ABSTRACT

The hormonal regulation of GH binding and the effects of GH on glucose metabolism were studied in hypophysectomized rats. Male rats (130–140 g) were hypophysectomized and on the day after the operation treatment with one or a combination of two hormones was started and continued for 7 days. The different hormonal treatments were (1) cortisone acetate, (2) insulin, (3) insulin plus cortisone acetate, (4) thyroxine, (5) thyroxine plus cortisone acetate and (6) GH. Glucose metabolism was studied by determining the production of CO₂ from [¹⁴C]glucose in epididymal fat pads and adipocytes and the incorporation of [¹⁴C]glucose into lipids in adipocytes. Binding of GH was measured in cell aliquots using ¹²⁵I-labelled human GH.

In hypophysectomized control animals, GH binding was decreased to approximately 25% of the binding observed in adipocytes of normal rats. Insulin treatment increased GH binding by approximately 100% and the response to GH was markedly increased. Similar effects were achieved by thyroxine treatment. Basal levels of glucose oxidation were markedly decreased after hypophysectomy but were increased towards normal by insulin or thyroxine treatment. Neither cortisone nor GH treatment had any effect on GH binding or glucose metabolism.

The results show that insulin and thyroxine may be important for the GH receptor and the insulin-like effect of GH in adipocytes.

J. Endocr. (1985) 105, 331–337

ABSTRACT

The effects of hypophysectomy and hormonal replacement therapy on insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA in rat adipose tissue and adipocytes were studied. The effects of GH and IGF-I in vitro on IGF-I mRNA and IGF-I production were also studied in cultured rat adipocytes. Male rats were hypophysectomized at about 50 days of age and given replacement therapy with cortisol (400 μg/kg per day) and thyroxine (10 μg/kg per day). GH was given as a single i.v. or s.c. injection and also as a continuous s.c. infusion for 6 days. Epididymal fat pads were excised and used either for isolation of adipocytes or for determination of IGF-I mRNA in adipose tissue. A solution hybridization assay was used. The IGF-I mRNA content of adipocytes was analysed either immediately after isolation or after short-term (2–3 days) culture with or without GH or IGF-I. Hypophysectomy resulted in a marked decrease in IGF-I mRNA in both tissue and cells. Replacement therapy (in vivo) with cortisol and thyroxine alone had no effect, whereas additional treatment with GH caused a dose-dependent increase in IGF-I mRNA. IGF-I mRNA was also increased after a continuous s.c. infusion of GH. A single i.v. injection of GH (100 μg) resulted in an increase in IGF-I mRNA after approximately 2 h, with maximal levels around 6 h after the injection. In cultured adipocytes, addition of GH to the culture medium increased IGF-I mRNA in a dose-dependent manner and a marked increase was observed with a concentration of GH of 1 ng/ml. Addition of IGF-I (100 ng/ml) had no effect. The increase in IGF-I mRNA after addition of GH (100 ng/ml) was detectable after 3 h. The concentration of IGF-I in the culture medium was increased 24 h after the addition of GH. These results demonstrate that GH induces IGF-I mRNA in both adipose tissue and isolated fully differentiated adipocytes and that this increase in IGF-I mRNA results in increased IGF-I production.

Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 131, 139–145

Abstract

The effects of growth hormone (GH) and testosterone, alone or in combination, on the regulation of lipolysis in isolated adipocytes from hypophysectomized rats were investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were hypophysectomized at 50 days of age. One week after operation, hormonal replacement therapy with l-thyroxine and hydrocortisone acetate was given to hypophysectomized rats. Groups of rats were treated with GH (1·33 mg/kg, daily), testosterone (10 mg/kg, once) alone or in combination. After one week of hormonal treatment, adipocytes were isolated from the pooled epididymal and perirenal fat pads and glycerol release after isoproterenol stimulation and ¹²⁵I-cyanopindolol binding was measured. Hypophysectomy caused a marked decrease in basal and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis. There was no effect of testosterone treatment alone on lipolysis, but GH treatment resulted in an increase in isoproterenol-induced lipolysis but not to the levels observed in cells from control rats. Testosterone and GH in combination restored the lipolytic response to isoproterenol. Also ¹²⁵I-cyanopindolol binding was decreased after hypophysectomy. Testosterone treatment alone and GH treatment alone increased the binding, while in combination the treatment had an additive effect. Affinity was not changed, but the effects seemed to be on receptor number, as determined by Scatchard analysis.

Forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in adipocytes was markedly reduced after hypophysectomy. Testosterone treatment alone had no effect. GH treatment alone increased forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, although the level was lower than that found in control rats. The combined treatment resulted in a further increase to levels observed in adipocytes from control rats.

These results demonstrate that GH and testosterone have additive effects in the regulation of lipolysis. Both hormones increase the β-adrenergic receptor density, partly explaining this additive effect. Moreover, GH may contribute to the lipolytic response by affecting steps distal to the receptor in the lipolytic cascade.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 147–152

ABSTRACT

The plasma GH levels of female rats during late pregnancy were determined using an automatic method for repetitive blood sampling from conscious animals. The plasma GH patterns were analysed by a pulse analysis computer program (PULSAR). The mean plasma GH levels were about twofold higher in pregnant females on days 15, 18 and 22 of gestation than in age-matched non-pregnant females. The basal plasma GH levels were also increased, while there was no change in GH pulse amplitude or frequency. The augmentation of GH release was even more pronounced on day 20 of gestation, with a fourfold increase in mean plasma GH levels compared with those in non-pregnant females. This increase reflected an increase in both basal plasma GH levels and GH pulse amplitude, but there was no increase in pulse frequency. In female rats that delivered on day 22 of gestation, the basal and mean plasma GH levels increased during parturition.

Pregnant females consistently responded to multiple i.v. infusions of 1 μg human GH-releasing factor analogue (hGRF(1–29)-NH₂) given at 45-min intervals on day 18 of gestation. Both basal and GRF analogue-stimulated plasma GH levels were undetectable after hypophysectomy of pregnant rats.

The present study demonstrates an increase in basal plasma GH levels during late pregnancy and a marked increase in both basal plasma GH levels and GH pulse amplitude on day 20 of gestation. Furthermore, hypophysectomy of pregnant rats results in undetectable GH levels, indicating that the high levels of GH during pregnancy are derived from the pituitary.

Journal of Endocrinology (1990) 124, 191–198

Abstract

Lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase are involved in the degradation and cellular uptake of lipids in peripheral tissues and the liver. These enzymes seem to be influenced by gonadal steroids in the rat as well as in man. Since gonadal steroids have been shown to influence the secretory pattern of GH and since the effect of gonadal steroids on several metabolic functions may be dependent upon their effects on GH secretion, the present study was undertaken to investigate the developmental regulation of heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activities in female and male rats, and to study the effects of gonadal steroids and different modes of GH administration to hypophysectomized rats on these enzyme activities. Female and male Sprague–Dawley rats from 20 to 65 days of age were studied. Hypophysectomy was performed at 50 days of age and these rats were given replacement therapy with thyroxine and cortisone. Groups of hypophysectomized rats were treated with either oestradiol valerate (0·1 mg/kg per day) or testosterone enanthate (1 mg/kg per day). Bovine GH (1 mg/kg per day) was given to groups of hypophysectomized rats either by two daily subcutaneous injections or by continuous infusion using osmotic minipumps. Hormone treatment was given for 1 week. Lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activities were measured in heparinized plasma.

There was no difference in lipoprotein lipase activity between male and female rats at 20 to 45 days of age. Lipoprotein lipase activity decreased between 45 and 65 days of age in male rats but not in females and, at 65 days of age, lipoprotein lipase activity was higher in females compared with males. Hepatic lipase activity increased from 20 to 45 days of age in both female and male rats but at 45 and 65 days of age it was higher in female than in male rats. Hypophysectomy decreased lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activity in female rats. Neither oestradiol nor testosterone treatment had any effects in hypophysectomized rats. Treatment with bovine GH increased both lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activities irrespective of its mode of administration and these effects were not influenced by additional treatment with oestradiol or testosterone. After the last injection of GH, lipoprotein lipase activity was increased for 12 h. Hepatic lipase activity was increased at 2 and 4 h after the last GH injection but after 12 h the activity had decreased, indicating that the time-course for the effects of GH on lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase may be different.

