Rat Somatotrophs Research Articles

Potential antitumoral effects through modulation of VEGF-A splicing in rat somatotroph and lactotroph pituitary tumoral cells

Potential antitumoral effects through modulation of VEGF-A splicing in rat somatotroph and lactotroph pituitary tumoral cells

Pituitary Somatotroph Adenoma Cell-Derived Exosomes: Characterization of Novel Non-Hormonal Functions

Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles carrying lipids, proteins, DNA and RNA, enable intercellular communication. Pituitary-derived exosomes have not been well validated, and as no human pituitary cell lines are available, we characterized exosomes derived from rat somatotroph tumor cells (GH1 and GH3). Rat FR and H9C2 cells were used as non-pituitary controls. Exosomes were isolated from serum-free culture supernatants by combining ultrafiltration and ultracentrifugation to eliminate hormone contamination. Derived exosomes were analyzed by NanoSight to visualize, size, and count particles. Exosomal proteins were extracted and exosome markers including TSG101, ALIX, CD63, HSP70, HSP90 detected by Western Blot. The exosome inhibitor GW4869 (10 µM, 30 h) reduced exosome release (up to 81%), whereas treating cells with hydrocortisone (0.1 µM, 72 h) increased exosome production (up to 42%) in GH1 and GH3 cells. Exosomal shuttle RNA characterized by RNA-Seq showed distinct pituitary vs non-pituitary exosome RNA profiles. Selected miRNAs assessed in exosomes and corresponding cells by qRT-PCR validated exosomal RNA-seq and suggested that miRNA signatures in exosomes and in respective cells of origin were concordant. Next, we explored downstream signaling of GH1-derived exosomes (GH1-exo) in vitro and in vivo and studied biological actions in normal hepatocytes and in malignant cells. As evidenced by mRNA-seq, GH1-exo distinctly altered signaling pathways in rat primary hepatocytes, vs pathways elicited by GH or PRL (0.5 µg/mL, 24 h). GH1-exo, FR-exo or vehicle were intravenously injected to 4-week-old female Wistar rats twice weekly for 4 weeks (5*109 exo/200 g, n=3), and livers dissected for mRNA-seq. Among GH1-exo specifically regulated genes, EIF2AK/ATF4, involved in cAMP responses and amino acid biosynthesis, were attenuated. In hepatocytes, GH1-exo suppressed up to 65% of nascent protein synthesis and reduced forskolin (10 µM)-stimulated cAMP activity by 19%, while GH (0.01-1 µg/mL) did not affect this pathway. Notably, GH1-exo also attenuated malignant cell motility. Both GH1-exo incubation or GH1 cell co-culture (48 h) suppressed migration, invasion and wound healing of HCT116 cancer cells by up to 70%. In contrast, treatment with rGH (0.5 µg/mL) increased HCT116 motility. Intravenous administration of GH1-exo (1010 exo/mouse, twice a week for 5 weeks) decreased metastatic tumor volume by 40% in nude mice harboring splenic HCT116 implants (5*105 cells/mouse, n=10), and especially abrogated hepatic metastases. mRNA-seq of GH1-exo treated HCT116 cells vs controls indicated dysregulated p53 and MAPK pathways, which may partially explain mechanisms underlying motility attenuation. The results elucidate novel biological actions of somatotroph adenoma cell-derived exosomes and suggest exosomes as non-hormonal messengers produced by pituitary tumors.

Nesfatin-1 and nesfatin-1-like peptide suppress growth hormone synthesis via the AC/PKA/CREB pathway in mammalian somatotrophs

