Production of insulin-like growth factors by ovarian granulosa cells

Evidence for ovarian secretion of somatomedins or insulin-like growth factors (IGF's) was generated by two approaches. First, porcine granulosa cells were shown to produce IGF's and an IGF-binding protein under serum-free conditions in vitro. The ovarian IGF's were recognized in two competitive binding assays specific for IGF's, a RIA using antibodies to human IGF-I and a radioreceptor assay using rat liver plasma membranes. IGF secretion was maintained for at least 10 days in culture. Second, ovarian production of IGF's in vivo was suggested by studies which showed that IGF levels in follicular fluid from preovulatory follicles were significantly greater than those in either serum or immature follicles. In contrast, similar low levels of insulin were observed in the follicles and serum. In conjunction with previous evidence of IGF action on granulosa cells, the present studies suggest the possibility of an autocrine role of IGF's in regulating follicular growth and development.     

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins in the developing rhesus monkey.

Rhesus monkeys follow a developmental pattern of serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels similar to that found in humans. In these monkeys, serum IGF-I levels peak during puberty (2.5-4.5 yr of age in males). We have examined the developmental pattern of IGF-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), -2, and -3 in serum by Western ligand blotting, the levels of IGFBP-3, IGF-I, and IGF-II in serum by RIA, and the IGFBP mRNA levels of IGFBP-1, -2, and -3 in the livers of rhesus monkeys from fetal life through adulthood by Northern analysis. The pattern of the serum levels of the IGFBPs reflected the liver mRNA levels of the IGFBPs. The IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 liver mRNA and serum levels were highest in the fetus and first year of life and were very low after 4 yr of age. Conversely, the IGFBP-3 liver mRNA and serum levels were relatively low early in life and peaked during puberty. The serum levels of IGF-I and IGF-II were strongly correlated with the level of IGFBP-3. We conclude that the developmental pattern of IGFBPs in the rhesus monkey is similar to that in the human, and that serum IGFBP levels are probably regulated by the rate of IGFBP mRNA synthesis.     

The effect of anorexia nervosa and refeeding on growth hormone-binding protein, the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and the IGF-binding proteins.

We studied the relationship of serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF-II, the IGF-binding proteins IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3, and GH-binding protein (GHBP; which is postulated to be derived from the extracellular portion of the GH receptor) in normal volunteers and patients with anorexia nervosa before and after a refeeding program. Serum GHBP, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 were all significantly decreased in low weight patients with anorexia nervosa and returned to nearly normal levels with refeeding. Fasting serum GH and serum IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were significantly increased in low weight patients with anorexia nervosa and also returned to nearly normal levels with refeeding. Serum IGF-II was 27% lower in the low weight group than in normal subjects, but this difference was not statistically significant. Both serum IGF-I and IGF-II were positively correlated with serum IGFBP-3 and negatively correlated with serum IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that nutritional deprivation alters the GH-IGF axis by down-regulation of the GH receptor or its postreceptor mechanisms, and that this effect is reversible with refeeding.     

Gene expression and serum levels of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins in a case of non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia

We describe a case of non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia (NICTH) associated with a renal cell carcinoma. Serum insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) (including IGF-II E peptide), IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), insulin and C-peptide were measured before and after surgical removal of the tumour. IGFBPs were visualized by Western ligand blotting. Preoperatively 'big' IGF-II and IGFBP-2 levels were raised. IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 were low, while insulin, C-peptide and GH were undetectable. These changes were reversed by 2 days postoperatively. Protease assays showed little IGFBP-3 protease activity preoperatively. Preoperatively, neutral chromatography demonstrated most of the immunoassayable IGFBP-3 in a high molecular weight form with a small amount of IGF-II. Most of the IGF-II and big IGF-II eluted in lower molecular weight forms. Postoperative samples showed a shift in IGF-II which became increasingly associated with IGFBP-3 in both low and high molecular weight complexes. By Northern blotting, expression of all species of IGF-II mRNA in the tumour was 10-fold greater than in normal human liver. The tumour did not express IGFBP-1 or IGFBP-2. IGFBP-3 was expressed in small amounts, while the expression of IGFBP-4 was two-fold higher than in liver. In conclusion, we have confirmed high levels of big IGF-II and IGFBP-2 in NICTH, changes which are reversed postoperatively. The IGF-II is derived from the tumour which overexpresses these genes but IGFBP-2 probably arises from extratumour upregulation.     

