Immunohistochemical evidence that most rat corticotrophs contain beta-adrenergic receptors.
Cells bearing beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-AdRs) were found in the anterior lobe of the rat pituitary gland using antiserum generated against affinity-purified beta 2-AdRs, which also cross-reacts with beta 1-AdRs. beta-AdR-positive cells were sparsely distributed in the anterior pituitary gland. The ultrastructure of these cells was similar to that of corticotrophs. Subsequent analysis of adjacent serial sections indicated that 75% of the ACTH-positive cells were beta-AdR-positive. Our findings demonstrate the presence of beta-AdRs on pituitary corticotrophs, which provides an anatomical basis for the direct regulation of corticotroph secretions by beta-adrenergic agents.
Sato
M
M
Department of Anatomy II, Osaka University Medical School, Japan.
Kubota
Y
Y
Malbon
C C
CC
Tohyama
M
M
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000378:metabolism*
D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone