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Evidence for extratumoural storage of catecholamines in pheochromocytoma patients.

Following the removal of a pheochromocytoma in three female patients the daily excretion of catecholamines and their metabolites was still considerably elevated for about one week. The excretion rates declined during this period with half-lives of 1.8 to 10.9 days for catecholamines and 2.1 to 4.7 days for metanephrines, vanilmandelic acid, and vanilglycol. The cumulative urinary excretion of catecholamines and their metabolites following surgical removal of the tumour was nearly as high as the catecholamine content of the pheochromocytomas. This large amount of catecholamines must have been located outside the tumour, most probably within the sympathetic nerve, where it is subject to release following physiological stimuli. Furthermore, this fact may provide an explanation for hypertensive crises in pheochromocytoma patients.

Adolescent↗

Effects of stress on catecholamine stores in central and peripheral tissues of long-term socially isolated rats.

Both the peripheral sympatho-adrenomedullary and central catecholaminergic systems are activated by various psycho-social and physical stressors. Catecholamine stores in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, adrenal glands, and heart auricles of long-term socially isolated (21 days) and control 3-month-old male Wistar rats, as well as their response to immobilization of all 4 limbs and head fixed for 2 h and cold stress (4 degrees C, 2 h), were studied. A simultaneous single isotope radioenzymatic assay based on the conversion of catecholamines to the corresponding O-methylated derivatives by catechol-O-methyl-transferase in the presence of S-adenosyl-l-(3H-methyl)-methionine was used. The O-methylated derivatives were oxidized to 3H-vanilline and the radioactivity measured. Social isolation produced depletion of hypothalamic norepinephrine (about 18%) and hippocampal dopamine (about 20%) stores and no changes in peripheral tissues. Immobilization decreased catecholamine stores (approximately 39%) in central and peripheral tissues of control animals. However, in socially isolated rats, these reductions were observed only in the hippocampus and peripheral tissues. Cold did not affect hypothalamic catecholamine stores but reduced hippocampal dopamine (about 20%) as well as norepinephrine stores in peripheral tissues both in control and socially isolated rats, while epinephrine levels were unchanged. Thus, immobilization was more efficient in reducing catecholamine stores in control and chronically isolated rats compared to cold stress. The differences in rearing conditions appear to influence the response of adult animals to additional stress. In addition, the influence of previous exposure to a stressor on catecholaminergic activity in the brainstem depends on both the particular catecholaminergic area studied and the properties of additional acute stress. Therefore, the sensitivity of the catecholaminergic system to habituation appears to be tissue-specific.

Adrenal Glands↗

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide- and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide-mediated control of catecholamine release from chromaffin tissue in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

The aim of the present investigation was to assess the relative contributions of cholinergic (acetylcholine) and non-cholinergic vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) neurotransmitters in the neuronal control of catecholamine secretion from the chromaffin tissue lining the posterior cardinal vein of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Using an in situ saline-perfused posterior cardinal vein preparation, it was demonstrated that exogenous administration of chicken VIP or human PACAP-27 caused a dose-dependent increase in adrenaline secretion; noradrenaline secretion was unaffected. Analysis of dose-response curves indicated that VIP and PACAP stimulated the secretion of adrenaline with a similar degree of potency (ED(50) for VIP=1.90x10(-11) mol/kg; ED(50) for PACAP=1.03x10(-11) mol/kg). The VIP/PACAP-elicited secretion was diminished in the presence of the VIP receptor antagonist, VIP 6-28, but was unaffected by the PACAP receptor antagonist, PACAP 6-27, or the cholinergic antagonists, hexamethonium and atropine. Thus, this is the first study to demonstrate a direct stimulatory role for VIP or PACAP in catecholamine secretion from piscine chromaffin cells. The relative contribution of cholinergic and non-cholinergic neurotransmitters in the neuronal control of catecholamine secretion from the chromaffin tissue was evaluated using an in situ nerve-stimulating technique previously validated by us in the rainbow trout. This was accomplished by comparing catecholamine secretion in the presence or absence of cholinergic and the VIP and PACAP receptor antagonists during different levels of electrical stimulation. The results demonstrated that cholinergic stimulation predominated during high frequency of electrical stimulation (20 Hz) while the non-cholinergic component prevailed at low frequency (1 Hz). Overall, the results of the present investigation demonstrate that VIP and/or PACAP may directly stimulate adrenaline secretion from trout chromaffin cells at low levels of neuronal activity. Therefore, the neuronal control of catecholamine secretion in teleosts may not be confined to cholinergic-evoked events.

