Effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist on inositol phospholipid metabolism in isolated rat corpora lutea of various ages

The sensitivity of rat corpora lutea to luteolytic agents increases with luteal age. We examined the effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and [D-Ala6,Des-Gly10]GnRH ethylamide (GnRHa) on inositol phospholipid metabolism in day 2 and day 7 corpora lutea from PMSG-treated rats. Isolated corpora lutea were incubated with 32PO4 or [3H]inositol and were treated with LH, PGF2 alpha, or GnRHa. Phospholipids were purified by TLC, and the water-soluble products of phospholipase-C activity (inositol phosphates) were isolated by ion exchange chromatography. In day 2 corpora lutea, PGF2 alpha, (10 microM) and GnRHa (100 ng/ml) significantly increased 32PO4 incorporation into phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), but not into other fractions. LH provoked slight increases in PA. Results were similar with 30 min of prelabeling or simultaneous addition of 32PO4 and stimulants. In other experiments, PGF2 alpha and GnRHa provoked rapid increases (1-5 min) in the accumulation of inositol mono-, bis-, and trisphosphates. LH did not significantly increase inositol phosphate accumulation, but stimulated cAMP accumulation in 2-day-old corpora lutea. Inositol phospholipid metabolism was increased in day 7 corpora lutea compared to that in day 2 corpora lutea. This increase was associated with increased incorporation of 32PO4 into PA and PI and increased accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates. In day 7 corpora lutea, which are very sensitive to the luteolytic effect of PGF2 alpha, the PG-induced increase in PA labeling was small and inconsistent, whereas PI labeling was unaffected in 30-min incubations. GnRHa was without effect in such corpora lutea. LH, PGF2 alpha, or GnRHa did not increase inositol phosphate accumulation in 7-day-old corpora lutea. These studies demonstrate that the transformation of young (day 2) to mature (day 7) corpora lutea is associated with an increase in luteal inositol phospholipid metabolism. The results also show that PGF2 alpha and GnRHa stimulate phospholipase-C activity in young corpora lutea, but are ineffective in mature corpora lutea, and suggest that an increase in inositol phospholipid metabolism by itself is not sufficient to explain the acute luteolytic action of PGF2 alpha and GnRH in vitro. However, phospholipase-C-derived second messengers may be involved in the action of hormones that control luteal function.     

Secretion of progesterone and prostaglandins by cells of bovine corpora lutea from three stages of the luteal phase

The secretion of prostaglandins (PGs) by bovine corpora lutea was investigated. Corpora lutea from the early, early-mid and late-mid stages of the luteal phase were dissociated by collagenase treatment and cultured in monolayer in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 10% (v/v) fetal calf serum. Treatment with either LH (100 ng/ml) or dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP; 1 mmol/l) had no effect on progesterone secretion by early luteal phase cells but stimulated progesterone secretion two- to fourfold by cells from the latter stages. The secretion rates, per microgram cell protein, of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGE2 and PGF2 alpha were substantially greater in cells from the early luteal phase than in those from the latter stages, however, all changes in PG secretion in response to treatments were qualitatively similar between cells from the three stages of the luteal phase. The secretion rate of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was greater than that of PGE2 or PGF2 alpha and was inhibited by treatment with indomethacin (28 mumol/l) but unaltered by treatment with LH, dbcAMP or butyrate (1 mmol/l). Secretion of PGE2 was inhibited by indomethacin but stimulated two- to threefold by treatment with either dbcAMP or butyrate. Secretion of PGF2 alpha was minimal and not inhibited further by treatment with indomethacin, but was stimulated 10- to 40-fold with dbcAMP. Indomethacin treatment inhibited the stimulatory effect of dbcAMP; butyrate had no effect on PGF2 alpha secretion. Treatment with LH had no effect on any of the PGs measured. In these experiments the secretion of progesterone appeared unrelated to any changes in the secretion of PGs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prostaglandin production by the guinea-pig endometrium: is calcium necessary?

