Restasis for the treatment of 'dry eye' in Aotus nancymaae

BACKGROUND

This case report describes the treatment of three male owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) diagnosed with chronic dry eye with a topical cyclosporine product, Restasis, approved for use in humans. These owl monkeys had ocular disease resulting from procedures performed at a biotechnology company. They were moved to the Center for Neotropical Primate Research and Resources at University of South Alabama to be incorporated into the breeding colony.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Schirmer tear testing was performed initially and during the course of treatment to monitor efficacy of twice daily administered Restasis. The goals of treatment were to reduce pain and/or distress and if possible to quantitatively increase tear production.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

All animals had improvements in conjunctival inflammation and had an increase in tear production.

Overexpression of the FK506-binding immunophilin FKBP51 is the common cause of glucocorticoid resistance in three New World primates

Many New World primates have high circulating levels of cortisol to compensate for the expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) with low activity. Recent work in squirrel monkeys has suggested that this may be due to either the expression of GRs that are transcriptionally incompetent or the expression of an FK506-binding immunophilin that inhibits GR binding. The goal of this study was to resolve this controversy by determining the molecular basis of glucocorticoid resistance not only in species of squirrel monkeys but also in other glucocorticoid-resistant New World primates. First, the transcriptional activity of the GR from the Bolivian squirrel monkey was compared to that of the human GR. Incubation of COS-7 cells transfected with the squirrel monkey GR with 10 nM dexamethasone resulted in a robust stimulation of MMTV-luciferase activity (up to 260-fold), which was similar in magnitude to that achieved with the human GR. Second, the effect of FK506 on GR binding was determined in cytosol from cells from two species of squirrel monkeys as well as glucocorticoid-resistant cotton-top tamarins and owl monkeys. Incubation with 10 microM FK506 increased GR binding by at least 4-fold in cytosol from cells of each of the New World primates but had no effect on GR binding in cytosol from human WI-38 VA13 cells. Third, Western blots showed elevated expression of FKBP51 in New World primate cells and liver samples from two squirrel monkey species. On the other hand, the levels of FKBP52 were significantly lower in cells and liver from New World primates. The sequences of FKBP51 from the cotton-top tamarin, owl monkey and squirrel monkey are closely related and share differences from the human, rhesus monkey, mouse, and lemur FKBP51 sequences in the same 18 positions. Fourth, the relative activities of FKBP51 from the cotton-top tamarin, owl monkey and squirrel monkey were determined in cytosol mixing and GR transactivation studies and showed that FKBP51 from each of these primates was a potent inhibitor of GR activity. These results indicate that the elevated expression of FKBP51 contributes to glucocorticoid resistance in three New World primate genera.

The origin of four squirrel monkey cell lines established by karyotype analysis

The squirrel monkey is a neotropical primate genus which is widely used in biomedical research but includes individual species and subspecies that respond differently to experimental perturbations. GTG-banding patterns of chromosomes 15 and 16, which are distinct among different squirrel monkey species and subspecies, were used to determine the origin of three lung fibroblast cell lines from squirrel monkeys of unknown genetic background (DPSO 114/74, SqMkLu/68, and 7603830) and to confirm the origin of a lymphoblast cell line (GSML) recently established from Guyanese squirrel monkey. DPSO 114/74 cells are from Peruvian squirrel monkey, SqMkLu/68 cells are Bolivian squirrel monkey, and 7603830 cells are from a Peruvian/Bolivian hybrid. Chromosome analysis of GSML cells confirmed that they are from Guyanese squirrel monkey.

Identification of an estrogen-inducible phosphatase (PP5) that converts MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells into an estrogen-independent phenotype when expressed constitutively

The proliferation of many estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells depends on estradiol, and tumors arising from these cells are often responsive initially to treatment with selective ER modulators, which produce an antiestrogen effect. However, tumors that are refractory to the antiestrogenic effects of selective ER modulators often reemerge, and the prognosis for these patients is poor because of the lack of additional effective therapy. Accordingly, deciphering the cellular events associated with estrogen-dependent growth and the subsequent outgrowth of tumors with an estrogen-independent phenotype is of considerable interest. Here we show that the expression of PP5, an evolutionarily conserved Ser/Thr phosphatase that functions as an inhibitor of glucocorticoid- and p53-induced signaling cascades leading to growth suppression, is responsive to 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) in ER-positive human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7). Northern analysis revealed that E(2)-induced PP5 expression is blocked by treatment with tamoxifen, and a consensus ER recognition element was identified in the PP5 promoter. The PP5-ER recognition element associates with human ERs and confers E(2)-induced transcriptional activation to reporter plasmids. The specific inhibition of PP5 expression ablates E(2)-mediated proliferation in MCF-7 cells without having an apparent effect on E(2)-induced expression of c-myc or cyclin D1. Thus, although critical for cell growth, PP5 likely acts either downstream or independently of c-Myc and Cyclin D1. To further characterize the role of PP5 in E(2)-regulated growth control, we constructed stable MCF-7 cell lines in which the expression of PP5 was placed under the control of tetracycline-regulated transactivator and operator plasmids. Studies with these cells revealed that the constitutive overexpression of PP5 affords E(2)-dependent MCF-7 cells with the ability to proliferate in E(2)-depleted media. Together, these studies indicate that E(2)-induced PP5 expression functions to enhance E(2)-initiated signaling cascades leading to cell division and that aberrant PP5 expression may contribute to the development of MCF-7 cells with an estrogen-independent phenotype.

Squirrel monkey immunophilin FKBP51 is a potent inhibitor of glucocorticoid receptor binding

Squirrel monkeys have high circulating cortisol to compensate for expression of low-affinity glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). We have demonstrated that the FK506-binding immunophilin FKBP51 is elevated in squirrel monkey lymphocytes (SML) and, in preliminary studies, have shown that squirrel monkey FKBP51 is inhibitory to GR binding. In this report, we have demonstrated that elevated FKBP51 is the unequivocal cause of glucocorticoid resistance in SML in the following ways: 1) FK506 increased GR binding in cytosol from SML in a concentration-dependent manner, an effect reproduced by rapamycin but not cyclosporin A. The apparent K6 (6.1 nM) and rank-order of steroid displacement of [3H]dexamethasone binding in FK506-treated SML cytosol are characteristic of high-affinity GR binding. 2) cytosol from COS-7 cells expressing squirrel monkey FKBP51 inhibited GR binding in cytosol from human lymphocytes by 74%. Cytosol from COS-7 cells expressing human FKBP51 inhibited GR binding by 23%. 3) expression of squirrel monkey FKBP51 increased the median effective concentration (EC50) for dexamethasone in GR transactivation studies in COS-7 cells by approximately 17-fold, compared with the EC50 in control cells. The expression of human FKBP51 increased the EC50 for dexamethasone in COS-7 cells by less than 3-fold, compared with control. Squirrel monkey FKBP51 shares 94% overall amino acid homology with human FKBP51, with 92% and 99% homology with human FKBP51 in the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase and the tetratricopeptide repeat domains, respectively. Amino acid differences in the more variable N- or C-terminal regions or in regions which join the highly homologous functional domains may be responsible for its more potent inhibitory activity.

