The adrenal capsule alters the response of zona glomerulosa cells to atrial natriuretic peptide

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a potent inhibitor of potassium-stimulated aldosterone secretion. In the present study, we observed rat alpha ANP to inhibit aldosterone secretion stimulated by 10 mM potassium with an IC50 of 0.15 +/- 0.02 nM (mean +/- SE) in dispersed rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. However, when rat adrenal capsules, which contain the zona glomerulosa, were superfused in vitro, ANP had no effect on aldosterone secretion. Superfusion with 10 mM potassium increased aldosterone secretion 3- to 4-fold above baseline. Addition of 10 nM ANP to the superfusate did not lower potassium-stimulated aldosterone secretion. When this same ANP-containing superfusate was incubated with dispersed adrenal glomerulosa cells, potassium-stimulated aldosterone secretion was inhibited by 90%, proving sustained biological potency of the superfused ANP. Incubation of [125I]iodo-ANP with adrenal capsules for 60 min resulted in 83% degradation of [125I]iodo-ANP, whereas no detectable degradation was observed with dispersed adrenal glomerulosa cells. Removal of blood from the adrenal capsules or culturing the capsules for 48 h did not render them responsive to superfused ANP. In contrast, superfusion of 0.1 mM cycloheximide inhibited potassium-stimulated aldosterone secretion by 90%. These results suggest that the adrenal capsule contains an ANP-degrading enzyme(s). This enzyme may be produced by adrenal glomerulosa cells. The local existence of a degrading enzyme for ANP may allow the zone glomerulosa to regulate its response to ANP.     

Participation of voltage-dependent calcium channels in the regulation of adrenal glomerulosa function by angiotensin II and potassium

The stimulation of aldosterone secretion from adrenal glomerulosa cells by angiotensin II (AII), potassium, and ACTH is highly dependent on the extracellular calcium concentration. To evaluate the role of voltage-dependent calcium channels in aldosterone production, we analyzed the actions and binding of calcium channel antagonists in collagenase-dispersed adrenal glomerulosa cells and membrane-rich particles. In rat glomerulosa cells, nifedipine caused dose-dependent inhibition of the aldosterone responses to AII and potassium, with half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 100 nM, but had no effect on ACTH or 8-bromo-cAMP stimulated steroidogenesis in adrenal glomerulosa and fasciculata cells. Binding studies with [3H]nitrendipine in adrenal glomerulosa cells revealed a high affinity site with dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.4 +/- 0.1 nM, similar to that described in other tissues but about 100-fold lower than the IC50 for blockade of aldosterone production. However, Scatchard analysis of binding data from three of seven experiments in isolated adrenal glomerulosa cells revealed a low affinity site with Kd of 130 nM, in agreement with the IC50 for the effect of nifedipine on aldosterone production. In rat adrenal particles, nitrendipine-binding sites were located in the adrenal capsule and medulla and were undetectable in the zona fasciculata. Furthermore, there was a close correlation (r = 0.92) between the concentrations of nitrendipine-binding sites and AII receptors in the different zones of the adrenal in rat, dog, and cow, suggesting a functional relationship between AII receptors and calcium channels. These studies have shown a major and selective role of voltage-dependent calcium channels in the control of aldosterone secretion by the major physiological regulators, AII and potassium.     

Selective inhibition of angiotensin-II-mediated aldosterone secretion by 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid

We have previously demonstrated that the 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) pathway plays a key role in angiotensin-II (AII)-dependent aldosterone production. In the present study we examined the role of the 5LO pathway on AII-induced aldosterone secretion in rat glomerulosa cells in vitro. The 5LO product 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5HETE) and its unstable precursor 5-hydroxyperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid did not significantly alter basal aldosterone secretion in concentrations from 10(-9)-10(-7) M. In contrast, 5HETE reduced peak AII-induced aldosterone production from 59.1 +/- 9.0 to 37.96 +/- 7.2 ng/10(6) cells (P less than 0.01). This was accompanied by inhibition of the AII-stimulated rise in 12HETE production (10(-9)M AII, 160 +/- 4% of control; 10(-9) M AII plus 10(-7) M 5HETE, 90 +/- 1% of control production). However, 5HETE had no effect on the aldosterone response to potassium or ACTH, secretagogues that cause no activation of the 12LO pathway. These results suggest that the 5LO product 5HETE can selectively modulate AII-dependent aldosterone secretion. Further, the selective inhibitory effect of 5HETE on the AII effect in rat glomerulosa cells may be exerted by blockade of arachidonate metabolism via the 12LO pathway. These results suggest that the 5LO pathway may negatively modulate AII action in the adrenal zona glomerulosa.     