The output of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha from guinea-pig endometrium obtained on day 15 of the oestrous cycle and maintained in tissue culture was significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced by the use of Ca2+-depleted medium, EGTA (a Ca2+ chelator), 8-(N,N-diethyl-amino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride (TMB-8; an intracellular Ca2+ antagonist), trifluoperazine (TFP) and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulphonamide (W-7; both calmodulin antagonists). Nifedipine inhibited PGF2 alpha output at a concentration (100 mumol/l) much greater than that usually required to block Ca2+ channels. Verapamil had a small but significant (P less than 0.05) inhibitory effect on PGF2 alpha output at 10-100 mumol/l. The outputs of PGE2 and, to a lesser extent, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (the hydrated product of PGI2) were also reduced by using Ca2+-depleted medium. EGTA reduced the outputs of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha on day 1 of culture, but stimulated 6-keto-PGF1 alpha output on day 3 of culture. The outputs of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were increased by TMB-8 (100 mumol/l) on day 3 of culture and by TFP and, to a smaller extent, by W-7 on all 3 days of culture. Nifedipine (100 mumol/l by not 1 or 10 mumol/l) reduced the outputs of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha on all 3 days of culture, whereas verapamil (100 mumol/l but not 1 or 10 mumol/l) increased the outputs of these two prostaglandins on days 2 and 3 of culture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced functional luteolysis: interactions of LH, prostaglandin F2 alpha and forskolin in cyclic AMP and progesterone synthesis in isolated rat luteal cells

The acute antigonadotrophic action of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) was examined in dispersed luteal cell preparations from immature superluteinized rat ovaries. Cell suspensions prepared by collagenase digestion and purification over a Percoll density gradient were incubated for 1 h in Eagle's minimum essential medium in the presence and/or absence of LH, PGF2 alpha, N6,O2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (dbcAMP) and forskolin. Medium was assayed for total progesterone and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). Luteal cell preparations showed typical steroidogenic (progesterone) responses to LH, mimicked by both dbcAMP and forskolin. Whilst the threshold LH dose to increase cAMP synthesis was greater than that for progesterone (100 micrograms/l compared with 1 microgram/l), 24 mumol forskolin/l was the threshold dose for both cAMP and progesterone responses. Furthermore, combined doses of LH and forskolin synergistically raised cAMP yet produced less than additive increases in progesterone. Similarly, combinations of dbcAMP plus forskolin produced less than additive progesterone increases. These data suggest that forskolin may not act as a simple mimic of LH. Prostaglandin F2 alpha dose-dependently inhibited forskolin-induced cAMP and progesterone synthesis and also inhibited progesterone synthesis induced by dbcAMP. These data suggest that the antigonadotrophic effect of PGF2 alpha has more than one locus of action, i.e. it both inhibits an adenylate cyclase event associated with cAMP generation and blunts the cellular response to cAMP. The present uncertainty over the exact locus of forskolin's action within the adenylate cyclase complex limits further delineation of the inhibitory action of PGF2 alpha on LH-responsive adenylate cyclase.     

Binding of human chorionic gonadotropin and response of cyclic nucleotides to luteinizing hormone in luteal tissue from rats treated with prostaglandin F2alpha.

Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) caused a marked and highly reproducible fall of over 85% (P less than .001) in serum progesterone and in the capacity of luteal tissue to bind hCG, within 30 h. No change in the affinity of the receptor for iodinated hCG was observed. The addition of LH (1 mug/ml) to incubation flasks containing luteal tissue slices from both control and PGF2alpha-treated animals caused a significant stimulation of progesterone output in the control (P less than .05), but not in tissue previously exposed to PGF2alpha in vivo. Indeed, progesterone output by the latter tissue was severely reduced independent of the presence of LH. Although cAMP content was significantly elevated in luteal tissue incubated with LH (P less than .01), the degree of stimulation of cAMP by LH was reduced 35% (P less than .05) in luteal tissue from rats treated with PGF2alpha. The content of cGMP was generally reduced by addition of LH to the incubation media, by pretreatment of the animals with PGF2alpha, and by incubation alone. This study shows that luteolysis induced by PGF2alpha is accompanied by a loss in gonadotropin receptor, a conclusion supported by the loss in LH stimulation of cAMP and progesterone synthesis.     

