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R Ivell

Publications and source records attributed to R Ivell.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

The COUP transcription factor (COUP-TF) is directly involved in the regulation of oxytocin gene expression in luteinizing bovine granulosa cells.

Competition with specific oligonucleotides in DNA-binding experiments, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and recognition by specific antibodies have identified the ubiquitous transcription factor COUP as one of the nuclear proteins binding to the promoter region of the bovine oxytocin gene in endogenously expressing bovine granulosa cells. PCR cloning of partial cDNA sequences for bovine COUP-TF I and II and development of RNase protection assays demonstrated the up-regulation of COUP-TF in bovine granulosa cells and corpus luteum under conditions where the oxytocin gene is switched off. These experimental results from in vitro and in vivo studies point to the direct involvement of COUP-TF in oxytocin gene down-regulation during luteinization of bovine granulosa cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Vasopressin biosynthesis in rodent Leydig cells.

Local biosynthesis of the peptide hormone vasopressin is demonstrated in vitro in Leydig cells derived from rat and mouse testis. Cycloheximide-sensitive production of the nonapeptide was shown for rat Leydig cells in primary culture. A polymerase chain reaction technique demonstrated the presence of functionally constituted vasopressin mRNA in rat and mouse testis, primary mouse Leydig cells and in rat and mouse Leydig tumour cell lines (MA10, R2C). Stimulation of cells with gonadotropins, however, had no effect either on peptide production or on levels of specific mRNA. Similarly, treatment of the MA10 cell line with a phorbol ester, or with rat atriopeptin, which activate other second messenger pathways, had no influence on vasopressin mRNA levels. The results are discussed in terms of an autocrine regulatory system which would provide the cell with information about its microenvironment.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Comparison of the estrogen responsiveness of the rat and bovine oxytocin gene promoters.

DNA sequences in the 5'-flanking region of rat and bovine oxytocin genes were examined for their capacity to confer estrogen responsiveness to their homologous promoters. In contrast to the 5'-flanking region of the rat oxytocin gene, upstream promoter sequences up to 3200 bp of the bovine gene linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene which were transfected in estrogen receptor expressing MCF-7 cells did not respond to estrogen. Testing 5'-deletion mutants of the rat upstream region linked to the luciferase gene in P19 embryocarcinoma cells co-transfected with an estrogen receptor expression plasmid showed that two regions each associated with approximately 15-fold stimulation of promoter activity were located between nucleotides -172 and -149 and between -148 and +16 in the rat gene. The former region contains the imperfect palindrome GGTGACCTTGACC which differs in one nucleotide from the estrogen response element (ERE) consensus. It is concluded that the corresponding motive CATAACCTTGACC of the bovine gene is not a functional ERE. Thus, the estrogen responsiveness of oxytocin genes is species-dependent.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

A major human epididymis-specific cDNA encodes a protein with sequence homology to extracellular proteinase inhibitors.

The amino acid sequence of a major human epididymis-specific protein was deduced from the nucleotide sequence of its cloned cDNA. The encoded product showed characteristics of a secretory protein, with a signal peptide followed by a small (approximately 10-kDa), acidic (pI 4.3), and cysteine-rich polypeptide. The positions of half-cysteines suggested that it was a two-domain member of the family of 'four-disulfide core' proteins to which a number of proteinase inhibitors belong. Southern blot analyses of human genomic DNA showed that the transcripts originated from a single copy gene. Northern blot and in situ transcript hybridization specifically localized the HE4 (human epididymis gene product) mRNA to the epithelial cells of the epididymal duct, predominantly within the distal sections. A possible function in sperm maturation as indicated by amino acid similarities to extracellular proteinase inhibitors of genital tract mucous secretions is discussed in the context of its tissue-specific transcription.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Testicular oxytocin gene expression in seminiferous tubules of cattle and transgenic mice.

We are using transgenic mice to study the regulation of the bovine vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) genes. Prompted by the observation that mice bearing a bovine OT transgene express bovine OT RNA in their testes, we investigated the expression of the VP-OT locus in normal mice and cattle. Normal wild-type mice do not have detectable levels of either VP or OT RNA in their testes. Normal cattle are also devoid of detectable VP transcripts, but have relatively high levels of testicular OT RNA. Additionally, OT, but not VP, peptide is detectable by HPLC. In situ hybridization to RNA in bovine testicular tissue sections localized OT transcripts to seminiferous tubules, with a distribution similar to that of alpha-inhibin, suggesting expression in Sertoli cells. Interestingly, the bovine OT RNAs in the transgenic mouse testes were also shown by in situ hybridization to have the same distribution. These data suggest that the cis-acting regulatory sequences responsible for expression of the OT gene in bovine Sertoli testis reside within the limits of the transgene used in this study. Further, the trans-acting factors present in murine testicular cells are able to recognize these elements, although they do not express the endogenous mouse OT gene in this tissue.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Vasopressin and oxytocin gene expression in rat testis.

