Stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by oxytocin and the mechanism by which oxytocin controls prostaglandin synthesis in the ovine endometrium.

Slices of caruncular endometrium from steroid-treated ovariectomized sheep were incubated with myo-[2-3H]inositol to label tissue phosphatidylinositol. Effects of oxytocin were determined on the rate of incorporation of radioactivity into phosphatidylinositol and on the hydrolysis of phosphoinositides to inositol phosphates and diacylglycerol. Incorporation of radioactivity into phosphatidylinositol was linear during 2 h incubations; 10(-7) M (100 nM)-oxytocin caused a 2.8-fold increase in the rate of incorporation. In the presence of Li+, addition of 10(-7) M-oxytocin to slices in which phosphatidylinositol was pre-labelled caused mean increase of 40-fold in the incorporation of radioactivity into inositol mono-, bis- and tris-phosphates. Inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate was quantitatively the major trisphosphate formed. The action of oxytocin on phosphoinositide hydrolysis was dose- and time-dependent, occurring at concentrations within the range observed in plasma during episodes of secretion in vivo, and with a time course comparable with that of the action of oxytocin on uterine prostaglandin production. The effect of oxytocin on incorporation of radioactivity into inositol phosphates was not affected by inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. Diacylglycerol 1- and 2-lipases in caruncular endometrium converted up to 72% of added 2-[3H]arachidonyldiacylglycerol into [3H]arachidonic acid during 30 min incubations at pH 7.0. Caruncular endometrium contained 1.49 mumol of phosphatidylinositol/g, representing approx. 0.2 mumol/g of phosphatidylinositol arachidonic acid. It is proposed that the stimulation of endometrial prostaglandin synthesis by oxytocin is accounted for by increased hydrolysis of phosphoinositides to diacylglycerol and inositol phosphates with subsequent release of arachidonic acid from diacylglycerol.     

Enhanced prostaglandin synthesis in the parturient rat uterus and its effects on myometrial oxytocin receptor concentrations

We measure oxytocin (OT) responsiveness and prostaglandins (PGs) synthesis in uteri of 19, 20, 21 and 22-day pregnant and 2-day postpartum rats to determine whether the enhanced OT sensitivity and PG synthesis in the parturient uterus is the result of a higher cyclooxygenase activity. We also investigated the effects of suppression of PG synthesis on OT responsiveness and OT receptor in 22-day and 23-day pregnant rats. PG productions (PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2 in microsomal fractions were quantitated by radio- immunoassays (RIAs). OT receptor concentrations were measured in plasma membrane fractions by radioligand-receptor binding assays. Naproxen sodium was used to inhibit endogenous PG synthesis. We found a close temporal relationship between enhanced OT responsiveness and increased uterine PGE2 alpha synthesis, but no significant difference in cyclooxygenase activities among the microsomes prepared from uteri of different gestational ages. Suppression of PG synthesis attenuated OT responsiveness and markedly reduced OT binding sites, from 242 to 78 fmol/mg protein. There was no change in the binding affinity. These findings suggest that PG stimulates OT receptor formation which leads to enhanced OT responsiveness. The increase in PG production is not mediated by a higher cyclooxygenase activity.     

Steroid hormone modulation of prostaglandin secretion in the ruminant endometrium during the estrous cycle

Prostaglandins, produced from membrane phospholipids by the action of phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase, and specific prostaglandin synthases, are important regulators of ovulation, luteolysis, implantation, and parturition in reproductive tissues. Destruction of the corpus luteum at the end of the estrous cycle in nonpregnant animals is brought about by the pulsatile secretion of prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) from the endometrium. It has been known for many years that progesterone, estradiol, and oxytocin are the hormones responsible for luteolysis. To achieve luteolysis, two independent processes have to be coordinated; the first is an increase in the prostaglandin synthetic capability of the endometrium and the second is an increase in oxytocin receptor number. Although progesterone and estradiol can modulate the expression of the enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis, the primary reason for the initiation of luteolysis is the increase in oxytocin receptor on the endometrial epithelial cells. Results of many in vivo studies have shown that progesterone and estradiol are required for luteolysis, but it is still not fully understood exactly how these steroid hormones act. The purpose of this article is to review the recent data related to how progesterone and estradiol could regulate (initiate and then turn off) the uterine pulsatile secretion of PGF(2alpha) observed at luteolysis.     

