Molecular mechanisms involved in LH release by the ovine pituitary cells

Differential protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases in erythrocytes and liver of lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis on the course of prespawning starvation

The study was designed to identify the types of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in erythrocytes and liver tissues of river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis and monitor the changes in protein expression levels of found enzymes on the course of prespawning starvation (from November to the end of May). Immunoreactivity of the native and phosphorylated forms of ERK1/2, JNK and p38 was examined in the cytosolic and membrane cell fractions. Both lamprey erythrocytes and liver were found to highly express ERK1/2 and JNK, whereas only trace amounts of p38 were revealed in hepatic tissues. ERK1/2 was identified in cytosolic and membrane fractions, whereas JNK and p38 were predominantly cytosolic enzymes. Total cellular amounts of ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 in both erythrocytes and liver tissues appeared to be relatively stable on the course of prespawning starvation. However, before spawning ERK1/2 translocated from cytosol to membranes, with partial decline of its cytoplasmic expression being compensated by increases in membrane-bound pool. Immunoreactivity of cytoplasmic JNK, phospho-JNK and p38 were stable from November to March, but sharply decreased before spawning exhibiting almost negligible levels in May, which suggests the depletion of their cellular fractions. Most probably, ERK1/2 plays more important role in mediating adaptive responses of erythrocytes and liver tissues to conditions of natural starvation and maintenance of cell viability before spawning and death of animals in May.

Visfatin and resistin in gonadotroph cells: expression, regulation of LH secretion and signalling pathways

Visfatin and resistin appear to interfere with reproduction in the gonads, but their potential action at the hypothalamic-pituitary level is not yet known. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of these adipokines in murine gonadotroph cells and to analyse the effects of different concentrations of recombinant mouse visfatin and resistin (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10ngmL^-1) on LH secretion and signalling pathways in LβT2 cells and/or in primary female mouse pituitary cells. Both visfatin and resistin mRNA and protein were found in vivo in gonadotroph cells. In contrast with resistin, the primary tissue source of visfatin in the mouse was the skeletal muscle, and not adipose tissue. Visfatin and resistin both decreased LH secretion from LβT2 cells after 24h exposure of cells (P<0.03). These results were confirmed for resistin in primary cell culture (P<0.05). Both visfatin (1ngmL^-1) and resistin (1ngmL^-1) increased AMP-activated protein kinase α phosphorylation in LβT2 cells after 5 or 10min treatment, up to 60min (P<0.04). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation was transiently increased only after 5min resistin (1ngmL^-1) treatment (P<0.01). In conclusion, visfatin and resistin are expressed in gonadotroph cells and they may affect mouse female fertility by regulating LH secretion at the level of the pituitary.

Comparative aspects of GnRH-Stimulated signal transduction in the vertebrate pituitary - Contributions from teleost model systems

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a major regulator of reproduction through actions on pituitary gonadotropin release and synthesis. Although it is often thought that pituitary cells are exposed to only one GnRH, multiple GnRH forms are delivered to the pituitary of teleost fishes; interestingly this can include the cGnRH-II form usually thought to be non-hypophysiotropic. GnRHs can regulate other pituitary cell-types, both directly as well as indirectly, and multiple GnRH receptors (GnRHRs) may also be expressed in the pituitary, and even within a single pituitary cell-type. Literature on the differential actions of native GnRH isoforms in primary pituitary cells is largely derived from teleost fishes. This review will outline the diversity and complexity of GnRH-GnRHR signal transduction found within vertebrate gonadotropes as well as extra-gonadotropic sites with special emphasis on comparative studies from fish models. The implications that GnRHR transduction mechanisms are GnRH isoform-, function-, and cell-specific are also discussed.

MEK1/2 differentially participates in GnRH actions on goldfish LH and GH secretion and hormone protein availability: acute and long-term effects, in vitro

Two endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs), sGnRH and cGnRH-II, stimulate LH and GH release via protein kinase C (PKC) signaling in goldfish. In this study, extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) involvement in acute and prolonged GnRH effects on goldfish gonadotrope and somatotrope functions, as well as potential interactions with PKC in the control of LH and GH release from goldfish pituitary cells was investigated. MEK1/2 inhibitors U0126 and PD098059 significantly decreased sGnRH but not cGnRH-II-stimulated GH release from perifused goldfish pituitary cells and U0126 significantly reduced the GH, but not the LH, release responses to synthetic PKC activators. In long-term static incubations (up to 24h) with goldfish pituitary cells, U0126 generally did not affect basal LH release but attenuated sGnRH- and cGnRH-II-induced LH release, as well as the time-dependent effects of sGnRH and/or cGnRH-II to elevate total LH availability (sum of release and cell content). sGnRH and cGnRH-II reduced cellular GH content and/or total GH availability at 2, 6, and 12h while static incubation with U0126 alone generally increased basal GH release but reduced cellular GH content and/or the total amount of GH available. U0126 also selectively reduced the sGnRH-induced GH release responses at 6 and 24h but paradoxically inhibited cGnRH-II-stimulated GH secretion while enhancing sGnRH-elicited GH release at 2h. Taken together, this study reveals the complexity of GnRH-stimulated MEK1/2 signaling and adds to our understanding of cell-type- and GnRH-isoform-selective signal transduction in the regulation of pituitary cell hormone release and production.

