ACTH and prolactin synergistically and selectively regulate CYP17 expression and adrenal androgen production in human foetal adrenal organ cultures

Objective The essential role of ACTH on the growth and function of the human foetal adrenal (HFA) has long been recognized. In addition, many studies have suggested a role of the pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) in the regulation of the HFA, but the effects of this hormone on steroidogenesis and gene expression are still unknown. Our objective was to investigate the effect of ACTH and PRL on the steroidogenic capacities of the HFA.Design In vitro/ex vivo experimental study.Methods We used a hanging drop in vitro organ culture system. First trimester HFA samples were cultured for 14 days in basal conditions or treated with ACTH, PRL, or a combination of the 2 (3 to 11 replicates depending on the experiment). Steroids were measured by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry or immunoassay, gene expression by RT-qPCR, and protein expression by immunoblot.Results ACTH significantly increased corticosterone, cortisol, and cortisone production, both by itself and when used together with PRL. PRL stimulation by itself had no effect. Combined stimulation with ACTH + PRL synergistically and selectively increased adrenal androgen (DHEAS and & UDelta;4-androstenedione) production and CYP17A1 expression in the HFA, while treatment with each single hormone had no significant effect on those steroids.Conclusions These results have important implications for our understanding of the hormonal cues regulating adrenal steroidogenesis in the HFA during the first trimester in physiological and pathological conditions and warrant further studies to characterize the molecular mechanisms of converging ACTH and PRL signalling to regulate CYP17A1 expression.

Automated summary

This study found that ACTH and PRL have important effects on the function of the human foetal adrenal. ACTH significantly increased the production of corticosterone, cortisol, and cortisone, while PRL stimulation alone had no effect. When ACTH and PRL were used together, they synergistically increased the production of adrenal androgens and the expression of CYP17A1.