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PubMed1988

Distribution of receptors for insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (somatomedin C) in the adrenal gland.

Rat adrenal glands contain cell surface high-affinity receptors for several peptide hormones. Receptors for IGF-I were abundant in this tissue, but receptors for insulin were relatively scarce. The behavior of adrenal membrane IGF-I receptors in radioligand binding assays was similar to the behavior of IGF-I receptors from other tissues, with a KD congruent to 6.2 x 10(-9) M. Covalent cross-linking studies with [125I]IGF-I revealed an IGF-I receptor alpha-subunit with Mr congruent to 135,000 on dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions, as well as a smaller radiolabeled peptide, Mr = 116,000. In contrast, little binding of [125I]insulin to adrenal membranes was observed and no labeling occurred in cross-linking studies using [125I]insulin. These results contrast with the findings of whole-body autoradiographic studies that indicated substantial binding of [125I]insulin to adrenal glands and suggest that IGF-I, rather than insulin, may play a critical role in the growth and development of the adrenal gland.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1995

Evidence for the involvement of chromaffin cells in the stimulatory effect of tachykinins on corticosteroid secretion by the frog adrenal gland.

The adrenal gland of the frog is innervated by a network of fibers containing two tachykinins (ranakinin and [Leu3,Ile7]neurokinin A), which both stimulate corticosteroid secretion from frog adrenal tissue. The aim of the present study was to determine the mode of action of tachykinins on the frog adrenal gland. Double immunolabeling of tissue sections with a monoclonal antibody to tyrosine hydroxylase and an antiserum to substance P showed that tachykinin-containing fibers are preferentially apposed onto chromaffin cells. Immunocytochemical labeling at the electron microscope level revealed that tachykinin-immunoreactive fibers establish close contacts only with adrenochromaffin cells. Ranakinin stimulated corticosterone and aldosterone secretion from perifused adrenal slices, but had no stimulative effect on dispersed adrenal cells. Cytoautoradiographic labeling of frog adrenal cells in primary culture with [3H]substance P revealed the existence of specific binding sites located exclusively on chromaffin cells. Microfluorimetric measurement of cytosolic calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in cultured adrenal cells showed that ranakinin induced a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i in chromaffin cells (ED50 = 2 x 10(-7) M). In contrast, ranakinin did not affect [Ca2+]i in adrenocortical cells. The present results indicate that in the frog adrenal gland, tachykinin-containing fibers make preferential contacts with chromaffin cells, and tachykinins directly activate chromaffin cells. These data suggest that the stimulative effect of tachykinins on corticosteroid secretion is mediated via presynaptic activation of adrenochromaffin cells.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2004

High expression of neuropeptide y receptors in tumors of the human adrenal gland and extra-adrenal paraganglia.

PURPOSE: Recently, a role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in tumor biology was suggested based on the high density of NPY receptors in breast and ovarian cancers. The high frequency of NPY receptors in steroid hormone-producing ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors, together with the known influence of NPY on steroid hormone and catecholamine secretion in the rodent adrenal gland, led to the investigation of NPY receptor expression in the human adrenal gland and related tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Fifteen adrenal cortical tumors, 20 paragangliomas, 23 pheochromocytomas, 20 neuroblastomas, and 8 normal adrenal glands were investigated by in vitro NPY receptor autoradiography using 125I-labeled peptide YY in competition experiments with receptor subtype selective analogs. RESULTS: Ninety three percent of cortical tumors express Y1, 35% of pheochromocytomas and 61% of paragangliomas express Y1 and Y2, and 90% of neuroblastomas express Y2 receptors. The NPY receptors in pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, and neuroblastomas are often expressed concomitantly with the NPY hormone detected immunohistochemically. The adrenal cortex strongly expresses Y1, whereas no NPY receptors are found in the adrenal medulla. CONCLUSIONS: These receptor data suggest a role of NPY in adrenal cortical tumors and, together with the strong NPY innervation of the cortex, a physiologic role in the adrenal gland, mediated by Y1 receptors. These NPY receptors are a potential new molecular target for the therapy of malignant tumors.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗
PubMed1992

US and CT evaluation of diffusely enlarged adrenal gland.

Normal adrenal gland contains an anteromodial ridge and two asymmetric wings. This results in the characteristic features of cross-sectional images in different levels of a section. When adrenal gland is diffusely enlarged, it initially becomes thickened. As it grows larger, it may stimulate a focal mass lesion or it may appear irregular in shape. However, the basic forms in different section planes are still somewhat maintained. In bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, the medulla may be seen as a highly echogenic linear structure on US and a high-density linear structure on CT. The other causes of diffuse adrenal enlargement are hemorrhage, infectious disease, infiltrating neoplastic disease, and congenital metabolic deficiency disease.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗
PubMed1991

In vitro evidence for local generation of renin and angiotensin II/III immunoreactivity by the human adrenal gland.

