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D A Leong

Publications and source records attributed to D A Leong.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Recruitment of individually (all-or-none) responding cells, rather than amplitude enhancement, is the single-cell mechanism subserving the dose-responsive activation of intracellular calcium second messenger signaling by the human luteinizing-hormone receptor.

We have investigated at the single-cell level how the human LH receptor mediates a dose-responsive increase in intracellular free calcium-ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i). In human embryonic kidney cells (293 cells) stably transfected with the full-length human LH receptor cDNA. Intact dimeric LH, but not LH beta- or alpha-subunits, evoked specific [Ca2+]i signals. High-resolution fluorescence (fura-2) video-microscopy demonstrated cell-to-cell variability in [Ca2+]i signaling responses in individual cells, viz., an all-or-none spike (9%), spike-and-plateau (25%), or plateau (52%) types of temporal signal. Oscillatory [Ca2+]i responses were observed in 12-14% of LH-stimulated cells unrelated to LH concentration. The LH dose-response originated by higher concentrations of LH recruiting more individually responding cells (rather than altering [Ca2+]i signal amplitude), and eliciting a [Ca2+]i rise more rapidly, i.e., at reduced latency. Cobalt did not abolish the LH-stimulated [Ca2+]i spike-and-plateau response, but decreased the percentage of cells with a plateau pattern. Quench experiments demonstrated influx of Mn2+ following the [Ca2+]i spike, thus directly documenting divalent cation inflow during the plateau phase. Adenylyl-cyclase activation with forskolin or treatment with a cAMP analog failed to elicit the biphasic [Ca2+]i response, and pertussis toxin (PTX) did not alter LH-stimulated [Ca2+]i signaling. However, overnight preincubation with LH reduced the percentage of [Ca2+]i-responding cells following re-exposure to LH to 5.7% (vs 72% in control), suggesting LH-induced desensitization of the LH-receptor directed [Ca2+]i signal. In summary, the present studies of human LH receptor signal transduction at the single-cell level show that increasing concentrations of LH achieve a dose-dependent intracellular Ca2+ signaling response by recruiting an increasing number of [Ca2+]i-responding cells, while concomitantly decreasing the temporal latency of the biphasic [Ca2+]i signal without altering the amplitude of its spike phase. Prolonged exposure to LH appears to desensitize the LH receptor-driven [Ca2+]i signal.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin↗
PubMed1994

Cellular basis for follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated calcium signaling in single rat Sertoli cells: possible dissociation from effects of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate.

To study the cellular basis for FSH-stimulated dose-dependent graded increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in populations of Sertoli cells, we investigated the effects of FSH on free Ca2+ ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in individual rat Sertoli cells using the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2/AM and digital fluorescent videomicroscopy. Ovine or rat FSH elicited a hormone-specific rise in [Ca2+]i within 20-140 sec, with a peak level 2.7 +/- 0.9-fold greater than the basal value (mean +/- SEM; n = 8) lasting for 4-16 min. The amplitude and kinetics of the FSH-induced [Ca2+]i signal were not dose dependent. Instead, increasing doses of FSH recruited a higher percentage of responding cells. Chelation of extracellular Ca2+ or cotreatment with verapamil or cobalt abolished FSH-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Furthermore, in the presence of extracellular Mn2+, direct evidence for FSH-mediated Ca2+ influx was obtained from the quench of fura-2 fluorescence. Induced Ca2+ increases were mimicked by forskolin or protein kinase-A type I activators [8-(6-amino-hexyl)amino-cAMP and N6-benzoyl-cAMP (N6B)]. However, the cAMP analogs, 8-bromo-cAMP, N6,2'-O-dibutyryl cAMP, or protein kinase-A type II activators (8-thiomethyl-cAMP and N6B), induced [Ca2+]i increases even in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, and the time course of the [Ca2+]i rise induced by cAMP analogs was more rapid than that induced by FSH. Similarly, the uninhibited rise in [Ca2+]i induced by FSH in pertussis toxin-pretreated Sertoli cells suggests that PT-sensitive G-proteins are not involved in the action of FSH on [Ca2+]i. In summary, we demonstrate that FSH evokes sustained [Ca2+]i increases in single Sertoli cells in a nongraded fashion and recruits increasing numbers of responding cells in a dose-dependent fashion. We also provide explicit evidence that FSH induces Ca2+ influx. Mimicry of the FSH-induced [Ca2+]i rise by certain cAMP analogs [8-(6-amino-hexyl)amino-cAMP and N6B; protein kinase-A type I activator] or forskolin suggests that Ca2+ may be part of a dual pathway of cAMP-initiated intracellular signaling.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗
PubMed1994

