scholarly journals The effects of acute heat stress on proliferative and apoptotic processes in the rat adrenal cortex

2013 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 905-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragana Petrovic-Kosanovic ◽  
V. Ajdzanovic ◽  
Maja Cakic-Milosevic ◽  
Vesna Koko ◽  
Verica Milosevic
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Relative Number ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
High Ambient Temperature ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Mitotic Chromosomes ◽  
Ki 67

Hyperthermia can cause significant structural and functional reorganization of tissues and organs. The proliferative and apoptotic processes of rat adrenal cortex were analyzed by light and electron microscopy after an acute exposure to high ambient temperature. Animals were divided in two groups. The first group consisted of intact controls. The rats from the second group were exposed to a high ambient temperature of 38?C for 60 min. Mitotic chromosomes and the largest number of immunoreactive nuclei for the Ki-67 were observed in the zona reticularis (ZR) of the control animals. The relative number of mitoses after heat stress showed a significant decrease in the zona glomerulosa (ZG; 66.8%), zona fasciculata (ZF; 27.8%) and ZR (86.7%) (for all zones p<0.05), while in the whole adrenal cortex the after-treatment decrease was 61.9% (p<0.05) compared to the controls. Under heat stress numerous apoptotic nuclei were seen at the light and ultrastructural levels in all the zones of the adrenal cortex. Such dynamics of mitosis/apoptosis events seriously affect adrenal cortex morphology.

scholarly journals The Functional Glomerulosa Cells Define the Unicity of the Adult Human Adrenal Cortex

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A72-A73
Author(s):  
Pamela Camponova ◽  
Céline Duparc ◽  
Malanie Roy ◽  
Herve Lefebvre ◽  
Michael Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Organ Transplant ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Central Vein ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Cortical Cells ◽  
Ki 67 ◽  
Steroidogenic Cells

Abstract The zonation of the human adrenal cortex has long been established morphologically and histologically as three distinct layers of cells. The outer zona glomerulosa (ZG) comprises densely packed cells arranged in clusters that produce aldosterone; the zona fasciculata (ZF) is composed of cells with large cytoplasm, containing lipid droplets arranged in radial columns that synthetize cortisol; and the zona reticularis is composed of compact and pigmented cells producing androgens. The main purpose of this work was to study the expression of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2 which catalyzes the last steps of aldosterone synthesis) and 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1 which catalyzes the last step of cortisol synthesis) in normal adrenal glands to address issues regarding the zonation and the fate of the cells constitutive of each zone through the expression of Ki-67 and cleaved Caspase-3. Thirty eight normal human adrenals (16 females, 22 males, ranging in age from 22 to 81 years old with a median age of 52 years old) were obtained from brain-dead organ donors (kindly provided by the Organ Transplant Clinics, University Hospital of Rouen). As early as 22 years old, we found that the histological ZG (h-ZG) does not correspond to the functional ZG (f-ZG) expressing CYP11B2. Moreover, the h-ZG CYP11B2- cells were CYP11B1+ showing that these cells ascribed to the h-ZG are in fact cortisol producing cells. The progressive replacement of CYP11B2+ cells by CYP11B1+ cells in the h-ZG might demonstrate the role of the extracellular matrix in the morphological maintenance of the adrenal cortex. Our analysis also showed that steroidogenic cells were either CYP11B1 or CYP11B2 positive. By immunofluorescence, we observed in many cases isolated or clusters of CYP11B2+ cells located deeply in the h-ZF and sometimes in the vicinity of the central vein. We were able to show that those cells were probably issued from CYP11B2+ cell clusters located in h-ZG which migrated centripetally. Ki-67 immunoreactivity was highly variable and observed throughout the entire cortex. We also found a positive correlation between the steroidogenic and endothelial cells proliferation. It is interesting to note that some Ki-67+ cells located in the h-ZG were CYP11B1+. Cortical cells positive for cleaved Caspase-3 were extremely rare but detected in all zones when present. These findings challenge the classic view of lineage conversion of differentiated ZG cells and show a new pathway where the CYP11B2+ cells migrate without changing their phenotype.

scholarly journals OR03-03 New Insights into the Functional Human Adrenal Cortex Zonation

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paméla Camponova ◽  
Céline Duparc ◽  
Malanie Roy ◽  
Hervé Lefebvre ◽  
Michael Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Organ Transplant ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Central Vein ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Cortical Cells ◽  
Ki 67 ◽  
Steroidogenic Cells

Abstract The zonation of the human adrenal cortex has long been established morphologically and histologically as three distinct layers of cells. The outer zona glomerulosa (ZG) comprises densely packed cells arranged in clusters that produce aldosterone; the zona fasciculata (ZF) is composed of cells with large cytoplasm, containing lipid droplets arranged in radial columns that synthetize cortisol; and the zona reticularis is composed of compact and pigmented cells producing androgens. The main purpose of this work was to study the expression of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2 which catalyzes the last steps of aldosterone synthesis) and 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1 which catalyzes the last step of cortisol synthesis) in normal adrenal glands to address issues regarding the zonation and the fate of the cells constitutive of each zone through the expression of Ki-67 and cleaved Caspase-3. Thirty eight normal human adrenals (16 females, 22 males, ranging in age from 22 to 81 years old with a median age of 52 years old) were obtained from brain-dead organ donors (kindly provided by the Organ Transplant Clinics, University Hospital of Rouen). As early as 22 years old, we found that the histological ZG (h-ZG) does not correspond to the functional ZG (f-ZG) expressing CYP11B2. Moreover, the h-ZG CYP11B2- cells were CYP11B1+ showing that these cells ascribed to the h-ZG are in fact cortisol producing cells. The progressive replacement of CYP11B2+ cells by CYP11B1+ cells in the h-ZG might demonstrate the role of the extracellular matrix in the morphological maintenance of the adrenal cortex. Our analysis also showed that steroidogenic cells were either CYP11B1 or CYP11B2 positive. By immunofluorescence, we observed in many cases isolated or clusters of CYP11B2+ cells located deeply in the h-ZF and sometimes in the vicinity of the central vein. We were able to show that those cells were probably issued from CYP11B2+ cell clusters located in h-ZG which migrated centripetally. Ki-67 immunoreactivity was highly variable and observed throughout the entire cortex. We also found a positive correlation between the steroidogenic and endothelial cells proliferation. It is interesting to note that some Ki-67+ cells located in the h-ZG were CYP11B1+. Cortical cells positive for cleaved Caspase-3 were extremely rare but detected in all zones when present. These findings challenge the classic view of lineage conversion of differentiated ZG cells and show a new pathway where the CYP11B2+ cells migrate without changing their phenotype.

scholarly journals Decrease in Lipid Droplets in Adrenal Cortex of Male Wistar Rats after Chronic Exposure to Energy Drinks

Medicina ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Michał Zarobkiewicz ◽  
Mateusz Woźniakowski ◽  
Ewelina Wawryk-Gawda ◽  
Mirosław Sławiński ◽  
Paweł Halczuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Energy Drinks ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Histological Structure ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Ki 67 ◽  
Significant Difference

Background and objectives: Energy drinks are popular non-alcoholic beverages. They are consumed in large amounts, mainly by active, young people. Although they are easily accessible and marketed as safe, numerous cases of adverse effects have been published, including cardiac arrest, arrythmias, acute hepatitis, and renal failure. The aim of the current study is the assessment of energy drink influence on the histological structure of adrenal cortex in rats. Material and Methods: 15 male young Wistar rats were equally divided into three groups: control (C), experimental (E) and reversibility control (RC). C group received water and standard rodent food ad libitum while both E and RC groups had additionally unlimited access to energy drinks. C and E groups were decapitated after 8 weeks and RC was given another 8 weeks without energy drinks. Adrenal glands were embedded in paraffin blocks and 5 μm slides were prepared and stained according to standard H&E and Masson’s trichrome protocols. Additionally, immunohistochemical stainings against Ki-67, p53, CTGF and caspase-3 were prepared. Results: Decreased vacuolization and numerous pyknotic nuclei were noted in E and RC groups. Overexpression of caspase-3 was noted both subcapsular in zona glomerulosa and along sinusoids in zona fasciculata. Increased collagen deposition in zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata of E and RC was observed. Insular and irregular overexpression of CTGF was noted. The overall picture of CTGF expression matched the Masson’s trichrome. No significant difference was observed in Ki-67 expression. Conclusions: The results of the current study suggest that the stimulation is so intense that it causes significant damage to adrenal cortical cells, resulting in their apoptosis. It seems, however, that the observed effects are at least partially reversible.