Protease-activated receptor regulation of Cl- secretion in Calu-3 cells requires prostaglandin release and CFTR activation

Human lung epithelial (Calu-3) cells were used to investigate the effects of protease-activated receptor (PAR) stimulation on Cl^– secretion. Quantitative RT-PCR (QRT-PCR) showed that Calu-3 cells express PAR-1, -2, and -3 receptor mRNAs, with PAR-2 mRNA in greatest abundance. Addition of either thrombin or the PAR-2 agonist peptide SLIGRL to the basolateral solution of monolayers mounted in Ussing chambers produced a rapid increase in short-circuit current (I_sc: thrombin, 21 ± 2 µA; SLIGRL, 83 ± 22 µA), which returned to baseline within 5 min after stimulation. Pretreatment of monolayers with the cell-permeant Ca²⁺-chelating agent BAPTA-AM (50 µM) abolished the increase in I_sc produced by SLIGRL. When monolayers were treated with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 µM), nearly complete inhibition of both the thrombin- and SLIGRL-stimulated I_sc was observed. In addition, basolateral treatment with the PGE₂ receptor antagonist AH-6809 (25 µM) significantly inhibited the effects of SLIGRL on I_sc. QRT-PCR revealed that Calu-3 cells express mRNAs for CFTR, the Ca²⁺-activated KCNN4 K⁺ channel, and the KCNQ1 K⁺ channel subunit, which, in association with KCNE3, is known to be regulated by cAMP. Stimulation with SLIGRL produced an increase in apical Cl^– conductance that was blocked in cells expressing short hairpin RNAs designed to target CFTR. These results support the conclusion that PAR stimulation of Cl^– secretion occurs by an indirect mechanism involving the synthesis and release of prostaglandins. In addition, PAR-stimulated Cl^– secretion requires activation of CFTR and at least two distinct K⁺ channels located in the basolateral membrane. cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator; KCNQ1; calcium-activated potassium channels; KCNN4; cAMP     

Possible involvement of queuine in regulation of cell proliferation

An increase in cell number is one of the most prominent characteristics of cancer cells. This may be caused by an increase in cell proliferation or decrease in cell death. Queuine is one of the modified base which is found at first anticodon position of specific tRNAs. It is ubiquitously present throughout the living system except mycoplasma and yeast. The tRNAs of Q-family are completely modified to Q-tRNAs in terminally differentiated somatic cells, however hypomodification of Q-tRNA is closely associated with cell proliferation and malignancy. Queuine participates at various cellular functions such as regulation of cell proliferation, cell signaling and alteration in the expression of growth associated proto-oncogenes. Like other proto-oncogenes bcl2 is known to involve in cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis. Queuine or Q-tRNA is suggested to inhibit cell proliferation but the mechanism of regulation of cell proliferation by queuine or Q-tRNA is not well understood. Therefore, in the present study regulation in cell proliferation by queuine in vivo and in vitro as well as the expression of cell death regulatory protein Bcl2 are investigated. For this DLAT cancerous mouse, U87 cell line and HepG2 cell line are treated with different concentrations of queuine and the effect of queuine on cell proliferation and apoptosis are studied. The results indicate that queuine down regulates cell proliferation and expression of Bcl2 protein, suggesting that queuine promotes cell death and participates in the regulation of cell proliferation.     