Nesfatin-1 (NESF) and NESF-like peptide (NLP), encoded in nucleobindin 2 and 1 (NUCB2 and NUCB1), respectively, are orphan ligands and metabolic factors. We hypothesized that NESF and NLP suppress growth hormone (GH) synthesis, and aimed to determine whether mammalian somatotrophs are a source and site of action of these peptides. Using immortalized rat somatotrophs (GH3 cells), NUCB expression was determined by qPCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot. NESF and NLP binding to GH3 cells was tested using fluorescence imaging. Both time- and concentration-dependent studies were performed to test whether NESF and NLP affect GH. Moreover, the ability of these peptides to modulate the effects of ghrelin, and cell-signaling pathways were studied. GH3 cells express NUCB mRNAs and protein. Labeled NESF and NLP bind to the surface of GH3 cells, and incubation with either NESF or NLP decreased GH mRNA and protein expression, downregulated pit-1 mRNA, and blocked the GH stimulatory effects of ghrelin. Pre-incubation with either of these peptides reduced CREB phosphorylation by an AC-activator, but not when PKA was directly activated by a cAMP analog. Our results indicate that rat somatotrophs are a source of NUCBs, and that NESF and NLP downregulate GH synthesis through the AC/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.

Morphofunctional parameters of rat somatotrophes after acute and repeated immobilization or restraint stress

It is well known that stress changes levels of pituitary hormones in the bloodstream and in the pituitary itself. However, almost nothing is known about the impact of stress on histological and stereological parameters of the growth hormone producing cells (somatotrophs-GH cells). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of: acute and repeated immobilization; acute and repeated restraint on histological and morphofunctional parameters of somatotrophs in adult Wistar rats. Changes in the pituitary gland volume; the volume density and volume of somatotrophs following acute and repeated immobilization (IMO, R-IMO); acute and repeated restraint (R, R-R) were evaluated using a stereological system (newCAST), while growth hormone level within pituitary was determined by Western blot. Our results demonstrated the decrease (p < 0.05) of the pituitary volume (17%, 19%) in the IMO and R groups, respectively, and the increase in the R-R group. The volume density of GH cells decreased (p < 0.05) in the R-IMO (7%), R (26%) and R-R (18%) group in comparison to the control value. The pituitary GH content was increased (p < 0.05) after the IMO (2-fold), R (2.5-fold) and R-R (2.1-fold) as compared to the control group. These results point out that acute and repeated immobilization and/or restraint lead not only to changes in GH hormone concentration, but also modify the morphological aspects of GH cells within the rat pituitary.

The aging suppressor klotho: a potential regulator of growth hormone secretion.

Klotho is a transmembranal protein highly expressed in the kidneys, choroid plexus, and anterior pituitary. Klotho can also be cleaved and shed and acts as a circulating hormone. Klotho-deficient mice (kl/kl mice) develop a phenotype resembling early aging. Several lines of evidence suggest a role for klotho in the regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion. The kl/kl mice are smaller compared with their wild-type counterparts, and their somatotropes show reduced numbers of secretory granules. Moreover, klotho is a potent inhibitor of the IGF-I pathway, a negative regulator of GH secretion. Therefore, we hypothesized that klotho may enhance GH secretion. The effect of klotho on GH secretion was examined in GH3 rat somatotrophs, cultured rat pituitaries, and cultured human GH-secreting adenomas. In all three models, klotho treatment increased GH secretion. Prolonged treatment of mice with intraperitoneal klotho injections increased mRNA levels of IGF-I and IGF-I-binding protein-3 mRNA in the liver, reflecting increased serum GH levels. In accord with its ability to inhibit the IGF-I pathway, klotho partially restored the inhibitory effect of IGF-I on GH secretion. Klotho is known to be a positive regulator of basic bFGF signaling. We studied rat pituitaries and human adenoma cultures and noted that bFGF increased GH secretion and stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Both effects were augmented following treatment with klotho. Taken together, our data indicate for the first time that klotho is a positive regulator of GH secretion and suggest the IGF-I and bFGF pathways as potential mediators of this effect.

Filamin A (FLNA) plays an essential role in somatostatin receptor 2 (SST2) signaling and stabilization after agonist stimulation in human and rat somatotroph tumor cells.

Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2) is the main pharmacological target of medical therapy for GH-secreting pituitary tumors, but molecular mechanisms regulating its expression and signaling are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of cytoskeleton protein filamin A (FLNA) in SST2 expression and signaling in somatotroph tumor cells. We found a highly variable expression of FLNA in human GH-secreting tumors, without a correlation with SST2 levels. FLNA silencing in human tumoral cells did not affect SST2 expression and localization but abolished the SST2-induced reduction of cyclin D1 (-37% ± 15% in control cells, P < .05 vs basal) and caspase-3/7 activation (+63% ± 31% in control cells, P < .05 vs basal). Overexpression of a FLNA dominant-negative mutant that specifically prevents SST2-FLNA binding reduced SST2 expression after prolonged agonist exposure (-55% ± 5%, P < .01 vs untreated cells) in GH3 cells. Moreover, SST2-induced apoptotic effect (77% ± 54% increase of caspase activity, P < .05 vs basal) and SST2-mediated ERK1/2 inhibition (48% ± 17% reduction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, P < .01 vs basal) were abrogated in cells overexpressing another FLNA mutant that prevents FLNA interaction with partner proteins but not with SST2, suggesting a scaffold function of FLNA in somatotrophs. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that FLNA is involved in SST2 stabilization and signaling in tumoral somatotrophs, playing both a structural and functional role.

Effects of genistein on stereological and hormonal characteristics of the pituitary somatotrophs in rats.

The hypothalamic-pituitary somatotropic system plays a pivotal role in the regulation of physiological processes and metabolism, which is modulated by gonadal steroids. Considering that genistein belongs to the phytoestrogen family and acts via similar mechanisms to estrogens, the present study was designed to demonstrate whether genistein modulates the morphofunctional characteristic of somatotrophs [growth hormone (GH) cells] in adult rats in comparison with the effects of estradiol. In the study, the orchidectomized adult rats were used as an appropriate model system for testing the effects of this hormone-like substance. Changes in the pituitary somatotrophs were evaluated histologically and stereologically, while GH level was determined biochemically. Using immunolabelling and stereological methods, we showed that orchidectomy (Orx) provoked the decrease of GH cell volume density. After estradiol treatment of Orx rats, the most prominent change concerned the pituitary relative intensity of GH fluorescence and circulating GH level, which were elevated 77 % and 4.7-fold, respectively. Clearly, in contrast to orchidectomy, estradiol treatment enhanced the GH cells activity. Genistein treatment increased pituitary weight and volume, GH cell volume density, the total number of GH cells, and GH blood concentration (1.3-fold) in comparison to the Orx group. Although identical tendencies followed estradiol and genistein administration, the changes observed after genistein treatment were milder compared to estradiol treatment.

Sirt1 inhibits the transcription factor CREB to regulate pituitary growth hormone synthesis

Growth hormone (GH) is a major anabolic hormone and the primary regulator of organism growth. Its transcription is triggered by GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) through the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and by caloric intake. In contrast, the deacetylase Sirt1 is activated by caloric restriction. Therefore, the present study investigates how Sirt1 affects CREB function and GH synthesis. Sirt1 pharmacological activation with resveratrol (IC₅₀=87 μM) suppressed GHRH-induced GH secretion from rat anterior pituitary cells in vivo and in vitro, while vehicle controls showed no effect. Resveratrol's effects were abolished after knocking down Sirt1 with RNA interference, but not in control scrambled siRNA-transfected rat somatotrophs, confirming the Sirt1 specificity. Sirt1 activation and overexpression suppressed forskolin-induced CREB-Ser(133) phosphorylation, but no effect was seen with vehicle and empty plasmid controls. The deacetylase-dead mutant Sirt1 retained CREB-Ser(133) phosphorylation by keeping protein phosphatase protein phosphatase 1 activity low. Sirt1 activation suppressed glycogen synthase kinase 3 β acetylation, and a mutation on the GSK3β-Lys(205) residue mimicking a hypoacetylated form revealed increased activity. In summary, this is a novel mechanism through which Sirt1 intercepts the cAMP pathway by suppressing CREB transcriptional activation, resulting in decreased GH synthesis.

