Morbidity in the first year postpartum among HIV-infected women in Kenya

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of HIV infection on morbidity and the needs of infected women for services in the first year postpartum.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 500 women attending a child-health clinic in Mombasa, Kenya.

RESULTS

Postpartum duration was a median of 3.3 months (interquartile range, 1.9-6.1 months). The 54 HIV-infected women had a lower income and less financial support than the uninfected women, and they were more likely to experience fever, dyspnea, and dysuria, and to have genital warts (odds ratio [OR], 9.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6-35.6; P<0.001), candidiasis (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-6.8; P=0.012), and bacterial vaginosis (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.95-3.3; P=0.066). Six (nearly 15%) of the HIV-infected women had low- or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 21 (42%) had an unmet need for contraception. More than half of all women were anemic, and normocytic anemia was predominant among the HIV infected.

CONCLUSION

Compared with uninfected women, morbidity was increased for HIV-infected women during the year following delivery. This period could be used to offer these, and all-women, family planning services, cervical cancer screening, and treatment for anemia and reproductive tract infections.

Anti-inflammatory effect of low-dose X-irradiation and the involvement of a TGF-beta1-induced down-regulation of leukocyte/endothelial cell adhesion

PURPOSE

Low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) is known to exert an anti-inflammatory effect, but the underlying radiobiological and immunological mechanisms remain elusive. In recent studies, we observed a reduced adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to endothelial cells (EC) after LD-RT (0.3-0.7 Gy). This shows that this treatment affects the initial steps of the inflammatory response. To explore the role of inflammatory mediators in this process, we investigated the expression of Transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) after LD-RT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EC were grown to subconfluence and irradiated with single-dose LD-RT. Twenty-hours after irradiation, EC were treated with IL-1beta for 4 h and then incubated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Adherent PBMC were counted when using light microscopy. Expression of the cytokines TGF-beta(1) and IL-6 was measured by ELISA, and mRNA levels were analysed by the RNAse-protection assay (RPA). Surface expression of E-selectin was quantified by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

A relative minimum of adhesion was observed after LD-RT between 0.3 and 0.7 Gy. This was paralleled by an expression maximum of TGF-beta(1) and IL-6, as shown by protein and mRNA levels, respectively. Neutralization of TGF-beta(1) by monoclonal antibodies, but not of IL-6, increased PBMC adhesion to EC nearly to control levels. In addition, fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis of irradiated EC demonstrated a down-regulation of E-selectin in the same dose range.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose X-irradiation between 0.3 and 0.7 Gy induced a relative maximum of TGF-beta(1) production by stimulated EC. This results in a down-regulation of leukocyte/PBMC adhesion and may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect of LD-RT.

The Bloom syndrome protein interacts and cooperates with p53 in regulation of transcription and cell growth control

Bloom syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with mutations in BLM gene encoding protein that belongs to the family of DNA helicases. It is characterized by predisposition to cancer, immunodeficiency, high sensitivity to UV and genomic instability of somatic cells. Here we show physical and functional cooperation between BLM and p53 proteins. Ectopic expression of BLM causes anti-proliferative effect in p53 wild type, but not in p53-deficient cells; p53-mediated transactivation is attenuated in primary fibroblasts from Bloom syndrome patients. BLM and p53 proteins physically interact in the cells as demonstrated in yeast and mammalian two-hybrid systems; interaction sites are mapped to 237-272 aa residues of BML and 285-340 aa of p53. Ectopic expression of the fragment of wild type BML containing p53-interactive domain suppresses p53-mediated transcription and interferes with p53-mediated growth inhibition. These observations indicate that BLM might be an important component of p53 function and suggest that Bloom Syndrome phenotype may in part be the result of the deregulation of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway.

Isolation of differentially expressed cDNAs from p53-dependent apoptotic cells: activation of the human homologue of the Drosophila peroxidasin gene

Inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor protein has been observed in a large number of human cancers. Overexpression of p53 induces either growth arrest or programmed cell death (apoptosis). The growth arrest function of p53 is mediated by induction of p21 (WAF1/CIP1), but the mechanisms underlying p53-dependent apoptosis are still largely unknown. To investigate these mechanisms, we have identified six differentially expressed transcripts in a human colon cancer cell line undergoing p53-dependent apoptosis. One of the p53-responsive genes showed significant homology to Drosophila peroxidasin, an extracellular matrix-associated peroxidase, and is likely to be its human homologue. Our results suggest a possible connection between p53-dependent apoptosis and the production of reactive oxygen species.

Alternate choice of initiation codon produces a biologically active product of the von Hippel Lindau gene with tumor suppressor activity

The VHL tumor suppressor gene has previously been reported to encode a protein of 213 amino acid residues. Here we report the identification of a second major VHL gene product with an apparent molecular weight of 18 kD, pVHL18, which appears to arise from alternate translation initiation at a second AUG codon (codon 54) within the VHL open reading frame. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the internal codon in the VHL mRNA is necessary and sufficient for production of pVHL18. pVHL18 can bind to elongin B, elongin C, and Hs-CUL2. When reintroduced into renal carcinoma cells that lack a wild-type VHL allele, pVHL18 suppresses basal levels of VEGF expression, restores hypoxia-inducibility of VEGF expression, and inhibits tumor formation in nude mice. These data strongly support the existence of two distinct VHL gene products in VHL tumor suppression.

PA26, a novel target of the p53 tumor suppressor and member of the GADD family of DNA damage and growth arrest inducible genes

Exposure of mammalian cells to hypoxia, radiation and certain chemotherapeutic agents promotes cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. Activation of p53 responsive genes is believed to play an important role in mediating such responses. In this study we identified a novel gene, PA26, which maps to chromosome 6q21 and encodes at least three transcript isoforms, of which two are differentially induced by genotoxic stress (UV, gamma-irradiation and cytotoxic drugs) in a p53-dependent manner. A functional p53-responsive element was identified in the second intron of the PA26 gene, in consistance with a mechanism of transcriptional induction of the PA26 gene by p53. No clues to its functions were revealed by sequence analysis, although pronounced negative regulation by serum factors argues for a potential role of PA26 in growth regulation. Immunological analysis suggests that PA26 protein(s) is localized to the cell nucleus. Our results suggest that the PA26 gene is a novel p53 target gene with properties common to the GADD family of growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible stress-response genes, and, thus, a potential novel regulator of cellular growth.