Mechanisms by which endothelin-1 stimulates increased cytosolic free calcium ion concentrations in single rat Sertoli cells.

The regulation by endothelin-1 (ET-1) of cytosolic free calcium ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i) was investigated in single immature rat (testicular) Sertoli cells. [Ca2+]i was estimated in individual gonadal cells by digital imaging videomicroscopy using the calcium indicator dye fura-2/AM. Two concentration-dependent types of ET-1-induced [Ca2+]i signals were observed. Responses to high ET-1 concentrations (1.0-1000 nM) were characterized by a biphasic, rapid, and transient [Ca2+]i rise (spike) within 10 sec, followed by an exponential decrease toward a new steady state level (plateau phase) in 98% of responsive cells. At low concentrations of ET-1 (0.001 or 0.1 nM), the [Ca2+]i increase was slower, reaching peak values 40-100 sec after stimulation and remaining elevated for 2-3 min of observation. There was cell-cell heterogeneity in the amplitude and kinetics of the [Ca2+]i response to the same concentration of ET-1. However, there was a significant ET-1 concentration-dependent increase in the total percentage of cells responding to ET-1. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ or use of Ca2+ channel blockers (verapamil or cobalt) did not affect the ET-1-induced [Ca2+]i spike phase, but abolished the plateau phase, suggesting that ET-1 induces the mobilization of Ca2+ from internal stores, followed by calcium influx from extracellular sources. In cell population experiments, ET-1 attenuated FSH-stimulated cAMP and estradiol accumulation by Sertoli cells. These inhibitory effects were mimicked by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase-C, suggesting that ET-1 action on Sertoli cells might be linked to the protein kinase-C pathway. In conclusion, the present investigations demonstrate that ET-1 activates an intracellular signaling pathway involving [Ca2+]i in single rat Sertoli cells. The sources of the biphasic [Ca2+]i response include mobilization of Ca2+ from internal stores, followed by Ca2+ influx via verapamil- and cobalt-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Increasing ET-1 concentrations recruit an increasing number of individual Sertoli cells responding with a spike-plateau [Ca2+]i signal, thus offering a mechanism at the single cell level for the ET dose-response curve.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide regulates cytosolic Ca2+ in rat gonadotropes and somatotropes through different intracellular mechanisms.