The adrenal gland of various mammalian species has been shown to contain all the components of a functional renin-angiotensin system. We investigated the existence of this local system in human adrenal tissues surgically obtained. Eight normal adrenals (cortex and medulla) and 6 aldosterone-producing adenomas (aldosteronomas) were examined. Minced tissues were superfused over 270 min, and 15-min fractions were collected. In the perfusates, active renin was measured by immunoradiometric assay with human anti-renin monoclonal antibodies; immunoreactive angiotensin II/III and aldosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. Adrenal tissues, either normal or pathological, were found concomitantly to release renin, angiotensin II/III and aldosterone. The pattern of this spontaneous release exhibited a pulsatile character. The total amount of renin and angiotensin II/III secreted during superfusion clearly exceeded the tissue content (determined by extraction). Addition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor quinaprilat (4 x 10(-6) mol/l) in the superfusion caused a concomitant decrease of angiotensin II/III and aldosterone secretion by 3 normal tissues, and no change in 2 aldosteronomas. These data provide evidence that the human adrenal gland in vitro generates and releases both renin and angiotensin II/III, and support the hypothesis that locally formed angiotensin II/III may play a role as a paracrine regulator of physiological aldosterone secretion.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1989

[Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia complicated by hematoma of the adrenal glands and acute adrenal insufficiency].

Three cases of acute adrenal haemorrhage complicating heparin induced thrombocytopaenia are described. The patients were 2 men and 1 woman, respectively 62, 74 and 76-year old. They all had orthopaedic problems requiring a treatment by subcutaneous calcium heparinate. Thrombocytopaenia occurred 7 to 10 days after the beginning of treatment, with a progressive return to normal of platelet count on stopping heparin. A syndrome suggestive of adrenal failure appeared on the 10 th to 12 th day consisting of abdominal pain, hyperpyrexia, arterial hypotension, asthenia, altered consciousness. Adrenal hormone levels were decreased. Abdominal scanography demonstrated adrenal haemorrhage in 2 patients. The third patient died before further investigations could be carried out. Hormonal replacement therapy brought things back to normal. Six other similar cases have already been published. The heparin induced thrombocytopaenia probably explains the two paradoxes of adrenal haemorrhage complicating heparin therapy: its occurrence in the absence of excessive anticoagulation, and adrenal venous thrombosis. The presence of abdominal pain, fever, collapse, or hyponatraemia with heparin induced thrombocytopaenia should suggest a possible adrenal haemorrhage. Adrenal CT scans should be carried out rapidly, so that hormone treatment can be initiated without delay.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

Tissue growth and remodeling of the embryonic and adult adrenal gland.

The adrenal gland provides a model system for the study of tissue remodeling in endocrine physiology. For example, proper adrenal development requires proliferation of the adrenogonadal primordia, separation of adrenal and gonadal precursors, and cell migration that unites the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. In the adult, normal adrenal function is assured by the adrenal gland's unique capacity for growth in response to both tissue injury and physiological demand. Identification of the molecular and genetic programs underlying tissue remodeling in the adrenal is important for understanding basic aspects of development and regeneration, as well as adrenal disease. Here, we will highlight the roles that nuclear receptors and pituitary hormones play in regulating fetal adrenal development and adult adrenal growth. In addition, we will review the most current data on how extracellular signaling pathways are coupled to the function of these important regulators of adrenal development and function.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed2002

[Pheochromocytomas as adrenal gland incidentalomas].

Adrenal incidentalomas are a heterogeneous group of pathological entities, including benign or malignant adrenocortical or medullary tumors, hormonally active or inactive lesions, which are identified incidentally during the examination of nonadrenal-related abdominal complaints. About 1.5% to 23% of adrenal incidentalomas are pheochromocytomas. Composite pheochromocytoma is a rare tumour of adrenal medulla with divergente clinical course. This type of pheochromocytoma is designated "composite" or "mixed," depending on whether pheochromocytoma and nonpheochromocytoma components show the same embryologic origin. Nonpheochromocytoma components found in the composite pheochromocytoma include ganglioneuroma, ganglioneuroblastoma, neuroblastoma, and malignant schwannoma. The biologic behavior of composite pheochromocytomas may be as difficult to predict as more traditional pheochromocytomas; based on the number of cases reported to date the presence of areas resembling ganglioneuroblastoma or neuroblastoma does not necessary indicate a poor prognosis. Some may behave in a malignant fashion with metastasis by a component of the tumour which has neural features. Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are well-defined entities. Some of their nonsporadic associations and unusual morphological appearances are not universally appreciated. We report on a rare association of left adrenal CP, with typical right adrenal phochromocytoma and retroperitoneal paraganglioma, and a review of literature. We analyzed the clinical and immunohistochemical features in a 24-year-old woman with composite pheochromocytoma localized in the left adrenal gland and associated with blood pressure of 200/140 mmHg. Abdominal computed tomography and 131-J MIBG revealed a 65 x 60 mm mass in the right adrenal gland, but no revealed 45 x 40 mm retroperitoneal mass and 20 x 20 mm mass in the left adrenal region. Serum and urinary adrenaline levels were high, and catecholamine levels in the blood sample of the selective adrenal vein, were also high. Bilateral adrenalectomy and retroperitoneal mass were surgically removed without complications. Clinical symptoms were absent 6 years after surgery. After surgery the patient gave birth to two healthy babies. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that tumour cells of right adrenal pheochromocytoma and retroperitoneal paraganglioma were strongly positive for neurone specific enolase, synaptophisin and chromogranin A. The left adrenal tumour showed pheochromocytoma, ganglioneuroma and neuroblastoma components. Immunoreactivity of this tumour added several features to the wide immunohistochemical spectrum. This case demonstrates the indolent behavior of sporadic-type CP and retroperitoneal paraganglioma in an adult patient. Unusual morphological features of CP occur in a substantial number of cases and may cause diagnostic problems.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed2005