scholarly journals Human Adrenocortical Remodeling Leading to Aldosterone-Producing Cell Cluster Generation

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koshiro Nishimoto ◽  
Tsugio Seki ◽  
Yuichiro Hayashi ◽  
Shuji Mikami ◽  
Ghaith Al-Eyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
Statistical Analyses ◽  
Cell Cluster ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Undifferentiated Cell ◽  
Immunohistochemical Detection ◽  
Cluster Generation ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Cell Zone

Background. The immunohistochemical detection of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and steroid 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) has enabled the identification of aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs) in the subcapsular portion of the human adult adrenal cortex. We hypothesized that adrenals have layered zonation in early postnatal stages and are remodeled to possess APCCs over time.Purposes. To investigate changes in human adrenocortical zonation with age.Methods. We retrospectively analyzed adrenal tissues prepared from 33 autopsied patients aged between 0 and 50 years. They were immunostained for CYP11B2 and CYP11B1. The percentage of APCC areas over the whole adrenal area (AA/WAA, %) and the number of APCCs (NOA, APCCs/mm2) were calculated by four examiners. Average values were used in statistical analyses.Results. Adrenals under 11 years old had layered zona glomerulosa (ZG) and zona fasciculata (ZF) without apparent APCCs. Some adrenals had an unstained (CYP11B2/CYP11B1-negative) layer between ZG and ZF, resembling the rat undifferentiated cell zone. Average AA/WAA and NOA correlated with age, suggesting that APCC development is associated with aging. Possible APCC-to-APA transitional lesions were incidentally identified in two adult adrenals.Conclusions. The adrenal cortex with layered zonation remodels to possess APCCs over time. APCC generation may be associated with hypertension in adults.

Electrical responses in cat adrenal cortex: possible relation to aldosterone secretion.

1979 ◽  
Vol 237 (2) ◽  
pp. E158 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Natke ◽  
E Kabela
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Membrane Depolarization ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
Membrane Potentials ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Aldosterone Secretion ◽  
Stimulus Secretion Coupling

The effects of secretagogues for aldosterone release were studied on the membrane potential of cells in the adrenal cortex of the cat. Adrenal glands were excised, sliced, and continuously superfused. Membrane potentials were recorded from both zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata-reticularis. Secretagogues, angiotensin II (1 microgram/ml) and 20 mM KCl, were found to depolarize cells rapidly. Ouabain (10(-5) M) also depolarized the membrane potential although the response was sluggish. Samples of the superfusate were collected and analyzed by radioimmunoassay for their aldosterone and cortisol content. Depolarizing concentrations of angiotensin II, KCl, and ouabain seemed to increase aldosterone release. Cortisol output was more variable. Saralasin blocked the effects of angiotensin II on the membrane potential. These experiments suggest that membrane depolarization plays a role in the stimulus-secretion coupling of mineral corticoids.

