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At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources
PubMed1978

[Change in the adrenal cortex of rats in stress after hypophysectomy, thyroidectomy and castration].

To elucidate factors producing destructive changes in the adrenal cortex under severe stress, the following experiments were performed: 1) severe combined stress (KC) including unilateral adrenalectomy and fixation in supin position for 24 h (control group); 2)hypophysectomy KC; 3) thyroidectomy KC; 4) bilateral orchiectomy KC; 5) injection of vitamine "E" for 14 days + KC. The adrenals were studied by a complex of morphometrical and histochemical methods. Hypophysectomy prevented estructive changes in the adrenal cortex under KC. This effect was not connected with hypofunction of the thyroid gland and the testes, as their excision (in rats without hypophysectomy) did not prevent the development of necrobiotic changes in the adrenal cortex. A suggestion is made on a "corticolytic" effect of ACTH which reveals itself under severe stress. Destruction of adrenocorticocytes is supposed to result from activation of peroxide oxidation of lipids. This is indirectly supported by a large number of lipofuscin containing cells, by decrease in the activity of alkaline phosphatase and ATPh-ase, by activation of acid phosphatase and also by decreasing alterative phenomena at the injection of vitamine "E".

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed2006

Down-regulation of the beacon gene expression in the regenerating rat adrenal cortex.

Beacon, a hypothalamic peptide involved in the regulation of food intake, has been recently shown to be expressed in the adrenal cortex, and to inhibit its secretion and growth. To further characterize the role of beacon in the control of adrenal growth, we investigated the level of beacon gene expression in the regenerating rat adrenal cortex. Conventional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunocytochemistry demonstrated the expression of beacon mRNA and protein in the adrenals at both days 5 and 8 of regeneration after enucleation and contralateral adrenalectomy. Semiquantitative real time-PCR revealed a net down-regulation of beacon mRNA in the regenerating glands, as compared to the intact adrenal cortex of sham-operated animals. Beacon gene expression was higher at day 8 than at day 5 of regeneration. Mitotic index, as assayed by the stachmokinetic method with vincristin, was negligible in the intact adrenal, but greatly elevated in regenerating gland, with a higher index found at day 5 than at day 8 after surgery. Taken together our findings indicate that the level of beacon gene expression is inversely correlated with the proliferative activity of adrenocortical cells, and suggest that beacon might act as an endogenous inhibitor of adrenocortical growth in the rat.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1986

Sex differences in adrenocortical structure and function. XXI. The effects of gonadectomy and testosterone or estradiol replacement on mitotic activity of the rat adrenal cortex.

The study was designed to investigate the mitotic activity of adrenal cortex in the adult male and female rats and to explain the effects of gonadal hormones on proliferation of rat adrenocortical cells. Mitotic index in individual zones of the adrenal cortex as well as a total number of mitoses on the "equatorial" sections of the gland were estimated in dexamethasone and colchicine pretreated control, gonadectomized and gonadectomized-gonadal hormone replaced rats. If compared with males, mitotic index of the zona reticularis (ZR) cells was higher in females, however, there was no difference in the remaining zones of the cortex. Neither orchiectomy nor testosterone had an effect on mitotic index of the zona glomerulosa (ZG) and zona fasciculata (ZF) cells. In the ZR, orchiectomy increased this index, an effect reversed by testosterone. Neither ovariectomy nor estradiol administration had an effect on mitotic index of the ZG and ZF, while in the ZR estradiol lowered this index if compared with control and gonadectomized rats. Total number of mitoses per "equatorial" section of the gland was similar in male and female rats. Orchiectomy increased this value, an effect reversed by testosterone. On the other hand, neither ovariectomy nor estradiol had an effect on the total number of mitoses per section of the adrenal gland.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1989

[Subtotal adrenalectomy versus autotransplantation of the adrenal cortex--an alternative procedure in bilateral adrenalectomy in MEN II?].

