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Early social isolation alters behavioral and physiological responses to an endotoxin challenge in piglets.

Psychosocial stress in the form of maternal deprivation and social isolation during early postnatal life induces persistent alterations in behavioral and physiological mechanisms of adaptation. One consequence may be an increased susceptibility to diseases in later life. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate in domestic piglets the effects of a repeated social isolation (2 h daily from day 3 to day 11 of age) on behavioral, endocrine and immune responses to an endotoxin challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 1 day or 45 days after the isolation period. Peripheral LPS administration caused serious sickness behavior (somnolence, shivering, vomiting) and provoked profound increases in circulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), ACTH and cortisol concentrations. The prior social isolation treatment enhanced signs of sickness and impaired suckling behavior. Early isolated piglets responded to LPS by an increase of shivering on day 12 and by increased vomiting on day 56 compared to controls. Further, there were considerable delays and reductions of time isolated piglets spent suckling on day 12. The repeated isolation stressor diminished TNF-alpha increases after LPS, whereas stress hormone levels were not significantly affected by isolation treatment. Finally, stronger relationships between signs of sickness and physiological measures were revealed in early isolated piglets. The duration of somnolence in isolated piglets was related to changes of cortisol and TNF-alpha concentrations, and the highest impact on duration of shivering was found for changes in cortisol and corticosteroid binding globulin levels. The present results suggest a sustained adaptive sensitization of coping with infection by social stress experience during early development in piglets.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Effect of prenatal betamethasone administration on maternal and fetal corticosteroid-binding globulin concentrations.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to examine the effects of prenatal betamethasone administration on corticosteroid-binding globulin concentrations in maternal and fetal plasma and amniotic fluid. STUDY DESIGN: Two groups of patients with preterm labor at 24 to 35 weeks' gestation who were receiving prenatal betamethasone (2 intramuscular doses of 12 mg) were studied. Maternal plasma was obtained before and at variable intervals until 1 week after betamethasone administration. Umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid samples were collected at the time of delivery. Samples were also collected from patients at risk for preterm delivery who did not receive glucocorticoids. RESULTS: Betamethasone suppressed maternal cortisol concentration by >70% within 24 hours of injection but did not significantly alter corticosteroid-binding capacity or relative concentrations of corticosteroid-binding globulin isoforms in either maternal or umbilical cord plasma. Betamethasone reduced corticosteroid-binding capacity in amniotic fluid within 24 hours of injection, and values remained suppressed 1 week after treatment. CONCLUSION: Maternal and fetal plasma corticosteroid-binding globulin concentrations were unchanged after maternal betamethasone administration at 24 to 32 weeks' gestation but amniotic fluid corticosteroid-binding globulin concentrations decreased significantly, suggesting different sites of either corticosteroid-binding globulin production or regulation or both.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Interaction between corticosteroid binding globulin and activated leukocytes in vitro.

The interaction between human corticosteroid binding globulin and activated leukocytes is restricted to the granulocyte population, and is characterized by specific proteolytic cleavage of corticosteroid binding globulin which markedly reduces its steroid binding activity. A direct interaction between corticosteroid binding globulin and the activated cells appears to enhance this event, and does not involve cellular internalization of corticosteroid binding globulin or its proteolytic degradation products, which resemble those obtained after incubation of corticosteroid binding globulin with neutrophil elastase. These data suggest that corticosteroid binding globulin interacts with elastase on the surface of activated neutrophils, and may promote glucocorticoid delivery to these cells during inflammation.

Blotting, Western↗

Induction of adenylate cyclase in a mammary carcinoma cell line by human corticosteroid-binding globulin.

Corticosteroid-Binding globulin (CBG) is a plasma protein that binds certain steroid hormones, mainly cortisol and progesterone. It has been demonstrated recently that specific binding sites for this protein exist on cell membranes. In this communication we establish that binding to these sites results in the induction of adenylate cyclase activity and the accumulation of cAMP in MCF-7 cells. These events are critically dependent upon a steroid being bound to CBG. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that CBG is a prohormone which is activated when cortisol is bound to it.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Mechanism for the stabilization in vivo of the aziridine precursor --(4-acetoxyphenyl)-2-chloro-N-methyl-ethylammonium chloride by serum proteins.

