Adrenal contribution to the induction of sexual behavior in the female musk shrew.

Sexually experienced female musk shrews (Suncus murinus) lack an ovarian, vaginal, and behavioral estrous cycle. Females, once induced by their initial contact with a male, are able to display copulatory behavior whenever a male is present (Rissman, Silveira, and Bronson, 1988). Based on plasma levels of steroids, and on hormone replacement studies conducted after ovariectomy (OVX), we have shown that testosterone (T) plays an essential role in the regulation of female sexual behavior (Rissman and Crews, 1988; Rissman, Clendenon, and Krohmer, 1990a; Rissman, 1991). To date we have only examined the potential contribution of adrenal steroids to female sexual behavior in a preliminary manner. After adrenalectomy, gonadally intact females display significantly lower levels of sexual behavior than controls (Rissman and Bronson, 1987). The following experiments were conducted to examine the role the adrenal steroids (in contrast to the medullary hormones) play in the induction of female sexual behavior in the musk shrew. In the first experiment gonadally intact females were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) to reduce the secretion of adrenal steroids. Significantly fewer females receiving DEX demonstrated sexual behavior as compared with controls. In the second study, OVX females received T-filled Silastic implants. When DEX was administered to OVX + T females at a dose that dropped circulating T levels to those found in ovary and adrenal intact females, no effect on sexual behavior was noted. The data show that the adrenals are a behaviorally important source of T and contribute toward the hormonal control of sexual behavior in these female mammals.     

High molecular weight forms of basic fibroblast growth factor recognized by a new anti-bFGF antibody

An antibody against basic fibroblasts growth factor (bFGF) was raised using purified bovine pituitary bFGF. Western blot analysis revealed immunoreactive bands at 18, 24, 30-33 and 46 kDa in immunoaffinity purified extracts of pituitary and adrenal gland using this antibody. A similar staining pattern was obtained with ovary extracts with the exception of the missing 18 kDa band. A second anti-bFGF antibody raised against a synthetic peptide comprising the 24 N-terminal amino acids of bFGF reacted with the 18 kDa and the 46 kDa band of immunoaffinity purified ovary and adrenal gland extracts.     

A Comparative Study of Lactogenic Hormone Binding Sites in the Adrenal Gland,Ovary and Kidney of the Lactating Cow

Abstract

The specific binding of ¹²⁵I-oPRL to microsomal fractions from the adrenal gland, ovary and kidney of the lactating cow was significantly lower than binding of iodinated hGH. In addition, the ability of oPRL to compete with iodinated hGH as compared to hGH, was 50-fold lower in the adrenal gland 35-fold lower in the ovary and 18-fold lower in the kidney. These results are similar to those obtained in the mammary gland and liver, whereas the ability of oPRL to compete with iodinated hGH was 90-fold lower, as compared to hGH. In the kidney the difference between the binding of iodinated hGH and iodinated oPRL was smaller. Results obtained with a solubilized kidney microsomal fraction also show a slightly higher affinity for oPRL than in other tissues. Thus the phenomena of differential affinities of oPRL and hGH to lactogenic hormone binding sites, characterizes most lactogenic hormone target tissues in the lactating cow. The distribution of these sites in different parts of the tissues was also studied. In the adrenal gland, the binding capacity in the cortex was 8-fold higher than in the medulla. In the ovary most of the binding sites were found in the corpus luteum, while in the kidney the binding capacity was higher in the cortex as compared to the medulla.     

Immunocytochemical localization of basic fibroblast growth factor in bovine adrenal gland, ovary, and pituitary

We studied the distribution of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) immunoreactivity in bovine adrenal gland, ovary, and pituitary, using a polyclonal anti-bFGF antibody. In the adrenal gland, the inner layers of the capsule, the zona glomerulosa of the cortex, and the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla were intensely stained. In the ovary, follicular epithelial cells of growing follicles and granulosa cells of mature follicles showed strong bFGF-like immunoreactivity. Endocrine cells of the pituitary anterior and intermediate lobes displayed a positive immunoreaction. Blood vessels, including endothelial and smooth muscle cells, as well as stromal cells in all three organs studied, were not stained. This distribution pattern of bFGF immunoreactivity is only partially compatible with the established mitogenic role of this protein, and suggests a wider spectrum of bFGF functions.     

