scholarly journals Screening for GPR101 defects in pediatric pituitary corticotropinomas

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 357-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giampaolo Trivellin ◽  
Ricardo R Correa ◽  
Maria Batsis ◽  
Fabio R Faucz ◽  
Prashant Chittiboina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽  
Somatic Mutations ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Camp Signaling ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Significant Percentage ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Acth Secreting ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Cushing’s disease (CD) in children is caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas. Germline or somatic mutations in genes such as MEN1, CDKIs, AIP, and USP8 have been identified in pediatric CD, but the genetic defects in a significant percentage of cases are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR101, a gene known to be involved in somatotropinomas, for its possible involvement in corticotropinomas. We performed GPR101 sequencing, expression analyses by RT-qPCR and immunostaining, and functional studies (cell proliferation, pituitary hormone secretion, and cAMP measurement) in a series of patients with sporadic CD secondary to ACTH-secreting adenomas in whom we extracted DNA from peripheral blood and pituitary tumor samples (n=36). No increased GPR101 expression was observed in tumors compared with normal pituitary (NP) tissues, nor did we find a correlation between GPR101 and ACTH expression levels. Sequence analysis revealed a very rare germline heterozygous GPR101 variant (p.G31S) in one patient with CD. Overexpression of the p.G31S variant did not lead to increased growth and proliferation, although modest effects on cAMP signaling were observed. GPR101 is not overexpressed in ACTH-secreting tumors compared with NPs. In conclusion, rare germline GPR101 variant was found in one patient with CD, but in vitro studies did not support a consistent pathogenic effect. GPR101 is unlikely to be involved in the pathogenesis of CD.

scholarly journals MOLECULAR EVOLUTION OF GPCRS: 26Rfa/GPR103

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. T119-T131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuyoshi Ukena ◽  
Tomohiro Osugi ◽  
Jérôme Leprince ◽  
Hubert Vaudry ◽  
Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
Keyword(s):  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Nociceptive Transmission ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Cognate Receptor ◽  
Current State ◽  
Representative Species ◽  
Peptide Family ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Neuropeptides possessing the Arg-Phe-NH2 (RFamide) motif at their C-termini (designated as RFamide peptides) have been characterized in a variety of animals. Among these, neuropeptide 26RFa (also termed QRFP) is the latest member of the RFamide peptide family to be discovered in the hypothalamus of vertebrates. The neuropeptide 26RFa/QRFP is a 26-amino acid residue peptide that was originally identified in the frog brain. It has been shown to exert orexigenic activity in mammals and to be a ligand for the previously identified orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR103 (QRFPR). The cDNAs encoding 26RFa/QRFP and QRFPR have now been characterized in representative species of mammals, birds, and fish. Functional studies have shown that, in mammals, the 26RFa/QRFP–QRFPR system may regulate various functions, including food intake, energy homeostasis, bone formation, pituitary hormone secretion, steroidogenesis, nociceptive transmission, and blood pressure. Several biological actions have also been reported in birds and fish. This review summarizes the current state of identification, localization, and understanding of the functions of 26RFaQRFP and its cognate receptor, QRFPR, in vertebrates.

Vasopressin as a neuroendocrine regulator of anterior pituitary hormone secretion

1993 ◽  
Vol 129 (6) ◽  
pp. 489-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Kjær
Keyword(s):  
Arginine Vasopressin ◽  
Mode Of Action ◽  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Pituitary Hormones ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Anterior Pituitary Hormones ◽  
Anterior Pituitary Hormone

Secretion of the anterior pituitary hormones adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), β-endorphin and prolactin (PRL) is complex and involves a variety of factors. This review focuses on the involvement of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) in neuroendocrine regulation of these anterior pituitary hormones with special reference to receptor involvement, mode of action and origin of AVP. Arginine-vasopressin may act via at least two types of receptors: V1− and V2−receptors, where the pituitary V1−receptor is designated V1b. The mode of action of AVP may be mediating, i.e. anterior pituitary hormone secretion is transmitted via release of AVP, or the mode of action may be permissive, i.e. the presence of AVP at a low and constant level is required for anterior pituitary hormones to be stimulated. Under in vivo conditions, the AVP-induced release of ACTH and β-endorphin is mainly mediated via activation of hypothalamic V1− receptors, which subsequently leads to the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone. Under in vitro conditions, the AVP-stimulated release of ACTH and β-endorphin is mediated via pituitary V1b− receptors. The mode of action of AVP in the ACTH and β-endorphin response to stress and to histamine, which is involved in stress-induced secretion of anterior pituitary hormones, is mediating (utilizing V1− receptors) as well as permissive (utilizing mainly V1− but also V2−receptors). The AVP-induced release of PRL under in vivo conditions is conveyed mainly via activation of V1−receptors but V2−receptors and probably additional receptor(s) may also play a role. In stress- and histamine induced PRL secretion the role of AVP is both mediating (utilizing V1 −receptors) and permissive (utilizing both V1− and V2− receptors). Arginine-vasopressin may be a candidate for the PRL-releasing factor recently identified in the posterior pituitary gland. Arginine-vasopressin of both magno- and parvocellular origin may be involved in the regulation of anterior pituitary hormone secretion and may reach the corticotrophs and the lactotrophs via three main routes: the peripheral circulation, the long pituitary portal vessels or the short pituitary portal vessels.