The vasopressin (VP) gene is expressed as three different transcripts in the rat testis. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis we have been able to identify a VP RNA that is identical in exonic structure to that found in the hypothalamus. However, the abundance of this form is very low, and it cannot be detected by Northern blotting. Two VP RNAs with a novel structure, as shown using exon-specific probes, are present in higher abundance. By differential hybridization, sequencing of a cDNA clone, and PCR we have deduced the structure of these novel transcripts. Both of the novel testicular VP RNA species share two exons with the classical hypothalamic RNA. However, the testicular VP gene-derived RNA lacks the first exon of the hypothalamic transcript, the exon that contains the sequence information for the VP nonopeptide hormone. Instead, it has novel sequence that are derived from at least two unique testis-specific exons, one of which is located 7-10 kilobase up-stream of the brain-specific start of transcription. These two unusual transcripts are probably derived by alternative splicing of at least two up-stream exons. Sequence and polysome analyses indicate that the testicular VP RNAs are probably not translated. Northern blotting revealed that the VP gene-derived RNA species are tightly regulated during postnatal development, becoming apparent by 40 days of age, although they subsequently fail to respond to a variety of physiological perturbations. Oxytocin gene transcripts are not detectable by Northern hybridization, but the authentic hypothalamic-type RNA can be detected in the rat testis using PCR analysis.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1991

Tachykinin (substance-P) gene expression in Leydig cells of the human and mouse testis.

Specific substance-P immunoreactivity can be detected in the Leydig cells, particularly of human testes, and to a lesser degree in mouse Leydig cells, but not in the rat. Using a modified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, preprotachykinin-A (substance-P) mRNA could be detected in extracts of human, mouse, and bovine testes, but not in rat or boar testes or in bovine thyroid or corpus luteum used as negative controls. This assay is able to discriminate among the alpha, beta, and gamma transcripts of the gene and shows that only the beta and gamma transcripts are present in the testes. Sequencing analysis of the PCR products from bovine hypothalamus, mouse brain, and human testis confirmed the structure of these transcripts, which encode both substance-P and neurokinin-A (substance-K) neuropeptide hormones. Using a variant of this assay it was possible to identify tachykinin transcripts in as few as 500 freshly prepared purified mouse Leydig cells. In parallel studies PCR analysis was also able to confirm the presence of mRNA for both substance-P and neurokinin-A receptors in human testes. Thus, the tachykinins substance-P and neurokinin-A must now be added to the list of potentially paracrine substances regulating intratesticular function.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

The regulation of oxytocin gene expression in early bovine luteal cells.

The oxytocin gene is maximally expressed in the cells of the early bovine corpus luteum (1-5 days post-ovulation) and provides an excellent marker for luteinization, having been up-regulated in vivo at ovulation. However, it is down-regulated again later in the luteal phase. To help understand the mechanisms involved in regulating this gene, and hence differentiation in the early bovine corpus luteum, oxytocin secretion into the medium as well as oxytocin mRNA were measured in serum-free cultures of early luteal cells in the presence or absence of various effectors. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) deferred the endogenous down-regulation of the gene and hence increased oxytocin peptide secretion in the first days of culture. Prostaglandin F2 alpha had no influence on oxytocin mRNA levels but reduced the stimulatory effect of IGF-I on peptide secretion, indicating an effect at the post-transcriptional level. Oestradiol had no effect either on oxytocin mRNA levels or on oxytocin secretion.

Alprostadil↗
PubMed1990

Structure and ovarian expression of the oxytocin gene in sheep.

In sheep, the oxytocin gene is highly up-regulated in the ovarian corpus luteum as well as in the hypothalamus. This expression is already elevated on Day 2 of the oestrous cycle, representing 1% of all transcripts in this tissue, and it declines thereafter to low levels after Day 6 of the cycle. In order to study the mechanisms involved in luteal oxytocin gene expression, we have cloned and sequenced the oxytocin gene from the sheep. This gene is closely homologous to other known mammalian oxytocin genes, especially the bovine one, and comparison of the gene promoter regions highlights several blocks of putative control elements.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Cloning and analysis of mRNAs expressed specifically in the human epididymis.

Differential cDNA screening identified four new genes that are expressed specifically in the human epididymis. Their corresponding mRNAs are relatively short, ranging from 0.7 to 1.0 kb, and belong to a class of abundant or moderately abundant transcripts. Tissue-specific expression was pronounced for all four sequences, which showed no hybridization signals with RNA from eight different human tissues. Cross-hybridization with epididymal RNAs from some non-rodent mammalian species was observed with two cDNAs; the remaining two transcripts failed to cross-hybridize with any of the animal epididymal RNAs tested.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Expression of the oxytocin and vasopressin genes in human and baboon gonadal tissues.

