Identification of multiple subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins on the membrane of secretory granules in rat prolactin anterior pituitary cells.

The subcellular distribution of multiple subunits of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins has been investigated in rat anterior pituitary cells in primary culture, and more precisely in prolactin cells, by immunocytochemistry and subcellular fractionation followed by immunoblotting or ADP ribosylation, using polyclonal affinity-purified antibodies directed against Gi3 alpha, Gs alpha, Go1 alpha, Go2 alpha, and G beta. As expected, all these subunits were detected on the plasma membrane. They were, however, also detected on the membrane of several intracellular compartments involved in the secretory pathway, particularly on the secretory granule membrane. Differences appeared between the precise subcellular distribution and the local concentration of each subunit. The main subunits present on the secretory granule membrane were Gi3 alpha and Gs alpha. Go1 alpha, Go2 alpha, and G beta were detected, to a lesser extent, on parts of the membrane of a few secretory granules located near the plasma membrane. Domains of the rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae were immunolabeled with anti-Gs alpha and anti-Go1 alpha. In the Golgi zone, the membrane of some vesicles was stained only with anti-Gs alpha and anti-Go2 alpha. The association of this set of heterotrimeric G protein subunits on the membrane of the secretory granules suggests that these subunits could be involved in the regulation of formation, storage, targeting, and/or exocytosis of these organelles.