Prostaglandin F2 alpha receptors on enzyme-dissociated pig luteal cells throughout the estrous cycle

A deficiency of luteal cell prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) receptors might help explain the well documented refractoriness of pig corpora lutea to the luteolytic effects of PGF2 alpha administered in vivo before day 12 of the estrous cycle. Accordingly, experiments were conducted to measure the levels of [3H] PGF2 alpha-binding sites/receptors on collagenase-dispersed pig luteal cells taken at different stages of the estrous cycle. Pig corpora lutea were obtained surgically at various stages of the estrous cycle and dissociated with collagenase in medium 199. Dissociated mixed luteal cells (approximately 5-15 x 10(4) large luteal cells/tube) were assayed for [3H]PGF2 alpha-binding activity by saturation (Scatchard) analysis. In preliminary experiments it was determined that PGF2 alpha binding was maximal after incubation for 45 min at 30 C in assay buffer of pH 5.75. Additionally, it was determined that [3H]PGF2 alpha binding was displaceable by PGF2 alpha = PGD2 greater than PGE2 greater than 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha. Other eicosanoids did not inhibit [3H]PGF2 alpha binding. Two distinct classes of binding sites (high affinity Kd = 19-64 nM; low affinity Kd = 262-3103 nM) were observed at all stages of the estrous cycle. From studies using enriched (by elutriation) large (greater than 30 microns) and small (10-20 microns) luteal cells it appeared that the high affinity binding site was largely confined to large luteal cells, whereas the low affinity binding site was found on both large and small luteal cells. The concentrations (number per large luteal cell) of high affinity PGF2 alpha-binding sites of mixed (unelutriated) luteal cell preparations was low on days 6-8 (0.6 x 10(6) sites/cell) and increased gradually up to 1.4 x 10(6) sites/cell on day 12. The concentrations of binding sites were increased approximately 3-fold on day 13 (4.6 x 10(6) sites/cell; P less than 0.05 vs days 6-12) and remained elevated on days 14 and 16-17 (approximately 3 x 10(6) sites/cell). In summary, these results indicate the existence of a high affinity PGF2 alpha-binding site in pig (large) luteal cells, which is probably the luteal PGF2 alpha receptor. The numbers of these putative PGF2 alpha receptors are low during the early luteal phase (before day 12), but increase thereafter (days 13, 14, and 16-17). This may provide one explanation for the observed refractoriness in vivo of pig corpora lutea to PGF2 alpha before, and increased sensitivity to PGF2 alpha after, day 12 of the estrous cycle.     

The antigonadotropic action of prostaglandin F2 alpha is not mediated by elevated cytosolic calcium levels in rat luteal cells

We have investigated the role of intracellular calcium in the mechanism of action of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in cultured rat luteal cells. PGF2 alpha (1 microM) maximally inhibited LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation and also initiated a transient release of intracellular calcium. Low doses of the calcium ionophore ionomycin also increased intracellular calcium to a similar extent as PGF2 alpha (1 microM), but did not inhibit LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Chelation of intracellular calcium with dimethyl bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) (10 microM) attenuated the transient calcium rise stimulated by PGF2 alpha, but did not affect the inhibitory characteristics of PGF2 alpha on LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Treatment of luteal cells with EGTA (1 mM) and ionomycin (500 nM) resulted in depletion of intracellular calcium to such an extent that a subsequent exposure of the luteal cells to PGF2 alpha (1 microM) did not elicit any change in intracellular calcium. Depletion of intracellular calcium and ablation of the calcium response to PGF2 alpha, however, did not affect either the dose response or the time course of inhibition of LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation. We conclude that although intracellular calcium is mobilized by PGF2 alpha in cultured rat luteal cells, the antigonadotropic action of PGF2 alpha on LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation is not mediated by this mechanism.     