Isolation and characterization of the human secretogranin II gene promoter

The goal of this study was to isolate and functionally characterize the human secretogranin II (SgII) gene promoter. SgII is a member of the granin family of proteins which are selectively expressed in neurosecretory cells. The human SgII promoter contains a consensus TATA box and cyclic AMP response element (CRE) 35 and 74 bp upstream of the transcription start site, respectively, elements also found in the mouse and rat SgII gene promoters. Transfection studies showed that 869 bp of the human SgII promoter were sufficient to confer cell type-specific expression of an SgII promoter-luciferase reporter gene in neurosecretory PC-12, GH and BE(2)-M17 cells. The activity of the human SgII promoter was also compared in three N-type, human neuroblastoma cell lines [BE(2)-M17, SMS-KAN and SH-SY5Y], which differ markedly in the level of SgII expression. SgII promoter activities in the neuroblastoma cell lines correlated not only with the levels of SgII but also the levels of the cyclic AMP response element-binding protein CREB which were highest in BE(2)-M17 cells and lowest in SH-SY5Y cells. To establish that the activity of the human SgII promoter in these neuroblastoma cell lines is dependent on the level of CREB, rat CREB was overexpressed in SH-SY5Y cells. SgII promoter activity was up to 8-fold higher in SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing CREB. These results suggest that SgII expression is a marker for neuronal differentiation in human neuroblastoma cell lines and is dependent on the level of CREB expression.

Ser/Thr protein phosphatase type 5 (PP5) is a negative regulator of glucocorticoid receptor-mediated growth arrest

Ligand-induced glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation has recently been linked to the inhibition of cell proliferation via the transcriptional induction of p21(WAF1/Cip1), which functions as a universal inhibitor of cyclin-dependent protein kinases. Herein, we identify a Ser/Thr protein phosphatase (PP5) that promotes cellular proliferation by inhibiting both glucocorticoid and p53-mediated signaling pathways leading to p21(WAF1/Cip1)-mediated growth arrest. The suppression of PP5 expression (1) markedly increases the association of GR with its cognate DNA-binding sequence, (2) induces GR transcriptional activity without the addition of hormone, and (3) increases dexamethasone-mediated induction of GR reporter activity to a level that is approximately 10 times greater than the maximal response obtainable in the presence of PP5. PP5 has no apparent effect on the binding of hormone to the GR, and dexamethasone-mediated growth arrest correlates with an increase in p53 phosphorylation. Comparative studies in p53-wild-type, p53-defective, and p53-deficient cell lines indicate that either (1) p53 participates in GR-mediated induction of p21(WAF1/Cip1), with the hyperphosphorylation of basal p53 induced by glucocorticoids sufficient for the propagation of an antiproliferative response when PP5 expression is inhibited, or (2) PP5 acts where p53-mediated and GR-induced signaling networks converge to regulate the transcriptional induction of p21(WAF1/Cip1). Thus, aberrant PP5 expression may have an additive effect on the development of human cancers by promoting cell proliferation via the inhibition of a GR-induced antiproliferative signaling cascade, and facilitating neoplastic transformation via the inhibition of a growth-arresting p53-mediated response that guards against genomic instability.

Glucocorticoid resistance in the squirrel monkey is associated with overexpression of the immunophilin FKBP51

Squirrel monkeys are neotropical primates that have high circulating cortisol to compensate for expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) with reduced affinity. The low binding affinity of squirrel monkey GR does not result from substitutions in the receptor, because squirrel monkey GR expressed in vitro exhibits high affinity. Rather, squirrel monkeys express a soluble factor that, in mixing studies of cytosol from squirrel monkey lymphocytes (SML) and mouse L929 cells, reduced GR binding affinity by 11-fold. In an effort to identify this factor, the cellular levels of components of the GR heterocomplex in SML and human lymphocytes (HL) were compared. The immunophilin FKBP51 was 13-fold higher in SML than in HL cytosol; FKBP52 in SML was 42% of that in HL cytosol. A role for changes in immunophilins, causing glucocorticoid resistance in neotropical primates, is supported by the following: the changes in FKBP51 and FKBP52 were observed in cells from other neotropical primates with glucocorticoid resistance; the elevated level of FKBP51 was reflected in an abundance of FKBP51 in heat shock protein 90 complexes in SML; when cytosols of SML and L929 cells were mixed, the decrease in GR binding was associated with incorporation of FKBP51 into GR heterocomplexes; the effect of SML cytosol on GR binding was reproduced with cytosol from COS cells expressing squirrel monkey FKBP51; and both the effect of SML cytosol on GR binding and the incorporation of FKBP51 into GR heterocomplexes were blocked by FK506. Regulation of GR binding by FKBP51 represents a previously unrecognized mechanism for regulating glucocorticoid sensitivity.

Glucocorticoid-resistant B-lymphoblast cell line derived from the Bolivian squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis)

The goal of the study reported here was to develop a continuous cell line from the squirrel monkey that expresses the species-specific phenotype of impaired sensitivity to glucocorticoids. Thirty milliliters of blood from a male Bolivian squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) was fractionated, and the buffy coat was obtained and incubated in the presence of B95-8 cell-conditioned medium, an abundant source of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and 2 micrograms of cyclosporin A/ml. Cell growth was detected within 8 weeks, after which the cells were cloned by use of the limiting dilution method. One clone (4D8) was characterized in detail. The chromosomal count and G-banding pattern confirmed that the cells were of Bolivian squirrel monkey origin. The B-cell origin of these cells was indicated by electron microscopic analysis and was confirmed by expression of CD20. The cells stained strongly for LMP1, a marker of latent EBV infection, and occasionally for the lytic infection marker ZEBRA (BZLF1). The responsiveness of clone 4D8 cells to glucocorticoids was determined by comparing the effects of dexamethasone on cell growth and the induction of a glucocorticoid-inducible mRNA in 4D8 cells with the effects on a human EBV-transformed B-lymphoblast cell line (HL). Dexamethasone inhibited the growth of HL cells, with IC50 of approximately 9 nM, but had no effect on the growth of 4D8 cells. The induction of FK506-binding protein FKBP51 mRNA by dexamethasone was also significantly blunted in 4D8 cells. Thus, we have developed and characterized a squirrel monkey lymphoblastic cell line derived by transformation of B-lymphocytes with EBV; the cell line has diminished growth and transcriptional responses to glucocorticoids.

The cAMP-response element mediates induction of secretogranin II by CHX and FSK in GH4C1 cells

The effect of cAMP on secretogranin II (SgII) gene transcription in GH4C1 (GH) cells is not observed unless protein synthesis is inhibited. We have defined elements in the SgII promoter that mediate regulation by cycloheximide (CHX) and forskolin (FSK) and characterized the nuclear proteins that interact with them. GH cells were transfected with p2774Luc, p351Luc, p242Luc, and p223Luc containing 2,612, 189, 80, and 61 bp of the SgII promoter upstream of the luciferase gene, respectively. Treatment with CHX and FSK increased promoter activity 8- to 12-fold in cells transfected with p2774Luc, p351Luc, and p242Luc but had not effect in cells transfected with p223Luc. The same 19-bp element (-80 to -62) mediates regulation by CHX alone, as CHX caused a 3.8-fold increase in activity in GH cells transfected with p242Luc but not p223Luc. Gel mobility shifts using sequences -84 to -53 resulted in three complexes, which contained cAMP response element-binding protein heterodimerized with cAMP response element modulator or activating transcription factor-1. No differences were observed in complex formation when cells were treated with either CHX, FSK, or CHX and FSK. Thus CHX affects the response to FSK in GH cells by inhibiting the synthesis of a protein, which does not itself interact with DNA or affect the binding of CRE-binding proteins with the SgII promoter, but likely interferes with the interaction of CRE-binding proteins with the general transcriptional machinery.

PACAP colocalizes with luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone immunoreactivities in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its close relative vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were demonstrated in the anterior pituitary gland. The cells which exhibited PACAP immunoreactivity were oval or round shaped. Their distribution was similar to that of gonadotropes but the number of PACAP immunoreactive cells was less. Double labeling revealed that PACAP immunoreactivity partially colocalized with luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone; however, colocalization with other pituitary hormone immunoreactivities was not demonstrated. Our results suggest an autocrine or paracrine role of PACAP in the regulation of pituitary functions.

