepared from anterior pituitaries of female rats to evaluate lactotroph cell proliferation using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) detection, protein expression by western blotting and cGMP by enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

In serum-free conditions, 17β-oestradiol and α and β oestrogen receptor agonists (PPT and DPN) failed to increase numbers of lactotroph cells undergoing mitosis. Co-incubation of 17β-oestradiol/insulin and PPT/insulin significantly decreased lactotroph mitogenic activity promoted by insulin alone. Both ICI 182780 and NOS inhibitors (L-NMMA and L-NAME) induced reversal of the anti-proliferative effect promoted by 17β-oestradiol/insulin and PPT/insulin. Moreover, 17β-oestradiol, PPT and insulin increased sGC α1 protein expression and inhibited β1, whereas co-incubation of 17β-oestradiol/insulin or PPT/insulin induced increases of the two isoforms α1 and β1. 17β-oestradiol and insulin reduced cGMP production, while 17β-oestradiol/insulin co-incubation increased this cyclic nucleotide.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that 17β-oestradiol is capable of arresting lactotroph proliferation induced by insulin through ER α with participation of the signalling NO/sGC/cGMP pathway.

GH3B6 pituitary tumor cell proliferation is mediated by PKCalpha and PKCepsilon via ERK 1/2-dependent pathway

BACKGROUND

In this report, we explored the role of PKCalpha and PKCe as mediators of phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate (PMA)-induced proliferation in pituitary tumor GH3B6 cells, and determined if the ERK1/2 and Akt pathways were activated.

METHODS

The GH3B6 cell proliferation was estimated by BrdU incorporation and the cell cycle progression by flow cytometric cell cycle analysis. We determined the expression of PKCalpha and PKCe in membrane and cytosolic fractions by western blotting. The subcellular redistribution of both PKC isozymes was analyzed by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

Incubation with PMA for 15 min stimulated PKCalpha and PKCe activation, which was correlated with the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but not Akt. The activation of both these PKC isozymes was closely associated with the stimulation of proliferation and the cell cycle progression induced by PMA in GH3B6 cells, an effect that was blocked by the inhibitors of PKCalpha (Gö6976) and PKCe (eV1-2). In addition, the pretreatment with the inhibitor of ERK1/2 (PD98059) prevented the mitogenic activity induced by treatment with PMA for 15 min.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that the activation of PKCalpha and PKCe by phorbol ester in tumor pituitary GH3B6 cells led to cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, effects that involved ERK1/2 activation.

Neuropeptide glutamic-isoleucine (NEI) specifically stimulates the secretory activity of gonadotrophs in primary cultures of female rat pituitary cells

The neuropeptide EI (NEI) is derived from proMCH. It activates GnRH neurons, and has been shown to stimulate the LH release following intracerebroventricular administration in several experimental models. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate NEI actions on pituitary hormone secretion and cell morphology in vitro. Pituitary cells from female rats were treated with NEI for a wide range of concentrations (1-400x10(-8)M) and time periods (1-5h). The media were collected and LH, FSH, PRL, and GH measured by RIA. The interaction between NEI (1, 10 and 100x10(-8)M) and GnRH (0.1 and 1x10(-9)M) was also tested. Pituitary cells were harvested for electron microscopy, and the immunogold immunocytochemistry of LH was assayed after 2 and 4h of NEI incubation. NEI (100x10(-8)M) induced a significant LH secretion after 2h of stimulus, reaching a maximum response 4h later. A rapid and remarkable LH release was induced by NEI (400x10(-8)M) 1h after stimulus, attaining its highest level at 2h. However, PRL, GH and FSH were not affected. NEI provoked ultrastructural changes in the gonadotrophs, which showed accumulations of LH-immunoreactive granules near the plasma membrane and exocytotic images, while the other populations exhibited no changes. Although NEI (10x10(-8)M), caused no action when used alone, its co-incubation with GnRH (1x10(-9)M), promoted a slight but significant increase in LH. These results demonstrate that NEI acts at the pituitary level through a direct action on gonadotrophs, as well as through interaction with GnRH.

Disposal of cell debris from surplus lactotrophs of pituitary gland

In rats submitted to physiological and experimental stimulation of lactotrophic secretion, as in pregnancy and lactation as well as after estrogen treatment, there is a remarkable proliferation of lactotrophs in the pituitary gland. After interruption of the stimuli, this situation is reversed to basal conditions via a massive programmed cell death of the surplus lactotrophs. The regressive changes occurring in lactotrophs are autolytic in nature, until the advanced stages of degeneration when the cell debris generated by this process are engulfed by phagocytes exhibiting the morphological characteristics of stellate cells. These cells can be seen within the anterior pituitary parenchyma adherent to the wall of capillaries and in the lumen of blood vessels. The number of stellate cells with engulfed lactotroph cell remnants is relatively small in comparison to the massive cell death, an observation that suggests a rapid clearance of cell debris and phagocytic cells from the pituitary parenchyma into the blood stream. The migration of stellate cells from the adenohypophysis involves the degradation of the basement membrane and rearrangement of the capillary wall components. The final disposal of cell debris of regressing lactotrophs within the anterior pituitary therefore appears to be effected by coordination of a pituitary and systemic mononuclear phagocytic system.

