Gastrin-Releasing Peptide-Induced Expression of Prostaglandin Synthase-2 in Swiss 3T3 Cells

Abstract

Prostaglandins, produced in response to mitogens and cytokines, are potent modulators of gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. We investigated modulation of Prostaglandin synthase 2 (PGS-2) expression by the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor in Swiss 3T3 cells. PGS-2 mRNA expression in Swiss 3T3 cells was determined by Northern blot analysis. PGS-2 protein expression in Swiss 3T3 cells was measured by Western blot analysis. GRP caused a transient induction of PGS-2 mRNA in Swiss 3T3 cells that resulted in GRP-dependent expression of PGS-2 protein. Transcriptional activation of PGS-2 by GRP was independent of de novo protein synthesis and was not affected by pertussis toxin. Comparison of signaling pathways used by PMA or EGF to those used by GRP showed that PGS-2 induction by GRP increased under conditions that inhibit PKC activity. Dexamethasone, which blocks PMA and EGF induction of PGS-2, also inhibited GRP-induced accumulation of PGS-2 mRNA. These results show that PGS-2 expression in Swiss 3T3 cells is not only controlled by PKC and receptor tyrosine kinase pathways but also by G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways.