Expression of neuropeptide Y receptors in human prostate cancer cells.
BACKGROUND
Neuroendocrine molecules are now believed to play a significant role in the progression of human prostate cancer (CaP), especially in the androgen-independent stage.


METHODS
In the present study, we evaluated the presence and the function of the receptors for neuropeptide Y (NPY) in human CaP cell lines (the androgen-dependent LNCaP, and the androgen-independent DU 145 and PC-3).


RESULTS
The presence of high-affinity binding sites for NPY was shown on PC-3 cells (radioreceptor assay). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that these sites correspond to the Y1 and Y2 receptor isoforms. A Y1 receptor protein (70 kDa) was also detected in PC-3 cell extracts by Western blot analysis. The activation of these receptors by NPY resulted in a reduction of forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation and an increase of [Ca2+]i. Moreover, a prolonged treatment with NPY induced a dose-related proliferation of PC-3 cells.


CONCLUSIONS
By showing that NPY receptors are expressed in the androgen-independent cell line PC-3 and that their activation results in cell proliferation, the present date suggest that NPY-related mechanisms might be relevant in certain stages of CaP, such as the progression of the disease during the androgen-independent stage.
Magni
P
P
Center for Endocrinologial Oncology Institute of Endocrinology University of Milan, Italy. paolo.magni@unimi.it
Motta
M
M
D000728:Androgens / Q000494:pharmacology; D015153:Blotting, Western; D005576:Colforsin / Q000494:pharmacology; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018450:Disease Progression; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D017476:Receptors, Neuropeptide Y / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D000728:Androgens; D017476:Receptors, Neuropeptide Y; D005576:Colforsin; D000242:Cyclic AMP