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C Rivier

Publications and source records attributed to C Rivier.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Thyrotropin-releasing factor-induced adrenocorticotropin secretion is mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor.

TSH-releasing factor (TRF), administered into the lateral cerebroventricle of adult male rats, elevated plasma concentrations of ACTH, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. TRF given iv was devoid of these activities. The CRF receptor antagonist, alpha-helical CRF9-41 (CRF9-41) given iv suppressed the TRF-induced increase in ACTH, but did not alter TRF-induced changes in plasma catecholamines. Intravenous administration of CRF antiserum totally blocked TRF-induced elevation of plasma ACTH concentrations. CRF receptor antagonists administered icv attenuated CRF-induced, but not TRF-induced elevation of plasma concentrations of ACTH, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. It is concluded from these results that TRF acts within the central nervous system to stimulate ACTH release through a CRF-dependent mechanism.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1989

In the mouse, the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by a lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) is mediated through interleukin-1.

The mechanisms through which endotoxin stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are not well understood. In the studies reported here we tested the hypothesis that endotoxin increases plasma ACTH levels by releasing interleukin-1 (Il-1). Two experimental tools reported to interfere with the biological activity of IL-1 were used: antibodies directed against IL-1 receptors and alpha MSH. In a first series of experiments, adult male mice were injected with a lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 25 micrograms), antibodies against IL-1 receptor, alpha MSH (1-30 micrograms), or LPS and either IL-1 antibodies or alpha MSH. All treatments were administered ip. The endotoxin LPS caused a marked increase in plasma ACTH levels, measured 6 h later. Both alpha MSH and the Il-1 receptor antibodies, while having no effect by themselves, significantly (P less than or equal to 0.01) blocked LPS-induced ACTH release. In a second series of experiments, mice were injected ip with 500 ng recombinant human (rh) Il-1 alpha or 100 ng rhIl-1 beta in the presence or absence of alpha MSH (1-30 micrograms, ip). While not altering ACTH secretion induced by rhIl-1 alpha, 10-30 micrograms alpha MSH significantly (P less than or equal to 0.01) interfered with the effect of rhIl-1 beta. These results suggest 1) that endotoxin activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through a mechanism involving the activation of interleukin-1 receptors; and 2) that the effect of rhIl-1 beta, but not -alpha, on ACTH secretion by the mouse can be partially blocked by alpha MSH.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1989

In the rat, interleukin-1 alpha and -beta stimulate adrenocorticotropin and catecholamine release.

Recombinant interleukin-1 alpha and -beta (Il-1 alpha and -beta) have been evaluated for their abilities to stimulate ACTH and catecholamine secretion in the intact adult male rat. Additionally, the role of adrenergic-dependent pathways in mediating Il-1-induced ACTH release has been assessed. The iv or intracerebroventricular injection of either Il-1 alpha or Il-1 beta caused dose-related increases in plasma ACTH, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels. While at low iv doses (less than or equal to 10 ng), Il-1 beta was more effective than Il-1 alpha at releasing ACTH, no measurable differences were noted at higher doses. In contrast, Il-1 beta was significantly more active at all doses in elevating plasma ACTH levels after intracerebroventricular injection. Similarly, Il-1 alpha was more effective than Il-1 beta at stimulating epinephrine, but not norepinephrine, secretion after icv injection. Because of the ability of catecholamines to alter ACTH secretion, we then examined the role of adrenergic-dependent pathways as possible mediators of Il-1-induced ACTH secretion. Blockade of adrenergic receptors by the concomitant administration of prazosin and propanolol prevented the simultaneous actions of phenylephrine and isoproterenol on the corticotrophs, but did not significantly alter the effect of peripherally administered Il-1 alpha on ACTH release. These results suggest that both Il-1 alpha and Il-1 beta stimulate ACTH and catecholamine secretion in the rat. Despite the ability of the lymphokine to elevate plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine values, circulating catecholamines do not appear to represent essential modulators of ACTH release induced by acutely injected Il-1.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed1988

Design of potent cyclic gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists.