Ultrastructural changes in lactotrophs and somatotrophs of alloxan-induced diabetic rats and the possible protective effect of α-lipoic acid

Ultrastructural changes in lactotrophs and somatotrophs of alloxan-induced diabetic rats and the possible protective effect of α-lipoic acid

The Absence of Somatotroph Proliferation During Continuous Stress is a Result of the Lack of Extracellular Signal‐Regulated Kinase 1/2 Activation

The integrity of homeostasis can be affected by chronic stress, and hyposomatotropism is evident in chronic stress-associated illnesses. In the present study, we demonstrated that a continuous stress (CS) severely affected somatotrophs among hormone-secreting cells in the anterior lobe (AL) of the pituitary by using a rat CS model. Among AL cells, the proliferation of somatotrophs was almost entirely suppressed in rats that had 3-5 days of CS (5dCS), although other hormone-secreting cells continued to proliferate. The cell size of somatotrophs was reduced at 5dCS (P<0.01), the number of secretory granules was increased at 3dCS (P<0.01) and serum growth hormone (GH) was on declining trend during 1 to 5dCS, suggesting that GH release was inhibited. GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) mRNA level in the arcuate nucleus was transiently decreased, whereas its receptor expression in the AL was significantly increased in CS rats. When 5dCS rats were injected with GHRH, transient GH secretion was observed, whereas proliferation of somatotrophs did not occur. The GHRH administration failed to stimulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation and the nuclear translocation of ERK in somatotrophs. These results suggest that somatotrophs of 5dCS rats expressed sufficient GHRH receptor, which could transfer a signal for GH release. However, the GHRH-induced proliferation signal was blocked somewhere between the receptor and ERK1/2. Because significant increase of corticosterone in the initial stage (the 1-3dCS) was observed in this model, the corticosterone may affect the signalling. Although the mechanism underlying the blockage of the proliferation signal in somatotrophs under CS remains unclear, these somatotrophic disorder, suggesting that the present animal model may be useful for understanding the molecular mechanisms of chronic stress-associated illnesses.

Fast-Activating Voltage- and Calcium-Dependent Potassium (BK) Conductance Promotes Bursting in Pituitary Cells: A Dynamic Clamp Study

The electrical activity pattern of endocrine pituitary cells regulates their basal secretion level. Rat somatotrophs and lactotrophs exhibit spontaneous bursting and have high basal levels of hormone secretion, while gonadotrophs exhibit spontaneous spiking and have low basal hormone secretion. It has been proposed that the difference in electrical activity between bursting somatotrophs and spiking gonadotrophs is due to the presence of large conductance potassium (BK) channels on somatotrophs but not on gonadotrophs. This is one example where the role of an ion channel type may be clearly established. We demonstrate here that BK channels indeed promote bursting activity in pituitary cells. Blocking BK channels in bursting lacto-somatotroph GH4C1 cells changes their firing activity to spiking, while further adding an artificial BK conductance via dynamic clamp restores bursting. Importantly, this burst-promoting effect requires a relatively fast BK activation/deactivation, as predicted by computational models. We also show that adding a fast-activating BK conductance to spiking gonadotrophs converts the activity of these cells to bursting. Together, our results suggest that differences in BK channel expression may underlie the differences in electrical activity and basal hormone secretion levels among pituitary cell types and that the rapid rate of BK channel activation is key to its role in burst promotion.

AMP-activated protein kinase regulates normal rat somatotroph cell function and growth of rat pituitary adenomatous cells

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated under conditions that deplete cellular ATP and elevate AMP levels such as glucose deprivation and hypoxia. The AMPK system is primarily thought of as a regulator of metabolism and cell proliferation. Little is known about the regulation and the effects of AMPK in somatotroph cells. We present results from "in vitro" studies showing that AMPK activity has a role in regulating somatotroph function in normal rat pituitary and is a promising target for the development of new pharmacological treatments affecting cell proliferation and viability of pituitary adenomatous cells. In parallel, we show "in vivo" data obtained in the rat suggesting that AMPK is an intracellular transducer that may play a role in mediating the effects of the pharmacological treatment with dexamethasone on somatotrophs. In rat pituitary cell cultures, the AMP analog AICAR induced a rapid and clear-cut activation of AMPK. AICAR decreased GH release and total cellular GH content. An appropriate level of AMPK activation was essential for GH3 adenomatous cells. Remarkably, over-activation by AICAR induced apoptosis of GH3 whereas the AMPK inhibitor compound C was more effective at reducing cell proliferation. The role of endocrine or paracrine factors in regulating AMPK phosphorylation and activity in GH3 cells has been also studied. As to "in vivo" studies, western blot analysis revealed a significant decrease of phosphorylated AMPK alpha-subunit in pituitary homogenates of DEX-treated rats versus controls, suggesting reduced AMPK activity. In conclusion, our studies showed that AMPK has a role in regulating somatotroph function in normal rat pituitary and proliferation of pituitary adenomatous cells.

