Chronic stress inhibits hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis and brown adipose tissue responses to acute cold exposure in male rats

PURPOSE

Cold exposure activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, response blunted by previous acute stress or corticosterone administration. Chronic stressors can decrease serum T3 concentration, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh) expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), but impact on the response to cold is unknown; this was studied in rats submitted to daily repeated restraint (rRes) that causes habituation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response, or to chronic variable stress (CVS) that causes sensitization and hyperreactivity.

METHODS

Wistar male adult rats were submitted to rRes 30 min/day, or to CVS twice a day, for 15 days. On day 16, rats were exposed 1 h to either 5 or 21 °C. Parameters of HPT and HPA axes activity and of brown adipose tissue (BAT) cold response were measured; gene expression in PVN and BAT, by RT-PCR; serum hormone concentration by radioimmunoassay or ELISA.

RESULTS

Compared to naïve animals, Crh and corticosterone concentrations were attenuated at the end of rRes, but increased at the end of CVS treatments. Cold exposure increased mRNA levels of Crh, Trh, and serum concentration of thyrotropin in naïve, but not in rRes or CVS rats; corticosterone increased in all groups. Cold induced expression of thermogenic genes in BAT (Dio2 and Ucp1) in naïve but not in stressed rats; Adrb3 expression was differentially regulated.

CONCLUSION

Both types of chronic stress blunted HPT and BAT responses to cold. Long-term stress effects on noradrenergic and/or hormonal signaling are likely responsible for HPT dysfunction and not the type of chronic stressor.

An acute injection of corticosterone increases thyrotrophin-releasing hormone expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus but interferes with the rapid hypothalamus pituitary thyroid axis response to cold in male rats

The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis is rapidly adjusted by energy balance alterations. Glucocorticoids can interfere with this activity, although the timing of this interaction is unknown. In vitro studies indicate that, albeit incubation with either glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists or protein kinase A (PKA) activators enhances pro-thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (pro-TRH) transcription, co-incubation with both stimuli reduces this enhancement. In the present study, we used primary cultures of hypothalamic cells to test whether the order of these stimuli alters the cross-talk. We observed that a simultaneous or 1-h prior (but not later) activation of GR is necessary to inhibit the stimulatory effect of PKA activation on pro-TRH expression. We tested these in vitro results in the context of a physiological stimulus on the HPT axis in adult male rats. Cold exposure for 1 h enhanced pro-TRH mRNA expression in neurones of the hypophysiotrophic and rostral subdivisions of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, thyrotrophin (TSH) serum levels and deiodinase 2 (D2) activity in brown adipose tissue (BAT). An i.p. injection of corticosterone stimulated pro-TRH expression in the PVN of rats kept at ambient temperature, more pronouncedly in hypophysiotrophic neurones that no longer responded to cold exposure. In corticosterone-pretreated rats, the cold-induced increase in pro-TRH expression was detected only in the rostral PVN. Corticosterone blunted the increase in serum TSH levels and D2 activity in BAT produced by cold in vehicle-injected animals. Thus, increased serum corticosterone levels rapidly restrain cold stress-induced activation of TRH hypophysiotrophic neurones, which may contribute to changing energy expenditure. Interestingly, TRH neurones of the rostral PVN responded to both corticosterone and cold exposure with an amplified expression of pro-TRH mRNA, suggesting that these neurones integrate stress and temperature distinctly from the hypophysiotrophic neurones.

The narrow specificity pyroglutamate amino peptidase degrading TRH in rat brain is an ectoenzyme

In order to determine the pathway of extracellular metabolism of the thyrotropin releasing hormone (pyroglu-his-proNH(2)) in brain, the topographical organization of pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II on the plasma membrane was investigated. Its activity was only slightly increased when intact brain synaptosomes were lysed by osmotic shock or detergent treatment. Trypsin treatment of intact synaptosomes destroyed 70-80% of enzyme activity without affecting lactate dehydrogenase. Pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II activity was present in primary cultures of foetal mice cortical cells. It was detected in intact cells, was not released by the cells and its activity was not increased by saponin pretreatment. Trypsin treatment of the cells reduced pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II by 70% but did not affect pyroglutamate aminopeptidase I and lactate dehydrogenase. These data support that brain pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II is an ectoenzyme. They suggest that this enzyme could be responsible for thyrotropin releasing hormone extracellular catabolism in brain.

A rapid interference between glucocorticoids and cAMP-activated signalling in hypothalamic neurones prevents binding of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein and glucocorticoid receptor at the CRE-Like and composite GRE sites of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone gene promoter

Glucocorticoids or cAMP increase, within minutes, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) transcription in hypothalamic primary cultures, although this effect is prevented if cells are simultaneously incubated with both drugs. Rat TRH promoter contains a CRE site at -101/-94 bp and a composite GRE element (cGRE) at -218/-197 bp. Nuclear extracts of hypothalamic cells incubated with 8Br-cAMP or dexamethasone, and not their combination, bind to oligonucleotides containing the CRE or cGRE sequences. Adjacent to CRE are Sp/Krüppel response elements, and flanking the GRE half site, two AP1 binding sites. The present study aimed to identify the hypothalamic transcription factors that bind to these sites. We verified that the effects of glucocorticoid were not mimicked by corticosterone-bovine serum albumin. Footprinting and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to examine the interaction of cAMP- and glucocorticoid-mediated regulation of TRH transcription at the CRE and cGRE regions of the TRH promoter. Nuclear extracts from hypothalamic cells incubated for 1 h with cAMP or glucocorticoids protected CRE. The GRE half site was recognised by nuclear proteins from cells stimulated with glucocorticoids and, for the adjacent AP-1 sites, by nuclear proteins from cells stimulated with cAMP or phorbol esters. Protection of CRE or cGRE was lost if cells were coincubated with dexamethasone and 8Br-cAMP. ChIP assays revealed phospho-CREB, c-Jun, Sp1, c-Fos and GR antibodies bound the TRH promoter of cells treated with cAMP or glucocorticoids; anti:RNA-polymerase II immunoprecipitated TRH promoter in a similar proportion as anti:pCREB or anti:GR. Recruitment of pCREB, SP1 or GR was lost when cells were exposed simultaneously to 8Br-cAMP and glucocorticoids. The data show that while pCREB and Sp1 bind to CRE-2, or GR to cGRE of the TRH promoter, the mutual antagonism between cAMP and glucocorticoid signalling, which prevent their binding to TRH promoter, could serve as a mechanism by which glucocorticoids rapidly suppress cAMP and noradrenaline-stimulated TRH transcription.

Phosphorylated cyclic-AMP-response element-binding protein and thyroid hormone receptor have independent response elements in the rat thyrotropin-releasing hormone promoter: an analysis in hypothalamic cells

BACKGROUND

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) controls the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. TRH is expressed in other hypothalamic nuclei but is downregulated by 3,3',5-L-triiodothyronine (T(3)) exclusively in the PVN. Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) bind TRH promoter at Site-4 (-59/-52), also proposed to bind phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB). However, nuclear extracts from 8Br-cAMP-stimulated hypothalamic cells showed no binding to Site-4 and instead to cAMP response element (CRE)-2 (-101/-94).

METHODS

We characterized, by DNA footprinting and chromatin immunoprecipitation, the sites in the rat (-242/+34) TRH promoter that bind to nuclear factors of hypothalamic primary cultures incubated with 8Br-cAMP and/or T(3).