Specific effects of agonists of the calcium messenger system on secretion of 'late-pathway' steroid products by intact tissue and dispersed cells of the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa

Recent data have implicated the phosphatidylinositol/calcium second-messenger system in the control of aldosterone secretion by the adrenal zona glomerulosa. However, in the rat adrenal there are few reports of a direct effect of protein kinase C activation on steroid secretion, while the effects of calcium mobilization may be variable. Since the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa is sensitive to the mode of tissue preparation, these mechanisms were reinvestigated in intact (non-dispersed) capsular tissue and collagenase-dispersed zona glomerulosa cells. Steroidogenesis in the intact zona glomerulosa was markedly affected by agonists of the calcium messenger system. Most notably, aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone (18-OH-B) secretion were stimulated by A23187 (100 nmol to 10 mumols/l) and BAY K 8644 (500 nmol/l). Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA; 1 pmol to 1 mumol/l) stimulated aldosterone secretion at all doses and caused a dose-dependent increase in 18-OH-B and 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) secretion. Corticosterone secretion was slightly increased in the presence of A23187 but not by TPA or BAY K 8644. Production of 18-OH-DOC was unaffected by A23187 and BAY K 8644. The calcium channel antagonist verapamil (10 mumols/l) inhibited ACTH-stimulated aldosterone secretion by the intact zona glomerulosa but had no effect on corticosterone secretion. Verapamil (10 mumols/l) also inhibited the increase in aldosterone secretion by collagenase-dispersed zona glomerulosa cells stimulated by ACTH (100 fmol to 100 nmol/l), angiotensin II (100 pmol to 10 nmol/l) and potassium (5.9 and 8.4 mmol/l); stimulated corticosterone secretion was unaffected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of dopamine, high potassium concentration and field stimulation on the secretion of aldosterone by the perfused rat adrenal gland.

The rat adrenal cortex contains quantities of dopamine that are compatible with its function as a neurotransmitter, suggesting that locally released dopamine may act as a neuroregulator within the gland. This possibility has been tested by comparing the effects of dopamine on aldosterone secretion in the perfused adrenal with the effects of stimuli designed to provoke the release of intraglandular dopamine. Infusion of dopamine (0.1-100 mumol/l for 10-min periods) into the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland resulted in a transient, dose-related reduction of aldosterone secretion to a minimum of approximately 50% of the basal value at 1 mumol dopamine/l (ratio of experimental to control measurements, R = 0.53 +/- 0.06 (S.E.M.); n = 5). In contrast, dopamine (1-100 mumol/l) had no effect on aldosterone production by dispersed zona glomerulosa cell preparations incubated in vitro. The effects of changes in K+ concentration (3.9-52 mmol/l) on aldosterone secretion in the perfused gland and dispersed cell preparations were also compared. A similar bell-shaped dose-response relationship was seen in both preparations between 6 and 32 mmol K+/l, with a maximum at 8.4 mmol K+/l and a return to control values with 16, 24 or 32 mmol K+/l. However, infusion of media with very high K+ concentrations (42 or 52 mmol K+/l) reduced the secretion of aldosterone by the perfused gland to approximately 50% of the basal value (R = 0.51 +/- 0.05, n = 9; R = 0.49 +/- 0.08, n = 9; respectively) but produced no change in aldosterone production by zona glomerulosa cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Dopaminergic modulation of aldosterone secretion in the rat