Activation of PKC epsilon induces lactotroph proliferation through ERK1/2 in response to phorbol ester

The aim of this investigation was to contribute to current knowledge about intracellular mechanisms that are involved in lactotroph cell proliferation, by evaluating the role of PKCalpha, PKCepsilon and extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 in response to phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate (PMA). In primary pituitary cultures, the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by PMA for 15 min stimulated lactotroph proliferation; whereas a prolonged activation for 3-8h diminished this proliferative effect. The use of PMA for 15 min-activated PKCepsilon and ERK1/2, whereas incubation with PMA for 3 h induced PKCalpha activation and attenuated the PMA-triggered phosphorylation of ERK1/2. The following inhibitors: PKCs (bisindolylmaleimide I), PKCepsilon (epsilonV1 peptide) and ERK1/2 (PD98059) prevented the mitogenic activity induced by PMA for 15 min. Lactotroph cells stimulated with PMA for 15 min showed a translocation of PKCepsilon to membrane compartment and nucleus. These results thus establish that PKCepsilon plays an essential role in the lactotroph proliferation induced by PMA by triggering signals that involve ERK1/2 activation.

Thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1-beta 1 expression in epididymal epithelium from euthyroid and hypothyroid rats

The objectives of the present work were to assess whether epithelial cells from the different segments of epididymis express TR alpha 1-beta 1 isoforms, to depict its subcellular immunolocalization and to evaluate changes in their expression in rats experimentally submitted to a hypothyroid state by injection of 131I. In euthyroid and hypothyroid groups, TR protein was expressed in epididymal epithelial cells, mainly in the cytoplasmic compartment while only a few one showed a staining in the nucleus as well. A similar TR immunostaining pattern was detected in the different segments of the epididymis. In hypothyroid rats, the number of TR-immunoreactive epithelial cells as well as the intensity of the cytoplasmic staining significantly increased in all sections analyzed. In consonance to the immunocytochemical analysis, the expression of TR alpha 1-beta 1 isoforms, assessed by Western blot revealed significantly higher levels of TR in cytosol compared to the nuclear fractions. Furthermore, TR expression of both alpha 1 and beta 1 isoforms and their mRNA levels were increased by the hypothyroid state. The immuno-electron-microscopy showed specific reaction for TR in principal cells associated with eucromatin, cytosolic matrix and mitochondria. The differences in expression levels assessed in control and thyroidectomized rats ascertain a specific function of TH on this organ.

Ultrastructural immunolocalization of IGF-1 and insulin receptors in rat pituitary culture: evidence of a functional interaction between gonadotroph and lactotroph cells

We have investigated the expression of receptors for insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in rat pituitary cells in vitro and examined the morphological and proliferative changes induced in adenohypophyseal cells by insulin and IGF-1. The proliferation of lactotrophs was determined by double-immunostaining for bromodeoxyuridine and prolactin. Incubation with insulin (10, 100 or 1000 ng/ml) or IGF-1 (5, 30 or 100 ng/ml) for 48 or 72 h significantly increased the number of lactotrophs undergoing mitosis. Co-incubation of insulin or IGF-1 with genistein (25 microM), an inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase receptor, reduced the proliferation of lactotrophs elicited by the hormone and the growth factor. The receptors for insulin and IGF-1 were localized in intact pituitary cells by ultrastructural immunocytochemistry with the colloidal gold-protein A technique. Gonadotrophs expressed both receptors, specific labelling being restricted to this cell type. Electron-microscopical observations of pituitary cell cultures incubated with insulin or IGF-1 revealed gonadotroph cells exhibiting the fine-structural features of enhanced protein synthetic activity. These findings suggest that both insulin and IGF-1 are able to induce the proliferation of lactotrophs through an indirect mechanism mediated by a factor synthesized by gonadotroph cells, in addition to stimulating the biosynthetic activity of the gonadotroph in a direct manner.

Budesonide effects on Clara cell under normal and allergic inflammatory condition

Clara cells are nonciliated secretory cells implicated in lung homeostasis by the synthesis of immunomodulatory and host defense products, being one of the most important the CC16 protein. In this study, we compared the effects of budesonide (BUD), an inhaled corticoid, on Clara cell biology and its ability to reverse morphofunctional changes induced in an allergic airway hyper-responsiveness mouse model. In normal mice, exposure to BUD induced morphological changes compatible with a state of maximal differentiation on CC16 positive cells which developed a prominent cupola filled up with numerous mitochondria rich in CYP2E1, a member of the cytochrome P450 family. Consequently, CYP2E1 expression raised significantly. Exposure to OVA provoked hypertrophy of Clara cells and an increment in their number per millimeter of basal membrane. These cells acquired a mucous cell phenotype characterized by a notorious expansion of the secretory granular content. Synthesis of CC16 was greatly up-regulated concurrent to the finding of MUC5AC expression and the increment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Mitochondrial content decreased significantly with a consequent reduction in CYP2E1 expression. After BUD treatment of OVA-challenged animals, the majority of Clara cells regained their normal morphology and functional characteristics; CYP2E1 levels raised when compared to the OVA exposed group. The BUD potential to differentiate Clara cells appeared to be important for the regression of the profound changes generated by the allergic injury. These results demonstrated the wide range of stimuli that can modify different aspects of Clara cell biology, and highlighted the effects of budesonide as a modulator of P450 enzymes, which probably contributes to a complementary antiinflamatory activity.

