Little is known about neuroendocrine regulation of human basophils by components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Using the basophil cell line KU812 as an in vitro model, we show that these cells express urocortin 1-3, specific isoforms of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor (CRH-R)1 and CRH-R2 but not CRH itself. The precursor for melanocortins and β-endorphin, proopiomelanocortin, was not detectable, while the melanocortin-1 receptor was present at RNA and protein level in KU812 cells. KU812 basophils furthermore expressed key enzymes involved in steroidogenesis, that is, CYP11A1, CYP17 and CYP21A2. The relevance of steroidogenic enzyme expression in KU812 cells was confirmed by showing the presence of progesterone and 17OH-progesterone in conditioned media of these cells. Our data demonstrate the expression of some but not all components of the HPA axis in human basophils. These cells are not only target cells for multiple hormones of the HPA axis but may also generate neuroendocrine mediators autonomously.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2012.01513.x | DOI Listing |
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Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, People's Republic of China.
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Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, United Kingdom.
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Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Science, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or synthetic substances that are able to interfere with hormonal systems and alter their physiological signaling. EDCs have been recognized as a public health issue due to their widespread use, environmental persistence and the potential levels of long-term exposure with implications in multiple pathological conditions. Their reported adverse effects pose critical concerns about their use, warranting their strict regulation.
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