The dopamine antagonist metoclopramide (MCP) has been shown to acutely stimulate aldosterone secretion in vivo. To determine whether a dopaminergic mechanism is involved in the regulation of aldosterone secretion, we examined the effect of minipump infusion of MCP (iv) and/or angiotensin II (AII;sc) upon plasma aldosterone, adrenal capsular AII receptors, and 18-hydroxylase activity in rats maintained on high sodium intake. During normal sodium intake, plasma aldosterone was elevated from 8.3 +/- 1.3 to 35.4 +/- 3.2 ng/dl after 2-day infusion of a nonnatriuretic dose of AII (25 ng/min) and to 15.0 +/- 1.8 ng/dl after the infusion of 1.2 micrograms/min MCP. AII receptors were unchanged by MCP infusion, and rose from 1014 +/- 98 to 1638 +/- 98 fmol/mg after AII infusion. During high sodium intake, the infusion of either AII or MCP alone produced no change in plasma aldosterone or AII receptors. However, after simultaneous infusion of AII and MCP, plasma aldosterone rose from 4.5 +/- 1.2 to 32.5 +/- 2.7 ng/dl, AII receptors increased from 969 +/- 35 to 1607 +/- 280 fmol/mg, and 18-hydroxylase activity, measured as the conversion of corticosterone to aldosterone by isolated mitochondria, rose from 29.5 +/- 1.67 to 40.6 +/- 2.9 pmol/mg . min. These adrenal responses induced by the combined treatment with AII and MCP were similar to the effects of AII infusion during normal sodium intake, indicating that MCP exerts a permissive action upon the trophic effects of AII on the adrenal cell during high sodium intake. These actions of MCP were completely abolished by the simultaneous infusion of dopamine (2 micrograms/min), suggesting that the effects of MCP on adrenal function are due to its dopaminergic antagonist properties. In collagenase-dispersed adrenal glomerulosa cells, only supraphysiological concentrations of dopamine in the incubation medium (10-100 microns) inhibited basal, AII-stimulated, and ACTH-stimulated aldosterone production, and these inhibitory effects were not reversed by high concentrations of MCP. Also, MCP itself inhibited both basal and stimulated aldosterone production. These results suggest that the stimulatory actions of MCP in vivo are exerted through liberation of other local regulators, rather than directly upon the adrenal glomerulosa cell. These findings have defined a mechanism by which the primary regulatory action of AII upon aldosterone secretion can be modulated during high sodium intake by dopaminergic inhibition of adrenal glomerulosa function.     

Lipoxygenase products as common intermediates in cyclic AMP-dependent and -independent adrenal steroidogenesis in rats

Aldosterone secretion from adrenal glomerulosa cells can be stimulated by angiotensin II (AII), extracellular potassium and ACTH. Mitochondria from these cells respond to intracellular factors generated by AII (cyclic AMP (cAMP)-independent steroidogenesis) and ACTH (cAMP-dependent steroidogenesis), suggesting that the two-signal-transduction mechanisms are linked by a common intermediate. We have evaluated this hypothesis by stimulating mitochondria from the unstimulated zona glomerulosa with a subcellular post-mitochondrial fraction (PMF) obtained from the zona glomerulosa after stimulation with AII or from the fasciculata gland after stimulation with ACTH; the subcellular fractions were also tested on mitochondria from fasciculata cells. PMFs obtained after incubation of adrenal zona glomerulosa with or without AII (0.1 microM) or ACTH (0.1 nM) were able to increase net progesterone synthesis 4.5-fold in mitochondria isolated from unstimulated rat zona glomerulosa. AII-pretreated PMFs from the zona glomerulosa also stimulated steroidogenesis by mitochondria from zona fasciculata cells. Separate experiments showed that inhibitors of arachidonic acid release and metabolism (bromophenacyl bromide, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, caffeic acid or esculetin) blocked corticosterone production in fasciculata cells stimulated with ACTH, suggesting that arachidonic acid could be the common intermediate in the actions of AII and ACTH on steroid synthesis. Evidence to support this concept was obtained from experiments in which the formation of an activated PMF by treatment of zona fasciculata with ACTH was blocked by the presence of the same inhibitors. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of these substances on PMF activation by ACTH were overcome by exogenous arachidonic acid and, in addition, arachidonic acid release was stimulated by ACTH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Production of aldosterone and its precursor steroids by the adrenal zona glomerulosa in dextran sulfate-treated rats