Analysis of Variance↗

Stimulation of catecholamine biosynthesis via the PKC pathway by prolactin-releasing peptide in PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells.

We have previously shown that prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) stimulates catecholamine release from PC12 cells (rat pheochromocytoma cell line). However, it is not known whether PrRP also affects catecholamine biosynthesis. Thus, we examined the effect of PrRP on catecholamine biosynthesis in PC12 cells. PrRP31 (>10 nM) and PrRP20 (>100 nM) significantly increased the activity and expression level of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate-limiting enzyme, in catecholamine biosynthesis. However, the PrRP20-stimulated TH activity was markedly weaker than that of PrRP31. PrRP31 (>1 nM) and PrRP20 (>10 nM) significantly induced an increase in the level of PKC activity. Both Ro 32-0432 (a protein kinase C inhibitor) and H89 (a protein kinase A inhibitor) effectively suppressed the PrRP31 (100 nM)-induced TH mRNA level. Next, we examined the effect of PrRP on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). PrRP31 (1 microM) significantly induced an increase in the activity of extracellular signal-related kinases (ERKs) and the stress-activated protein kinase/c-jun N terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK). In contrast to ERKs and JNK, PrRP31 did not affect P38 MAPK activity. Consistent with these findings, pretreatment of cells with the MEK-1-inhibitor, PD-98059 (50 microM), significantly inhibited the PrRP31 (100 nM)-induced increase in TH mRNA. These results indicate that PrRP stimulates catecholamine synthesis through both the PKC and PKA pathways in PC12 cells.

Animals↗

Activin A stimulates catecholamine secretion from rat adrenal chromaffin cells: a new physiological mechanism.

Activin A is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta family and has known roles in the adrenal cortex, from which activin A is secreted. We aimed to find whether activin A induces secretion of catecholamines from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, which neighbours the adrenal cortex in vivo. Using carbon fibre amperometry, we were able to measure catecholamine secretion in real-time from single chromaffin cells dissociated from the rat adrenal medulla. Activin A stimulated catecholamine secretion in a rapid and dose-dependent manner from chromaffin cells. This effect was fully reversible upon washout of activin A. The minimum dose at which activin A had a maximal effect was 2 nM, with an EC50 of 1.1 nM. The degree of secretion induced by activin A (2 nM) was smaller than that due to membrane depolarization caused by an increase in the external K+ concentration from 5 to 70 mM. No response to activin A was seen when Ca2+ channels were blocked by Cd2+ (200 microM). We conclude from these findings that activin A is capable of stimulating a robust level of catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells in a concentration-dependent manner. This occurs via the opening of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, causing Ca2+ entry, thereby triggering exocytosis. These findings illustrate a new physiological role of activin A and a new mechanism in the control of catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla.

Activins↗

Catecholamines: role in health and disease.

The naturally occurring catecholamines, noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine, have been found in a wide range of animal and vegetable tissues, but are particularly associated with nervous tissue in animals. Of the many processes affecting the response to stimulation of catecholamine containing nerves, the synthesis of catecholamines, particularly the first enzymatic stage involving tyrosine hydroxylase, and the re-uptake process, whereby the nerve recovers much of the released catecholamine, appear to be the most significant. In peripheral tissues noradrenaline appears to be involved predominantly in the sympathetic control of blood pressure and flow while adrenaline is more important to metabolic processes especially fat and glucose turnover. Both may be released in increased amounts by various stimuli that cause stress or arousal in the body. Dopamine has not yet been shown to have any significant physiological function in peripheral tissues. In the central nervous system, noradrenaline and dopamine are the two main catecholamines. The working of the brain is complex and involves balanced interactions between a variety of neurotransmitters, known or as yet unrecognised. However, noradrenaline appears to play a role in the central control of blood pressure, and in determining mood and activity probably by affecting the emotional drives. Dopamine is certainly important in the control of motor pathways, as shown by the dopamine deficiency syndrome in Parkinson's disease, and is possibly of significance in the abnormal behaviour of psychotics. The role of the small concentration of adrenaline in the brain has yet to be fully established.

Catecholamines↗

Plasma free catecholamine level during hemopurification in a case of pheochromocytoma.

To examine the alteration of the plasma free-catecholamine level during hemopurification in a patient with pheochromocytoma, the levels of plasma free-catecholamine and total catecholamine in the filtrate were monitored pre- and post-hemopurification. Approximately 100 micrograms of total catecholamine was removed by the hemopurification procedure though the high level of plasma-free catecholamine remained unaltered.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

[Catecholamines in the human diencephalon].

