Nonhereditary enhancement of progeny growth.
The im electroporated injection of a protease-resistant GH-releasing hormone cDNA into rat dams at 16 d gestation resulted in enhanced long-term growth of the F(1) offspring. The offspring were significantly heavier by 2 wk of age, and the difference was sustained to 10 wk of age. Consistent with their augmented growth, the plasma IGF-I concentration of the F(1) progeny was increased significantly. The pituitary gland of the offspring was significantly heavier and contained an increased number of somatotrophs and PRL-secreting cells, which is indicative of modification of cell lineage differentiation. These unique findings demonstrate that enhanced GH-releasing hormone expression in pregnant dams can result in intergenerational growth promotion by altering development of the pituitary gland in the offspring.
Khan
Amir S
AS
Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Fiorotto
Marta L
ML
Hill
Leigh-Anne
LA
Malone
P Brandon
PB
Cummings
Kathleen K
KK
Parghi
Deena
D
Schwartz
Robert J
RJ
Smith
Roy G
RG
Draghia-Akli
Ruxandra
R
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005865:Gestational Age; D006128:Growth; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D013007:Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000032:analysis; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000254:growth & development; D009929:Organ Size; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000187:drug effects; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D018076:DNA, Complementary; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D013007:Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone
NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal; Non-NASA Center