Oxytocin synthesis and oxytocin receptor expression by cell lines of human small cell carcinoma of the lung stimulate tumor growth through autocrine/paracrine signaling.

Aug 17, 2002Cancer research

Oxytocin production and receptor activity in lung small cell cancer cells may promote tumor growth through self-signaling

AI simplified

Abstract

Binding of a specific vasotocin showed a dissociation constant ranging from 0.025-0.089 nM across three small cell carcinoma of the lung cell lines.

  • Oxytocin receptor expression and oxytocin synthesis were detected in three different small cell carcinoma of the lung cell lines (DMS79, H146, H345).
  • Binding studies confirmed the presence of oxytocin and vasopressin receptors on these cell lines.
  • Exogenous oxytocin exhibited a dose-dependent stimulation of cell growth in H345 cells, which was blocked by an oxytocin receptor antagonist.
  • A decrease in cell proliferation was noted with the oxytocin receptor antagonist alone, indicating that tumor-derived oxytocin may promote growth.
  • These findings suggest that oxytocin-mediated signaling plays a role in the growth and development of small cell carcinoma of the lung.

AI simplified

what lands in your inbox each week:

  • 📚7 fresh studies
  • 📝plain-language summaries
  • direct links to original studies
  • 🏅top journal indicators
  • 📅weekly delivery
  • 🧘‍♂️always free