Morphology and distribution of chromaffin cells in the adrenal gland of cordylidae (Reptilia,Sauria): A comparative study

The distribution of the adrenaline and noradrenaline chromaffin cells in the adrenal glands of 10 members of the family Cordylidae have been examined. In the genus Gerrhosaurus, all the catecholamine cells lie on the surface of the adrenal gland, forming a continuous envelope of one or two layers of cells that mainly contain noradrenaline (NA). In the genus Platysaurus, the chromaffin envelope is intermittent. There are relatively large tracts of interspersed interrenal tissue containing some adrenaline cells (A). Islets of chromaffin cells are scattered between these interrenal tracts. In the genus Pseudocordylus and the genus Cordylus, the superficial chromaffin cells tend to gather into a multilayered dorsal mass, containing mainly NA cells. Inside the interrenal parenchyma, there are always numerous chromaffin islets, containing mainly A cells.     

Structural characteristics and innervation of chromaffin tissue in the adrenal gland of the axolotl

Each adrenal gland of the Axolotl consists of a strip lying all along the medio-lateral edge on the ventral surface of the kidney. The gland is composed of interrenal cells (IC) and chromaffin cells (CC). The IC contained a great number of pleomorphic lipid droplets, smooth endoplasmic reticulum and elongated mitochondria with tubulo-vesicular cristae. Two types of CC, always disposed in clusters and exhibiting long cytoplasmic processes were described according to the electron density, size and shape of granules distributed in their cytoplasm; noradrenaline cells (NA) and adrenaline cells (A). The innervation and ultrastructural differences from the adrenal gland of other Anurans were discussed.     

Morphofunctional research on the interrenal gland of the frog Rana temporaria following arginine vasotocin administration

Studies have been made of the effect of injections of hypothalamic nonapeptide neurohormone, arginine vasotocin, on functional condition of the interrenal gland in mature frogs. In unoperated, sham-operated and in animals 10 days after hypophysectomy, single and especially three subsequent injections of arginine vasotocin (5 x 10(-9) M per 1 kg of the body weight) result in evident activation of glandular cells of the interrenal gland which is manifested in the increase of the volume of their nuclei and cytoplasmic area, as well as in the dilatation of the blood vessels. Activation of the interrenal gland in hypophysectomized frogs, which lack endogenous ACTH, indicate the direct para-adenohypophyseal influences of nonapeptide hypothalamic hormones on the activity of glandular cells in the peripheral endocrine glands, in particular, the interrenal gland of the grass frog.     

Histological, histochemical and ultrastructural studies on the interrenal and chromaffin cells of the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas Rafmesque

Light and electron microscopic examination of fathead minnow head kidneys revealed that the interrenal and chromaffin cells were intermingled and always closely associated with the cardinal veins and their tributaries. Histochemical tests for lipids in the interrenal cells were positive, and two types of chromaffin cells were indicated by chromaffin reactions. Interrenal cells contained abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria with tubulo-vesicular cristae, characteristic of steroid-producing cells. Only one interrenal cell type was found. Two types of chromaffin cells were present with differences in cytoplasmic density and in types of granules. In light cells, adrenaline granules were most common, and in dark cells noradrenaline granules predominated.     

Annual cycle of morphological changes in the interrenal gland of the flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Liopsetta pinnifasciata</Emphasis> from the Amur Gulf (Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan)

The annual cycle of morphological changes in the interrenal gland of the flounder Liopsetta pinnifasciata, a species which had been exposed over several decades to polluted waters of the Amur Gulf (Peter the Great bay of the Sea of Japan), is investigated. The curve of annual dynamics of the volume of nuclei of interrenal cells is U-form. The maximum size of nuclei is recorded in the period of perivitellogenous growth of oocytes and the minimum size is recorded at early stages of vitellogenesis. The area of epithelium of the interrenal gland in flounders is the lowest also in the beginning of the vitellogenous growth of oocytes. It is assumed that the uncommon annual cycles of changes in the interrenal gland of this flounder living in the Amur Gulf is an index of its stressed condition.     

