Synthesis and release of luteinizing hormone in vitro by rat anterior pituitary cells: effects of gallopamil hydrochloride (D600) and pimozide

We compared the role of Ca2+ in regulating GnRH-induced LH synthesis and release from cultured rat pituitary cells. LH synthesis and release were measured after a 4-h treatment of cells with gallopamil hydrochloride (D600; 1 and 100 microM), a Ca2+ channel blocker, or pimozide (0.5 and 5.0 microM), a calmodulin inhibitor, with or without 1 nM GnRH. LH translation and glycosylation were monitored by measuring incorporation of [14C]alanine and [3H]glucosamine, respectively, into total (cell and medium) immunoprecipitable LH. GnRH significantly (P less than 0.01) increased total [3H]LH (glycosylation), but had no effect on total [14C]LH (translation). D600 significantly (P less than 0.01) depressed (1 microM) and completely blocked (100 microM) GnRH-induced LH glycosylation and release of [3H]LH, [14C]LH, and immunoreactive LH. D600 (100 microM) also reduced (P less than 0.05) total basal synthesis of [14C]LH. Neither dose of D600 altered uptake of [3H]glucosamine, but 100 microM D600 significantly (P less than 0.01) depressed its incorporation into total protein. D600 (100 microM) significantly (P less than 0.01) depressed [14C]alanine uptake and incorporation into total protein. Pimozide significantly (P less than 0.01) reduced, in a dose-related manner, GnRH-induced LH glycosylation, and release of immunoreactive LH, [3H]LH, and [14C]LH. Pimozide did not alter LH translation or uptake of radiolabeled precursors or their incorporation into total protein. These results demonstrate that D600 and pimozide inhibit both GnRH-induced LH glycosylation and release. Thus, the actions of GnRH on LH glycosylation and release are both mediated by similar Ca2+-dependent pathways.     

Effects of a low calcium environment on luteinizing hormone biosynthesis in cultured rat anterior pituitary cells

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of lowering the extracellular calcium concentration on GnRH-stimulated LH glycosylation and LH translation, as measured by the incorporation of [3H]glucosamine (3H-Gln) and [35S]methionine (35S-Met) into immunoprecipitable LH. Cultured anterior pituitary cells, previously exposed to estradiol (5 X 10(-10) M) to maximize precursor incorporation were incubated for 4 h in normal calcium (2.5 mM) or low calcium medium (less than 15 microM) containing radiolabeled precursors with or without 1 nM GnRH. In the presence of normal calcium, GnRH significantly increased 3H-Gln-labeled LH in the medium (278%) and cells (290%), as well as total (cells plus medium) 3H- Gln LH (280%) compared to the control value (no GnRH). GnRH also significantly increased the 35S-Met LH released into the medium (164%) and total 35S-Met LH (186%) over control values. Depletion of extracellular calcium completely inhibited GnRH-stimulated 3H-Gln LH and 35S-Met LH production. Total immunoreactive LH (iLH), as measured by RIA, was also increased significantly by GnRH treatment in the presence of calcium, but this response was prevented by removal of calcium from the medium. Lowering extracellular calcium had no effect on cellular uptake or incorporation of 3H-Gln or 35S-Met into total trichloroacetic acid-precipitable protein. Approximately 80% of newly synthesized LH was released into the medium in all treatment groups independent of whether calcium or GnRH was present. The specific activity (disintegrations per min/microgram iLH) of radiolabeled LH released into the medium was significantly reduced by treatment with GnRH due to the large amount of unlabeled iLH released into the medium. However, when the cells were incubated in low calcium, the SA of 3H-Gln LH and 35S-Met LH in the medium was unaltered by GnRH, whereas GnRH-stimulated iLH release was inhibited. We conclude that GnRH stimulation of LH glycosylation and LH apoprotein synthesis involves extracellular calcium-dependent events, and the release of newly synthesized LH is closely coupled to LH biosynthesis and is less dependent on extracellular calcium, whereas the GnRH-stimulated release of previously synthesized, stored LH is dependent on extracellular calcium.     

Testosterone suppresses 8-bromo-adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated luteinizing hormone subunit synthesis.