The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein is required for proper assembly of an extracellular fibronectin matrix

Fibronectin coimmunoprecipitated with wild-type von Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL) but not tumor-derived pVHL mutants. Immunofluorescence and biochemical fractionation experiments showed that fibronectin colocalized with a fraction of pVHL associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, and cold competition experiments suggested that complexes between fibronectin and pVHL exist in intact cells. Assembly of an extracellular fibronectin matrix by VHL-/- renal carcinoma cells, as determined by immunofluorescence and ELISA assays, was grossly defective compared with VHL+/+ renal carcinoma cells. Reintroduction of wildtype, but not mutant, pVHL into VHL-/- renal carcinoma cells partially corrected this defect. Finally, extracellular fibronectin matrix assembly by VHL-/- mouse embryos and mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), unlike their VHL+/+ counterparts, was grossly impaired. These data support a direct role of pVHL in fibronectin matrix assembly.

p53 regulates insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor expression and IGF-I-induced tyrosine phosphorylation in an osteosarcoma cell line: interaction between p53 and Sp1

The insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) is involved in tumorigenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the IGF-IR is a physiological target for p53 in osteosarcoma cells. The p53-induced regulation of IGF-IR levels was studied in a tetracycline-regulated expression system. When expressed in Saos-2, osteosarcoma cells that lack p53, wild-type p53 decreased, whereas mutated p53 increased IGF-IR expression, and IGF-I-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the IGF-IR. Similarly, wild-type p53 decreased IGF-I-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1. A functional and physical interaction between p53 and Sp1, in the regulation of the IGF-R, was studied in osteosarcoma cells. Expression of p53 decreased IGF-IR promoter activity, whereas no effect on promoter activity was seen by Sp1 expressed alone. However, Sp1 counteracted the inhibitory effect of p53 on IGF-IR promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, wild-type and mutated p53 were coimmunoprecipitated with Sp1, indicating a physical interaction between p53 and Sp1. In conclusion, p53 regulates IGF-IR expression, as reflected by a reduction in IGF-IR protein and a parallel reduction in IGF-I-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the IGF-IR and IRS-1 in an osteosarcoma cell line. These data indicate that the IGF-I receptor is a physiological target for p53 in osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, data supporting an interaction between p53 and Sp1 in the regulation of the promoter activity of IGF-IR are presented.

The p53/IGF-1 receptor axis in the regulation of programmed cell death

The loss or functional inactivation of tumor suppressor genes appears to be one of the most fundamental genetic mechanisms of tumorigenesis, and rational insights into the signaling pathways of tumor suppressor genes have emerged as a successful strategy of identifying novel drug discovery targets downstream of the tumor suppressor protein itself. Elucidation of novel pathways downstream of p53 have established a link between this important tumor suppressor gene and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1r), either via direct regulation of IGF-1 receptor levels, or modulation of IGFs via transactivation of the insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGF-BP3) gene. Binding of IGF-BP3 to IGFs inhibits both their mitogenic and cell survival functions, highlighting a novel pathway whereby p53 may regulate apoptosis in tumor cells.

The p53 tumor suppressor targets a novel regulator of G protein signaling

Heterotrimeric G proteins transduce multiple growth-factor-receptor-initiated and intracellular signals that may lead to activation of the mitogen-activated or stress-activated protein kinases. Herein we report on the identification of a novel p53 target gene (A28-RGS14) that is induced in response to genotoxic stress and encodes a novel member of a family of regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins with proposed GTPase-activating protein activity. Overexpression of A28-RGS14p protein inhibits both Gi- and Gq-coupled growth-factor-receptor-mediated activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in mammalian cells. Thus, through the induction of A28-RGS14, p53 may regulate cellular sensitivity to growth and/or survival factors acting through G protein-coupled receptor pathways.

Characterization of the rat neurofibromatosis 2 gene and its involvement in asbestos-induced mesothelioma

The neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene was recently implicated in the genesis of human mesothelioma. To investigate the role of this tumor suppressor gene in rat asbestos-induced mesothelioma, a commonly used model for the human disease, we characterized the rat homologue of NF2 and examined rat chrysotile-induced primary mesotheliomas and cell lines derived from chrysotile- and crocidolite-induced mesotheliomas for alterations in this gene. The coding sequence obtained for the rat NF2 gene had 90% nucleotide homology with the human NF2 gene. The rat NF2 gene was ubiquitously expressed as a 4.4-kb transcript in normal rat tissues as well as in rat mesothelioma cell lines. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis to examine splicing of NF2 exons in mesothelioma cells indicated that the exon splicing pattern was similar in normal and neoplastic cells. To determine if mutations had occurred in the NF2 coding region in rat mesotheliomas, single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing were used to screen 10 primary tumors and six tumor cell lines. No DNA sequence alterations were observed in any of the rat mesothelioma samples examined. These findings contrast with data reported previously for human mesotheliomas, in which the NF2 gene was found to be mutated in 40% of cases. Taken together, these data suggest that the role of NF2 in the development of rodent asbestos-induced mesothelioma may differ significantly from the role in the human disease.

Germline mutations in the Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) gene in families from North America, Europe, and Japan

Germline mutation analysis was performed in 469 VHL families from North America, Europe, and Japan. Germline mutations were identified in 300/469 (63%) of the families tested; 137 distinct intragenic germline mutations were detected. Most of the germline VHL mutations (124/137) occurred in 1-2 families; a few occured in four or more families. The common germline VHL mutations were: delPhe76, Asn78Ser, Arg161Stop, Arg167Gln, Arg167Trp, and Leu178Pro. In this large series, it was possible to compare the effects of identical germline mutations in different populations. Germline VHL mutations produced similar cancer phenotypes in Caucasian and Japanese VHL families. Germline VHL mutations were identified that produced three distinct cancer phenotypes: (1) renal carcinoma without pheochromocytoma, (2) renal carcinoma with pheochromocytoma, and (3) pheochromocytoma alone. The catalog of VHL germline mutations with phenotype information should be useful for diagnostic and prognostic studies of VHL and for studies of genotype-phenotype correlations in VHL.