Subcellular localisation of VEGF in different pituitary cells. Changes of its expression in oestrogen induced prolactinomas

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important angiogenic factor in the pituitary gland. The objective of this study was to unveil the VEGF subcellular localisation in different pituitary cell types and to evaluate changes in its expression at different time intervals after oestrogen stimulation. A relevant feature demonstrated was the identification of this cytokine in the nucleus and cytoplasm of lactotrophs, somatotrophs and gonadotrophs, as well as in follicle-stellate cells of male rats. Oestrogen treatment increased the number of VEGF immunopositive cells and its expression detected differentially by western blot in both nucleus and cytoplasm of pituitary cells when compared to the control. At ultrastructural level VEGF appeared associated with nucleolus and euchromatin involving a possible internal autocrine loop. In lactotrophs, the predominant cell of the tumour, VEGF was immunodetected in RER, Golgi complex, and vesicular organelles, supporting further the association with an auto-paracrine effect exerted by VEGF. The nucleus/cytoplasm ratio of VEGF revealed a prevalent accumulation of VEGF in the cytoplasm. The presence of VEGF in the nucleus may probably be associated with a translocation to this cell compartment. This study demonstrated a cytoplasmic and nuclear immunolocalisation of VEGF in normal and tumoural adenohypophyseal cells. In the course of prolactinoma development, the oestrogen stimulated VEGF expression in tumoural cells, promoting a vascular adaptation which contributes to growth and progression of the tumour.

Antagonic effects of oestradiol in interaction with IGF-1 on proliferation of lactotroph cells in vitro

The effects of IGF-1, 17 beta oestradiol and its functional interaction on lactotrophs cell proliferation were evaluated. In addition we investigated the involvement of PKC alpha, epsilon and phosphorilated ERK, in the mitogenic process. Primary cell cultures of adenohypophysis from female Wistar rats were studied in serum free conditions. The proliferation of lactotrophs was determined by double immunostaining for BrdU and PRL. The incubation with IGF-1 5, 30 or 100 ng/ml during 48 or 72 h increased lactotrophs proliferation two-threefold depending on IGF-1 concentration. Co-incubation of IGF-1 (30 ng/ml) with genistein (25 microM) or BIM (0.5 or 2 microM), lowered of tyrosine kinase receptor or of PKC respectively, inhibited the induced IGF-1 lactotrophs proliferation. 17 beta oestradiol (1, 10 or 100 nM) had not mitogenic effect, whereas in the presence of serum PRL cells proliferation was stimulated. Co-incubation with 1 nM oestradiol and IGF-1 significantly decreased the lactotroph BrdU-labelling achieved with IGF-1. PKC alpha, epsilon and ERK1/2 levels measured by western blot augmented in the presence of IGF-1 and were inhibited with the addition of genistein, supporting a participation of these enzymes in the proliferate process. Co-incubation of IGF-1 with 1 nM oestradiol decreased both PKC isoforms and activated ERK1/2 levels, suggesting that oestradiol would exert its antiproliferative effect by acting on the signalling pathway of IGF-1. The results revealed antagonic effects of oestradiol on lactotroph proliferation depending on its concentration and the presence of IGF-1.

Immunolocalization of Pit-1 in gonadotroph nuclei is indicative of the transdifferentiation of gonadotroph to lactotroph cells in prolactinomas induced by estrogen

The pituitary protein transcription factor (Pit-1) regulates the differentiation and proliferation of somatotrophs, lactotrophs, and thyrotrophs and the c-Myc oncoprotein plays a critical role in somatotroph and lactotroph differentiation. Both were involved in the genesis of pituitary tumors. The combined analysis of Pit-1 and c-Myc expression and the morphometric and biochemical parameters of the lactotroph population after treatment with estrogen for 7, 20, and 60 days provided new information on molecular mechanisms implicated in the formation of prolactinomas. Estrogen treatment for 7 days caused a significant proliferation of lactotrophs (70%) and this increase reached an additional 55% at 60 days. The proliferation of lactotrophs was concurrent with higher serum and pituitary prolactin levels. An augmentation of Pit-1 and c-Myc expression in both cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts after estrogen can be associated with lactotroph proliferation. Moreover, the multistep correlation analysis revealed that the expression of nuclear Pit-1 was the strongest predictor of prolactinoma development. Also the Pit-1 immunolocalization in nuclei of gonadotrophs suggests the activation of genes involved in transdifferentiation of gonadotroph to lactotroph. Therefore, the understanding of the Pit-1 function may help in the design of strategies to control the secretion and proliferation of pituitary tumors of the somatomammotrope lineage.

