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Human renal cell cancer proliferation in tissue culture is tonically inhibited by opioid growth factor

G J Bisignani1, P J McLaughlin, S D Ordille

  • 1Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey 17033, USA.

The Journal of Urology
|November 24, 1999
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Opioid growth factor (OGF) significantly inhibits renal cancer cell proliferation in tissue culture. This peptide receptor-mediated effect suggests OGF plays a role in renal cell carcinoma pathogenesis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Peptide growth factors regulate cellular events via specific receptors.
  • Endogenous opioids, including [Met5]enkephalin (opioid growth factor, OGF), are implicated in normal and neoplastic tissue growth.
  • OGF interacts with its receptor (OGFr) and is autocrine-produced by human cancer cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that OGF directly inhibits the proliferation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in vitro.
  • To elucidate the role of OGF and its receptor in RCC cell growth.

Main Methods:

  • Human RCC cell lines (Caki-2, A498, SN12C, ACHN) were cultured using standard techniques.
  • Treatment with OGF, opioid antagonists, and antibodies was performed to assess OGF's role.
  • Immunocytochemistry was utilized to detect OGF and OGFr expression within the cancer cells.

Main Results:

  • OGF demonstrated potent inhibition of RCC cell growth, reducing cell numbers by up to 48% within 12 hours.
  • OGF's inhibitory effect was receptor-mediated, reversible, non-cytotoxic, and neutralized by specific antibodies.
  • Both OGF and its receptor (OGFr) were constitutively expressed and detected in the examined human RCC cell lines, indicating autocrine signaling.

Conclusions:

  • OGF exerts tonic inhibition on renal cancer cell proliferation in tissue culture.
  • These findings suggest OGF may be a significant factor in the pathogenesis and potential management of human renal cell cancer.

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