Progesterone production by dispersed cells from human corpus luteum: stimulation by gonadotrophins and prostaglandin F 2 alpha; lack of response to adrenaline and isoprenaline

Progesterone production was assessed following short-term incubations of luteal cell suspensions prepared from tissue samples of human corpora lutea obtained at specific times throughout the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Luteal cells responded rapidly and sensitively to human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG: concentration required for 50% maximum response, 0.1--1.0 i.u./ml) with a maximum level of response (five- to tenfold higher than basal production) similar to that elicited by human LH or N6,O2'-dibutyryl cyclic AMP. In the absence of gonadotrophin or in the presence of sub-maximal (but not maximal) concentrations of HCG, progesterone production by mid-luteal phase cells was stimulated by prostaglandin F 2 alpha (1 mumol/l, an effect not observed during the late-luteal phase. L-Adrenaline and L-isoprenaline failed to elicit significant increases in the level of progesterone production.     

Prostaglandin F2 alpha- and phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate-stimulated progesterone production by cultured human luteal cells in the mid-luteal phase: prostaglandin F2 alpha increases cytosolic Ca2+ and inositol phosphates.

While prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) has been thought to be a natural luteolysin in non-primates, a luteolytic effect in the human corpus luteum is less evident. We therefore investigated the action of PGF2 alpha on monolayer cultures of human luteal cells obtained from mid-luteal phase corpora lutea. PGF2 alpha increased basal and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)-stimulated progesterone production by human cultured luteal cells. A potent tumour-promoting phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), also stimulated progesterone production by cultured human luteal cells. Although human luteal cells were incubated for 24 h with PMA, hCG was still able to stimulate the production of progesterone by PMA-pretreated cells. However, PMA pretreatment blocked the ability of PGF2 alpha to stimulate progesterone production. It is possible that the luteotrophic effect of PGF2 alpha may be mediated, in part, by the activation of protein kinase C. Addition of PGF2 alpha to suspensions of human luteal cells preincubated with myo-[2-3H]inositol promoted an increase in labelled inositol phosphates. PGF2 alpha also rapidly increased intracellular free Ca2+ in human luteal cells loaded with the fluorescent Ca2+ probe, fura-2. We conclude that PGF2 alpha and PMA stimulate progesterone production and that PGF2 alpha increases the intracellular free calcium and inositol phosphates of human cultured luteal cells in the mid-luteal phase.     

Receptors for gonadotrophin and prostaglandin F2 alpha in bovine corpora lutea of early, mid and late luteal phase.

A total of 15 corpora lutea representing early (day 3), mid (day 13) and late luteal phase (day 20 and 21-24) were obtained by ovariectomy on cycling cows. The luteal weights and peripheral plasma progesterone levels just prior to ovariectomy, were consistent with the above luteal phases. The specific binding of [125I]human chorionic gonadotrophin to membranes prepared from corpora lutea was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) for days 13 and 20 than for days 3 and 21-24. The binding in day 21-24 corpora lutea was higher (P less than 0.01) than day 3. Although there was no different either in number or affinity (apparent dissociation constant (Kd) = 0.04 nM) of gonadotrophin receptors in days 13 and 20 corpora lutea, only in the former did the binding correlate well with plasma progesterone levels. The specific binding of [3H]prostaglanding (PG)F2 alpha to the membranes of the same corpora lutea showed a progressive increase (P less than 0.01) from day 3, reached the highest value at a time when corpora lutea were actively regressing (day 20) and the decline (P less than 0.01) by day 21-24. Although a considerable number of PGF2 alpha receptors existed at day 13, the affinity of these same receptors was 203 times lower (Kd = 3458 nM) than the affinity of receptors in day 20 corpora lutea (Kd = 17 nM). In summary, the above results show that gonadotrophin receptors correlate with luteotrophic, whereas PGF2 alpha receptors correlate with luteolytic phases in bovine corpora lutea.     