Differential modulation of liver and pituitary triiodothyronine and 9-cis retinoid acid receptors by insulin-like growth factor I in rats

Triiodothyronine (T(3)) exerts most of its effects through nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) that bind mainly as heterodimers with retinoid-X receptors (RXRs) to thyroid hormone response elements in target genes. It is well known that T(3) activates the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis in rats. In turn, IGF-I inhibits the T(3)-induced GH production in cell cultures. The impact of IGF-I on T(3) action has only been partially explored. We have presented evidence that IGF-I feeds back to limit specific metabolic actions of T(3) in rat liver through a downregulation of nuclear TR number and its mRNA expression. We have also found that IGF-I injected to rats inhibited pituitary GH production. In this study we aimed at exploring whether the IGF-I-induced feedback loop on T(3)-action in the liver also operates in the pituitary gland. The mechanism of the liver TR mRNA reduction induced by IGF-I was also studied. We evaluated the effect of recombinant human (rh) IGF-I administration (240 microg/100 g of body weight subcutaneously every 12 hours for 48 hours) to adult male Wistar rats on TR and RXR proteins (Western blot) from pituitary, liver, brain, and thyroid and TR mRNA (Northern blot) from pituitary and liver. The transcriptional rate of liver TR gene (run-on assay) was also determined. In pituitary, TR protein and TR mRNA isoforms were reduced by rhIGF-I. No changes in TR proteins in brain and thyroid were observed. Nuclear run-on assay revealed that IGF-I reduced the TR gene transcriptional rate in liver. A significant increase in RXR proteins in liver and pituitary without changes in thyroid and brain was induced by IGF-I. In conclusion, these results indicate that in pituitary, IGF-I downregulates TR expression, similarly as previously found in liver. A reduced transcriptional rate of TR gene is implicated in the IGF-I effect on the liver. The increase in RXR protein levels may be also involved in the expression of T(3) specific actions in liver and pituitary.

Cellular and functional interactions between gonadotrophs and lactotrophs in pituitary cell cultures

Lactotroph secretory activity is regulated by hypothalamic stimulating and inhibiting factors as well as peripheral endocrine hormones. In addition to this important control domain, the pituitary gland displays an intrinsic regulatory ability through autocrine and paracrine signals. To evaluate the role of gonadotrophs in the regulation of prolactin (PRL) secretion, a comparative study was performed applying two regulatory agents that operate through different physiological mechanisms: gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which releases regulatory factors co-localized in secretory granules of gonadotrophs, stimulating PRL secretion from lactotrophs; and angiotensin II (AII), with direct effects on lactotroph secretion through specific receptors. In these studies performed in regular and purified primary pituitary cell cultures from female rats, the lactotrophs comprised the largest population of cells (about 51%), whereas gonadotrophs represented only a small fraction (3%) of the total pituitary cell count. In regular cell cultures treatments with AII and GnRH showed a similar secretory behavior, increasing PRL output 73% and 63%, respectively. The stimulation with GnRH and AII of cell cultures with purified lactotrophs and gonadotrophs provided comparable results, but the response of lactotrophs was significantly higher (106% and 138%, respectively) than that recorded in regular cell cultures. Simultaneous AII treatment with an antipeptide antagonist to AII receptor (AII-antipep) completely blocked the PRL release induced by AII. The co-incubation of cells with GnRH and AII-antipep suppressed the peak of PRL release caused by GnRH, confirming that AII is a paracrine agent released by gonadotrophs stimulated with GnRH. The different secretory behavior of lactotrophs treated with AII and GnRH in both regular and purified cell cultures is indicative of the degree of functional interactions between different pituitary cell types. The present study supplies morphological and functional information on the cell-to-cell interactions, which plays an important role in the intrinsic regulatory control of PRL secretion.

Prolactin-releasing activity of GHRP-5 (Momany peptide) on lactotrophs in vivo and in vitro

In the present study the in vivo and in vitro effects of GHRP-5 on the PRL-releasing activity in correlation with the morphological changes of lactotroph cells and their transcriptional activity were evaluated. The in vivo treatment (12 micrograms/100 g BW/day for 3 days) of male rats with GHRP-5 does not induce any significant changes in serum PRL levels. In contrast, the addition of GHRP-5 to pituitary cell cultures increased significantly the release of PRL. This effect is enhanced in cell cultures of enriched lactotrophs, increasing significantly the secretion of PRL, the concentrations of which were 50% higher than that of untreated control cells. The administration of GHRP-5 provokes several changes in the fine structure of lactotrophs, compatible with an increased secretory activity. After the GHRP-5 treatment the different lactotroph subtypes persist but the subtype I displaying secretory granules of larger size (500-900 nm) and a significant development of the Golgi apparatus and RER were more frequently observed. These results can be correlated with a significant augmentation in PRL mRNA after the GHRP-5 treatment. In spite of that no variations in serum PRL levels were observed in vivo, following GHRP-5 treatment, the lactotroph population experienced evident fine structure modifications, concordant with an upsurge of PRL synthesis. These observations confirmed a direct action of GHRP-5 on receptors expressed by lactotrophs. The differential actions of GHRP-5 on in vivo and in vitro designs confirm a different effectiveness of this secretagogue to induce PRL secretion.

Behaviour of a somatotroph population under a growth hormone releasing peptide treatment

In this investigation, we studied the effects of Momany peptide (GHRP-5), on somatotroph secretory activity. Acute and chronic administration of GHRP-5 provokes a significant release of growth hormone that can be closely correlated with ultrastructural changes in somatotroph populations. After 3,5 and 7 days of GHRP-5 treatment, two somatotroph cell subpopulations coexist. One of them has an enhanced secretory activity and the other presents a quiescent appearance. Therefore, pituitary growth hormone content was not affected in the first seven days of GHRP-5 treatment. After 14 days, there was a significant depletion of growth hormone pituitary content coincident with the highest levels of serum growth hormone. These results concur with the surge of a new hyperactive somatotroph subtype characterised by numerous immature secretory granules that are discharged bypassing the maturation step. Acute and chronic treatments caused no changes in somatotroph cell density, the area immunostained for growth hormone and the levels of total mRNA for transcription factor pit-1. The results of pituitary cell cultures incubated with specific blockers for different signalling pathways demonstrated an involvement of the phospholipase C-inositol phosphate system in GHRP-5 stimulated somatotroph secretion. GHRP-5 treatment enhanced significantly the release of growth hormone, thereby eliciting ultrastructural modifications in somatotrophs that can be correlated with an increased secretory activity devoid of cell density changes.

Somatotroph response to periodical IGF-I administration to male rats

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) downregulates growth hormone (GH) expression in pituitary cell cultures. However, in vivo different results were found depending on the experimental protocol used. We determined the kinetics of changes of pituitary and serum GH concentrations after subcutaneous IGF-I administration (240 microg/100 g body weight) to rats every 12 h for various periods. These parameters were correlated with changes in the somatotroph cell population. A significant increase in serum GH was registered at 6 h after IGF-I injection. At this time, some somatotroph cells exhibited ultrastructurally signs of high secretory activity, whereas adjacent somatotroph cells showed a quiescent appearance with sizeable stores of secretory granules. In contrast, serum GH levels remained unchanged at 1, 2 and 12 h after each IGF-I injection. Pituitary GH concentrations were comparable to control levels during the first 48 h and declined significantly at 72 h and 96 h of IGF-I treatment. After these prolonged periods of time of treatment, the size and extension of organelles involved in protein synthesis decreased and mature secretory granules in the cytoplasm increased significantly in GH-secreting cells. The somatotroph cell density remained unchanged even at 96 h of treatment. In conclusion, our results suggest that periodical IGF-I administration to rats does not inhibit GH secretion. Interestingly, IGF-I injections induced early and significant increases in serum GH levels. This result may be a consequence of a temporary stimulatory action on somatotroph cells concurrent with increased secretory activity.

Cardiovascular effects of visnagin on rats

The present article describes the effects of visnagin on systolic blood pressure and heart rate in the anaesthetized rat. Intravenous administration of visnagin (0.3-5 mg kg-1) produced dose-related decreases in blood pressure with no significative changes in heart rate. Under nitric oxide synthase inhibition (L-NAME, 50 mg kg-1) the hypotensive effects of visnagin (5 mg kg-1) were not affected. Visnagin (5 x 10(-6) M-10(-4) M) produced a weak decrease in the rate and amplitude of spontaneous contractions in right atria. Visnagin also caused a weak decrease in peak contractile force and the df/dtmax with no significant changes in the time to peak tension or the time for total contraction in left atria driven at a basal rate of 1 Hz. Visnagin (10(-5) M, 5 x 10(-5) M and 10(-4) M) concentration-dependently decreased pressor response to KCl (IC50 = 5.1 +/- 2.5 x 10(-5) M) and noradrenaline (IC50 = 2.6 +/- 0.9 x 10(-5) M) in rat isolated mesenteric beds. Visnagin (3 x 10(-7) M-10(-4) M) induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of isolated mesenteric arteries contracted by noradrenaline (IC50 = 1.7 +/- 0.8 x 10(-5) M). The relaxant effects in the absence of functional endothelium were not significantly different (IC50 = 1.5 +/- 0.3 x 10(-5) M, P > 0.05) from those observed in segments with intact endothelium. In conclusion, the main mechanism responsible for the acute hypotensive effect of visnagin is the vasorelaxant response induced by this drug in resistance arteries.

Effects of visnagin on cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases and their role in its inhibitory effects on vascular smooth muscle contraction

1. Visnagin relaxed aortae previously contracted by noradrenaline. This effect was unalterated by endothelium removal and potentiated, at high concentrations, by the previous incubation with sodium nitroprusside. 2. Visnagin weakly inhibited the hydrolytic activity of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozymes (PDE5, PDE4, PDE3, cyclic GMP activated PDE2 and PDE1). 3. The present results indicate an involvement of PDE inhibition in the relaxant effect of visnagin at high concentration (>5x10(-5) M).

High performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of lobenzarit disodium in a sustained release tablet formulation

A rapid and simple high performance liquid chromatographic method is described and validated for the determination of lobenzarit disodium (CAS 64808-48-6) in a sustained release tablet formulation. The calibration graph was linear over the range 20-105 micrograms/ml. The sensitivity (discriminator capacity) was 2.079 micrograms/ml. The coefficient of variations for repeatability and reproducibility were less than 1.60% and 1.30%, respectively. The accuracy of the method did not depend on lobenzarit concentration in tablets. The mean recovery was found to be 100.62%. The method was selective, even when degradation products were present.

