Helodermin-like peptides in noradrenaline cells of adrenal medulla.
Helodermin, a VIP/secretin-like peptide, was first isolated from the venom of the lizard Gila monster. Small amounts of helodermin-like peptides have since been detected in many mammalian tissues. Notably high concentrations were demonstrated in the thyroid gland, and immunocytochemical studies revealed intense helodermin-like immunostaining in thyroid C cells and medullary thyroid carcinoma cells. In the present study, we examined the adrenal gland of mouse, rat and pig for the presence of helodermin-like peptides. Using an antiserum raised against lizard helodermin immunostaining was observed in the noradrenaline-producing cells of the adrenal medulla in all 3 species. Radioimmunoassay revealed high concentrations of helodermin-like peptides in the mouse and rat adrenal. The concentrations in the pig adrenal could not be determined because of a non-parallel dilution curve. Upon high-performance liquid chromatography, the immunoreactive material in extracts of mouse and rat adrenals eluted in one major peak, close to the elution position of lizard helodermin.
Bjartell
A
A
Department of Medical Cell Research, University of Lund, Sweden.
Persson
P
P
Absood
A
A
Sundler
F
F
Håkanson
R
R
D000313:Adrenal Medulla / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D000818:Animals; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D007120:Immunochemistry; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008116:Lizards; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000032:analysis*; D010455:Peptides; D051381:Rats; D013552:Swine
D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D010455:Peptides; C040442:heliodermin; D009638:Norepinephrine