Activation of the phosphatidylinositol pathway in the primate corpus luteum by prostaglandin F2 alpha.

The current study was designed to investigate the ability of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) to activate a second messenger system (phosphatidylinositol pathway) in corpora lutea (CL) of rhesus monkeys. Activation of this pathway was assessed by monitoring the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol to inositol phosphates. Since inositol triphosphate mobilizes intracellular Ca2+, intracellular free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were also assessed in individual cells by fura-2 fluorescence photometry. These responses to PGF2 alpha were measured in luteal cells collected from nonpregnant rhesus monkeys. CL were collected during the early (days 4-5 after estimated LH surge; n = 4), mid (days 8-9; n = 4), and late (days 13-14; n = 5) luteal phase and 1 day after in vivo hCG treatment (15 IU/dose, morning and evening), which began during the midluteal phase (n = 5). PGF2 alpha significantly increased the accumulation of inositol phosphates in all groups (P less than 0.05), except the midluteal phase (P = 0.07). The luteal sensitivity to PGF2 alpha, judged by phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis, was low in the early to midluteal phase compared to that in the late luteal phase and after in vivo hCG treatment. PGF2 alpha also caused a rapid, yet transient, increase in [Ca2+]i in a large proportion of primate luteal cells. The proportion of luteal cells that responded to PGF2 alpha with an increase in [Ca2+]i was smaller (P less than 0.05) in CL collected during the early luteal phase than in the other groups. Luteal progesterone production was inhibited by PGF2 alpha in CL collected after in vivo hCG. CL treated in vivo with hCG also displayed in vitro the largest increases in phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and [Ca2+]i in response to PGF2 alpha. Therefore, this study demonstrates that PGF2 alpha is a potent activator of the phosphatidylinositol pathway in the primate CL. This activation is augmented as the luteal phase progresses and is influenced by in vivo hCG treatment. This study also provides evidence that the inhibitory effects of PGF2 alpha on progesterone production are associated with the activation of the phosphatidylinositol pathway.     

Prostaglandin F2alpha binding sites in human corpora lutea.

The specific binding of 3H-prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha to homogenates of human corpora lutea of the cycle and ectopic pregnancy was examined. Corpora lutea of ectopic pregnancy bound significantly (P less than 0.01) higher amounts of added 3H-PGF2alpha than those of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The 3H-PGF2alpha binding sites in corpora lutea of ectopic pregnancy were further characterized. The specific 3H-PGF2alpha binding to all corpora lutea was biphasic: all contained sites of 10(-8)M Kd, two also had sites of Kd greater than 10(-8)M while the other contained sites of 10(-9)M Kd. PGs competed for 3H-PGF2alpha binding in the following order: PGF2alpha greater than 15(S)15 methyl PGF2alpha greater than PGF1alpha greater than PGE2 greater than PGE1 greater than PGB1 greater than PGA1. Binding was time and temperature dependent; maximum binding was obtained by 1 h at 22 C; AT 38 C, the initial binding was high but rapidly declined after 30 min of incubation. A cationic requirement for 3H-PGF2ALPHA binding is suggested by the findings that the addition of EDTA severely reduced the binding which was reversed by concomittant addition of Ca+ to the medium. Preincubation of homogenates with proteolytic enzymes drastically reduced the binding, suggesting that the binding sites are protein in nature.     

Regulation of the corpus luteum of early pregnancy in the marmoset monkey: local interactions of luteotrophic and luteolytic hormones in vivo and their effects on the secretion of progesterone

