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β 3 -Adrenoceptors exhibit a restricted expression pattern, particularly in humans. However, they have been found to be upregulated in various cancers and under several conditions associated with hypoperfusion such as congestive heart failure and diabetes for instance in the heart and other tissues. These conditions are frequently associated with hypoxia. Furthermore, direct induction of hypoxia has consistently been reported to cause upregulation of β 3 -adrenoceptors across various tissues of multiple species including humans, rats, dogs, and fish. While a canonical hypoxia-response element in the promoter of the human β 3 -adrenoceptor gene may play a role in this, no such sequence was found in rodent homologs. Moreover, not all upregulation of β 3 -adrenoceptor protein is accompanied by increased expression of corresponding mRNA, indicating that the upregulation may involve factors other than transcriptional changes. We propose that upregulation of β 3 -adrenoceptors at the mRNA and/or protein level is a general marker of hypoxic conditions. Moreover, it may be an additional pathway whereby cells and tissues adapt to reduced oxygen levels.

Complex interactions between tumor cells and their surrounding compartment are strongly influenced by the host in which the tumor grows. In melanoma, for instance, stress-associated norephinephrine (NE), acting at β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs), stimulates melanoma cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. Among β-ARs, β3-ARs play a role acting not only at tumor cells but also at non-neoplastic stromal cells within the melanoma. In the present study, we used a murine model of B16 melanoma to evaluate the role of the host β1- and β2-ARs in melanoma growth and we determined whether the role of β3-ARs can be influenced by the absence of stromal β1- and β2-ARs. As compared to wild-type mice, β1/2-AR knockout mice displayed (i) increased intratumoral levels of both NE and β3-ARs, as evidentiated at both messenger and protein levels; (ii) increased tumor vascularization; (iii) decreased tumor cell proliferation but increased tumor cell apoptosis; and (iv) increased responsiveness to intratumoral injection of the β3-AR blocker L-748,337 in terms of decrease in tumor growth, tumor vascular response, tumor cell proliferation, and increase in tumor cell death. These findings together validate the role of β-AR signaling in melanoma microenvironment suggesting that non-neoplastic stromal cells may be targeted by β-AR-related drugs. The additional fact that β3-ARs play an important role in melanoma growth suggests selective β3-AR antagonists as important proapoptotic agents.

We have recently shown in B16F10 melanoma cells that blockade of β3-adrenergic receptors (β3-ARs) reduces cell proliferation and induces apoptosis, likely through the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) signaling. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the effects of β3-AR blockade on melanoma cells are mainly mediated by a decrease in the activity of the NO pathway, possibly due to reduced expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). B16F10 cells were used. Nitrite production, iNOS expression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated. β3-AR blockade with L-748,337 reduced basal nitrite production, while β3-AR stimulation with BRL37344 increased it. The effects of β3-AR blockade were prevented by NOS activation, while the effects of β3-AR activation were prevented by NOS inhibition. Treatments increasing nitrite production also increased iNOS expression, while treatments decreasing nitrite production reduced iNOS expression. Among the different NOS isoforms, experiments using L-748,337 or BRL37344 with activators or inhibitors targeting specific NOS isoforms demonstrated a prominent role of iNOS in nitrite production. β3-AR blockade decreased cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, while β3-AR activation had the opposite effects. The effects of β3-AR blockade/activation were prevented by iNOS activation/inhibition, respectively. Taken together, these results demonstrate that iNOS-produced NO is a downstream effector of β3-ARs and that the beneficial effects of β3-AR blockade on melanoma B16F10 cell proliferation and apoptosis are functionally linked to reduced iNOS expression and NO production. Although it is difficult to extrapolate these data to the clinical setting, the targeted inhibition of the β3-AR-NO axis may offer a new therapeutic perspective to treat melanomas.

Beta-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) play a role in angiogenic processes that characterize neovascularization-associated retinal diseases, but the role of β3-ARs has not been disclosed yet. We used ex vivo retinal explants to investigate the role of β3-ARs in regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release associated with hypoxia. Whether nitric oxide (NO) mediates β3-AR regulation of VEGF release was also investigated. β3-AR activation was obtained using BRL 37344, whereas SR59230A, L-748,337, or specific siRNAs were used to block β3-ARs. Pharmacological approaches were used to interfere with the NO pathway. Western blot was used to determine β-AR levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure VEGF release. NO production was assessed by a colorimetric assay. We found that hypoxia upregulates β3-ARs. In addition, we observed that β3-AR activation with BRL 37344 increases VEGF release in response to hypoxia. Either β3-AR blocker or β3-AR silencing downregulates drastically hypoxic levels of VEGF. With experiments using NO synthase (NOS) blockade with L-NAME, NOS activation with fluvastatin or NO supplementation with SNAP, we demonstrated that β3-ARs and VEGF are functionally coupled via the NO pathway. In summary, the data presented here support the assumption that β3-ARs are involved in the regulation of angiogenic responses to hypoxia through the NO signalling, a key pathway in hypoxic/ischemic diseases. Although extrapolation of these data to the human situation is difficult, these findings may help to explore the possible role of β3-ARs in vascularization-associated disorders.