Heterogeneity of pituitary lactotrophs: immunocytochemical identification of functional subtypes

The existence of functional lactotroph subpopulations was confirmed in primary pituitary cell cultures of female rats submitted to estrogen treatment and stimulation with thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) and angiotensin II (A-II). In cell cultures of pituitary tissue, prolactin (PRL) producing cells represent about 50% of the total cell count, most of which (90%) correspond to a typical lactotroph subpopulation characterized by large secretory granules, 500-900 nm in diameter, and well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and Golgi complex. Few atypical lactotrophs were detected with a quiescent appearance and containing smaller secretory granules, often indistinguishable from granular content of other pituitary cells. Depletion of endogenous estrogen caused by ovariectomy (OVX) decreased the pituitary lactotroph population about 34%, with a relative increase of atypical forms (56%). Replacement therapy with benzoate estradiol (EB) to OVX rats did not reverse the proportion of typical and atypical lactotrophs gauged in control pituitary glands. The predominant lactotroph population of OVX rat was an atypical PRL producing cell which displayed a quiescent appearance compatible with a reduced secretory activity. By contrast, estrogen administration to OVX rats caused a striking development of the RER, a hypertrophy of the Golgi complex and an increased storage of mature and immature secretory granules in the majority of lactotrophs. These features are compatible with a reactivated protein synthesis. Estrogen also enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) the responsiveness of lactotrophs to A-II and the PRL secretion in both intact and OVX + EB treated rats increased by 40% and 30% respectively. By contrast, A-II did not produce any statistically significant response of lactotrophs from OVX female rats. At variance to this observation, in all models tested TRH increased significantly the PRL secretion (p < 0.05). The correlation of PRL secretion and morphology of different lactotroph subtypes authenticates the existence of a lactotroph subpopulation unresponsive to A-II in pituitary cell cultures from rats depleted of estrogen.

An alternative pathway for clearance of dead lactotropes from rat pituitary gland

In the pituitary glands of lactating rats there is a striking proliferation of lactotropes during pregnancy and lactation. After the cessation of lactation, the population of lactotropes experiences an extensive programmed cell death of redundant cells until it reaches prepregnancy levels. The regressive changes occurring in lactotropes are autolytic in nature and usually these cells are engulfed by stellate cells. Other involuting lactotropes are mobilized toward the blood capillaries and some go into the capillary lumen for final disposal, presumably in the mononuclear phagocyte system. In this study we report a sequence of events occurring in regressing lactotropes, investigated by a systematic electron microscope analysis of the rat pituitary gland at different periods after interruption of lactation. Direct disposal of degenerating lactotropes and their cell remnants appears to be an alternative pathway for the clearance of the regressing cells that occur extensively among surplus lactotropes following ablactation.

Influence of L-triiodothyronine on rat somatotroph cells

The L-Triiodothyronine (L-T3) has a direct influence on the population of somatotrophs in rat pituitary gland. This effect is dose-dependent and induces both proliferation of somatotrophs and striking changes in the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH). Daily injections of 5 micrograms L-T3 for 7 days increased significantly the synthesis and storage of GH in pituitary gland, but the GH release was partially blocked. By contrast, injections of 10 micrograms L-T3 promote rapid synthesis and secretion of GH with removal of the cytoplasmic stores of the hormone and a consequent rise of serum levels. A close correlation was found between levels of stimulation and proliferation or retrogression of lactotroph cell population.

Formulation of BCNU-loaded microspheres: influence of drug stability and solubility on the design of the microencapsulation procedure

The design of a microencapsulation procedure for the preparation of biodegradable BCNU-loaded microspheres used as intracerebral implants is the aim of this work. This approach will give sustained high local concentrations of the anti-tumour drug in the brain without the associated significant systemic toxicity. The microencapsulation technique used is a solvent-evaporation process based on the formation of an oil-in-water emulsion. The stability of BCNU in methylene chloride saturated with water and its high value of partition coefficient between methylene chloride and water justifies the selection of this organic solvent as the dispersed phase in the methodology. A spectrophotometric method for the quantification of BCNU in mixtures containing PLAGA is developed which allows the evaluation of drug photodecomposition. The volume of methylene chloride and the concentration of PVA in the external aqueous phase are the two variables that induce the largest variations of the microsphere size. The two main process parameters leading to the highest microencapsulation yield are the polymer concentration in the organic phase and the volume of the external aqueous phase; whereas the pH of the external aqueous phase and the use of co-solvents in the organic phase lead only to a small improvement in microsphere payload.

Vasodilator effects of visnagin in isolated rat vascular smooth muscle

Visnagin (4-methoxy-7-methyl-5H-furo [3,2-g][1]-benzopyran-5-one) is an active principle of the fruit of Ammi visnaga, a plant traditionally used in cardiovascular disorders. We have studied its vasodilator effects in rat vascular smooth muscle. The results demonstrated that visnagin inhibited the contractile responses induced in rat aortic rings by: (a) KCl or increases of extracellullar Ca2+ in KCl depolarized aortic rings, its effects being more potent against low (20 mM) than high (80 mM) KCl-induced contractions, (b) noradrenaline in Ca(2+)-containing solution and less effectively those in Ca(2+)-free solution and (c) phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in a Ca(2+)-containing and with a lower potency in Ca(2+)-free medium. The relaxation induced by visnagin in aorta precontracted with noradrenaline was not affected by endothelium removal. Additionally, visnagin inhibited the spontaneous myogenic contractions of portal veins. The results showed that visnagin inhibited vascular smooth muscle contractility by acting at multiple sites. In the range of 10(-6) M to 5 x 10(-5) M visnagin appears to inhibit only the contractions mediated by Ca2+ entry through pathways with low sensitivity to classical Ca(2+)-entry blockers, i.e. agonist-, PMA- or mild depolarization-induced Ca2+ entry. Therefore, the vasodilator profile of visnagin, is not that of typical Ca(2+)-entry blockers which preferentially inhibit the contractions induced by strong depolarizations. At higher concentrations (> 5 x 10(-5) M) visnagin causes non-specific inhibition of vascular smooth muscle contractility.