RESULTS

In primary cultures of fetal hypothalamic cells, TRH mRNA levels rapidly diminished with 10 nM T(3) while they increased by 1 mM 8Br-cAMP (+/- T(3)). Site-4 was protected from DNase I digestion with nuclear extracts from T(3)-incubated cells but not from controls or from those incubated with 8Br-cAMP, which protected CRE-2; T(3) + 8Br-cAMP coincubation caused no interference. The region protected by nuclear extracts from cAMP-stimulated cells included sequences adjacent to CRE-2-containing response elements of the SP/Krüppel family. A TRbeta2 antibody immunoprecipitated chromatin containing Site-4 but not CRE-2, from cells incubated with T(3). A pCREB antibody immunoprecipitated CRE-2 containing chromatin in controls and more in 8Br-cAMP-stimulated cells but none when cells were incubated only with T(3). Recruitment of the 2 transcription factors was preserved in cells simultaneously exposed to 8Br-cAMP and T(3).

DISCUSSION

These results show that pCREB binds to a response element in the TRH promoter (CRE-2) that is independent of Site-4 where TRbeta2 is bound; pCREB and TR do not present mutual interference on their binding sites.

17β-Oestradiol indirectly inhibits thyrotrophin-releasing hormone expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of female rats and blunts thyroid axis response to cold exposure

Energy expenditure and thermogenesis are regultated by thyroid and sex hormones. Several parameters of hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis function are modulated by 17β-oestradiol (E(2)) but its effects on thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) mRNA levels remain unknown. We evaluated, by in situ hybridisation and Northern bloting, TRH expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) of cycling rats, 2 weeks-ovariectomised (OVX) and OVX animals injected s.c. during 1-4 days with E(2) (5, 50, 100 or 200 μg ⁄ kg) (OVX-E). Serum levels of E(2), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, corticosterone and triiodothyronine (T(3)) were quantified by radioimmunoassay. Increased serum E(2) levels were observed after 4 days injection of 50 μg ⁄ kg E(2) (to 68.5 ± 4.8 pg ⁄ ml) in OVX rats. PVN-TRH mRNA levels were slightly higher in OVX than in virgin females at dioestrous 1 or pro-oestrous, decreasing proportionally to increased serum E(2) levels. E(2) injections augmented serum T(3), prolactin, and corticosterone levels. Serum TSH levels augmented with 4 days 50 μg ⁄ kg E(2), but not with the higher doses that enhanced serum T(3) levels. Exposure to cold for 1 h resulted in marked HPT axis activation in OVX rats, increasing the levels of TRH mRNA along the rostro-caudal PVN areas, as well as serum TSH, T(3), corticosterone and prolactin levels. By contrast, no significant changes in any of these parameters were observed in cold-exposed OVX-E (50 μg ⁄ kg E(2)) rats. Very few PVN-TRHergic neurones expressed the oestrogen receptor type-α, suggesting that the effects of E(2) on PVN-TRH expression are indirect, most probably as a result of its multiple modulatory effects on circulating hormones and their receptor sensitivity. The blunted response of OVX-E rats to cold coincides with the effects of E(2) on the autonomic nervous system and increased cold tolerance.

Amygdala kindling differentially regulates the expression of the elements involved in TRH transmission

Subthreshold electrical stimulation of the amygdala (kindling) activates neuronal pathways increasing the expression of several neuropeptides including thyrotropin releasing-hormone (TRH). Partial kindling enhances TRH expression and the activity or its inactivating ectoenzyme; once kindling is established (stage V), TRH and its mRNA levels are further increased but TRH-binding and pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II (PPII) activity decreased in epileptogenic areas. To determine whether variations in TRH receptor binding or PPII activity are due to regulation of their synthesis, mRNA levels of TRH receptors (R1, R2) and PPII were semi-quantified by RT-PCR in amygdala, frontal cortex and hippocampus of kindled rats sacrificed at stage II or V. Increased mRNA levels of PPII were found at stage II in amygdala and frontal cortex, and of pro-TRH and TRH-R2, in amygdala and hippocampus. At stage V, pro-TRH mRNA levels increased and those of PPII, decreased in the three regions; TRH-R2 mRNA levels diminished in amygdala and frontal cortex and of TRH-R1 only in amygdala. In situ hybridization analyses revealed, at stage II, enhanced TRH-R1 mRNA levels in dentate gyrus and amygdala while decreased in piriform cortex; those of TRH-R2 increased in amygdala, CA2, dentate gyrus, piriform cortex, thalamus and subiculum and of PPII, in CAs and piriform cortex. In contrast, at stage V decreased expression of TRH-R1 occurred in amygdala, CA2/3, dentate gyrus and piriform cortex; of TRH-R2 in CA2, thalamus and piriform cortex, and of PPII in CA2, and amygdala. The magnitude of changes differed between ipsi and contralateral side. These results support a trans-synaptic modulation of all elements involved in TRH transmission in conditions that stimulate the activity of TRHergic neurons. They show that reported changes in PPII activity or TRH-binding caused by kindling relate to regulation of the expression of TRH receptors and degrading enzyme.

Dexamethasone represses cAMP rapid upregulation of TRH gene transcription: identification of a composite glucocorticoid response element and a cAMP response element in TRH promoter

Hypothalamic proTRH mRNA levels are rapidly increased (at 1 h) in vivo by cold exposure or suckling, and in vitro by 8Br-cAMP or glucocorticoids. The aim of this work was to study whether these effects occurred at the transcriptional level. Hypothalamic cells transfected with rat TRH promoter (-776/+85) linked to the luciferase reporter showed increased transcription by protein kinase (PK) A and PKC activators, or by dexamethasone (dex), but co-incubation with dex and 8Br-cAMP decreased their stimulatory effect (as observed for proTRH mRNA levels). These effects were also observed in NIH-3T3-transfected cells supporting a characteristic of TRH promoter and not of hypothalamic cells. Transcriptional regulation by 8Br-cAMP was mimicked by noradrenaline which increased proTRH mRNA levels, but not in the presence of dex. PKA inhibition by H89 avoided 8Br-cAMP or noradrenaline stimulation. TRH promoter sequences, cAMP response element (CRE)-like (-101/-94 and -59/-52) and glucocorticoid response element (GRE) half-site (-210/-205), were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays with nuclear extracts from hypothalamic or neuroblastoma cultures. PKA stimulation increased binding to CRE (-101/-94) but not to CRE (-59/-52); dex or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) increased binding to GRE, a composite site flanked by a perfect and an imperfect activator protein (AP-1) site in the complementary strand. Interference was observed in the binding of CRE or GRE with nuclear extracts from cells co-incubated for 3 h with 8Br-cAMP and dex; from cells incubated for 1 h, only the binding to GRE showed interference. Rapid cross-talk of glucocorticoids with PKA signaling pathways regulating TRH transcription constitutes another example of neuroendocrine integration.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced down-regulation of pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II activity involves L-type calcium channels and cam kinase activities in cultures of adenohypophyseal cells

Released thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is inactivated by a narrow specificity ectopeptidase, pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II (PPII), present in brain and lactotrophs. Various hypothalamic/paracrine factors, including TRH, slowly (in hours) regulate the activity of PPII on the surface of adenohypophyseal cells. TRH-induced down-regulation was mimicked by protein kinase C (PKC) activation but was not affected by inhibition of PKC. Adenylate cyclase activation can also down-regulate PPII. The purpose of this study was to identify elements of the transduction pathway used by TRH to regulate PPII activity. In primary cultures of female adenohypophyseal cells, activation of the stimulatory G protein or adenylate cyclase produced an effect additive to that of TRH; inhibition of protein kinase A activity did not interfere with TRH action. However, regulation of PPII activity by TRH was inhibited by a phospholipase C beta inhibitor or chelation of intracellular calcium. L-type calcium channels (LCC) agonists mimicked TRH action and their effect was not additive with that of TRH. Antagonists of LCC channels and inhibitors of calmodulin or calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase blocked TRH action. Therefore, TRH-induced calcium entry through L-type calcium channels and the activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase are required for TRH effect on PPII activity in primary cultures of adenohypophyseal cells. This pathway may coregulate PPII and prolactin biosynthesis in response to TRH.