Gonadotropins and estradiol stimulate immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor-I production by porcine granulosa cells in vitro

Previous studies have established the ovarian granulosa cell as a site of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) secretion and action, suggesting an autocrine function for this peptide in the ovary. To better understand how this putative autocrine system is regulated and its interface with the classic ovarian trophic hormones FSH, LH, and estradiol (E2), we have studied the effects of these hormones on the secretion of immunoreactive IGF-I (iIGF-I) by cultured porcine granulosa cells. Immature granulosa cells were cultured under serum-free conditions which were optimized to allow maximal iIGF-I production and hormonal responsivity. Measurements of iIGF-I were made after minimizing the influence of IGF-binding proteins by either acid gel filtration or reverse phase chromatography. Since the two preparative procedures gave roughly comparable results, the more expeditious reverse phase procedure was chosen for most samples. Cycloheximide virtually eliminated measurable iIGF-I in culture, suggesting that the peptide measured was newly synthesized, and degradation of IGF-I by cultured granulosa cells was negligible. Consequently, the medium levels provided an accurate indication of cellular secretion over the collection period. Under optimal culture conditions, iIGF-I was readily measurable and responsive to treatment with ovarian trophic hormones. The iIGF-I levels in several experiments with these hormones were as follows: FSH treatment, 1.58 +/- 0.21 times the control value (n = 5 experiments); E2 treatment, 1.26 +/- 0.12 times the control value (n = 5); E2 plus FSH, 3.12 X 0.31 times the control value (n = 8); LH, 1.33 +/- 0.12 times the control value (n = 3); LH plus FSH, 1.78 +/- 0.2 times the control value (n = 1). To assess the role of cAMP in the mediation of gonadotropin effects in this system, granulosa cells were treated with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (methylisobutylxanthine), which resulted in iIGF-I levels 1.61 +/- 0.7 times the control level. In the presence of FSH, a further stimulatory effect was demonstrated (3.76 +/- 0.29 times control). In addition, the cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP dramatically increased iIGF-I levels (6.3 +/- 0.72 times control). These data provide the first demonstration that gonadal iIGF-I secretion can be stimulated by the principal hormones involved in trophic regulation of the ovary. As with other gonadotropin-dependent functions of granulosa cells, this effect appears to be mediated by cAMP and enhanced by E2. This interface between circulating hormones and autocrine systems could provide an important mechanism to amplify the effects of gonadotropic hormones on a local level.     

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF receptors, and IGF-binding proteins in primary cultures of prostate epithelial cells.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are potent mitogens that bind with high affinity and specificity to IGF receptors and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). We studied the roles of these three groups of proteins in prostate epithelial cells (PEC) in primary culture grown under serum-free conditions. Affinity cross-linking of IGF-I and IGF-II to crude membranes prepared from PEC revealed an abundance of type 1 IGF receptors and no evidence of type 2 IGF receptors. Western ligand blots of conditioned media (CM) from PEC demonstrated the presence of two specific IGFBP bands similar to those previously demonstrated in seminal plasma, with approximate mol wt of 31 and 24 kDa. The 31-kDa band was immunoprecipitable with an antibody to IGFBP-2, and neither band could be deglycosylated with endoglycosidase-F. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA prepared from PEC with cDNAs for hIGFBP-1, -2, and -3 documented the expression of mRNA for hIGFBP-2 only. Modifications of the serum-free conditions of PEC did not significantly alter the IGFBP profile of PEC CM. The ability of IGF-I, IGF-II, and insulin to stimulate clonal growth of PEC was examined. IGF-I stimulated PEC growth with an ED50 of 0.1 ng/mL. IGF-II and insulin, respectively, were 1 and 3 orders of magnitude less effective than IGF-I in stimulating the growth of PEC. Radioimmunoassayable IGF-I and IGF-II levels in PEC CM were below the assay detection levels. In conclusion, we suggest that IGFs are important growth stimulators of PEC in culture, that their actions are mediated through the type 1 IGF receptor, and that PEC produce hIGFBP-2 and a 24-kDa IGFBP which may modulate IGF action in these cells.     

