On the presence of chromaffin cells in the adrenal cortex: their possible role in adrenocortical function

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 588-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Gallo-Payet ◽  
Pierre Pothier ◽  
Henri Isler
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Chromaffin Cells ◽  
Endocrine Cells ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Secretory Product ◽  
Medullary Tissue

Using light and electron microscopy, we have observed the presence of rays containing medullary tissue extending across the cortex of rat adrenal glands. Within these rays chromaffin cells, as well as collagen and nerve fibers, were present. It is suggested that these endocrine cells may have a paracrine function within the cortex, possibly via their secretory product.

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF INSULIN ON EXPLANTED ADRENAL MEDULLARY TISSUE AND RAT ADRENAL MEDULLA IN SITU

1975 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. PIEZZI ◽  
L. A. POHORECKY ◽  
J. C. CAVICCHIA ◽  
J. P. GALLEANO
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Anterior Chamber ◽  
Adrenal Medulla ◽  
Chromaffin Cells ◽  
Insulin Treatment ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Comparative Effect ◽  
Medullary Tissue ◽  
Releasing Effect

SUMMARY The adrenal medulla and explanted medullary cells in the anterior chamber of the eye were examined 3 h after the administration of insulin to rats. No alterations were seen in the explanted cells. In the adrenal medulla, light and electron microscopy indicated depletion of adrenaline cells; noradrenaline cells were not affected. Levels of catecholamines were three times higher in the explanted tissue after insulin treatment; in the medulla in situ they declined by 70%. These results confirm that insulin has no direct releasing effect on chromaffin cells.

Melatonin Elicits Stimulatory Action on the Adrenal Gland of Soay Ram: Morphometrical, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1173-1188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doaa M. Mokhtar ◽  
Manal T. Hussein ◽  
Ahmed H. S. Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Chromaffin Cells ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Secretory Granules ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Melatonin Treatment ◽  
Stimulatory Action

AbstractEndogenous melatonin is a hormone secreted by pineal gland; it has several roles in metabolism, reproduction, and remarkable antioxidant properties. Studies on the melatonin effect on the adrenal glands which are important endocrine organs, controlling essential physiological functions, are still deficient. In this study, we attempted to investigate the effect of exogenous melatonin treatment on the adrenal cortex and medulla using several approaches. Adrenal glands of 15 Soay ram were examined to detect the effect of melatonin treatment. Our results revealed that the cells of adrenal cortex of the treated animals were separated by wide and numerous blood sinusoids and showed signs of increase steroidogenic activity, which are evidenced by functional hypertrophy with increase profiles of mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and lipid droplets. The most striking ultrastructural features in the medulla of the treated group were the engorgement of chromaffin cells with enlarged secretory granules enclosed within a significantly increased diameter of these cells. The cytoplasm of these cells showed numerous mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and glycogen granules. Exocytosis of secretory granules to the lumen of blood vessels was evident in the treated group. Piecemeal degranulation mode of secretion was recorded after melatonin treatment. Chromaffin cells in the control group expressed moderate immunoreactivity to Synaptophysin and tyrosine hydroxylase, compared with intensified expression after melatonin treatment. The ganglion cells of the melatonin-treated group showed a significant increase in diameter with numerous rER. The most interesting feature in this study is the presence of small granule chromaffin cells (SGC) and telocytes (TCs) for the first time in the adrenal glands of sheep. Moreover, these SGC cells, Schwann cells, fibroblasts, and progenitor stem cells showed a stimulatory response. The TCs were small branched cells scattered in the adrenal glands around cortical cells, chromaffin cells, nerve fibers, and blood vessels. These cells increased significantly in number, length of their telopodes, and secretory activity after melatonin treatment. In addition, multiple profiles of unmyelinated nerve fibers were demonstrated in all treated specimens. These results indicated that melatonin treatment caused a stimulatory action on all cellular and neuronal elements of the adrenal gland. This study may act as a new direction for treatment of adrenal insufficiency.

The Biology of Bothrimonus (=Diplocotyle) (Pseudophyllidea: Cestoda): Detailed Morphology and Fine Structure

1974 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. B. Burt ◽  
I. M. Sandeman
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Functional Morphology ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Fish Host ◽  
Extensive System ◽  
And Function

Light and electron microscopy were used to describe the functional morphology of Bothrimonus sturionis in detail. In particular, the musculature, nervous system, osmoregulatory system, and tegument are dealt with, and the findings compared with those of other workers. The musculature of the scolex consists of several interrelated systems, the structure of each being discussed in relation to its function. Associated with the regular nervous system, considered typical of cestodes, is an extensive system of giant nerve fibers. The osmoregulatory system is unusual in that there are lateral "excretory" pores in many proglottides which open directly to the exterior of the worm. The microtriches of the tegument are long, like those of other primitive cestodes, and are covered by a noncellular sheath while the worm is in its gammarid host. The sheath is lost when the worm becomes established in its fish host; the nature and function of the sheath are discussed.

