Biological effects of an ectopic growth hormone-releasing peptide in cultured adenohypophyseal cells: comparison with growth hormone-releasing activity of porcine hypothalamus

Neuroendocrine control of growth hormone secretion

The secretion of growth hormone (GH) is regulated through a complex neuroendocrine control system, especially by the functional interplay of two hypothalamic hypophysiotropic hormones, GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SS), exerting stimulatory and inhibitory influences, respectively, on the somatotrope. The two hypothalamic neurohormones are subject to modulation by a host of neurotransmitters, especially the noradrenergic and cholinergic ones and other hypothalamic neuropeptides, and are the final mediators of metabolic, endocrine, neural, and immune influences for the secretion of GH. Since the identification of the GHRH peptide, recombinant DNA procedures have been used to characterize the corresponding cDNA and to clone GHRH receptor isoforms in rodent and human pituitaries. Parallel to research into the effects of SS and its analogs on endocrine and exocrine secretions, investigations into their mechanism of action have led to the discovery of five separate SS receptor genes encoding a family of G protein-coupled SS receptors, which are widely expressed in the pituitary, brain, and the periphery, and to the synthesis of analogs with subtype specificity. Better understanding of the function of GHRH, SS, and their receptors and, hence, of neural regulation of GH secretion in health and disease has been achieved with the discovery of a new class of fairly specific, orally active, small peptides and their congeners, the GH-releasing peptides, acting on specific, ubiquitous seven-transmembrane domain receptors, whose natural ligands are not yet known.

Mechanisms involved in the effects of TRH on GHRH-stimulated growth hormone release from ovine and bovine pituitary cells

Incubation of cultured ovine pituitary cells with growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) (10(-12)-10(-7) M) stimulated growth hormone secretion up to 3-fold. At a maximal stimulatory concentration of GHRH (10(-10) M), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (10(-7) M) caused an inhibition of growth hormone release to approx. 50% of the response obtained with GHRH alone (during a 15 min incubation period). TRH also caused a small inhibition of the GHRH-stimulated cellular cyclic AMP level but this effect was only significant at a relatively high concentration of GHRH (10(-9) M). Incubation of cultured bovine pituitary cells with GHRH (10(-11)-10(-8) M) plus TRH (10(-7) M) caused a significant stimulation of growth hormone release by up to 40%, compared with the response obtained with GHRH alone (at all concentrations of GHRH). TRH (10(-7) M) had no effect on GHRH (10(-8) M)-stimulated cellular cyclic AMP levels in a partially purified bovine pituitary cell preparation. The effects of varying extracellular [Ca2+] (0.1-10 mM) on intracellular [Ca2+] and on the responsiveness to releasing hormones were also determined using ovine pituitary cells. GHRH (10(-10) M)-stimulated growth hormone release was inhibited when cells were incubated at both high (10 mM) and low (0.1 mM) [Ca2+] (compared with 1 mM or 3 mM Ca2+) with or without TRH (10(-7) M). At 1 mM Ca2+, TRH produced a synergistic effect with GHRH to stimulate growth hormone release. However, at 3 mM Ca2+ TRH inhibited GHRH-stimulated growth hormone release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The molecular basis of growth hormone deficiency

A well-known law states that 'if a thing can go wrong it will go wrong'. This clearly applies to the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatic axis as to many other physiological and biochemical systems. Defects of this axis, giving rise to stunted growth, can occur at several different points, as has been discussed in detail in this review. Defects at the level of the brain can lead to inadequate production or secretion of the factors that control growth hormone secretion. Defects at the level of the pituitary can lead to failure to produce or secrete adequate quantities of growth hormone, or to production of inactive hormone. Defects at the level of target organs can lead to inability to respond to growth hormone or somatomedins. The axis involved in the production and effects of growth hormone is a complex one, and defects have been identified at most of the points that 'could go wrong', although in many cases the molecular details are far from fully understood. Increased understanding of the biochemistry and physiology of the hormonal control of growth, and of the impairments to which it is subject, should provide an improved basis for treatment of growth defects. Nevertheless, there remain many points at which our knowledge is very incomplete. The field is a rapidly moving one and further developments in both basic understanding and clinical treatment are to be expected during the next few years.

Decreased hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing hormone content and pituitary responsiveness in hypothyroidism

The effects of thyroidectomy (Tx) and thyroxine replacement (T4Rx) on pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion and hypothalamic GH-releasing hormone (GRH) concentration were compared to define the mechanism of hypothyroid-associated GH deficiency. Thyroidectomized rats exhibited a complete loss of pulsatile GH secretion with extensive reduction in GRH responsiveness and pituitary GH content. Cultured pituitary cells from Tx rats exhibited reduced GRH sensitivity, maximal GH responsiveness, and intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation to GRH, while somatostatin (SRIF) suppressive effects on GH secretion were increased. Hypothalamic GRH content was also markedly reduced. T4Rx completely restored hypothalamic GRH content and spontaneous GH secretion despite only partial recovery of pituitary GH content, GRH and SRIF sensitivity, and intracellular cyclic AMP response to GRH. The results indicate multiple effects of hypothyroidism on GH secretion and suggest that a critical role of T4 in maintaining normal GH secretion, in addition to restoring GH synthesis, is related to its effect on hypothalamic GRH.