Characterization of the guinea pig 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5-Delta4-isomerase expressed in the adrenal gland and gonads

The guinea pig adrenal gland, analogous to the human, possesses the capacity to synthesize C(19) steroids. In order to further understand the control of guinea pig adrenal steroidogenesis we undertook the characterization of the guinea pig 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4)-isomerase (3beta-HSD) expressed in the adrenal gland. A cDNA clone encoding guinea pig 3beta-HSD isolated from a guinea pig adrenal library is predicted to encode a protein of 373 amino acid residues and 41,475Da. Ribonuclease protection assay suggests that this cDNA corresponds to the predominant, if not the sole, mRNA species detectable in total RNA from the guinea pig adrenal gland, ovary and testis. The guinea pig 3beta-HSD shows a similar affinity for both pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone, and in addition, a 17beta-HSD type II-like activity was also observed. A phylogenetical analysis of the 3beta-HSD gene family demonstrates that the guinea pig is in a parallel branch to the myomorpha group supporting the hypothesis that the guinea pig lineage has branched off after the divergence among primates, artiodactyls and rodents, suggesting the paraphyly of the order rodentia.     

Active cell movements and embryonic cholinesterase in the postmetamorphic completion of the adrenal morphogenesis in frogs

The adrenal gland in Rana esculenta complex, as in other advanced anurans, is not yet in its definitive position at the end of the metamorphosis and reaches it subsequently, before sexual maturity. The displacement takes place by various means, among which active cellular movements prevail. These are demonstrated by the presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in noninnervated cells (embryonic AChE). The disintegration of the connective tissues which delimit the cords of the adrenal gland, the passive transport of cells by the blood vessels and the movements of adjacent renal and mesenchymal cells collaborate with the active movements of the adrenal cells.     

Adrenal renin: a possible local regulator of aldosterone production

Extrarenal renin has been identified in a number of tissues, including the brain, the submaxillary gland, uterus, ovary, vascular endothelium, testes, pituitary gland, and the adrenal cortex. In some tissues, including the adrenal cortex, all of the components of the renin-angiotensin system have been identified; however, no specific physiologic role has been clearly demonstrated for these extrarenal renin-angiotensin systems. We have studied the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the adrenal cortex of the rat and have found that renin is localized and synthesized in the zona glomerulosa cells. Its production can be influenced by alterations in electrolyte balance, as well as the genetic background of the rat. In adrenal capsular explant cultures, a converting enzyme inhibitor can lower angiotensin II production and reduce the stimulation of aldosterone by potassium, suggesting that this system is involved in the aldosterone response to potassium. In addition to rat adrenals, renin has been identified in human adrenal tissue and human adrenal tumors, including aldosteronomas, and a patient with hypertension has been reported to have an adrenal tumor that appeared to be secreting renin into the circulation.     

In vivo secretion of 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one, a potent anaesthetic steroid, by the adrenal gland of the rat

3 alpha OH-5 alpha-Pregnan-20-one (allo-THP), a steroid with strong anaesthetic properties, was found to be secreted by the adrenal gland of the rat in quantities similar to those secreted by the rat ovary. From the hypnotic potencies established for this and other endogenous steroids there can be little doubt that the total amount of steroids with anaesthetic properties produced in a female rat are sufficient to exert a depressant action on certain cells of the brain. In rats with intact adrenal glands a positive correlation existed between the adrenal secretion of allo-THP and pregnenolone or progesterone, whereas that between allo-THP and DOC was negative. This could be the result of a competition between the enzymes responsible for the oxidation and reduction of progesterone, the common precursor of allo-THP and DOC. The possibility that allo-THP could have hypotensive actions was suggested.     

Distribution of the lithium ion in endocrine organs of the rat

Lithium ions accumulated consistently in the pituitary and thyroid of rats at concentrations significantly greater than in plasma. There was also a significant, although lower, accumulation of Li⁺ in the adrenal gland. No accumulation of lithium ion was noted in the testis or in the ovary. The possible significance of these findings with regard to some of the side effects of lithium carbonate treatment is discussed.     

