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

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.

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

Biochemistry and Cell Biology ◽

10.1139/o87-076 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 65 (6) ◽

pp. 588-592 ◽

Cited By ~ 69

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.

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Histology and ultrastructure of the adrenal gland of the greater cane rats (Thryonomis swinderianus, Temminck 1827)

Anatomy Journal of Africa ◽

10.4314/aja.v6i1.160449 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 873-883

Author(s):

Casmir Onwuaso Igbokwe

Keyword(s):

Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽

Adrenal Gland ◽

Chromaffin Cells ◽

Lipid Droplets ◽

Adrenal Glands ◽

Ganglion Cells ◽

Average Weight ◽

Zona Fasciculata ◽

Present Observation ◽

Cortical Cells

The adrenal glands of domesticated greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus), were studied using histological and ultrastructural techniques. A total of seven (7) adult male greater cane rats, aged from 10-14 months, with an average weight of 1.89 kg (range: 1.6 -2.2 kg) were used in this study. The results showed variations in the thickness of the zones of the cortex and medulla. Histological detail did not differ significantly from that of other rodents. Ultrastructural features showed typical adrenal gland zonation with capsule, cortical cells and medulla. In the cortex copious lipid droplets and myelin bodies were present. The cortical cells of the zona fasciculata contained concentric whorls of rough endoplasmic reticulum that enclosed2-3 mitochondria. Adrenaline storing (A) and noradrenaline-storing (NA) chromaffin cells along with few vesicular ganglion cells were identified in the medulla. The functional significance of the present observation is discussed.Keywords: adrenal gland, cane rats, histology, ultrastructure

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Alpha-fodrin in the adrenal gland: localization by immunoelectron microscopy.

Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry ◽

10.1177/34.4.3512700 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 517-525 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

O K Langley ◽

D Perrin ◽

D Aunis

Keyword(s):

Adrenal Gland ◽

Chromaffin Cells ◽

Plasma Membranes ◽

Secretory Granules ◽

Ultrastructural Level ◽

Nerve Fibers ◽

Cortical Cells ◽

Membrane Cytoskeleton ◽

The Brain ◽

Cytoplasmic Side

Localization of fodrin, the brain equivalent of spectrin (a protein constituent of the erythrocyte membrane cytoskeleton), was investigated at the ultrastructural level in rat adrenal gland. By use of an affinity purified antibody directed against the alpha-fodrin subunit, all chromaffin cells, cortical cells, nerve fibers, and their surrounding Schwann cells were found to be labeled close to the cytoplasmic side of their plasma membranes. The labeling appeared more intense for chromaffin cells, and secretory granules and mitochondria were frequently found to be associated with the zone containing alpha-fodrin in these cells. The immunostained zone was estimated to extend 230 +/- 70 nm into the cytoplasm. This localization is discussed in terms of what is known of the properties of spectrin, and possible roles of the molecule in the chromaffin cell are suggested.

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Melatonin administration provokes the activity of dendritic reticular cells in the seminal vesicle of Soay ram during the non-breeding season

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-79529-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hanan H. Abd-Elhafeez ◽

A. H. S. Hassan ◽

Manal T. Hussein

Keyword(s):

Estrogen Receptor Alpha ◽

Close Contact ◽

Secretory Activity ◽

Treated Group ◽

Nerve Fibers ◽

Stimulatory Action ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Melatonin Administration ◽