High frequency of inactivating mutations in the neurofibromatosis type 2 gene (NF2) in primary malignant mesotheliomas

Malignant mesotheliomas (MMs) are aggressive tumors that develop most frequently in the pleura of patients exposed to asbestos. In contrast to many other cancers, relatively few molecular alterations have been described in MMs. The most frequent numerical cytogenetic abnormality in MMs is loss of chromosome 22. The neurofibromatosis type 2 gene (NF2) is a tumor suppressor gene assigned to chromosome 22q which plays an important role in the development of familial and spontaneous tumors of neuroectodermal origin. Although MMs have a different histogenic derivation, the frequent abnormalities of chromosome 22 warranted an investigation of the NF2 gene in these tumors. Both cDNAs from 15 MM cell lines and genomic DNAs from 7 matched primary tumors were analyzed for mutations within the NF2 coding region. NF2 mutations predicting either interstitial in-frame deletions or truncation of the NF2-encoded protein (merlin) were detected in eight cell lines (53%), six of which were confirmed in primary tumor DNAs. In two samples that showed NF2 gene transcript alterations, no genomic DNA mutations were detected, suggesting that aberrant splicing may constitute an additional mechanism for merlin inactivation. These findings implicate NF2 in the oncogenesis of primary MMs and provide evidence that this gene can be involved in the development of tumors other than nervous system neoplasms characteristic of the NF2 disorder. In addition, unlike NF2-related tumors, MM derives from the mesoderm; malignancies of this origin have not previously been associated with frequent alterations of the NF2 gene.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 and von Hippel-Lindau disease: from gene cloning to function

Most of the genes for hereditary tumor syndromes cloned thus far have subsequently been shown to be mutated not only in the germlines and tumors from patients with the relatively rare inherited disease, but also in the much more common sporadic tumor counterparts in the general population. Thus, the isolation and functional characterization of genes associated with hereditary tumor syndromes have emerged as a major strategy to gain insights into some of the most fundamental mechanisms of tumorigenesis. The search for the genes causing two hereditary tumor syndromes of the nervous system, neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), has recently culminated in the cloning of both disease genes. This represents another successful application of the so-called positional cloning approach, i.e., the isolation of a hereditary disease gene with unknown function, based on the determination of its chromosomal location in the human genome. The gene for NF2, a syndrome typically associated with vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas, is homologous with a family of genes whose members appear to play an important role in bridging the cell membrane with the intracellular cytoskeleton, including moesin, ezrin, radixin, and protein 4.1. Recent mutation analyses have revealed that the NF2 tumor suppressor gene is frequently mutated not only in vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas from NF2 patients, but also in their sporadic counterparts, which represent approximately one-third of all human brain tumors. Furthermore, malignant human tumors seemingly unrelated to the NF2 syndrome, such as neural crest-derived malignant melanomas, as well as malignant mesotheliomas (a pleural mesoderm-derived tumor), have also been found to be frequently mutated or deleted in the NF2 locus, suggesting a broader role for the NF2 gene in the initiation and progression of human neoplasms. VHL is a rare tumor syndrome characterized by certain types of nervous system tumors (cerebellar and spinal hemangioblastomas as well as retinal angiomas), in conjunction with bilateral renal cell carcinomas and pheochromocytomas. Similar to NF2, recent genetic mutation studies have revealed that the VHL tumor suppressor gene is not only mutated in the hereditary tumors from VHL patients, but also in their sporadic counterparts. Importantly, the VHL gene represents the most frequently mutated cancer-related gene thus far identified in sporadic renal cell carcinoma. In contrast to most other hereditary cancer syndromes, however, VHL mutations are surprisingly specific for tumors typically associated with the VHL syndrome, and have not been detected in any other tumor type unrelated to VHL. The cloning and initial genetic characterization of the NF2 and VHL genes have now provided a rational basis for subsequent functional studies on the elucidation of the normal and tumor-associated cellular signaling pathways of these tumor suppressor genes.

Induction of the growth inhibitor IGF-binding protein 3 by p53

Transcriptional activation of target genes represents an important component of the tumour-suppressor function of p53 and provides a functional link between p53 and various growth-regulatory processes, including cell cycle progression (p21/WAF1), DNA repair (GADD45) and apoptosis (bax). Here we use a differential cloning approach to identify the gene encoding insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGF-BP3) as a novel p53-regulated target gene. Induction of IGF-BP3 gene expression by wild-type but not mutant p53 is associated with enhanced secretion of an active form of IGF-BP3 capable of inhibiting mitogenic signalling by the insulin-like growth factor IGF-1. Our results indicate that IGF-BP3 may link p53 to potential novel autocrine/paracrine signalling pathways and to processes regulated by or dependent on IGF(s), such as cellular growth, transformation and survival.

Regulation of the sequence-specific DNA binding function of p53 by protein kinase C and protein phosphatases

The p53 tumor suppressor protein is a transcription factor with sequence-specific DNA binding activity that is thought to be important for the growth-inhibitory function of p53. DNA binding appears to require activation of a cryptic form of p53 by allosteric mechanisms involving a negative regulatory domain at the carboxyl terminus of p53. The latent form of p53, reactive to the carboxyl-terminal antibody PAb421, is produced in a variety of eukaryotic cells, suggesting that activation of p53 is an important rate-limiting step in vivo. In this report we provide evidence that phosphorylation of serine 378 within the carboxyl-terminal negative regulatory domain of the human p53 protein by protein kinase C correlates with loss of PAb421 reactivity and a concomitant activation of sequence-specific DNA binding. These effects are reversed by subsequent dephosphorylation of the protein kinase C-reactive site by protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A), which restore the reactivity of p53 to PAb421 and regenerate the latent form of p53 lacking significant DNA binding activity. Thus, p53 is subject to both positive and negative regulation by reversible enzymatic modifications affecting the latent or active state of the protein, suggesting a possible mechanism for the regulation of its tumor suppressor function.