Heparin and heparinoids are known to produce selective aldosterone deficiency in man and experimental animals. To assess the nature of the hypoaldosteronism caused by heparin and heparinoids, we investigated the production of aldosterone and its precursor steroids in response to angiotensin II (AII), ACTH or potassium in adrenal zona glomerulosa cells from dextran sulfate-treated rats compared with that in the cells from vehicle-treated rats. Dextran sulfate-treated rats had a decrease in plasma aldosterone and a reduction in the width of the zona glomerulosa 4 weeks after the treatment (40 mg/day, intramuscularly). In these rats, PRA and plasma AII tended to be high, and plasma corticosterone was normal. Basal aldosterone production, when corrected to a uniform number of cells per group, was similar in cells from dextran sulfate- and vehicle-treated rats. The cells from dextran sulfate-treated rats had a less sensitive and lower response of aldosterone production to AII; an increase by 4 orders of magnitude in the threshold dose for AII and a decrease in the maximal AII-stimulated level. The maximal AII-stimulated levels, but not the basal levels, of pregnenolone, corticosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone production were low in the cells from dextran sulfate-treated rats. ACTH produced a similar stimulatory effect on aldosterone production in the cells from dextran sulfate- and vehicle-treated rats. The cells from dextran sulfate-treated rats had a less sensitive and lower response of aldosterone production to potassium; an increase by one order of magnitude in the threshold dose for potassium and a decrease in the maximum potassium-stimulated level, presumably because of the glomerulosa hyporesponsiveness to AII. These results suggest that long-term treatment with dextran sulfate in rats produces selective impairment of adrenal zona glomerulosa cells, involving the specific receptors and the aldosterone biosynthesis, to AII in addition to a reduction in the glomerulosa width.     

Effects of angiotensin II, adrenocorticotropin, and potassium on aldosterone production in adrenal zona glomerulosa cells from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism has been shown to occur in streptozotocin-induced chronic diabetic rats with normokalemia. To test the nature of the aldosterone deficiency, we investigated the responses of aldosterone production to angiotensin II (AII), ACTH, and potassium in adrenal zona glomerulosa cells from diabetic rats at 6 weeks after an injection of streptozotocin compared with those in the cells from control rats. In diabetic rats, plasma glucose was high and plasma immunoreactive insulin was low. Diabetic rats also had low levels of PRA and plasma AII, low levels of plasma aldosterone, and normal levels of plasma corticosterone and plasma potassium. The zona glomerulosa width was narrower in diabetic rats than in control rats. Basal aldosterone production, when corrected to an uniform number of cells per group, was similar in the cells from control and diabetic rats. Cells from diabetic rats showed a less sensitive and lower response of aldosterone production to AII, increases in the threshold and the ED50, and a decrease in the maximal AII-stimulated aldosterone level. ACTH, however, caused a similar effect on aldosterone production in the cells from control and diabetic rats. Cells from diabetic rats exhibited a less sensitive response of aldosterone production to potassium and a tendency to be low in the maximal potassium-stimulated aldosterone level, presumably attributable to the impairment of adrenal zona glomerulosa cells to AII. We conclude that the hypoaldosteronism observed in our diabetic rats may be secondary to the deficiency of AII.     

Regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis by Na+/H+ antiport: relationships between intracellular pH and angiotensin II

Recent studies on the regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis have revealed that inhibitors of sodium influx, e.g. amiloride, can inhibit adrenal steroidogenesis with a pharmacological profile suggestive of a Na+/H+ antiport system. We have examined the existence of a Na+/H+ antiport system and its regulation of Na influx and intracellular pH (pHi) in bovine adrenal zona glomerulosa cells. NH4Cl-induced 22Na uptake by zona glomerulosa cells was dose dependently inhibited by ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA), amiloride, and benzamil with ED50 values of 0.02, 4.30, and 199 microM, respectively. Angiotensin II (AII; 100 nM) caused an initial transient acidification, followed by prolonged alkalinization. The hormone equipotently increased pHi and stimulated aldosterone secretion, with ED50 values of 1.2 and 1.4 nM, respectively. AII-induced alkalinization was suppressed by EIPA, amiloride, and benzamil, with ED50 values of 0.6, 79, and 440 microM, respectively. This increase in pHi induced by AII was dependent upon the extracellular sodium concentration (ED50 values = 2.8 mM) and was blunted in sodium-free medium. AII-stimulated aldosterone synthesis was also inhibited by EIPA, amiloride, and benzamil, with ED50 values of 0.07, 34, and 330 microM, respectively. The time course of activation by angiotensin II on aldosterone secretion was also dependent upon extracellular sodium concentration during a 2-h period. These results document that intracellular pH is regulated through the Na+/H+ exchange system and suggest that the pH change induced by AII might be associated with its regulation of steroidogenesis in bovine adrenal zona glomerulosa cells.     

Absence of prostacyclin involvement in angiotensin-induced aldosterone secretion in rat adrenal cells

The role of prostaglandins (PGs) in aldosterone secretion was studied in isolated rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. [14C]Arachidonic acid was metabolized to [14C]6-keto-PGF1 alpha, [14C]PGF2 alpha, [14C]PGE2, and [14C]PGD2. Pretreatment with indomethacin (5 X 10(-5) M) or U-51605 (5 micrograms/ml) inhibited the synthesis of these metabolites. Angiotensin II (AII) stimulated a concentration-related release of aldosterone and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, but not PGE2. Significant increases in aldosterone and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha occurred at AII concentrations of 0.2 and 2 nM. The increases in 6-keto PGF1 alpha concentrations after AII treatment were small, however (278 +/- 33 pg/10(6) cells X h for control vs. 581 +/- 90 after 2 nM AII). At higher concentrations, AII further stimulated aldosterone, but 6-keto PGF1 alpha levels declined. AII stimulated the synthesis of aldosterone and 6-keto PGF1 alpha in parallel with time of incubation. Indomethacin (3 microM) decrease basal and AII-stimulated aldosterone release by 40% and 23%, respectively, and inhibited the synthesis of PGs. U-51605 (5 micrograms/ml) failed to alter aldosterone release. Arachidonic acid increased the synthesis of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in a concentration-related manner without altering the synthesis of aldosterone. In contrast, PGH2 stimulated the release of PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and aldosterone. PGI2 and PGE2 stimulated aldosterone secretion, which was concentration related. Threshold stimulation by PGI2 and PGE2 occurred at 0.5 and 5 nM, respectively. Maximal stimulation occurred at 5 nM for PGI2 and at 5000 nM for PGE2, with PGE2 producing the greater maximal response. Treatment of the cells with trypsin eliminated the steroidogenic response to PGE2. These findings indicate that PGI2 and PGE2 are produced by the adrenal glomerulosa cells, and the synthesis of PGI2 may be stimulated by AII. However, the concentrations of PGI2 synthesized are not adequate to stimulate aldosterone secretion. Thus, PGI2 does not appear to mediate angiotensin-induced aldosterone secretion.     

Cholecystokinin stimulates aldosterone secretion from dispersed rat zona glomerulosa cells, acting through cholecystokinin receptors 1 and 2 coupled with the adenylate cyclase-dependent cascade