The major objective of this study was to determine the effects of testosterone (T) on 8-bromo-cAMP (8-br-cAMP)- and GnRH-stimulated LH subunit polypeptide synthesis and glycosylation in cultured male anterior pituitary cells. The anterior pituitaries from 1-week castrate male rats were enzymatically dispersed and incubated for 48 h in steroid-free medium, followed by a 48-h incubation with or without 10 nM T. The cells were then incubated for 12 h in medium containing [35S]methionine ([35S]Met) and [3H]glucosamine ([3H]Gln) with or without 1 mM 8-br-cAMP or 1 nM GnRH, with or without 10 nM T. Incorporation of radiolabeled precursors into LH subunits was determined by specific immunoprecipitation of the LH dimer with subsequent analysis of the individual LH alpha- and beta-subunits by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. LH content was quantified by RIA (iLH). Both 8-br-cAMP and GnRH stimulated iLH release. T suppressed basal and GnRH-induced iLH secretion, whereas it enhanced iLH release stimulated by 8-br-cAMP. Both 8-br-cAMP and GnRH stimulated total (cell plus medium) [35S]Met and [3H]Gln incorporation into LH alpha and LH beta, and these responses were suppressed by T. Basal [35S]Met incorporation into the LH subunits was inhibited by T, whereas T had no effect on basal levels of [3H]Gln incorporation. Neither T nor GnRH altered [3H]Gln cell uptake or incorporation into total proteins, whereas 8-br-cAMP increased these responses. There were no treatment effects on [35S]Met cell uptake or incorporation into total proteins. These results suggest that 8-br-cAMP, similar to GnRH, stimulates both polypeptide synthesis and glycosylation of the LH alpha- and beta-subunits and that T suppresses these responses to 8-br-cAMP and GnRH in a similar fashion. These data indicate that cAMP is involved in mediating the actions of GnRH on LH subunit biosynthesis and that the inhibition of LH subunit polypeptide synthesis and glycosylation by T involves postreceptor events that are regulated by cAMP-dependent mechanisms.     

Differential actions of arachidonic acid and melittin on luteinizing hormone release and synthesis

We studied the actions of arachidonic acid (AA) on luteinizing hormone (LH) release versus synthesis (translation or glycosylation) by cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. Monolayer cells were incubated for 3-4 h with secretagogues (AA, melittin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone; GnRH) which either increase endogenous AA levels or release AA. LH translation and glycosylation were monitored by measuring the incorporation of [14C]alanine and [3H]glucosamine, respectively, into total (cell plus medium) immunoprecipitable LH. Immunoreactive (IR) LH was measured by radioimmunoassay. Nonlytic doses of AA increased (p less than 0.01) IR-LH release without increasing total [3H]glucosamine-LH, [14C]alanine-LH, or [3H]glucosamine-protein. AA either had no effect or slightly increased (p less than 0.05) [3H]glucosamine uptake, but decreased (p less than 0.01) [14C]alanine uptake and incorporation into total [14C]alanine protein. AA at 250 microM lysed cells, thus increasing medium IR-LH and decreasing (p less than 0.01) [3H]glucosamine and [14C]alanine uptake and incorporation into total LH and protein. Melittin, which releases AA by activating phospholipase A2 (245 and 490 nM), increased medium IR-LH (p less than 0.01) without affecting any other parameter measured. GnRH at 1 nM enhanced (p less than 0.01) both LH (IR-LH, [3H]glucosamine-LH and [14C]alanine-LH) release and total [3H]glucosamine-LH, but had no effect on total [14C]alanine-LH. In summary, AA and melittin at doses which stimulated LH release did not stimulate either LH glycosylation or translation. This suggests that increased LH release by nonspecific secretagogues is not necessarily accompanied by increased LH glycosylation or translation.     

Divergent roles of protein kinase C in luteinizing hormone biosynthesis versus release in rat anterior pituitary cells.

We previously demonstrated that protein kinase C (PKC) activators, i.e. L-alpha-1,2-dioctanoyl glycerol (C8) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), mimic the stimulatory effects of GnRH on both LH glycosylation and release. To further evaluate the roles of PKC, we determined: 1) the interaction between PKC activator and GnRH; and 2) the effects of depleting cellular PKC with a high dose of PMA on LH glycosylation vs. release. Anterior pituitaries excised from ovariectomized rats were enzymatically dispersed and cultured. In series 1 experiments, day 3 monolayer cells were incubated in the presence of radiolabeled precursors and GnRH (0, 1, or 100 nM), with or without C8 (200 microM). In series 2 experiments, day 2 cells were pretreated with either PMA (1 microM) or vehicle (0.08% dimethyl sulfoxide) for 24 h and then incubated with diluent, GnRH (1 nM), or PMA (20 nM), and radiolabeled precursors for 4 h. LH translation and glycosylation were monitored by measuring incorporation of [14C]alanine ([14C]A) and [3H]glucosamine ([3H]GA), respectively, into LH. Immunoreactive LH (IRLH) was measured by RIA. In series 1 experiments, C8 increased basal release of IRLH, potentiated IRLH release stimulated by 1 nM GnRH, but not by 100 nM GnRH. C8 elevated total [3H]GA-LH but had no additive effects with GnRH. In series 2 experiments, PMA pretreatment inhibited subsequent PMA-stimulated IRLH release. However, PMA pretreatment did not affect GnRH-induced IRLH release even though PMA pretreatment decreased cellular IRLH content. In comparison, PMA pretreatment reduced both GnRH- and PMA-stimulated total [3H]GA-LH. PMA pretreatment had no effects on total [14C]A-LH in the presence of GnRH or PMA, but reduced the basal level. In summary, PKC activators had no additive effects on either IRLH release or LH glycosylation stimulated by a maximal dose of GnRH. However, PMA pretreatment decreased GnRH-induced LH glycosylation without depressing LH release. These results suggest differential roles of PKC in the actions of GnRH on LH glycosylation vs. LH release.     