The β isoenzyme of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase type II as possible mediator of somatostatin functions in pituitary tumour cells

Somatostatin or somatostatin release inhibiting factor (SRIF) analogues are indicated for the treatment of somatotropinomas that hypersecrete growth hormone (GH). Indeed, SRIF inhibits intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), thus allowing the inhibition of GH secretion. In the present study, our hypothesis was that Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase type II (CaMKII), a multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase, is part of those signalling mechanisms mediating SRIF functions. All four CaMKII isoenzymes (termed α, β, γ and δ) are expressed in rat somatotroph GC cells, although only CaMKIIβ is inhibited by SRIF at both mRNA and protein levels. Similarly to SRIF, the specific knockdown of CaMKIIβ by RNA interference induces a decrease of [Ca(2+)](i). The effects of SRIF and those of CaMKIIβ knockdown are non-additive. These results are confirmed by the pharmacological blockade of CAMKII. We also observed that, similarly to SRIF, the specific knockdown of CaMKIIβ induces a decrease of both GH content/secretion. These results raise the hypothesis that CaMKIIβ may mediate, at least in part, the SRIF-induced control of [Ca(2+)](i). In addition, CaMKIIβ seems to play a positive role in maintaining the exocytosis of GH. Our data provide a framework for better elucidating the pathophysiological role of SRIF transduction network in somatotropinomas.

T3 acutely increases GH mRNA translation rate and GH secretion in hypothyroid rats

Cytoskeleton controls the stability of transcripts, by mechanisms that involve mRNAs and eEF1A attachment to it. Besides, it plays a key role in protein synthesis and secretion, which seems to be impaired in somatotrophs of hypothyroid rats, whose cytoskeleton is disarranged. This study investigated the: eEF1A and GH mRNA binding to cytoskeleton plus GH mRNA translation rate and GH secretion, in sham-operated and thyroidectomized rats treated with T3 or saline, and killed 30 min thereafter. Thyroidectomy reduced: (a) pituitary F-actin content, and eEF1A plus GH mRNA binding to it; (b) GH mRNA recruitment to polysome; and (c) liver IGF-I mRNA expression, indicating that GH mRNA stability and translation rate, as well as GH secretion were impaired. T3 acutely reversed all these changes, which points toward a nongenomic action of T3 on cytoskeleton rearrangement, which might contribute to the increase on GH mRNA translation rate and GH secretion.

Platelet-derived Growth Factor (PDGF) and PDGF Receptor Expression and Function in Folliculostellate Pituitary Cells

Homo- and heterodimers of platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-A) and PDGF-B chains are involved through PDGF alpha- and beta-receptors in the growth regulation of multiple normal and tumoural cell types as well as in tumour neovascularization. Since little information is available on the impact of PDGF/PDGF receptors in normal and adenomatous pituitary, we studied the expression and action of this growth factor system in a variety of pituitary tumour cell lines and in rat anterior pituitary cell cultures. By RT-PCR, mRNA expression of PDGF-A and -B chains and of both receptors was found in rat pituitary and mouse folliculostellate TtT/GF pituitary tumour cells. Rat somatotroph MtT-S and mouse corticotroph AtT20 tumor cells expressed only a part of the PDGF/PDGF receptor components whereas mouse gonadotroph alphaT3-1 and rat lactosomatotroph GH3 pituitary tumour cells contained neither PDGF nor PDGF receptors. To further characterize the role of PDGF in TtT/GF cells, the effect of PDGF-AB and -BB on growth and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) release was studied. Proliferation of TtT/GF cells was weakly but significantly stimulated by PDGF. Both in rat pituitary cell cultures and in TtT/GF cells, PDGF-AB and -BB strongly enhanced VEGF-A secretion. The PI3 kinase inhibitor LY 294002 blocked the increase in VEGF-A. Western immunoblotting confirmed the participation of key components of the PI3 kinase/Akt signal pathway (PDK1, Akt-Ser476) in PDGF-stimulated VEGF production. Thus the PDGF/PDGF receptor system is expressed in folliculostellate cells and is involved in VEGF regulation. Its role in endocrine pituitary tumour cell lines and pituitary adenomas need to be clarified in future studies.