INTRODUCTION: Catecholamines are chemical compounds which play an important role as neurotransmitters in many vital functions of the organism. The paper presents a short survey of their biosynthesis, disintegration andfunctions, with respect to the neuroanatomical location of cell groups which contain these compounds. CATECHOLAMINES IN THE HUMAN HYPOTHALAMUS: Because the authors were most interested in the behavior of catecholamines in the diencephalon, particularly in the hypothalamus, they focussed their attention on cells secreting catecholamines (dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, octopamine). The paper also deals with the connections between cellular structures which emit and receive the neuronal impulses that transport catecholamines as neurotransmitters. These include the following dopaminergic systems: nigrostriatal, tuberohypophysial, retinal, periventricular, periglomerular and dopaminergic systems in mesolimbic, mesocortical and diencephalic regions. The paper also indicates other areas in human brain with adrenaline and noradrenaline secreting cells.

Catecholamines↗

Catecholamines modulate metamorphosis in the opisthobranch gastropod Phestilla sibogae.

Larvae of the nudibranch Phestilla sibogae are induced to metamorphose by a factor from their adult prey, the coral Porites compressa. Levels of endogenous catecholamines increase 6 to 9 days after fertilization, when larvae become competent for metamorphosis. Six- to nine-day larvae, treated with the catecholamine precursor L-DOPA (0.01 mM for 0.5 h), were assayed for metamorphosis in response to coral inducer and for catecholamine content by high-performance liquid chromatography. L-DOPA treatment caused 20- to 50-fold increases in dopamine, with proportionally greater increases in younger larvae, so that L-DOPA-treated larvae of all ages contained similar levels of dopamine. A much smaller (about twofold) increase in norepinephrine occurred in all larvae. The treatment significantly potentiated the frequency of metamorphosis of 7- to 9-d larvae at low concentrations of inducer. In addition, L-DOPA treatment at 9 d increased aldehyde-induced fluorescence in cells that were also labeled in the controls, and revealed additional cells. However, all labeled cells were consistent with the locations of cells showing tyrosine-hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity. Catecholamines are likely to modulate metamorphosis in P. sibogae, but rising levels of catecholamines around the time of competence are insufficient alone to account for sensitivity to inducer in competent larvae.

Animals↗

Opposite effects of insulin and catecholamines on LDL-receptor activity in human mononuclear leukocytes.

The mechanisms by which insulin and catecholamines affect low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor activity were studied in freshly isolated human mononuclear leukocytes. Incubation of cells for up to 24 h in a lipid-free medium resulted in an increase in the specific binding, accumulation, and degradation of 125I-labeled LDL. Insulin stimulated the ability of the cells to bind, accumulate, and degrade the lipoprotein with high affinity, which may be caused by an increase in the LDL-receptor number without altering binding affinity. (-)-Epinephrine inhibited the specific binding, accumulation, and degradation of 125I-LDL. This effect appears to be mediated by a decrease in the number of LDL receptors and not by a change in the binding affinity. (-)-Norepinephrine, the unspecific beta-adrenergic agonist (-)-isoproterenol, and the beta 2-specific agonist terbutaline mimicked the effect of epinephrine on LDL-receptor activity. Catecholamines and beta-adrenergic agonists yielded sigmoidal log-concentration effect curves. The action of epinephrine was attenuated by the beta-antagonist (dl)-propranolol. These results demonstrate that insulin stimulates and catecholamines suppress the specific binding, accumulation, and degradation of 125I-LDL in human mononuclear leukocytes. The catecholamine action appears to be mediated by beta 2-adrenergic receptors. A suppression of LDL-receptor activity resulting from deficiency of insulin and elevated plasma catecholamine concentrations in uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetic patients may contribute to the increased levels of LDL cholesterol observed in these patients.

Catecholamines↗

Effects of decrease of extracellular sodium in carbachol-evoked catecholamine secretion in isolated adrenal medullae of rats.