The hypothalamic factor pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) stimulates an increase in the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in GH-secreting somatotropes and LH-secreting gonadotropes of the rat anterior pituitary gland. The dynamics of the PACAP-induced Ca2+ responses and their dependence on extracellular Ca2+ are markedly different in the two cell types, suggesting separate mechanisms of action of PACAP in somatotropes and gonadotropes. The present study reports a full characterization of the Ca2+ responses seen in the two cell types over a wide range of PACAP concentrations. In addition, the involvement of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) system in the mediation of PACAP-stimulated Ca2+ was tested using the R-isomer of cAMP (RpcAMPs) as a specific inhibitor of PKA. In identified somatotropes, PACAP (10(-11)-10(-6) M) stimulated Ca2+ responses in 49% of the cells tested, with two types of Ca2+ response profile observed. The first was a slow rise in [Ca2+]i to a new level (Ca2+ step; 28% of somatotropes); the second was characterized by repetitive transient rises in [Ca2+]i (Ca2+ transients; 21% of somatotropes). The range of PACAP concentrations tested (10(-11)-10(-6) M) did not markedly alter the number of cells responding or the type of response observed. In some gonadotropes, PACAP stimulated Ca2+ step responses similar to those seen in somatotropes; however, the most common response observed was a rapid, high amplitude, but transient spike of [Ca2+]i, which was often accompanied by rapid oscillations in [Ca2+]i. This response profile was termed a Ca2+ spike-oscillations response, and the proportion of cells exhibiting this response increased from 25% at a PACAP concentration of 10(-11) M to 73% at 10(-6) M PACAP. PACAP-induced Ca2+ responses in somatotropes were blocked by pretreatment with the cAMP antagonist RpcAMPs (10(-3) M). In addition, other factors known to increase cAMP in somatotropes (GH-releasing factor and 8-bromo-cAMP) stimulated Ca2+ responses in these cells that were qualitatively similar to those induced by PACAP. In contrast, the Ca2+ responses in gonadotropes were insensitive to the cAMP antagonist RpcAMPs, and the membrane-permeable cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP failed to stimulate responses in this cell type. These results suggest that the intracellular mechanisms of PACAP action in the two cell types are markedly different. In somatotropes, the rise in [Ca2+]i stimulated by PACAP is probably through the production of cAMP and the activation of protein kinase-A.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗
PubMed1992

Corticotropin-releasing factor, but not arginine vasopressin, stimulates concentration-dependent increases in ACTH secretion from a single corticotrope. Implications for intracellular signals in stimulus-secretion coupling.

The two fundamental parameters of corticotropin (ACTH) secretion are the number of secreting corticotropes and the amount of ACTH secreted by each cell. We have measured these parameters in rat corticotropes in response to increasing concentrations of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or arginine vasopressin (AVP). Increasing concentrations of AVP stimulated more corticotropes to secrete, while the amount of ACTH each cell secreted remained relatively fixed (nongraded secretory response). Conversely, increasing concentrations of CRF stimulated more ACTH secretion per cell (graded secretory response), while the number of secretory cells remained relatively constant. When viewed from the perspective of a single corticotrope, it was clear that CRF and AVP induced completely distinct specific responses. We have previously shown, and provide further evidence here, that secretory responses to CRF or AVP occur in the same cell. It is therefore apparent that a single corticotrope is able to generate either a graded, or a nongraded secretory response. We have also considered the potential intracellular changes that must direct graded or nongraded secretion. It is generally accepted that CRF stimulates activation of adenylate cyclase, whereas AVP activates phosphoinositidase in pituitary corticotropes. Our findings, and others surveyed here, suggest that the activation of adenylate cyclase results in graded secretion, while the activation of phosphoinositidase induces the nongraded secretion. Graded or nongraded secretion may therefore be linked to specific second messengers. It is hypothesized that the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated release of an intracellular Ca2+ store constitutes a mechanism whereby phosphoinositidase-coupled hormones set in motion the nongraded secretory response. These findings suggest novel functions for individual second messengers.

Adrenalectomy↗
PubMed1992

A wave of elevated intracellular free calcium spreads through human neutrophils during phagocytosis of zymosan.

The cytosolic concentration of free calcium ([Ca2+]i) plays an important role in the control of many neutrophil functions. In this study, we characterize the early rapid subcellular changes in [Ca2+]i that occur in adherent neutrophils during phagocytosis of zymosan particles, using both dual- and single-excitation wavelength Fura-2 ratio imaging. We observed a wave of elevated cytosolic calcium that began shortly after zymosan contact and propagated from the region of neutrophil contact with the zymosan throughout the cell at a rate of approximately 17 microns/s at 31 degrees C. The wave was initiated by both opsonized and unopsonized zymosan and occurred independently of extracellular calcium. Multiple characteristics of the [Ca2+]i signal (including the absolute and regional [Ca2+]i and wave properties such as amplitude, frequency, duration, and topography) may be responsible for the differential regulation of cellular functions in the neutrophil.

Calcium↗
PubMed1992

Paracrine communication regulates adrenocorticotropin secretion.

