The neuropeptide-synthesizing rat 44-2C cell line: regulation of peptide synthesis, secretion, 3,'5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate efflux, and adenylate cyclase activation.

We established in culture a clonal strain (44-2C) which produces calcitonin (CT), CT gene-related peptide, neurotensin (NT), and somatostatin (SS). A compendium of experimental data detailing for this strain the differential regulation of NT, CT, and SS synthesis and secretion, adenylate cyclase activation, and cAMP efflux is presented herein. The effects of hypophysiotropic peptides, brain-gut peptides, and catecholamines are described in detail. The effects of steroid hormones, and in particular, that of the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, are presented. The effect(s) of basic bovine fibroblast growth factor are also described. In 44-2C cells basic fibroblast growth factor selectively regulates the synthesis and secretion of CT, NT, SS, and cAMP. Moreover, basic fibroblast growth factor enhances the responsiveness of 44-2C cells to neurosecretory peptides such as rat hypothalamic GRF. We conclude that the 44-2C cells are a useful in vitro tool to study the cellular mechanism(s) controlling the differential synthesis and secretion of neuropeptides.