The effect of extracellular Na(+) deprivation on the carbachol-evoked catecholamine secretion was evaluated in chromaffin cells. Isolated adrenal medullae of male Wistar rats were incubated in solutions with different sodium concentrations (144,0; 75,0; 25,0 and psi mM). Catecholamine secretions inversely increased as a response to fall of extracellular concentration of sodium. The magnitude of response to cholinergic stimulus (carbachol 100 microM) was decreased in low extracellular sodium concentration. Atropine (100 microM) inhibited secretion of catecholamine induced by carbachol in the presence and in the absence of extracellular sodium. Results suggest that in isolated adrenal medullae of rats (1) decrease in concentration of extracellular sodium increases secretion of catecholamines, perhaps by a greater influx of calcium from the extracellular environment through reversal of Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchanger; (2) intensity of catecholamine secretion induced by cholinergic stimulus seems to depend on extracellular sodium.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Catecholamine turnover in essential hypertension.

With the more widespread use of sensitive specific methods of measurements of catecholamines and metabolites, more emphasis must be given to assessment of dynamic indices of catecholamine turnover. Wide inter-individual differences in noradrenaline clearance from plasma and in resting endogenous production rate, together with individual differences in responsiveness, frustrate simplistic attempts to relate plasma level of transmitter with turnover. To assess catecholamine function adequately plasma and urinary levels of catecholamine and the main metabolites should be determined together with an index of responsiveness. Central nervous catecholamine turnover cannot be easily assessed from measurement of urinary metabolite excretion Cerebrospinal fluid concentration of MHPG may provide an index of brain noradrenaline turnover.

Blood Pressure↗

Catecholamine response to a gradual increase of intracranial pressure.

To determine the catecholamine response to progressive intracranial hypertension, intracranial pressure (ICP) was raised gradually by continuous expansion of an epidural balloon in seven dogs. Hemodynamic parameters, ICP, and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were monitored continuously and serum catecholamine levels began to rise when CPP was in the low-positive range (20 to 30 mm Hg), reaching a peak just after brain death (CPP < or = o mm Hg). There was no correlation between ICP and the catecholamine peak. Compared to control values, the mean increase was 286-fold for epinephrine and 78-fold for norepinephrine. Temporally, the catecholamine peak corresponded well with the observed hemodynamic changes. These results suggest that ischemia in certain parts of the brain stem is responsible for the hemodynamic changes observed in intracranial hypertension (such as the Cushing response), and they show that catecholamines play an important role in these hemodynamic changes.

Animals↗

Effect of maternal protein and/or energy deficiency during pregnancy on catecholamines and serotonin in fetal rat brain.

An investigation was made of the effect of maternal protein and/or energy deficiency during pregnancy on developmental changes in the levels of catecholamines and serotonin in fetal brain. Pregnant rats were fed on a 20%, 6% or 0% casein diet from day 1 of pregnancy to the day of autopsy (day 18, 20 or 22 of pregnancy). In the control group, the catecholamine content of the brain increased during pregnancy, being 21 ng on day 18, 48 ng on day 20 and 52 ng on day 22. A similar increase was found in the group on a 6% casein diet. In contrast, with complete protein deprivation there was no developmental increase in catecholamine. A slight increase in serotonin and a marked increase in 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid occurred during late pregnancy, irrespective of the maternal diet. At term, the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine and the tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the forebrain, cerebellum and brain stem of the fetuses in the group on a 0% casein diet were significantly less than those in the groups on 20% and 6% casein diets. The free tyrosine concentrations (mumol/g) in the brain of fetuses in the groups on 20%, 6% and 0% casein diets were 0.701, 0.213 and 0.661, respectively. From the above results it is concluded that the low catecholamine content of the brain in fetuses in the group on a 0% casein diet was due to disturbance of the system for catecholamine synthesis, rather than to deficiency of precursors.

Aging↗

Freedom from drug interference in new immunoassays for urinary catecholamines and metanephrines.

BACKGROUND: Determination of urinary free catecholamine and total (i. e., free plus conjugated) metanephrine excretion is considered the most clinically sensitive biochemical test for pheochromocytoma. In this study, we evaluated new immunoassay methods for the measurement of these analytes for potential drug-based interference. METHODS: Urine samples collected from patients on a variety of medications were grouped by specific drug type. The significance of any difference in the free catecholamine or total metanephrine concentrations in the different groups was assessed by one-way ANOVA. A group of patients receiving no medication was included as a control (no analytical interference). Additionally, analytical accuracy, detection limit, and precision were determined. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the concentrations of free catecholamines or total metanephrines in urine from patients taking the medications investigated and the control group: P = 0.649 (fE), 0.221 (fNE), 0.149 (tM), and 0.170 (tNM). For free catecholamines, intraassay CVs were 4.6-18%; interassay CVs were 10-25%. For total metanephrines, intraassay CVs were 9.6-27%; interassay CVs were 5. 8-22%. Detection limits were 0.009 and 0.027 micromol/L for fE and fNE and 0.119 and 0.346 micromol/L for tM and tNM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: None of the drugs examined in this study interfered in the measurement of free catecholamines or total metanephrines by these immunoassays. The technique is easier to use, requires less equipment, and is more accessible than HPLC. In combination, these assays are suitable as initial screening tests for pheochromocytoma.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Cerebrospinal fluid-, blood-, and ascitis-catecholamines in hepatic cirrhosis.

