Distribution of [Met5]- and [Leu5]-enkephalin-, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide- and substance P-like immunoreactivities in human adrenal glands |
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Authors: | R I Linnoila R P Diaugustine A Hervonen R J Miller |
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Affiliation: | Endocrinology Group, Laboratory of Pulmonary Function and Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709, U.S.A.;Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tampere, Box 607, SF- 33101 Tampere 10, Finland;Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Sciences, University of Chicago, 947 East 58th Street, Chicago, Ill. 60637, U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | There is recent evidence that the amine storing cells of mammalian adrenal medulla also contain bioactive peptides. In the present study we examined human adrenal glands with the immunoperoxidase-bridge method using specific antisera raised against [Met5]- and [Leu5]-enkephalin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide hormone (VIP), and substance P. Approximately one-third of the cells in the adrenal medulla demonstrated enkephalin-like immunoreactivity. The intensity of the immunostain varied among individual cells but did not appear to correlate with amine content, as determined by the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence of catecholamines. An abundant network of varicose fibre-like structures and dots, representing preterminal and terminal nerves, demonstrated vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivity and were found in close proximity to medullary gland cells. Substance P-like immunoreactivity was observed in a few fibres in the medulla and cortex. However, we could not detect cells containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide- or substance P-like immunoreactivity in adrenal glands. p ]The present findings suggest that human adrenal medullary cells contain both [Met5]- and [Leu5]-enkephalin and are richly innervated by peptidergic nerves containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. These peptides may modulate the release and effects of catecholamines in the adrenal medulla. The nerves with substance P-like immunoreactivity may represent a separate peptidergic neuronal system. |
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Keywords: | ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone E-IR, enkephalin-like immunoreactivity FIF, formaldehyde-induced fluorescence LPH, lipotropin MSH, melanocyte stimulating hormone SP, substance P SP-IR, substance P-like immunoreactivity VIP, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide VIP-IR, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivity |
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