Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) signaling pathway plays a role in cortisol secretion in the long-term hypoxic ovine fetal adrenal near term.

This study assessed the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway on the previously observed enhanced cortisol secretion in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treatment in fetal adrenocortical cells (FACs) from long-term hypoxic (LTH) ovine fetuses. Ewes were maintained at high altitude (3,820 m) from ~40 to 138-141 days gestation when FACs were collected and challenged with either ACTH (10 nM) or 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-bromo-cAMP, 10 mM) in the presence or absence of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MEK)/ERK inhibitor UO126 (10 µM). FACs from age-matched normoxic fetuses served as controls. Media and FACs were collected at selected time intervals after ACTH or 8-bromo-cAMP stimulation for cortisol measurement and Western analysis of ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1 and -2 (pERK1/2). After ACTH or 8-bromo-cAMP treatment, cortisol production was greater in the LTH group compared with control (P < 0.05). UO126 reduced ACTH and 8-bromo-cAMP-mediated cortisol output in both groups (P < 0.01 vs. ACTH or 8-bromo-cAMP alone). Under basal conditions, ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 were not different between LTH and normoxic fetuses. In response to ACTH or 8-bromo-cAMP treatment, ERK1/2 were not different between groups; however, pERK1/2 were elevated in the LTH FACs compared with normoxic control FACs. ERK1/2 phosphorylation declined following ACTH treatment in the control group, but UO126 had no effect on ERK1/2 compared with untreated levels. Both ACTH and 8-bromo-cAMP treatment resulted in a decline of protein levels. UO126 pretreatment virtually eliminated pERK1/2 expression. We conclude that basal ERK signaling in FACs is necessary for normal cortisol production and sustained pERK in LTH adrenals enhances cortisol production.