Sensitivity of rat forebrain neurons to growth hormone-releasing hormone

The effects of iontophoretically applied human pancreatic growth hormone-releasing factor (hpGRF), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI-27), and somatostatin (SS) on the extracellular activity of single cells in the hypothalamus, thalamus, and cortex of the rat brain were studied in urethane-anesthetized, male rats. Neurons with membrane sensitivity to hpGRF, PHI-27, and SS were present in each brain region. Although neurons excited by these peptides were encountered in thalamus and hypothalamus, depression of neuronal firing was the predominant response observed. Overall, the neurons responding to hpGRF also possessed membrane sensitivity to PHI-27, whereas, the hpGRF sensitive neurons appeared to be more divided as to their ability to respond to SS. The results clearly demonstrate that hpGRF and PHI-27 are capable of affecting the membrane excitability of neurons in several brain regions. The distribution of neurons sensitive to hpGRF suggests that hypothalamic GRF, in addition to its well documented role in the regulation of pituitary growth hormone secretion, may subserve other physiological events in the rat central nervous system as a neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator.

Human pancreatic growth hormone releasing factor (hpGRF): GRF- and GH-levels after bolus injection and infusion of hpGRF

Synthetic human pancreatic growth hormone releasing factor (hpGRF) was given as an i.v. bolus to healthy volunteers in 5 different dosages (3.3 micrograms to 200 micrograms hpGRF). In addition 11 healthy subjects were infused over 2 respectively 5 hours in a dosage of 100 micrograms hpGRF/h after receiving a bolus of 50 micrograms hpGRF. Four healthy subjects served as placebo controls. GH, PRL, TSH, and GRF were measured by specific radioimmunoassays. The results show the clearcut dose response relationship between the administered GRF dosage and the resulting GH response from 3.3 to 50 micrograms hpGRF i.v. Higher dosages of hpGRF did not lead to a more pronounced GH response though there was a linear dose response relationship between the administered hpGRF and the GRF immunoreactivity 5 minutes after injection. Infusion of hpGRF could not sustain elevated GRF levels and a second bolus of 50 micrograms hpGRF given at the end of the 2-respectively 5-hour infusion led to a minor increase compared to the first bolus. 100 micrograms hpGRF was given to 14 patients with active acromegaly leading to a significant rise of the GH levels with the exception of 3 patients. Of the latter 3 two had received previous therapy, and one patient suffered from ectopic GRF hypersecretion. When GH responses to hpGRF were compared to the responses to other releasing hormones there was no correlation. After transsphenoidal surgery divergent responses of GH were seen. In one patient with low basal GH and an exaggerated rise after GRF before surgery there was no response after successful transsphenoidal operation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chromosomal assignment of human sequences encoding arginine vasopressin-neurophysin II and growth hormone releasing factor

Complementary DNA clones encoding bovine vasopressin and human pancreas growth hormone releasing factor have been used to map homologous sequences in the human genome. Assignment of both cloned sequences to human chromosome 20 was accomplished by hybridization of insert DNAs to a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids. Both these probes have been used to examine the structure of their respective genes in DNA from various individuals. No restriction fragment variants for growth hormone releasing factor have yet been found. Analysis of populations for restriction fragment length polymorphisms associated with disease states involving arginine vasopressin is underway.

Actions of growth hormone-releasing factor and somatostatin on adenylate cyclase and growth hormone release in rat anterior pituitary

The interaction of growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) and somatostatin (SRIF) on adenylate cyclase activity and growth hormone release was investigated in pituitary homogenates and 2-day cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. GRF stimulated growth hormone release by about 3-fold (ED50 1.6 X 10(-12) M) and caused a rapid 15-fold increase in cyclic AMP production (ED50 6.0 X 10(-12) M). The increase in cyclic AMP was due to direct stimulation of adenylate cyclase by GRF, which caused a 4-fold increase in the activity of the enzyme measured in anterior pituitary homogenates. GRF-induced cyclic AMP formation and GRF-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity were maximally inhibited to the extent of about 50% by 10(-8) M somatostatin. In contrast, GRF-stimulated growth hormone release was completely inhibited by somatostatin (ID50 3.2 X 10(-11) M), suggesting a second site of action of somatostatin. These studies demonstrate that GRF stimulates growth hormone release via activation of adenylate cyclase and a rise in intracellular cyclic AMP. In addition, these findings indicate that the inhibitory action of somatostatin on growth hormone release is exerted at two levels, one at the level of adenylate cyclase affecting the production of cyclic AMP, and the other beyond the formation of the nucleotide, at a site which modulates the release of growth hormone from the cell.