Synthesis and release of luteinizing hormone by rat anterior pituitary cells: effects of cytochalasins B and D

We determined the role of microfilaments in regulating LH synthesis (translation or glycosylation) and release from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells under basal and GnRH-stimulated conditions. Cells were pretreated for 2 h with microfilament-disrupting drugs, cytochalasin B (CB; 2 and 20 microM) or cytochalasin D (CD; 1 and 10 microM). LH synthesis and release were measured after 4 h of incubation with or without 1 nM GnRH and drugs. LH translation and glycosylation were monitored by measuring the incorporation of [14C]alanine and [3H]glucosamine, respectively, into total (cell and medium) immunoprecipitable LH. Immunoreactive LH (IRLH) in medium and cells was measured by RIA. GnRH at 1 nM significantly (P less than 0.01) increased the release of IRLH and total [3H]LH (glycosylation), but had no effect on total [14C]LH (translation), uptake, or incorporation of precursors into total protein. Neither CB (2 and 20 microM) nor CD (10 microM) altered basal or GnRH-stimulated IRHL release. Neither drug altered basal medium concentrations of [3H]LH or [14C]LH. In contrast, both CB and CD reduced (P less than 0.01) GnRH-stimulated [3H]LH in the medium and total system (LH glycosylation). CB reduced (P less than 0.01) [3H]glucosamine uptake, total [3H]protein synthesis, and basal level of total [3H]LH, while CD had no effects on these parameters. Thus, CD exerted a more specific inhibitory effect on GnRH-stimulated LH glycosylation than CB. CB (2 and 20 microM) increased (P less than 0.01), while CD (10 microM) decreased (P less than 0.01) [14C]alanine uptake, total [14C]LH, and [14C]protein under both basal and GnRH-stimulated conditions. These results demonstrated that while the cytochalasins did not inhibit either basal or GnRH-stimulated IRLH release, they did inhibit GnRH-stimulated LH glycosylation, although the effect of CB was due partially to reduced [3H]glucosamine uptake. Integrity of microfilaments appears to be important for GnRH-enhanced LH glycosylation, but not for GnRH-enhanced LH release.     

Luteinizing hormone synthesis in cultured fetal human pituitary cells exposed to gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

To investigate whether GnRH regulates LH synthesis during human development, pituitary cells from second trimester fetuses were incubated with [35S]methionine ([35S]met) and [3H]glucosamine ([3H]gln) for 48 h with 0, 10(-9), and 10(-7) mol/L GnRH. Immunoassayable (i) LH was measured in media and cellular lysates, and dual label scintillation analysis was used to quantitate incorporation of radiolabeled precursors into cells, trichloroacetic acid-precipitable proteins, and immunoprecipitated LH subjected to electrophoresis. Exposure of cells to GnRH did not affect cellular uptake or incorporation of precursors into proteins, but specifically increased total (secreted plus cellular) LH synthesis. Both GnRH concentrations significantly increased iLH release and enhanced secreted and cellular [3H]gln-LH. The secretion of [35S] met-LH was stimulated only by 10(-7) mol/L GnRH. The proportion of newly synthesized LH that was secreted and the 3H/35S ratio of secreted and cellular LH were uninfluenced by GnRH. Although basal LH synthesis was not sex dependent, total iLH content and GnRH-stimulated LH translation were greater in cells from females than in those from males. Therefore, GnRH regulates LH synthesis by second trimester fetal human gonadotrophs without influencing the proportion of total radiolabeled LH that is secreted. The existence of a sex difference in total iLH content and GnRH-stimulated LH translation is consistent with the sexual dimorphism in pituitary LH content occurring during human development.     

Modifications of luteinizing hormone biosynthesis and release by gonadotropin-releasing hormone, cycloheximide, and actinomycin D.

