Glucocorticoid-and non-glucocorticoid induction of lipocortins (annexins) 1 and 2 in rat peritoneal leucocytes in vivo.

1. We have studied the occurrence, distribution and disposition of lipocortins (annexins) 1, 2 and 5 in mixed peritoneal leucocytes obtained from rats in which glucocorticoid levels were altered by adrenalectomy, administration of the glucocorticoid antagonist, RU486, or by injection of dexamethasone or hydrocortisone, as well as from rats in which the peritoneal cells were elicited by inflammatory stimuli. 2. In cells obtained from untreated rats with an intact adrenal cortex, lipocortins 1, 2 and 5 were readily detectable: the majority of each of the proteins was apparently located intracellularly with much smaller amounts in the membrane. Lipocortin 1 and to a lesser extent lipocortin 5 were also seen in a Ca(2+)-dependent association with the external plasma membrane. Following administration of RU486 (2 x 20 mg kg-1) the amounts of lipocortin 1 and 2 in cells were greatly reduced. Conversely, injection of hydrocortisone (1 mg kg-1) or dexamethasone (0.08 mg kg-1) caused an increase in the amount of lipocortin 1 and 2 in peritoneal cells within 30 min. Lipocortin 5 was unchanged by any manipulation of glucocorticoid levels. 3. Lipocortins 1 and 2 were elevated in both intracellular and membrane-associated fractions of macrophages elicited by intraperitoneal injection in inflammogens. This phenomenon also occurred in adrenalectomized animals. 4. Our data indicate that glucocorticoids control the synthesis of some members of the lipocortin family in rat mixed peritoneal cells but also suggest the existence of a separate system for controlling the generation of this protein. The significance of these observations is considered in relation to the mechanism of glucocorticoid hormone action on eicosanoid production.