Effects of glucocorticoids and antiglucocorticoid on angiotensinogen production by hepatoma cells in culture.

Angiotensinogen is synthesized in large amounts by Fao cells derived from the Reuber H35 rat hepatoma in a medium enriched with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Treatment of FBS with dextran-coated charcoal removed endogenous steroids without modifying angiotensinogen production. This treatment allowed the study of the effects of steroids on angiotensinogen production. Hydrocortisone increased the angiotensinogen synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. The antiglucocorticoid RU 38486 did not change the basal rate of angiotensinogen production but inhibited the stimulation by hydrocortisone. Similar results were obtained with dexamethasone. Angiotensinogen biosynthesis seems to be regulated by two distinct mechanisms: (a) glucocorticoid independent, controlling the basal rate of angiotensinogen production and (b) glucocorticoid dependent, mediating the increased rate of angiotensinogen production upon glucocorticoid treatment.