THE HISTOGENESIS OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX IN THE FOETAL SHEEP

1979 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Robinson ◽  
Elisabeth J. Rowe ◽  
E. Marelyn Wintour
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Steroid Hormones ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Cortical Cell ◽  
Outer Zone ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
Zona Fasciculata

ABSTRACT The cortex of sheep foetal adrenal glands from 25 days gestation until newborn (term equals 147 ± 3 days) were examined by light and electron microscopy. Three stages of development are of particular importance in relating structure to function: 1) from 35 to 60 days, 2) from 60 to 120 days and 3) from 120 days to term. Between 35 and 60 days one cortical cell type predominated. It contained mitochondria with lamellar and vesicular cristae, scattered long strands of granular endoplasmic reticulum and only small amounts of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. After about 60 days two zones were apparent in the cortex and chromaffin cells became concentrated in the medulla. After 80 days the outer zone contained cells which resembled mature zona glomerulosa cells and the cells in the inner zone remained like those seen between 35 and 60 days, except they contained even less smooth endoplasmic reticulum. However, after about 90 days a small number of deep inner zone cells contained mitochondria with vesicular cristae which thus resemble mitochondria in the mature zona fasciculata. From about 120 days there was an increase in the number of cells in the inner zone that contained mitochondria with vesicular cristae. These cells also contained substantial quantities of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. At term most inner zone cells have this mature appearance. Thus there is no "foetal cortex" in the sheep analogous to that found in human adrenal development, i. e. there is no prominent zone of cells containing large amounts of smooth endoplasmic reticulum which is present throughout most of the foetal period of development, and which regresses at birth. The structure of the cells present between 35 and 60 days was unexpected because it has been shown previously that sheep foetal adrenals of this age are capable of producing relatively large quantities of steroid hormones. However, the appearance of cells resembling mature zona glomerulosa cells at about 80 days correlates with the previously demonstrated ability of sheep adrenal glands of this age to produce relatively large quantities of aldosterone. The rapid development of numbers of mature cells in the last 3 weeks of gestation correlates with the previously described ability of near term sheep foetal adrenals to produce very large quantities of steroid hormones.

scholarly journals Human Adrenal Cortical Zone Changes With Aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A69-A69
Author(s):  
Yuta Tezuka ◽  
Nanako Atsumi ◽  
Amy Blinder ◽  
Juilee Rege ◽  
Thomas J Giordano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Adult Life Span ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Morphological Studies ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Background: Previous adrenal morphological studies have shown that the zona reticularis (ZR) and the zona glomerulosa (ZG) decrease in size with aging. Although several lines of evidence indicate that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis becomes hyperactive in elderly, little is known about age-related transformations of the adrenal zona fasciculata (ZF). Objectives: To investigate the morphological and functional changes of the adrenal cortex across the adult life span, with emphasis on: 1) the understudied ZF, and 2) potential sexual dimorphisms. Methods: We used immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression of several cortical proteins: aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), visinin-like protein 1 (VSNL1), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (HSD3B2), 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) and cytochrome b5 type A (CYB5A). The ZF area was estimated by subtracting the VSNL1-positive (a ZG marker) area from the HSD3B2-expressing area (ZG and ZF). All captured images were quantitated by ImageJ. In addition, we employed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the morning serum concentrations of 6 steroids: cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol (11dF), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP4), 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), corticosterone, and androstenedione (A4). The Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis, as appropriate. Results: We included 60 adrenal glands from 30 men and 30 women, with ages between 18–86 years. The total cortical area was positively correlated with age (r=0.34, p=0.008), and this association was significant only in men (p=0.02). Both the total (VSNL1-positive) and functional ZG (CYP11B2-positive) areas declined abruptly with aging in men (r=-0.57 and -0.76, p=0.001 and p&lt;0.0001, respectively), but not women (p=0.06 and 0.27, respectively). The CYB5A-positive area, marking the ZR, correlated negatively with age (r=-0.76, p&lt;0.0001) in both sexes. In contrast, the estimated ZF area showed a strong positive correlation with age both in men (r=0.59, p=0.0006) and women (r=0.49, p=0.007), while CYP11B1-positive area remained stable across ages (p=0.86). Finally, we measured morning levels of 6 steroids in 149 men and 149 women, with ages between 21–95 years, matched for age and body mass index. Serum cortisol, corticosterone, and DOC levels remained relatively stable across ages (p=0.38, 0.64 and 0.25, respectively), while 11dF levels increased slightly with age (r=0.16 and p=0.007), particularly so in men (p=0.005). Expectedly, 17OHP4 and A4 declined with aging (r=-0.37 and -0.37, p&lt;0.0001 for both). Conclusions: In contrast with the ZG and ZR, the ZF and the total adrenal cortex area enlarge with aging. An abrupt decline of the ZG occurs with age in men, but not in women, possibly contributing to sexual dimorphism in cardiovascular risk.