Light and electron microscopic demonstration by the PATS reaction of peripheral nerve regeneration

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 952-953 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Giammara ◽  
E. Anderson ◽  
P. Yates ◽  
J. Hanker
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Toluidine Blue ◽  
Periodic Acid ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Blue Staining ◽  
Hydroxyl Groups ◽  
Distal Stump ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Toluidine Blue Staining

Although periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) type reactions have been applied to nervous tissues for many years, interest has centered upon staining glycolipids, principally myelin constituents such as the class of sphingolipids. The staining of these compounds such as sphingomyelin has generally been attributed to the presence of amino and hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbon atoms of carbohydrate of the sphingosine moiety. But unsaturated lipids also give the reaction and sphingolipids stain even if carbohydrate moieties are absent. This reaction has been used for staining myelin sheaths but lipid solvents must be avoided in processing the specimens. Toluidine blue staining of semi-thin sections of epoxy- embedded nerve specimens has also been widely used to study regenerating fibers after nerve transection or avulsion. A recent study was made in our laboratories of conduits (sleeves) tailored from biodegradable polyester (VicrylR) mesh to guide the reconnection of regenerating fibers from the proximal stump of a rat sciatic nerve, across an 11 mm gap, with fibers in the distal stump of the interrupted nerve. Complete reconnection of the stumps was observed as early as one month after creating the avulsive nerve injury.Comparison of transverse sections of the repaired sciatic with sections of control nerve with the toluidine blue stain, however, showed little evidence of axonal regeneration after one month (Figs. 1,3). A variation of the PAS reaction (depositing silver) for light and electron microscopy developed in our laboratories (PATS reaction, 5) was than applied to the study of the semi-thin sections of the epoxy-embedded control and repaired sciatic nerves of the same rat one month postsurgery. Correlative light and scanning electron microscopy by SEI and BEI modes could then be performed since the PATS reaction produced very satisfactory staining of the semi-thin sections (Figs. 3-5). Myelin was not stained by the PATS reaction in these specimens since the nerves had been processed with lipid solvents for epoxy embedment. Schwann cells, however, were very prominent in control but not in the repaired nerve. The inner layers of endoneurium and all pericapillaries associated with nerve fibers were intensely stained due to their reticulin content in both control and repaired nerve (Figs. 2,4). This was not unexpected because the PATS reaction employs a silver methenamine reagent. Thus, with the PATS reaction axons could be identified in sections of repaired nerve (Fig. 4) that could not be discerned with toluidine blue staining (Fig. 3). In sections of repaired nerve stained with either toluidine blue or the PATS reaction few axons or axis cylinders were observed but more were seen with the PATS stain (Figs. 3,4). In control nerve sections stained with either procedure many were seen (Figs. 1,2).

scholarly journals Karyometric and electron microscopic studies of dark and light cells of the adrenal cortex in mammals

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 61-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Ul'yanov ◽  
P. M. Torgun
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Lipid Droplets ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Ovis Aries ◽  
Secretory Cells ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Dark Cells ◽  
Microscopic Studies ◽  
Light Cells

The purpose of this study is a comparative study of dark and light cells of cortical parenchyma of the adrenal glands in mammals using light and electron microscopy. Material and methods. Cariometric and electron microscopic studies of the adrenal glands of 9 mammalian species have been carried out: Vulpes vulpes (fox), Vulpes lagopus (arctic fox), Canis familiaris (dog), Мartes zibellina (sable), Mustela vison (mink), Enhydra lutris (sea ape); Castor fiber (river beaver); Callorhinus ursinus (fur seal); Ovis aries (sheep). Serial paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, iron hematoxylin, Heidenheim azan, the PAS-reaction was used, the color of the trichrome-PAS and the tetrachromium-PAS. RNA was detected by the reaction of Brashe and gallocyanin by Einarsson. For the detection of lipids, frozen sections were stained with Sudan III + IV, Black Sudan. The number of dark and light cells in the cortex of the adrenal mink in different seasons was determined. On electron micrographs, the amount of lipid droplets and mitochondria in the fascicle of the adrenal cortex was counted. Results. In the cortex of the adrenal glands of mammals, dark and light cells are present. Dark cells, as far as accumulation of sudanophilic substances are converted into light cells, which with further accumulation of lipids undergo destructive changes. Also found are the dark dying cells of the adrenal cortex, characterized by densification of the cytoplasm, pycnosis of nuclei, accumulation of yellow-brown pigment. Dark cells have larger nuclei, give more intense reaction to RNA and ketosteroids and are more active secretory cells compared to light adrenocorticocytes. Electron microscopy in dark cells reveals a large number of mitochondria and a significant amount of lipid droplets are present. Light cells contain many lipid inclusions and few mitochondria.