The interaction between luteotrophic and luteolytic agents in controlling progesterone production by the marmoset corpus luteum in the late luteal phase/early pregnancy was investigated at the local level in vivo using a perfusion cannula system. Perfusion of the prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) analogue, cloprostenol (0.5 microgram/ml), resulted in an immediate fall in progesterone production. This response was not sustained in two out of five corpora lutea but pregnancy was terminated in all animals exposed to PGF2 alpha. Perfusion of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) (4 micrograms/ml) alone significantly stimulated progesterone secretion but there was no response to hCG when the corpus luteum had previously been perfused with PGF2 alpha. Perfusion with hCG together with PGF2 alpha prevented a fall in progesterone secretion. The results suggest that the luteolytic action of PGF2 alpha in the marmoset may be to prevent luteotrophic support of the corpus luteum. Melatonin (860 pmol/l), perfused either with PGF2 alpha or after PGF2 alpha, stimulated progesterone production. The ability of melatonin to influence progesterone production by the primate corpus luteum may therefore be by both a direct luteotrophic action and the prevention of luteolysis. Application of the perfusion system in order to investigate the ability of deglycosylated hCG to antagonize the action of hCG at the corpus luteum showed the necessity of testing pure preparations of hormones.     

Specific binding of prostaglandin F2 alpha to membranes of rat corpora lutea.

Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) binds specifically to a partially purified membrane preparation from rat corpora lutea. The high affinity, low capacity binding component asa a Kd = 4.7 nM and has a capacity of 0.38 pmol/mg protein. Binding kinetics were temperature-dependent with an association rate constant of 2.5 x 10(5) 1/mol-sec and a dissociation rate constant of 4.3 x 10(-4) sec-1 at 22 degrees C. Little competition for binding was shown by other prostaglandins and prostaglandin metabolites; the PGF2 alpha analogue ICI 81008 (16-m-trifluoromethylphenyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha) showed a binding affinity similar to that of PGF2 alpha. The specific binding of PGF2 alpha to luteal cell membranes was confirmed by electron microscopy using a ferritin--PGF2 alpha conjugate. Ferritin--PGF2 alpha was found predominantly on luteal cell surfaces; little binding occurred on other types of cells present. These data demonstrate specific binding of PGF2 alha to rat luteal membranes. It is suggested that the luteolytic action of PGF2 alpha in the rat may be receptor-mediated.     

Prostaglandin F2 alpha stimulates inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate formation in bovine luteal cells.

The present studies were conducted to further evaluate inositol phosphate formation and metabolism in prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha)-stimulated bovine luteal cells. Corpora lutea were dispersed with collagenase, and luteal cells were prelabeled for 3 h with [3H]inositol. Inositol phosphates produced in response to PGF2 alpha were analyzed by ion exchange column chromatography and HPLC. Time-course experiments revealed that significant increases in inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) were apparent within 5 sec of incubation with PGF2 alpha. Increases in inositol bisphosphate (InsP2) were also apparent within 5 sec. InsP1 and InsP4 were observed after a short (5-sec) lag period. HPLC revealed that PGF2 alpha provoked rapid (5 sec) increases in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins 1,4,5-P3), which was rapidly converted to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins 1,3,4,5-P4) and inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate (Ins 1,3,4-P3). The primary inositol bisphosphate isomer present in PGF2 alpha-stimulated bovine luteal cells was inositol 1,4-bisphosphate (Ins 1,4-P2), with lesser amounts of Ins 1,3-P2. Inositol monophosphates were also increased. These findings were confirmed in studies in which the metabolism of purified [3H]Ins 1,4,5-P3 was followed temporally in saponin-permeabilized bovine luteal cells. Additional studies demonstrated the presence of an enzyme, InsP3-3-kinase, in the cytosolic fraction of bovine corpora lutea. InsP3-3-kinase phosphorylated Ins 1,4,5-P3 to form Ins 1,3,4,5-P4. The activity of InsP3-3-kinase was calcium dependent and was enhanced by calmodulin at low calcium concentrations. Calmidazolium, a calmodulin inhibitor, reduced InsP3-3-kinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate the presence of multiple polyphosphorylated inositol phosphates in PGF2 alpha-stimulated bovine luteal cells. The isomers were formed via the action of a specific calcium/calmodulin-regulated kinase (InsP3-3-kinase), which phosphorylated Ins 1,4,5-P3 during agonist-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. These data suggest that the inositol tris/tetrakisphosphate pathway is an important sequelae to PGF2 alpha-stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, and that the pathway may be activated during agonist-mediated calcium mobilization.     

