Effect of biseptol on the adrenal cortex of the white rat in postoperative shock

The study aimed to find out the effect of sulfonamide combined with Trimetaprim-Biseptol 480 on the adrenal cortex in post-operative shock after removal of SPIGELian lobe (lobectomy of the lobus caudatus and unilaterally of one kidney with its suprarenal gland. The study was performed on a material of white rats which were post-operatively administered Biseptol 480 in doses 5 times bigger than those given to men. It was attempted to determine histochemically the intensity of the adrenal cortex' function by testing the number of lipid droplets, activity of the main enzyme of steroidogenesis (beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase) and the level of alpha-ketols (as the final stage of steroidogenesis). Pathomorphologic examinations were also performe. On the basis of the present study's results, it was observed that - in the case of liver-lobectomy - the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis are functionally stimulated but the zona glomerulosa becomes insufficient. In the case of nephrectomy plus suprarenal gland's removal, all the adrenal cortex becomes insufficient. Administration of Biseptol in the 1st case contributed to hormonal inactivation of the zone glomerulosa cells, but in the 2nd case, it caused an increased activity of steroid dehydrogenase and an increase of the alpha-ketol level in the zona fasciculata.     

Cortisol and cortisone production in rat and mouse adrenal incubations

The presence of 17 alpha-hydroxylase in rodent adrenals is debated. The presence in blood of mice of 11-deoxycortisol together with the absence of cortisol is well known. We demonstrated here the in vitro synthesis of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol from [3H]progesterone in rat and mouse adrenals. We have shown that these syntheses represented 45 and 28% of those of 11-deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone, respectively, from progesterone. These data clearly suggest the presence of a 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity in vitro in these rodents adrenals. In addition, a noticeable synthesis of cortisol (0.87-1.57% per mg tissue, i.e. 52-64% per incubation flask) from 11-deoxycortisol was also observed and was inhibited by 0.1-0.3 mumol of Metyrapone and SKF 12185. These results allow to underline that the adrenals of rat and mouse, two species commonly used in laboratory experiments, may be used for in vitro investigations on cortisol metabolism from exogenous radioactive precursors.     

Chronic stress and its effects on adrenal cortex apoptosis in pregnant rats

The model of chronic intermittent stress by immobilization during pregnancy may produce alterations in the mechanisms that maintain adrenal gland homeostasis. In earlier investigations using this model, significant variations in plasma prolactin and corticosterone levels, and adrenal gland weights were observed. We hypothesized that chronic stress causes changes in apoptosis in the adrenal glands of pregnant rats. We identified and quantified apoptotic cells in the adrenal cortex and examined their ultrastructural characteristics using transmission electron microscopy. Adrenal glands of pregnant rats at gestation days 12, 17 and 21 were studied for control and experimental (stressed) rats. Immunolabelling techniques, stereological analysis and image quantification of adrenal gland sections were combined to determine differences in apoptosis in the different cell populations of the adrenal cortex. The apoptotic index of the experimental rats showed a significant reduction at gestation day 17, while at days 12 and 21 there were no differences from controls. Moreover, the apoptotic index of the reticular zones in control and experimental animals showed a significant increase compared to the glomerular and fascicular zones at the three gestation times studied. Chronic stress by immobilization reduced the caspase-dependent apoptotic index at gestation day 17, which may be related to variations in plasma concentrations of estrogens and prolactin.