Functional melatonin receptors in human prostate epithelial cells

Eli Gilad, Moshe Laudon, Haim Matzkin, Ella Pick, Mario Sofer, Zvi Braf, Nava Zisapel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Melatonin, secreted nocturnally by the pineal gland, affects gonadal growth and pubertal development in rodents and, presumably, in humans. Recently, we have found, using 125I-labeled melatonin as a probe, specific melatonin binding sites in the human benign prostate tissue; these sites were primarily associated with the microsomal fraction of the epithelial cells. In the present study, we have explored 125I-melatonin binding sites in human benign prostate epithelial cells in culture and investigated the effects of melatonin on growth and viability of these cells. 125I-melatonin bound to the prostate cells with high (K(d) = 68 pM) affinity. Competition experiments revealed that specific binding was inhibited by subnanomolar concentrations of melatonin and 2-iodomelatonin, whereas serotonin and 5-methoxytryptamine reduced the binding only partially. Melatonin (10 pM-10 nM) inhibited the incorporation of 3H-thymidine and 3H-uridine into the prostate epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition was transient, and the incorporation recovered to control levels within less than 24 h. Protein synthesis as measured by the incorporation of 35S-methionine into cell proteins decayed to minimal levels about 2 h after addition of melatonin, and its recovery was slower compared with that of 3H-thymidine or 3H-uridine incorporation. Melatonin treatment (1 nM) for 2-7 days inhibited cell growth and markedly increased the percentage of nonviable cells in culture, measured by the trypan blue exclusion assay. The results demonstrate high affinity melatonin receptors in the human benign prostate epithelial cells, which may affect cell growth and viability.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1412-1417
Number of pages6
JournalEndocrinology
Volume137
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology

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