In the first experiment, the influence of synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the time course of [3H]glucosamine ([3H]GA) and [14C]alanine ([14C]A) incorporation into LH by quartered rat anterior pituitary glands and the sequence of release of radiolabeled and total immunoreactive LH (IR-LH) was investigated. Radiolabeled LH was measured by immunoprecipitation and total IR-LH was measured by RIA. After lag periods of 5 and 20 min, respectively, incorporation of [14C]A and [3H]GA into tissue LH increased linearly for 4 h. GnRH stimulated incorporation of [3H]GA only. The ratio of [14C]A-LH to [3H]GA-LH (14C:3H ratio) in the tissue decreased significantly with time and with GnRH treatment. In the second experiment, replenishment of GnRH in the medium every 0.5 h elevated the release rate (release during each sequential 0.5 h) of both [3H]GA and [14C]A-labeled LH within 1.5 h. The release rate of radiolabeled LH increased linearly until 3.5 h. The 14C:3H ratio in LH released during each time interval was reduced by GnRH. The release rate of IR-LH increased linearly with time, plateaued by 1.5-3 h, and started to decline. In other experiments, cycloheximide blocked synthesis of [14C]A-LH and greatly reduced the GnRH-induced synthesis and release of [3H]GA-LH, but reduced release of IR-LH by only 25%. Actinomycin D had no effect on GnRH-induced synthesis and release of LH at 2 h, but significantly reduced both at 4 h. These data suggest that 1) the time course for the release of preexisting IR-LH differs from that for newly synthesized LH, 2) the newly synthesized LH released in response to high levels of GnRH has more sugar residues than that released under basal conditions, 3) the GnRH-induced LH release can occur under conditions in which LH synthesis has been blocked, and 4) synthesis of messenger RNA is not required for GnRH-induced LH release or short term LH synthesis but seems to be required for continued synthesis and subsequent release of LH.     

17-beta-estradiol potentiates luteinizing hormone glycosylation and release induced by veratridine, diacylglycerol, and phospholipase C in rat anterior pituitary cells

We determined the effect of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) on synthesis and release of luteinizing hormone (LH) induced by drugs which activate intracellular signal transduction mechanisms in rat anterior pituitary cells. Cells were pretreated with E2 (6 x 10(-10) M) or diluent for 24 h, then washed and incubated for 4 h with E2 or diluent, respectively, in the presence or absence of drugs. LH translation and glycosylation were monitored by measuring incorporation of [14C]alanine and [3H]glucosamine, respectively, into total (medium plus cells) immunoprecipitable LH. Immunoreactive LH (IRLH) was measured by radioimmunoassay. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH, 1 nM), veratridine (5 microM), L-alpha-1,2-dioctanoyl glycerol (C8, 200 microM), and phospholipase C (PLC, 0.24 U/ml) all increased (p less than 0.01) medium IRLH, [3H]glucosamine-LH, and [14C]alanine-LH, and total [3H]glucosamine-LH in both E2- and diluent-treated cells. Total IRLH or [14C]alanine-LH were not increased by any treatment. E2 alone slightly increased (p less than 0.05) basal medium IRLH and [3H]glucosamine-LH. The stimulatory effects of E2 on basal medium [14C]alanine-LH and total [3H]glucosamine-LH were inconsistent. E2 potentiated (p less than 0.01) the effects of veratridine, C8, PLC, and GnRH on medium IRLH, and medium and total [3H]glucosamine-LH. E2 also potentiated (p less than 0.01) the effects of veratridine, PLC, and GnRH, but not of C8, on medium [14C]alanine-LH. In contrast, E2 did not increase either precursor uptake or incorporation of precursor into total protein in the presence of any secretagogue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Stimulation by phorbol ester and diacylglycerol of luteinizing hormone glycosylation and release by rat anterior pituitary cells

We studied the effects of protein kinase C (PKC) activators on LH glycosylation and release and the effect of 17 beta-estradiol on PKC activator-induced LH release. Rat anterior pituitary cells were incubated for 4 h with diluent, GnRH, and the PKC activators, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), L-alpha-1,2-dioctanoyl glycerol (C8), and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol. LH translation and glycosylation were monitored by measuring incorporation of [14C]alanine ([14C]A) and [3H]glucosamine ([3H]GA), respectively, into total (medium + cell) immunoprecipitable LH. Immunoreactive LH (IRLH) was measured by RIA. PMA (10(-9) M) and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (50-200 microM) had no significant effects. PMA at 10(-7) M elevated (P less than 0.01) medium IRLH, medium and total [3H]GA-LH, and medium but not total [14C]A-LH. PMA at 10(-7) M increased (P less than 0.01) uptake and incorporation of [3H]GA, but not [14C]A, into total pituitary protein. C8 increased both medium IRLH and total [3H]GA-LH (P less than 0.01) without altering total [14C]A-LH. Two hundred micromolar C8 increased medium concentrations of [3H]GA-LH (P less than 0.01) and [14C]A-LH (P less than 0.05). C8 (50-200 microM) had no detectable effects on uptake and incorporation of precursors into protein. GnRH (1 nM) enhanced (P less than 0.01) both medium IRLH and total [3H]GA-LH, but had no effect on total [14C]A-LH. Pretreatment of pituitary cells with 17 beta-estradiol (6 X 10(-10) M) greatly enhanced LH release induced by C8. In conclusion, PMA and C8, like GnRH, stimulated both LH glycosylation and release. These results suggest that PKC may regulate both LH release and glycosylation and may be important in estrogen modulation of LH release.     

