Response of Human Aldosteronoma Cells in Culture to the N-Terminal Glycopeptide of Pro-Opiomelanocortin and γ³-MSH

Summary

Cells were isolated from one of two adenomas from the adrenal cortex of a hypertensive patient with primary hyperaldosteronism. A primary culture of these cells responded with increased aldosterone secretion to γ³-MSH and human (residues 1-76) and porcine (residues 1-80) N-terminal peptides of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). EC₅₀ was lowest for γ³-MSH, while maximal response was greater for both N-terminal peptides of POMC. We conclude that γ³-MSH derived from the N-terminal segment of POMC contains the active core of the aldosterone-stimulating activity of the N-terminal on these adrenal cells.

Key-Words:

Aldosteronoma Cells In Culture - N-Terminal Peptide of Pro-Opiomelanocortin - γ³-MSH