Cloning and characterization of a mouse gene with homology to the human von Hippel-Lindau disease tumor suppressor gene: implications for the potential organization of the human von Hippel-Lindau disease gene

The human von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) gene has recently been identified and, based on the nucleotide sequence of a partial cDNA clone, has been predicted to encode a novel protein with as yet unknown functions [F. Latif et al., Science (Washington DC), 260: 1317-1320, 1993]. The length of the encoded protein and the characteristics of the cellular expressed protein are as yet unclear. Here we report the cloning and characterization of a mouse gene (mVHLh1) that is widely expressed in different mouse tissues and shares high homology with the human VHL gene. It predicts a protein 181 residues long (and/or 162 amino acids, considering a potential alternative start codon), which across a core region of approximately 140 residues displays a high degree of sequence identity (98%) to the predicted human VHL protein. High stringency DNA and RNA hybridization experiments and protein expression analyses indicate that this gene is the most highly VHL-related mouse gene, suggesting that it represents the mouse VHL gene homologue rather than a related gene sharing a conserved functional domain. These findings provide new insights into the potential organization of the VHL gene and nature of its encoded protein.

Gene regulation by temperature-sensitive p53 mutants: identification of p53 response genes

The ability of the p53 protein to act as a sequence-specific transcriptional activator suggests that genes induced by p53 may encode critical mediators of p53 tumor suppression. Using a tetracycline-regulated p53 expression system and cDNA library subtraction procedure, we identified several p53-induced gene transcripts in human Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells that are novel on the basis of their size, regulation, and low abundance. Wild-type p53-dependent induction of these transcripts was observed in cells that are growth arrested by p53, as well as in cells that undergo apoptosis upon expression of an inducible wild-type p53 transgene. These results show that p53 activates the expression of numerous response genes and suggest that multiple effectors may play a role in mediating cellular functions of p53.

Frequent NF2 gene transcript mutations in sporadic meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas

The gene for the hereditary disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), which predisposes for benign CNS tumors such as vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas, has been assigned to chromosome 22 and recently has been isolated. Mutations in the NF2 gene were found in both sporadic meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas. However, so far only 6 of the 16 exons of the gene have been analyzed. In order to extend the analysis of an involvement of the NF2 gene in the sporadic counterparts of these NF2-related tumors, we have used reverse transcriptase-PCR amplification followed by SSCP and DNA sequence analysis to screen for mutations in the coding region of the NF2 gene. Analysis of the NF2 gene transcript in 53 unrelated patients with meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas revealed mutations in 32% of the sporadic meningiomas (n = 44), in 50% of the sporadic vestibular schwannomas (n = 4), in 100% of the tumors found in NF2 patients (n = 2), and in one of three tumors from multiple-meningioma patients. Of the 18 tumors in which a mutation in the NF2 gene transcript was observed and the copy number of chromosome 22 could be established, 14 also showed loss of (parts of) chromosome 22. This suggests that in sporadic meningiomas and NF2-associated tumors the NF2 gene functions as a recessive tumor-suppressor gene. The mutations detected resulted mostly in frameshifts, predicting truncations starting within the N-terminal half of the putative protein.

Exon scanning for mutation of the NF2 gene in schwannomas

Family studies and tumor analyses have combined to indicate that neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), a disorder characterized by multiple benign tumors of the nervous system, and sporadic non-inherited forms of the same tumor types are both caused by inactivation of a tumor suppressor gene located in 22q12. Recently, the gene encoding merlin, a novel member of a family of cytoskeleton-associated proteins, was identified as the NF2 tumor suppressor. To facilitate the search for merlin mutations, we have defined the exon-intron boundaries for all 17 NF2 exons, including one subject to alternative splicing. We have developed polymerase chain reaction assays to amplify each exon from genomic DNA, and used these assays to perform single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of DNA from 30 sporadic and eight NF2-derived schwannomas, the hallmark tumor type in this disorder. Of a maximum of 60 alleles scanned, 32 showed mutations affecting expression of the merlin protein. Thirty of these mutations are predicted to lead to a truncated protein due to frameshift, creation of a stop codon, or interference with normal splicing, while two are missense mutations. Thus, inactivation of merlin is a common feature underlying both inherited and sporadic forms of schwannoma.

Molecular cloning and characterization of alternatively spliced transcripts of the mouse neurofibromatosis 2 gene

The human neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) gene has recently been isolated and predicted to encode a novel protein named merlin. Based on its high homology to the moesin-ezrin-radixin family of proteins, it may be involved in mediating interactions between the plasma membrane and the cytoskeleton. Here we report the isolation and characterization of multiple transcript isoforms of the mouse NF2 gene. The full length coding complementary DNA sequence of transcript isoform I is 1788 base pairs in length, shares 90% sequence identity with the human NF2 complementary DNA, and encodes a putative protein of 596 amino acids sharing 98% homology with the human merlin protein. Transcript isoforms II and III carry a 45- and 16-base pair insertion, respectively, at nucleotide 1740 at the 3' end, generated by two different modes of alternative splicing; both insertions introduce premature termination codons. Thus, transcript isoforms II and III predict proteins of 591 and 584 amino acids with altered COOH-termini of more hydrophilic character as compared to isoform I. Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis indicate that the mouse NF2 gene is widely expressed in different tissue types and that the alternative transcripts are variantly expressed. The results presented here indicate high conservation of the NF2 gene during evolution and suggest a possible role for the COOH-terminus in mouse merlin function.

A novel moesin-, ezrin-, radixin-like gene is a candidate for the neurofibromatosis 2 tumor suppressor

Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is a dominantly inherited disorder characterized by the occurrence of bilateral vestibular schwannomas and other central nervous system tumors including multiple meningiomas. Genetic linkage studies and investigations of both sporadic and familial tumors suggest that NF2 is caused by inactivation of a tumor suppressor gene in chromosome 22q12. We have identified a candidate gene for the NF2 tumor suppressor that has suffered nonoverlapping deletions in DNA from two independent NF2 families and alterations in meningiomas from two unrelated NF2 patients. The candidate gene encodes a 587 amino acid protein with striking similarity to several members of a family of proteins proposed to link cytoskeletal components with proteins in the cell membrane. The NF2 gene may therefore constitute a novel class of tumor suppressor gene.