In-Vitro Regulation of Human Pituitary Hormone Secretion by Gut-Brain Peptides

1982 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 34P-34P
Author(s):  
M.C. White ◽  
E.F. Adams ◽  
M. Loizou ◽  
K. Mashiter
Keyword(s):  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Human Pituitary ◽  
Brain Peptides

scholarly journals Highly Selective, Amine-Derived Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Probes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias V. Westphal ◽  
Roman C. Sarott ◽  
Elisabeth A. Zirwes ◽  
Anja Osterwald ◽  
Wolfgang Guba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Pharmacological Characterization ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor 2 ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Design And Synthesis ◽  
Downstream Effects ◽  
G Protein Coupled

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is implied in various human diseases ranging from central nervous system to autoimmune disorders. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB<sub>2</sub>R) is an integral component of the eCB system. Yet, the downstream effects elicited by this G protein-coupled receptor upon binding of endogenous or synthetic ligands are insufficiently understood—likely due to the limited arsenal of reliable biological and chemical tools. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of CB<sub>2</sub>R-selective cannabinoids along with their <i>in vitro</i> pharmacological characterization (binding and functional studies). They combine structural features of HU-308 and AM841 to give chimeric ligands that emerge as potent CB<sub>2</sub>R agonists with high selectivity over the closely related cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB<sub>1</sub>R). The synthesis work includes convenient preparation of substituted resorcinols often found in cannabinoids. The utility of the synthetic cannabinoids in this study is showcased by preparation of the most selective high-affinity fluorescent probe for CB<sub>2</sub>R to date.

Central opioid receptors mediate glucoprivic inhibition of pituitary LH secretion

1997 ◽  
Vol 272 (4) ◽  
pp. E517-E522 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. Briski
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Opioid Receptor ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Intracerebroventricular Administration ◽  
Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Opioid Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Opioid Receptor Antagonists

The present studies investigated the significance of glucoprivic metabolic signals, particularly those of central origin, to the regulation of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH). Groups of gonadectomized (GDX) adult male rats were treated with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), an inhibitor of glycolysis, by either intravenous (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) or intracerebroventricular (5, 20, or 100 microg/rat) administration. Systemic drug treatment caused a significant decrease in mean plasma LH levels compared with saline-treated controls. Intracerebroventricular administration of 2-DG was also efficacious in suppressing circulating LH; animals treated with either of the two highest doses of the drug exhibited a significant reduction in plasma LH. In vitro studies examined direct effects of 2-DG on pituitary gonadotrope secretory activity. Exposure of anterior pituitary tissue to 2-DG during short-term perfusion had no significant impact upon either basal or gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated LH release. Finally, groups of GDX rats were pretreated by intracerebroventricular administration of either the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone, or the selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA), before intravenous injection of 2-DG. Both receptor antagonists were observed to attenuate the suppressive effects of 2-DG on circulating LH in these animals. In summary, treatment of GDX rats with the glucose antimetabolite, 2-DG, decreased plasma LH, suggesting that metabolic signaling of cellular glucose oxidation is of physiological importance to the regulation of pituitary hormone secretion. Findings that plasma LH was diminished in animals treated intracerebroventricularly with 2-DG implicate central glucoprivic receptors in neuroendocrine mechanisms governing the reproductive endocrine axis. Attenuation of 2-DG-induced decreases in circulating LH by opioid receptor antagonists suggests that these receptors, particularly the mu-subtype, mediate central effects of glucoprivation on circulating LH.

scholarly journals Polymorphism rs2274911 of GPRC6A as a Novel Risk Factor for Testis Failure

2016 ◽  
Vol 101 (3) ◽  
pp. 953-961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca De Toni ◽  
Andrea Di Nisio ◽  
Elena Speltra ◽  
Maria Santa Rocca ◽  
Marco Ghezzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Levels ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Testicular Failure ◽  
Inactivating Mutation ◽  
G Protein Coupled ◽  
Infertile Patients