Cholecystokinin is a regulatory peptide, that acts through two subtypes of receptors, 1 and 2. RT-PCR demonstrated the expression of both cholecystokinin receptors 1 and 2 genes in the zona glomerulosa, but not the zona fasciculata-reticularis, of rat adrenals. Autoradiography demonstrated the presence of abundant [(125)I]cholecystokinin-binding sites in the zona glomerulosa, but not the zona fasciculata-reticularis, which were displaced by both cholecystokinin receptor 1- and 2-selective antagonists (cholecystokinin 1-A and 2-A). Cholecystokinin increased basal aldosterone secretion from dispersed zona glomerulosa cells without affecting corticosterone secretion from zona fasciculata-reticularis cells. The aldosterone response to cholecystokinin was blunted by cholecystokinin 1-A and 2-A, which when added together abolished it. ACTH-stimulated aldosterone production was not affected by cholecystokinin; in contrast, cholecystokinin potentiated aldosterone response to both angiotensin II and K(+). Cholecystokinin enhanced cAMP, but not IP(3), release by dispersed zona glomerulosa cells. The aldosterone response to cholecystokinin was abolished by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ-22536 and the PKA inhibitor H-89, but not by either the PLC inhibitor U-73122 or the PKC inhibitor calphostin C. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that cholecystokinin, acting through cholecystokinin receptors 1 and 2 coupled with the adenylate cyclase/PKA cascade, exerts a sizeable secretagogue action on rat zona glomerulosa cells.     

Role of angiotensin II receptor subtypes on the regulation of aldosterone secretion in the adrenal glomerulosa zone in the rat.

The role of AII receptors subtypes, AT1 and AT2, in the regulation of aldosterone secretion was studied in adrenal glomerulosa cells and membranes from rats on normal and low sodium intake, using AII receptor subtype-specific antagonists. In adrenal glomerulosa cells, more than 90% of the receptors were AT1 and there was a good correlation between the potencies of the antagonists to inhibit ligand binding, and AII-stimulated aldosterone production and inositol phosphate formation. The inhibition of basal and ACTH-stimulated cAMP by AII was also abolished by the AT1, but not the AT2, antagonist. Sodium restriction for 6 days increased both receptor subtypes in the same proportion, but only the AT1 antagonist inhibited AII-stimulated aldosterone production. The data demonstrate that AT1 receptor mediates the regulatory actions of AII in the adrenal zona glomerulosa.     

Effects of prolactin administration on the zona glomerulosa of the rat adrenal cortex: stereology and plasma hormone concentrations

The effects of short and prolonged treatments with prolactin on the morphology and hormone secretion of the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa were investigated by coupled morphometric and radioimmunological techniques. Short-term prolactin administration did not alter plasma aldosterone concentration or zona glomerulosa morphology. Conversely, chronic prolactin treatment caused both a notable hypertrophy of zona glomerulosa cells and a significant rise in the blood level of aldosterone. The possibility is discussed that prolactin may be involved in the control of the growth and steroidogenic capacity of the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa.     

Effect of angiotensin II on aldosterone and its precursor steroid production in adrenal zona glomerulosa cells from heparin-treated rats

To assess the nature of the heparin-induced aldosterone deficiency, we investigated the stimulatory effect of angiotensin II (AII) on aldosterone and its precursor steroids in adrenal zona glomerulosa cells from heparin-treated rats compared with those in the cells from vehicle-treated rats. Heparin-treated rats had low plasma aldosterone levels, high plasma renin activity and plasma AII levels, and normal plasma corticosterone level 6 weeks after the treatment (1500 IU/kg, twice daily). Basal aldosterone production, when corrected to a uniform number of cells per group, was similar in the cells from heparin- and vehicle-treated rats. The cells from heparin-treated rats had a less sensitive and lower response of aldosterone production to AII; an increase by 4 orders of magnitude in the threshold dose for AII and a decrease in the maximum AII-stimulated level. The maximum AII-stimulated levels, but not the basal levels, of pregnenolone, corticosterone and 18-OHB production were low in the cells from heparin-treated rats. ACTH caused a similar stimulatory effect on aldosterone production in the cells from heparin- and vehicle-treated rats. The cells from heparin-treated rats had a less sensitive and lower response of aldosterone production to potassium; an increase by one order of magnitude in the threshold dose for potassium and a decrease in the maximum potassium-stimulated level, presumably because of the glomerulosa hyporesponsiveness to AII. These results suggest that our heparin-treated rats have selective impairment of adrenal zona glomerulosa cells, involving the specific receptors and the aldosterone biosynthesis, to AII.     