Local communication among cells of the anterior pituitary appears to play an important role in the regulation of ACTH secretion. Dissociated pituitary cells were plated as a monolayer at decreasing concentrations of cells (increasing the distance between cells and, thus, decreasing their potential interactions), and ACTH secretion was measured from individual corticotropes using a specific reverse hemolytic plaque assay. There was a critical intercell distance above which significant changes in the number of CRF-responsive corticotropes were observed. Provided that this critical distance was not exceeded the number of secretory corticotropes in response to CRF (10 nM) was relatively constant, thereby defining a fraction of corticotropes that was robustly CRF responsive. In contrast, when this critical distance between cells was exceeded, the number of CRF-responsive corticotropes progressively increased to almost double their original number, thereby defining a second fraction of CRF-responsive corticotropes that was previously repressed. These observations suggest the presence of a paracrine factor that profoundly inhibits CRF-stimulated ACTH secretion from a repressed fraction of corticotropes. Further independent studies confirmed and extended these observations. We identified the cellular source of the inhibitory factor as the robustly CRF-responsive fraction of corticotropes. Pituitary cells were identified by reverse hemolytic plaque assay and then destroyed using a laser photoablation procedure that did not compromise the remaining cells. The pituitary cells were separated by a distance at which the inhibitory factor was fully effective. Destruction of the cellular source of the paracrine inhibition would, therefore, allow secretion from the previously repressed fraction of corticotropes. Accordingly, when robustly CRF-responsive corticotropes were destroyed, a significant number of previously repressed corticotropes appeared in a second assay. Destruction of somatotropes or a cell adjacent to a robustly CRF-responsive corticotrope did not alter the number of CRF-stimulated corticotropes among the remaining cells. We conclude that a paracrine factor liberated by the robustly CRF-responsive corticotropes inhibits ACTH secretion from the repressed fraction of corticotropes. The robustly CRF-responsive corticotropes appear unresponsive to the effects of the factor, and the repressed corticotropes are unlikely to secrete it. A role of this paracrine communication is to hold corticotropes in reserve and, therefore, prevent the severe depletion of hormone. This form of paracrine communication may be a specialized adaption among cells where the physiological setting demands robust secretory responses to multiple stimuli. The experimental paradigms developed here may be extremely useful for 1) screening potential paracrine factors and 2) determining whether the secretion of the paracrine factor is regulated by adrenal or hypothalamic hormones.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1992

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide specifically increases cytosolic calcium ion concentration in rat gonadotropes and somatotropes.

The hypothalamic peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), is a potent stimulator of cAMP accumulation in the anterior pituitary gland, though its physiological function has yet to be defined. To establish the target cells of PACAP action we have measured PACAP-induced changes in cytosolic free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in single identified anterior pituitary cells. This was achieved by combining fura-2 videomicroscopy, to measure [Ca2+]i, and reverse hemolytic plaque assays, to identify the secreted hormone. PACAP (100 nM) increased [Ca2+]i in 32% of all pituitary cells. These responses were predominantly seen in identified gonadotropes and somatotropes, but rarely in corticotropes or lactotropes. PACAP induced two forms of Ca2+ response in gonadotropes; a "Ca2+ spike" (independent of extracellular Ca2+) in 72% of responding gonadotropes, and an extracellular Ca(2+)-dependent "Ca2+ plateau" (28% of cells). In somatotropes, PACAP stimulated either Ca2+ plateau responses (58% of responding somatotropes) or repetitive "Ca2+ transients" (42% of cells), both of which were dependent upon extracellular Ca2+. PACAP, therefore, produces distinct changes in [Ca2+]i in gonadotropes and somatotropes, which may be related to distinct intracellular messenger pathways. The identification of these cell types as targets of PACAP action suggests a role in the regulation of reproduction and growth.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Is the calcium signal induced by follicle-stimulating hormone in swine granulosa cells mediated by adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase?