Epidermal growth factor reduces L-type voltage-activated calcium current density in GH4C1 rat pituitary cells

Long-term treatment of rat pituitary tumor cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) inhibits 45Ca2+ uptake, intracellular calcium levels and subsequent prolactin secretion in response to membrane depolarization. In the present study we have used whole-cell voltage-clamp and single-channel patch-clamp recording to determine directly the effects of EGF (10 nM for 48 h) on L-type calcium current density, the current-voltage relationship, single-channel amplitude, and opening and closing dwell times in rat GH4C1 pituitary tumor cells. Sustained, nimodipine-sensitive inward currents (barium as the carrier) with an activation threshold of approximately -30 mV were elicited in both control and EGF-treated GH4C1 cells by depolarization. Mean current density normalized to membrane capacitance was reduced to 45% of control after EGF treatment. There was no difference in the voltage-dependent activation of L-type channels between control and EGF-treated cells. Analysis of single-channel current recordings showed that EGF treatment had no effect on unitary current amplitude or channel open and close durations. These results suggest that EGF reduces the number of voltage-gated calcium channels in GH4C1 cell membranes, which likely contributes to the decreased calcium uptake.

Cloning and expression of the glucocorticoid receptor from the squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis), a glucocorticoid-resistant primate

New World primates such as the squirrel monkey have elevated cortisol levels and glucocorticoid resistance. We have shown that the apparent binding affinity of the glucocorticoid receptor in squirrel monkey lymphocytes is 5-fold lower than that in human lymphocytes (apparent Kd, 20.9 +/- 1.8 and 4.3 +/- 0.2 nmol/L, respectively; n = 3), consistent with previous studies in mononuclear leukocytes isolated from the two species. As a first step in understanding the mechanism of decreased binding affinity in New World primates, we used reverse transcription-PCR to clone the glucocorticoid receptor from squirrel monkey liver and have compared the sequence to receptor sequences obtained from owl monkey liver, cotton-top tamarin B95-8 cells, and human lymphocytes. The squirrel monkey glucocorticoid receptor is approximately 97% identical in nucleotide and amino acid sequence to the human receptor. The ligand-binding domain (amino acids 528-777) of the squirrel monkey glucocorticoid receptor contains four amino acid differences (Ser551 to Thr, Ser616 to Ala, Ala618 to Ser, and Ile761 to Leu), all of which are present in owl monkey and cotton-top tamarin receptors. The DNA-binding domain (amino acids 421-486) is completely conserved among human, squirrel monkey, owl monkey, and cotton-top tamarin receptors. Twenty-two differences from the human sequence were found in the N-terminal region (amino acids 1-421) of the squirrel monkey receptor. None of the substitutions in the ligand-binding domain matched mutations known to influence binding affinity in other species. To determine whether the substitutions per se were responsible for decreased affinity, squirrel monkey and human glucocorticoid receptors were expressed in the TNT Coupled Reticulocyte Lysate System. Expressions of human and squirrel monkey glucocorticoid receptors and a squirrel monkey receptor in which Phe774 was mutated to Leu (F774L) were similar. When expressed in the TNT System, squirrel monkey and human glucocorticoid receptors had similar, high affinity binding for dexamethasone (apparent Kd, 5.9 +/- 1.2 and 4.3 +/- 0.5 nmol/L, respectively; n = 3), whereas the squirrel monkey F774L receptor had lower affinity binding (apparent Kd, 20.4 +/- 2.0 nmol/L; n = 3). Thus, substitutions within the ligand-binding domain of the squirrel monkey glucocorticoid receptor cannot account for the decreased binding affinity of these receptors in squirrel monkey cells. Rather, the binding affinity is probably influenced by the expression of cytosolic factors that affect glucocorticoid receptor function.

Different ultrastructural localization of VIP and prolactin in anterior pituitary cells of rats chronically treated with estrogen

In the present study we investigated the effect of a long-term estrogen treatment on the intracellular distribution of VIP immunoreactivity in pituitary prolactin cells using double-labeling immunocytochemistry. With the use of pre-embedding ABC method it was found that VIP immunoreactivity was associated with the outer surface of membrane-bound organelles, and was not found in secretory granules. However, prolactin immunoreactivity demonstrated by postembedding immunogold technique was mainly associated within the secretory granules of the same cells. The discrepancy between our and Hsu et al.'s results (1989), who observed VIP immunoreactivity in secretory granules of human anterior pituitary cells, may be owing to the overstimulation of VIP cells by estrogen. It is possible that estrogen treatment depleted the VIP content of the secretory granules and enhanced the cytosolic VIP. The appearance of an alternative form of VIP in estrogen-treated rats with preferential distribution in the cytosol cannot be excluded.

Cell-specific expression of the rat secretogranin II promoter

Secretogranin II (SgII) is a member of the granin family of secretory proteins, which are selectively expressed in neuroendocrine cells. As a first step in understanding the molecular basis for cell type-specific expression of SgII, we isolated a 12-kb clone from a rat genomic library that contained the entire rat SgII coding region, the transcription initiation site, and approximately 3 kb of 5'-flanking region. Within 75 bp of the transcription start site (+1) we located a TATA box and a consensus cAMP responsive element. Within the 5'-flanking region, a number of potential cis-acting elements were identified, including 2 Pit-1 binding sites, 15 E box motifs, and near-perfect matches for AP-1 and AP-2 sites. To demonstrate cell type-specific expression the rat SgII gene, a plasmid containing 2.6 kb of the 5'-flanking region of the SgII gene fused to the luciferase reporter gene (p2774Luc) was transfected into rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells, rat pituitary GH4C1 (GH) cells, human BE(2)-M17 (M17) neuroblastoma cells, and mouse fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells. The promoter activity was 6- to 36-fold higher in neuroendocrine cells than in NIH/ 3T3 cells. Progressive deletions in the 5'-flanking region to 61 bp upstream of the start site (p223Luc) had no effect on promoter activity in PC-12 cells. On the other hand, a 5'-deletion in the SgII promoter to -1032 increased promoter activity 3.8-fold in GH cells. This level of expression was maintained when the SgII promoter was further truncated to -189, whereas truncation to -61 resulted in a 2.6-fold reduction in promoter activity. These results suggest that the sequence between -61 and +162 bp is sufficient for SgII promoter activity in PC-12 cells. However, other elements in the 5'-flanking region contribute to both positive and negative regulation of the rat SgII gene in GH cells.

Changes in bioactive prolactin-like activity in plasma and its relationship to incubation behavior in breeding ring doves

Previous radioimmunoassay (RIA) data indicate that plasma prolactin (PRL) is elevated during the late incubation and the early posthatching periods of the ring dove breeding cycle. Although these changes are temporally associated with changes in PRL-dependent crop sac growth, the precise relationship between immunoreactive and bioactive PRL has not been directly examined. To investigate this question and to further explore the relationship between sitting behavior and PRL secretion, we used rat Nb2 lymphoma cell proliferation to estimate the concentration of bioactive PRL-like activity (PLA) in the plasma of breeding ring doves. Serial dilutions of dove pituitary homogenate and dove plasma stimulated mitogenic responses that were parallel to those observed with purified ovine PRL. Changes in plasma PLA during the breeding cycle closely resembled changes in PRL that have been previously reported by RIA, although the relative changes in PLA were more pronounced. In both sexes, PLA remained at basal levels prior to egg laying and during early incubation (Day 4-5) but then abruptly increased to reach peak values near the time of hatching (Day 14-15). Activity remained high for 3-4 days after hatching, declined gradually thereafter, and returned to baseline values by Posthatching Days 14-17. Plasma PLA levels of birds sampled at the end of incubation were correlated with those of their breeding partners. In the majority of pairs, females had higher PLA levels than their mates at this stage even though no significant overall sex differences in PLA levels were observed. Plasma PLA declined precipitously in birds that were nest deprived on the last day of the incubation period. Nevertheless, plasma PLA levels of normally breeding birds at the end of incubation were not correlated with the average time spent in the nest during the incubation period. However, day-to-day variability in time spent in the nest correlated negatively with plasma PLA in incubating males, and females exhibited a similar trend that approached significance. These data suggest (1) that published RIA estimates of PRL are reasonably accurate reflections of changes in bioactive PLA in dove plasma and (2) that while sitting duration itself is not strongly related to plasma PLA, large day-to-day fluctuations in nest occupation time are associated with reduced PLA levels in incubating doves.