Guanabenz-induced inhibition of aldosterone secretion from isolated rat adrenal glomerulosa cells.

The authors examined the effects of the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist guanabenz and other alpha-adrenergic ligands on aldosterone secretion and cyclic nucleotide content in isolated rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. Guanabenz inhibited aldosterone secretion stimulated by potassium, angiotensin II (AII), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), exhibiting IC50 values of 35 microM, 43 microM, and 58 microM for stimulation by 10 mM K+, 1 nM AII, and 10 pM ACTH, respectively. Guanabenz did not affect the cGMP content of purified adrenal glomerulosa cells but inhibited ACTH stimulation of cAMP accumulation. Guanabenz inhibition of ACTH-induced cAMP may represent a mechanism for inhibition of aldosterone secretion, however, guanabenz also inhibited aldosterone secretion stimulated by the cAMP analog dibutyryl cAMP. The effect of guanabenz on the early and late pathways of steroidogenesis was tested in the isolated rat glomerulosa cells using 25-OH cholesterol and steroid precursors to aldosterone. Guanabenz inhibited the steroidogenic response to 25-OH cholesterol stimulation of aldosterone secretion but induced a much smaller inhibition of the steroidogenic response to exogenous pregnenolone, progesterone, and 11-deoxycorticosterone. These results suggested that guanabenz inhibited aldosterone secretion primarily through inhibition of the early component of the steroidogenic pathway prior to pregnenolone formation. The effects of guanabenz were not mimicked by other alpha-adrenergic ligands suggesting that these effects of guanabenz were not mediated through activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors.     

Actions of vasoactive intestinal peptide on the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa

Previous studies, by this group and others, have shown that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) stimulates aldosterone secretion, and that the actions of VIP on aldosterone secretion by the rat adrenal cortex are blocked by beta adrenergic antagonists, suggesting that VIP may act by the local release of catecholamines. The present studies were designed to test this hypothesis further, by measuring catecholamine release by adrenal capsular tissue in response to VIP stimulation. Using intact capsular tissue it was found that VIP caused a dose-dependent increase in aldosterone secretion, with a concomitant increase in both adrenaline and noradrenaline release. The effects of VIP on aldosterone secretion were inhibited by atenolol, a beta1 adrenergic antagonist, but not by ICI-118,551, a beta2 adrenergic antagonist. Binding studies were carried out to investigate VIP receptors. It was found that adrenal zona glomerulosa tissue from control rats contained specific VIP binding sites (Bmax 853+/-101 fmol/mg protein; Kd 2.26+/-0.45 nmol/l). VIP binding was not displaced by ACTH, angiotensin II or by either of the beta adrenergic antagonists. The response to VIP in adrenals obtained from rats fed a low sodium diet was also investigated. Previous studies have found that adrenals from animals on a low sodium diet exhibit increased responsiveness to VIP. Specific VIP binding sites were identified, although the concentration or affinity of binding sites in the low sodium group was not significantly different from the controls. In the low sodium group VIP was found to increase catecholamine release to the same extent as in the control group, however, in contrast to the control group, the adrenal response to VIP was not altered by adrenergic antagonists in the low sodium group. These data provide strong support for the hypothesis that VIP acts by the local release of catecholamines in adrenal zona glomerulosa tissue in normal animals. It does not appear that VIP acts through the same mechanism in animals maintained on a low sodium diet. The mechanism by which VIP stimulates aldosterone in this group remains to be determined.     