Complete loss of steroid production is a very remarkable effect of total adrenalectomy. This is the reason why attempt was made to preserve some adrenal cortex function in cases with bilateral adrenalectomy. Till now successful autografting of adrenal cortex has been reported only in cases with Cushing's syndrome. We now report on two cases with MEN II syndrome, in whom autografting into the rectus muscle was done successfully. In order to compare results, data on two patients with subtotal adrenalectomy are given. Outcome was similar. In all 4 cases function of adrenal cortex was demonstrated by scintigraphy and by blood chemistry. In one case with autotransplantation and in another with subtotal resection, the remaining adrenal tissue showed response to ACTH. Provided more experience, in our opinion subtotal adrenalectomy and adrenal autotransplantation in cases of MEN II syndrome might turn out to prove as equivalent procedures.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1986

Influence of pinealectomy on the mitotic activity of regenerating adrenal cortex in rats.

There is some evidence that the pineal gland may influence the proliferation of both normal and neoplastic cells. The adrenal cortex has very high capacity for regeneration. Therefore, the effects of pinealectomy on the mitotic activity of regenerating adrenal cortex of rats were studied on the second, seventh and twelfth days following the enucleation of adrenals. Pinealectomy caused a significant decrease in the mitotic index of regenerating adrenal cortex after 2 and 12 days in comparison to sham operated controls.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1988

Relationship between zonal distribution of microsomal cytochrome P-450s (P-450(17)alpha,lyase and P-450C21) and steroidogenic activities in guinea-pig adrenal cortex.

In an attempt to elucidate the functional role of the three zones of the adrenal cortex, the localization of microsomal cytochrome P-450s (P450(17)alpha,lyase and P-450C21) and their relation to steroidogenesis in the guinea-pig adrenal cortex were studied. The intracellular localization and zonal distribution of P-450(17)alpha,lyase and P-450C21 were examined by the direct peroxidase-labelled antibody technique. The cytochromes were localized immunocytochemically on the smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. P-450(17)alpha,lyase was found to be distributed in the zona fasciculata, especially in the externa, and less in the zona reticularis. The zona glomerulosa was negative for immunohistochemical staining for P-450(17)alpha,lyase. In contrast, P-450C21 was distributed in all three zones in the adrenal cortex. The cytochrome P-450 contents and their steroidogenic activities were determined with microsomes prepared from the outer zone (zonae glomerulosa and fasciculata) and from the inner zone (zona reticularis) of guinea-pig adrenals. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the ratio of P-450C21 content in the inner zone to that in the outer zone microsomes was estimated to be 1.24. 21-Hydroxylase activity was higher in the inner zone microsomes, which was in good agreement with the relative P-450C21 contents. The ratio of P-450(17)alpha,lyase content in the inner zone to that in the outer zone microsomes was estimated to be 0.75. 17 alpha-Hydroxylase and C17-20-lyase activities were five- to sixfold greater in the outer than in the inner zone microsomes, which could not be explained by the P-450(17)alpha,lyase contents in the two zones.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1976

Adrenal cortex adenylate cyclase. In vitro acitivity of ACTH fragments and analogues.

The ability of ACTH fragments and of an ACTH analogue [9-tryptophan(o-nitrophenylsulfenyl)] corticotropin-(1-24)-tetracosapeptide[Trp-(Nps)9 ACTH1-24] to stimulate adenylate cyclase in bovine adrenal cortex membranes and a crude membrane fraction from rat adrenals has been determined. Partial agonists like Trp (Nps)9 ACTH1-24 displayed intrinsic activity in the rat adrenal preparation only if tested in the presence of 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p]. On the other hand, no addition of Gpp(NH)p was necessary to demonstrate intrinsic activity of Trp(Nps)9 ACTH1-24 for bovine adrenal cortex adenylate cyclase. A large decrease (15-fold) of the apparent Km values for ACTH1-24, ACTH1-23 and ACTH1-17 was observed with the rat adrenal preparation when Gpp(NH)p was added. The shift in apparent Km values for ACTH1-24 and ACTH1-23 for the bovine adrenal cortex adenylate cyclase system was small or insignificant when Gpp(NH)p was added. The observations suggest that the hormone receptor facilitates the action of guanylnucleotide sites in the membrane. When guanylnucleotide sites are occupied by Gpp(NH)p even weak interactions of the hormone receptor with e.g. partial agonists are propagated to the catalytic subunits of the adenylate cyclase complex resulting in enhanced activity. The differences in adenylate cyclase activation with hormone fragments or analogues and different target tissues may rather reflect the state of the coupling process involving guanylnucleotide binding sites of the isolated membrane fraction than differences in the receptor itself.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1994

Localization of steroidogenic enzymes in adrenal cortex and its disorders.