scholarly journals Effect of High Ambient Temperature in Early and Late Lactation on Litter Growth and Survival in Rats

1973 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Hearnshaw ◽  
Manika Wodzicka-Tomaszewska
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
High Ambient Temperature ◽  
Litter Production ◽  
Growth And Survival

The effect of heat stress, applied either during the first half or during the second half of lactation, on total litter production per rat was studied. The survival of the pups, the growth rate of the surviving pups, the liveweight changes, and feed intakes of the rats were also measured. Some observations were also made on maternal and pup behaviour.

In vitro conversion of cholesterol into aldosterone and cortisol in different zones of the bovine adrenal cortex

1982 ◽  
Vol 101 (3) ◽  
pp. 436-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl-Eric Karlmar
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Total Content ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Oxidoreductase Activity ◽  
Chain Cleavage ◽  
Specific Fraction ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Cytochrome P 450

Abstract. The individual steps in the formation of aldosterone and cortisol from cholesterol were assayed in different subcellular preparations from the inner and outer zones of bovine adrenal cortex. In zona glomerulosa the 11β-, 18- and 21-hydroxylase activities were relatively high, whereas the 17α-hydroxylase activity was relatively low. Cholesterol side-chain cleavage and 3β-hydroxysteroid-Δ5-oxidoreductase activity were similar in zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata-reticularis. The differences were however only quantitative. In no case one specific fraction was totally devoid of enzyme activity. The total content of mitochondrial cytochrome P-450 was relatively high in zona fasciculata-reticularis whereas the content of microsomal cytochrome P-450 was similar in the two fractions. In view of the relatively small differences observed, it seems likely that other factors than distribution of the above enzymes are of major importance for the specific production of gluco- and mineralocorticoids in the two layers.

scholarly journals Intrafetal Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Infusion Stimulates Adrenal Growth But Not Steroidogenesis in the Sheep Fetus during Late Gestation

Endocrinology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 148 (11) ◽  
pp. 5424-5432 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Ross ◽  
I. C. McMillen ◽  
F. Lok ◽  
A. G. Thiel ◽  
J. A. Owens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Zona Glomerulosa ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Zona Fasciculata ◽  
Synthetic Enzymes ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Sheep Fetus

We investigated the effects of an intrafetal infusion of IGF-I on adrenal growth and expression of the adrenal steroidogenic and catecholamine-synthetic enzyme mRNAs in the sheep fetus during late gestation. Fetal sheep were infused for 10 d with either IGF-I (26 μg/kg·h; n = 14) or saline (n = 10) between 120 and 130 d gestation, and adrenal glands were collected for morphological analysis and determination of the mRNA expression of steroidogenic and catecholamine-synthetic enzymes. Fetal body weight was not altered by IGF-I infusion; however, adrenal weight was significantly increased by 145% after IGF-I infusion. The density of cell nuclei within the fetal adrenal cortex (the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata), and within the adrenaline synthesizing zone of the adrenal medulla, was significantly less in the IGF-I-infused fetuses compared with the saline-infused group. Thus, based on cell-density measurements, there was a significant increase in cell size in the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex and in the adrenaline-synthesizing zone of the adrenal medulla. There was no effect of IGF-I infusion on the adrenal mRNA expression of the steroidogenic or catecholamine-synthetic enzymes or on fetal plasma cortisol concentrations. In summary, infusion of IGF-I in late gestation resulted in a marked hypertrophy of the steroidogenic and adrenaline-containing cells of the fetal adrenal in the absence of changes in the mRNA levels of adrenal steroidogenic or catecholamine-synthetic enzymes or in fetal plasma cortisol concentrations. Thus, IGF-I infusion results in a dissociation of adrenal growth and function during late gestation.

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