Possible involvement of lumichrome in the binding of storage protein to its receptor in Sarcophaga peregrina

Previously, a receptor molecule on the surface of fat body cells of Sarcophaga peregrina larvae that is involved in the uptake of storage protein from the hemolymph was shown to be a 120-kDa protein (Ueno, K., and Natori, S. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 12107-12111). This paper reports evidence that lumichrome (7,8-dimethylalloxazine) may be present in the binding site of the receptor and mediate the binding of storage protein and receptor. A stoichiometric amount of lumichrome was shown to bind to the storage protein under conditions in which the latter bound to its receptor.     

Effects of inactivation of oxytocin receptor and inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis on uterine oxytocin receptor and gap junction formation and labor in the rat.

Normal term labor is associated with a surge in myometrial oxytocin receptor formation and gap junction development. We have previously shown that inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by naproxen sodium, 2.0 mg/day, suppressed oxytocin receptor formation but not gap junction formation and prolonged gestation. In this study, we investigated the effects of a specific oxytocin antagonist on oxytocin receptor formation, gap junction formation, and labor in the rat. [Pen1,Phe(Me)2,Thr4,Orn8]oxytocin, a specific oxytocin antagonist, was infused subcutaneously during the last 3 days of pregnancy at 300 micrograms/day. Measurements of myometrial oxytocin receptor concentrations and gap junction formation on days 21 and 22 and days 22-23 (in labor) pregnant uteri showed no significant differences in the Bmax and Kd values between the control and the treated group. Gestation period was not prolonged by the oxytocin antagonist. However, in a separate group of day 23 pregnant rats, the uterine contractile response to 60 mU of oxytocin i.v. was found completely blocked by 10 micrograms of the oxytocin antagonist. These findings suggest that although functional oxytocin receptors did not appear to be essential for the initiation of labor, oxytocin antagonists may still be effective in the prevention of premature contractions. We also examined the effects of a higher dose of naproxen sodium, 5.0 mg/day, on gap junction formation. At this dose, naproxen sodium suppressed both oxytocin receptor and gap junction formation, prolonged gestation, and delayed parturition by 24 h or longer. Prostaglandin appears to be an important regulator or mediator of oxytocin receptor and gap junction formation and plays a critical role in the initiation of labor.     

Soybean-derived phytoestrogens regulate prostaglandin secretion in endometrium during cattle estrous cycle and early pregnancy

Phytoestrogens acting as endocrine disruptors may induce various pathologies in the female reproductive tract. The purpose of this study was to determine whether phytoestrogens present in the soybean and/or their metabolites are detectable in the plasma of cows fed a diet rich in soy and whether these phytoestrogens influence reproductive efficiency and prostaglandin (PG) synthesis during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in the bovine endometrium. In in vivo Experiment 1, we found significant levels of daidzein and genistein in the fodder and their metabolites (equol and p-ethyl-phenol) in bovine serum and urine. The mean number of artificial inseminations (AIs) and pregnancy rates in two kinds of herds, control and experimental (cows fed with soybean 2.5 kg/day), were almost double in the soy-diet herd in comparison with the control animals. In in vivo Experiment 2, three out of five heifers fed soybean (2.5 kg/day) became pregnant whereas four out of five heifers in the control group became pregnant. The concentrations of a metabolite of PGF2alpha (PGFM) were significantly higher in the blood plasma of heifers fed a diet rich in soybean than those in the control heifers throughout the first 21 days after ovulation and AI. The higher levels of PGFM were positively correlated with equol and p-ethyl phenol concentrations in the blood. In in vitro experiments, the influence of isoflavones on PG secretion in different stages of the estrous cycle was studied. Although all phytoestrogens augmented the output of both PGs throughout the estrous cycle, equol and p-ethyl-phenol preferentially stimulated PGF2alpha output. The results obtained lead to the conclusion that soy-derived phytoestrogens and their metabolites disrupt reproductive efficiency and uterus function by modulating the ratio of PGF2alpha to PGE2, which leads to high, nonphysiological production of luteolytic PGF2alpha in cattle during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.     