Repression of the basal c-fos promoter by wild-type p53

Mutations in the p53 gene are the most common genetic alterations observed in many inherited and sporadic forms of human cancer. Recent studies indicate that wild-type p53 may be involved in the regulation of gene expression. In the present report we examined the effect of p53 on the human c-fos promoter. Using a transient co-transfection assay we show that wild-type human p53, but not a transforming mutant of p53, negatively regulates the activity of the c-fos promoter in a dose-dependent manner. Promoter deletion analysis maps a sequence conferring p53 repression to the basal promoter region between nucleotides -53 and +42 relative to the cap site. In contrast, p53 strongly stimulates transcription when a sequence previously reported to bind p53 (TGCCT repeat) was inserted in front of the HSV-TK promoter driving CAT. These findings raise the question as to whether p53 may mediate its inhibitory effect on c-fos gene expression by interfering, directly or indirectly, with components of the basal transcriptional machinery.

TP53 gene mutations and 17p deletions in human astrocytomas

Astrocytomas, including the most malignant form, glioblastoma multiforme, are the most frequent and deadly primary tumors of the human nervous system. Recent molecular genetic analyses of astrocytomas have demonstrated frequent chromosome 17 deletions involving the telomeric region of the short arm (17p12-pter). This region contains a candidate tumor suppressor gene, TP53, which has recently been implicated in the etiology of a broad array of human cancers. To study the possible role of TP53 in astrocytoma development, 24 randomly chosen human astrocytic tumors were examined for genomic TP53 sequence aberrations using primer-directed DNA amplification in conjunction with direct sequencing. Five of the 11 grade III astrocytomas (glioblastoma multiforme), but only one of seven grade II astrocytomas (anaplastic astrocytoma) and none of either the grade I astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas demonstrated distinct point mutations involving the TP53 gene. These data suggest that TP53 mutations may play a role in astrocytoma development and are predominantly associated with higher grade tumors.

Mechanisms involved in the transcriptional activation of proenkephalin gene expression in bovine chromaffin cells

Stimulation of cultured bovine chromaffin cells with histamine (10(-5) M), nicotine (10(-6) M), and veratridine (2 x 10(-6) M) results in a time-dependent up to 5-fold increase in proenkephalin (Penk) mRNA levels. After an initial lag phase (with no major alterations) Penk mRNA increased markedly between 6 and 12 h followed by a slower, steady increase up to 48 h. The nicotinic receptor antagonist tubocurarine (4 x 10(-7) M) and the Ca2+ channel blocker D600 (10(-5) M) prevent the subsequent rise of Penk mRNA levels after challenge with nicotine, when given within the lag phase (0-6 h), suggesting the need of continuous receptor occupation and Ca2+ entry for induction of gene expression. Similarly, incubation of chromaffin cells with cycloheximide (10(-6) M), given at 0-6 h, blocks the increase in Penk mRNA after stimulation with histamine and nicotine indicating that ongoing protein synthesis is necessary for the delayed rise of Penk mRNA. Nuclear run-off experiments revealed high transcription levels of the Penk gene (3-fold at 2 h) and the tyrosine hydroxylase gene (7-fold at 20 min) following stimulation with histamine, which was not observed in the presence of cycloheximide (10(-5) M). A more rapid induction of transcription was measured for the c-fos gene after histamine stimulation (high levels after 12 min) followed by c-fos mRNA accumulation (about 20-fold after a 1-h stimulation), which was superinduced when cells were pretreated with cycloheximide. The half-life of Penk mRNA levels (about 12 h), however, seems not to be affected by histamine as suggested by measurement of the subsequent decay of Penk mRNA levels after addition of alpha-amanitin or alpha-amanitin and cycloheximide. Thus, activation of Penk gene expression upon neurotransmitter challenge is suggested to be due to an enhanced transcriptional activity of the gene mediated by de novo synthesized protein (-like) factors.

Differentiation to a neuronal phenotype in bovine chromaffin cells is repressed by protein kinase C and is not dependent on c-fos oncoproteins

We investigated the intracellular signals underlying the neurotrophic response of adult bovine chromaffin cells to histamine and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Histamine produced significant neurite outgrowth within 48 hr, whereas the response to bFGF developed after 1 week. H7, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor potentiated both the histamine and the bFGF responses, while another PKC antagonist, staurosporine, induced a rapid and efficient differentiation response when applied alone. These observations suggest that basal PKC activity is required for stabilization of the endocrine phenotype in these cells. They contrast with findings on NGF induction of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells where PKC promotes differentiation, apparently by activating the fos/jun complex. Thus, we examined the role of c-fos in our model. Both histamine and bFGF induced c-fos gene expression transiently. To determine whether increased levels of c-fos oncoprotein were essential to the differentiation process, we used a hybrid arrest approach employing an innovative transfection technique applicable to primary culture systems. Transfection with plasmid pSVsof, producing antisense c-fos mRNA, reduced c-fos oncoprotein levels but did not diminish histamine-induced neurite outgrowth. We infer that histamine-induced differentiation in bovine chromaffin cells is independent of increased levels of c-fos oncoprotein.

Ca2+ regulates hormone secretion and proopiomelanocortin gene expression in melanotrope cells via the calmodulin and the protein kinase C pathways

The mechanism by which Ca2+ regulates proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptide secretion and POMC mRNA levels was investigated in primary cultures of porcine intermediate lobe (IL) cells maintained in serum-free medium. POMC gene expression was evaluated by the dot blot hybridization assay with a 32P-labeled DNA probe complementary to the full-length sequence of porcine POMC mRNA. Treatment of IL cells for 24 h with the calmodulin (CAM) antagonists W7 and W13 reduced POMC mRNA levels by a maximum of 50% in a dose-dependent manner (ED50 approximately 10(-8) M). Accumulation of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) in the medium was also depressed by 50% after 8 h of treatment. The role of protein kinase C (PKC) was investigated by depleting the IL cell PKC content with phorbol ester treatment. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) at 5 X 10(-8) M induced a rapid translocation of cytoplasmic PKC activity toward the membrane. After 12 h of PMA treatment, PKC activity was undetectable in either the cytoplasmic or the particulate fractions. The same dose of PMA induced a time-dependent decrease in POMC mRNA levels (50% inhibition after 24 h). The same effect was seen with the phorbol ester phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate at 5 X 10(-8) M, whereas the inactive phorbol ester 4 alpha-phorbol at 5 X 10(-8) M was without effect after 24 h of treatment. PMA treatment had a biphasic effect on alpha-MSH secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Multiple regulation of proenkephalin gene expression by protein kinase C

