Direct visualization of binding, aggregation and internalization of human growth hormone in cultured human lymphocytes.
The distribution of human growth hormone (hGH) receptor complexes on IM-9 cultured lymphocytes was studied using fluorescein and 125I-labelled hGH (F-hGH and [125I]hGH). The cells labelled with F-hGH were visualized with a sensitive video intensification microscopic system which permitted direct observation of the location of the fluorescent hormone on the surface of the living lymphocytes. At 4 degrees C F-hGH bound diffusely to the cell surface and remained dispersed but following incubation for 30 min at 37 degrees C the hormone receptor complexes aggregated into patches on the cell surface and formed a single cap on one pole of the cell. Progressive internalization into the cell was demonstrated at 37 degrees C with [125I]hGH. It is hypothesized that the aggregation and internalization of the hGH receptor complexes are associated with the action and degradation of the hormone and probably also with the mechanism of down-regulation of the receptors.
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008862:Microsomes, Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D011869:Radioligand Assay; D011940:Receptor Aggregation; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism*; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin; D013696:Temperature
D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin; D013006:Growth Hormone