LβT2 gonadotroph cells secrete follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in response to activin A

Secretion of luteinizing hormone in response to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) has been described in the recently developed L beta T2 gonadotroph cell line. We evaluated the expression of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)beta mRNA and secretion of FSH from L beta T2 cells in response to GnRH and activin A. L beta T2 cells were treated with activin A in doses from 0 to 50 ng/ml, with or without a daily 10 nM GnRH pulse, or with GnRH alone. FSH secretion was stimulated over 6-fold by concomitant GnRH and activin A in a dose-responsive fashion at 72 h of treatment. FSH beta mRNA was detectable by ribonuclease protection assay only in cells treated with activin A with or without GnRH. The demonstration of FSH beta gene expression in L beta T2 cells further validates these cells as mature, differentiated gonadotrophs and as an important tool for the study of gonadotroph physiology.