Related Experiment Videos
Cortisol increases growth hormone-receptor expression in human osteoblast-like cells
D Swolin-Eide1, A Nilsson, C Ohlsson
1Department of Internal Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
The Journal of Endocrinology
|March 13, 1998
Summary
Cortisol, a glucocorticoid, increases growth hormone (GH) receptor expression in human osteoblasts. This finding suggests a potential role for glucocorticoids in regulating bone remodeling via GH signaling.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
- Cellular Physiology
Background:
- High glucocorticoid levels are linked to osteoporosis.
- Physiologic growth hormone (GH) levels are crucial for bone remodeling.
- Glucocorticoids may regulate GH responses by affecting GH receptor expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cortisol in regulating GH receptor expression in cultured human osteoblasts.
- To determine if cortisol influences GH receptor mRNA and protein levels in osteoblast-like cells.
Main Methods:
- Cultured human osteoblast (hOB)-like cells were used.
- Cells were subjected to serum starvation and varying concentrations of cortisol.
- GH receptor mRNA levels and 125I-GH binding were measured.
Main Results:
- Serum starvation increased GH receptor mRNA levels.
- Cortisol dose-dependently increased GH receptor mRNA levels, with maximal effect at 10(-6)M.
- Cortisol also increased 125I-GH binding, indicating enhanced receptor activity.
Conclusions:
- Glucocorticoids, specifically cortisol, enhance GH receptor expression in human osteoblast-like cells.
- This suggests a potential mechanism by which glucocorticoids influence bone physiology through GH signaling.
- Further research is needed to confirm the in vivo relevance in human bone metabolism.