Regulation of secretogranin II mRNA in rat neuronal cultures

The regulation of SgII mRNA expression was investigated in primary cultures of neurons prepared from the hypothalamus and brainstem of 1-day-old rats. The administration of forskolin (FSK) resulted in a time- and dose-dependent increase in SgII mRNA expression, a 9-fold effect within 6 h being achieved with 10 microM FSK, which maximally increased cellular cAMP levels. SgII mRNA levels remained elevated for 24 h. Activation of protein kinase C with 100 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) also increased SgII mRNA expression, although induction with PMA was slower and more moderate (3.8-fold above control after 24 h). Neither 10 microM 1,9-dideoxyforskolin nor 100 nM 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, inactive analogues of FSK and PMA respectively, had an effect on SgII mRNA. Depolarization of neuronal cultures with 50 mM KCl had a small and variable effect on SgII mRNA levels (1.8-fold above control) in neuronal cultures and did not influence induction with FSK. To investigate whether neuron-like regulation of SgII mRNA expression could be reproduced in PC12 cells, PC12 cells were treated with 100 nM nerve growth factor (NGF) for 7 days prior to challenge with FSK or PMA. Whereas NGF alone modestly increased SgII mRNA expression in PC12 cells (1.8-fold above control), it did not uncover a stimulatory effect of FSK or PMA. These studies indicate that SgII mRNA expression is enhanced by an increase in cellular cAMP and activation of protein kinase C in primary cultures of neurons and emphasize that SgII mRNA is regulated in a cell-specific manner.

Transcriptional regulation of secretogranin II and chromogranin B by cyclic AMP in a rat pheochromocytoma cell line

When PC-12 cells were treated with 10 microM forskolin, the expression of two members of the granin family, secretogranin II (SgII) and chromogranin B (CgB), were differentially regulated. SgII mRNA levels declined progressively after forskolin treatment to reach a level of 22 +/- 1% of control after 48 hr, whereas CgB mRNA levels increased more rapidly, reaching a maximum of 3-fold above control after 24 hr. The dependence of these changes on an increase in cellular cAMP levels, activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), protein synthesis, and changes in the rate of transcription was investigated. The effects of forskolin on SgII and CgB mRNAs were reproduced by 1 mM 8-bromo-cAMP but not by 10 microM 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, an inactive analog of forskolin. The actions of forskolin on SgII and CgB mRNAs were blocked by treatment with 60 microM H-89, a selective PKA inhibitor, and were blunted in PKA-deficient PC-12 cell clones. To examine whether forskolin action was dependent on ongoing protein synthesis, PC-12 cells were treated with 1 microgram/ml cycloheximide before the addition of forskolin. The reduction in SgII mRNA levels by forskolin was not evident in PC-12 cells treated with cycloheximide. Rather, in the presence of cycloheximide, forskolin stimulated SgII mRNA levels 3.6 +/- 0.7-fold above control. The induction of CgB mRNA by forskolin was not affected by cycloheximide treatment. The superinduction of SgII mRNA by cycloheximide and forskolin was related to the extent of protein synthesis inhibition, was observed in cells treated with forskolin and other protein synthesis inhibitors, and was blunted in PKA-deficient PC-12 cells, suggesting that this effect was dependent on inhibition of protein synthesis and activation of PKA. To determine whether changes in SgII and CgB mRNA levels resulted from changes in the rate of transcription, nuclear run-on assays were performed in nuclei isolated from PC-12 cells that had been treated for 2 hr with cycloheximide, forskolin, or the two combined. Transcription of the SgII gene was not significantly affected by treatment with either forskolin or cycloheximide alone but was increased 12.9 +/- 1.0-fold above control in nuclei from cells treated with cycloheximide and forskolin together. Forskolin caused a 3.8 +/- 0.8-fold induction of CgB transcription.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Induction of secretogranin II mRNA by protein synthesis inhibitors in GH4C1 cells

The effect of cycloheximide (CHX) on the expression of secretogranin II (SgII), a member of the granin family of secretory proteins, was investigated in rat pituitary GH4C1 (GH) cells. The administration of CHX resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase in SgII mRNA expression, the greatest effect (3.8-fold above control) being achieved with 1 microgram/ml CHX, which resulted in > 90% inhibition of protein synthesis. Emetine (1 microgram/ml), pactamycin (0.6 microgram/ml), anisomycin (2.5 micrograms/ml), and puromycin (100 micrograms/ml), protein synthesis inhibitors structurally and mechanistically unrelated to CHX, also increased the level of SgII mRNA expression. Treatment with forskolin (10 microM) alone had no effect on SgII mRNA levels but potentiated the effect of CHX. Neither 100 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate nor 45 mM KCl affected SgII mRNA levels in the absence or presence of 1 microgram/ml CHX. The effect of CHX was blocked by the transcription inhibitors actinomycin D (5 micrograms/ml) and 5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole riboside (20 micrograms/ml) but not by the coadministration of the polysome destabilizer pactamycin (0.6 microgram/ml), suggesting that the effect of CHX was transcriptional. These studies show that the expression of SgII mRNA is induced by protein synthesis inhibitors in GH cells, suggesting the presence of a labile repressor, which not only controls the basal expression of the SgII gene but also completely inhibits the stimulatory effect of forskolin.

Granins markers of the regulated secretory pathway

The granins are a family of acidic secretory proteins made up of chromogranin A, chromogranin B, and secretogranin II, which exhibit widespread distribution in endocrine and neuronal cells. The numerous potential sites for proteolytic processing have suggested a role for these peptides as prohormones: several potential degradation products of chromogranin A, pancreastatin, and chromostatin have autocrine activity. On the other hand, an intracellular role for the granins is supported by their propensity to aggregate in a low-pH, high-calcium environment such as found in the trans-Golgi network followed by their efficient sorting to the regulated pathway. As a result, the granins are considered markers for the regulated pathway and may play a role in secretory granule formation.

Epitope mapping of monoclonal antibodies to bovine prolactin

The epitopes recognized by three monoclonal antibodies generated to sheep prolactin were determined by evaluating their cross-reactivities by immunodot analysis with 14 mutants of bovine prolactin, in which individual amino acids had been deleted or substituted. Mutations were made throughout the molecule and included disruption of the amino-terminal, carboxyl-terminal, and central disulfide loops. Lack of immunoreactivity was taken as an indication that the site of mutation was part of the epitope. Antibody 6F11 reacted with all bovine prolactin mutants tested, except those in which the carboxyl-terminal cysteine (position 199) was substituted by a serine. Antibodies 5G2 and 4C10 reacted with all of the bovine prolactin mutants, except those in which the amino-terminal cysteine (position 4) was substituted by a serine. Western blot analysis of sheep, squirrel monkey, and rat prolactins with the monoclonal antibodies revealed that 5G2 and 4C10 were specific for sheep prolactin, whereas antibody 6F11 cross-reacted with prolactins from all three species. The mitogenic activity of sheep or rat prolactin in the Nb2 bioassay was determined in the presence of the antibodies to determine whether the epitopes were part of the functional domains of these prolactins. The bioactivity of sheep prolactin (0.4 ng/ml) was unaffected by the monoclonal antibodies [0.01-1 microgram immunoglobulin G (IgG)/ml], whereas the bioactivity of rat prolactin (1.25 ng/ml) was inhibited by 6F11 with an apparent 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.25 microgram IgG/ml. These results indicate that monoclonal antibodies 5G2 and 4C10 cross-react with a species-specific region of the amino-terminal disulfide loop of bovine prolactin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prolactin granulogenesis is associated with increased secretogranin expression and aggregation in the Golgi apparatus of GH4C1 cells