Somatostatin (SRIF) acts as antiangiogenic factor, but its role in the regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting proangiogenic factors is unknown. We used human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to investigate whether (1) miRNAs targeting proangiogenic factors are influenced by hypoxia, (2) their expression is regulated by SRIF, and (3) SRIF-regulated miRNAs affect HUVEC angiogenic phenotype. The involvement of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1 in miRNA effects was studied. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, cell proliferation assays, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used. Using specific algorithms, three miRNAs (miR-17, miR-18b, and miR-361) were predicted to bind angiogenesis-associated factors including STAT3, HIF-1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Hypoxia downregulates miR-17 and miR-361 without affecting miR-18b. SRIF restored decreased levels of miR-361 acting at the SRIF receptor sst(1). Downregulated miR-361 was also restored by HIF-1α inhibition with YC-1. Combined application of SRIF did not influence YC-1-induced miR-361 downregulation, suggesting that YC-1 and SRIF modulate miR-361 through a common mechanism involving HIF-1α. This possibility was confirmed by the result that HIF-1α activation in normoxia-downregulated miR-361 and that this downregulation was prevented by SRIF. miR-361 overexpression reduced hypoxia-induced cell proliferation and VEGF release indicating miR-361 involvement in the acquisition of an angiogenic phenotype by HUVEC. miR-361 effects on VEGF were enhanced by the coadministration of SRIF. Our results suggest that (1) SRIF regulates miR-361 expression through a control on HIF-1, (2) miR-361 affects HUVEC angiogenic phenotype, and (3) SRIF and miR-361 act cooperatively in limiting hypoxia-induced VEGF release.

In mouse retinal explants, octreotide, a somatostatin [somatotropin release-inhibiting factor (SRIF)] receptor 2 (sst(2)) agonist, prevents the hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor upregulation. In mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), a model of retinopathy of prematurity, either sst(2) overexpression or octreotide have been found to limit hypoxia-induced angiogenic processes. Here, we investigated whether sst(2) influences retinal degeneration in response to hypoxia in wild-type (WT), sst(1)- and sst(2)-knockout (KO) mice. In retinal explants, we determined the role of sst(2) on apoptotic signals. In control condition, caspase-3 activity and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were lower in sst(1)-KO than in WT, but higher in sst(2)-KO than in WT retinas. In all strains, a comparable increase in caspase-3 activity and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was observed after hypoxia. The hypoxia-induced increase in apoptotic signals was recovered by octreotide in both WT and sst(1)-KO retinas. To investigate the role of sst(2) on retinal function, we recorded electroretinogram (ERG) in response to light flashes in OIR mice. ERG responses did not differ between WT and KO mice with the exception of oscillatory potentials (OPs) which, in sst(1)-KO mice, displayed much larger amplitude. In all strains, hypoxia drastically reduced a-, b-waves and OPs. In both WT and sst(1)-KO mice, octreotide recovered a- and b-waves, but did not recover OPs in sst(1)-KO mice. Neither apoptotic signals nor ERG was affected by octreotide in sst(2)-KO mice. These results show that sst(2) may protect retinal cells from hypoxia, thus implementing the background to establish potential pharmacological targets based on sst(2) pharmacology.

The aim of this study was to investigate hypoxia effects on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and to determine their modulation by the peptide somatostatin (SRIF) and its analogues. The involvement of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1 was also investigated. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and ELISA were used. Hypoxia upregulated VEGF expression and release, whereas it downregulated VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. In contrast, neither the expression nor the phosphorylation of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) β was affected by hypoxia. SU1498 at 1 μM did not affect pVEGFR-2 and pPDGFRβ, whereas at 20 μM it inhibited pVEGFR-2, but not pPDGFRβ. Upregulated VEGF expression and release were prevented by SU1498, which also inhibited the hypoxia-induced pSTAT3 and HIF-1α. Blocking pSTAT3 with S3I-201 inhibited HIF-1α and VEGF upregulation, suggesting the existence of an autocrine loop involving STAT3, HIF-1, VEGF and VEGFR-2. Endothelial cells express somatostatin (SRIF) receptors (sst(1-5)) although less is known in HUVEC. We found that sst(1) and sst(4) were expressed by HUVEC with sst(1) more expressed than sst(4) mRNA. Hypoxia downregulated sst(1), whereas it upregulated sst(4). The sst(1) downregulation, but not the sst(4) upregulation, was prevented by SU1498, S3I-201 or YC-1, an inhibitor of HIF-1α. SRIF and the sst(1) agonist CH-275, but not the sst(4) agonist L803,087 and the sst(2)/sst(3)/sst(5) agonist octreotide, prevented hypoxia effects on VEGF and its receptors. In addition, SRIF and CH-275 inhibited the hypoxia-induced pSTAT3 and HIF-1α accumulation. Our results suggest that SRIF acting at sst(1) limits upregulated VEGF expression and release through a control on the activity of STAT3 and HIF-1, supporting the possible use of sst(1) agonists in antiangiogenic therapies.

