Vasopressin and Breast Cancer
Abstract
Research indicates that neuropeptide hormones (vasopressin, oxytocin) are produced by breast cancer cells. Benign fibrocystic breast disease however does not appear to express the vasopressin gene. Such results indicate that expression of neuropeptide genes may represent part of the carcinogenic process. The interaction of neuropeptide through autocrine/paracrine/endocrine mechanisms with receptors on breast cancer cells represents a way in which these peptides might influence cancer cell pathophysiology. However, the expression of neuropeptide receptors and the evoked signaling cascades in breast cancer cells have not been thoroughly examined. An RT-PCR approach, using primers designed to amplify the specific vasopressin receptors and oxytocin receptor, has been implemented. Using this approach, PCR products for VACM, Vib, and V2 vasopressin receptors, and the oxytocin receptor have been amplified from breast cancer cells. Vasopressin Via receptor expression was not demonstrated using RT-PCR. Using Northern blot and a probe against human VACM, 3 mRNAs (^3.5,5,6.5Kb) were detected. In MCF-7 cells, vasopressin and a V1 agonist induced tyrosine phosphorylation of MAPK. The results indicate that breast cancer cells express neuropeptide receptors and that activation of these receptors can stimulate signaling events associated with cancer cell growth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADB219168
Entities
People
- Michael J. Fay
Organizations
- Dartmouth College