The GH4C1 pituitary tumor cell line (GH cells) serves as a model system to study the role of the granins in the packaging of PRL into secretory granules. The number of secretory granules containing PRL and two members of the granin family, chromogranin-B (CgB) and secretogranin-II (SgII), can be hormonally manipulated. In the present study we have investigated whether 1) granulogenesis in GH cells is preceded by condensation of the granins and PRL in the Golgi; 2) granulogenesis is preceded by an increase in granin expression in GH cells; and 3) PRL and the granins aggregate in vitro under high calcium, low pH conditions. GH cells were treated for up to 3 days with 17 beta-estradiol (1 nM), insulin (300 nM), and epidermal growth factor (10 nM) and were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for immunocytochemistry or harvested for RNA isolation and Northern blot analysis. After 1 day of hormone treatment, there was a significant increase in staining for PRL and the granins in the Golgi apparatus, which was identified using an antibody to MG-160. After 3 days of hormone treatment, PRL and granin staining was also found in a perinuclear region that was not stained with anti-MG-160 antibody, most likely representing secretory granules. An increase in PRL and granin expression contributed to increased Golgi staining, as the steady state levels of CgB, SgII, and PRL mRNA increased 186 +/- 14%, 203 +/- 7%, and 337 +/- 5% above control levels, respectively, within 6 h after hormone treatment. An in vitro aggregation system was used to determine whether PRL and the granins coprecipitate under high calcium, low pH conditions, which are thought to be characteristic of the trans-Golgi and secretory granules. Aggregation of the granins CgB and SgII was negligible during overnight dialysis against a buffer containing 150 mM NaCl and 10 mM 2[N-morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid-NaOH (pH 5.5) in the absence of calcium. There was significant aggregation of PRL under these conditions. When dialysis was performed in the presence of 10 mM CaCl2, PRL, CgB, and SgII coaggregated. This study indicates that increased expression and aggregation of the granins is associated with PRL granulogenesis in hormone-treated GH cells. However, the role of the granins may not be obligatory, as some cells can store PRL in the absence of detectable levels of CgB and SgII, and PRL has the capacity to self-aggregate.

Prolactin and secretogranin-II, a marker for the regulated pathway, are secreted in parallel by pituitary GH4C1 cells

The granins are a family of tyrosine-sulfated secretory proteins. Two members of this family, chromogranin-B (CgB) and secretogranin-II (SgII), are found in GH4C1 cells, a pituitary cell line that secretes PRL and GH. We have compared the spontaneous and regulated secretion of CgB and SgII with that of PRL in GH4C1 cells and have assessed the importance of granin sulfation on granin and PRL processing and secretion. CgB and SgII were identified by metabolic labeling with [35S]SO4, which was predominantly incorporated into two bands of 105,000 (CgB) and 84,000 (SgII) mol wt. The secretion of [35S]SgII and [35S]PRL from GH4C1 cells simultaneously labeled with 35S-labeled SO4 and methionine showed similar kinetics over 60 min, suggesting that the two proteins are similarly processed. CgB, SgII, and PRL were released in parallel after 10-min treatment with secretagogues (high K+ and BAY K8644, 8-bromo-cAMP, a phorbol ester, and TRH). Hypertonicity and substitution of chloride with isethionate, which inhibit stimulated PRL release, reduced the amount of CgB and SgII released in response to secretagogues, but not basally. Cells were labeled with [35S]SO4 with or without 10 mM chlorate, which inhibits sulfation by more than 90%, and media and cells were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, autoradiography, and immunoblotting using an antibody directed against the N-terminus of SgII. Chlorate reduced [35S]SO4 labeling of CgB and SgII, but had little effect on immunoreactive SgII in cells or media. Inhibiting sulfation with chlorate did not change the amount of PRL or GH synthesized and secreted by GH4C1 cells, basally or in response to secretagogues, or the induction of PRL storage by insulin, estrogen, and epidermal growth factor. The results show that granins are released from GH4C1 cells in parallel with GH and PRL under basal and stimulated conditions, and that sulfation is not essential for normal packaging and processing of these secretory proteins. The data suggest a model in which PRL, CgB, and SgII are sorted to the regulated pathway and released from this pathway basally as well as under stimulated conditions.

An immunoradiometric assay for squirrel monkey prolactin

Determination of immunoreactive prolactin in squirrel monkeys has been hampered by the lack of specific antibodies. We investigated the adaptability of a commercially available immunoradiometric assay for human prolactin, which employs two separate monoclonal antibodies (MAb I and II) to human prolactin, to determine the presence of squirrel monkey prolactin. We found that immunoreactivity curves for prolactin in squirrel monkey pituitary homogenates and serum were parallel to human prolactin standards, suggesting that the epitopes recognized by these antibodies were common to both human and squirrel monkey prolactin. Both nonglycosylated (23 kD) and glycosylated (26 kD) forms of squirrel monkey prolactin were detected in squirrel monkey pituitary homogenates by Western blot analysis using [125I]-MAb II. Neither sheep nor rat prolactin was recognized by Western blot analysis, indicating that the assay may be specific for primate prolactins. We examined the effect of ketamine HCl, an anesthetic that has been shown to elevate serum prolactin levels in other primates, on prolactin secretion in squirrel monkeys. Serum prolactin levels increased greater than fourfold after the administration of ketamine HCl (30 mg/kg b.w., i.m.) compared with control levels. Serum prolactin levels were unaffected by anesthesia with pentobarbital sodium (15 mg/kg b.w., i.v.). This assay provides a reliable and sensitive method for determining immunoreactive squirrel monkey prolactin.

Differential regulation of chromogranin B/secretogranin I and secretogranin II by forskolin in PC12 cells

The factors which regulate the expression of the granin family of secretory proteins have yet to be completely described. The present study investigated the effects of forskolin (FSK), an activator of adenylate cyclase, on the regulation of chromogranin B/secretogranin I (CgB) and secretogranin II (SgII) mRNA levels in rat PC12 cells. PC12 cells were treated with 10 microM FSK for time points up to 48 h and were harvested for cAMP determination, RNA isolation and Northern blot analysis, or fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for immunocytochemistry. Cellular cAMP levels peaked after two h of FSK treatment and remained elevated for 48 h. Chromogranin B mRNA increased with FSK treatment, reaching a maximum of 7-fold above control after 24 h, while the level of SgII mRNA decreased to a level of 65 +/- 10% of control after 48 h. The effects of FSK on CgB mRNA appear to be mediated by cAMP, as 8-bromo-cAMP (500 microM) resulted in a 2.8-fold increase in CgB mRNA, and H-89 (30 microM), a selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, reduced the FSK-mediated response. The level of CgB was also increased in FSK-treated cells, as evidenced by immunofluorescent analysis which showed a more intense staining in PC12 cells treated with FSK for 48 h than in untreated cells. The intensity of SgII staining was diminished by FSK treatment, most likely a result of a decreased rate of synthesis as well as an increase in the release of SgII. This study demonstrated that the mRNA and protein levels of CgB and SgII are differentially regulated by cAMP in PC12 cells.