Enlightening the adrenal gland.

The secretion of glucocorticoid hormones is tightly regulated by the circadian clock and by negative humoral feedback loops, both acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary gland-adrenal axis. However, a new study Ishida et al., 2005 [this issue of Cell Metabolism) shows that light can influence the adrenal's glucocorticoid output by a more direct pathway.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed2006

Pro-opiomelanocortin peptides and the adrenal gland.

The adrenal gland regulates a number of essential biological functions through production of steroids and catecholamines. Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides have been implicated in all aspects of generating, maintaining, and functioning of the adrenal glands. An appreciation for the roles of POMC-derived peptides with respect to the adrenal has been gained from experiments in vitro, and in vivo in different animal models which surgically, pharmacologically, or genetically decrease or increase the amount of POMC peptides available. We recently produced a mouse model with a deletion of the entire coding region of the POMC gene, thus lacking all POMC-derived peptides, from all sources, and at all times. Here we will summarize and discuss the results of traditional in vivo studies on the role of POMC peptides in adrenal development, maintenance, and function in the context of findings in a mouse model genetically lacking all POMC-derived peptides.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Ultrastructural characteristics of the adrenal gland].

The Adrenal glands can be viewed as sustaining vital processes in the human body, through two different but related components: the cortex and the medulla. It is well known that the close connection between the cortical cells is able not only to support the adrenal functions, but in the same time to serve the better understanding of the normal way of its hormonal production. Using the ultrastructural study of the adrenal gland, we obtain images which can provide informations about details of the cellular structure, in the eventuality that all this work will continue to improve to the point that we might be able to completely understand the complex interrelations between the structure of each cell and the function of the whole organ.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1999

[Angiotensin II receptor subtype in human adrenal glands].

Although adrenal gland is one of the major target organs of angiotensin II (Ang II), the pathophysiological significance of the its receptor subtype has not been elucidated. We demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with Southern blot analysis mRNA expression of both AT1 and AT2 in human adrenal tissues of normal adrenocortical tissues, aldosterone-producing adenoma, Cushing's syndrome, and pheochromocytoma. Ang II-induced aldosterone secretion in vitro was suppressed only by 50% in the presence of selective AT1 antagonist CV-11974, while AT2 agonist CGP-42112 increased aldosterone secretion by 55% over the control. Ang II or CGP-42112 did not affect cortisol secretion. In addition, Ang II could stimulate aldosterone secretion in AT1a knockout mice both in the presence and absence of CV-11974. These results suggest that non-AT1 receptor subtype(s) including AT2, as well as AT1, is involved in the stimulation of aldosterone secretion from human adrenals.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1992

Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate formation in the rat adrenal gland in relation to adrenal growth in experimental diabetes.

Adrenal growth occurs in experimental diabetes, and evidence exists for increased adrenal function. The concentration of PPRibP has been examined in the rat adrenal gland at various times after induction of diabetes with STZ, in view of the key role it plays in the synthesis of Purs and Pyrs. The PPRibP level was exceptionally high in the adrenal gland and increased faster than the rate of growth during the initial rapid growth phase--the first 7 days after STZ was given; PPRibP synthetase showed a parallel increase. Formation of R5P via the oxidative and nonoxidative segments of the PPP also was measured. The oxidative enzymes, G-6-PD and 6-PGD, increased in parallel with growth during the early phase, but showed a more marked rise during the secondary, slower, growth phase seen 6 wk after STZ was given, when this may be associated with the known sustained rise in plasma corticosteroids. The nonoxidative enzymes of the PPP, an alternate route for the production of R5P, showed smaller changes. The specifically high adrenal concentration of PPRibP may be related to the high Km for PPRibP (250 microM) of the first enzyme of the de novo pathway of Pur synthesis, as such synthesis may be required in the rat to replace the net loss of ATP associated with catecholamine secretion. Factors controlling PPRibP synthetase and their potential relative importance in the adrenal gland have been considered.

Adrenal Glands↗