In the present study we investigated the role of protein kinase C (Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent enzyme)-mediated processes in the regulation of proenkephalin gene expression in primary cultures of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Activators of protein kinase C such as 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol, mezerein, and the phorbol esters phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and phorbol 12,13-didecanoate induced a time-dependent increase in proenkephalin mRNA levels, whereas the inactive phorbol ester 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate had no effect. The increase in phorbol ester-induced proenkephalin mRNA was potentiated by low concentrations of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, suggesting an interaction between protein kinase- and Ca2+-mediated processes in the regulation of proenkephalin mRNA. The phorbol ester-induced stimulation does not appear to be mediated by an interaction with the cAMP-generating system or increases in Ca2+ uptake. However, when proenkephalin mRNA levels were stimulated by KCl (10 mM) and the dihydropyridine BayK8644, PMA exhibited an inhibitory effect on proenkephalin mRNA, which was detectable at a 10-fold lower concentration of PMA than the stimulatory effect. This inhibitory effect appears to be mediated by an inhibition of Ca2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, as suggested by 45Ca2+ uptake experiments. Thus, the net effect of PMA depends on and varies with the state of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel activity. A third mode of action by protein kinase C to modulate proenkephalin gene expression is by interaction with the phosphatidylinositol second messenger system. Stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis and proenkephalin mRNA by histaminic H1-receptor activation was inhibited by low concentrations of PMA. We suggest that protein kinase C may act as a positive and negative regulator of proenkephalin gene expression by interacting with at least three receptor-coupled second messenger systems.

Histamine affects release and biosynthesis of opioid peptides primarily via H1-receptors in bovine chromaffin cells

Histamine is a potent secretagogue for opioid pentapeptides (Met- and Leu-enkephalin) in adrenal chromaffin cells in vitro. This effect is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and is reduced by Ca2+ channel blockers such as Co2+, D 600, and nifedipine. Moreover, histamine also produced a profound compensatory increase in cellular peptide content after 48 h of exposure, most likely caused by a four- to fivefold increase in the mRNA levels coding for the proenkephalin A precursor. All the histamine-induced effects (acute release, changes in peptide cell content, proenkephalin A mRNA levels) are antagonized by the H1-receptor antagonist, clemastine, whereas the H2-receptor antagonists, ranitidine and cimetidine, were less effective (approximately 20% inhibition).

Ca2+-dependent histaminergic regulation of proenkephalin mRNA levels in cultured adrenal chromaffin cells

The effect of histamine on messenger ribonucleic acid levels encoding proenkephalin A (mRNA(enk)) was studied in serum-free cultures of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Histamine (10(-7)-10(-4) M) stimulated mRNA(enk), with a maximum response (5-fold) at 10(-5) M, an effect which could be abolished by the H1 receptor antagonist clemastine (10(-7) M) but not by the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine (10(-7)-10(-5) M). The histamine stimulation was partially reduced by the Ca++ channel blockers D600 (10(-5) M) and nifedipine (10(-7) M). On the other hand, muscarinic receptor stimulation, which similarly to histamine is known to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis in chromaffin cells, did not alter mRNA(enk) in these cells. These data show that mRNA(enk) levels may be modulated by activation of the H1 receptor and that this effect is partially dependent on the activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

Involvement of ion channels in the induction of proenkephalin A gene expression by nicotine and cAMP in bovine chromaffin cells

The involvement of Na+ and Ca2+ channels in the stimulatory effect of nicotine and cAMP upon proenkephalin A mRNA (mRNA ENK) levels in primary cultures of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells was analyzed. Nicotine (10 microM) caused about a 2-3-fold increase in mRNA ENK which was abolished by the nicotinic receptor antagonist tubocurarine (4 X 10(-7) M), inhibited by the Ca2+ channel antagonist nifedipine (100 nM) abolished by the Ca2+ channel blocker D600 (10 microM), and augmented by the Ca2+ channel agonist BayK 8644 (100 nM). In contrast, blockade of the Na+ channel by tetrodotoxin (1 microM) did not modulate the nicotine-induced increase in mRNA ENK. Incubation of the cells with forskolin (25 microM) and 8-bromo-cAMP (1 mM) also resulted in an increase in mRNA ENK levels that was inhibited by the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil (50 microM) and nifedipine (100 nM), whereas it was enhanced by BayK 8644 (100 nM). In addition, the effect of forskolin and 8-bromo-cAMP was decreased by the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin (1 microM). These results suggest that the induction of proenkephalin A gene expression by cAMP and nicotine involves the modulation of ion channels. It appears that changes in Ca2+ flux are involved in mediating this induction. The dihydropyridines nifedipine and BayK 8644 and the Ca2+ channel blockers verapamil and D600 all modulate 45Ca uptake. In addition, we show that incubation of the cells with A23187 (10(-7) M), a Ca2+ ionophore, resulted in an increase in mRNA ENK, indicating that changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels may indeed modulate proenkephalin A gene expression. Although it appears that an elevation of mRNA ENK upon nicotinic receptor activation occurs rapidly (an increase could be detected after 2 h incubation), the findings that the rise in mRNA ENK could be abolished by the Ca2+ channel blocker D600 but not affected by tetrodotoxin (1 microM), and that agents such as KCl (20 mM) and veratridine (5 microM) that increase mRNA ENK by activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels do not result in an increase in intracellular cAMP, provide no evidence for a major role of the adenylate cyclase system in the inducing effect of nicotine upon proenkephalin A gene expression.