Phosphodiesterase II, the cGMP-activatable cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, regulates cyclic AMP metabolism in PC12 cells

Analysis of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in cellular fractions from cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells has shown that the predominant hydrolytic activity in both cytosolic and particulate compartments is characteristic of a PDE II, the cGMP-activatable family of PDE isozymes. Cytosolic PDE activity was purified to a high degree utilizing DE-52 anion exchange and cGMP-Sepharose affinity chromatographies. The physicochemical properties of PC12 PDE II were similar to those of PDE II isolated from particulate or soluble fractions of other tissues, including subunit molecular weight of approximately 102,000, activation of cAMP hydrolysis by cGMP, and positive cooperative kinetic behavior for cAMP and cGMP hydrolysis. The potential role of PDE II in regulating cAMP metabolism in intact PC12 cells was studied using an [3H]adenine prelabeling technique. Stimulation of PC12 cell adenosine receptors resulted in a 5-8-fold increase in cAMP accumulation. Removal of the adenosine stimulus by the addition of exogenous adenosine deaminase resulted in a rapid decay of cAMP to prestimulated basal levels within 2 min. Treatment of PC12 cells with atrial natriuretic factor or sodium nitroprusside caused 1) increased intracellular cGMP levels, 2) attenuation of adenosine-stimulated cAMP accumulation, and 3) increased rates of cAMP decay after removal of the adenosine stimulus. Treatment of PC12 cells with HL-725 (a potent inhibitor of isolated PDE II activity in vitro) caused 1) increased basal cAMP accumulation, 2) potentiation of adenosine-stimulated cAMP accumulation, and 3) retardation of the rate of cAMP decay after removal of the adenosine stimulus. HL-725 blocked both the attenuation of cAMP accumulation and the accelerated rate of cAMP decay observed with the cGMP-elevating agents. These results suggest that, in PC12 cells, drugs or hormones that inhibit PDE II or increase intracellular cGMP levels to activate PDE II can modulate cAMP metabolism by altering the catalytic status of the enzyme.

Absence of pituitary prolactin epitopes in immunoreactive prolactin of rat brain

Immunoreactive prolactin (ir-PRL) in rat brain has been consistently documented. However, the identity of this ir-PRL is controversial. Ir-PRL is defined by its ability to bind to PRL antibodies. All previous studies of brain ir-PRL have used polyclonal antibodies, at least one of which apparently crossreacts with a portion of the proopiomelanocortin molecule. To begin to define the epitopes comprising ir-PRL in the brain, we utilized two monoclonal antibodies (MAb) that recognize pituitary PRL in a variety of species, including rat. Immunocytochemistry was performed on rat brains and pituitary glands using two monoclonal and one polyclonal PRL antibody. Although both MAb immunostained lactotrophs of the rat pituitary gland, neither antibody immunostained cell bodies or neuronal processes in the brain. However, the polyclonal antiserum immunostained lactotrophs and a system of neuronal cell bodies and processes in the brain. Thus, epitopes found in pituitary PRL from several species are not found in ir-PRL in rat brain.

Regulation of chromogranin B/secretogranin I and secretogranin II storage in GH4C1 cells

GH4C1 cells are a rat pituitary tumor cell strain in which the level of cellular prolactin (PRL) and PRL-containing secretory granules can be regulated by hormone treatment. The chromogranins/secretogranins (Sg) are a family of secretory proteins which are widely distributed in the secretory granules of endocrine and neuronal cells. In the present study, we investigated in GH4C1 cell cultures the regulation of the cell content of the Sg by immunoblotting and the relationship between the storage of Sg I and Sg II and PRL by double immunocytochemistry. GH4C1 cells grown in the presence of gelded horse serum, a condition in which these cells contain a low level of secretory granules, contained low levels of PRL, Sg I, and Sg II. Treatment of GH4C1 cells with a combination of 17 beta-estradiol, insulin, and epidermal growth factor for 3 days, known to induce a marked increase in the number of secretory granules, increased the cell contents of PRL, Sg I, and Sg II. To determine whether the induction of PRL was morphologically associated with that of the Sg, the distribution of PRL and the Sg was determined by double immunofluorescence microscopy. After hormone treatment, 54% of cells showed positive PRL immunoreactivity, fluorescence being extranuclear and consistent with staining of the Golgi zone and secretory granules. Forty-six percent of PRL-positive cells stained coincidently for Sg I, while 72% of the PRL cells were also reactive with anti-Sg II. To determine whether PRL storage was associated with storage of at least one of the Sg, cells were stained with anti-PRL and anti-Sg I and anti-Sg II together. Eighty-six percent of PRL cells stained for one or the other of the Sg. Therefore, PRL storage in GH4C1 cell cultures is closely but not completely associated with the storage of Sg I and/or II.

A monoclonal antibody which inhibits the biological activity of rat prolactin, but not prolactin from other species

Monoclonal antibodies generated to ovine prolactin were screened for their ability to neutralize the biological activity of prolactin from several species. By Western blot analysis, antibody 6F11 cross-reacted strongly with prolactin in homogenates of anterior pituitary glands from squirrel monkey, sheep and rat. In addition, this antibody (1 micrograms IgG/ml) completely inhibited the lactogenic activity of serum or purified prolactin (0.5 ng/ml) from rat, but not prolactin from any other source, in the Nb2 lymphoma bioassay. 6F11 cross-reacted with purified ovine and rat prolactin by enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis with similar affinities, suggesting that the 6F11 epitope was common to these peptides. Another monoclonal antibody (17D9, 35 ng IgG/ml) showed the opposite selectivity, completely inhibiting the activity of 0.3 ng/ml ovine prolactin, but not 0.5 ng/ml rat prolactin, in the Nb2 assay. Thus, we have identified monoclonal antibodies which cross-react with both ovine and rat prolactin, but selectively neutralize the lactogenic activity of prolactin from only one species.

Presence of immunoreactive vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in anterior pituitary of normal male and long term estrogen-treated female rats: a light microscopic immunohistochemical study

The presence and synthesis of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has been demonstrated in the rat anterior pituitary. It was recently confirmed that immunoreactive VIP is present in the anterior pituitary, and in a thyroid-deficient state, VIP could be detected by light microscopic immunohistochemistry. It has also been suggested that VIP plays a stimulatory role in PRL secretion. To gain more detailed information on the localization of VIP and the conditions that alter the synthesis of VIP, we examined VIP immunoreactivity using immunohistochemistry in pituitaries of normal male and cycling female rats and in those states in which PRL secretion was enhanced (pregnancy, lactation, long term estrogen treatment, and pituitary implanted under kidney capsule of normal or estrogen-treated female rats). In situ, implanted and cultured pituitary cells were stained for VIP immunoreactivity using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. VIP immunoreactivity was observed in about 45% of the male rats, in all estrogen-treated female rats, in the implanted pituitaries under the kidney capsule (three of five from estrogen-treated and one of five from intact females, respectively), and in the pituitary cell cultures derived from estrogen-treated rats. Using a double labeling procedure we have also observed PRL immunoreactivity in a small population of the VIP-positive cells. These results suggest a positive regulatory role of estrogen in expression of the VIP gene. The physiological and pathophysiological significance of VIP in PRL secretion, however, remains to be clarified.

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against ovine prolactin: suitability for use in immunocytochemical analysis of rat prolactin

The aim of this study was to identify a monoclonal antibody (MAb) suitable for use in the immunocytochemical localization of prolactin in rat tissues. We took advantage of the conservation of certain amino acid sequences in prolactin among species by examining the crossreactivity patterns of five MAb, originally generated to ovine prolactin, with rat prolactin by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), Western blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry. Two of five antibodies (17D9 and 6F11) showed reactivity with 100 ng of immobilized rat prolactin (NIH RP-3) by ELISA, 6F11 reacting more strongly than 17D9. Only 6F11 reacted with prolactin in lysates of GH4C1 rat pituitary tumor cells by Western blot analysis. When we examined the crossreactivity of the MAb with rat prolactin in monolayer cultures of GH4C1 cells by indirect immunofluorescence, we found that both 17D9 and 6F11 reacted strongly with the cultures. The distribution of staining with 17D9 or 6F11 was coincident with staining with a polyclonal antiserum to rat prolactin. Preabsorption of the antibodies with a 20-fold excess of purified rat prolactin abolished the staining of GH4C1 cell cultures with either antibody. Therefore, we have selected from a series of MAb raised to ovine prolactin two antibodies (17D9 and 6F11) that react specifically with rat prolactin in immunocytochemical studies, whereas 6F11 also reacts strongly with rat prolactin by ELISA and Western blot analysis.