Differential responses of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) neurons to cold exposure or suckling indicate functional heterogeneity of the TRH system in the paraventricular nucleus of the rat hypothalamus

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is released from the median eminence upon neural stimulation such as cold or suckling exposure. Concomitant with the cold- or suckling-induced release of TRH is a rapid and transient increase in the expression of proTRH mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. We employed two strategies to determine whether TRH neurons responding to cold exposure are different from those responding to suckling. First, we attempted to identify a marker of cellular activation in TRH neurons of the PVN. Cold induced c-fos expression in about 25% of TRH neurons of the PVN, but no induction was observed by suckling. Moreover, we explored the expression of a variety of immediate early genes including NGFI-A, fra-1 and c-jun, or CREB phosphorylation but found none to be induced by suckling. The number of cells expressing high levels of proTRH mRNA was counted and compared to total expressing cells. An increased number of cells expressing high levels of proTRH mRNA was observed when both stimuli were applied to the same animal, suggesting that different cells respond separately to each stimulus. We therefore analyzed the distribution of responsive TRH neurons as defined by the cellular level of proTRH mRNA. The proTRH mRNA signal was analyzed within three rostrocaudal zones of the PVN and within six mediolateral columns. Results showed that in response to cold, all areas of the PVN of the lactating rat present increased proTRH mRNA levels, including the anterior zone where few hypophysiotropic TRHergic cells are believed to reside. The distribution of the proTRH mRNA expressing cells in response to cold was quite comparable in female and in male rats. In contrast, the response after suckling was confined to the middle and caudal zones. Our results provide evidence of a functional specialization of TRH cells in the PVN.

Development of pro-TRH gene expression in primary cultures of fetal hypothalamic cells

Little is known about the temporal relationship and the sequential steps for peptide biosynthesis during the terminal differentiation of the peptide phenotype in central nervous system. Analysis of the TRH phenotype in primary cultures of rat fetal day 17 hypothalamic cells has shown that TRH levels start increasing only after a week in culture, in contrast with in vivo data showing a steady increase during late fetal life. The purpose of this study was to compare the developmental patterns of TRH and pro-TRH mRNA levels in vitro to determine whether the initial low and steady levels of TRH are due to deficient transcription. Pro-TRH mRNA levels were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR through the development of primary cultures of serum-supplemented hypothalamic fetal cells from 17 day old embryos. Pro-TRH mRNA levels per dish increased steadily since the beginning of the culture. In contrast, TRH levels per dish were low and stable during the first week increasing afterwards, but remaining low compared to equivalent in vivo values. Pro-TRH mRNA levels per hypothalamus increased between fetal day 17 and postnatal 14, suggesting that the in vitro pattern of pro-TRH mRNA development mimics that occurring in vivo. These data show that pro-TRH gene expression does not limit TRH accumulation in vitro suggesting that the transcriptional and post-transcriptional programs leading to peptide accumulation are established independently.

BDNF increases the early expression of TRH mRNA in fetal TrkB+ hypothalamic neurons in primary culture

Known effects of neurotrophins in the developing central nervous system include induction or regulation of peptide expression. Hypothalamic postmitotic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-producing neurons may require neurotrophins for survival and/or differentiation. This issue was investigated using primary cell cultures derived from 17-day-old fetal rat hypothalamus seeded in serum-free medium and analysed up to 4 days in vitro culture. Neurotrophin receptor (TrkB and TrkC) mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR in fetal hypothalamus and throughout the culture period. Western blots confirmed the expression of the full-length proteins in vitro. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that the addition of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increases TRH mRNA levels while the addition of neurotrophin-3 does not. TRH cell content was not modified. Studies on the effect of cell density or homologous conditioned medium demonstrated that endogenous factors probably contribute to determine TRH mRNA levels. One of these factors was BDNF because basal TRH mRNA levels were reduced by the addition of a Trk inhibitor or anti-BDNF. TrkB mRNA was expressed in 27% of cells and TRH mRNA in 2% of cells. The number of TRH+ cells was not affected by BDNF treatment. Forty-eight per cent of TRH neurons contained TrkB mRNA; these neurons had higher amounts of TRH mRNA than TrkB- neurons. Only TrkB+ cells responded to BDNF by increasing their TRH mRNA levels suggesting that BDNF may directly affect TRH biosynthesis. In conclusion, fetal hypothalamic TRH neurons are probably heterogeneous in regard to the neurotrophic factors enhancing peptide and mRNA levels. BDNF enhances TRH mRNA levels in a population of TrkB+ fetal hypothalamic TRHergic neurons in primary culture. However, additional influences may be necessary for the establishment of peptide phenotype in the TrkB+ neurons.

Rapid down regulation of pyroglutamyl peptidase II activity by arachidonic acid in primary cultures of adenohypophyseal cells

Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH; pglu-his-proNH2) is inactivated, in the extracellular space, by pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II (PPII), a narrow specificity ectopeptidase. In adenohypophysis, multiple hormones regulate PPII surface activity. The intracellular pathways of regulation are still poorly understood. Since some of the neurohormones which regulate PPII activity, including TRH and dopamine, transduce in part their effect through modulation of arachidonic acid (AA) mobilization, we have tested its role in regulation of PPII activity in primary cultures of rat adenohypophyseal cells. Melittin concentrations from 0.25 to 1 ug/ml induced a rapid decrease of PPII activity; 0.5 ug/ml caused a maximum effect (38-45% inhibition) at 20-30 min. AA (0.5 or 5 uM) also inhibited PPII activity (42-72%, maximum at 20 min); AA effect was reversible, with values approaching control at 1 h. The inhibitory effect of AA was blocked by lipoxygenase (10 uM nordihidroguaiaretic acid) but not ciclooxygenase inhibitors (10 uM indomethacin) suggesting the involvement of the lipoxygenase pathway. These data show that production of arachidonic acid by adenohypophyseal cells can rapidly but transiently down regulate surface PPII activity. This is the first evidence that AA mobilization can regulate the activity of an ectopeptidase.