Oral and intraperitoneal administration of 2-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-2-chloro-N-methyl-ethylammonium chloride (Compound A), an analogue of phenyl aziridine precursors that occur in the shrub Salsola tuberculatiformis Botsch, had a contraceptive effect on female Wistar rats with a concomitant decrease in total body, uterus, and every mass and an increase in abronal mass. Compound A elicited a Type II difference spectrum and inhibited the Type I deoxycorticosterone (DOC) induced difference spectrum of sheep adrenal cytochrome P450c11 in a manner similar to that of S2, a biologically active fraction isolated from S. tuberculatiformis. The effects of Compound A on the spectral properties of P450c11 were diminished with time in PBS. Electrospray mass spectrometry (ES-MS) indicated that the rate of cyclization of Compound A to the corresponding aziridine followed a time course similar to the attenuation of cytochrome P450c11 inhibition. It was concluded that the aziridine precursor. Compound A, rather than aziridine itself, was the inhibiting agent of sheep adrenal P450c11. Addition of sheep and rat plasma prevented the attenuation of the effect of Compound A on the spectral properties of cytochrome P450c11. Subsequent ES-MS analysis indicated that Compound A was stabilized in plasma by sex hormone binding globulin and corticosteroid binding globulin. These results suggest a mechanism whereby natural plant products, which are highly reactive and unstable in vitro, can be stabilized by binding to plasma proteins, and so remain biologically active in vivo.

Acetates↗

Influence of an aziridine precursor on the in vitro binding parameters of rat and ovine corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG).

Aziridines are highly reactive alkylating compounds used in cancer treatment. Salsola tuberculatiformis Botsch., which causes prolonged gestation in sheep and contraception in rats, contains a very labile hydroxy-phenylaziridine or its precursor. A less labile analogue, 2-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-2-chloro-N-methyl-ethylammonium chloride (Compound I), was synthesized and has been shown to be contraceptive in rats and to be stabilized by corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). The current study compared the binding parameters of rat and ovine CBG and evaluated the effect of the aziridine precursor, Compound I, on these parameters. Kd and Bmax values of 0.646 and 578 nM for corticosterone binding to rat CBG and 0.577 and 19.8 nM for cortisol binding to sheep CBG, respectively, were measured. In competitive binding studies with rat plasma, Ki values of 3.48 nM, 0.856 nM, 22.2 nM, 722 microM, and > 1,000,000 microM for cortisol, corticosterone, progesterone, Compound I, and synephrine (Compound II), respectively, were found, while in sheep plasma the values were 0.409 nM, 1.78 nM, 5.28 nM, 594 microM, and > 1,000,000 microM, respectively. Concentrations of Compound I equivalent to an effective pharmacological dose resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in CBG bound corticosterone and a significant (P < 0.01) increase in free corticosterone in rat plasma. In sheep, a similar effect was observed with cortisol. Progesterone binding, however, did not appear to be affected significantly by Compound I in either rat or sheep plasma. Compound I was found to be a competitive inhibitor of glucocorticoid binding to CBG. These results suggest that binding of Compound I to CBG with concomitant displacement of endogenous glucocorticoids, but not progesterone, may be part of the mechanism of action of these phenylaziridine compounds.

Acetates↗

Long-term changes in mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor occupancy following exposure to an acute stressor.

Stressors produce rapid activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which typically resolves within 60-90 min following termination of the stressor. In addition, some stressors such as inescapable tailshock (IS) also produce elevated basal levels of corticosterone (CORT), and reduced serum levels of corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG). The elevated basal levels of CORT produced by IS are only observed at the trough of the circadian rhythm of CORT secretion, and are sustained for 2-3 days following stressor termination. The goal of the following experiments was to determine the extent to which the elevated basal levels of CORT observed following IS exposure produced greater corticosteroid receptor occupancy in the brain and pituitary. To do so, rats (n=8-10 per group) received either sham or bilateral adrenalectomy (with CORT replacement in their drinking water; 25 microg/ml) and were given 3 days to recover. Rats were then exposed to 100 ISs (1.6 mA, 5 s each) administered on a 60 s variable intertrial interval, or remained in their home cages. As seen previously, IS produced an increase in basal CORT (5 microg/dl) and a decrease in CBG (30% decrease). Rats were sacrificed 24 h following IS for trunk blood samples and brain dissections. IS exposure had very little effect on corticosteroid receptor protein expression as determined by mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding levels in ADX rats. In addition, no changes in whole cell GR levels (as detected by Western blot) were observed in sham rats exposed to IS. On the other hand, IS exposure led to greater occupancy of MR (ranging from 25%-50%) in hippocampus, hypothalamus, pituitary, and posterior cortex. IS also produced greater occupancy of GR (approximately 20%) in hypothalamus and posterior cortex. These long-term changes in corticosteroid receptor activation, evident 24 h after IS exposure, may be responsible for some of the long-term neural, behavioral and immune changes observed following this acute stress procedure.