Morphofunctional changes of the interrenal gland and of ultrastructure of chloride cells in intact and hypophysectomized juveniles of starred sturgeon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acipenser stellatus</Emphasis> (Acipenseridae) in the course of adaptation to sea water

The impact of hypophysectomy on the state of the interrenal gland and ultrastructure of chloride cells of gills is investigated in 18-month old juveniles of starred sturgeon Acipenser stellatus in the process of its adaptation to artificial sea water (14.6‰). Hypophysectomized juveniles, similarly to intact juveniles, are able to support a relative stability of osmolarity of blood serum in the course of adaptation to sea water by transition from hyperosmotic to hypoosmotic type of osmoregulation. Changes in the investigated parameters of cells of the interrenal gland (volume of nuclei, areas of cells and of lipophilic vacuoles) occurring in the hypophysectomized and in intact specimens in the process of adaptation to sea water are generally similar, but have different dynamics. In contrast to many teleostean species, in acipenserids the hypophyectomy does not cause atrophy of the interrenal gland. The latter is incorporated in the process of regulation in the course of adaptation of fish to sea water. Hypophyecotmy results in partial destruction of organoids in some chloride cells of gills. However, when the fish are transferred to sea water, the structural changes occur in chloride cells characteristic of their transition to the excretory state. This may happen only at activation of the transport enzyme Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase of these cells by cortisol produced by the interrenal gland. In the absence of hypophysis, the functional connection of organs of the axis hypothalamus (ACTH-immunopositive cells of tuberal nucleus) → the interrenal gland → chloride cells is realized in the fish.     

Anteroposterior variation of the cell types in the interrenal gland of the male toad Rhinella arenarum (Amphibia,Anura)

The interrenal gland of anurans synthesizes the steroids aldosterone and corticosterone, but it is unknown whether these hormones are synthesized by the same cell type. In this work, we aim to elucidate whether there are different steroidogenic cell types and whether they have specific regionalization in the interrenal gland of the male toad Rhinella arenarum. We characterized all cell types using histological, immuhistochemical, and histochemical methods as well as transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, we evaluated the organization of the cell types in the gland and anteroposterior variations in the synthesis of the steroids. We found evidence of five cell types: two morphologically different steroidogenic cells, type 1: polyhedral cells tightly attached to each other that have spherical euchromatic nuclei and type 2: retracted cells loosely attached to each other that have oval heterochromatic nuclei. Cell type 2 is mainly observed in the inner zone of the gland. In addition, we observed two types of chromaffin cells, called type 3 and 4 cells, randomly distributed throughout the interrenal gland, as well as type 5 cells, recognized as summer cells. Morphometric analyses of the cell types in the anterior and posterior zones of the interrenal showed that the ratio “area of type 2 cells/total interrenal area” is significantly lower in the posterior zone. In vitro incubations showed that the posterior portion of the gland produces significantly higher amounts of both corticosterone and aldosterone. Overall, our results suggest that the type 2 cells are less active to synthesize both aldosterone and corticosterone, compared to type 1 cells. Unlike most previous reports on the interrenal gland of anurans, in R. arenarum there is a zonation of the steroidogenic cell types, which implies that the organ is not anteroposterior or dorsoventrally homogeneous. © J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Comparative cytomorphology of the avian adrenocortical tissue.

The histology and histochemistry of the interrenal gland of twenty avian species have been described in this report. The avian interrenal tissue, on the basis of nuclear orientation and other cytomorphic features, can be classified into six cytologically distinct types. Cytomorphic organization within the interrenal tissue of these avian species also indicates some regional demarcation into subcapsular and central zones. Zonal demarcation in the interrenal tissue of these birds has also been indicated from chemocytological investigation. Paradoxically not much of correspondence was noticed in the cytologic and cytochemical patterns. The cytological and cytochemical studies fail to indicate any phylogenetic trend within the interrenal tissue of the birds under investigation.     

