In vitro activation of adenylate cyclase by norepinephrine, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and prostaglandins in the developing maxillary process and palatal shelf of the golden hamster.

The regional localization of hormonally sensitive adenylate cyclase within the maxillary-palatal process complex was examined in tissue homogenates at different stages during the development of the secondary palate in the golden hamster. The most potent agents capable of activating adenylate cyclase were parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT). Highest activities were observed in the intact maxillary process-palatal shelf complex and the isolated maxillary process prior to and during fusion of the palate. Thereafter, neither hormone displayed a remarkable capacity to elevate enzyme activity. Parathyroid hormone and CT exhibited a similar, but considerably reduced, capacity for enzyme stimulation in the isolated palatal shelf. 1'-Norepinephrine also increased adenylate cyclase activity in both the palatal shelf and the maxillary process at the earlier stages. Prostaglandins (PG) E1, E2, and F2 alpha stimulated adenylate cyclase activity within the intact palate, the maxillary process, and the palatal shelf primarily at the earlier stages. The adenylate cyclase from the isolated palatal shelf was more sensitive to stimulation by the PGs than that from either the intact palate samples or isolated maxillary processes. The findings imply that the fusion process of the secondary palate is under a highly sensitive hormonal control mechanism.