We have previously demonstrated FSH-induced increases in cytosolic free calcium ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in single granulosa cells. We report here on the role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in the FSH-induced [Ca2+]i increase using swine granulosa cells. The R-isomer of cAMP (Rp-cAMPS) and a synthetic peptide containing the active core region of the PKA inhibitor were used as specific inhibitors of PKA. The Rp-cAMPS dose used was effective in completely abolishing FSH-stimulated progesterone production by cultured granulosa cells. However, FSH retained its ability to initiate a calcium signal even in the presence of the cAMP antagonist. In addition, both Rp-cAMPS and the PKA inhibitor peptide significantly reduced the percentage of granulosa cells able to generate [Ca2+]i signals in response to 8-bromo-cAMP without affecting the percentage of [Ca2+]i responses to FSH. We conclude from these observations that at least two aspects, percentage of responding cells and kinetics of the response, of FSH-induced [Ca2+]i increases in swine granulosa cells appear to be independent of the action of PKA. Such findings suggest a direct action of cAMP on [Ca2+]i or cAMP-independent action(s) of FSH in granulosa cells.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗
PubMed1992

Actions of endothelin-1 on swine ovarian (granulosa) cells.

We have investigated the regulatory actions of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on inositol phosphate accumulation, cytosolic free Ca2+ ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i), and basal and FSH-stimulated progesterone and cAMP accumulation by swine granulosa cells in serum-free cultures. ET-1 induced a rapid stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in populations of granulosa cells, as inferred by the rapid appearance of soluble inositol polyphosphates in response to ET-1 exposure. At the single cell level, fura-2 videomicroscopy was used to measure [Ca2+]i in individual granulosa cells. We observed cell-cell variability in the threshold concentration of ET-1 required to induce a rise in [Ca2+]i. More than 75% of granulosa cells responded to maximal doses of ET-1. The following parameters of [Ca2+]i were influenced by ET-1 concentration: percentage of responding cells, lag time for the onset of response, amplitude, and kinetics of the response. Two types of ET-1-mediated [Ca2+]i rises were observed. One type exhibited rapid Ca2+ kinetics, reaching at least a 2-fold increase above basal (spike phase) within 1-10 sec and returning to a new steady state (plateau phase) 2 min after onset. The other mode of response had slower [Ca2+]i kinetics, in which 50 sec or more were required to double [Ca2+]i, which remained at this level throughout the observation period (2.5 min). These responses to ET-1 were specific and were not initiated by vasopressin or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In cell population studies using monolayer cultures of swine granulosa cells, ET-1 inhibited FSH-stimulated accumulation of progesterone and cAMP. The ET-1-mediated inhibition of FSH-stimulated accumulation of progesterone required at least 4 h of ET-1 exposure. The ET-1-mediated inhibition of both the FSH-stimulated accumulation of progesterone and cAMP after 24-h incubation was mimicked by an activator of protein kinase-C, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, but not by an inactive phorbol. These observations in either single cells or populations of swine ovarian (granulosa) cells are consistent with a possible regulatory role of an ET-1-activated intracellular signaling pathway involving inositol phosphates, [Ca2+]i, and protein kinase-C in the mammalian granulosa cell.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Evidence for localized calcium mobilization and influx in single rat gonadotropes.

Dynamic video-imaging microscopy was used to investigate the spatial and temporal nature of Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ influx in acutely dissociated, fura-2-loaded, rat gonadotropes. Addition of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) to an isolated gonadotrope stimulated a wave of Ca2+ originating from a specific locus of the cell. This probably reflects Ca2+ mobilization from an intracellular store, since this response was unaffected by the removal of extracellular Ca2+. Application of the dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K 8644 (Bay K) stimulated a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in the rat gonadotrope. This response was blocked by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ and probably reflects the influx of Ca2+ across the cell membrane. High speed (30 frames.s-1) imaging of the Bay K-induced Ca2+ influx revealed a wave of Ca2+ originating from a localized part of the cell membrane, which, in general, was spatially distinct from the LHRH-induced Ca2+ wave produced in the same cell. This suggests that Ca2+ channels in the cell membrane may be clustered in a specific area of the cell membrane. The velocity of the LHRH-induced Ca2+ mobilization wave was faster (mean = 79 +/- 5 microns.s-1, n = 9) than the Bay K-induced Ca2+ influx wave (39 +/- 7 microns.s-1, n = 9) (p less than or equal to 0.01, Wilcoxon signed rank test) measured in the same cells. Thus, both Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores and Ca2+ influx through the cell membrane appear to be spatially localized in the rat gonadotrope. These findings may have important implications in the intracellular regulation of Ca(2+)-dependent cell functions such as hormone biosynthesis and secretion.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1991