GnRH action in rat anterior pituitary gland: regulation of protein, glycoprotein and LH synthesis.

The effect of synthetic GnRH on the synthesis of proteins and glycoproteins in the anterior pituitary and in vitro release of LH into the medium was studied. A maximal dose (25 ng/ml) of of synthetic GnRH caused optimum release of radioimmunoassayable LH into the medium after 2 h of incubation. A concomitant increase in cyclic AMP accumulation in the tissue and LH in the incubation medium was also observed under the influence of GnRH during different periods of incubation time. Incubation of the rat anterior pituitary with GnRH stimulated the incorporation of [3H] proline into acid precipitable proteins in a time- and dose-dependent manner, similar to radioimmunoassayable LH released into the medium. Similar results were obtained when pituitary was incubated with dibutyryl cyclic AMP. LH, in addition, enhanced the incorporation of [3H] glucosamine and [3H] amino acids mixture into acid-precipitable proteins suggesting that proteins including glycoproteins are synthesized by the rat anterior pituitary under the influence of GnRH. Approximately 10% of the radioactivity associated with proteins comigrated with radioimmunoassayable LH on the gels. GnRH also enhanced the incorporation of [3H] glucosamine and [3H] amino acid mixture into immunoprecipitable LH. The GnRH-induced incorporation of [3H] proline into anterior pituitary proteins was abolished by specific translation inhibitors.     

Effect of in vivo treatment with estrogen on luteinizing hormone synthesis and release by rat pituitaries in vitro.

The influence of estrogen on uptake of [3H]glucosamine and [14C]alanine and their incorporation into LH and total protein was investigated. Ovariectomized rats were sacrificed 22 h after injection with either oil or estradiol benzoate (EB, 50 microng/rat). Quartered anterior pituitary glands were incubated for 4 h with radioactive precursors in the presence or absence of 3.6 X 10-8M synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Labeled LH was isolated by immunoprecipitation with specific anti-LH-beta serum. Both EB and GnRH significantly elevated the amount of [3H]glucosamine-LH appearing in the medium, the tissue, and the total system (medium + tissue), but they increased the amount of [14C]alanine-LH only in the medium. There was a significant positive interaction between EB and GnRH on the amounts of [3H]glucosamine-LH and [14C]alanine-LH in the medium and of [3H]glucosamine-LH in the tissue and total system. EB enhanced [3H]glucosamine uptake and incorporation into total protein, but GnRH had little or no effect on these parameters. In time course studies rats were injected with either oil or EB at 22, 11, or 5.5 h prior to sacrifice. At all times EB significantly increased synthesis and release of [3H]-glucosamine-LH and release of total immunoreactive LH (IR-LH) by pituitaries incubated with GnRH. The amounts of labeled and IR-LH released into the medium increased linearly with time after EB injection, but the amount of labeled LH in the total system plateaued at 5.5 h after EB injection. In another study, estradiol (E2, 5 microng/rat) dissolved in 1% ethanol-saline was injected at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 4 h prior to sacrifice. Incorporation of [3H]glucosamine into tissue protein and release of [3H]glucosamine-LH was stimulated within 2 h after E2 injection. However, incorporation of [3H]glucosamine into LH was not stimulated until 4 h after E2 injection. These results suggest that estrogen and GnRH regulate LH synthesis at different sites, and that the effect of estrogen is non-specific compared to that of GnRH. The synthesis of the carbohydrate moiety of LH appears to be subjected to hormonal regulation more readily than the synthesis of the polypeptide moiety.     

Regulation of luteinizing hormone subunit biosynthesis in cultured male anterior pituitary cells: effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and testosterone

