Effects of testosterone and 17, beta-estradiol on the polyamine metabolism in cultivated normal rat kidney epithelial cells.

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and diamine oxidase (DAO) are important enzymes involved in the metabolism of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine). The influence of testosterone (T) and 17, beta-estradiol (E2) on the activity of ODC and DAO was examined in cultivated normal rat kidney (NRK) epithelial cells. The results showed an increase in enzyme activities 4 hours or 12 hours after hormonal treatment. Both T and E2 led to a significant increase (1.6-fold) in ODC protein level as compared to the controls. Cellular concentration of spermidine and spermine increased (2.2- and 2.6-fold respectively) 4 hours after T addition. A higher levels in concentrations of putrescine (1.4-fold) and spermine (1.5-fold) 12 hours after E2 treatment were observed. These results suggest that the biosynthesis and terminal oxidation of the polyamines in NRK epithelial cells are androgen- and estrogen-mediated and depend on the hormonal sensitivity of the cells.