Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Vol 59, 263-268, Copyright © 1984 by Endocrine Society

ARTICLES

Distribution of growth hormone-releasing hormone-like immunoreactivity in human tissue extracts

T Shibasaki, Y Kiyosawa, A Masuda, M Nakahara, T Imaki, I Wakabayashi, H Demura, K Shizume and N Ling

A specific RIA for human pancreatic tumor GH-releasing hormone [hpGRH(1- 44)NH2] was developed using an antiserum which recognizes the region (Met27-Leu44)NH2 of hpGRH(1-44)NH2. This RIA was used to measure GH- releasing hormone-like immunoreactivity (GRH-LI) in various human tissue extracts. The highest concentration of GRH-LI was detected in extract of pituitary stalk with moderate amounts found in hypothalamus and optic chiasm but none in the cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, spinal cord, and anterior pituitary. In peripheral organs appreciable quantities of GRH-LI were found in the pancreas, whereas extracts of thyroid, lung, stomach, duodenum, ileum, colon, adrenal, and kidney contained very low concentrations of GRH-LI. No GRH-LI was detected in liver and spleen extracts. Gel permeation chromatographic analysis of the tissue extract from the hypothalamus revealed only one peak which eluted at the same position as that of 125I-hpGRH(1-44)NH2. Similar analysis of an extract from the optic chiasm showed one peak at the same position as that of 125I-hpGRH(1-44)NH2 and another peak which eluted after hpGRH(1-44)NH2. In contrast, an extract from the pancreas contained only one peak which eluted before 125I-hpGRH(1-44)NH2, indicating a possible precursor form of hpGRH(1-44)NH2. Limited trypsin digestion of the GRH-LI material from the pancreas, followed by gel permeation chromatographic analysis, yielded a major peak eluting at the same position as that of 125I-hpGRH(1-44)NH2. These results suggest that the GRH-LI detected in the hypothalamus most likely corresponds to hpGRH(1-44)NH2 in structure and that the GRH biosynthesized in the hypothalamus is transported to the stalk median eminence and stored there for release into the portal vessels.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				T. Nemoto, A. Iwasaki-Sekino, N. Yamauchi, and T. Shibasaki Regulation of the expression and secretion of urocortin 2 in rat pituitary J. Endocrinol., February 1, 2007; 192(2): 443 - 452. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Alba and R. Salvatori A Mouse with Targeted Ablation of the Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Gene: A New Model of Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency Endocrinology, September 1, 2004; 145(9): 4134 - 4143. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. M. Sherwood, S. L. Krueckl, and J. E. McRory The Origin and Function of the Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP)/Glucagon Superfamily Endocr. Rev., December 1, 2000; 21(6): 619 - 670. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				A. Matsuno, H. Katakami, N. Sanno, Y. Ogino, R. Y. Osamura, S. Matsukura, N. Shimizu, and T. Nagashima Pituitary Somatotroph Adenoma Producing Growth Hormone (GH)-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) with an Elevated Plasma GHRH Concentration: A Model Case for Autocrine and Paracrine Regulation of GH Secretion by GHRH J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., September 1, 1999; 84(9): 3241 - 3247. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				Z. Kahán, J. M. Arencibia, V. J. Csernus, K. Groot, R. D. Kineman, W. R. Robinson, and A. V. Schally Expression of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Messenger Ribonucleic Acid and the Presence of Biologically Active GHRH in Human Breast, Endometrial, and Ovarian Cancers J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 1999; 84(2): 582 - 589. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				S. Petersenn, A. C. Rasch, M. Heyens, and H. M. Schulte Structure and Regulation of the Human Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Receptor Gene Mol. Endocrinol., February 1, 1998; 12(2): 233 - 247. [Abstract] [Full Text]