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the direct effects of testosterone (T) on LH subunit apoprotein synthesis, glycosylation, and release by the male pituitary. Cells from 1-week castrate rats were cultured for 48 h in steroid-free medium, followed by 48 h in medium with or without 10 nM T. The cells were then incubated for 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 h in medium containing [35S]methionine (35S-Met) or [3H]glucosamine (3H-Gln), with or without 1 nM GnRH (Exp 1) or in medium containing precursors with or without 10 nM T and/or 1 nM GnRH (Exp 2). Radiolabeled precursor incorporation into LH subunits was determined by immunoprecipitation, followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In Exp 1, precursor incorporation into total protein (TP) and LH subunits increased linearly over time for at least 8 h. GnRH did not affect precursor incorporation into total protein or 35S-Met labeling of LH subunits, but stimulated a linear time-dependent accumulation of 3H-Gln into total (cells plus media) LH subunits and release of radioimmunoassayable LH into the medium. Based on these results, the effects of T on LH subunit biosynthesis (with or without GnRH) were studied during an 8-h incubation. In Exp 2, GnRH enhanced total 3H-Gln (but not 35S-Met) incorporation into both LH subunits. GnRH stimulated the release of 35S-Met LH alpha and 3H-Gln LH subunits and increased the relative glycosylation of secreted LH subunits without altering the relative glycosylation of intracellular LH subunits. T inhibited radioimmunoassayable LH release and incorporation of both precursors into total and secreted LH subunits (with or without GnRH). However, only the relative glycosylation of secreted LH alpha was reduced by T (with or without GnRH). These data indicate that T acts directly at the pituitary to inhibit LH subunit apoprotein synthesis and selectively inhibit LH alpha glycosylation. Further, these data support the hypothesis that changes in LH glycosylation may be one of the ways by which GnRH and T regulate LH release.     

Effect of actinomycin D and cycloheximide on the release and biosynthesis of gonadotropins by pituitary cell cultures

The effect of actinomycin D and cycloheximide on the release and biosynthesis of gonadotropins has been studied using pituitary cells in monolayer cultures. Both cycloheximide (1 mM) and actinomycin D (0.15 nM) inhibited partially but significantly, the GnRH-stimulated release of LH and FSH. However, these two antibiotics had no effect on the basal release of gonadotropins. The release of LH and FSH in the presence of high K⁺ (59 mM) concentration was not inhibited by actinomycin D or cycloheximide. It is probable that the release of gonadotropins in a high K⁺ medium, but not that induced by GnRH, results from the alteration of the ion permeability characteristics of the plasma membrane on which the two antibiotics have no effect. Cycloheximide profoundly inhibited incorporation of [¹⁴C]amino acids (AA) into LH and FSH by the cells and GnRH-induced release of AA-LH and AA-FSH. It only partially inhibited the incorporation of [³H]glucosamine (GLN) into LH and FSH at 2 h of incubation but had no effect or a small effect on the GnRH-induced release of GLN-LH and GLN-FSH. These results suggest, on the one hand, that cycloheximide inhibited the synthesis of polypeptide chains of LH and FSH and, on the other hand, that gonadotropic cells contain some non-glycosylated or nascent subunits of LH and FSH that can be glycosylated even in the presence of cycloheximide. Actinomycin D had no effect on the incorporation of either GLN or AA into LH and FSH, but did completely inhibit the GnRH-induced release of labeled gonadotropins and the GnRH-induced incorporation of labeled precursors. These results support the hypothesis that messenger RNA of the gonadotropic cells is stable enough to allow synthesis of the polypeptide chains of LH and FSH during 6 h of incubation. They also support the finding of many authors that the GnRH-induced release of LH and FSH proceeds first through an acute effect that is not affected by antibiotics and then through a priming effect, dependent on protein or RNA synthesis (or both), that is inhibited by antibiotics.     

The relationship between gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated luteinizing hormone release and inositol phosphate production: studies with calcium antagonists and protein kinase C activators

The coupling between GnRH-stimulated phosphoinositide (PI) turnover and LH release has been investigated in rat pituitary cell cultures. Accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates ([3H]IPs) formed by hydrolysis of PIs was measured in cells that had been preloaded with [3H]myo-inositol. GnRH stimulated both LH release and incorporation of [3H]inositol into total [3H]IPs with similar dose and time dependencies. [3H] IP production in response to GnRH could be blocked by a GnRH antagonist, but was stimulated by a compound that provokes receptor microaggregation. GnRH-stimulated IP production persisted in the presence of either the Ca2+ channel blocker D600 or the calmodulin antagonist pimozide at concentrations that reduced LH release to 60% and 20% of control, respectively. Stimulated [3H]IP production was inhibited at higher concentrations of D600. In 1-h incubations, GnRH-stimulated [3H]IP production, but not LH release, was markedly inhibited by the protein kinase C activators phorbol myristate acetate and 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol. These findings indicate that in the gonadotrope, GnRH-stimulated LH release and [3H]IP production are closely coupled to receptor activation by an agonist; Ca2+ antagonists uncouple stimulated LH release from [3H]IP production; and protein kinase C activators uncouple stimulated PI turnover from LH release. Thus, GnRH-stimulated production of PI metabolites, as measured by [3H]IP accumulation, is apparently not sufficient to support LH release in the absence of Ca2+. In addition, GnRH-stimulated LH release is apparently not dependent on full expression of the PI response.     