Calcium is an inhibitor of luteinizing hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase in the luteal cell

Both prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and LHRH inhibit LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation and progesterone secretion in the intact luteal cell, but have no effect on LH-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in isolated membranes. The present studies were conducted to assess the possibility that calcium (Ca2+) may mediate the inhibitory activity of PGF2 alpha and LHRH in the rat luteal cell. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ significantly enhanced cAMP accumulation in response to LH by about 2-fold, but blunted LH-stimulated progesterone secretion. Incubation of luteal cells with A23187 caused a highly significant and dose-related decrease in LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation with a concentration for half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of about 1 microM. No effect of A23187 was seen on LH-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity, but the ionophore elicited significant inhibition of LH-stimulated intracellular cAMP accumulation in the presence of isobutyl-methylxanthine (MIX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Inhibition by A23187 was Ca2+ dependent, since a decrease in extracellular Ca2+ to less than 100 microM completely blocked the effect of the ionophore. A23187 also significantly inhibited LH-stimulated progesterone secretion in response to LH or cholera toxin and inhibited cholera toxin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in the absence or presence of MIX. In incubations of isolated luteal membranes, Ca2+ produced a dose-dependent inhibition of LH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the absence or presence of MIX at free Ca2+ levels between 5-20 microM (IC50, approximately 10 microM). Depletion of extracellular Ca2+ had no effect on inhibition of LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation by PGF2 alpha in the intact cell, and the inhibitory activity of LHRH was slightly reduced, but not abolished, by depletion of extracellular Ca2+. Verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, had no effect on inhibition of LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation by PGF2 alpha or LHRH. It is concluded that an acute increase in intracellular Ca2+ inhibits activation of adenylate cyclase by LH in the rat luteal cell. This conclusion is based on studies that showed enhanced cAMP accumulation by LH in Ca2+-depleted media, Ca2+-dependent inhibition of LH-stimulated cAMP production by a Ca2+ ionophore, and direct inhibition of LH-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity by Ca2+ in luteal membranes. It is suggested that a similar effect occurs in response to PGF2 alpha or LHRH in the luteal cell, but inhibition by these luteolytic agents is not dependent on an influx of extracellular Ca2+, but, rather, is due to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ by other mechanisms.     

The antigonadotropic actions of prostaglandin F2 alpha and phorbol ester are mediated by separate processes in rat luteal cells

Protein kinase-C (PKC) has been suggested as a possible mediator of the antigonadotropic action of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in luteal cells. To examine this possibility, we evaluated the effects of phorbol ester [12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)] in relation to those of PGF2 alpha on cAMP accumulation and ATP levels as well as on the subcellular distribution of PKC activity in rat luteal cell cultures. Treatment of luteal cells for 1 h with TPA or PGF2 alpha produced a dose-dependent inhibition of LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Maximal inhibition produced by PGF2 alpha was about 35% greater than that produced by TPA. Moreover, PGF2 alpha produced a further inhibition of LH action when the cells were maximally inhibited by TPA. Staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, reversed inhibition of LH-dependent cAMP accumulation produced by TPA, but had no effect on the response to PGF2 alpha. Furthermore, cells in which PKC was persistently activated by prolonged TPA treatment lost their responsiveness to additional TPA, but continued to show inhibition of cAMP accumulation by PGF2 alpha. TPA also produced a dose-dependent decrease in cell levels of ATP in contrast to PGF2 alpha. Finally, TPA produced a rapid redistribution of PKC activity from the cytosolic to the particulate fraction, whereas PGF2 alpha produced only a slight redistribution. We conclude that the acute antigonadotropic action of PGF2 alpha in rat luteal cells occurs via mechanisms other than phorbol ester-sensitive PKC activation.     

A phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and a calcium ionophore, A23187, can mimic the luteolytic effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha in isolated rat luteal cells

To explore the possible role of protein kinase C and calcium in the luteolytic process, we treated luteal cells with a protein kinase C activator, the phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and with the calcium ionophore, A23187. Lower concentrations of PMA could clearly mimic the inhibitory, luteolytic effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) on LH-induced cAMP and progesterone production. A nontumor promoting phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, had no inhibitory effect, indicating a specific PMA effect. The calcium ionophore, A23187, also gave a marked inhibition of LH-induced cAMP and progesterone production. Hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was markedly impaired after preincubation of the cells with PGF2 alpha, PMA, or A23187, but no effect was seen when the substances were added to isolated membranes. In addition, the stimulation of progesterone production in the luteal cells with the cAMP analogs, 8-bromo-cAMP and (Bu)2cAMP, was almost totally abolished when PMA or A23187 was present. We conclude that PMA and A23187 in many ways mimic the effect of PGF2 alpha in luteal cells. The inhibition of steroidogenesis is partly dependent on depressed activity of the hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase, but also obtained by inhibiting steps distal to cAMP formation. Both points of action seem to be calcium and/or protein kinase C dependent. In contrast, higher concentrations of PMA markedly stimulated steroidogenesis without affecting the cAMP level, a stimulation not seen after incubation with 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, suggesting again a specific PMA effect. The stimulation of steroidogenesis by higher concentrations of PMA seems to be specific, but the interpretation of this finding is unclear at present. In conclusion, PMA and A23187 mimic some of the luteolytic properties of PGF2 alpha, not only inhibiting the luteal cAMP system, but also by inducing lesions in the steroidogenic steps beyond the cAMP system.     

The calcium-mobilizing agent, thapsigargin, inhibits progesterone production in rat luteal cells by a calcium-independent mechanism.

In rat luteal cells, an increase in intracellular [Ca]i impairs luteal function similar to that of prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a). However, calcium per se is not the mediator of the antigonadotropic action of PGF2a. Thapsigargin, a plant sesquiterpene lactone, increases intracellular calcium concentration concentration ([Ca]i) in several cell types by a mechanism that involves specific inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2(+)-ATPase. To further investigate the antigonadotropic role of [Ca]i and the mechanism of action of PGF2a in rat luteal cells, the action of thapsigargin on cellular functional responses was examined in the absence and presence of PGF2a. Thapsigargin dose dependently increased [Ca]i and inhibited cAMP accumulation and progesterone production in response to LH. The inhibitory effect of thapsigargin on cAMP accumulation was calcium dependent but in contrast, inhibition of LH-stimulated progesterone production was independent of calcium mobilization by thapsigargin. Steroidogenesis stimulated by (Bu)2cAMP was also inhibited by thapsigargin. Thus, thapsigargin mimicked some effects of PGF2a with inhibitory sites of action on both cAMP accumulation and progesterone production. Thapsigargin also blocked the mobilization of [Ca]i by PGF2a, but when coincubated with PGF2a an additive effect on inhibition of LH-stimulated progesterone production occurred. However, no additive effects of thapsigargin and PGF2a on gonadotropin-sensitive cAMP accumulation were evident. In conclusion, although thapsigargin and PGF2a may share some similar actions, their antigonadotropic effects are mediated differently.     

The effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha analog on the plasma concentration of progesterone in the bandicoot, Isoodon macrourus (Marsupialia:Peramelidae), during lactation

Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF) analog was administered to bandicoots during lactation to determine whether PGF2 alpha is involved in the regression of the marsupial corpus luteum. The concentration of progesterone in the plasma, and the morphology of the corpus luteum were monitored following PGF analog treatment. When the drug was administered early in lactation, there was no apparent change in luteal function. However, when PGF analog was administered on Days 30 and 31 of lactation an immediate decrease in plasma progesterone concentration to 0.1 ng/ml was observed and regression of the corpora lutea was observed by Day 36. The corpus luteum of numerous eutherian species is resistant to the luteolytic effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha in the early luteal phase. The corpus luteum of the bandicoot appears to be resistant in a similar manner during early lactation.