Proenkephalin B messenger RNA in porcine tissues: characterization, quantification, and correlation with opioid peptides

Concentrations of proenkephalin B (PENK B) mRNA in porcine brain, pituitary, spinal cord, and peripheral tissues were measured using RNA blotting and solution hybridization. A single hybridizing species of approximately 2,800 bases in size was present in the CNS, with the highest concentration in the caudate nucleus, followed by hypothalamus and hippocampus. The abundance of PENK B mRNA ranged from 22 pg/micrograms of poly(A)-rich RNA in caudate nucleus to less than 0.1 pg/microgram in cerebellum. Concentrations of immunoreactive PENK B-derived peptides showed a similar distribution, with the exception of the hypothalamus, which had lower PENK B mRNA levels than expected from peptide concentrations. PENK B mRNA of the same size as in the brain was also found in the anterior lobe of the pituitary and in the heart ventricle, whereas in intestine, lung, and kidney, smaller mRNA species of 1,800 bases became apparent by RNA blot analysis. An intermediate size of 2,200 bases was found in heart atrium. As revealed by S1 mapping, however, these smaller mRNAs are not completely homologous with PENK B mRNA, but rather may represent closely related mRNAs from a different gene(s).

Calcium ion and cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate regulate proopiomelanocortin messenger ribonucleic acid levels in rat intermediate and anterior pituitary lobes

The role of the second messengers cAMP and Ca++ in the control of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene expression was investigated with the use of hybridization with cloned complementary DNA probes. The effects of cAMP-related drugs on POMC messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were assessed in primary cultures of intermediate (IL) and anterior rat pituitary cells maintained in serum-free medium. 8-Bromo-cAMP (1 mM), but not 8-bromo-cGMP (1 mM), induced a 2-fold increase in IL and anterior lobe cell after 2 days of treatment. A similar increase was obtained with the adenylate cyclase-activating drugs forskolin (1 microM) and cholera toxin (100 ng/ml) or the phosphodiesterase inhibitor RO 20-1724 (100 microM). At 48 h, all these treatments had increased beta-endorphin accumulation in the medium and transiently decreased the cellular beta-endorphin content in IL cells, suggesting a parallel effect of cAMP-related drugs on secretion and biosynthesis. Incubating the cells with the Ca++ channel antagonists D600 (50 microM), verapamil (50 microM), and the dihydropyridine nifedipine (0.1 microM) decreased basal POMC mRNA levels, whereas the dihydropyridine BAYK 8644 (0.1 microM), which activates the Ca++ channel, increased POMC mRNA levels after 2 days. In addition, nifedipine decreased the stimulatory effect of forskolin, whereas BAYK 8644 further stimulated the forskolin-increased POMC mRNA levels in IL cells. We conclude that both Ca++ and cAMP may regulate the gene expression of POMC.

Ionic conductances related to GABA action on secretory and biosynthetic activity of pars intermedia cells

We have examined the action of GABA on the electrical, secretory and synthetic activities of rat and porcine intermediate lobe (IL) cells in primary culture. Chloride and calcium currents were investigated using patch-clamp techniques. A chloride current activated by 1-100 microM isoguvacine, a specific GABA-A agonist, and antagonised by bicuculline and SR 95103 was recorded at the whole cell and single channel level current. Whole cell calcium currents were investigated and shown to be reduced by 40 microM cadmium, zero external calcium and 10 microM baclofen, a specific GABA-B receptor agonist. Both GABA-B receptor activation and use of calcium deficient medium inhibited peptide release from IL cells. Finally, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA levels were measured using a hybridization technique. Removal of calcium from the culture medium or long-term (48 hr) incubation with 10 microM GABA or muscimol (a mixed GABA-A and GABA-B agonist) significantly reduced POMC mRNA levels.

Proenkephalin A gene expression in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells is regulated by changes in electrical activity

Concentrations of mRNA coding for the opioid peptide precursor proenkephalin A (mRNAENK) were measured in primary cultures of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells maintained in serum-free medium. Using a sensitive solution hybridization assay, an increase in mRNAENK levels from 45 to 300% above control with K+ (10-20 mM), Ba2+ (1 mM) and veratridine (5 microM) was found. The highest increase (300% above control) was obtained with the Na+ channel agonist veratridine. This effect was nearly abolished in the presence of the Na+ channel antagonist tetrodotoxin (TTX) (1 microM). Moreover, TTX partially inhibited the increase in mRNAENK levels caused by K+ (20 mM) depolarization (from 185 to 130% of control), but had no effect on the stimulation by Ba2+ (1 mM). The Ca2+ channel antagonists D600 (50 microM) verapamil (50 microM) and Co2+ (1 mM) inhibited the responses to either K+, Ba2+ or veratridine, whereas the Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K 8644 (0.1 microM) potentiated the effect of 20 mM K+ from 185 to 230% of control. The K+-induced increase in the mRNAENK levels was associated with an increase of immunoreactive proenkephalin A-derived peptides in both tissue and medium, indicating an enhanced production of opioid peptides. These results suggest that membrane depolarization may play an important role in the regulation of proenkephalin A gene expression in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. It may represent a mode by which substances acting directly on Na+ or Ca2+ channels may modulate the regulation of proenkephalin A mRNA biosynthesis and opioid peptide production.

GABA differentially regulates the gene expression of proopiomelanocortin in rat intermediate and anterior pituitary

The GABAergic regulation of proopiomelanocortin messenger RNA (POMC mRNA) levels in rat pituitary was investigated using molecular hybridization of DNA complementary to POMC mRNA. Endogenous GABA levels increased, in vivo, by inhibiting the GABA catabolic enzyme GABA-transaminase (GAT) with ethalonamine-O-sulfate (EOS) or with vinyl-GABA (VG). Rats were treated with VG (100 mg/kg or 800 mg/kg) or EOS (100 mg/kg), administered each second day. GABA levels in the neurointermediate lobe (NIL) and anterior lobe (AL) of the hypophysis and in the hypothalamus were significantly increased following 4 days of VG treatment (800 mg/kg). All treatments resulted in a 40-60% decrease in POMC mRNA levels after 4 days in the NIL but not in the AL. A similar decrease of about 60% in POMC mRNA levels in the NIL was seen when EOS was given in the drinking water (5 mg/ml). In this set of experiments the time course of alteration of POMC mRNA in the NIL and the concentration of alpha-MSH, a POMC-derived peptide, were analysed. After one day of EOS treatment, when POMC levels had already decreased by 40%, alpha-MSH levels were significantly elevated (34% above controls), possibly reflecting an inhibition of alpha-MSH secretion. However, after 4 and 8 days, POMC mRNA levels and tissue alpha-MSH levels had significantly decreased. When tested in vitro, on primary cultures of IL cells, GABA (10 microM) reduced POMC mRNA levels by 40% after 3 days of treatment. These results show that GABA exerts a direct inhibitory effect on POMC gene expression in the intermediate lobe.