THE LOCALIZATION OF ADRENALINE-RICH MEDULLARY CHROMAFFIN CELLS ADJACENT TO THE ADRENAL CORTEX

1968 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 541-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. P. RUBIN ◽  
M. S. COHEN ◽  
S. M. HARMAN ◽  
E. M. ROER
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Chromaffin Cells ◽  
Cortical Tissue ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Catecholamine Content ◽  
Phase Microscopy ◽  
Medullary Tissue

SUMMARY The residual catecholamine content of the cat adrenal gland after the removal of much of the medulla contained a significantly higher percentage of adrenaline than that of the excised medulla. Fluorescent and phase microscopy showed that in these glands a layer of medullary tissue adjacent to the cortex still remained. The high concentration of adrenaline in chromaffin cells nearest to cortical tissue provides further evidence for the theory that the adrenal cortex acts to facilitate the formation of adrenaline from noradrenaline in the medulla.

scholarly journals The larval midgut of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): light and electron microscopy studies of the epithelial cells

2004 ◽  
Vol 64 (3b) ◽  
pp. 633-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Levy ◽  
A. M. F. Falleiros ◽  
E. A. Gregório ◽  
N. R. Arrebola ◽  
L. A. Toledo
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Endocrine Cells ◽  
Secretory Granules ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Anticarsia Gemmatalis ◽  
Epithelial Tissue ◽  
Basal Region ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Basal Portion

The morphology of the midgut epithelium cells of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner) larvae is described by light and transmission electron microscopy. The midgut of A. gemmatalis is the largest portion of the digestive tract, with three distinct regions: proximal, media and distal. Its wall is formed by pseudostratified columnar epithelial tissue having four cell types: columnar, goblet, regenerative, and endocrine cells. The columnar cells are numerous and long, with the apical portion showing many lengthy microvilli and the basal portion invaginations forming a basal labyrinth. The goblet cells have a large goblet-shaped central cavity delimited by cytoplasmic projections filled with mitochondria. The regenerative cells present electron-dense cytoplasm and few organelles. The endocrine cells are characterized by electron-dense secretory granules, usually concentrated in the cytoplasm basal region.

PACAP-(1–38) as neurotransmitter in the porcine adrenal glands

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (6) ◽  
pp. E1413-E1425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Tornøe ◽  
Jens Hannibal ◽  
Tine Børglum Jensen ◽  
Birgitte Georg ◽  
Lars Fledelius Rickelt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chromaffin Cells ◽  
Endocrine Cells ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Splanchnic Nerve ◽  
Reflex Pathways ◽  
Calcitonin Gene ◽  
Adrenal Chromaffin ◽  
Adrenal Secretion ◽  
Splanchnic Nerve Stimulation

The concentration of pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide [PACAP-(1–38)] in porcine adrenal glands amounted to 14 ± 3 pmol/g tissue. PACAP immunoreactive (PACAP-IR) fibers innervated adrenal chromaffin cells (often co-localized with choline acetyltransferase). Subcapsular fibers traversed the cortex-innervating endocrine cells and blood vessels [some co-storing mainly calcitonin gene-related peptide but also vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)]. PACAP-IR fibers were demonstrated in the splanchnic nerves, whereas IR adrenal nerve cell bodies were absent. In isolated, vascularly perfused adrenal gland, splanchnic nerve stimulation (16 Hz) and capsaicin (10−5 M) increased PACAP-(1–38) release (1.6-fold and 6-fold respectively, P = 0.02). PACAP-(1–38) dose-dependently stimulated cortisol (2 × 10−10 M; 24-fold increase, P = 0.02) and chromogranin A fragment (2 × 10−9 M; 15-fold increase, P = 0.05) secretion. Both were strongly inhibited by the PAC1/VPAC2 receptor antagonist PACAP-(6–38) (10−7 M). PACAP-(6–38) also inhibited splanchnic nerve (10 Hz)-induced cortisol secretion but lacked any effect on splanchnic nerve-induced pancreastatin secretion. PACAP-(1–38) (2 × 10−10 M) decreased vascular resistance from 5.5 ± 0.6 to 4.6 ± 0.4 mmHg · min · ml−1. PACAP-(6–38) had no effect on this response. We conclude that PACAP-(1–38) may play a role in splanchnic nerve-induced adrenal secretion and in afferent reflex pathways.

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