Regulation of adenohypophyseal pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II activity by thyrotropin-releasing hormone and phorbol esters

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is inactivated by a narrow specificity ectopeptidase, pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II (PPII), in the proximity of target cells. In adenohypophysis, PPII is present on lactotrophs. Its activity is regulated by thyroid hormones and 17beta-estradiol. Studies with female rat adenohypophyseal cell cultures treated with 3,3',5'-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) showed that hypothalamic/paracrine factors, including TRH, can also regulate PPII activity. Some of the transduction pathways involve protein kinase C (PKC) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The purpose of this study was to determine whether T3 levels or gender of animals used to propagate the culture determine the effects of TRH or PKC. PPII activity was lower in cultures from male rats. In cultures from both sexes, T3 induced the activity. The percentages of decrease due to TRH or PKC were independent of T3 or gender; the percentage of decrease due to cAMP may also be independent of gender. These results suggest that T3 and hypothalamic/paracrine factors may independently control PPII activity in adenohypophysis, in either male or female animals.

[3-Me-His(2)]-TRH combined with dopamine withdrawal rapidly and transiently increases pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II activity in primary cultures of adenohypophyseal cells

TRH is hydrolyzed by pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II (PP II), a highly specific ecto-enzyme which is localized on the surface of lactotrophs. To study whether PP II activity may be rapidly regulated during a burst of prolactin secretion, we used an in vitro model in which primary cultures of adenohypophyseal cells were incubated with 500 nM dopamine (DA) for 24 h prior to treatments. We observed a rapid increase of PP II activity when 100 nM [3-Me-His(2)]-TRH, a TRH agonist, was added at removal of DA. PPII activity was maximal after 20 min of treatment and reduced to time 0 activity at 30 min. Dopamine withdrawal alone, slightly and transiently, modified the enzyme activity: an initial activation at 15 min was followed by a transient inhibition at 20 min. The specific contribution of [3-Me-His(2)]-TRH in this paradigm was a transient enhancement of PP II activity. If DA was not removed, [3-Me-His(2)]-TRH was ineffective. These data demonstrate that during in vitro conditions that mimic a suckling episode, adenohypophyseal PP II activity is rapidly and reversibly adjusted.

Three TRH-like molecules are released from rat hypothalamus in vitro

TRH-like immunoreactivity distinct from TRH is present in various tissues and fluids. In order to determine whether TRH-like molecules are secreted by the hypothalamus, we analyzed tissues and media from hypothalamic slices incubated in Krebs Ringer bicarbonate. Media from basal or high KCl conditions contained 3 TRH-like molecules evidenced by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography followed by TRH radioimmunoassay. Peak I corresponded to authentic TRH (73% of total immunoreactivity) and peaks II and III had a higher retention time. These additional TRH-like forms were neither detected in hypothalamic tissue nor in tissue or medium from olfactory bulb. Gel filtration analysis of hypothalamic media revealed only one TRH-like peak eluting as TRH, suggesting that the molecular weights of peaks II and III are similar to that of TRH. Peak II retention time was similar to that of pglu-phe-proNH2. We analysed if they could be produced by post secretory metabolism of TRH. Incubation of hypothalamic slices with [3H-Pro]-TRH did not produce radioactive species comigrating with peaks II or III. However, it induced rapid degradation to [3H-Pro]-his-prodiketopiperazine ([3H]-HPDKP). Inhibitor profile suggested that pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II, but not pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase I, is responsible for [3H]-HPDKP production. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II is the main aminopeptidase degrading TRH in hypothalamic extracellular fluid. Furthermore, we suggest that the hypothalamus releases additional TRH-like molecules, one of them possibly pglu-phe-proNH2, which may participate in control of adenohypophyseal secretions.

Dexamethasone rapidly regulates TRH mRNA levels in hypothalamic cell cultures: interaction with the cAMP pathway

The biosynthesis of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is subject to neural and hormonal regulations. To identify some of the potential effectors of this modulation, we incubated hypothalamic dispersed cells with dexamethasone for short periods of time (1-3 h) and studied the interaction of this hormone with protein kinase C (PKC) and PKA signaling pathways. TRH mRNA relative changes were determined by the RT-PCR technique. One hour incubation with 10(-10)-10(-4) M dexamethasone produced a concentration-dependent biphasic effect: an inhibition was observed on TRH mRNA levels at 10(-10) M, an increase above control at 10(-8)-10(-6) M and a reduction at higher concentrations (10(-5)- 10(-4) M). The stimulatory effect of 10(-8) M dexamethasone on TRH mRNA was essentially independent of new protein synthesis, as evidenced by cycloheximide pretreatment. Changes in TRH mRNA levels were reflected by enhanced TRH cell content. Incubation with a cAMP analogue (8-bromo-cAMP, 8Br-cAMP) or with a PKC activator (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, TPA) increased TRH mRNA levels after 1 and 2 h, respectively. An increase in TRH mRNA expression was observed by in situ hybridization of dexamethasone or 8Br-cAMP-treated cells. The interaction of dexamethasone, PKA and PKC signaling pathways was studied by combined treatment. The stimulatory effect of 10(-7) M TPA on TRH mRNA levels was additive to that of dexamethasone; in contrast, coincubation with 10(-3) M 8-Br-cAMP and dexamethasone diminished the stimulatory effect of both drugs. An inhibition was observed when the cAMP analogue was coincubated with TPA or TPA and dexamethasone. These results demonstrate that dexamethasone can rapidly regulate TRH biosynthesis and suggest a cross talk between cAMP, glucocorticoid receptors and PKC transducing pathways.

TRH inactivation in the extracellular compartment: role of pyroglutamyl peptidase II

TRH (pGlu-His-ProNH2) inactivation in the brain and pituitary extracellular fluid is reviewed. While TRH could be eliminated by alternative mechanisms, i.e. uptake or internalization, modification, hydrolysis by broad specificity peptidases such as pyroglutamyl peptidase I and prolyl endopeptidase, evidence accumulates to support a specific neuroectopeptidase as the main mechanism responsible for its extracellular inactivation. Pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII; E.C. 3.4.19.6) is a narrow specificity zinc metallopeptidase hydrolyzing the pyroglutamyl-histidyl peptide bond of TRH. PPII is an integral membrane protein with a small intracellular domain, a transmembrane segment and a large extracellular domain that contains the catalytic site. It is therefore idealy situated to degrade TRH present in the extracellular space. PPII is highly enriched in brain, specifically present in neuronal cells. PPII inhibition enhances recovery of TRH released in vitro. In situ hybridization studies demonstrate that PPII mRNA colocalizes with TRH-receptor mRNA in various brain regions. However, the existence of exceptions suggest that alternative inactivation mechanisms for TRH may operate. PPII activity is regulated in various pharmacological or pathophysiological conditions which alter TRH transmission. It is also present in adenohypophysis, preferentially on lactotrophs, where its activity is stringently regulated by hormones and hypothalamic factors. PPII activity regulation may contribute to adjust TRH neural and hormonal transmissions.

Multifactorial modulation of TRH metabolism

1. Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), synthesized in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), is released in response to physiological stimuli through median eminence nerve terminals to control thyrotropin or prolactin secretion from the pituitary. 2. Several events participate in the metabolism of this neuropeptide: regulation of TRH biosynthesis and release as well as modulation of its inactivation by the target cell. 3. Upon a physiological stimulus such as cold stress or suckling, TRH is released and levels of TRH mRNA increase in a fast and transient manner in the PVN; a concomitant increase in cfos is observed only with cold exposure. 4. Hypothalamic cell cultures incubated with cAMP or phorbol esters show a rise in TRH mRNA levels; dexamethasone produces a further increase at short incubation times. TRH mRNA are thus controlled by transsynaptic and hormonal influences. 5. Once TRH is released, it is inactivated by a narrow specificity ectoenzyme, pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII). 6. In adenohypophysis, PPII is subject to stringent control: positive by thyroid hormones and negative by TRH; other hypothalamic factors such as dopamine and somatostatin also influence its activity. 7. These combined approaches suggest that TRH action is modulated in a coordinate fashion.