Stress-induced alterations in the levels of messenger RNA coding for proopiomelanocortin and prolactin in rat pituitary

Acute stress promotes the secretion of prolactin (PRL) and of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides, adrenocorticotropic hormone and beta-endorphin, from the pituitary into the systemic circulation. The present study evaluates the influence of recurrent stress upon the biosynthetic activity of cells secreting these hormones in the rat. Chronic, intermittent, electrical foot-shock (3 mA,1 s duration, every 5 s for 30 min, twice daily) over a period of 1, 3 or 7 days caused an increase in messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels coding for POMC in the anterior pituitary. Maximally elevated mRNA levels were achieved after 3 days treatment (about 80% in excess of control values) which showed no further change at 7 days. These elevated levels of POMC mRNA were associated with increased levels of immunoreactive (ir)-beta-endorphin in the adenohypophysis following 7 days of stress treatment. In contrast, this treatment did not significantly alter mRNA levels coding for PRL in the anterior pituitary. Similarly, POMC mRNA levels in the intermediate/posterior pituitary were also not significantly altered during exposure to repeated stress. Similar changes in the biosynthesis of the pituitary hormones were seen in rats suffering from chronic arthritic pain for 3 weeks: there was an approximately 80% increase in POMC mRNA levels in the anterior pituitary which was associated with an increase in the levels of ir-beta-endorphin in this lobe and an increase in the plasma levels of ir-beta-endorphin. In contrast, there were no changes in the levels of mRNA coding for PRL in the adenohypophysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In vivo and in vitro studies of GABAergic inhibition of prolactin biosynthesis

The inhibitory action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on prolactin (PRL) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels was studied in vitro in rat anterior pituitary cells in culture and in intact rats in vivo. PRL mRNA levels were determined by hybridization of cytoplasmic RNA with a radiolabelled deoxyribonucleic acid probe complementary to rat PRL mRNA. Incubation of anterior pituitary cultures with GABA (10-100 microM) produced a dose-dependent decrease in PRL mRNA levels with half-maximal inhibition near 1 microM. The effect was time dependent and reversible after drug withdrawal. Inhibition by GABA was antagonized by bicuculline (10 microM) and mimicked by the GABAA receptor agonists muscimol and isoguvacine, but not with the GABAB agonist baclofen, indicating the involvement of GABAA receptors in the accumulation of PRL mRNA. To investigate the role of endogenous GABA on PRL biosynthesis in vivo, GABA levels were raised by using the GABA transaminase blockers vinyl GABA and ethanolamine-O-sulfate. Injection of vinyl GABA into rats (100 or 800 mg/kg every 2nd day) resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in PRL mRNA levels in rat adenohypophysis. Similar results were obtained by addition of ethanolamine-O-sulfate to the drinking water (5 mg/ml, 250 mg/day). This treatment resulted in a rapid decrease of circulating PRL levels. This was followed by a delayed decrease in PRL mRNA concentrations in the adenohypophysis leading to a transient increase in hormone levels in the anterior pituitary. The results indicate that GABA has an inhibitory role on PRL secretion and PRL gene expression by a direct action at GABAA receptors on pituitary lactotrophs.

Corticotropin-releasing factor and forskolin increase proopiomelanocortin messenger RNA levels in rat anterior and intermediate cells in vitro

The effect of ovine corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level encoding proopiomelanocortin (POMC) was studied in serum-free primary cultures of intermediate (IL) and anterior lobe (AL) cells of rat pituitary. Levels of POMC mRNA were quantitated by hybridization to a 32P-labeled, single-stranded POMC complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) probe. This effect was time dependent and after 48 h of treatment, POMC mRNA levels in IL cells and AL corticotrophs were increased by 116 +/- 9% and 118 +/- 2% of control values, respectively. Forskolin (1 microM) induced a similar increase in POMC mRNA in both pituitary cell types. These data suggest that CRF might stimulate the gene expression of POMC in pituitary melanotrope and corticotrope cells. Moreover, our findings are consistent with the role of cAMP as a second messenger for CRF in IL and AL corticotrophic cells.

Quantitation of proenkephalin A messenger RNA in bovine brain, pituitary and adrenal medulla: correlation between mRNA and peptide levels

Concentrations of mRNA coding for the opioid peptide precursor proenkephalin A were measured in bovine brain areas, pituitary and adrenal medulla. In all tissues, a single hybridizable species of 1400 bases in size was found by Northern blot analysis using as a probe a single-stranded (ss) cDNA complementary to bovine proenkephalin A mRNA. In solution hybridization experiments the distribution of the mRNA was quantified. Considerable differences were found for the abundance of proenkephalin A mRNA in the various tissues: from 0.023% in the adrenal medulla to 0.00002% in the adenohypophysis. Relative abundance in the various brain areas varied greater than 20-fold, being highest in the caudate nucleus (0.0025%) and lowest in the thalamus and substantia nigra (0.0001%). Comparison with immunoreactive peptide concentrations in these tissues showed a close correlation between the levels of proenkephalin A mRNA and the immunoreactive peptides.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid decreases levels of messenger ribonucleic acid encoding prolactin in the rat pituitary

The effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on levels of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding prolactin (PRL) was studied in cultured anterior pituitary cells, in vitro and in intact rats, in vivo. As quantitated by hybridization to a 32P-labeled rat PRL complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) probe, levels of PRL mRNA in cultured pituitary cells were decreased by about 50% following 3 days exposure to 10(-5) M GABA. This effect was mimicked by muscimol (10(-6) M) and antagonized by bicuculline (10(-5) M). An increase of endogenous GABA levels in vivo effected by injection of GABA transaminase blockers (aminooxyacetic acid, 20 mg/kg, twice daily; vinyl GABA, 800 mg/kg) into rats resulted in a similar decrease in rat PRL mRNA levels in the adenohypophysis 3-4 days following commencement of the drug treatment. These findings suggest that GABA might inhibit PRL gene expression by a direct action on lactotrophs of the adenohypophysis.