6-Methoxybenzoxazolinone (6-MBOA) is a compound originally isolated from naturally growing plants which stimulates reproduction in all mammals so far tested. 6-MBOA causes gonadol hypertrophy in both sexes of the microtine rodent Microtus montanus (vertebrates) with a commensurate increase in reproductive efforts. 6-MBOA administration overcomes the suppressive effects that photoperiods have on M. montanus, and appears to be more important than photoperiods in cueing reproductive behavior. 6-MBOA is now well established as a reproductive stimulant and fertility enhancer; however, there is no information on its mechanism of action at the endocrine or biochemical level. Our initial studies show that 6-MBOA is a melatonin antagonist in that it competitively displaces 3H-melatonin which is specifically bound to protein receptors. Melatonin influences sexual development in humans and other animals and is likely a biological factor influencing psychological depression. Research described in this proposal is intended as the initial phase of a comprehensive study to define effects of 6-MBOA on the neuroendocrine system and its mechanism(s) of action at the cellular and biochemical level. The objectives of the project described here are to: (1) determine primary and secondary target tissues for 6-MBOA by measuring tissue distributions and in vitro binding, (2) measure changes in the gonadotropins LH and FSH by radioimmunoassay after 6-MBOA administration, (3) determine effects of 6-MBOA on the levels of some serum steroids, and (4) study possible 6-MBOA and melatonin-mediated biochemical changes in established target tissues. Methodologies to be used are well established and objective. Results are certain to determine effects of 6-MBOA on the neuroendocrine system.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD019579-02
Application #
3316946
Study Section
Biochemical Endocrinology Study Section (BCE)
Project Start
1984-12-01
Project End
1987-11-30
Budget Start
1985-12-01
Budget End
1986-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Utah
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
Country
United States
Zip Code
84112
Gower, B A; Berger, P J (1990) Reproductive responses of male Microtus montanus to photoperiod, melatonin, and 6-MBOA. J Pineal Res 8:297-312
Sweat, F W; Berger, P J (1988) Uterotropic 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone is an adrenergic agonist and a melatonin analog. Mol Cell Endocrinol 57:131-8
Sweat, F W; Carmack, C F; Jewell, L S (1988) Cyclic nucleotide metabolism in pineal homogenates. J Pineal Res 5:333-44
Sweat, F W; Gower, B A; Berger, P G et al. (1986) Beta-adrenergic binding is increased by melatonin and alpha-adrenergic compounds. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 138:1196-202
Sweat, F W; Klee, W A (1985) Adenylate cyclases in two populations of membranes purified from neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid (NG 108-15) cells. J Cyclic Nucleotide Protein Phosphor Res 10:565-78