A variety of molecular techniques were used to search human and baboon gonadal tissues for evidence of transcription of the genes for the peptide hormones oxytocin and vasopressin. Only a highly sensitive assay based on a modification of the polymerase chain reaction succeeded in detecting mRNA copies of the oxytocin gene in both human and baboon corpus luteum. Vasopressin gene transcription was not detected in human testis and corpus luteum and was found only once in four different experiments in baboon corpus luteum. Evidence for oxytocin gene transcription in the human testis was found in three of five experiments. The method employed and subsequent sequence analysis of the polymerase products verified the presence of oxytocin mRNA with normal hypothalamic-type exonic structure in primate corpus luteum. Nevertheless, the very low levels of mRNA present are unlikely to support other than local functions for the encoded nonapeptide hormones.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Expression of the human relaxin gene in the corpus luteum of the menstrual cycle and in the prostate.

DNA-RNA hybridization has been used to assess the presence of relaxin gene transcripts in human luteal tissues of pregnancy and the menstrual cycle, as well as in the human testis and prostate. The results imply a substantial capacity for hormone biosynthesis in the mid to late luteal phase of the ovary in non-pregnant women. In men the prostate has been shown also to express relaxin gene transcripts, though levels are low. The testis appears negative. The results suggest that functions for relaxin must be sought also outside pregnancy.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Age-related development of a heterozygous phenotype in solitary neurons of the homozygous Brattleboro rat.

A single-base deletion in the single-copy vasopressin gene is the cause of diabetes insipidus in the homozygous Brattleboro rat (di/di). It results in the synthesis of an altered vasopressin precursor of which the axonal transport is blocked. Paradoxically, a small number of solitary hypothalamic neurons displays all the immunoreactivities of the wild-type vasopressin precursor (i.e., vasopressin, neurophysin, and a glycopeptide). In the present paper we provide evidence that these neurons have undergone a switch to a genuine heterozygous (di/+) phenotype; i.e., they contain the immunoreactivities of both the wild-type and the mutated vasopressin precursors. In the neural lobe, glycopeptide fibers are also present, showing that axonal transport of the wild-type precursor is restored. Moreover, the number of neurons displaying this di/+ phenotype increases markedly and in a linear way (from 0.1% up to 3% of the vasopressin cells) with age. These findings indicate that after mitotic division has ceased, genomic alterations occur in somatic neurons in vivo. The molecular event generating the di/+ phenotype in the di/di animal could involve a somatic intrachromosomal gene conversion between the homologous exons of the vasopressin and the related oxytocin genes.

Aging↗
PubMed1989

Oxytocin production and oxytocin messenger ribonucleic acid levels in bovine granulosa cells are regulated by insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I: dependence on developmental status of the ovarian follicle.

Oxytocin is a major peptide product of the ruminant corpus luteum, and the release of oxytocin from serum-free cultures of bovine granulosa cells is stimulated by insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Here we have assessed the effects of insulin and IGF-I on oxytocin gene expression in bovine granulosa cells and the dependence of these effects on the developmental status of the cells. When cells from individual follicles were cultured, the estradiol concentration of the follicular fluid was highly correlated with insulin-stimulated oxytocin release. Subsequently, cells were pooled from follicles selected on the basis of estradiol content, and two subsets of cells were distinguished. The first contained highly differentiated cells, as judged by the high estradiol (HE-cells) concentration of the follicular fluid (greater than 40 ng/ml), high levels of LH receptors, and high hCG-stimulated cAMP accumulation. The second subset contained cells from follicles with low estradiol (less than 1 ng/ml; LE-cells) which have fewer LH receptors and low hCG-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Oxytocin production was increased more than 50-fold by insulin (EC50, 230 +/- 57 ng/ml) and IGF-I (EC50, greater than 10 ng/ml), but only in the HE-cells. Oxytocin mRNA was also greatly increased by insulin and IGF-I in the HE-cells only. In contrast, insulin and IGF-I stimulated progesterone release from both HE- and LE-cells. Since oxytocin production is a characteristic of bovine luteal cells, our results support possible roles for IGF-I and insulin in regulation of luteinization or luteal activity. The data suggest that effects of insulin and IGF-I on oxytocin production reflect their effects on oxytocin gene transcription, and that granulosa cells must be appropriately primed (presumably by the in vivo hormonal environment) before they are able to produce oxytocin in response to these polypeptides.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

In situ hybridization of oxytocin messenger RNA: macroscopic distribution and quantitation in rat hypothalamic cell groups.

Oxytocin mRNA was detected in the rat hypothalamus by in situ hybridization to a single stranded 35S-labelled DNA probe and the distribution of oxytocin mRNA-containing cell groups was studied at the macroscopic level. Specificity of hybridization was confirmed by comparison to vasopressin mRNA hybridization in parallel tissue sections. Cell groups containing oxytocin mRNA were confined to a set of hypothalamic cell groups, i.c. the supraoptic, paraventricular, anterior commissural nuclei, nucleus circularis and scattered hypothalamic islets. These cell groups displayed similar densities of autoradiographic signals indicating that the oxytocin gene is expressed at approximately the same average level at these various sites.

Animals↗