Changes in thyrotroph and somatotroph cell populations induced by stimulation and inhibition of their secretory activity

The populations of cells which produce immunoreactive growth hormone (GH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the rat pituitary gland do not occur in fixed percentages but vary greatly under different physiological and experimental conditions. These variations can be directly correlated to the levels of stimulation and/or inhibition of the specific secretory activity. In both types of cell, sustained stimulation with trophic hormones or blockage of the feedback mechanisms induces remarkable growth in the specific cell population. Conversely, the interruption or inhibition of the stimulus thwarted the hormonal secretion and caused a massive degeneration of redundant cells. The stimulation of both GH and TSH cells is accompanied by an enhanced secretory activity as judged by their higher concentrations in serum and hypertrophy of the cytoplasmic organelles involved in synthesis and intracellular processing of the hormones. By contrast, interruption of the stimulus is followed by a variable degree of disruption of the cytoplasmic organization, including a sizable degeneration of cells. In stimulated rats, the concentrations of both GH and TSH decreased significantly in pituitary tissue due to mobilization of the hormonal stores contained in secretory granules. On the other hand, the withdrawal of stimuli blocked the hormonal release; this is reflected by the accumulation of both hormones and secretory granules in pituitary tissue. The strict correlation between the size of the GH and TSH populations with stimulation and inhibition of hormonal secretory activity reported in this investigation further supports the critical role played by the cell renewal process in endocrine secretion.

Bioactivity and immunoreactivity of rat pituitary prolactin submitted to various extraction procedures

Pituitary glands of rats, injected with estrogen to increase the prolactin (PRL) storage in secretory granules, were submitted to various extraction procedures for prolactin. Homogenization and centrifugation of pituitary tissue, in Tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.3, yielded a small amount of radioimmunoassayable prolactin, which increased remarkably after extraction in alkaline pH, disruption of granular membranes with Lubrol and specially after treatment with 2.5 mol/l urea. Nb2 lymphoma cell and pigeon crop sac bioassay (BA) revealed higher levels of bioactivity after extraction in Tris buffer, pH 7.3, in comparison to RIA, with BA/RIA ratios of 1.4 and 2.3, respectively. Bioassays of pituitary PRL extracted with Lubrol and alkaline medium, were less effective in quantifying PRL than RIA. Treatment of pituitary homogenates with urea produced the highest levels of PRL by both BA and RIA, with BA/RIA ratios close to 1. The thorough depolymerization of big PRL effected by urea produced the release of monomeric subunits which allows a complete quantification of the total content in the pituitary gland.

The mammosomatotroph: a transitional cell between growth hormone and prolactin producing cells? An immunocytochemical study

In this report the occurrence of mammosomatotroph (MS) cells was correlated with changes in the somatotroph population of adult rat pituitary gland submitted to various experimental conditions (ovariectomized, orchidectomized and intact males, and after treatment with oestradiol benzoate). Cell and volume density of somatotrophs were assessed in sections stained with the immunogold-silver enhancement technique. Mammosomatotrophs were identified by double immunogold labelling at the electron microscopic level. Colocalization of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) in the same cell was rarely observed. Only a few MS cells (0.1-0.2% of all parenchymal cells) were found in some experimental models. Oestrogen treatment decreased both cell and volume density of somatotrophs in ovariectomized rats. In this model, serum GH increased significantly but no changes in the pituitary content of the hormone were observed. Our results demonstrate that MS cells are an uncommon cell type in the pituitary of adult ovariectomized, orchidectomized and intact male rats. The oestrogen treatment, which is well known to induce proliferation of lactotrophs, has no effects on the MS population. Data presented in this report do not support the suggested role for mammosomatotrophs as transitional cells in the presumptive interconversion of PRL and GH producing cells.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of two new antitumor agents from 1-8 naphthalimides in tablets. Validation of a high performance liquid chromatography method

A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the qualitative and quantitative determination of amonafide (CAS 69408-81-7) and mitonafide (CAS 54824-17-8), two new antineoplastic molecules, in finished pharmaceutical dosage forms (tablets) is developed and validated. The results submitted in this work suggest that HPLC method is linear (range 0.54 microgram to 2.70 micrograms for amonafide, and 1.40 micrograms to 5.25 micrograms for mitonafide), sensitive (discriminator capacity 0.1098 microgram for amonafide and 0.1324 microgram for mitonafide), precise (coefficient of variation < or = 2.39% within run, < or = 1.18% between run for tablets with amonafide, and < or = 1.38% within run and < or = 0.96% between run for tablets with mitonafide), accurate (mean recovery 97.55, 98.85, 98.905% for the three different kinds of tablets with amonafide, and 100.73, 101.54% for the two types of tablets with mitonafide) and selective, even when degradation products are present. The volume of extractor liquid must be specially taken into account with regard to the accuracy of the method, because drug extraction can be influenced by the nature of the excipients.