In order to improve the biological potency of cyclic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists, we have synthesized analogues, the conformations of which were restrained through internal side chain/side chain amide bridges linking aspartic acid or glutamic acid and L-2,3-diaminopropionic acid or L-ornithine. A disulfide bridge linking L-cysteine residues was also introduced. Residues belonging to the bridge spanned from position 4 to positions 9 or 10. Two series of analogues were synthesized and are characterized by residues at positions 1 [Ac-D-3-(2'-naphthyl)alanine], 2 [D-(4-chlorophenyl)alanine or D-(4-fluorophenyl)alanine], 3 [D-3-(3'-pyridyl)alanine or D-tryptophan], 5 (arginine or tyrosine), and 6 [D-3-(3'-pyridyl)alanine or D-arginine], respectively. These substitutions were selected in an effort to optimize high biopotency for inhibition of luteinizing hormone secretion, minimization of histamine release activity, and high (relative) hydrophilicity. The most potent analogues in the antiovulatory assay were cyclo(4-10) [Ac-DNal1,DCpa2,DPal3,(Asp4 or Glu4),Arg5,DPal]6,Dpr10]GnRH (compounds 5 and 7), which were fully active at ca. 12.5 micrograms/rat in the first series, and cyclo(4-10)[Ac-DNal1,DFpa2,DTrp3,Asp4,DArg6++ +,Dpr10]GnRH (compound 12), which was fully active at 2.5 micrograms/rat in the second.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Gonadal and extragonadal expression of inhibin alpha, beta A, and beta B subunits in various tissues predicts diverse functions.

The S1-nuclease analysis was used to investigate the pattern of inhibin expression in the rat. In a first series of experiments, expression of the alpha, beta A, and beta B subunits of inhibin were monitored in various tissues from male and female rats. Two observations emerge from these studies. First, expression of inhibin subunits was found in gonadal and extragonadal tissues. In addition to the ovary and testis, inhibin alpha, beta A, and beta B RNAs were detected in the placenta, pituitary, adrenal, bone marrow, kidney, spinal cord, and brain. Detection of inhibin RNAs in the brain and spinal cord suggested that these subunits may exert neuroregulatory functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Furthermore, the presence of inhibin alpha and beta subunits in the placenta and the pituitary gland, two cell types that have clearly been shown to be regulated by exogenous inhibin, may reflect existing paracrine and/or autocrine processes active in these tissues. The second observation is that expression of inhibin subunit RNAs may vary by severalfold in a tissue-specific fashion. for example, alpha-subunit RNA levels are abundant in the gonads, whereas beta A-subunit RNA is predominant in the placenta and bone marrow. Finally, it is noted that expression of testicular inhibin RNA subunits decreases during sexual maturation. We conclude that the dimers comprised of inhibin subunits possess diverse functions and may act as growth/differentiation factors as well as a hormone.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Interaction between ethanol and stress on ACTH and beta-endorphin secretion.

The intraperitoneal infusion of ethanol (EtoH) (1 g/hr/kg body weight for 3 hr) to intact rats blunted the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and beta-endorphin induced by a subsequent 10-min exposure to mild, inescapable electroshocks (1.5 mA; 2 sec; four shocks/min) or by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Conversely, administration of the shocks for 3 hr diminished the pituitary response to an acute i.p. injection of EtoH. While we have previously shown (Rivier C, Vale W: Endocrinology 121:1320-1328, 1987) that prolonged stress induces a loss of pituitary responsiveness due to the depletion of pituitary ACTH stores, the infusion of EtoH did not cause statistically significant changes in pituitary ACTH content. In adrenalectomized rats, the infusion of EtoH caused an elevation of ACTH plasma levels that was significantly (p less than or equal to 0.01) larger than intact animals. These rats also showed a blunted pituitary response to the acute injection of CRF, possibly because they were already secreting ACTH at a maximal rate. These results support the hypothesis that CRF, stress, and alcohol do not potentiate each other on pituitary ACTH and beta-endorphin secretion.