Serotonin increases interleukin-6 release and decreases tumor necrosis factor release from rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells in vitro

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are secreted by rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells. Serotonin increases the release of aldosterone, corti-costerone, and cortisol from the adrenal cortex. Therefore, the effects of serotonin on IL-6 and TNF release from rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells were investigated. Cultures of rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells were enzymatically prepared and cultured for 4–6 d. The cells were then exposed to serum-free RPMl-1640 medium containing vehicle (RPMl medium alone), serotonin, and/or endotoxin, interleukin-1β, or adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Following a 5-h incubation, medium was removed from the cells, and IL-6 and TNF content of this medium determined with bioassays. Serotonin (1–1000 nM) increased basal IL-6 release from zona glomerulosa cells, but inhibited basal TNF release from these cells. Endotoxin and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) increased IL-6 and TNF release from zona glomerulosa cells. Serotonin potentiated IL-6 release stimulated by endotoxin and IL-1β, but inhibited TNF release stimulated by these agents. Serotonin potentiated ACTH-stimulated IL-6 release. Serotonin had no effect on IL-6 release from rat anterior pituitary cells. Because IL-6, TNF, and serotonin modify the release of aldosterone and glucocorticoids from adrenal cells, the stimulatory effects of serotonin on aldosterone and glucocorticoid release may be mediated in part by the effects of serotonin on IL-6 and TNF release from adrenal cells.     

Regulation of the adrenal renin angiotensin system in cultured bovine zona glomerulosa cells: effect of catecholamines.

The renin-angiotensin system consists of two main enzymes, renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme, which lead to the formation of angiotensin-II. Angiotensin-II is a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulates the production of aldosterone. In this study we examined the effect of ACTH, potassium, (Bu)2cAMP (dbcAMP), and catecholamines on the adrenal renin-angiotensin system. To study the production of renin and aldosterone in vitro, we developed a monolayer culture of bovine zona glomerulosa cells in serum-free medium. Collagenase-dispersed zona glomerulosa cells were incubated in Pasadena Foundation for Medical Research-4 medium containing 10% fetal calf serum for 72 h, and the medium was replaced with serum-free medium for the next 24 h of the experimental period. The cells during this 24 h were exposed to various doses of ACTH, potassium, dbcAMP, and sympathomimetic agents. ACTH and dbcAMP stimulated aldosterone secretion, and this secretion was associated with an increase in renin activity in cells and medium. Aldosterone was also stimulated by high doses of potassium, and potassium had a stimulatory effect on the secretion of renin in medium. Catecholamines had a weak stimulating effect on aldosterone secretion and were potent stimulators of adrenal renin activity in cells and medium. Dopamine had no significant effect on basal aldosterone secretion or renin activity in cells and medium. In conclusion, these data indicate that adrenal renin is synthesized in bovine zona glomerulosa cells in vitro, and that ACTH and dbcAMP stimulate adrenal renin and aldosterone production. Furthermore, adrenal renin, like renal renin, may be under the control of the sympathetic nervous system.     

Dopaminergic binding and inhibitory effect in the bovine adrenal zona glomerulosa

Dopaminergic mechanisms may be involved in the regulation of aldosterone secretion in humans and in the rat. Whether these effects are indirect or are exerted directly at the adrenal level has not yet been resolved. We now report the identification of dopaminergic binding sites in the bovine adrenal zone glomerulosa using [3H]spiperone, a butyrophenone with high affinity for D2 dopamine receptors. Specific [3H]spiperone binding (defined as binding displaceable by 10 microns (+)-butaclamol) reached equilibrium within 20 minutes at 22 degrees C, was reversible, and was heat labile (60 degrees C). Binding was of high affinity and saturable with a Kd of 1.8 +/- 0.2 nM and maximal specific binding of 38 +/- 8 fmol/mg (means +/- SEM; n = 18). [3H]Spiperone binding was unaffected by coincubation with angiotensin II, adrenocorticotropic hormone, or KCl. Binding characteristics, including a dissociation constant at the nanomolar range, greater potency of the D2-agonist LY 171555 relative to the D1-agonist SKF 38393 in inhibiting [3H]spiperone binding, and lack of stimulation of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate by dopamine (10(-4) M), were consistent with a predominantly D2-receptor. In vitro studies with collagenase-dispersed adrenal zona glomerulosa cells showed that dopamine (10(-4) M) attenuated angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone secretion. These observations are consistent with a direct inhibitory effect of dopamine on aldosterone secretion in the adrenal zona glomerulosa.