S 100 ◽

Lysosomal System

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) are innate immune cells which engulf, process and present antigens to the naïve T-lymphocyte cells. However, little is known about the effect of melatonin on the DCs. The present study aimed to investigate the morphology and distribution of the DCs by transmission electron microscopy and Immunohistochemistry after melatonin administration. A total of 8 out of 15 adult ram was randomly selected to receive the melatonin implant and the remaining 7 animals received melatonin free implants. DCs showed positive immunoreactivity for CD117, S-100 protein and CD34. There is an obvious increase in the number of the positive immunoreactive cells to CD3, estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone in the treated groups. The expression of CD56 and MHCII in the DCs was abundant in the treated groups. The ultrastructure study revealed that melatonin exerts a stimulatory effect on the DCs which was associated with increment in the secretory activity of DCs. The secretory activity demarcated by an obvious increase in the number of mitochondria, cisternae of rER and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. The endosomal- lysosomal system was more developed in the treated groups. A rod-shaped Birbeck granule was demonstrated in the cytoplasm of the melatonin treated group. DCs were observed in a close contact to telocytes, T-Lymphocytes, nerve fibers and blood vessels. Taken together, melatonin administration elicits a stimulatory action on the DCs and macrophages through increasing the size, the number and the endosomal compartments which may correlate to increased immunity.

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Ameliorating Effect of L-arginine and Insulin on Streptozotocin-induced Adrenal Gland Injury in Albino Rats

Journal of Saidu Medical College, Swat ◽

10.52206/jsmc.2021.11.3.653 ◽

1969 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 162-168

Author(s):

Yasmeen Mahar ◽

Alisha Qamar ◽

lnayatullah ◽

Sarwath Fatimee ◽

Mohammad Fawad Saeeduddin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adrenal Gland ◽

Adrenal Cortex ◽

Treated Group ◽

The Body ◽

Control Group ◽

Albino Rats ◽

Endocrine Gland ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Frozen Sections ◽

Group B

Background:Use of dietary supplements to treat illnesses has increasedtremendously in recentyears.Adrenal gland is one ofthemost commonly damaged endocrine gland in the body, not only by chemical or radiation injuries, but also as a result of differenttypes of stress.Search is underway for use ofnatural foods for protection of adrenal gland from different types ofinsults.Objective: To determine the protective effects of L-arginine on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced adrenal gland injury in albino rats,andto compare its efficacy to insulin.Material and Methods: This prospective experimental study was done at BMSI, JPMC, Karachi. Forty male, healthy albino rats,90-120 days old were segregated into 4 groups. Group A was marked as control, group B was administered STZ, group C and Dwere treated with STZ along with insulin and L-arginine respectively. At the end of study period, i.e., 6 weeks, animals weresacrificed under ether anaesthesia. Tissue from the left adrenal gland was processed for frozen sectioning to observe fat content ofthe adrenal cortex by applying OilRed O stain.Results: Oil Red-0 stained frozen sections revealed closely aggregated fat globules in adrenal cortex of STZ treated group B ascompared to control. Moderate betterment was seen in group C and in group D Oil Red O stained frozen sections as compared toSTZ treated group B.Conclusion: The results ofthe study demonstrated adrenal cortex injury by STZ which ameliorated with concomitant use of insulinandL-arginine. The protection was more pronounced with L-arginine as comparedto insulin.Keywords:STZ, adrenal gland,insulin,L-arginine

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Biochemistry and molecular biology of the vesicular monoamine transporter from chromaffin granules.

Journal of Experimental Biology ◽

10.1242/jeb.196.1.251 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 196 (1) ◽