Adrenalectomy↗
PubMed1988

Potent long-acting growth hormone releasing factor analogues.

Amidated fragments 1 to 29 of human growth hormone releasing factor, (GRF1-29NH2), were designed to encompass modifications that could prevent degradation by exopeptidases. The NH2-terminus was blocked by either N-methylation of Tyr1 or by introduction of NMeDAla2 while the COOH-terminus was blocked by an N-ethylamide. Other substitutions such as Nle in position 27 for methionine conferred stability toward air oxidation while Asn28, an amino acid substitution found in rat GRF, seemed to confer stronger binding affinity to the GRF receptor. Potency in vitro and duration of action in vivo of [NMeTyr1,Nle27,Asn28]hGRF1-29NHEt (4SG-29) were compared to those of hGRF1-40OH. 4SG-29 was found to be both ten times more potent than hGRF1-40)OH and exhibit significantly extended duration of action.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Age-dependent changes in physiological action, content, and immunostaining of inhibin in male rats.

We examined the role of endogenous inhibin in modulating FSH secretion in male rats during the infantile (days 10 to 21), juvenile (days 22 to 35), and pubertal (days 36 to 90) periods by 1) neutralization of endogenous inhibin using specific antibodies, 2) measurement of plasma and testicular levels of immunoreactive inhibin, and 3) immunohistochemical detection of testicular inhibin. In all studies, we used an antiserum against the first 26 N-terminal amino acids of the alpha-chain of porcine inhibin (anti-alpha-inhibin). Plasma immunoreactive inhibin levels were highest in young rats (8-15 days old), then decreased steadily with age. In addition, iv injection of the inhibin-alpha antiserum caused significant (P less than or equal to 0.01 or P less than or equal to 0.05) elevations in plasma FSH levels in male rats aged 10-24 days, whereas no significant (P greater than 0.05) changes occurred in older animals. In the testes, immunoreactive inhibin levels, expressed as femtomoles per mg wet weight, also declined with age. Inhibin immunostaining was most prominent in the Sertoli cells, with the greatest staining in the testes of 8 to 15-day-old rats. These results suggest that endogenous inhibin plays a physiological role in suppressing FSH secretion in infantile male rats, at an age when Sertoli cells contain the largest amount of this protein.

Aging↗
PubMed1988

Rapid changes in the expression of inhibin alpha-, beta A-, and beta B-subunits in ovarian cell types during the rat estrous cycle.

Distributions of inhibin alpha-, beta A-, and beta B-subunits in different ovarian compartments were studied in cycling female rats by in situ hybridization with complementary RNA probes and using immunohistochemical localization with antibodies selective for each inhibin subunit. Consistent with earlier studies showing inhibin production by granulosa cells of maturing follicles, we also detected mRNAs for inhibin alpha-, beta A-, and beta B-subunits in granulosa cells of these follicles. However, based on immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we found that inhibin alpha- is not only expressed in granulosa cells of mature follicles but in follicles at all stages of maturation, including primary to tertiary follicles. A number of primordial follicles also contained alpha mRNA and immunodetectable alpha-subunit. Interestingly, theca interna and interstitial gland cells contained inhibin alpha mRNA and alpha-subunit. Low levels of inhibin alpha immunoreactivity as well as specific hybridization to the complementary inhibin alpha mRNA probe were observed in newly formed luteal tissue. beta-Subunits, on the other hand, were detected exclusively in granulosa cells of healthy tertiary follicles. The changes in expression of inhibin alpha-, beta A-, and beta B-subunits were more pronounced during the follicular phase of the cycle: inhibin alpha reached its highest level in granulosa cells, theca interna, and interstitial gland cells a few hours after the LH/FSH surge, while at the same time the beta-subunits decreased dramatically in granulosa cells of mature follicles. Immediately before ovulation (estrus 0200 h), the alpha-subunit sharply declined in preovulatory follicles and was present mainly in granulosa cells from nonovulatory follicles at various stages of maturation. At that time, the beta A- and beta B-subunits could not be detected in preovulatory follicles but were localized mainly in small tertiary follicles (less than 300 microns). Unlike for the alpha- and beta B-subunits, beta A mRNA and immunoreactivity was present in large tertiary follicles (approximately 600 microns) immediately before ovulation. The present findings support the hypothesis that a decrease in inhibin production could be responsible for the secondary FSH surge observed early on estrus. This could be initiated by a change in the ratios of activin-inhibin production by decreasing first, the levels of beta-subunits, second, the levels of alpha-subunit, and third, by a resurgence of activin A produced mainly by granulosa cells from large tertiary follicles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Interleukin-1 stimulates the secretion of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor.

