Inhibition by epidermal extracts of the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate induced peak of ornithine decarboxylase activity in the mouse epidermis.

Abstract

The time course of induction of epidermal ornithine decarboxylase (E.C. 4.1.117) (ODC) activity following a single topical application of 17 nmoles of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on hairless mouse skin was established. Prior intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of a crude epidermal extract prepared from hairless mouse epidermis led to a time-dependent, 50% inhibition of the peak level of TAP-induced ODC activity. Maximum inhibition was observed when the extract was injected 1.5 h before TPA treatment. The crude epidermal extract did not affect ODC activity in vitro. Following the administration of epidermal extracts, the inhibition of the TPA-induced ODC-response correlated positively with the presence of epidermal G2-chalone activity (determined by a stathmokinetic method) whereas myocardial, skeletal muscle, or heat-inactivated epidermal extracts with no epidermal G2-chalone activity, had no effect on TPA-induced ODC activity. These results indicate a possible relationship between ODC-activity and the control of mitotic rate by G2-chalone.