Open AccessGlucocorticoid effect on the level of corticotropin messenger RNA activity in rat pituitary.
Author(s) -
Shigetada Nakanishi,
Toru Kita,
Shunzo Taii,
Hiroo Imura,
Shosaku Numa
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.74.8.3283
Subject(s) - medicine , endocrinology , messenger rna , glucocorticoid , corticosterone , dexamethasone , adrenalectomy , aldosterone , second messenger system , rna , protein biosynthesis , adrenocorticotropic hormone , biology , chemistry , hormone , gene , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , receptor
In an attempt to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the depressive effect of glucocorticoids on corticotropin production, the level of corticotropin messenger RNA activity in rat pituitaries was measured with the use of the cell-free protein-synthesizing system derived from wheat germ. The large translation product of corticotropin messenger RNA was identified and quantitated by indirect immunoprecipitation with antibody against corticotropin. The level of corticotropin messenger RNA activity was increased 3- to 6-fold by adrenalectomy. Dexamethasone administration to adrenalectomized rats resulted in a marked suppression of corticotropin messenger RNA activity. Cortisol and corticosterone also exhibited a suppressive effect but were less effective than dexamethasone. In contrast, nonglucocorticoids such as progesterone and aldosterone had no suppressive effect. These results indicate that at least part of the glucocorticoid effect on corticotropin production in the pituitary is exerted at the pretranslational level.