A potential code of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-induced calcium ion responses in the regulation of luteinizing hormone secretion among individual gonadotropes.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) induces two Ca2+ responses in single gonadotropes: a Ca2+ spike/plateau or oscillation. Similar receptor-mediated Ca2+ signals have been reported in many cell types but their functional significance is obscure. Accordingly, we have determined the concentration-response properties of LHRH-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) release at the single cell level. We demonstrate a critical single cell LHRH threshold for LH release. Each gonadotrope had a particular LHRH threshold value and a range of different single cell thresholds was distributed in the gonadotrope population. The physiological significance of the threshold was demonstrated by a striking reduction (delta ED50 = 153 nM) of the LHRH threshold immediately before the preovulatory surge of LH release. The metestrous phenotype of secretion resembled a quantal process in contrast with the graded process of the proestrous phenotype. That is, the quantity of hormone secreted per metestrous gonadotrope was independent of LHRH concentration and more all-or-none than graded. The LHRH threshold and the quantal secretion process of metestrous gonadotropes was further studied by measuring cytosolic Ca2+ using fura-2 and digital imaging microscopy. We provide evidence suggesting that the Ca2+ spike/plateau and oscillation are the respective responses to subthreshold and suprathreshold concentrations of LHRH. It is proposed therefore that the Ca2+ oscillation and spike/plateau response form a binary intracellular signaling code that functions as an on-off switch. It is further proposed that this potential code unraveled here for the regulation of hormone secretion may also regulate other gonadotrope functions. Thus, while the Ca2+ spike/plateau response is strongly associated with LH release, it may be associated with reduced levels of LH-beta mRNA, and reduced numbers of LHRH receptors. Conversely, while the Ca2+ oscillation appears to be unrelated to LH release, it may be associated with increased levels of LH-beta mRNA, and increased numbers of LHRH receptors. This model may explain in molecular terms the long-standing observation that an invariant, albeit pulsatile, pattern of LHRH release is sufficient to support the preovulatory surge of LH release.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Angiotensin II induces calcium release in a subpopulation of single ovarian (granulosa) cells.

The effects of angiotensin II on cytosolic free Ca2+ ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were studied in single porcine granulosa cells using the calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 and high temporal resolution fluorescent videomicroscopy. Angiotensin II initiated specific, rapid, transient and topographically organized increases in [Ca2+]i in a subpopulation of single swine granulosa cells. The Ca2+ source for this angiotensin II-mediated [Ca2+]i transient appeared to be internal stores, and a pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide binding protein was implicated in this receptor-mediated Ca2+ rise. Our single-cell studies also revealed a striking functional heterogeneity among granulosa cells, since follicle-stimulating hormone-responsive cells were not angiotensin II responsive. We conclude that single swine granulosa cells are targets of specific angiotensin II action on intracellular pools of Ca2+.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1991

Distinct classes of corticotropes mediate corticotropin-releasing hormone- and arginine vasopressin-stimulated adrenocorticotropin release.