Multiple hypothalamic factors regulate pyroglutamyl peptidase II in cultures of adenohypophyseal cells: role of the cAMP pathway

In the adenohypophysis, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) is inactivated by pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII), a TRH-specific ectoenzyme localized in lactotrophs. TRH slowly downregulates surface PPII activity in adenohypophyseal cell cultures. Protein kinase C (PKC) activation mimics this effect. We tested the hypothesis that other hypothalamic factors controlling prolactin secretion could also regulate PPII activity in adenohypophyseal cell cultures. Incubation for 16 h with pituitary adenylate cyclase activator peptide 38 (PACAP; 10(-6) M) decreased PPII activity. Bromocryptine (10(-8) M), a D2 dopamine receptor agonist, or somatostatin (10(-6) M) stimulated enzyme activity and blocked the inhibitory effect of [3-Me-His2]-TRH, a TRH receptor agonist. Bromocryptine and somatostatin actions were suppressed by preincubation with pertussis toxin (400 ng ml(-1)). Because these hypophysiotropic factors transduce some of their effects using the cAMP pathway, we analysed its role on PPII regulation. Cholera toxin (400 ng ml(-1)) inhibited PPII activity. Forskolin (10(-6) M) caused a time-dependent decrease in PPII activity, with maximal inhibition at 12-16 h treatment; ED50 was 10(-7) M. 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine or dibutiryl cAMP, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of PPII activity. These data suggest that increased cAMP down-regulates PPII activity. The effect of PACAP was blocked by preincubation with H89 (10(-6) M), a protein kinase A inhibitor, suggesting that the cAMP pathway mediates some of the effects of PACAP. Maximal effects of forskolin and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate were additive. PPII activity, therefore, is independently regulated by the cAMP and PKC pathways. Because most treatments inhibited PPII mRNA levels similarly to PPII activity, an important level of control of PPII activity by these factors may be at the mRNA level. We suggest that PPII is subject to 'homologous' and 'heterologous' regulation by elements of the multifactorial system that controls prolactin secretion.

Expression of the proprotein convertases PC1 and PC2 mRNAs in thyrotropin releasing hormone neurons of the rat paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus

PC1 and PC2 are subtilisin-like processing enzymes capable of cleaving thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) precursor (pro-TRH) at paired basic residues in vitro. In the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), pro-TRH is synthesized to control adenohypophysial thyrotropin and prolactin release. Biochemical and immunological approaches have shown that in the hypothalamus, pro-TRH is extensively cleaved at pairs of basic amino acids. We quantified, by two different approaches, in situ hybridization (ISH) on consecutive cryostat sections or double label ISH, the proportion of PVN TRH neurons containing either PC1 or PC2 mRNAs. Both techniques gave similar results: PC2 mRNA was present in 60-70% of TRH neurons, and PC1 mRNA in 37-46%. Values were similar in the anterior and medial parts of the parvocellular PVN. TRH neurons containing either PC1 or PC2 mRNA were found throughout the areas containing TRH cells without any evidence of anatomical segregation. These results suggest a biochemical heterogeneity in PVN TRH biosynthetic machinery.

Phorbol ester or cAMP enhance thyrotropin-releasing hormone mRNA in primary cultures of hypothalamic cells

Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) biosynthesis is subject to a multifactorial control. TRH mRNA levels are negatively regulated by thyroid hormones in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, and positively in cold exposure or suckling. Effect of second messenger pathways stimulation, a known response to membrane receptors, was studied in vitro; cultures of rat embryonic hypothalami (18 day gestation) were treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 100 nM) or dibutiryl cAMP (dBcAMP, 1 mM) for various times. Levels of TRH mRNA were raised after the first hour of dBcAMP or 2 h of TPA treatment and were still increased at 24 h. These results suggest a neural regulation of TRH biosynthesis.

Homologous conditioned medium enhances expression of TRH in hypothalamic neurons in primary culture

Primary cultures of hypothalamic cells maintained in the presence of serum were either kept with homologous conditioned medium (CM) (i.e. only half of the medium was removed at each medium change) or without (total medium change). In cultures with homologous CM, TRH levels were increased. The effects of CMs from various intervals of the primary culture were tested. The strongest increases of TRH levels were obtained with CM from cultures enriched with hypothalamic glia.

Pups removal enhances thyrotropin-releasing hormone mRNA in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus

Previous studies have shown that lactation and suckling alter thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) biosynthesis in hypothalamic paraventricular neurons. The amounts of paraventricular TRH mRNA and mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) TRH were determined following removal of the pups to examine whether paraventricular TRH neuron activity is altered during the transition from lactation to estrous cycle. Paraventricular TRH mRNA and MBH TRH levels were determined by Northern blot analysis and radioimmunoassay, respectively. We had shown previously that after an 8-h withdrawal of the pups at mid-lactation the MBH TRH and paraventricular TRH mRNA levels are not modified. This condition was compared to one where pups were removed for 56 h, finding a significant decrease (46%, p < 0.005) of MBH TRH and a significant increase (156%, p < 0.02) of paraventricular TRH mRNA. The effect observed in the paraventricular TRH mRNA was correlated negatively with the serum corticosterone levels, a potential negative regulator of paraventricular TRH mRNA. The results were similar if a 1-h suckling period was introduced 8 h after withdrawal of the pups to induce a transient increase of corticosterone levels. The pattern of TRH mRNA was specific to the paraventricular nucleus because there was no enhancement in the preoptic area-anterior hypothalamus. In summary, our data suggest that TRH biosynthesis in paraventricular neurons is slowly adjusted after withdrawal of the pups, possibly to prepare TRH neurons to the new secretory demands of the estrous cycle.

Pyroglutamyl peptidase II activity is not in the processes of bulbospinal TRHergic neurons

Pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII) is a neuronal ectoenzyme involved in released thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) inactivation. In an attempt to define if it is present in the pre or postsynaptic membrane, we induced neuronal degeneration of serotonin-TRHergic cells that project from raphe nuclei to the spinal cord. 2-4 weeks after intracisternal injection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, TRH levels decreased over 70% in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar regions of spinal cord. In contrast, no change of PPII activity was observed. Longer times after injection (6-8 weeks), a 59-66% increase in activity was detected in the lumbar region. These data suggest that PPII is not localized in these TRHergic neurons but probably in the target cells.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone downregulates pyroglutamyl peptidase II activity in adenohypophyseal cells

Pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII) is a thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) hydrolyzing ectoenzyme with a narrow specificity. In the adenohypophysis, it is present on lactotropes. This study was undertaken in order to determine whether TRH itself regulates PPII activity in the adenohypophysis. After 5 days in culture, dispersed cells from female pituitaries expressed detectable levels of PPII activity when 10(-8) M 3,3',5'-triiodo-L-thyronine was present throughout the culture. 10(-6) M TRH decreased PPII activity with a maximal effect (down to 46% of initial values) at 16 h and an ED50 of 10(-9) M. [3Me-His2]TRH, a potent agonist of the TRH receptor was effective at lower concentrations (ED50: 1.6 x 10(-10) M). Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA; 10(-6) M), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, diminished PPII activity to 61% or initial values with an ED50 of 2.2 x 10(-8) M. Maximal effects of PMA and TRH were not additive. Neither PMA nor TRH effects were reversed by inhibitors of protein kinases (1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine or sphingosine or staurosporine); TRH-induced downregulation of the enzyme was not modified by PMA pretreatment. TRH had no effect on two other ectopeptidases, endopeptidase 24.11 and dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV. These data demonstrate that TRH specifically downregulates PPII activity in adenohypophyseal cells through TRH receptor activation and suggest that the activation of a presumably calcium-independent PKC mimics the TRH effect. TRH regulation of PPII activity may contribute to adjust lactotrope responsiveness to TRH.