Biosynthesis, glycosylation, and secretion of rat luteinizing hormone alpha- and beta-subunits: differential effects of orchiectomy and gonadotropin-releasing hormone

We have studied the de novo biosynthesis and secretion of LH subunits in pituitary quarters from orchiectomized and intact control adult male rats and their regulation by GnRH. After labeling with [35S]cystine ([35S]Cys), [35S]methionine, or [3H]glucosamine ([3H]GlcN) in the presence or absence of 10(-8) M GnRH, tissue lysates and media were immunoprecipitated with antisera to LH beta, then LH alpha (after removal of TSH by immunoprecipitation with anti-TSH beta), and the products were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate gradient gel electrophoresis. During a 12-min pulse labeling with [35S]methionine, three forms of immunoreactive alpha were labeled at 21,000, 18,000, and 12,000 mol wt. After a 30-min chase with excess unlabeled methionine, the 12,000 form decreased from 10% to 3% of total radioactivity, while the 21,000 form increased from 57% to 69%, implying a precursor-product relationship. Neither orchiectomy nor GnRH had any effect on [35S]Cys or [3H]GlcN incorporation into intracellular or secreted total proteins. After a 6-h continuous labeling, incorporation of [35S]Cys into intracellular combined LH alpha in castrates was 158% of the control value, combined LH beta was 304%, and free alpha was 466%. The [3H]GlcN to [35S]Cys ratio, reflecting relative glycosylation, was unchanged in castrates for total proteins or LH alpha and somewhat decreased for LH beta and free alpha. Orchiectomy increased [35S]Cys-labeled secreted LH beta and free alpha to 183% and 231% of control values, respectively. Relative glycosylation of secreted LH alpha, LH beta, and free alpha was unchanged in castrates. Incorporation of [35S]Cys into intracellular combined LH alpha, LH beta and free alpha-subunit was unaffected by GnRH in pituitaries from intact rats. In castrates, LH alpha was unchanged, but LH beta and free alpha were slightly increased. Incorporation of [3H]GlcN into intracellular combined LH alpha, LH beta, and free alpha was increased with GnRH in both intacts and castrates, such that the 3H to 35S ratio, reflecting relative glycosylation, was also increased with GnRH. In castrates, the ratios, as a percentage of the control, were, respectively 250%, 250%, and 223% for LH alpha, LH beta, and free alpha. In intact animals, the ratios were 221%, 281%, and 143%, respectively. Incorporation of both [35S]Cys and [3H]GlcN into secreted subunits was increased in most instances, such that the 3H to 35S ratio was increased only for LH beta.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Thyrotropin (TSH)-releasing hormone regulation of TSH subunit biosynthesis and glycosylation in normal and hypothyroid rat pituitaries

The regulation of TSH apoprotein and carbohydrate biosynthesis by TRH was studied by incubating pituitaries from normal and hypothyroid (3 weeks postthyroidectomy) rats in medium containing varying doses of TRH, [14C] alanine or [35S]methionine, and [3H]glucosamine. Samples were sequentially treated with anti-TSH beta to precipitate TSH and free TSH beta, anti-LH beta to remove LH and free LH beta, and anti-LH alpha to precipitate free alpha-subunits. Total proteins were acid precipitated. All precipitates were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In hypothyroid samples, acute TRH (6 h) stimulated [3H] glucosamine incorporation into secreted combined alpha-subunit to 204% and secreted combined beta-subunit to 227% of control values (P less than 0.01), and stimulated [14C]alanine incorporation into secreted combined alpha-subunit to 201% and secreted combined beta-subunit to 258% of control values (P less than 0.01); pituitary content was not altered by TRH. In hypothyroid incubates, the half-maximal response was 8 X 10(-10) M TRH for both labeled precursors. In contrast, in normal samples, acute TRH (6 H) did not stimulate TSH subunit carbohydrate and apoprotein synthesis, but after 24 h, TRH stimulated [3H]glucosamine incorporation into both subunits of TSH to 270% of control values (P less than 0.02), with no change in [14C]alanine incorporation. Free alpha-subunit synthesis was not altered by TRH in normal or hypothyroid incubates. The glucosamine to alanine ratio of total newly synthesized TSH, reflecting its relative glycosylation, was increased by TRH in both combined subunits in hypothyroid samples as early as 6 h (P less than 0.05) and in normal samples only at 24 h (P less than 0.01). In summary, 1) TRH in hypothyroid incubates stimulated apoprotein and carbohydrate synthesis in combined alpha- and beta-subunits, but not free alpha-subunits, at 6 and 24 h. 2) In normal pituitary incubates, TRH stimulated TSH subunit carbohydrate, but not apoprotein, synthesis only at 24 h. 3) TRH increased the relative glycosylation of TSH in hypothyroid and normal rat pituitary incubates. Such alterations in TSH glycosylation may be due to structural changes in the carbohydrate moiety and may be important for hormone release, biological activity, or clearance.     