Influence of lactotroph cell density on prolactin secretion in rats

The relationships between the stimulation of prolactin secretion and proliferation of lactotrophs was studied from a multidisciplinary standpoint in three experimental models. Administration of both oestrogen and sulpiride resulted in a significant increase in prolactin secretion and in the lactotroph population. A single injection of 10 micrograms oestradiol benzoate (OB) induced a twofold increase in the proliferation of lactotrophs (morphometrically as volume density), which increased further (2.5-fold) after three OB injections. Parallel changes were observed in the net counts made on lactotrophs sectioned through the nucleus to avoid possible distortions in volume density caused by hypertrophic cytoplasms. Comparable results were obtained with the mitotic index in the same groups of rats exposed to treatment with colchicine. The effect of sulpiride on proliferation of lactotrophs was also significant (1.7-fold) but less pronounced than in rats treated with oestrogens. The treatments with oestrogen and sulpiride did not stimulate lactotrophic activity in a similar way, as judged by the levels of serum prolactin and the storage patterns of small and big prolactin in pituitary glands. Serum prolactin (mean +/- S.E.M.) in control ovariectomized rats was 4.0 +/- 0.9 micrograms/l and one and three injections of OB raised these levels to 14.4 +/- 5.0 and 28.8 +/- 4.6 micrograms/l respectively. The highest levels of serum prolactin were seen in sulpiride-treated rats (467.2 +/- 28.7 micrograms/l). Striking differences occurred in the pituitary contents of big prolactin, the control values increasing from 5.3 +/- 0.5 to 10.2 +/- 1.3 micrograms/mg after one OB injection and to 14.7 +/- 0.7 micrograms/mg after three OB injections.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Extraction of rat pituitary prolactin for radioimmunoassay

The bulk of Prolactin (PRL) in rat pituitary gland stored as big molecular forms in secretory granules is mostly excluded from radioimmunoassay (RIA) determinations because secretory granules remain intact after tissue homogenization. Also big PRL is little immunoreactive and must be deaggregated to monomers to allow a complete detection by RIA. Different dissociating agents, used to render PRL monomers soluble, were tested at various temperatures and pH conditions. Incubations of pituitary homogenates in buffers at neutral pH yield consistent levels of PRL, but the sole alkalinization of the media increases significantly the radioimmunoassayable PRL content. No significant increase was detected with EDTA and thiols. The 2.5 M urea was the most effective extraction agent increasing about 7-fold the quantification of PRL by RIA. Extraction of PRL with urea was enhanced at pH 9.0 and at 4 C and this combination constitutes the method of choice for a complete extraction of pituitary PRL.

Release of big and small molecular forms of prolactin: dependence upon dynamic state of the lactotroph

Secretion of different molecular forms of prolactin was studied from a multidisciplinary standpoint in three different experimental rat models which covered the broadest range of lactotrophic activity. The results obtained allowed the recognition of common secretory patterns in stimulated, inhibited and hyperstimulated lactotrophic activity. Polymeric (big) prolactin is stored exclusively in membrane-bound secretory granules and appears to be a convenient biochemical marker with which to quantify the pool of hormone stored in the cell cytoplasm, while monomeric (small) prolactin represents a pool of newly synthesized hormone which is loosely coupled to organelles involved in its intracellular processing. Most of the prolactin in stimulated lactotrophs is processed through a regulated pathway and the hormone released by exocytosis of secretory granules. Interruption of stimulation resulted in accumulation of secretory granules and polymeric prolactin. In hyperstimulated lactotrophs the polymerization and aggregation of prolactin into secretory granules was bypassed and most of the hormone released directly after its synthesis. The pattern of prolactin secretion could be closely correlated with the dynamic state of the lactotroph.

Regression of redundant lactotrophs in rat pituitary gland after cessation of lactation

Regressive changes occurring in the pituitary gland of the rat after removal of litters were studied. Pituitary glands of lactating rats were characterized by the presence of numerous hypertrophied lactotrophs. Interruption of lactation caused a blockade of prolactin synthesis and secretion, followed by degeneration of lactotrophs. Morphometric analysis of pituitary glands revealed that lactotrophs accounted for about 50% of the total hypophysial cell count in lactating rats. This percentage decreased progressively and reached pre-pregnant levels 7 days after removal of litters; the decrease was inversely correlated with an increase in the number of degenerating lactotrophs which comprised 30% of all lactotrophs 72 h after removal of litters. The morphological changes found in lactotrophs were closely related to changes in the prolactin content of serum and the pituitary gland. Regression of lactotrophs appeared to be the most important cause inducing the reversal of hypophysial lactotrophic activity to pre-pregnant conditions.

Subcellular compartmentation of prolactin in rat lactotrophs

The intracellular localization of different molecular forms of prolactin was studied in various experimental models covering a wide range of secretory states. By correlating electron microscopy, morphometry and quantification of monomeric (small) and polymeric (big) prolactin after differential extraction procedures, big prolactin was found stored in secretory granules while small prolactin was loosely associated with all organelles involved in hormone synthesis and processing. No correlation with levels of lactotrophic secretory activity was detected by either the number of secretory granules or prolactin content in lactotrophs.