Immunolocalization and in situ hybridization analysis of steroidogenic enzymes demonstrated the localization of steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex and its disorders. The findings obtained provided new insights into adrenocortical hormonal metabolism, especially through establishing endocrine-pathological correlation.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1979

Sex differences in adrenocortical structure and function. V. The effects of postpubertal gonadectomy and gonadal hormone replacement on nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, morphology and histochemistry of rat adrenal cortex.

Studies were carried out on adult rats of Wistar strain. Six weeks after postpubertal gonadectomy some of the orchiectomized rats were injected with a single dose of testosterone cypionate and ovari-ctomized rats with estradiol cypionate (17 beta-cyclopentyloproprionate esters of testosterone or estradiol). The control rats were sham operated. Investigations were carried out 8 weeks after surgery. Absolute and relative adrenal weight is lower in the male than in the female rat. Orchiectomy increases these weights while testosterone restores them to their normal level. Ovariectomy has no effect on the weight of adrenal, estradiol, however, increases the relative weight of the gland. The adrenal cortex of the adult female is wider than in the adult male rat and in female gland sudanophobic zone is lacking. Orchiectomy leads to the broadening of the adrenal cortex and testosterone replacement has an opposite effect. Ovariectomy has no effect on the structure of adrenal cortex and estradiol replacement resulted in the narrowing of zona glomerulosa. There were no differences in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio of zona glomerulosa cells in male and Female rats and neither gonadectomy nor gonadal hormone replacement has no effect on this parameter. The nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio of zona fasciculata cells in the male is markedly higher than in female. Orchiectomy lowers this ratio and testosterone restores it to the normal level. Neither ovariectomy nor estradiol replacement has effect on the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio of zona fasciculata cells. Similar changes as those in the zona fasciculata were observed in zona reticularis cells. Among the oxidoreductases studied, the most marked sex differences were found in alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity. In control female rats an intense reaction for this enzyme is observed in broad band of cells of the zona fasciculata interna, while in male rats only individual cells showed this reaction. In orchiectomized rats the reaction for this enzyme is similar as in control female rats and testosterone restores it to normal. Ovariectomy has no effect on localisation of reaction while after estradiol replacement reaction was more intense. Regarding the remaining oxidoreductases studied, in the adrenal cortex of rats of both sexes no marked differences were observed in localization, however, intensity of reaction depended upon applied experimental conditions. More distinct sex differences were observed in topochemistry of some hydrolases and intensity of reaction depended upon the applied experimental conditions.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Influence of vitamins C, Bl, and B6 on the diurnal periodicity of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex in patients with atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis].

Diurnal periodicity of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex was studied in 52 patients with atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis without and with circulatory insufficency of the I, IIA and IIB stage, based on the determination of 17-OCS in 3 portions of the urine collected at equal 8-hours long time intervals. The patients without circulatory insufficiency and with insufficiency of the 1st stage received ascorbic acid in amounts of 0.3 g thrice a day, along with vitamins B1 and B6 (5 and 6 per cent) in doses of 1 ml for 14-16 days. Patients with circulatory insufficiency of the IIA and IIB stages were given vitamins and cardiac glycosides. Investigations ascertained disturbed rhythmic and functional activity of the suprarenals in these patients. The treatment resulted in improving the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex with simultaneous normalization of the rhythmic activity of the suprarenals.

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗
PubMed2001

Zonal expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in sheep and rhesus adrenal cortex.