Biosynthesis of gonadotropins by rat pituitary cells in culture and in pituitary homogenates: effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

The incorporation of labeled amino acids and glucosamine into LH and FSH by cultured rat anterior pituitary cells and anterior pituitary homogenates is reported. There was a significant augmentation in this incorporation by cells after 6 days of culture in the presence of GnRH. Tritiated LH and FSH were found in the cell extracts as well as in the media by the method of immunoprecipitation. An increase of approximately 7--13-fold in the release of LH and FSH into the cell incubation medium was observed in the presence of GnRH (3 ng/ml). The rate of incorporation of [3H]proline was higher than that of [3H]glucosamine into LH and FSH. At the same time a higher incorporation of labeled amino acids was observed in the case of FSH than with LH. Cycloheximide inhibited completely the incorporation of labeled proline but the inhibition was partial for the incorporation of labeled glucosamine. Freshly dispersed cells, short-time cultures maintained for 20 h and pituitary homogenates also incorporated labeled amino acids into LH and FSH, but GnRH had no effect on this incorporation. Pituitary homogenates also incorporated [3H]glucosamine into LH and FSH with an optimal incorporation after 30 min of incubation. Three different concentrations of GnRH had no effect on the incorporation of [3H]proline by homogenates. Cycloheximide and puromycin inhibited this incorporation completely.     

Differential regulation of thyrotropin subunit apoprotein and carbohydrate biosynthesis by thyroid hormone

The regulation of TSH apoprotein and carbohydrate biosynthesis by thyroid hormone was studied by incubating pituitaries from normal and hypothyroid (3 weeks post-thyroidectomy) rats in medium containing [14C]alanine and [3H] glucosamine. After 6 h, samples were sequentially treated with anti-TSH beta to precipitate TSH and free TSH beta, anti-LH beta to clear the sample of LH and free LH beta, then anti-LH alpha to precipitate free alpha-subunit. Total proteins were acid precipitated. All precipitates were subjected to electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, which were then sliced and assayed by scintillation spectrometry. In hypothyroid pituitaries plus medium, [14C]alanine incorporation in combined and free beta-subunits was 26 times normal (P less than 0.001) and considerably greater than the 3.4-fold increase seen in total protein (P less than 0.05); combined and free alpha-subunits showed no specific increase in apoprotein synthesis. [3H]Glucosamine incorporation in combined alpha- and beta-subunits in hypothyroid samples was 13 and 21 times normal, respectively, and was greater than the 1.9-fold increase in total protein (P less than 0.05); free alpha-subunit showed no specific increase in carbohydrate synthesis. The glucosamine to alanine ratio, reflecting relative glycosylation of newly synthesized molecules, was increased in hypothyroidism for combined alpha-subunits (P less than 0.001), but not for combined beta-subunits, free alpha-subunits, or total proteins. In summary, short term hypothyroidism selectively stimulated TSH beta apoprotein synthesis and carbohydrate synthesis of combined alpha- and beta-subunits. Hypothyroidism also increased the relative glycosylation of combined alpha-subunit. Thus, thyroid hormone deficiency appears to alter the rate-limiting step in TSH assembly (i.e. beta-subunit synthesis) as well as the carbohydrate structure of TSH, which may play important roles in its biological function.     

The role of calcium in gonadotropin-releasing hormone induction of follicle-stimulating hormone release by the pituitary gonadotrope

Binding of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to the pituitary gonadotrope induces activation of a membrane associated calcium channel, resulting ultimately in luteinizing hormone release. The role of calcium mobilization in GnRH-induced follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release was explored using anterior pituitary glands from female rats in a perifusion tissue culture system. While perifusion with GnRH (10 ng/ml) induced a constant level of gonadotropin release, the calcium channel blocker verapamil (10(-4)M) depressed FSH release, as did dantrolene (10(-4)M), an antagonist of intracellular calcium mobilization. When the calcium ionophore A23187 (10(-5) M) was substituted for GnRH, FSH release was not only maintained but increased. Antagonism of the activity of calmodulin (CAM) with trifluoperazine (10(-4)M), however, did not depress FSH release. Cellular content of cAMP and cGMP increased in response to GnRH. When FSH secretion was ionophoretically induced by A23187, however, little cAMP was detected. These results support a role for calcium mobilization in the second messenger cascade underlying GnRH-induced FSH release. The role for calcium in the disparate release of FSH and LH were further discussed in the context of these data.