There is now evidence that the immune system, during times of infectious challenge, can stimulate the secretion of glucocorticoids, the adrenal steroids that mediate important aspects of the response to stress. Specifically, secretion of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a monocyte lymphokine secreted after infection, appears at least in part responsible for this effect. Glucocorticoids are secreted in response to a neuroendocrine cascade involving, first, the brain, then the pituitary, and finally the adrenal gland. In this report, human IL-1 is shown to activate the adrenocortical axis at the level of the brain, stimulating the release of the controlling hormone corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) from the hypothalamus. Infusion of IL-1 induced a significant secretion of CRF into the circulation exiting the hypothalamus, whereas immunoneutralization of CRF blocked the stimulatory effect of IL-1 on glucocorticoid secretion. IL-1 appeared to have no acute direct stimulatory effects on the pituitary or adrenal components of this system. Furthermore, IL-1 did not cause a nonspecific release of other hypothalamic hormones. Thus, the lymphokine acts in a specific manner to activate the adrenocortical axis at the level of the brain; this effect appears to be unrelated to the known pyrogenic effects of IL-1 within the hypothalamus.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1987

Cocaine stimulates adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion through a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-mediated mechanism.

Cocaine was injected intravenously to non-anesthetized, freely moving adult male rats and caused dose-dependent elevations in plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) levels. The observation that this stimulatory effect was completely abolished by pretreatment with a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) antiserum, coupled with the lack of effect of cocaine on ACTH secretion by cultured pituitary cells, suggests that cocaine acts within the brain to release endogenous CRF.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1987

Beta-endorphin and dynorphin participate in the stress-induced release of prolactin in the rat.

In the rat, exposure to stress increases prolactin (Prl) secretion, and endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) are believed to play a role in this response. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the specific involvement of the different EOP (i.e. beta-endorphin [beta-END], dynorphin A [DYN-A], methionine-enkephalin [Met-ENK], and/or opiate receptors (i.e., mu/epsilon, kappa, delta) in the stress-related increase in circulating Prl. Rats were subjected to inescapable intermittent footshock (60 Hz, 2.5 mA, 1 s duration, 2 h) 2 h after the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of specific antisera raised against beta-END, DYN-A or Met-ENK. In addition, selective opiate antagonists (beta h-END-[6-31], a peptide beta-END antagonist [5 nmol, i.c.v.], beta-funaltrexamine [beta-FNA], an mu 1 receptor antagonist [4.8 nmol, i.c.v.], Mr 1,452 MS and Mr 2,266 BS, two kappa-receptor antagonists [10 mg/kg body weight, i.p.], ICI 154, 129, a delta-receptor antagonist [100 nmol, i.c.v.]) were administered prior to footshock stress. Blood samples were collected through an indwelling jugular cannula. Exposure to footshock rapidly and significantly increased plasma Prl levels. This stress-induced release of Prl was reduced by both antisera against beta-END or DYN-A, as well as by pretreatment with beta h-END-(6-31), beta-FNA and kappa-receptor antagonists. Antiserum against Met-ENK and delta-antagonist were inactive. These results suggest that the activation of the two endogenous opioid systems, beta-END and DYN-A, centrally modulate the release of Prl induced by footshock stress.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Studies of the inhibin family of hormones: a review.