Influence of chlormadinone acetate on hypothalamic differentiation in male rats

The effect of chlormadinone acetate on adult male rats during the hypothalamic differentiation phase was studied. Psychic intersexuality with increased male and increased female sexual behavior was observed both before and after postpuberal castration and sex hormone replacement. Organ weights of testes, seminal vesicles, and ventral prostrates were normal, but penis and adrenal gland weights were significantly smaller. Body growth was also significantly reduced compared with control animals. The effects of chlormadinone acetate on androgen-dependent brain differentiation are discussed and compared with analogous effects of cyproterone acetate and orchidectomy.     

离乳大鼠假性性早熟模型的建立及对雌活性物质的应答

以雌激素含量明确的避孕药物作诱导剂观察了其对离乳Wistsar大鼠性成熟的影响,结果显示在给予避孕药后体重、乳腺、阴门、阴道上皮细胞、卵巢、子宫均发生类似人体假性性早熟变化,而肾上腺、脑垂体、甲状腺等与对照组比较均未见明显差异。     

Interrelationships between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovary, adrenal gland, and the open period for LH release in the hen (Gallus domesticus)

The asynchronous ovulatory cycle of the hen is believed to be the consequence of two interacting systems, one of which is circadian and regulates the timing of the preovulatory LH surge. In support of this proposition, the open period for LH release was shown to oscillate with the same periodicity as the photoschedule when the hens were exposed to 14 L:7 D, 14 L:10 D, and 14 L:14 D. In addition, it was demonstrated that follicular maturation is not affected by or synchronized with the photoperiod. The physiological system that transduces the light/dark cycle into an open period for LH release has not been identified although circumstantial evidence supports the idea that the adrenal gland plays a role in this function. This evidence includes the anatomical juxtaposition of the left ovary and adrenal gland, innervation of steroid-producing cells within the follicle by nerve tracts passing through the adrenal glands, the ability of injections of metyrapone to alter the timing of preovulatory LH release, the ability of injections of corticosterone to induce ovulation when a mature follicle is present in the ovary, and the ability of dexamethasone or infusions of corticosterone to block ovulation. Recently we have also shown that infusions of corticosterone will block the gonadotropic effect of PMSG, will inhibit the photoperiodic response, and do not affect the release of LH in response to injections of GnRH. The addition of corticosterone to incubations of dispersed granulosa cells does not affect their response to LH. These data suggest that corticosterone may modulate the responsiveness of the hypothalamus to tropic stimuli and demonstrate that exposure to corticosterone can alter the responsiveness of some ovarian tissues to gonadotropins.     

Experimental evidence that ovary and oviducal gland extracts influence male agonistic behavior in squids

Recent investigations of sensory and behavioral cues that initiate sexual selection processes in the squid Loligo pealeii have determined that egg capsules deposited on the substrate provide a strong visual and chemotactile stimulus to males, even in the absence of females (1, 2, 3). The visual stimulus of egg capsules attracts males to the eggs, and when the males touch the eggs, they encounter a chemical stimulus that leads to highly aggressive fighting behavior. We have recently demonstrated that egg capsule extracts implanted in artificial egg capsules elicit this aggressive behavior (4). In this communication, we present evidence that the salient chemical factor originates in the ovary and perhaps the oviducal gland of the female reproductive tract.     

β-葡糖醛酸酶在恒河猴组织中的分

目的　阐明β-葡糖醛酸酶(β-G)在正常恒河猴组织中的分布。方法　对实验恒河猴主要组织的冰冻切片采用后偶合技术进行了染色和显微观察。结果　肾上腺皮质束状带和网状带细胞,肝脏、睾丸、卵巢、胃肠道的实质细胞、枯否细胞、软骨细胞、卵巢间质腺细胞等富含β-G而深染蓝色。肾上腺皮质球状带细胞、血细胞、脑、肌肉、胆囊和胰腺的实质细胞等酶含量少而染色较弱。软骨基质,小脑皮质分子层和颗粒层等部位酶呈阴性。结论　动物的种系和品种不同,器官组织内β-G的含量也不相同。     

Plasma estradiol concentrations and effect of HCG on plasma estradiol and testosterone in normal subjects and patients with endocrine disorders.