Possible involvement of ceramide in the regulation of rat Leydig cell function

In the present study, a possible role of a ceramide-dependent pathway in the regulation of Leydig cell function was investigated. Intracellular ceramide levels were increased by: (a) adding ceramide analogs; (b) inhibiting ceramidase activity; and (c) adding sphingomyelinase (SMase). The cell-permeable ceramide analogs N-acetyl-, N-hexanoyl- and N-octanoylsphingosine (C2, C6 and C8) were used. As inhibitor of ceramidase activity 1S,2R-D-erythro-2-(N-myristoylamino)-1-phenyl-1-propanol (MAPP) was used. Sphingomyelinase from S. aureus origin was utilized. Leydig cells were cultured for 3 or 24 h with or without the different drugs (10 microM) and SMase (0.3 U/ml) in the presence or absence of hCG (10 ng/ml). Basal testosterone production was not modified under any of the experimental conditions. A decrease in hCG-stimulated testosterone production was observed at 3 and 24 h in all cases. The inactive analog (N-hexanoyl dihydrosphingosine) did not produce inhibition in hCG-stimulated testosterone production. TNFalpha and IL1beta, two possible inducers of sphingomyelin hydrolysis, produced similar effects on hCG-stimulated testosterone production. In experiments performed in the presence of C6, inhibition in hCG-stimulated cAMP production was observed. The inhibitory effect of ceramide was also observed in dbcAMP-stimulated cultures indicating that this pathway inhibits post-cAMP formation events. To study possible loci for the action of ceramide on the steroidogenic pathway, cells were incubated with C6 and MAPP in the presence of different testosterone precursors. The drugs inhibited testosterone produced from 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol (22R-OHChol), pregnenolone and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP4) but not from androstenedione (Delta4). These results suggest that a ceramide-dependent pathway regulates hCG-stimulated Leydig cell steroidogenesis at the level of cAMP production and at post-cAMP events.     

Possible involvement of the cytoskeleton in the regulation of barley caryopsis dormancy and germination

This study was conducted on barley cv. Ars. caryopses collected at full ripeness and divided into two batches. From one batch (dormant caryopses) polysomes were isolated from embryos immediately after harvesting and after two days of germination. From the other batch (non-dormant caryopses) the same was done after eight months storage in a dry state. A low ionic strength cytoskeleton-stabilizing buffer was used for the isolation of polysomes. Four different fractions of polysomes were examined: free polysomes (FP), membrane-bound polysomes (MBP), cytoskeleton-bound polysomes (CBP) and cytoskeleton-membrane-bound polysomes (CMBP). In germs grown from non-dormant caryopses, the first two fractions (FP + MBP) made up about 78 % of the total ribosomal material, whereas in embryos of dormant, imbibed caryopses, two last fractions (CBP + CMBP) made up about 71 %. The percentage of polysomes after 48 hours of imbibition of dormant caryopses in the FP, MBP and CBP was only about 13 % (i.e., 87 % monosomes), whereas a greater proportion (19.4 %) was found in the CMBP. The highest incorporation of ³H-uridine and ¹⁴C-amino acids (after 48 hours of germination and 0.5, 3 and 6 hrs incubation with precursors) took place in trhc CMBP both in dormant and non-dormant caryopses The major amount of the two polysome fractions associated with the cytoskeleton (CBP and CMBP) and the higher activity of CMBP in protein synthesis in embryos of dormant, imbibed triticale caryopses may indicate a significant role for polysomes associated with the cytoskeleton in the control of protein synthesis in dormant and germinating caryopses.     

Possible involvement of calmodulin in the regulation of ATPase activity in guard cells

Calcium ions play an important role in the regulation of stomatal movement and the mechanism underlying this action is yet to be determined. It is suggested that guard cell plasma membrane ATPase is a target for calcium action and that this effect is mediated by calmodulin. In this study, the effects of calcium and two calmodulin antagonists on ATPase activity in a crude homogenate of Commelina communis L. guard cell protoplasts were examined. The homogenate contained Mg²⁺-dependent, K⁺-simulated ATPase activity, which was inhibited by CaCl² while stimulated by the calmodulin antagonists, compound 48/80 and chlorpromazine. The calmodulin antagonists partially reversed the inhibitory effect of calcium ions. The results support the possibility of calmodulin involvement in the regulation of guard cell ATPase activity by calcium ions.     