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor production by luteinized granulosa cells: comparison between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS women

CONTEXT: Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a potent cytokine that promotes angiogenesis and vascular permeability. After controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF), excessive VEGF-A production can occur, particularly in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); however, it is unclear whether the regulation of VEGF-A production is different between PCOS and non-PCOS women. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether there were differences in the dose- and time-dependent effects of insulin and IGFs on VEGF-A production by luteinized granulosa cells (LGCs) from women with and without PCOS. DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective comparative experimental study was conducted at an institutional practice. PATIENTS: Patients included six PCOS and six non-PCOS women undergoing COS and IVF. INTERVENTIONS: Interventions included COS for IVF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: VEGF-A levels in culture media were collected daily for 3 d from LGCs after incubation with variable doses of insulin, IGF-I, and IGF-II in the presence and absence of LH. RESULTS: In both study groups, exposure to LH alone did not alter VEGF-A levels. However, insulin or IGF increased VEGF-A levels within 1 d and appeared to synergize with LH at 3 d. VEGF-A production by non-PCOS LGCs was more sensitive to IGF exposure, whereas PCOS cells were more sensitive to insulin. Although an increase in DNA content (P < 0.05) was noted in cultures of PCOS cells, progesterone levels were lower compared with non-PCOS LGCs. CONCLUSION: Insulin and IGFs promote VEGF-A production in LGCs, but the response patterns are different when cells from PCOS and non-PCOS women are compared.     

Growth factors regulate immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor-I production by cultured porcine granulosa cells

The effects of various growth factors on the production of immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor I (iIGF-I) in short term (3-day) cultures of porcine granulosa cells was investigated. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was shown to be a potent dose-dependent stimulator of iIGF-I production, achieving a 3.6-fold stimulation at a dose of 10 ng/ml. Transforming growth factor-alpha (10 ng EGF equivalents/ml) was also stimulatory. Platelet-derived growth factor (10 ng/ml) had no effect of its own, but enhanced EGF-stimulated iIGF-I production. The acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (100 ng/ml) had no effect alone or in combination with EGF. Transforming growth factor-beta (10 ng/ml) had no effect of its own, but inhibited EGF-stimulated iIGF-I production. The interactive effects of EGF and FSH (200 ng/ml) on iIGF-I production were investigated in short term and longer term (7-day) cultures. In short term cultures under conditions optimized for EGF-dependent iIGF-I production, FSH had no effect of its own and inhibited EGF action. Conversely, in longer term cultures optimized for FSH-dependent iIGF-I production, EGF had no effect of its own and inhibited FSH action. Thus IGF production by cultured porcine granulosa cells is regulated in a complex manner and is highly dependent on the culture conditions. Our results suggest that IGF production in the ovary may also be regulated in a complex manner which is dependent on the developmental state of the follicle.     

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) reduce IGF-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) concentration and stimulate IGFBP-3 independently of IGF receptors in human fibroblasts and epidermal cells.

Recent studies have provided a consensus that insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) stimulates IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in vivo and in vitro. While it also appears well established that IGFBP-1 is inversely related to insulin concentrations, evidence regarding regulation of other IGFBP is inconclusive. Using immunoprecipitation and Western ligand blot, we have characterized the IGFBPs released into conditioned medium (CM) by cells from the adult human fibroblast cell line N3652 and the human epidermal squamous cell carcinoma line SCL-1. N3652 cells expressed IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2, a 24-kilodalton (kDa) IGFBP presumed to be IGFBP-4, and IGFBPs at 30 and 28 kDa. SCL-1 expressed IGFBP-3 and a putative IGFBP-4, with intermediate bands at 34 and 30 kDa. As determined by ligand blot of CM from confluent cells 72 h after the addition of peptides to serum-free medium, IGF-I and IGF-II potently stimulated IGFBP-3 in both cell lines, but otherwise IGFBP regulation in the two cells diverged. In N3652 cells, IGFBP-3 concentrations in CM increased to 700% and 800% of basal levels in the presence of IGF-I and IGF-II (at 100 ng/ml; n = 5 experiments), respectively. IGFBP-3 was not affected by insulin up to 10 micrograms/ml. In contrast, IGFBP-4 levels were diminished 54% and 73% by 100 ng/ml IGF-I and IGF-II, respectively, with no response to insulin. In SCL-1 cells, IGF-I and IGF-II were virtually identical in stimulating a mean 200% increase in IGFBP-3 (n = 5 experiments). Insulin was less potent, but caused a significant stimulation of IGFBP-3 levels. IGF-I, IGF-II, and insulin all stimulated an approximately 50% increase in IGFBP-4 concentrations. To test the hypothesis that IGF-induced alterations in IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-4 concentrations were regulated via the type 1 IGF receptor, we attempted to block IGFBP changes with type 1 IGF receptor antibody alpha IR-3 and to induce IGFBP changes with an IGF-II analog, [Leu27]IGF-II, with little affinity for the type 1 receptor. alpha IR-3 failed to block either the IGF-induced rise in IGFBP-3 in each cell line or the decline in IGFBP-4 in N3652 CM. [Leu27]IGF-II was as potent as IGF-II or IGF-I in inducing changes in IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-4 concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Uptake of circulating insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) into cerebrospinal fluid appears to be independent of the IGF receptors as well as IGF-binding proteins