In vitro TRH release from hypothalamus slices varies during the diurnal cycle

We have previously described a daily rhythm in thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and TRH mRNA in the rat hypothalamus. To determine whether TRH release fluctuates in a diurnal manner, we have measured basal and potassium stimulated release from hypothalamic slices, and compared it to release from olfactory bulb slices, during the diurnal cycle. Basal TRH release was higher at 7:00 h than at any other time (1:00, 13:00 or 19:00 h) in either hypothalamus or olfactory bulb. The ratio of stimulated over basal release was higher in the hypothalamus at 19:00 h, when TRH content was highest. Potassium stimulated TRH release from olfactory bulb was not different from basal release at any time. TRH release fluctuations were not due to a rhythm of extracellular inactivation: the activity of pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II, an ectoenzyme responsible for TRH inactivation, was constant throughout the cycle. Our data demonstrate that diurnal variations of TRH release occur in vitro and that the enhanced responsiveness to potassium stimulation in hypothalamus is correlated with increased levels of peptide.

Influence of thyroid status on TRH metabolism in rat olfactory bulb

The effect of thyroid hormones (TH) on the metabolism of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the olfactory bulb (OB) was compared with the hypothalamic response to TRH. Two methods were used to induce hypothyroidism: propylthiouracyl-methimazole (PTU-M) or 131I treatment. Hyperthyroidism was produced by 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) injections to the hypothyroid animals. With PTU-M treatment, paraventricular TRH mRNA levels increased 57% and returned to the euthyroid level with T3 treatment. In OB, TRH mRNA was not altered. The TRH content was unaffected in the mediobasal hypothalamus of PTU-M-treated animals whereas it was reduced in OB (31%) with no further response upon T3 treatment. 131I-induced hypothyroidism did not modify the OB TRH content but it was decreased (31%) in hyperthyroids. In the median eminence, TRH increased 26% in hypothyroids, and the response was reversed with T3. Our results demonstrate that treatments that change thyroid status can alter TRH levels in the OB, probably at a translational or postranslational level, though the effects may be pharmacological.

Suckling and cold stress rapidly and transiently increase TRH mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus

Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) is released from the median eminence in response to neural stimuli evoked by different physiologic conditions (i.e. cold stress or suckling). The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) synthesizes pro-TRH and responds to negative thyroid hormone feedback. With the aim of determining if TRH biosynthesis is regulated in coordination with its release, we quantified TRH mRNA levels in PVN and in preoptic area-anterior hypothalamus (POA-AH) of rats sacrificed at different times during cold (0.5, 1, 2 or 6 h) or suckling (15, 30 and 60 min) stimulus; TRH-like immunoreactivity (TRH-LI) in medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) and in POA-AH as well as corticosterone, triiodothyronine and prolactin levels in serum were also measured. Increases of serum hormones were observed in both paradigms as has been reported. MBH TRH-LI content decreased during suckling by 33% (p < 0.01) after 1 h, but did not change after cold stimulation. At short stimulation times, PVN TRH mRNA levels were 85% (30 min of suckling) and 97% (1 h in the cold) higher than their respective controls, decreasing to normal after 1-2 h. In the POA-AH, another TRH synthesizing region not involved in TRH hypophysiotropic function, a similar transient enhancement of TRH mRNA (146%) was observed only in cold stimulated animals after 30 min, consistent with its suggested role in thermogenesis. These results show a fast and transient response of TRH mRNA in PVN evoked by a neural stimulus.

Assessment of the role of TRH in the release of [3H]-dopamine from rat nucleus accumbens-lateral septum slices

We have studied [3H]-dopamine ([3H]-DA) release from rat nucleus accumbens lateral septum slices in response to various paradigms aimed at increasing endogenous or exogenous thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) concentrations in the extracellular space. High KCl concentrations significantly enhanced [3H]-DA release by fourfold. TRH (10(-4) or 5 x 10(-4) M) did not affect [3H]-DA release. The release of [3H]-DA was not stimulated by TRH either in the presence of N-1-carboxy-2-phenylethyl (N(im)benzyl)-histidyl-beta naphthylamide, a specific pyroglutamyl peptidase II inhibitor, or that of specific inhibitors of prolyl endopeptidase and pyroglutamyl peptidase I. None of the peptidase inhibitors modified the [3H]-DA release by themselves. These results suggest that the TRH stimulation of [3H]-DA release in vitro observed in previous studies is not due to peptide inactivation but may be due to a nonspecific effect. TRH enhancement of DA release in nucleus accumbens in vivo may not be the result of a direct effect of TRH on DA terminals.

Ontogenesis of pyroglutamyl peptidase II activity in rat brain, adenohypophysis and pancreas

Pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII; E.C. 3.4.19.-) is a highly specific membrane-bound ectoenzyme degrading thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). The ontogenesis of this enzyme was measured in rat brain regions, adenohypophysis and pancreas. In hypothalamus PPII activity was maximal at day 8 postnatal, decreasing to adult values at day 45. The postnatal ontogenic patterns in posterior cerebral cortex and hypothalamus were similar. In olfactory bulb, two peaks of activity were observed (3th and 22nd day) while in adenohypophysis it appeared only at day 8, increased to day 30, decreasing thereafter to adult values.

Regional distribution of pyroglutamyl peptidase II in rabbit brain, spinal cord, and organs

Pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII) is a narrow specificity ectoenzyme that degrades thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). We detected the enzyme in the brain of various mammals, with highest specific activity in rabbit brain. In this species, activity was heterogeneously distributed in the central nervous system. There was a 28-fold difference between regions of highest and lowest PPII activity. Enzyme activity was highest in the olfactory bulb and posterior cortex. In the spinal cord, activity was low but unevenly distributed, with highest values detected in the thoracic (T) region. Segments T1 and T2 activities were particularly high. Other organs contained low or undetectable levels of activity. The levels of TRH-like immunoreactivity (TRH-LI) in spinal cord segments were greatest in T3-T4 and lumbar L2-L6. Low concentrations were found in T1 and T9-T12. There was a partial correlation between the distribution of PPII activity and TRH receptors but not with TRH-LI levels. These results demonstrate that PPII is predominantly a central nervous system enzyme, and they support the hypothesis that PPII is responsible for degrading TRH released into the synaptic cleft.