Effects of oestradiol, progesterone, hydrocortisone and oxytocin on prostaglandin output from the guinea-pig endometrium maintained in tissue culture

The effects of oestradiol, oxytocin, progesterone and hydrocortisone in vitro on prostaglandin (PG) output from guinea-pig endometrium, removed on days 7 and 15 of the oestrous cycle and maintained in tissue culture for 3 days, have been investigated. Oestradiol (3.7 to 3700 nM) and oxytocin (2 to 200 pM) did not stimulate endometrial PGF2 alpha output, thus not confirming the findings of a previous report (Leaver & Seawright, 1982), nor did they stimulate the outputs of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. In fact, oestradiol (3700 nM) inhibited the outputs of PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and, to a lesser extent, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. Progesterone (3.2 to 3200 nM) inhibited the outputs of PGF2 alpha and PGE2; hydrocortisone (2.8 to 2800 nM) had no effect on endometrial PG output. These findings indicate that the inhibitory effect of progesterone on endometrial PG synthesis and release in the guinea-pig is not due to progesterone having a glucocorticoid-like action. Furthermore, progesterone had no effect on 6-keto-PGF1 alpha output, suggesting that the mechanisms controlling endometrial PGI2 synthesis (as reflected by measuring 6-keto-PGF1 alpha) are different from those controlling endometrial PGF2 alpha and PGE2 synthesis.     

Effects of oestradiol, progesterone, hydrocortisone and oxytocin on prostaglandin output from the guinea-pig endometrium maintained in tissue culture

The effects of oestradiol, oxytocin, progesterone and hydrocortisone on prostaglandin (PG) output from guinea-pig endomerium, removed on days 7 and 15 of the oestrous cycle and maintained in tissue culture for 3 days, have been investigated. Oetradiol (3.7 to 3700nM) and oxytocin ( 2 to 200pM) did not stimulate endometrial PGF_2α output, thus not confirming the findings of a previous report (Leaver & Seawright, 1928), nor did they stimulate the outputs of PGE₂ and 6-keto-PGF_1α. In fact, oestradiol (3700nM) inhibited the outputs of PGF_2α, PGE₂ and, to a lesser extent, 6-keto-PGF_1α. Progesterone (3.2 to 3200nM) inhibited the outputsof PGF_2α and PGE₂; hydrocortisone (2.8 to 2800nM) had no effect on endometrial PG output. These findings indicate that the inhibitory effect of progesterone on endometrial PG synthesis and release in the guinea-pig is not due to progesterone having a glucocorticoid-like action. Furthermore, progesterone had no effect on 6-keto-PGF_1α output, suggesting that the mechanisms controlling endometrial PGI₂ synthesis (as reflected by measuring 6-keto-PGF_1α) are different from those controlling endometrial PGF_2α and PGE₂ synthesis.     

CD38 and its role in oxytocin secretion and social behavior

Here, we review the functional roles of cyclic ADP-ribose and CD38, a transmembrane protein with ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity, in mouse social behavior via the regulation of oxytocin (OXT) release, an essential component of social cognition. Herein we describe data detailing the molecular mechanism of CD38-dependent OXT secretion in CD38 knockout mice. We also review studies that used OXT, OXT receptor (OXTR), or CD38 knockout mice. Additionally, we compare the behavioral impairments that occur in these knockout mice in relation to the OXT system and CD38. This review also examines autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by social and communication impairments, in relation to defects in the OXT system. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human CD38 gene are possible risk factors for ASD via inhibition of OXT function. Further analysis of CD38 in relation to the OXT system may provide a better understanding of the neuroendocrinological roles of OXT and CD38 in the hypothalamus and of the pathophysiology of ASD. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior.     