Functional expression of CXCR4 in somatotrophs: CXCL12 activates GH gene, GH production and secretion, and cellular proliferation

The interaction of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor CXCR4 may play an important role in the regulation of anterior pituitary function. In this study, we investigated the expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 and their role in normal rat pituitary and GH-producing GH3 tumor cell line. RT-PCR analysis and immunohistochemistry revealed that CXCR4 was expressed in normal rat anterior pituitary and GH3 tumor cells. Double immunofluorescent staining showed the complete colocalization of CXCR4 with GH in rat pituitary, indicating that CXCR4 is specifically expressed in rat somatotrophs. Using rat primary pituitary cell cultures and GH releasing hormone receptor expressing stable GH3 cells (GH3-GHRHR), we evaluated the function of CXCL12 compared with GHRH. CXCL12 stimulated GH gene activation in both primary rat anterior pituitary cells and GH3-GHRHR cells. CXCL12 also stimulated GH secretion from primary rat pituitary cells in a dose-dependant manner. BrdU incorporation was increased in response to CXCL12 addition in GH3 cell culture, indicating CXCL12-induced cell proliferation. CXCL12-dependent phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was also confirmed by western blot analysis, supporting the evidence that MAPK is an intracellular mediator of CXCL12/CXCR4 interaction in GH3 cell proliferation. In conclusion, these results indicate that CXCL12/CXCR4 interaction plays an important role in GH production, secretion, and the proliferation of somatotrophs.

Lysophospholipids prevent binding of a cytolytic protein ostreolysin to cholesterol-enriched membrane domains

Ostreolysin, a 15 kDa pore-forming protein from the oyster mushroom ( Pleurotus ostreatus), binds specifically to cholesterol-enriched membrane domains existing in the liquid-ordered phase, and lyses cells and lipid vesicles made of cholesterol and sphingomyelin. We have monitored binding of sub-lytic concentrations of ostreolysin to membranes of Chinese Hamster Ovary cells and rat somatotrophs, using primary anti-ostreolysin and fluorescence-labeled secondary antibodies detected by confocal microscopy. Depletion of more than 40% membrane cholesterol content by methyl- β-cyclodextrin dramatically decreased ostreolysin binding. Immunostaining showed that ostreolysin is not co-localized with raft-binding proteins, cholera toxin B-subunit or caveolin, suggesting that natural membranes display heterogeneity of cholesterol-enriched raft-like microdomains. Impaired ostreolysin binding was also observed after treating the cells with lysophosphatidylinositol. Effects of lysophosphatidylinositol on binding of ostreolysin to immobilized large sphingomyelin/cholesterol (1/1, mol/mol) unilamellar vesicles were studied by a surface plasmon resonance technique. Injection of ostreolysin during the lysophosphatidylinositol dissociation phase showed an inverse relationship between ostreolysin binding and the quantity of lysophosphatidylinositol in the membranes of lipid vesicles. It was concluded that lysophospholipids prevent binding of ostreolysin to cell and to artificial lipid membranes resembling lipid rafts, by partitioning into the lipid bilayer and altering the properties of cholesterol-rich microdomains.

Integration of stimulatory and inhibitory signals in pituitary tumor cells through the PI3 kinase pathway