Adrenalectomy↗

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for corticosteroid-binding globulin using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies: decline in CBG following synthetic ACTH.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal function is commonly assessed by measuring plasma cortisol following synthetic ACTH (synacthen) challenge. Generally little regard is given to plasma levels of corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). We have developed and validated an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for CBG and together with plasma cortisol calculated the "free cortisol index" as an additional parameter for assessing adrenal function. METHODS: A monoclonal antibody was raised against CBG. The antibody was characterized by Western blotting and used with a polyclonal antibody to develop a direct ELISA for CBG. Together with total plasma cortisol, the free cortisol index was derived and correlated with an "in-house" ligand binding method for assessing free cortisol. The free cortisol index was also used as an adduct to total plasma cortisol in assessing adrenal function. RESULTS: The ELISA has acceptable performance and the free cortisol index correlates well with free cortisol determined by ligand binding. In addition, we show that CBG levels following synthetic ACTH (synacthen) show a modest but significant decline. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the measurement of both plasma CBG and total cortisol to derive the free cortisol index may provide an additional parameter in the interpretation of the short synacthen test and that there is a decline in plasma CBG over this test.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Dialyzable free cortisol after stimulation with Synacthen.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the changes in free vs. total serum cortisol concentrations after acute stimulation of the adrenal cortex. DESIGN AND METHODS: Paired serum samples of ten individuals taken immediately before and 1 h after stimulation with 250 microg ACTH (1-24) (Synacthen) given i.v. were analyzed. Total cortisol was quantified using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry with an online sample extraction system and tri-deuterated cortisol as the internal standard. Free cortisol was measured with the same method after equilibrium dialysis. Concentrations of the corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) were determined by radioimmuno assay. RESULTS: Total cortisol increased by a mean of 106% (mean basal cortisol 312 nmol/L (SD 140 nmol/L), stimulated 686 nmol/L (SD 163 nmol/L); p < 0.001, paired t-test for differences); no significant change of CBG concentrations was found (874 nmol/L (SD 179 nmol/L) before stimulation, 869 nmol/L (SD 225 nmol/L) after stimulation). The mean increase of free cortisol was 263% (mean basal free cortisol 20.3 nmol/L (SD 13.2 nmol/L), stimulated 73.8 nmol/L (SD 26.7 nmol/L); p < 0.001) and thus substantially more pronounced compared to the increase of total cortisol (p < 0.01). The ratio of free to total serum cortisol was significantly increased after stimulation (6.1% (SD 1.7%) before stimulation, 10.6% (SD 1.9%) after stimulation; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After acute neuroendocrine stimulation of the adrenal cortex the relative increase of free bioactive cortisol concentrations is substantially more pronounced than the increase of total cortisol concentrations.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Corticosteroid-binding globulin and free cortisol in the early postoperative period after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize concentrations of corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), total and free serum cortisol, and free urinary cortisol in patients during the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. DESIGN AND METHODS: In 24 patients serum was sampled on the first and second postoperative day after cardiac surgery (21 procedures with thoracotomy, 3 thoracoscopic procedures); urine was collected for two 10-h periods (8 P.M. until 6 A.M.) on the respective postoperative days. Total serum cortisol and free urinary cortisol were measured with an automated chemiluminescence assay (analysis of urine after extraction with dichloromethane), and CBG using a coated-tube RIA. Free serum cortisol was calculated from the concentrations of total serum cortisol and CBG as described previously. Thirty healthy volunteers were studied as controls. RESULTS: CBG was reduced to about one-half of the normal concentration on both postoperative days. Whereas total cortisol was about two-fold increased on the first postoperative day compared to controls extremely high concentrations of free serum cortisol were calculated from CBG and total cortisol [median 136 nmol/L (interquartile range 100-185); controls 21.8 nmol/L (interquartile range 16.9-29.8)]. On the second postoperative day, median total serum cortisol was within the interquartile range of the controls, free serum cortisol in contrast was still two-fold increased. Free serum cortisol and free urinary cortisol were significantly correlated (r = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Extremely high concentrations of free serum cortisol are typically found in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery; under these conditions the mere consideration of total cortisol does not appropriately display the activation of the adrenal cortex.

Adult↗

Inhibition of ovulation by an oral contraceptive containing 100 micrograms levonorgestrel in combination with 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol.

Twenty-four healthy female volunteers with normal ovulatory cycles, aged between 20 and 34 years (27.5 +/- 4.3), were included in a single-center, non-comparative study to investigate the effect on inhibition of ovulation of an oral contraceptive containing 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol in combination with 100 micrograms levonorgestrel. At baseline, during three treatment cycles and post-treatment, ultrasonography was used to examine the ovaries, to measure follicular size, and to measure the thickness of the endometrium. Serum levels of LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone, total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, and CBG were also measured. Compared with treatment cycle 1, an increase in residual ovarian activity (follicle grades 4-5) was observed in cycles 2 and 3. Mean levels of LH, FSH, 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone remained suppressed during treatment. No escape ovulation was observed during the treatment phase of the study and there were no pregnancies. Ovulation was noted to return rapidly in the posttreatment cycle. Subjective and objective tolerance of the present regimen was noted to be good. Results indicate that the monophasic oral contraceptive containing 100 micrograms levonorgestrel combined with 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol effectively inhibits ovulation, providing adequate suppression of ovarian activity.