Possible involvement of DNA breaks in epigenetic regulation of cell differentiation

The review summarizes the authors’ and literature data on accumulation of DNA breaks in differentiating cells. Large 50-kb free DNA fragments were observed by several research teams in non-apoptotic insect, mammal, and plant cells. More intense DNA breakage was observed during maturation of spermatides, embryo development, and differentiation of myotubes, epidermal cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. In general, accumulation of DNA breaks in differentiating cells cannot be attributed to a decrease in the DNA repair efficiency. Poly(ADP)ribose synthesis often follows the DNA breakage in differentiating cells. We hypothesize that DNA fragmentation is an epigenetic tool for regulating the differentiation process. Scarce data on localization of the differentiation-associated DNA breaks indicate their preferable accumulation in specific DNA sequences including the nuclear matrix attachment sites. The same sites are degraded at early stages of apoptosis. Recent data on non-apoptotic function of caspases provide more evidence for possible existence of a DNA breakage mechanism in differentiating cells, resembling the initial stage of apoptosis. Excision of methylated cytosine and recombination are other possible explanations of the phenomenon. Elucidation of mechanisms of differentiation-induced DNA breaks appears to be a prospective research direction.     

Possible involvement of DNA breaks in epigenetic regulation of cell differentiation

The review summarizes the authors' and literature data on accumulation of DNA breaks in differentiating cells. Large 50-kb free DNA fragments were observed by several research teams in non-apoptotic insect, mammal, and plant cells. More intense DNA breakage was observed during maturation of spermatides, embryo development, and differentiation of myotubes, epidermal cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. In general, accumulation of DNA breaks in differentiating cells cannot be attributed to a decrease in the DNA repair efficiency. Poly(ADP)ribose synthesis often follows the DNA breakage in differentiating cells. We hypothesize that DNA fragmentation is an epigenetic tool for regulating the differentiation process. Scarce data on localization of the differentiation-associated DNA breaks indicate their preferable accumulation in specific DNA sequences including the nuclear matrix attachment sites. he same sites are degraded at early stages of apoptosis. Recent data on non-apoptotic function of caspases provide more evidence for possible existence of a DNA breakage mechanism in differentiating cells, resembling the initial stage of apoptosis. Excision of methylated cytosine and recombination are other possible explanations of the phenomenon. Elucidation of mechanisms of differentiation-induced DNA breaks appears to be a prospective research direction.     

Luteinising hormone receptor kinetic and LH-induced prostaglandin production throughout the oestrous cycle in porcine endometrium

The present studies were performed to determine the LH/hCG receptor concentration and to evaluate the LH effect on prostaglandin production in porcine endometrium throughout the oestrous cycle. LH/hCG receptors in cell membrane preparations of the endometrium were found from days 12-14 and 15-16 of the oestrous cycle but not in preparations from days 6-7 and 18-20 using the ligand radioreceptor assay. Western blot analysis revealed, however, that the endometrium from all stages of the oestrous cycle contains a 75-kDa immunoreactive LH receptor protein similar to corpora lutea. The incubation of endometrial explants with LH (0, 1, 10 and 100 ng x mL(-1)) resulted in an increase of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2alpha accumulation in a dose-dependent manner on days 5, 10, 14 and 16 of the oestrous cycle. The most effective dose was 10 ng LH x mL(-1) on days 5-16, but the strongest effect was found on days 14 and 16 (7.40 +/- 0.14 versus 12.75 +/- 1.40 and 5.67 +/- 0.35 versus 9.4 +/- 1.25 ng x 100 mg(-1) tissue/6 h, respectively; P < 0.01). It was also observed that 10 and 100 ng x mL(-1) of LH significantly increased cyclo-oxygenase expression to 135.2 and 123.5% respectively, above the control value (P < 0.01) on day 16 of the oestrous cycle. Our data suggest that LH receptors are of physiological significance in the porcine endometrium, since LH induces cyclooxygenase synthesis and increases prostaglandin production.