Peripheral administration of human insulin-like growth factor (hIGF) results in both uptake of hIGF into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and amelioration of brain injury. We tested the hypotheses that IGF uptake into CSF is independent of IGF receptors and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP). Adult rats were injected sc with various concentrations of hIGF-I or structural analogs, and serum and CSF were withdrawn for assay 90 min later. An enzyme-linked immunoassay was used that detected immunoreactive hIGF-I and its analogs, but not rat IGF-I, IGF-II, or insulin. Plasma hIGF-I levels increased linearly (r = 0.97) with hIGF-I dose between 25-300 microgram/rat. By contrast, uptake into CSF reached saturation above 100 microgram, suggesting carrier-mediated uptake. hIGF-II reduced the uptake of hIGF-I into CSF (P < 0.02). Des(1-3)hIGF-I is a hIGF-I analog missing the N-terminal tripeptide, resulting in greatly reduced affinity for IGFBP-1, -3, -4, and -5. Nevertheless, des(1-3)hIGF-I was taken up into CSF. [Leu(24)]hIGF-I and [Leu(60)]hIGF-I have 20- to 85-fold reduced affinity for the type I IGF receptor, yet both were taken up into CSF in amounts similar to hIGF-I. In addition, hIGF-I and des(1-3)hIGF-I were taken up into CSF, although binding to the type II receptor is extremely weak. These data suggest that uptake of circulating IGF-I into CSF is independent of the type I or II IGF receptors as well as IGF sequestration to IGFBP-1, -3, -4, or -5.     

Insulin and insulin-like growth factors stimulate deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

The effects of insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) on the replication of PC12 pheochromocytoma cells were investigated. Incubation of PC12 cells for 2-3 days in low (0.3%) serum medium decreased [3H]thymidine incorporation into PC12 cell DNA to approximately 30% of that in control (15% serum) medium. Incubation of the cells in low serum medium also slowed the growth of the cultures and increased the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Addition of insulin to cells in low serum medium increased [3H]thymidine incorporation into the cells, increased the number of cells in PC12 cultures, and decreased the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. IGF-I and IGF-II also increased [3H]thymidine incorporation into PC12 cells incubated in low serum medium. IGF-I (EC50, approximately 0.3 nM) was a more potent stimulus of [3H]thymidine incorporation than was insulin (EC50, approximately 3.5 nM). These data suggest that insulin and IGFs are growth factors for PC12 cells, and that the growth-promoting effects of these agents may be mediated by a type I IGF receptor on PC12 cells.     

An insulin-like growth factor-binding protein in ovarian follicular fluid blocks follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated steroid production by ovarian granulosa cells

An inhibitor of FSH action on granulosa cells has been purified from porcine follicular fluid using a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis in 30% (vol/vol) acetic acid, gel filtration chromatography under acidic conditions, and several steps of reverse phase HPLC. Activity was monitored by using an in vitro granulosa cell bioassay, measuring the effect of the inhibitor on FSH-stimulated estradiol production. The purified polypeptide dose-dependently inhibited production of both estradiol (EC50 = 0.7 nM) and progesterone (EC50 = 1.3 nM) by rat granulosa cells cultured in the presence of 20 ng/ml FSH. N-Terminal sequence analysis revealed a high degree of homology with the 53,000 mol wt human GH-dependent insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGF-BP). Coincubation of stoichiometric amounts of IGF-I or -II and the inhibitor (IGF-BP) resulted in complete neutralization of the inhibitory effect. Since both IGFs are produced locally in the ovary and exert stimulatory effects on granulosa cells, local production of IGF-BP may provide an important means of regulating ovarian follicle growth.     

Follicle-stimulating hormone inhibits the constitutive release of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins by cultured rat ovarian granulosa cells.