Intra-adrenal interactions in fish: catecholamine stimulated cortisol release in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

The effect of the catecholamines, adrenaline and noradrenaline, on sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus auratus) interrenal cortisol production was studied in vitro using a dynamic superfusion system technique. Increasing concentrations of catecholamines (10(-6), 10(-8) and 10(-10) M) stimulated cortisol production in a dose-dependent manner, in sea bass only. The increase in cortisol production stimulated by adrenaline (10(-6) M) and noradrenaline (10(-6) M) was inhibited by sotalol (2 x 10(-5) M), but not by prazosin suggesting that catecholamines stimulate cortisol release through the beta-receptor subtype. To evaluate catecholamine-induced signal transduction in head kidney cells, measurements of cAMP production and [H3]myo-inositol incorporation were determined in head kidney cell suspensions. Adrenaline and noradrenaline (10(-6) M) increased cAMP production, but had no effect on total inositol phosphate accumulation. These results indicate that catecholamines released from the chromaffin cells within the interrenal tissue may act as a paracrine factor to stimulate interrenal steroidogenesis in the sea bass.     

Modification of the State of Adrenergic Systems: Effects on Experimental Tumor Growth and Antitumor Activity of Chlofiden

We studied the effects of treatments with adrenaline hydrochloride, obsidan (a -adrenoblocker), melipramine (an inhibitor of monoamine uptake by neurons), and reserpine (a sympatholytic drug) on tumor growth (Pliss' lymphosarcoma in rats) and on the antitumor activity of a novel cytostatic drug, chlofiden. We found that adrenaline and reserpine enhanced the antitumor effect of chlofiden. Isolated applications of adrenaline and melipramine exerted slight antitumor effects, while after reserpine treatment there was a trend toward stimulation of tumor growth. Under the conditions of the model used, obsidan demonstrated no noticeable antitumor activity and did not modify the antitumor effect of chlofiden. Possible mechanisms of the observed effects are discussed.     

Effect of ACTH and bilateral gonadectomy on the adrenocortical tissue of an air-breathing fish -- Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).

The mammalian ACTH (20 I.U.) injected in Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) caused hyperplasia of the adrenocortical tissue. The interrenal as well as chrome cells became vacuolated. The interrenal nuclear size increased by 15% as an average than the control fishes. The glycogen granules were found to be absent from the interrenal cells. The effect of bilateral gonadectomy in both sexes has been marked in the gradual decrease of the interrenal nuclear diameter which 12 weeks after the operation, recorded nearly 25% reduction in size. The glycogen content was reduced considerably. Removal of gonads during maturation period bringing inhibition of hyperplasia of the gland at the time of spawning possibly indicates action of gonadal steroids on the physiological alterations of the interrenal cells.     

SEASONAL CHANGES IN THE ADRENAL STEROID TISSUE OF THE COMMON EIDER SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA AND ITS RELATION TO ORGANIC METABOLISM IN NORMAL AND OIL-POLLUTED BIRDS

The annual cycle of the interrenal (steroid secreting) tissue of the adrenal gland of the Common Eider is described in terms of its fractional volume and mean nuclear diameter. These measurements indicate a close relationship between interrenal activity and the organic metabolism of the bird throughout the year. High interrenal activity is generally accompanied by utilization of energy reserves, for example during incubation and by oil-polluted birds, and low activity is associated with the replenishment of body tissues. Heavy fat deposition in April, before egg-laying, occurs at a time of increasing interrenal activity which apparently induces hyperphagia which in turn prevents the catabolic effects of high glucocorticoid production. The significance of the annual interrenal cycle in relation to breeding and moulting is discussed for the Eider and compared with a variety of other species.     