pp. 251-262 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

J P Henry ◽

D Botton ◽

C Sagne ◽

M F Isambert ◽

C Desnos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adrenal Gland ◽

Synaptic Vesicles ◽

Adrenal Glands ◽

Secretory Granules ◽

Monoamine Transporters ◽

Chromaffin Granules ◽

Cos Cells ◽

Transmembrane Segments ◽

Glycosylation Sites ◽

Vesicular Monoamine Transporters

Prior to secretion, monoamines (catecholamines, serotonin, histamine) are concentrated from the cytoplasm into vesicles by vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT). These transporters also carry non-physiological compounds, e.g. the neurotoxin methyl-4-phenylpyridinium. VMAT acts as an electrogenic antiporter (exchanger) of protons and monoamines, using a proton electrochemical gradient. Vesicular transport is inhibited by specific ligands, including tetrabenazine, ketanserin and reserpine. The mechanism of transport and the biochemistry of VMAT have been analyzed with the help of these tools, using mainly the chromaffin granules from bovine adrenal glands as a source of transporter. Although biochemical studies did not suggest a multiplicity of VMATs, two homologous but distinct VMAT genes have recently been cloned from rat, bovine and human adrenal glands. The VMAT proteins are predicted to possess 12 transmembrane segments, with both extremities lying on the cytoplasmic side. They possess N-glycosylation sites in a putative luminal loop and phosphorylation sites in cytoplasmic domains. In rat, VMAT1 is expressed in the adrenal gland whereas VMAT2 is expressed in the brain. In contrast, we found that the bovine adrenal gland expressed both VMAT1 and VMAT2. VMAT2 corresponds to the major transporter of chromaffin granules, as shown by partial peptidic sequences of the purified protein and by a pharmacological analysis of the transport obtained in transfected COS cells (COS cells are monkey kidney cells possessing the ability to replicate SV-40-origin-containing plasmids). We discuss the possibility that VMAT1 may be specifically addressed to large secretory granules vesicles, whereas VMAT2 may also be addressed to small synaptic vesicles; species differences would then reflect the distinct physiological roles of the small synaptic vesicles in the adrenal gland.

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Histomorphometric Study of the Proportion of Cortex and Medulla of the Adrenal Gland-A Postmortem Study

Mediscope ◽

10.3329/mediscope.v8i1.52198 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Dilruba Siddiqua ◽

Abu Sadat Mohammad Nurunnabi ◽

Fatema Johora ◽

Hasna Hena ◽

Sunjida Shahriah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adrenal Gland ◽

Adrenal Cortex ◽

Adrenal Glands ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical College ◽

Group A ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Background: The human adrenal gland shows a distinct proportion of two histological zones, named the cortex and the medulla, from outer inwards, in its histological appearance with differences in its cellular components and functions. Objective: The present study aims to see the variation in the proportion of the cortex and the medulla of the adrenal glands with age in a Bangladeshi population. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2008 to June 2009, based on collection of 140 postmortem human adrenal glands from 70 unclaimed dead bodies, in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. The samples were divided into four age-groups including A (11-20 years), B (21-30 years), C (31-40 years) & D (41-60 years). Histological slides were prepared by using routine haematoxylin and eosin stain (H & E). Five best prepared slides from each group were examined under light compound microscope with low magnification. The thickness of adrenal cortex and medulla were measured by using ocular and stage micrometer and then converted into percentage volume. Results: The mean volume of the right adrenal cortex were found 83.64±3.71% in group A, 83.90±1.75% in group B, 83.74±5.78% in group C, 84.80±3.82% in group D, while the mean volume of the corresponding medulla were found 18.16±3.23% in group A, 15.70±2.71% in group B, 16.26±3.97% in group C, 16.20±4.04% in group D. The mean volume of the left adrenal cortex were found 84.64±3.49%, 84.90±1.75%, 84.20±3.40%, 85.44±2.66% in group A, B, C and D respectively, while the mean volume of the corresponding medulla were found 17.26±3.84%, 17.00±2.37%, 16.00±3.20% and 14.36±2.33% in group A, B, C and D respectively. The differences among the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: No difference was found in the proportion of the cortex and the medulla of adrenal gland in different age-groups. Mediscope Vol. 8, No. 1: January 2021, Page 1-6

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Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and their receptors: distribution and involvement in the secretion of Podarcis sicula adrenal gland

Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1677/joe-07-0127 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 196 (2) ◽

pp. 291-303 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Salvatore Valiante ◽