There is mounting evidence that nitric oxide (NO) may inhibit adrenal steroidogenesis by binding to the heme group of P450 enzymes, particularly the rate-limiting steps cholesterol side-change cleavage P450, aldosterone synthase P450, and 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C(17/20)-lyase P450. Using immunohistochemistry, nitrotyrosine was detectable throughout the ovine adrenal cortex, and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) was further identified in zona glomerulosa (ZG) and at a higher level throughout the zona fasciculata, increasing toward the medulla. Caveolin-1, 90-kDa heat shock protein, ERK-1/2, and Akt, all known and proposed regulators of eNOS activity, were detected throughout the ovine adrenal cortex. Western immunoblotting confirmed the identity of these proteins as well as the absence of neuronal NOS, inducible NOS, caveolin-2, and caveolin-3. Through dual immunostaining we further identified for the first time a zona intermedia without strong staining for 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C(17/20)-lyase P450 or angiotensin II type 1 receptor, but positive for eNOS. Rhesus adrenals also stained positively for eNOS, but staining was seen only in the ZG and zona reticularis. We conclude that eNOS may play a role in controlling zone-specific aldosterone synthase vs. 11 beta-hydroxylase activities of the single CYP11B gene in sheep. In the rhesus monkey, NO may modulate ZG aldosterone synthase, but it is not needed for control of the distinct 11 beta-hydroxylase in the zona fasciculata. In the zona reticularis, however, eNOS may control C(19) steroid production at the level of 17 alpha-hydroxylase vs. 17,20-lyase activity otherwise unopposed by 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1997

Adrenocorticotropin induction of stress-activated protein kinase in the adrenal cortex in vivo.

A broad array of stressors induce ACTH release from the anterior pituitary, with consequent stimulation of the adrenal cortex and release of glucocorticoids critical for survival of the animal. ACTH stimulates adrenocortical gene expression in vivo and inhibits adrenocortical cell proliferation. Binding of ACTH to its G-protein-coupled receptor stimulates the production of cAMP and activation of the protein kinase A pathway. The stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs) (or c-Jun N-terminal kinases) and the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family of serine/threonine kinases, which have recently been implicated in G-protein-coupled receptor intracellular signaling. The SAPKs are preferentially induced by osmotic stress and UV light, whereas the ERKs are preferentially induced by growth factors and proliferative signals in cultured cells. In these studies, ACTH stimulated SAPK activity 3-4-fold both in the adrenal cortex in vivo and in the Y1 adrenocortical cell line. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate but not cAMP induced SAPK activity in Y1 cells. The isoquinolinesulfonamide inhibitors H-8 and H-89 blocked ACTH induction of SAPK activity at protein kinase C inhibitory doses but not at protein kinase A inhibitory doses. The calcium chelating agent EGTA inhibited ACTH-induced SAPK activity and the calcium ionophore A23187 induced SAPK activity 3-fold. In contrast with the induction of SAPK by ACTH, ERK activity was inhibited in the adrenal cortex in vivo and in Y1 adrenal cells. Together these findings suggest that ACTH induces SAPK activity through a PKC and Ca+2-dependent pathway. The induction of SAPK and inhibition of ERK by ACTH in vivo may preferentially regulate target genes involved in the adrenocortical stress responses in the whole animal.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1980

[Sex dimorphism of adrenal cortex of the Syrian golden hamster following gonadectomy (author's transl)].

Earlier studies showed a sex dimorphism of the adrenal cortex of the hamster developing during puberty. Morphologically, this is most evident in the zone reticularis. The male has larger reticular cells than the female, 60 pairs of siblings were castrated around the 10th day of life; 6 males and females were sacrificed at weekly intervals between the 3rd and 12th week of life. 60 pairs of uncastrated siblings served as control. Till the 10th week of life the body and adrenal weight of the castrated males agree with those of the castrated females. From the 11th week onwards the males have the higher body and adrenal weight. Neither histometrically nor histologically there are differences in the adrenal structure of the 2 castrated sexes. Both groups have small reticular cells. Compared to the uncastrated animal the male castrated hamster has a higher body and a lower adrenal weight, whereas the female castrate shows no significant difference in comparison with the non-castrate of the same age and sex. Thus, the adrenal cortex of the Syrian golden hamster is stimulated by androgen hormone. This result is contrary to the rat adrenal, where changes, caused by gonadectomy, are found in the female, and the female adrenal is stimulated by estrogen.

Adrenal Cortex↗