Plasma growth hormone responses to constant infusions of human pancreatic growth hormone releasing factor. Intermittent secretion or response attenuation

Administration of human pancreatic tumor growth hormone (GH) releasing factor (hpGRF[1-40]) as a single injection to normal human subjects stimulates the secretion of GH in a dose-responsive manner. In the present studies, hpGRF(1-40) was infused in a graded stepwise manner over a 6-h period in order to determine whether the GH secretory response would be sustained. Normal adult males received four consecutive 90-min infusions of hpGRF(1-40) at doses of 1, 3.3, 10, and 33 ng/kg per min, preceded and followed by a 90-min saline infusion; and the plasma GH responses were compared with those during a separate control infusion. Plasma GH levels were significantly elevated by each hpGRF(1-40) infusion; and dose responsiveness was evident for the lowest three doses. Mean integrated GH secretory rates for the four doses were 1.95, 3.29, 4.29, and 3.65 times those of the respective control study. Plasma GH responses exhibited considerable variability, frequently decreasing during the latter part of each infusion; and at the highest dose, they decreased continuously beginning shortly after the onset of infusion. Episodic GH secretion occurred in individual subjects during each of the infusion periods. The possible contribution of hypothalamic somatostatin secretion to the diminished GH responsiveness was evaluated by determining plasma thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels during the infusions and the TSH responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (500 micrograms i.v.) during a separate hpGRF(1-40) infusion of 2 ng/kg per min. Neither basal nor stimulated TSH levels differed between GRF-infused and control groups. The results indicate that GH secretion is dose responsive to hpGRF(1-40) infusions, though the response to hpGRF(1-40) infusions, though the response is complex. The absence of impaired TSH secretion provides evidence against a mediating role of somatostatin. The explanation for the loss of GH responsiveness remains undetermined but could include GRF-induced receptor down-regulation, a postreceptor effect, or, in spite of our negative results, a somatostatin-mediated inhibition.

Human pancreatic growth hormone-releasing factor (hpGRF): dose-response of GRF- and GH-levels

Synthetic human pancreatic growth hormone-releasing factor (hpGRF1-44) was given as an i.v. bolus to 8 healthy volunteers in 5 different dosages. Blood was collected before and up to 120 min after GRF-injection. Four subjects received only placebo, five received 3.3 micrograms, three 12.5 micrograms, four 50 micrograms, 5 received 100 micrograms, and three 200 micrograms hpGRF1-44. No serious side effects were recorded after hpGRF1-44. All dosages with the exception of the 3.3 micrograms-dosage lead to a clearcut and significant increase of GH-levels with a maximum occurring 15 to 30 minutes after hpGRF1-44. A dose-response-relationship between the injected GRF-dosage and growth hormone levels was only found from 3.3 to 50 micrograms hpGRF1-44. The administration of 100 or 200 micrograms hpGRF1-44 did not lead to a further increase of GH-levels compared to the 50-micrograms-dose. This was in contrast to the clearcut dose dependency of hpGRF1-44-levels measured by a specific radioimmunoassay over the whole dose range with a maximum occurring 5 minutes after the injection. The mean halftime of disappearance for the 200-micrograms-dose of hp-GRF1-44 was 7.6 +/- 1.7 minutes (+/- SE). We conclude that there is a marked heterogeneity of the GH-response to hpGRF1-44 in healthy volunteers though a dose-response-relationship over the range from 3.3 to 50 micrograms hpGRF i.v. could be established. The dose-response-dependency of hpGRF1-44-levels up to the 200-micrograms-dose indicates that the maximal GH-response is reached when 50 micrograms hpGRF1-44 are administered.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transcriptional regulation of growth hormone gene expression by growth hormone-releasing factor

Production and release of hormones by the pituitary is known to be under complex hormonal control. Prolactin, for example, is both positively and negatively regulated by steroid and thyroid hormones as well as by peptide hormones. Some hypothalamic releasing factors have been shown to regulate both hormone biosynthesis and hormone release. In the case of growth hormone (GH), glucocorticoids and thyroid hormone stimulate its production, at least in part by stimulating transcription of the GH gene, and somatostatin inhibits and growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) stimulates its release. So far, however, polypeptide hormone regulation of GH biosynthesis has not been demonstrated. Recently a peptide with GH-releasing activity has been characterized from human pancreatic islet tumours. We report here that pure human pancreatic GRF (hpGRF) stimulates transcription of the GH gene, as well as stimulating GH release.