Plasma estradiol concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay in various endocrine disorders using antiserum to estradiol-17beta succinyl bovine serum albumin. Clinical significance and diagnostic value of plasma estradiol were assessed in hypothalamic-pituitary, adrenal and gonadal disorders. In general, estradiol concentration was correlated well with the degree of sexual maturity and was of great diagnostic use. Plasma estradiol in females mainly originated from the ovary, while the testis is the principal source of estradiol in males. The adrenal gland seemed to play a minor role as a source of estradiol at least in normal males and females. The role of estradiol in gynecomastia and in liver disease was also investigated. More than a half of the cases with gynecomastia had elevated concentrations of plasma estradiol, which probably explains the pathogenesis of this manifestation. Cirrhotic patients showed frequently hyperestrogenemia probably due to delayed disappearance of estradiol. In the study of stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), 3,000 IU daily for three days in ten normal men, the peripheral concentrations of esradiol showed maximum and fourfold increases 24 hours after the 1st injection of HCG. The testosterone levels, on the other hand, increased stepwise and reached a maximum of about two times preinjection levels 24 hours after the 3rd injection. In gonadal disorders, HCG produced various patterns of plasma estradiol and testosterone in accordance with the gonadal conditions and dissociated response patterns of both sex hormones were frequently found. The determination of plasma estradiol was useful in the study of the function of not only the ovary, but also the testis and the simultaneous measurement of plasma estradiol and testosterone after HCG administration presented interesting informations about pathophysiology of gonadal disorders.     

Heparin-releasable lipase activity of rat adrenals, ovaries and testes.

The presence of NaCl-resistant, neutral triacylglycerol hydrolase (lipase) activity in rat adrenal gland, ovary and testis was studied. Both adrenals and ovaries but not testes were found to contain such a lipase. The activity of the enzyme in the adrenal gland was lowered during cortisol treatment and hypothyroidism. An elevated adrenal lipase activity was found during hyperthyroidism. Pseudo-pregnant and lactating rats had higher ovarian lipase activities than cyclic rats. Ovarian lipase activity in lactating rats was positively correlated with the serum concentrations of progesterone and of 20 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and negatively correlated with the high-density-lipoprotein non-esterified cholesterol concentration. The lipase activity of adrenals and of ovaries was largely releasable from these organs by heparin and could be inhibited by an antibody against heparin-releasable liver lipase. This indicated that the lipase is extracellularly located and is similar to 'liver' lipase. A possible role of this lipase in adrenals and ovaries is discussed.     

cis-trans isomers of lycopene and beta-carotene in human serum and tissues.

Since cis or trans isomers of carotenoids may have different biological reactivities, the isomeric composition of lycopene and beta-carotene was measured in serum and seven human tissues. In addition to all-trans lycopene, at least three cis-isomers (9-, 13-, and 15-cis) were present, accounting for more than 50% of total lycopene. 13- and 15-cis-beta-carotene, however, were present at only 5% of the all-trans isomer. In addition, 9-cis-beta-carotene was present in tissue samples but not in serum. There were interindividual differences in carotenoid levels of the different tissue types, but liver, adrenal gland, and testes always contained significantly higher amounts of the carotenoids than kidney, ovary, and fat; carotenoids in brain stem tissue were below the detection limit. beta-Carotene was the major carotenoid in liver, adrenal gland, kidney, ovary, and fat, whereas lycopene was the predominant carotenoid in testes.     

Tissue-specific regulation of renin-binding protein gene expression in rats.

Rat gene for renin-binding protein (RnBP) was shown to be expressed in the kidney, adrenal gland, brain, lung, spleen, ovary, testis, and heart. On sodium depletion and captopril administration, the rat showed a marked increase in the adrenal RnBP mRNA level and a slight decrease in the kidney RnBP mRNA level. In two-kidney, one clip hypertensive rats, the RnBP mRNA levels of the clipped and contralateral kidneys were unchanged and also its adrenal mRNA level was maintained at the control level. The recombinant rat RnBP was synthesized in Escherichia coli cells and purified to apparent homogeneity. The RnBP existed as a homodimer and formed a heterodimer with rat renin to inhibit renin activity extensively. Intravenous injection of the RnBP into rats resulted in a rapid and strong inhibition of plasma renin activity, which persisted at least for 2 h. These results suggest that the expression of RnBP gene in the kidney and adrenal gland is regulated independently, and the function of RnBP is related to electrolyte homeostasis, probably through the interaction with renin.