The ovarian granulosa cell has previously been shown to be a site of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I production, reception, and action. It is the purpose of this communication to explore the possibility that this cell type is also capable of hormonally-regulatable elaboration of IGF binding proteins (BPs). To this end, granulosa cells from immature, diethylstilbestrol-primed rats were cultured for up to 72 h under serum-free conditions in the absence or presence of FSH (100 ng/ml). Media conditioned by untreated granulosa cells revealed constitutively released polyethylene glycol (PEG)-precipitable [125I] IGF-I binding activity the daily elaboration of which proved constant throughout the 72 h experimental period. However, treatment of granulosa cells, with FSH resulted in dramatic inhibition of the accumulation of IGF-I binding activity (89% at the 100 ng/ml dose level). Systemic provision of FSH (10 micrograms/rat/day for 2 days) revealed that this gonadotropic action is not strictly an in vitro phenomenon but that it can be fully reproduced under in vivo circumstances. Western ligand blotting of SDS-PAGE-fractionated media conditioned by untreated granulosa cells revealed three IGF-BP species comprising a major band doublet (28-29 kDa) as well as a single minor band (23 kDa). Treatment with FSH virtually eliminated the 23 kDa species and substantially reduced the relative representation of the 28 and 29 kDa IGF-BP species (82 and 74% inhibition, respectively). Taken together, these observations disclose the multiplicity of granulosa cell-derived IGF-BPs and reveal the striking ability of FSH to suppress their constitutive release under both in vitro and in vivo circumstances. This FSH action is all the more noteworthy in light of the generally stimulatory effect exerted by FSH at the level of the granulosa cell. Inasmuch as FSH may be concerned with the promotion of granulosa cell development, its ability to attenuate the release of (presumptively inhibitory) IGF-BPs may enhance the access of endogenously-produced IGF-1 to its cognate cell surface receptors and hence its cellular hormonal action.     

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF receptors, and IGF-binding proteins: Roles in skeletal muscle growth and differentiation

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway consists of multiple IGF ligands, IGF receptors, and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Studies in a variety of animal and cellular systems suggest that the IGF signaling pathway plays a key role in regulating skeletal muscle growth, differentiation, and in maintaining homeostasis of the adult muscle tissues. Intriguingly, IGFs stimulate both myoblast proliferation and differentiation, which are two mutually exclusive biological events during myogenesis. Both of these actions are mediated through the same IGF-1 receptor. Recent studies have shed new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these paradoxical actions of IGFs in muscle cells. In this article, we provide a brief review of our current understanding of the IGF signaling system and discuss recent findings on how local oxygen availability and IGFBPs act to specify IGF actions in muscle cells.     

The direct in vitro effect of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) on normal bovine mammary cell proliferation and production of IGF binding proteins.

Mammary epithelial cells isolated from pregnant, nonlactating heifers were grown in vitro using collagen substrates. Using these systems, the truncated form of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (des-3-IGF-1), IGF-1, and IGF-2 all stimulated a significant (0.5 to 1 fold) increase in cell proliferation (des-3-IGF-1 greater than IGF-1 greater than IGF-2). When grown in media containing serum plus IGF-1, normal bovine mammary cells also produced and secreted at least four species of IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) ranging from 21K to 48K (as demonstrated by ligand blot analysis). However, cells grown in serum free media secreted detectable quantities of only 2 major forms of IGFBP of 34K and 48K. Using immunoblot analysis, these proteins were identified as IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3, respectively. Both proteins were inducible by the addition of IGF to the serum free media (relative potency; IGF-1 greater than des-3-IGF-1 greater than IGF-2). Using RIA analysis, bovine mammary cells cultured in the presence of IGF-1 produced 20-25 ng/ml IGFBP-2 compared to control cultures which secrete approximately 1.0 ng/ml. Cells exposed to des-3-IGF-1 produced 40-60% less IGFBP-2 whereas insulin and IGF-2 did not stimulate significant IGFBP-2 production. These data indicate that normal bovine mammary cells secret IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3. This secretion is stimulated by IGF-1 and des-3-IGF-1 suggesting a mechanism for regulating local IGF activity.     

Insulin and growth hormone act synergistically to stimulate insulin-like growth factor-I production by cultured chicken hepatocytes

Cultured chicken hepatocytes were used to investigate whether insulin and GH interact to regulate insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) production in vitro. In the first set of experiments hepatocytes were preincubated for 6 h in hormone-free medium, and the effects of various combinations of insulin and GH on IGF-I production over the next 24 h were quantified by radioimmunoassay. Basal IGF-I production was 5.36 pg IGF-I/micrograms DNA and this was increased 1.31 +/- 0.13-fold (mean +/- S.E.M.) by insulin, 1.90 +/- 0.24-fold by GH and 4.46 +/- 0.68-fold by a combination of insulin and GH. These results demonstrate that insulin and GH interact synergistically to stimulate IGF-I production in vitro. The synergism with GH occurred at physiological concentrations of insulin with half-maximal stimulation occurring at an insulin concentration of 6 ng/ml. In hepatocytes which had been exposed to insulin immediately before the start of the experiment, the presence of insulin was no longer required for maximal stimulation of IGF-I production by GH. This in-vitro system will facilitate the study of the molecular basis of the interaction between insulin and GH.