ACTH release from the anterior pituitary gland is principally driven by the two hypothalamic hormones, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP). Using the reverse hemolytic plaque assay, we have compared the effects of CRH and AVP on ACTH release from individual, dispersed pituitary cells. A small percent (0.36 +/- 0.06%) of pituitary cells formed plaques when exposed to medium alone. AVP caused 3.44 +/- 0.10% of cells to form plaques (P less than 0.01 compared with medium alone), CRH produced 4.85 +/- 0.20% plaque-forming cells (P less than 0.01 compared with AVP), and the combination of CRH and AVP produced a still greater percent of plaque-forming cells (5.80 +/- 0.20%, P less than 0.01 compared with CRH alone). A double reverse hemolytic plaque assay was then employed to examine whether some cells formed plaques only in the presence of one or other secretagogue. Using this technique we found clear evidence of cells that formed plaques in response to CRH but not AVP (P less than 0.005); CRH or AVP (P less than 0.0001), and CRH and AVP (P less than 0.05). There was no evidence of a corticotrope forming a plaque with AVP but not CRH (P = 0.52). Thus there appears to be functionally distinct classes of corticotropes. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the relative responsiveness of the pituitary to hypothalamic secretagogues and provide a new physiological perspective on recent reports of stress-specific hypothalamic responses regulating ACTH release.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1990

Identification of individual renocortical cells that secrete renin.

Successful application of the reverse hemolytic plaque assay was developed to identify individual renocortical cells that secrete renin directly. The plaque assay was validated by a number of established criteria. Using this technique, we demonstrate an increase in renin secretion with beta-adrenergic stimulation and an inhibition of renin secretion with extracellular calcium in groups of renin-secreting cells. Transmission electron microscopy of the cell in the center of a hemolytic plaque demonstrated a modified vascular smooth muscle cell with densely packed secretory granules. Electron microscopy immunocytochemistry demonstrated the presence of renin in the secretory granules, confirming the identity of the cell as a renal juxtaglomerular cell. The technology developed here has allowed the precise identification and study of the individual renin-secreting juxtaglomerular cell.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Individual parathyroid cells are more sensitive to calcium than a parathyroid cell population.

Information on the secretory behavior of individual parathyroid cells within a cell population has not previously been available. We now report a technique for examining quantitative changes in hormone secretion in individual parathyroid cells. We have used a reverse hemolytic plaque assay to measure cumulative PTH release in single isolated cells. Bovine parathyroid cells were dispersed with trypsin and mixed with staphylococcal protein-A-linked ovine erythrocytes. Cells were plated in a monolayer in the presence of PTH antiserum. After stimulation by an agonist, complement was added to the cells. Lysis of ovine erythrocytes formed a plaque around each individual cell that releases PTH. Results indicate that inhibition of PTH release by calcium was not affected by trypsinization. Plaque formation was dependent on all reagents; serial dilution of antiserum reduces plaque formation. Cells had a markedly uniform secretory response to calcium. We compared PTH release in individual cells measured by the reverse hemolytic plaque assay with hormone release in a parathyroid cell population measured by RIA. There was an inverse relationship between extracellular calcium concentrations and plaque area. Individual cells were more sensitive to calcium (ED50 = 0.4 mM Ca2+) than cell populations (ED50 = 0.8 mM Ca2+). We demonstrate that PTH release can be quantitated in single viable parathyroid cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Follicle-stimulating hormone evokes an increase in intracellular free calcium ion concentrations in single ovarian (granulosa) cells.

Cytosolic free Ca2+ ion concentrations were ([Ca2+]i) measured in single swine granulosa cells using the Ca2(+)-sensitive fluorescent indicator dye fura-2 and digital imaging videomicroscopy with high spatial and temporal resolution. Ovine FSH (oFSH) elicited specific [Ca2+]i increases, which reached their highest value within 5 min of the onset of stimulation and were sustained for 10-15 min. [Ca2+]i usually returned to prestimulated levels and cells regained full responsiveness to a second exposure to oFSH within 20 min. The effect of FSH was not blocked by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. Forskolin and 8-bromo-cAMP were able to mimic similar increases in [Ca2+]i in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+. In contrast, the oFSH-induced [Ca2+]i rises were abolished in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. The Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil completely abolished the oFSH-induced [Ca2+]i rise, but not the 8-bromo-cAMP- or the forskolin-induced [Ca2+]i rise. In summary, we have demonstrated that [Ca2+]i is regulated by oFSH in single swine granulosa cells. We propose that the transducing pathway for this FSH effect might not involve cAMP, and that whichever second messenger is responsible for the Ca2+ signal generation acts upon plasma membrane Ca2+ channels.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