It is concluded that GH markedly influences post-heparin lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activities. The lack of effects of gonadal steroids on these activities in hypophysectomized rats suggests that the gonadal steroids influence these lipases via their influence on GH release.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 203–209

ABSTRACT

Growth hormone has been reported to exert direct effects on rat and rabbit epiphyseal chondrocytes in vitro, indicating that GH interacts with specific receptors on these cells. To investigate this possibility, binding of GH to cultured rat epiphyseal chondrocytes was studied under various experimental conditions. Chondrocytes were isolated enzymatically from epiphyseal growth plates of the proximal tibia of 20-day-old male rats and were cultured in monolayer in Ham's F-12 medium supplemented with 10% calf serum and 1% of a serum substitute. The cells were seeded at various densities (25 000–200 000 cells/well) and cultured for 5–16 days. Twenty-four hours before binding experiments, the medium containing calf serum was changed for one containing serum obtained from hypophysectomized rats, in order to avoid binding of GH present in the calf serum. Binding was studied by incubating ¹²⁵I-labelled human GH (hGH) with the cells in the presence or absence of various concentrations of unlabelled hGH, bovine GH (bGH), rat GH (rGH) and ovine prolactin (oPRL).

Specific binding could be demonstrated in cells cultured for 5–16 days. Binding was dependent upon time and temperature, and maximal binding was obtained by incubating the labelled hormone for 4–6 h at 24 °C. An increase in binding was noted between 7 and 12 days in culture. In cells cultured for 12 days, addition of unlabelled hGH, bGH or rGH caused a dose-dependent displacement of ¹²⁵I-labelled hGH, whereas oPRL was ineffective. Scatchard analysis resulted in a linear plot, and the number of binding sites/cell was approximately 5700, with a dissociation constant of 0·46 nmol/l. The increase in binding between days 7 and 12 was independent of the density of seeded cells, but total binding was higher if the cells were seeded at a low density. By using a monoclonal antibody to the rabbit GH receptor, specific staining could be demonstrated immunohistochemically in the cultured cells. The results show the presence of GH receptors in cultured rat epiphyseal chondrocytes and also show that the culture conditions influence the expression of GH receptors.

Journal of Endocrinology (1989) 122, 69–77

Short stature is one of the most well recorded long term sequelae for adult survivors of childhood malignancies. It has become increasingly apparent that cytotoxic chemotherapy, as well as craniospinal irradiation, has a major impact on growth, but there are virtually no studies which explore the mechanisms by which these cytotoxic drugs affect growth. We have used an in vitro system to investigate the direct effects of a range of chemotherapeutic agents on the proliferative responses of rat tibial growth plate chondrocytes, both in suspension and monolayer culture. The glucocorticoids and purine anti-metabolites reduced chondrocyte proliferation both in monolayer and suspension cultures and this resulted from an increase in cell doubling times with a concomittant reduction in the numbers of S phase cells. DNA damaging agents (e.g. actinomycin-D) were also able to reduce chondrocyte proliferation, both in monolayer and suspension culture. This, however, was the result of a cell cycle arrest and subsequent cell death. In our studies, methotrexate had no significant effect on the proliferative responses of the chondrocytes either in monolayer or suspension culture. These results indicate direct effects of a range of chemotherapeutic agents on the proliferative responses of growth plate chondrocytes. Both cytostatic and cytotoxic effects were observed although the impact of either the potential loss of cells from the proliferative pool during chondrocyte differentiation, or the reduction in the rate of chondrocyte turnover on long bone growth remains to be elucidated.

ABSTRACT

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were hypophysectomized and connected to an automatic i.v. infusion system. The same daily dose of human GH (hGH) was given either as eight daily pulses (3-h intervals) to mimic the male specific secretory pattern of GH or as a continuous infusion of GH, to mimic the female secretory pattern. Hypophysectomized rats received i.v. replacement therapy with l-thyroxine and cortisol. The rats were treated for 5 days. The serum cholesterol concentration was higher when hGH was given continuously than when hGH was given as eight daily pulses. The concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was not influenced by intermittent GH treatment, but increased when hGH was given as a continuous infusion. The serum concentration of apolipoprotein (Apo) E increased following treatment with a continuous infusion of hGH, whereas eight daily pulses of hGH had no effect. The serum concentration of ApoA-I was unaffected by hGH treatment. The serum concentration of ApoB decreased to the same degree whether hGH was given as a continuous infusion or as eight daily pulses. The serum concentration of triglycerides was not affected by hGH treatment.

These results indicate that the higher serum HDL-cholesterol and serum ApoE concentrations of female rats may be due to their more continuous secretion of GH. In contrast, the effects of GH on the serum concentration of ApoB, which is not sexually differentiated, may be independent of the mode of GH secretion.

Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 128, 433–438

Changes in GH secretion are associated with changes in serum lipoproteins, utilisation of fuels and body composition. Since lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key enzyme in the regulation of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, changes in LPL activity may contribute to these effects of GH. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of GH and the GH-dependent growth factor, IGF-I, in the regulation of LPL in heart, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Female rats were hypophysectomised at 50 days of age. One week later, hormonal therapy was commenced. All hypophysectomised rats received l-thyroxine and cortisol. Adipose tissue, the heart, soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were excised after 1 week of hormonal therapy. The effect of insulin injections on adipose tissue and heart LPL activity was also studied. In separate experiments, LPL activity in post-heparin plasma was measured.Hypophysectomy had no effect on adipose tissue LPL activity, whereas activity was reduced in heart, soleus and gastrocnemius muscle tissues. GH treatment had no significant effect on LPL activity in adipose tissue or soleus muscle, but increased the LPL activity in heart and gastrocnemius muscle. GH treatment increased post-heparin plasma LPL activity. Recombinant human IGF-I treatment (1.25 mg/kg per day) markedly reduced LPL activity in adipose tissue, but had no effect in muscle tissues. The effect of IGF-I treatment on adipose tissue LPL was not reflected by a decrease in post-heparin plasma LPL activity. Daily injections of insulin for 7 days increased LPL activity in adipose tissue but had no effect on heart LPL activity. In adipose tissue, LPL mRNA levels tended to decrease as a result of IGF-I treatment. In the muscle tissues, no significant effects of hypophysectomy, GH or IGF-I treatment on LPL mRNA levels were observed.%It is concluded that GH increases heart and skeletal muscle tissue LPL activity, which probably contributes to an increased post-heparin plasma LPL activity. The effect of GH on muscle LPL activity is probably not mediated by IGF-I or insulin. Insulin and IGF-I have opposite effects on LPL activity in adipose tissue.

Abstract

GH-binding protein (GHBP) or GH receptor is present in numerous extrahepatic tissues in the rodent. From mid- to late gestation in the mouse, the maternal serum concentration of GHBP increases 30- to 50-fold. We have investigated whether the placenta might synthesize GHBP and potentially contribute to this increase. RNA was isolated from placentas and subjected to Northern analysis using a cDNA probe to the shared region of GHBP and GH receptor-encoding mRNAs. From day 8 to day 18 of gestation, the GHBP-encoding mRNA (1·4 kb) increased 45-fold in quantity. The GH receptor-encoding mRNA (4·2 kb) increased sixfold by day 14 and then remained steady until day 18. These changes which were not co-ordinated parallel reported changes in the steady-state concentrations of 1·4 and 4·2 kb mRNAs in maternal liver, suggesting shared regulatory factors. Extracts of freshly isolated trophoblasts were assayed for GHBP with a radioimmunoassay specific for GHBP with a hydrophilic carboxyl terminus. The cytosolic content of immunoreactive GHBP increased fourfold from mid- to late gestation. Trophoblasts were isolated from placentas and cultured for 2 days on collagen gels in defined medium. Cultured cells were at least 90% viable and secreted mouse placental lactogen-II (mPL-II). Immunocytochemistry was carried out simultaneously on cells cultured from day 7 to day 17 of gestation using a monoclonal antibody (MAb 4·3), which recognizes the hydrophilic C-terminus of GHBP. Cell-localized GHBP was present in trophoblasts cultured for 2 days, but GHBP was not detectable by radioimmunoassay or by immunoprecipitation in concentrated culture media from cultures treated with 100 ng mouse GH/ml or 100 ng mPL-II/ml or from untreated cultures. RNA was isolated from cells cultured in an identical manner to those analysed by immunocytochemistry. Three GH receptor/GHBP mRNA species of 8, 4·2 and 1·4 kb were observed. The quantity of 4·2 and 1·4 kb mRNAs did not change significantly in cultures from day 7 to day 15 of gestation but, in cultures from day 17 of gestation, the amount of 1·4 kb mRNA dropped significantly, while that of the 4·2 kb mRNA remained unchanged. GHBP- and GH receptor-encoding mRNAs are not co-ordinately regulated in vivo or in vitro. Although mPL-II was secreted into the medium by cultured trophoblasts, secretion of GHBP could not be detected. The culture medium may not contain the specific factors required for secretion of placental GHBP, or placental GHBP may not be destined for secretion.

The results show that GHBP (as distinct from GH receptor) is expressed by the placenta in vivo and trophoblasts in vitro. From mid-gestation onwards, GHBP mRNA increases dramatically in vivo and the cytosolic content of GHBP in freshly isolated trophoblasts increases. This suggests an important local regulatory role for placental GHBP during gestation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 125–135