Adult↗

N-glycans are not the signal for apical sorting of corticosteroid binding globulin in MDCK cells.

It has been suggested that N-glycans act as a general sorting signal for secretory proteins in MDCK cells [Scheiffele et al. (1995) Nature 378, 96-98]. Human corticosteroid binding globulin contains six consensus sites for N-glycosylation and is known to be secreted to the apical side of MDCK cells. Our results show that wild-type corticosteroid binding globulin is N-glycosylated when it is recombinantly expressed in MDCK cells. Six mutants, each lacking one of the N-glycosylation sites, and a mutant lacking all six N-glycosylation sites were also secreted to the apical side of MDCK cells in a polarized manner. Thus, the N-glycans on corticosteroid binding globulin do not act as an apical sorting signal in MDCK cells.

Animals↗

Hyperandrogenicity is an alternative mechanism underlying oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea in female athletes and may improve physical performance.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endocrine mechanisms underlying oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea in female athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Women's health clinical research unit at a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Age- and BMI-matched groups of athletes active in endurance sports with and without menstrual disturbances and regularly cycling sedentary controls. INTERVENTION(S): Groups were compared with respect to endocrine status, body composition, and physical performance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Identification of a subgroup of oligomenorrheic or amenorrheic athletes with increased androgen levels and anabolic body composition. RESULT(S): A subgroup of 8 of 25 athletes with menstrual disturbances had significantly higher serum levels of free and total testosterone, androstenedione, LH-FSH ratio, and lower SHBG levels than did all other groups. Other oligomenorrheic or amenorrheic athletes had normal values comparable to those in regularly menstruating athletes and controls. The hyperandrogenic subgroup showed a more anabolic body composition, with higher total bone mineral density and upper-lower fat mass ratio than did oligomenorrheic or amenorrheic athletes with normal androgen levels. The hyperandrogenic subgroup had the highest VO2 max and the highest performance values in general. CONCLUSION(S): Menstrual disturbances in female athletes are often explained as a consequence of hypothalamic inhibition and caloric deficiency. We suggest that essential hyperandrogenism is an alternative mechanism underlying oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea in some female athletes and may imply an advantage for physical performance.

Adult↗

Serum steroid binding protein concentrations, distribution of progestogens, and bioavailability of testosterone during treatment with contraceptives containing desogestrel or levonorgestrel.

The oral administration of 150 micrograms desogestrel and 30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol (EE2) increases (P less than 0.001) serum concentrations of sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), whereas treatment with 150 micrograms levonorgestrel and 30 micrograms EE2 only increases serum CBG concentrations. No changes in serum albumin concentrations occurred during or after treatment with either preparation, and increases in SHBG and CBG returned to the pretreatment values 1 month after treatment ceased. The serum distribution of levonorgestrel was unchanged during treatment, whereas the increase in serum SHBG concentrations after treatment with the preparation containing desogestrel decreased (P less than 0.001) the percentage of non-protein-bound 3-keto- desogestrel and the percentage of albumin-bound 3-keto- desogestrel but increased (P less than 0.001) the SHBG-bound fraction. Oral contraceptives containing either progestogen decrease the mean serum non-protein-bound testosterone concentrations, especially during treatment with desogestrel (P less than 0.001), and desogestrel may therefore by the more appropriate progestogen for the treatment of women prone to androgenic side effects.

Adult↗

Effects of progesterone, progestogens, and danazol on the specific cortisol binding in human plasma.

The interaction of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) with cortisol binding to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) was studied with the use of an aqueous two-phase system with polyethylene glycol and dextran for equilibrium partition. Competitive binding analyses were also performed for progesterone (P), levonorgestrel, norethisterone, danazol, and tamoxifen. P and danazol were found to exert cortisol displacing activity, whereas MPA and the other tested compounds had no such effect. The glucocorticoid effects reported for MPA could not be explained by displacement. In general, P serum concentrations are lower than those of cortisol, and most binding sites on CBG are occupied by the glucocorticoid. At high P levels displacement and an increase in free cortisol may occur. Danazol displacement of cortisol is hampered by its pronounced albumin binding. In conclusion, none of the tested compounds should increase free and biologically active cortisol during normal clinical treatment.

Binding, Competitive↗