Adrenaline induces mitochondrial biogenesis in rat liver

We studied the effects of adrenaline administration and depletion (induced by reserpine) on rat liver oxidative metabolism. We showed that adrenaline increases, and reserpine decreases aerobic capacity (inferred by cytochrome oxidase activity) in tissue modifying the hepatic content of mitochondrial proteins without changing mitochondrial aerobic capacity. The changes in tissue cytochrome oxidase activity, which agreed with the expression levels of factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, such as PGC-1, NRF-1, and NRF-2, were associated with similar changes in tissue and mitochondrial State 3 respiration. Adrenaline and reserpine induced extensive lipid and protein oxidative damage in tissue and mitochondria. The increase in H₂O₂ release by respiring mitochondria and the decrease in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and reductase contributed to the reserpine effect on oxidative damage. The adrenaline effect is more difficult to explain, since the hormone increased the antioxidant enzyme activities but, in respiring mitochondria, increased ROS release rate in the presence of succinate and decreased it in the presence of pyruvate/malate. These opposite changes were due to the increased content of the autoxidizable electron carrier located at complex III and decreased content of that located at complex I. Our data suggest that adrenaline can be involved in the mitochondrial population adaptation which verify in conditions in which an increased body energy expenditure verify such as cold exposure.     

Effect of some autonomic drugs on heat defence in the pigeon.

As compared to the time of median control death (i.e. the time inducing 50% death in untreated birds at 50 degrees C), exogenous noradrenaline afforded 100% survival in the blue rock pigeon, Columba livia. The survival percentages with the other autonomic drugs were: chlorpromazine 70%; reserpine 60%; adrenaline 60%; pentolinium 50% and dihydroergotamine 30%. The time of median control death at 50 degrees C was found to be 3.5 hours in the pigeon. During 10-day exposure at 45 degrees C all the birds pre-treated with noradrenaline survived, and 47% of those treated with adrenaline and 42% of the untreated birds survived the stress. It is concluded that noradrenaline acts definitely as a "heat protective" hormone in the pigeon.     

Development and fibronectin signaling requirements of the zebrafish interrenal vessel

Background

The early morphogenetic steps of zebrafish interrenal tissue, the teleostean counterpart of the mammalian adrenal gland, are modulated by the peri-interrenal angioblasts and blood vessels. While an organized distribution of intra-adrenal vessels and extracellular matrix is essential for the fetal adrenal cortex remodeling, whether and how an intra-interrenal buildup of vasculature and extracellular matrix forms and functions during interrenal organogenesis in teleosts remains unclear.

Methodology and Principal Findings

We characterized the process of interrenal gland vascularization by identifying the interrenal vessel (IRV); which develops from the axial artery through angiogenesis and is associated with highly enriched Fibronectin (Fn) accumulation at its microenvironment. The loss of Fn1 by either antisense morpholino (MO) knockdown or genetic mutation inhibited endothelial invasion and migration of the steroidogenic tissue. The accumulation of peri-IRV Fn requires Integrin α5 (Itga5), with its knockdown leading to interrenal and IRV morphologies phenocopying those in the fn1 morphant and mutant. fn1b, another known fn gene in zebrafish, is however not involved in the IRV formation. The distribution pattern of peri-IRV Fn could be modulated by the blood flow, while a lack of which altered angiogenic direction of the IRV as well as its ability to integrate with the steroidogenic tissue. The administration of Fn antagonist through microangiography exerted reducing effects on both interrenal vessel angiogenesis and steroidogenic cell migration.

Conclusions and Significance

This work is the first to identify the zebrafish IRV and to characterize how its integration into the developing interrenal gland requires the Fn-enriched microenvironment, which leads to the possibility of using the IRV formation as a platform for exploring organ-specific angiogenesis. In the context of other developmental endocrinology studies, our results indicate a highly dynamic interrenal-vessel interaction immediately before the onset of stress response in the zebrafish embryo.     