Determination of lactogenic activity in the serum of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis) using the Nb2 lymphoma bioassay

Determination of squirrel monkey prolactin by immunoassay has been hampered by the lack of antiserum specific to prolactin from this species. As an alternate method, we have investigated whether the Nb2 lymphoma bioassay could be adapted for routine measurement of the lactogenic activity of samples of squirrel monkey serum. The growth of the Nb2 cells is absolutely dependent on the presence of lactogens in the culture medium. The cells were maintained in Fisher's medium supplemented with 10% horse serum, 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), and 10^-4M β-mercaptoethanol. For each assay, the cells were plated at an initial density of 1 × 10⁵ cells/ml in 22-mm 12-well dishes in the above medium, but devoid of FCS. Serum samples were heated to 56°C for 20 minutes to abolish the unusually high cytolytic complement activity of squirrel monkey serum and were incubated for 72 hours with Nb2 cells at serial dilutions from 1/40 to 1/2,560. Growth curves were generated with pooled samples of squirrel monkey serum, and the level of lactogenic activity was estimated using a calibration growth curve generated with known concentrations of purified rhesus monkey prolactin standard. We have found that the Nb2 lymphoma bioassay provides a sensitive and adaptable means for determination of lactogenic activity in the serum of the squirrel monkey.

Hormonal induction of secretory granules in a pituitary tumor cell line

GH4C1 cells are a rat pituitary tumor cell strain that secretes PRL and GH but contains almost no secretory granules. Treatment of GH4C1 cells with a combination of estradiol (1 nM), insulin (300 nM), and epidermal growth factor (10 nM) increased the cellular content of PRL by more than 30-fold above control levels but only increased PRL accumulation in the medium 6-fold. To determine whether the increase in intracellular PRL was accompanied by an increase in secretory granules, we compared the numbers of granules in ultrathin sections from untreated GH4C1 cells and from cells treated with the combined hormone regimen and found a nearly 50-fold increase in granule number. Only 75% of the granules stained for PRL by the protein-A gold technique; the other 25% stained for neither PRL nor GH. The occasional granules found in untreated GH4C1 cells stained for PRL. The data demonstrate that the number of granules in GH4C1 cells can be regulated by hormone treatment and that the increase in intracellular PRL is found in storage granules.

Dopamine inhibits prolactin release when cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate levels are elevated

We purified lactotrophs from pituitary tumors induced by estrogen in ovariectomized female Fischer 344 rats from 80% of the population before to more than 90% after purification through a continuous Percoll density gradient. The percentage of lactotrophs was evaluated by immunofluorescence. The patterns of PRL release stimulated by 100 nM TRH, 20 microM A23187 (a Ca++ ionophore), 50 nM 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (a C-kinase activator), or combinations of these agents, or inhibited by 10 microM dopamine were similar in perifused primary cultures of tumor lactotrophs to patterns in cultures of anterior pituitary cells from female retired breeders used previously. In particular, dopamine completely inhibited the release stimulated by forskolin. Intracellular cAMP concentrations and PRL accumulation in the medium were measured in monolayer cultures of purified tumor lactotrophs. In 9 separate experiments, forskolin (10 microM) increased intracellular cAMP concentrations more than 60-fold above control after 30 min of incubation. Preincubation (30 min) with dopamine (10 microM) reduced the cAMP accumulation caused by forskolin, but levels were still at least 20-fold above basal levels in most experiments. PRL release was stimulated 2-fold with forskolin alone, but there was no stimulation of PRL release by forskolin in the presence of dopamine even though cAMP levels were elevated above basal. Therefore, a decrease in cAMP levels is not necessary to inhibit PRL release, and dopamine must have a mechanism for inhibiting PRL release in addition to inhibiting adenylate cyclase.

Effect of chronic treatment with estrogen and thyroxine, alone and combined, on the rate of deiodination of L-thyroxine to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine in vitro

The effect of administration of thyroxine (T4) and estradiol benzoate (EB), alone and combined (EB + T4), to female rats for 35 days on their serum concentrations of T4 and triiodothyronine (T3), and on the rate of conversion of T4 to T3 by homogenates of their liver and kidneys was studied. Administration of T4 (50 micrograms/kg b.w./day) resulted in an increase, while administration of EB (57 micrograms/kg b.w./day) resulted in a decrease in serum levels of T4. In EB + T4-treated rats, the serum concentration of T4 was less than that of either the T4-treated or control groups, while the serum T3 concentration was greater than that of the EB-treated group. Administration of T4 resulted in a rate of hepatic generation of T3 which was 180% of control, while the rate of renal T3 generation was 152% of control. Activity of T4 5'-monodeiodinase in hepatic homogenates was not affected significantly by administration of EB, while that in renal homogenates was inhibited by 44%. Administration of T4 in combination with EB resulted in a rate of conversion of T4 to T3 by hepatic homogenates which was 334% of control and significantly higher than that achieved by T4 alone. The rate of renal T3 generation by this group was 129% of control, but less than that achieved by administration of T4 alone. Administration of EB + T4 potentiated the effect of T4 on hepatic T4 to T3 converting activity and is likely responsible for the reduction in serum T4 concentration of these animals.

Cysteamine causes reduction of prolactin monomers followed by aggregation in the rat pituitary gland

Storage forms of PRL were studied in control and cysteamine-treated cultures of estradiol-induced tumors in Fischer 344 rats and in secretory granules isolated from these tumors to further investigate the mechanism of action of cysteamine on PRL. The two major bands visible when protein is stained after electrophoresis of isolated granules migrate to the position of PRL and GH monomers. Electrophoresis under reducing conditions changes the position, but does not noticeably increase the amount of each band. [3H]PRL in cells labeled for 8 h with [3H]leucine also exists predominantly as monomer. Immunoreactivity of PRL in cell lysates or isolated granules is not affected by incubation with reducing agents beta-mercaptoethanol or glutathione at concentrations up to 5 mM, but cysteamine decreases PRL immunoreactivity in isolated granules at concentrations of 3 mM and higher. Electrophoresis of isolated granules after incubation with 25 mM cysteamine for 1 h demonstrates that cysteamine converts PRL to the reduced form. After 4 h, or after dilution of the granules before solubilization, the amount of reduced monomer is decreased, and larger molecular weight species appear. The reduced monomer can be recovered by electrophoresis under reducing conditions. The fully immunoreactive form can be recovered by incubation for 1 h with dithiothreitol at concentrations of 0.3 mM-3 mM. These data indicate that: PRL exists predominantly in monomeric form in the rat pituitary gland, and cysteamine reduces PRL, and formation of disulfide-linked aggregates of PRL occurs subsequently under some conditions.