Marina Prisco ◽

Rosaria Sciarrillo ◽

Maria De Falco ◽

Anna Capaldo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adrenal Gland ◽

Adenylate Cyclase ◽

Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide ◽

Chromaffin Cells ◽

Adrenal Glands ◽

Podarcis Sicula ◽

Adrenal Cell ◽

Adrenal Cells ◽

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are regulatory neuropeptides of the hypothalamus–hypophyseal–adrenal axis, acting via the common receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 and the selective PACAP receptor PAC1. In the adrenal glands of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis sicula, the presence of VIP in chromaffin cells, and the VIP-stimulated release of catecholamine and aldosterone in vivo, was previously shown. To examine the localization of both peptides and receptors and their mRNAs in the adrenal gland of P. sicula, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were performed: PACAP and its mRNA were detected in chromaffin cells, VPAC1 was found associated with steroidogenic tissue, VPAC2 and PAC1 with chromaffin tissue. Using ‘far western blot’ technique, we showed the presence of specific binding sites for VIP/PACAP in the adrenal glands of the lizard. The effects of both VIP and PACAP on the adrenal cells of the lizard were examined in vitro in adrenal cell co-cultures: both VIP and PACAP enhanced catecholamine, corticosterone and aldosterone release from adrenal cell co-culture in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The catecholamine release was inhibited by PAC1 antagonist and in VPAC2 immunoneutralized adrenal cells. The effects of VIP and PACAP on aldosterone secretion were counteracted by VPAC1 antagonist administration in vitro. Corticosterone secretion elicited by VIP was not blocked by VPAC1 antagonist, while the PACAP-induced release of corticosterone was blocked by the antagonist. Overall, our investigations indicate that these neuropeptides of the secretin superfamily can act not only as neurotransmitters but also as autocrine and paracrine regulators on chromaffin and cortical cells, being important mediators of the non-cholinergic system in the lizard adrenal gland.

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Intermittent hypoxia improves behavioral and adrenal gland dysfunction induced by posttraumatic stress disorder in rats

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.01123.2017 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 125 (3) ◽

pp. 931-937 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Eugenia B. Manukhina ◽

Vadim E. Tseilikman ◽

Olga B. Tseilikman ◽

Maria V. Komelkova ◽

Marina V. Kondashevskaya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Adrenal Gland ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Adrenal Cortex ◽

Intermittent Hypoxia ◽

Adrenal Glands ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Morphological Evidence ◽

Antistress Effect ◽

Anxiety Index

Nonpharmacological treatments of stress-induced disorders are promising, since they enhance endogenous stress defense systems, are free of side effects, and have few contraindications. The present study tested the hypothesis that intermittent hypoxia conditioning (IHC) ameliorates behavioral, biochemical, and morphological signs of experimental posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) induced in rats with a model of predator stress (10-day exposure to cat urine scent, 15 min daily followed by 14 days of stress-free rest). After the last day of stress exposure, rats were conditioned in an altitude chamber for 14 days at a 1,000-m simulated altitude for 30 min on day 1 with altitude and duration progressively increasing to 4,000 m for 4 h on day 5. PTSD was associated with decreased time spent in open arms and increased time spent in closed arms of the elevated X-maze, increased anxiety index, and increased rate of freezing responses. Functional and structural signs of adrenal cortex degeneration were also observed, including decreased plasma concentration of corticosterone, decreased weight of adrenal glands, reduced thickness of the fasciculate zone, and hydropic degeneration of adrenal gland cells. The thickness of the adrenal fasciculate zone negatively correlated with the anxiety index. IHC alleviated both behavioral signs of PTSD and morphological evidence of adrenal cortex dystrophy. Also, IHC alone exerted an antistress effect, which was evident from the increased time spent in open arms of the elevated X-maze and a lower number of rats displaying freezing responses. Therefore, IHC of rats with experimental PTSD reduced behavioral signs of the condition and damage to the adrenal glands. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intermittent hypoxia conditioning (IHC) has been shown to be cardio-, vaso-, and neuroprotective. For the first time, in a model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this study showed that IHC alleviated both PTSD-induced behavioral disorders and functional and morphological damage to the adrenal glands. Also, IHC alone exerted an antistress effect. These results suggest that IHC may be a promising complementary treatment for PTSD-associated disorders.

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