Identification of estradiol/ERα-regulated genes in the mouse pituitary

Estrogen acts to prime the pituitary prior to the GnRH-induced LH surge by undiscovered mechanisms. This study aimed to identify the key components that mediate estrogen action in priming the pituitary. RNA extracted from the pituitaries of metestrous (low estrogen) and proestrus (high estrogen) stage mice, as well as from ovariectomized wild-type and estrogen receptor α (ERα) knockout mice treated with 17β-estradiol (E(2)) or vehicle, was used for gene expression microarray. Microarray data were then aggregated, built into a functional electronic database, and used for further characterization of E(2)/ERα-regulated genes. These data were used to compile a list of genes representing diverse biological pathways that are regulated by E(2) via an ERα-mediated pathway in the pituitary. This approach substantiates ERα regulation of membrane potential regulators and intracellular vesicle transporters, among others, but not the basic components of secretory machinery. Subsequent characterization of six selected genes (Cacna1a, Cacna1g, Cited1, Abep1, Opn3, and Kcne2) confirmed not only ERα dependency for their pituitary expression but also the significance of their expression in regulating GnRH-induced LH secretion. In conclusion, findings from this study suggest that estrogen primes the pituitary via ERα by equipping pituitary cells with critical cellular components that potentiate LH release on subsequent GnRH stimulations.

PACAP stimulation of maturational gonadotropin secretion in goldfish involves extracellular signal-regulated kinase, but not nitric oxide or guanylate cyclase, signaling

In goldfish, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunoreactivity is present in gonadotropes and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) mediates GnRH stimulation of gonadotropin release and synthesis. In this study, we tested the possible involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and ERK in mediating PACAP-stimulated maturational gonadotropin (GTH-II) release from primary cultures of dispersed goldfish pituitary cells. In static incubation experiments, PACAP-induced GTH-II release was unaffected by two inhibitors of NOS synthase, AGH and 1400W; whereas addition of a NO donor, SNAP, elevated GTH-II secretion. In perifusion experiments, neither NOS inhibitors (AGH, 1400W and 7-Ni) nor NO scavengers (PTIO and rutin hydrate) attenuated the GTH-II response to pulse applications of PACAP. In addition, the GTH-II responses to PACAP and the NO donor SNP were additive while PTIO blocked SNP action. Although dibutyryl cGMP increased GTH-II secretion in static incubation, inhibition of guanylate cyclase (GC), a known down-stream target for NO signaling, did not reduce the GTH-II response to pulse application of PACAP. On the other hand, GTH-II responses to PACAP in perifusion were attenuated in the presence of two inhibitors of ERK kinase (MEK), U 0126 and PD 98059. These results suggest that although increased availability of NO and cGMP can lead to increased GTH-II secretion, MEK/ERK signaling, rather than NOS/NO/GC activation, mediates PACAP action on GTH-II release in goldfish.

Estradiol-17beta inhibits gonadotropin-releasing hormone-induced Ca2+ in gonadotropes to regulate negative feedback on luteinizing hormone release

In pituitary gonadotropes, estrogens have biphasic actions to cause an initial negative feedback followed by a positive feedback on LH secretion, but the mechanisms involved are not clearly understood. To investigate the feedback effects of estrogen, we used mixed ovine pituitary cell cultures (48-72 h), which were treated with 10(-9) M estradiol-17beta (E(2)) or vehicle followed by a pulse of 10(-9) M GnRH. Medium was collected for LH assay and cells extracted to determine activation of MAPK (phosphorylated ERK-1/2). E(2) treatment for 5 min reduced GnRH-induced LH release and caused phosphorylation of ERK-1/2. E(2) alone also caused phosphorylation of ERK-1/2, similar to the response evoked by GnRH alone. GnRH increased cytoplasmic intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and this was abolished by 2 min pretreatment with E(2) or E-bovine serum albumen conjugate. Blockade of Ca(2+) channels with nifedipine had no effect on the initial peak of GnRH-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) but reduced its duration by 27 +/- 6%. Depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores with thapsigargin prevented GnRH-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Thapsigargin (10(-7) M) or nifedipine (10(-5) M) pretreatment (15 min) of cells lowered GnRH-induced LH secretion by 30 +/- 6 and 50% +/- 4%, respectively. We conclude that inhibition of the GnRH-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in gonadotropes by E(2) is a likely mechanism for the negative feedback effect of E(2) on LH secretion involving a rapid nongenomic effect of E(2). Activation of the MAPK pathway by E(2) may be the mechanism for the time-delayed positive feedback effect on LH secretion at the level of the gonadotrope.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase mediates gonadotropin subunit gene expression and LH release responses to endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormones in goldfish