While the concept of a nonsteroidal entity of gonadal origin, which specifically regulates FSH secretion, was proposed over 50 years ago, problems linked to the assay, isolation and characterization of this protein have only recently been solved. The structure of inhibin from follicular fluid origin has been established as a heterodimer consisting of two subunits (alpha and beta) linked by disulfide bridges. The development of antisera specifically directed against the N-terminus part of the alpha-chain of inhibin has allowed the measurement of plasma levels of inhibin, as well as the evaluation of the biological effect of removal of endogenous inhibin. These studies have demonstrated age-related changes in the circulating levels of inhibin in the female rat and support the hypothesis that inhibin represents an important modulator of FSH secretion in this species.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1987

Inhibin: measurement and role in the immature female rat.

The possible physiological significance of endogenous inhibin has been evaluated in the female rat during sexual maturation. Plasma inhibin levels measured by a specific RIA were very low, but detectable at 5 days of age, then progressively increased until day 17, when they showed an abrupt rise. This rise was concurrent with a dramatic fall in plasma FSH levels. At day 30, inhibin values were not significantly (P greater than 0.05) different from those of adult females. The immunoneutralization of endogenous inhibin had no statistically significant (P greater than 0.05) effect on plasma FSH levels in 10-day-old immature female rats, but markedly (P less than 0.01) increased them at day 20 and 30. These results suggest that endogenous inhibin plays a physiological role in modulating FSH secretion from day 20 of age in the female rat.

Aging↗
PubMed1987

Diminished responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the rat during exposure to prolonged stress: a pituitary-mediated mechanism.

Intact rats exposed to low or moderate intensity electroshocks for 3-5 h showed a marked increase in plasma ACTH levels 10 min after the beginning of the stress, followed by a decline despite continuous exposure to the stimulus. We have explored the role of steroid feedback, desensitization of the pituitary response to CRF, or changes in pituitary ACTH content in mediating this phenomenon. The following results were obtained. Exposure of adrenalectomized rats to shocks showed that removal of steroid feedback did not restore the ability of the animals to maintain elevated levels of circulating ACTH during electroshocks. To determine whether prolonged stress caused changes in pituitary sensitivity to CRF, intact rats received CRF, epinephrine, vasopressin, or phorbol ester at the end of the 3-h shock session; all secretagogues caused a significantly smaller increase in the plasma ACTH levels in intact rats subjected to low or moderate intensity shocks compared to that of control animals, which suggested that there was no specific desensitization to CRF. By contrast, pituitary responsiveness to CRF was not significantly altered in adrenalectomized rats submitted to low intensity shocks for 1-3 h; however, when moderate intensity shocks were used, adrenalectomized rats showed a blunting of the response to CRF comparable to that in intact animals. Finally, we observed a comparable decrease in the pituitary ACTH content of intact or adrenalectomized rats exposed to electroshocks; this decrease was proportional to the length and intensity of the shocks. We conclude that the inability of continuously stressed rats to maintain elevated plasma ACTH levels appears to be mediated through both the temporary decrease in a readily releasable pituitary ACTH pool and the negative feedback exerted by corticosterone.

Adrenalectomy↗
PubMed1986

Inhibin-mediated feedback control of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion in the female rat.

The secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the anterior pituitary gland is regulated by the interaction of hypothalamic and gonadal hormones. Recently, proteins termed inhibins that selectively suppress FSH secretion have been purified and characterized from the gonadal fluids of several species. Antibodies to a synthetic peptide encompassing the amino terminal 25 residues of the recently characterized porcine inhibin were used to develop a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for inhibin and to neutralize endogenous inhibin during the estrous cycle of the rat. The administration of 20 international units of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) stimulated the secretion of inhibin in intact immature female rats, whereas ovariectomy caused an abrupt decrease in plasma inhibin concentrations that were not prevented by the injection of PMSG. The infusion of a polyclonal antiserum to inhibin, from 12 noon on proestrus to 1 a.m. on the morning of estrus, as well as its acute intravenous injection during diestrus I or II, caused an increase in plasma FSH (but not luteinizing hormone) concentrations. These results support the hypothesis of a feedback loop between the release of ovarian inhibin and FSH in the female rat.

Animals↗