Difference in calcium requirements for forskolin-induced release of prolactin from normal pituitary cells and GH4C1 cells in culture

We investigated the role of Ca++ in cAMP-stimulated PRL release from 1) primary cultures of male rat pituitary glands, 2) primary cultures of estrogen-induced pituitary tumors from Fischer rats, and 3) the pituitary tumor cell line GH4C1. Forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, increased intracellular cAMP concentrations in GH4C1 cells at least 20-fold within 15 min. This increase occurred in the presence or absence of added extracellular Ca++ or in the presence of D600 or Co++. Forskolin increased PRL release from the three types of cells. The three systems differed in the Ca++ sensitivity of forskolin-induced release, but showed little difference in the Ca++ sensitivity of K+-induced release. This was shown in two ways. The cells were incubated either 1) in a medium without added Ca++ or 2) in the presence of a Ca++ channel inhibitor, D600. In normal cells, K+- and forskolin-induced release were equally inhibited when extracellular Ca++ was removed or D600 was added. In GH4C1 cells, Ca++ removal or D600 addition (100 microM) completely blocked K+-induced release, but had little effect on forskolin-induced release. The response of Fischer tumor cells was intermediate between those of normal and GH4C1 cells. 45Ca++ uptake by GH4C1 cells was not affected by forskolin, whereas the release of 45Ca++ from preloaded cells was increased slightly only 30 min after the addition of forskolin in three of four experiments. The difference in Ca++ requirements between normal and GH4C1 cells for forskolin stimulation may be due to the release of cellular Ca++ stores by cAMP. These stores may not be as large in normal cells as they are in GH4C1 cells, and therefore the requirement for extracellular Ca++ occurs. Alternatively, GH4C1 cells may release PRL by a mechanism different from that which normal cells use.

Depletion of pituitary prolactin by cysteamine is due to loss of immunological activity

The mechanism by which cysteamine reduces the PRL content of pituitary cells was studied in primary cultures of estradiol-induced pituitary tumors in Fischer 344 rats. The PRL content of these cells was effectively decreased by cysteamine, with an IC50 of 0.2 mM. Cells previously labeled with [3H]leucine were exposed to cysteamine (0.25 mM), and the intracellular content of [3H]PRL was measured by immunological or nonimmunological means, that is by immunoprecipitation and electrophoresis or by electrophoresis alone. The intracellular concentration of immunoreactive [3H]PRL was reduced by 53% by cysteamine, whereas [3H]PRL quantified by electrophoresis alone was not significantly affected. Our data indicate that cysteamine reduces the PRL content of pituitary tumor cells by causing the loss of its immunoreactivity.

Veratridine and ouabain stimulate calcium-dependent prolactin release

We have investigated the effects of veratridine, a Na+ channel activator, and ouabain, an inhibitor of Na+-K+-ATPase, on short term (1-h) PRL release from primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells and from the rat anterior pituitary cell line GH4C1 in culture. Both compounds should increase intracellular Na+. Veratridine (20-500 microM) and ouabain (0.1-3 mM) stimulated PRL release from normal cells. The stimulation was inhibited by the omission of Ca++ from the release buffer or by preincubation with the calcium channel blocker D600 (20-500 microM), suggesting a role for Ca++ in the action of these compounds. Ouabain (1 mM), but not veratridine (200 microM), stimulated PRL release from GH4C1 cells, an effect that was also inhibited by calcium channel blockers. In the presence of the dopaminergic agonist bromocriptine (30 nM), the amount of stimulated release by veratridine (200 microM) and ouabain (1 mM) was reduced by 50%. The veratridine effect was only partially inhibited by preincubation of the cells with the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin (1 and 10 microM), but the effect was inhibited completely when Na+ in the buffer was replaced by choline, suggesting that the action of veratridine requires extracellular Na+. The results of this study indicate that 1) ouabain- and veratridine-stimulated PRL release are largely dependent on Ca++; 2) veratridine appears to act through a tetrodotoxin-insensitive mechanism; and 3) stimulation of PRL release by these compounds is similar to that by 50 mM KCl and cAMP in its sensitivity to bromocriptine.

Effects of chronic treatment with thyroxine and estradiol on estrogen concentration in serum and on hepatic microsomal catechol estrogen formation in female rats

The effects of chronic treatment with thyroxine (T4) and estradiol on hepatic microsomal metabolism of estrogens to catechol products were studied and the extent to which activity in vitro correlated with serum estradiol concentrations in vivo was assessed. Female rats were treated with either estradiol benzoate (EB; 56 micrograms/kg/day from silastic implants), T4 (50 micrograms/kg/day, s.c.) or combined EB + T4 for 35 days. Animals treated with EB + T4, but not T4 alone, showed a significant increase above controls both in the concentration of triiodothyronine in serum and food consumption. Serum concentrations of endogenous estradiol in untreated control and T4-treated animals were similar. Although both EB-treated groups received comparable doses of steroid from silastic implants, the concentration of estradiol in serum was 30% lower in EB + T4-treated animals than in animals treated with EB alone. Formation of catechol estrogen metabolites by hepatic microsomes was not significantly altered by EB and T4 administered separately, but enzyme activity was increased significantly with combined hormonal therapy. In contrast, microsomal hydroxylation of testosterone was not increased by treatment with EB + T4, data which suggest that total steroid hydroxylase activity was not enhanced by combined hormonal administration. Correlation analysis of microsomal catechol estrogen formation in vitro with serum concentrations of estradiol in vivo indicated related to the concentration of estrogen in serum only after coadministration of a low dose of T4 with EB.

Effect of theophylline on thyroid status in the rat

The effect of administration of theophylline, thyroxine (T4), or a combination of the two, for 14 days on body weight, food intake, serum concentrations of T4 and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), and on the rate of 5'-monodieodination of T4 to T3 by hepatic and renal homogenates was evaluated. Administration of T4 (25 micrograms/kg b.w./day) increased the serum concentration of T4 and T4 5'-deiodinase activity. Administration of theophylline (191 mg/kg b.w./day) increased the serum concentration of theophylline to 28.5 micrograms/ml, increased food intake, but decreased both the concentration of T4 in serum and also T4 5'-deiodinase activity. Administration of a combination of T4 and theophylline returned T4 5'-deiodinase activity to control levels. Since the addition of only high concentrations of theophylline to incubation mixtures inhibited T4 5'-deiodinase directly, it is most likely that the effect of theophylline in vivo on the activity of the T4 5'-deiodinase enzyme is indirect and secondary to inhibition of thyroid hormone secretion.

Proposed mechanism for increased thyroxine deiodination in cold-acclimated rats

Groups of male rats were administered isoproterenol (ISO), thyroxine (T4), or both (ISO + T4) daily for 20 days in an attempt to mimic the effect of cold acclimation on the rate of outer-ring deiodination of T4 to triiodothyronine (T3) by 2,000-g supernatants of homogenates of liver and kidney. The rates of hepatic and renal deiodination of T4 to T3 in an additional group of rats exposed to 4 +/- 1 degree C for 20 days were 53 and 71% higher, respectively, than control. Administration of ISO (100 micrograms . kg-1 . day-1) did not affect the rate of deiodination of T4 to T3 by either hepatic or renal tissue. Administration of T4 (50 micrograms . kg-1 . day-1) resulted in rates of hepatic and renal deiodination of T4 that were 297 and 222% higher, respectively, than control. Administration of ISO + T4 resulted in a rate of conversion of T4 to T3 not significantly different from that observed when T4 was administered alone. Serum concentration of T4 was elevated after administration of both T4 and ISO + T4, whereas serum concentration of T3 was elevated significantly above that of control only in the cold-acclimated group. These results suggest that the increased rate of 5'-monodeiodination of T4 by hepatic and renal homogenates from cold-acclimated rats is not a result of increased beta-adrenergic activity but can be accounted for by the increase in thyroid activity observed in these animals.

In vitro hepatic deiodination of L-thyroxine to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine in cold-acclimated rats

An in vitro model has been employed to evaluate the effect of cold acclimation on peripheral outer ring deiodination of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) by 9,000 g supernatants of fresh liver homogenates. Hepatic T3 generation from T4 in male rats exposed to 4 +/- 1 degree C for 12 wk was 41 and 24% higher than control after 30- and 60-min incubation periods, respectively. This was associated with a 49% increase in serum T3 concentration in the cold-acclimated rats, whereas serum T4 concentration did not differ from the control. Thus, hepatic deiodination of T4 appears to serve as an important source for production of T3 during cold acclimation. It is suggested that the increased beta-adrenergic activity observed previously in cold-acclimated rats stimulates this change.