Pituitary adenomas produce multiple growth factors, many of which were shown to potently stimulate pituitary tumor cell growth in vitro. However, in vivo, pituitary adenomas progress extremely slowly, suggesting the presence of extra- and intratumoral inhibitory acting factors and mechanisms, which counteract the stimulatory signals. So far, little is known about the mechanisms that integrate stimulatory and inhibitory signals in pituitary tumor cells at molecular level. We have recently shown that the somatostatin analogue octreotide inhibited pituitary tumor cell growth through the somatostatin type 2 receptor (SSTR2) and by suppressing the PI3 kinase signaling pathway (1). Through stimulation of this pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) enhanced pituitary tumor cell growth (2). Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) induced both growth and VEGF-A secretion in pituitary tumor cells by stimulating PI3 kinase signaling. To investigate the integration of inhibitory and stimulatory signals through PI3 kinase signaling, we have started a corresponding study in the rat somatotroph MtT-S pituitary tumor cell line. These cells have been chosen because they express VEGF type 1 receptor (VEGFR-1), PDGF receptors and somatostatin receptors, among them SSTR2 and secrete VEGF-A. First experiments have shown that the 2 to 3 fold induction of VEGF-A secretion by PDGF was dose-dependently blocked by octreotide whereas the basal VEGF-A release was not affected. Studies on growth effects and on up- or down-regulation of PI3 kinase pathway components and further downstream molecules (e.g. cyclin D1, Bcl-2 or PPARγ) after combined application of VEGF-A, PDGF and octreotide are in progress.

Thyroid Hormone Induction of Actin Polymerization in Somatotrophs of Hypothyroid Rats: Potential Repercussions in Growth Hormone Synthesis and Secretion

Thyroid hormone was shown to induce actin cytoskeleton polymerization in hypothyroid astrocytes and osteoblastic cells by a nongenomic mechanism. Polyadenylation of GH mRNA, a process that depends on cytoskeleton-associated proteins, was also shown to be regulated by thyroid hormone. Here we investigated by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry whether acute (100 microg per 100 g body weight, iv, for 30 min) or chronic (5 microg per 100 g body weight, ip, 5 d) administration of T3 to thyroidectomized (Tx) and sham-operated rats affects the somatotrophs F-actin cytoskeleton arrangement and its potential repercussion on GH synthesis and secretion. Thyroidectomy dramatically decreased the amount of somatotrophs F-actin content and induced the disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton. These effects were reversed by acute and chronic administration of T3. In addition, in Tx rat somatotrophs, GH labeling was detected mostly at the cell periphery. After 30 min of T3 administration, GH labeling decreased at periphery and increased in the perinuclear region, suggesting that GH secretion and synthesis were stimulated by T3. No differences were detected in the total actin protein content, although a decrease in the F- and increase in G-actin contents were detected in Tx rat pituitaries, a panorama that was reversed by acute T3 treatment, as shown by Western blotting analysis. The sham-operated animals' somatotrophs were only mildly affected by acute T3 administration. The results indicate that the T3-induced rapid alterations on somatotroph actin cytoskeleton and GH cellular distribution resulted from actin filaments rearrangement, which characterizes a nongenomic action.

Suppressing actions of butyrate on growth hormone (GH) secretion induced by GH-releasing hormone in rat anterior pituitary cells

We assessed the inhibitory effects of butyrate on the growth hormone (GH) secretion in order to investigate the cellular mechanisms in rat somatotrophs. Isolated anterior pituitary cells were cultured in DMEM for several hours, either in the presence (1, 3, or 10 mM) or absence of butyrate, and then stimulated with 10 −7 M GHRH for 30 min, in the presence of butyrate at the concentrations used for the previous culture. The increase in GHRH-induced GH release was significantly reduced in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner in the cells previously cultured with butyrate. GH content (the sum of GH released into the medium induced by GHRH stimulation and the GH remaining in the cells after stimulation) was reduced by the culture of cells in the presence of butyrate, which was also inversely dependent on the concentrations used for the culture. Simultaneous addition of an L-type Ca 2+ channel blocker, nifedipine (10 pM), to the medium during 10 −9 M GHRH stimulation significantly reduced the stimulated GH release, which was further significantly decreased by a simultaneous addition of 10 mM butyrate. Butyrate blunted the GHRH (10 −9 M)-induced increase in cellular cyclic AMP and calcium ion concentrations, the activity of protein kinases (A and C), and GHmRNA expression. The expression of mRNA for GPR 41 and 43, known as receptors for short-chain fatty acids, was confirmed in the anterior pituitary cells. These findings suggest that butyrate inhibits GHRH-induced GH release as well as GH production, and the cellular inhibitory actions of butyrate occur in diverse cellular signaling pathways of rat somatotrophs.