PubMed · 13989897
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H SOKABE, A MIKASA, H YASUDA, G M MASSON. 1963. Adrenal cortex and renal pressor function.. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.res.12.1.94
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The human adrenal cortex is a complex endocrine organ that secretes mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens. These steroids arise from morphologically and biochemically distinct zones of the adrenal gland. Studying secretion of these distinct steroid hormones can make use of cells isolated from the adrenal gland but this requires animal sacrifice and the need for continued isolation for long-term studies. In addition primary cultures of adrenal cells have a limited life-span in culture and the cultured cells are often contaminated by the presence of non-steroidogenic cells. For that reason in vitro cell culture models have several benefits for research on adrenocortical function. Herein we discuss the available adrenocortical cell lines and their uses as model systems for adrenal studies. Focus is placed on the human NCI-H295 and mouse Y-1 adrenal cell lines, which have been used extensively as adrenocortical model systems. These cell lines have proven to be of considerable value in studying the molecular and biochemical mechanisms controlling adrenal steroidogenesis. The current review will discuss the attributes and limitations of the currently available adrenocortical cell lines as models for adrenal studies.
The rat angiotensin type 1a receptor (AT1aR) is comprised of three exons. Two transcripts are possible due to alternative splicing of exon 2 (E1,3 and E1,2,3). Both transcripts code for identical AT1aR proteins since they differ only in the length of their 5' leader sequence (5'LS). We investigated the functional differences of these two transcripts in stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and also determined the splice variant composition in rat tissues. E1,3 expressing cells exhibited 1.8-fold higher AT1R densities and five-fold higher levels of Ang II-stimulated inositol phosphate production compared to E1,2,3 expressing cells. No differences in E1,3 and E1,2,3 mRNA levels or mRNA stability were seen. In vitro translation assays revealed 1.8-fold higher AT1aR protein levels from E1,3 compared to E1,2,3 transcripts, suggesting exon 2 reduces functional AT1R expression by inhibiting translation. Deletion of 10 nucleotides in exon 2 increased translation of the mutated E1,2,3 transcript to levels which were indistinguishable from E1,3, suggesting that this loop region of a predicted hairpin contributes to the inhibitory RNA cis element within exon 2. Comparison of AT1aR exonic composition and AT1R densities in rat tissues suggests alternative splicing is regulated in a tissue-specific manner and contributes to tissue-specific differences in AT1R density.
Annexin 1 (ANXA1), a Ca(2+) and phospholipid binding protein, is an important mediator of the antiinflammatory actions of glucocorticoids. However, although inflammatory responses in man are sensitive to alterations in adrenocortical function, the relationship between endogenous cortisol and ANXA1 expression has not been explored. Accordingly, we measured serum cortisol levels and ANXA1 expression in peripheral blood leukocytes from subjects with normal and dysregulated cortisol secretion before and 30 min after a standard corticotrophin (ACTH) test. Our data demonstrate a highly significant correlation between the serum cortisol concentration and the expression of ANXA1 in neutrophils, both before and after ACTH treatment, and thus suggest that ANXA1 may serve as a marker of glucocorticoid sensitivity. They also reveal a correlation between ANXA1 and the serum gonadotrophins, LH and FSH, and an age-related reduction in ANXA1 expression in lymphocytes.