Formation of inositol phosphate isomers in GH3 pituitary tumour cells stimulated with thyrotropin-releasing hormone. Acute effects of lithium ions.

With a h.p.l.c. system, the inositol mono-, bis- and tris-phosphate isomers found in [3H]inositol-labelled GH3 cells were resolved and identified. These cells possess at least ten distinct [3H]inositol-containing substances when acid-soluble extracts are analysed by anion-exchange h.p.l.c. These substances were identified by their co-elution with known inositol phosphate standards and, to a limited extent, by examining their chemical structure. Two major inositol monophosphate (InsP) isomers were identified, namely Ins1P and Ins4P, both of which accumulate after stimulation with the hypothalamic releasing factor (TRH) (thyrotropin-releasing hormone). Three inositol bisphosphate (InsP2) isomers were resolved, of which two were positively identified, i.e. Ins(1,4)P2 and Ins(3,4)P2. TRH treatment increases both of these isomers, with Ins(1,4)P2 being produced at a faster rate than Ins(3,4)P2. The third InsP2 isomer has yet to be fully identified, although it is co-eluted with an Ins(4,5)P2 standard. This third InsP2 is also increased after TRH stimulation. In common with other cell types, the GH3 cell contains two inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) isomers: Ins(1,4,5)P3, which accumulates rapidly, and Ins(1,3,4)P3, which is formed more slowly. The latter substance appears simultaneously with its precursor, inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate. We also examined the effects of acute Li+ treatment on the rates of accumulation of these isomers, and demonstrated that Li+ augments TRH-mediated accumulation of Ins1P, Ins4P, Ins(1,4)P2, the presumed Ins(4,5)P2 and Ins(1,3,4)P3. These results suggest that the effects of Li+ on inositol phosphate metabolism are more complex than was originally envisaged, and support work carried out by less sophisticated chromatographic analysis.