Histomorphic changes following chronic adrenocortical activation and inhibition in the pigeon

Gravimetric and histologic modifications in the pigeon were studied following chronic therapy with ACTH and metopirone (SU 4885) for a period of 15 days. The organs studied were proventriculus, duodenum, heart, kidney, salivary gland, pancreas, liver, uropygial gland, thymus, spleen, bursa fabricii, testis, ovary, islets of Langerhans, adenohypophysis, thyroid and interrenal and chromaffin tissue of the adrenal gland. Induced states of hyper- and hypoadrenocorticalism elicited pathomorphic changes in endocrine and reproductive systems and some other organs of the pigeon. There were many differences and similarities in the nature of response of some organs following the two experimental conditions. Many of these cellular interactions might have resulted from alteration of interrenal function in the pigeon.     

The effect of injections of arginine vasotocin and mesotocin on the function of the interrenal gland in the frog Rana temporaria 2 months after the removal of the anterior lobe of the hypophysis]

Morphometric and biochemical studies have been made on the activity of interrenal gland in the frog Rana temporaria after removal of the anterior lobe of pituitary and injections of arginine vasotocin and mesotocin. It was demonstrated that the activity of this gland after the operation decreases increasing after arginine vasotocin injections.     

Angiotensin and angiotensin receptors in cartilaginous fishes

In mammals, a principal bioactive component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin II (ANG II), is known to be vasopressor, dipsogenic, a stimulant of adrenocortical secretion and to control glomerular and renal tubular function. Historically, a RAS analogous to that found in mammals was thought to have first evolved in the bony fishes. Recent research has identified the unusually structured elasmobranch [Asp(1)-Pro(3)-Ile(5)] ANG II. Physiological studies have demonstrated that ANG II in elasmobranchs is vasopressor, and stimulates interrenal gland production of the elasmobranch corticosteroid 1alpha-hydroxycorticosterone. The specific binding of ANG II in elasmobranchs has been reported in gills, heart, interrenal gland, gut and rectal gland. The precise osmoregulatory role ANG II plays in cartilaginous fishes is not yet known; however, putative evidence is emerging for a role in the control of drinking rate, rectal gland secretion, and kidney function.     

The effect of dopamine on the pupillary diameter in mice

Dopamine and adrenaline injected into mice produce dose-related mydriasis. The effects of both dopamine and adrenaline are antagonized similarly by the alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, phentolamine and thymoxamine, as well as by haloperidol, but are not prevented by pretreatment with reserpine. These results suggest that in mice dopamine produces mydriasis by direct stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors in the dilator iridis.     

Chromaffin cells and interrenal tissue in the head kidney of the grouper,Epinephilus tauvina (Teleostei,Serranidae): a morphological (optical and ultrastructural) study

This work analyses the distribution, histology and ultrastructure of chromaffin cells (CCs) and interrenal tissue (It) in the head kidney of Epinephilus tauvina. Histological examination revealed that chromaffin cells are found in small groups under the endothelium of the posterior cardinal vein (PCV) and are mostly closely associated with the interrenal tissue. Ultrastructure examination confirmed the existence of two main chromaffin cell types, distinguished by different types of secretory granules. The first type was characterized by the presence of vesicles with round, strongly electron dense core granules, which were eccentrically located. Such cells were interpreted as being noradrenaline cells. Meanwhile, cells with vesicles that were completely electron lucent or that contained small less dense eccentric granules were identified as adrenaline cells. Nerve endings were invaginated into the chromaffin cells through synaptic junctions. Interrenal tissue consisted of nests, cords, or strands of cells in contact with the posterior cardinal vein (PCV) and interposed with haematopoietic tissue. Ultrastructure analysis revealed only one interrenal cell type, which contained abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) and numerous mitochondria with tubulo‐vesicular cristae, characteristics of steroid‐producing cells. The interrenal tissue cells have different cytological aspects that can be linked to a steroidogenic cell cycle allowing a periodical renewal of organelles.