Sequential irreversible, actinomycin D-sensitive, and cycloheximide-sensitive steps prior to cortisol inhibition of uridine utilization by P1798 tumor lymphocytes

Events preceeding the cortisol inhibition of uridine utilization by corticoid-sensitive P1798 lymphocytes have been investigated. When tumor cells were incubated with 1 muM cortisol for 15 min and then washed free of steroid and reincubated in the absence of hormone, the expected decrease of uridine uptake failed to appear 1.5 hr later. In contrast, the removal of cortisol after 30 or 60 min did not prevent subsequent development of the steroid effect. Addition of actinomycin D with cortisol, or 15 min after hormone treatment was started, blocked steroid action. However, when actinomycin D was added 30 or 60 min after the initial exposure to cortisol, hormone-induced depression of uridine uptake was no longer prevented. To study the role of protein synthesis, cycloheximide was added to the tumor cell suspensions at various times after cortisol treatment was started. Cortisol suppression of uridine utilization was blocked when cycloheximide was added with the hormone or 30 min after the start of hormone treatment. Cycloheximide added together with cortisol and washed out with the steroid after 30 min did not prevent subsequent appearance of decreased nucleoside uptake. Hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of DNA synthesis, did not prevent cortisol action, even when present throughout a 2 hr exposure to the steroid. Hormone removal or actinomycin D addition after 1.5 to 2 hr (when uridine uptake was already inhibited about 25%) did not prevent intensification of the steroid effect during a subsequent 1.5- to 2-hr incubation period, while addition of cycloheximide at this time completely prevented its progression. These results suggest aht: (a) cortisol inhibition of uridine uptake by P1798 lymphocytes involves an early irreversible step and appears to require continuing RNA but not protein synthesis during the first 15 to 30 min of hormone action; (b) protein synthesis but not RNA synthesis is required between 30 and 60 min; and (c) continuing protein synthesis but not RNA synthesis or hormone presence is necessary for the preestablished cortisol effect to progress.