Abstract Context: The G protein-coupled receptor GPRC6A is an emerging effector with multiple endocrine roles, including stimulation of T production from the testis. Recently, two men with an inactivating mutation (F464Y) of GPRC6A have been identified, and they showed primary testicular failure and deranged spermatogenesis. Furthermore, one of them also reported cryptorchidism at birth. In addition, a polymorphism (rs2274911, Pro91Ser) in GPRC6A is associated with prostate cancer, a typical androgen-sensitive cancer. Objective: To study the possible association between rs2274911 polymorphism and male fertility and/or cryptorchidism. Design, Patients, Settings: A total of 611 subjects, including 343 infertile patients, 197 normozoospermic controls, and 71 cryptorchid newborns, were retrospectively selected. Methods: Sequencing analysis for rs2274911 polymorphism and F464Y mutation, and serum levels of FSH, LH, and T were assessed. In vitro functional studies for rs2274911 and F464Y were also performed. Results: Homozygous subjects for the risk allele A of rs2274911 had a 4.60-fold increased risk of oligozoospermia and 3.52-fold increased risk of cryptorchidism. A significant trend for increased levels of LH in the GA and AA genotypes, compared with GG homozygotes, was detected in men with azoospermia/cryptozoospermia (P for trend = .027), further supporting an association with primary testicular failure. The mutation F464Y was found in one cryptorchid child (one in 71; 1.41%). Functional studies showed that the A allele of rs2274911 and the F464Y substitution were associated with lower exposition of the receptor on the cell membrane and a reduced downstream phosphorylation of ERK1/2 with respect to wild type. Conclusion: Our results suggest that GPRC6A inactivation or sub-function contributes to reduced exposure to androgens, leading to cryptorchidism during fetal life and/or low sperm production in adulthood.

Serotonin and acetylcholine affect the release of prolactin and growth hormone from pituitary glands of domestic fowl in vitro in the presence of hypothalamic tissue

1984 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. Hall ◽  
S. Harvey ◽  
A. Chadwick
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
Domestic Fowl ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Cholinergic Drugs ◽  
Pituitary Glands ◽  
Hypothalamic Tissue

Abstract. Anterior pituitary glands from broiler fowl were incubated alone or with hypothalamic tissue in medium containing either serotonin or serotoninergic drugs, acetylcholine or cholinergic drugs, and the release of prolactin (Prl) and growth hormone (GH) measured by homologous radioimmunoassays. The neurotransmitters and drugs affected the release of hormones from the pituitary gland only when hypothalamic tissue was also present. Serotonin and its agonist quipazine stimulated the release of Prl and inhibited release of GH in a concentration-related manner. The antagonist methysergide blocked the effects of serotonin and quipazine on Prl. Acetylcholine and its agonist pilocarpine also stimulated release of Prl and inhibited release of GH in a concentration-related manner. Atropine blocked these responses. The results show that serotonin and acetylcholine affect pituitary hormone secretion by acting on the hypothalamus. They may stimulate the secretion of a Prl releasing hormone and somatostatin.

scholarly journals Obestatin Plays an Opposite Role in the Regulation of Pituitary Somatotrope and Corticotrope Function in Female Primates and Male/Female Mice

Endocrinology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 155 (4) ◽  
pp. 1407-1417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raúl M. Luque ◽  
José Córdoba-Chacón ◽  
Alejandro Ibáñez-Costa ◽  
Iacopo Gesmundo ◽  
Cristina Grande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Somatostatin Receptors ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Pituitary Function ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Ghrh Receptor ◽  
Acth Release

Obestatin is a 23-amino-acid amidated peptide that is encoded by the ghrelin gene. Previous studies have shown obestatin can modulate the hypothalamic neuronal circuitry that regulates pituitary function, perhaps by modulating the actions of ghrelin. However, the direct actions of obestatin on pituitary function remain controversial. Here, primary pituitary cell cultures from a nonhuman primate (baboon) and mice were used to test the effects of obestatin on pituitary hormone expression and secretion. In pituitary cultures from both species, obestatin had no effect on prolactin, LH, FSH, or TSH expression/release. Conversely, obestatin stimulated proopiomelanocortin expression and ACTH release and inhibited GH expression/release in vitro, actions that were also observed in vivo in mice treated with obestatin. In vitro, obestatin inhibited the stimulatory actions of ghrelin on GH but not ACTH release. The inhibitory effect of obestatin on somatotrope function was associated with an overall reduction in pituitary transcription factor-1 and GHRH receptor mRNA levels in vitro and in vivo as well as a reduction in hypothalamic GHRH and ghrelin expression in vivo. The stimulatory effect of obestatin on ACTH was associated with an increase in pituitary CRF receptors. Obestatin also reduced the expression of pituitary somatostatin receptors (sst1/sst2), which could serve to modify its impact on hormone secretion. The in vitro actions of obestatin on both GH and ACTH release required the adenylyl cyclase and MAPK routes. Taken together, our results provide evidence that obestatin can act directly at the pituitary to control somatotrope and corticotrope function, and these effects are conserved across species.

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