Some events of thyrotropin-releasing hormone metabolism are regulated in lactating and cycling rats

Levels of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), TRH mRNA and pyroglutamyl peptidase II were analyzed in the hypothalamus-adenohypophyseal axis during lactation and estrous cycle. Mediobasal hypothalamic levels of TRH dropped 41% (p less than 0.01) from pregnancy levels (taken as 100%) on the first day of lactation, recovering until day 15 to the values observed at pregnancy. A sharp decrease was also observed during weaning (36%, p less than 0.01 compared to last day of lactation). TRH levels in the neurohypophysis increased during lactation and dropped at weaning. Highest TRH mRNA levels in the paraventricular nucleus were found at the end of pregnancy and beginning of lactation; they decreased 37% (p less than 0.05) at day 5 of lactation and stayed constant thereafter. Pyroglutamyl peptidase II adenohypophyseal activity was not modified during lactation but changed during estrous cycle. Relative to estrous values, activity diminished 58% (p less than 0.05) at 10.00 h (57% at 14.00 h) during diestrus 2 and 27% at 10.00 h (37% at 14.00 h) during proestrus. Hypothalamic TRH mRNA levels fluctuated in an opposite manner to adenohypophyseal pyroglutamyl peptidase II during the estrous cycle with a peak at diestrus 2: 183% of the estrous value (p less than 0.05). These data point to a regulation of TRH metabolism in conditions where prolactin (PRL) secretion fluctuates. They also suggest a sharp release of TRH between the end of pregnancy and the first day of lactation and that translational efficiency or post-translational processing of TRH precursor in the paraventricular neurons (projecting to the median eminence) increases during lactation and drops at weaning, concomitantly with PRL secretion.

Neuronal localization of pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II in primary cultures of fetal mouse brain

Pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II is a highly specific membrane-bound ectopeptidase proposed to inactivate thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) in brain extracellular space. Its activity was measured in primary cell cultures of fetal brain in an attempt to define its cellular localization. Enzyme activity was detected in hypothalamic or cortical cell membrane fractions from 4- to 12-day-old cultures. When proliferation of nonneuronal cells was abolished by cytosine arabinoside treatment, pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II specific activity was increased as compared to untreated cultures, the opposite was observed for pyroglutamate amino-peptidase I activity. Treatment of cortical cells with the neurotoxic agent glutamate reduced simultaneously pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II and glutamate decarboxylase activities. Glial cell cultures expressed pyroglutamate aminopeptidase I or glutamate synthase activities but not pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II. The data suggest that pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II is predominantly localized in neuronal cells. This is consistent with a role for pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II in TRH-ergic synaptic transmission.

Evaluation of the role of prolyl endopeptidase and pyroglutamyl peptidase I in the metabolism of LHRH and TRH in brain

Intraneuronal peptide regulatory mechanisms are still poorly understood. The cytosolic enzymes prolyl endopeptidase (EC 3.4.21.26) and pyroglutamyl peptidase I (E.C.3.4.19.3) degrade both TRH and LHRH. Previous studies from this laboratory have not supported a role for these enzymes in the control of TRH levels. These studies have now been extended to cell and organ cultures and examine the effects of enzyme inhibition on LHRH. Exposure of dispersed hypothalamic cells or median eminences in culture to Z-Pro-Prolinal and pyroglutamyl diazomethyl ketone, specific inhibitors of prolyl endopeptidase and pyroglutamyl peptidase I respectively, did not change TRH content or recovery of released TRH. In vivo and in vitro treatment with these inhibitors did not modify the content of LHRH or recovery of this peptide upon release from several brain regions except in the olfactory bulb where an unexpected decrease in levels was observed. Olfactory bulb levels of TRH also decreased but only after prolonged in vivo inhibitor treatment. The decrease in olfactory bulb LHRH and TRH could not be accounted for by enzyme induction and is likely due to a non-specific or indirect effect of the inhibitors on the processing of these peptides. These studies demonstrate that levels of LHRH and TRH in brain are not controlled by cytosolic peptidases.

The use of in situ hybridization histochemistry for the study of neuropeptide gene expression in the human brain

1. The application of in situ hybridization histochemistry to the study of neuropeptide gene expression in human brain postmortem tissues is reviewed. We focus on neuropeptides preferentially expressed in hypothalamus and basal ganglia. 32P-labeled oligonucleotides were used as hybridization probes. 2. Autoradiography combined with computerized image analysis was used to visualize and quantify the hybridization signal. 3. Several criteria were considered in order to ascertain the specificity of the signal, including Northern analysis, use of heterologous probes, competition assays, and thermal stability of the hybrids. 4. In control human striatum high levels of hybridization signal were observed for somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, and preproenkephalin A mRNAs. In contrast, no detectable signal was observed with the cholecystokinin, arginine-vasopressin, and oxytocin probes in this area. In the hypothalamus high levels of oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin mRNAs were visualized in several nuclei. Preproenkephalin A and somatostatin mRNAs were also observed in this region, while cholecystokinin mRNA was not detected. 5. No significant correlations were found between the density of the hybridization signal and parameters such as postmortem delay, age, and gender in the population studied. 6. Finally, alterations of mRNA levels for some of these peptides were found in Parkinson's disease and Huntington's chorea striatal tissues. 7. These results show that in situ hybridization histochemistry can be used to examine at the microscopic level neuropeptide gene expression in postmortem materials.

Pyroglutamyl peptidase II inhibition specifically increases recovery of TRH released from rat brain slices

Pyroglutamyl peptidase II (EC 3.4.19-) is a highly specific membrane-bound thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) degrading enzyme. To study the functional significance of pyroglutamyl peptidase II in TRH degradation, we synthesized the reversible inhibitor N-1-carboxy-2-phenylethyl (Nimbenzyl)-histidyl-beta-naphthylamide (CPHNA). CPHNA inhibited the enzyme with a Ki of 8 microM, but had no effect no TRH receptors or no prolyl endopeptidase (EC 3.4.21.26). It weakly inhibited cytosolic pyroglutamyl peptidase I (EC 3.4.19.3). CPHNA at a concentration of 10(-4) M increased both the basal and potassium stimulated recovery of TRH released from hypothalamic slices by approximately two-fold. An even higher recovery was observed in slices from brain regions with relatively high levels of pyroglutamyl peptidase II. CPHNA had no effect on the basal recovery of gamma-aminobutyric acid or Met-enkephalin released from brain slices but decreased the potassium stimulated recovery of both Metenkephalin and gamma-aminobutyric acid. These data further support the involvement of pyroglutamyl peptidase II in the extracellular inactivation of brain TRH.

Tissue-specific regulation of pyroglutamate aminopeptidase II activity by thyroid hormones

Among the enzymes capable of degrading thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in vitro, two pyroglutamate aminopeptidases (PGA) are specific for TRH: thyroliberinase, a seric enzyme and PGAII, a membrane-bound peptidase. The effect of thyroid hormone status on the activity of these enzymes was evaluated in serum and various tissues. Only in adenohypophysis, triiodothyronine treatment increased PGAII to 376% of control; hypothyroidism produced the reverse effect (decrease to 23% of control). As previously reported, similar changes were observed for thyroliberinase. TRH degradation at the adenohypophysis level may participate in the negative feedback control of thyroid hormones.

Neuronal TRH synthesis: developmental and circadian TRH mRNA levels

Peptide biosynthesis within a neuron involves several steps occurring at the soma and during its travel to the nerve terminal, where it accumulates to be released under stimulatory conditions. We have measured hypothalamic TRH and TRH mRNA during ontogeny and circadian cycle and observed that TRH mRNA variations are more prominent than TRH ones. On the basis of these results and in vitro release experiments, we propose a compensatory mechanism working at the nerve terminal which is activated after release.