Peptides of the neurointermediary lobe of rat pituitary stimulate GH secretion in vitro

alpha-MSH and other fragments of ACTH are potent stimulators of GH release in vivo. The action of such peptides and of extracts of the neurointermediary lobe (NIL) of rat pituitary, a source of endogenous MSH-related peptides, on GH release was investigated in vitro. Peptides with the core sequence of alpha-MSH stimulate GH secretion by primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells; however, both the absolute and the relative potencies of these peptides exclude the involvement of melanotropic receptors comparable in specificity to the extrapituitary receptors for these hormones. Extracts of the NIL of rat pituitary stimulate GH release in vitro and the bulk of the releasing activity can be attributed to one (or several) factors with an apparent mass of approx. 10 000 M.W. that can be partially purified by HPLC. The active principle appears to be distinct from both beta-LPH and the human pancreatic GHRF. Thus, while rat NIL contains GH-releasing activity that can be demonstrated in vitro, a direct link to the potent action of MSH-related peptides on GH release in vivo cannot be established, and the action of these peptides in vivo must therefore rely on mechanisms which are not expressed in the in vitro system.

Biological activity of a growth hormone-releasing factor secreted by a human tumor

A substance released by a pancreatic islet cell tumor induced signs and symptoms of acromegaly in a young woman. The culture medium in which the tumor was placed after resection was added to rat anterior pituitary cells and incubated in vitro. Both newly synthesized and total rat growth hormone (GH) release as well as cellular cyclic AMP accumulation were stimulated in a dose-dependent manner by the tumor medium. Coincubation with somatostatin blocked these effects. The increase of cyclic AMP preceded the enhanced GH release, indicating that cyclic AMP may be a second messenger for the tumor factor(s). Neither prolactin nor luteinizing hormone secretion was affected by the tumor medium. When measured by a perfused cell column apparatus, there was a rapid and dramatic release of GH by the dispersed rat pituitary cells during a 2.5-, 10-, and 40-min pulse of tumor medium; both the onset and termination of the GH response reached maximal or control values, respectively, within 5 min. Pretreatment of the tumor medium with pepsin markedly attenuated the tumor medium activity, indicating the peptide nature of the factor(s). Finally, ultrastructural analysis indicated that the somatotrophs were degranulated by the tumor medium, whereas there was no similar effect apparent on the mammotrophs. Whether this tumor polypeptide is identical to native hypothalamic GH-releasing hormone remains to be proved.

In vitro pituitary hormone releasing activity of 40 residue human pancreatic tumor growth hormone releasing factor

The hypophysiotropic activities of a synthetic human pancreatic growth hormone releasing factor (hpGRF) with 40 residues was examined in vitro using rat pituitary halves. At concentrations from 10(-10) M to 10(-7) M the peptide stimulated GH release in a dose-dependent manner with the ED50 being 1.2 x 10(-9) M. The concentration of 10(-10) M hpGRF is comparable to the basal hypophyseal portal blood levels of other known hypothalamic hypophysiotropic hormones. However, GH release was enhanced three-fold by concentration as low as 10(-12) M, though no dose-response relationship was observed up to 10(-10) M. Thus, this peptide not only stimulates the release of GH in a dose-dependent manner, but at lower concentrations also maintains elevated GH levels. The release of ACTH, beta-endorphin, LH, and FSH was not affected by hpGRF at any of the concentrations tested. At hpGRF concentrations less than 10(-7) M, the release of TSH and PRL were unaffected. However, at 10(-6) M, TSH release was enhanced about 2.5 fold and prolactin release was elevated slightly.

Growth hormone releasing factor, somatocrinin, releases pituitary growth hormone in vitro

Purified (rat) hypothalamic growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), native human GRF isolated from an islet cell tumor of the pancreas that had caused acromegaly, and the synthetic replicates of the human material are potent secretagogues of immunoreactive growth hormone (GH) by primary cultures of rat pituitary cells. Native or synthetic peptides give identical dose-response curves, with identical slopes and identical maximal effects. The median effective dose of the tumor-derived GRF is 15 x 10(-12) M. The effect of hypothalamic GRF or of a synthetic replicate of tumor-derived GRF is immediate, being demonstrable in less than or equal to 30 sec after contact in a pituitary cell perifusion system. The effect of hypothalamic GRF or of tumor-derived GRF is highly specific for stimulating release of immunoreactive growth hormone; there is no demonstrable concomitant effect on the secretion of other pituitary hormones. Somatostatin-28 and somatostatin-14 inhibit the release of growth hormone produced by hypothalamic GRF or tumor-derived GRF in typical noncompetitive antagonism. On the basis of the results reported here, hypothalamic GRF and tumor-derived GRF are qualitatively indistinguishable in their ability to stimulate the secretion of immunoreactive growth hormone in vitro. The name "somatocrinin" is proposed to replace the acronym GRF.