Neuroendocrine regulation of frog adrenocortical cells by neurotensin.
We previously characterized the primary structure of neurotensin (NT) from an extract of the intestine of the frog Rana esculenta. In this study, we provide evidence for the involvement of NT in the neurocrine regulation of the secretory activity of frog adrenocortical cells. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the adrenal gland of R. esculenta is innervated by a dense network of NT-immunoreactive fibers. Graded concentrations of frog NT induced a dose-dependent stimulation of corticosterone and aldosterone secretion by frog adrenocortical explants through activation of two receptors with pEC(50) of 9.8 and 6.9. These data support the view that NT, released by nerve fibers within the frog adrenal gland, acts locally to control corticosteroid secretion.
Sicard
F
F
European Institute for Peptide Research (IFRMP 23), Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroendocrinology, INSERM U413, UA CNRS, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
De Groot
D
D
Gras
M
M
Leprince
J
J
Conlon
J M
JM
Roubos
E W
EW
Vaudry
H
H
Delarue
C
C
D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000502:physiology; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011893:Rana esculenta / Q000502:physiology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D009496:Neurotensin