Characterization of high affinity monoclonal antibodies against the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone

Four hybridoma clones (BKL1, BKL2, BKL5 and BKL6), secreting monoclonal antibodies against the decapeptide luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), were obtained by the fusion of Sp 2/0-Ag14 myeloma cells with spleen cells of a Balb/k mouse immunized with a conjugate of thyroglobulin-LHRH. All four monoclonal antibodies belong to the IgG1 subclass. The antibodies cross-reacted in RIA from 9.3 to 21% with 4-10 LHRH and less than 1% with 7-10 LHRH, 1-3 LHRH and LHRH-OH; 4-6 LHRH showed no cross-reaction. A RIA based on the BKL2 antibody and able to detect 4 pg LHRH per tube was developed. An extract of rat hypothalamus was submitted to Sephadex G50 separation and a single peak of LHRH immunoreactivity corresponding to synthetic LHRH, was detected with the antibody BKL2. When this material was further analyzed by HPLC, we found that the major peak of immunoreactivity co-migrated with synthetic LHRH. The data shows that the antibodies should be useful tools for biochemical and physiological studies on LHRH.

Regional distribution of the membrane-bound pyroglutamate amino peptidase-degrading thyrotropin-releasing hormone in rat brain

The brain regional distribution of membrane-bound pyroglutamate aminopeptidase-degrading thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in rat was studied using a specific radiometric assay. The distribution was not homogeneous: a 10-fold difference was observed between regions. The highest activity was detected in olfactory bulb while the lowest was in the cervical part of spinal cord. There was no correlation with the regional distribution of enzyme activity vs TRH levels, previously reported TRH receptors or in vitro TRH release. The differential distribution of this enzyme is consistent with the hypothesis that it is responsible for extracellular degradation of neuroactive peptides.

Specific inhibitors of pyroglutamyl peptidase I and prolyl endopeptidase do not change the in vitro release of TRH or its content in rodent brain

Pyroglutamyl diazomethyl ketone and N-benzyloxycarbonyl prolyl prolinal, specific inhibitors of pyroglutamyl peptidase I and prolyl endopeptidase respectively, were used to study the possible role of these enzymes in the regulation of thyrotropin releasing hormone turnover. In vitro thyrotropin releasing hormone release by male rat hypothalamic slices was studied. Combined in vitro treatment with 10(-5)M of both inhibitors totally inhibited both enzymatic activities. The treatment did not affect basal or 56 mM K+ induced thyrotropin releasing hormone release or thyrotropin releasing hormone levels in slices. Repeated combined intraperitoneal injections of the two inhibitors for up to 12 hours produced a 70%-95% reduction in mouse brain pyroglutamyl peptidase I specific activity and a 65%-85% reduction in prolyl endopeptidase specific activity. Thyrotropin releasing hormone levels were unaffected by this treatment in all regions tested. The data suggest that these two enzymes are not involved in the intra- or extracellular control of thyrotropin releasing hormone levels in brain or hypophysis.

Regional distribution of in vitro release of thyrotropin releasing hormone in rat brain

To increase our knowledge of the TRH functions in brain and the processes of TRH compartmentalization and release, we studied the in vitro release of endogenous TRH in different brain areas. We also determined the correlation between TRH levels and release under both basal and stimulated conditions. TRH concentration was measured in tissues and media by specific radioimmunoassay. TRH-like material detected in olfactory bulb and hypothalamic incubates (basal or K+ stimulated) were shown to be chromatographically identical to synthetic TRH. Different brain regions showed high variability in the basal release of TRH (1-20% of tissue content). This suggests the existence of different pools. The response to depolarizing stimulus (56 mM K+) was significant only in the following regions: median eminence, total hypothalamus, preoptic area, nucleus accumbens-lateral septum, amygdala, mesencephalon, medulla oblongata and the cervical region of the spinal cord. These regions have been shown to contain a high number of receptors, a high concentration of TRH nerve endings and are susceptible to TRH effects. These results support the hypothesis that TRH functions as neuromodulator in these areas.

Attempts to immunoprecipitate the LHRH precursor synthesized in cell free systems

In order to determine the molecular weight of the Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) precursor, poly(A)-RNA from rat hypothalami and human placenta were translated in two mRNA dependent cell free translation systems. Total translation products were immunoprecipitated with two antisera that recognized LHRH high molecular weight forms. After SDS-polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoretic analysis of the immunoprecipitated material and fluorography, we detected in both tissues a protein of 50,000 daltons with the No. 1076 antiserum. This peptide was not immunoprecipitated by the No. 743 anti-LHRH antiserum or by non-immune rabbit serum. However, this protein was not displaced by excess LHRH added during the immunoprecipitation and seemed to be present in species where LHRH has not been reported. These data demonstrated that the LHRH mRNA is present in very low amounts in hypothalamus or placenta and that the sensitivity of the assay is not high enough to recognize it.

Presence of a membrane bound pyroglutamyl amino peptidase degrading thyrotropin releasing hormone in rat brain

In the present work we studied the pattern of degradation of [3H-Pro]-TRH by soluble and membrane fractions from rat brain. Demonstration of the membrane bound or soluble nature of the activities was obtained by comparing their distribution to that of lactate dehydrogenase and by looking at the effect of NaCl washes on the membrane fractions. We observed that the pyroglutamyl amino peptidase activity detected in brain homogenates is a result of two different enzymes. One of them is a soluble enzyme previously characterized, that needs DTT and EDTA for its expression, is inhibited by SH-blocking agents such as iodoacetamide and utilizes p-glu-beta-naphtylamide as a substrate. The other one, a membrane enzyme, is inhibited by chelating agents such as EDTA and DTT, is not affected by iodoacetamide and does not degrade p-glu-beta-naphtylamide. The later presents some specificity towards TRH as shown by competition experiments with TRH analogs. We were able to corroborate that the post proline cleaving enzyme acting on TRH is a soluble enzyme. In membranes we demonstrated also the presence of a post-proline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase. The membrane bound pyroglutamidase activity is a potential new source of L-his-L-pro-diketopiperazine in brain. The presence of a TRH degrading enzyme in membrane fractions is of particular importance in searching an inactivation mechanism of this peptide once it is released into the synaptic cleft.

Accumulation of thyrotropin releasing hormone by rat hypothalamic slices

It has been postulated that thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) may play an active role in synaptic transmission. If such is the case, an inactivation mechanism must exist, in analogy to other neuroactive substances. In these studies we have considered the possibility that TRH may be taken up by rat hypothalamic slices. We observed that in the presence of bacitracin TRH was stable in the medium up to 90 min. We detected intact [3H]Pro-TRH associated with the slices as evidenced by TLC and paper electrophoresis; the association was time-dependent up to 60 min, and the maximum tissue-to-medium ratio was 1.3 at this time. At 5 min incubation, 30-50% of the TRH was not extracellular, and the plot of TRH-associated tissue versus the total amount of tissue was linear up to two hypothalami per flask. The association was saturable (Km 1.07 microM) and temperature-dependent, and the saturable part of the accumulation was inhibited by ouabain, dinitrophenol, and the absence of glucose. These results suggest that an uptake mechanism for TRH exists in the hypothalamus; its physiological relevance remains to be elucidated.