Effect of Short Peptides on Expression of Signaling Molecules in Organotypic Pineal Cell Culture

Abstract

We demonstrated the influence of short peptides on the expression of signaling molecules in organotypic culture of the pineal gland from 3-month-old rats. Peptides Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly and Lys-Glu-Asp stimulate the expression of proliferative protein Ki-67 in pineal gland culture. These peptides as well as Glu-Asp-Arg and Lys-Glu do not affect the expression of apoptosis marker AIF. The synthesis of transcription factor CGRP by pinealocytes was stimulated only by Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. Thus, peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly tissue-specifically stimulates proliferative and secretory activities of pinealocytes, which can be used for recovery of pineal gland functions at the molecular level.

Pineal Gland from the Cell Culture to Animal Models: A Review

“…The method for organ culture is not strictly confined to the specific procedural steps listed above. For instance, a study performed by Khavinson et al (2011) [41] revealed that the addition of the peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly to organ culture stimulated the proliferation and secretory activities of rat pinealocytes. The study suggests that this method can be used to improve recovery and reduce the aging process of pineal glands.…”