The possible involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in mediating the stimulatory actions of two endogenous goldfish gonadotropin-releasing hormones (salmon (s)GnRH and chicken (c)GnRH-II) on gonadotropin synthesis and secretion was examined. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of ERK and phosphorylated (p)ERK in goldfish brain, pituitary, liver, ovary, testis and muscle tissue extracts, as well as extracts of dispersed goldfish pituitary cells and HeLa cells. Interestingly, a third ERK-like immunoreactive band of higher molecular mass was detected in goldfish tissue and pituitary cell extracts in addition to the ERK1-p44- and ERK2-p42-like immunoreactive bands. Incubation of primary cultures of goldfish pituitary cells with either a PKC-activating 4beta-phorbol ester (TPA) or a synthetic diacylglycerol, but not a 4alpha-phorbol ester, elevated the ratio of pERK/total (t)ERK for all three ERK isoforms. The stimulatory effects of TPA were attenuated by the PKC inhibitor GF109203X and the MEK inhibitor PD98059. sGnRH and cGnRH-II also elevated the ratio of pERK/tERK for all three ERK isoforms, in a time-, dose- and PD98059-dependent manner. In addition, treatment with PD98059 reduced the sGnRH-, cGnRH-II- and TPA-induced increases in gonadotropin subunit mRNA levels in Northern blot studies and sGnRH- and cGnRH-II-elicited LH release in cell column perifusion studies with goldfish pituitary cells. These results indicate that GnRH and PKC can activate ERK through MEK in goldfish pituitary cells. More importantly, the present study suggests that GnRH-induced gonadotropin subunit gene expression and LH release involve MEK/ERK signaling in goldfish.

Rapid in vivo effects of estradiol-17beta in ovine pituitary gonadotropes are displayed by phosphorylation of extracellularly regulated kinase, serine/threonine kinase, and 3',5'-cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate-responsive element-binding protein

We have determined the time course of phosphorylation of MAPK/ERK, cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB), and serine/threonine kinase (Akt) in ovine pituitary gonadotropes after in vivo injection (iv) of either 25 mug estradiol-17beta (E17beta) or vehicle. In ovariectomized ewes, E17beta increased the number of gonadotropes expressing phosphorylated (p)ERK-1/2 and pCREB immunoreactivity (-IR) within 90 min, as assessed by immunohistochemistry. By Western blot, we also showed that pERK-1/2, pCREB, and pAkt (ser 473) proteins were up-regulated by E17beta. In ovariectomized, hypothalamo-pituitary-disconnected animals, gonadotrope function was restored with hourly GnRH pulses (iv), and E17beta injection (iv) reduced LH response within 1 h. Immunohistochemistry showed that E17beta increased pERK-1/2-IR in gonadotropes within 15 min and peak response at 60 min. The number of cells immunoreactive for pCREB was greater in E17beta-treated animals than in vehicle-injected controls at 60 and 90 min. Western blot revealed a pERK-1/2 response within 15 min and pCREB response at 30 min. Up-regulation of pAkt occurred within 60 min of E17beta treatment. Thus, rapid effects of E17beta on gonadotropes involve phosphorylation of second messenger proteins with a time course that may relate to the rapid negative feedback effect to reduce responsiveness to GnRH.

Ultrastructural immunolocalization of IGF-1 and insulin receptors in rat pituitary culture: evidence of a functional interaction between gonadotroph and lactotroph cells

We have investigated the expression of receptors for insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in rat pituitary cells in vitro and examined the morphological and proliferative changes induced in adenohypophyseal cells by insulin and IGF-1. The proliferation of lactotrophs was determined by double-immunostaining for bromodeoxyuridine and prolactin. Incubation with insulin (10, 100 or 1000 ng/ml) or IGF-1 (5, 30 or 100 ng/ml) for 48 or 72 h significantly increased the number of lactotrophs undergoing mitosis. Co-incubation of insulin or IGF-1 with genistein (25 microM), an inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase receptor, reduced the proliferation of lactotrophs elicited by the hormone and the growth factor. The receptors for insulin and IGF-1 were localized in intact pituitary cells by ultrastructural immunocytochemistry with the colloidal gold-protein A technique. Gonadotrophs expressed both receptors, specific labelling being restricted to this cell type. Electron-microscopical observations of pituitary cell cultures incubated with insulin or IGF-1 revealed gonadotroph cells exhibiting the fine-structural features of enhanced protein synthetic activity. These findings suggest that both insulin and IGF-1 are able to induce the proliferation of lactotrophs through an indirect mechanism mediated by a factor synthesized by gonadotroph cells, in addition to stimulating the biosynthetic activity of the gonadotroph in a direct manner.