The consideration of the extensive innervation of liver parenchyma, together with data relating to the degradation of catecholamines in the liver and the importance of hepatic vascular process in hepatic cirrhosis, prompted us to investigate the behaviour of catecholamines in this condition. The following parameters were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood and ascitis fluid: total catecholamines, adrenaline and noradrenaline. During hepatic cirrhosis, total catecholamines level in blood, as well as in CSF was reduced. This reduction could be attributed primarily to a decrease in noradrenaline. Since adrenaline remained almost normal, the fraction of adrenaline contributing to total catecholamines increased close to 50%, which is higher than normal. Changes parallel to those found in the blood could be observed also in the ascitis fluid.

Ascitic Fluid↗

Catecholamines induce IL-10 release in patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction by transactivating its promoter in monocytic but not in T-cells.

The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 is up-regulated in response to TNF-alpha suggesting a control mechanism of inflammation. In addition, we recently found systemic IL-10 release in response to acute stress reactions in the absence of any systemic inflammation. In vitro and in vivo studies in experimental models suggest that catecholamines induce IL-10 release via a cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) dependent pathway. Here we studied patients for plasma IL-10 after acute myocardial infarction, a very stressful event without significant signs of systemic inflammation. In fact, the activation of the sympathetic system initiated by cardiac infarction was accompanied by a temporary systemic release of IL-10. Catecholamine induced IL-10 may be released by different cells. Recently, we demonstrated that catecholamines directly stimulate the IL-10 promoter/enhancer via a cAMP/PKA pathway in monocytic cells. A cAMP responsive element (CRE) was identified as major target. Here we show that there is no influence of catecholamines on the IL-10 promoter activity in T-cells. In contrast to monocytic cells, in T-cells cAMP-induced PKA-dependent phosphorylation of the CRE-binding protein 1 (CREB-1) seems to play a marginal role in IL-10 induction, which was reflected by a low cAMP-dependent IL-10-promoter/enhancer stimulation in reporter gene assays. Thus, catecholamines are directly involved in the regulation of IL-10 expression in monocytic but not in T-cells after acute stressful conditions.

Acute Disease↗

Disappearance rate of catecholamines, total metanephrines, and neuropeptide Y from the plasma of patients after resection of pheochromocytoma.

BACKGROUND: Plasma free metanephrines are a more reliable analyte to measure than catecholamines for the biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytomas. We hypothesized that the long persistence of total (sulfate-conjugated plus free) metanephrines in the blood might have a significant diagnostic value. METHODS: We measured plasma concentrations of catecholamines and total metanephrines (sulfate-conjugated plus free forms) by HPLC with amperometric detection, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) by an amplified ELISA in seven patients before and after removal of their pheochromocytomas. The results for catecholamine, total metanephrines, and NPY in each patient were analyzed for up to 120 min, starting from the time of tumor vessel clamping. The persistence of analytes was quantified as the area under the concentration-time curve over 120 min. RESULTS: On the basis of the upper reference limit for each variable, plasma free norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) concentrations were increased preoperatively in at least one sample in seven and six patients, respectively. Total normetanephrine (NMN) and metanephrine (MN) were increased in all samples in seven and six patients, respectively. NPY was increased 2- to 465-fold. After removal of the tumor, MN and NMN showed a higher average relative increase above the upper limit of the reference interval than NE and E (P = 0.05), whereas NPY was intermediate. The persistence of increased values was significantly shorter for catecholamines than for metanephrines. The half-life estimated by nonlinear regression was 12.3 +/- 7.8 min for NPY. Significant correlations were observed among NE, E, NMN, MN, and NPY concentrations, but parent markers (E and MN or NE and NMN) did not appear significantly intercorrelated. CONCLUSIONS: A larger increase and a longer persistence of total metanephrines (reflecting predominantly sulfo-conjugated metanephrines) than catecholamines and NPY in plasma may contribute to their greater diagnostic accuracy in pheochromocytoma.

Catecholamines↗