TRH inactivation in the extracellular compartment: role of pyroglutamyl peptidase II

TRH (pGlu-His-ProNH2) inactivation in the brain and pituitary extracellular fluid is reviewed. While TRH could be eliminated by alternative mechanisms, i.e. uptake or internalization, modification, hydrolysis by broad specificity peptidases such as pyroglutamyl peptidase I and prolyl endopeptidase, evidence accumulates to support a specific neuroectopeptidase as the main mechanism responsible for its extracellular inactivation. Pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII; E.C. 3.4.19.6) is a narrow specificity zinc metallopeptidase hydrolyzing the pyroglutamyl-histidyl peptide bond of TRH. PPII is an integral membrane protein with a small intracellular domain, a transmembrane segment and a large extracellular domain that contains the catalytic site. It is therefore idealy situated to degrade TRH present in the extracellular space. PPII is highly enriched in brain, specifically present in neuronal cells. PPII inhibition enhances recovery of TRH released in vitro. In situ hybridization studies demonstrate that PPII mRNA colocalizes with TRH-receptor mRNA in various brain regions. However, the existence of exceptions suggest that alternative inactivation mechanisms for TRH may operate. PPII activity is regulated in various pharmacological or pathophysiological conditions which alter TRH transmission. It is also present in adenohypophysis, preferentially on lactotrophs, where its activity is stringently regulated by hormones and hypothalamic factors. PPII activity regulation may contribute to adjust TRH neural and hormonal transmissions.