The cyclic AMP pathway is major signal transduction system involved in hippocampal neurotransmission. Recently, the peptide somatostatin-14 (SRIF) has emerged as a key signal that, by activating its receptors, inhibits epileptiform bursting in the mouse hippocampus. Little is known on transduction mechanisms, which may mediate SRIF function in native cell/tissues. Using a well-established model of epileptiform activity induced by Mg(2+)-free medium with 4-aminopyridine [0 Mg(2+)/4-aminopyridine (4-AP)] in mouse hippocampal slices, we demonstrated that protein kinase A (PKA)-related signaling is upregulated by hippocampal bursting and that treatment with SRIF normalizes this upregulation. We also demonstrated that the SRIF-induced inhibition of PKA impairs phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor subunit NR1. Extracellular recordings of the 0 Mg(2+)/4-AP-induced hippocampal discharge from the CA3 region demonstrated that treating slices with compounds, which interfere with PKA activity, prevent SRIF inhibition of epileptiform bursting. Our results suggest that SRIF modulation of hippocampal activity may involve PKA-related signaling.

The peptide somatostatin-14 (SRIF) acts in the mammalian retina through its distinct receptors (sst(1-5)). Scarce information is available on SRIF function in the retina, including the elucidation of transduction pathways mediating SRIF action. We have investigated SRIF and SRIF receptor modulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity in both wild-type (WT) retinas and sst1 or sst2 knock-out (KO) retinas, which are known to over-express sst2 or sst1 receptors respectively. In WT retinas, application of SRIF compounds does not affect forskolin-stimulated AC activity. In contrast, activation of sst1 or sst2 receptors inhibits AC in the presence of sst2 or sst1 receptor antagonists respectively. Results from sst1 KO retinas demonstrate that either SRIF or the sst2 receptor preferring agonist octreotide, pertussis toxin-dependently inhibit AC activity. In contrast, in sst2 KO retinas, neither SRIF nor CH-275, an sst1 receptor agonist, are found to influence AC activity. As revealed by immunoblotting experiments, in sst1 KO retinas, levels of G(o)alpha proteins are 60% higher than in WT retinas and this increase in G(o)alpha protein levels is concomitant with an increase in sst2A receptor expression. We conclude that interactions between sst1 and sst2 receptors may prevent SRIF effects on AC activity. In addition, we suggest that the density of sst2 receptors and/or G(o)alpha proteins may represent the rate-limiting factor for the sst2 receptor-mediated inhibition of AC.

In the mammalian retina, somatostatin (SRIF-14) acts through distinct receptor subtypes (sst(1-5)). Among them, sst(2) has been localized to numerous retinal cells, including photoreceptors and rod bipolar cells (RBCs). The specific role of sst(2) in the retina is largely undetermined. In this study, we characterized retinas of mice with targeted deletion of sst(2) (sst(2) KO) and we investigated functions of sst(2) in respect to its possible modulation of glutamate (GLU) release, as measured by HPLC. In contrast with wild-type (WT) mice, sst(2) mRNA and sst(2A) immunoreactivity were no longer detectable in the retina of sst(2) KO mice. In retinal explants of WT mice, SRIF and its analogue octreotide that displays high selectivity for sst(2), similarly reduced the evoked release of GLU without affecting its basal level. In sst(2) KO retinas, SRIF or octreotide did not affect GLU release indicating that they act at sst(2). Unexpectedly, the compound CYN-154806, although introduced as the first potent sst(2) antagonist, reduced the evoked release of GLU with equipotency to SRIF and octreotide. Its inhibitory effect was no longer observed in sst(2) KO retinas, indicating that this substance acts at sst(2) receptors as an agonist. In conclusion, SRIF controls evoked release of GLU through sst(2) receptors and this control may represent part of a mechanism by which SRIF regulates GLU concentration in the retina.