scholarly journals Addiction and the adrenal cortex

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. R1-R14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin P Vinson ◽  
Caroline H Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Drug Withdrawal ◽  
Normal Values ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Substantial Evidence ◽  
Corticosterone Secretion ◽  
The Brain ◽  
General Plasma

Substantial evidence shows that the hypophyseal–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and corticosteroids are involved in the process of addiction to a variety of agents, and the adrenal cortex has a key role. In general, plasma concentrations of cortisol (or corticosterone in rats or mice) increase on drug withdrawal in a manner that suggests correlation with the behavioural and symptomatic sequelae both in man and in experimental animals. Corticosteroid levels fall back to normal values in resumption of drug intake. The possible interactions between brain corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) products and the systemic HPA, and additionally with the local CRH–POMC system in the adrenal gland itself, are complex. Nevertheless, the evidence increasingly suggests that all may be interlinked and that CRH in the brain and brain POMC products interact with the blood-borne HPA directly or indirectly. Corticosteroids themselves are known to affect mood profoundly and may themselves be addictive. Additionally, there is a heightened susceptibility for addicted subjects to relapse in conditions that are associated with change in HPA activity, such as in stress, or at different times of the day. Recent studies give compelling evidence that a significant part of the array of addictive symptoms is directly attributable to the secretory activity of the adrenal cortex and the actions of corticosteroids. Additionally, sex differences in addiction may also be attributable to adrenocortical function: in humans, males may be protected through higher secretion of DHEA (and DHEAS), and in rats, females may be more susceptible because of higher corticosterone secretion.

ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE SEVERE BRAIN AND PITUITARY LESION

1962 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. H. Bassøe ◽  
R. Emberland ◽  
E. Glück ◽  
K. F. Støa
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Artificial Ventilation ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
The Third ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Pituitary Lesion ◽  
Steroid Excretion ◽  
The Brain

ABSTRACT The steroid excretion and the plasma corticosteroids were investigated in three patients with necrosis of the brain and of the pituitary gland. The patients were kept alive by artificial ventilation. In two of the patients the neutral 17-ketosteroids and the 17-hydrocorticosteroids fell to extremely low levels. At the same time, the number of eosinophil cells showed a tendency to increase. Corticotrophin administered intravenously twice to the third patient had a stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex. The theoretical and practical significance of these findings is discussed.

ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN FOETAL, NEONATAL AND YOUNG PIGS

1972 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. DVOŘÁK
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Adrenal Weight ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Adult Level ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
Young Pigs

SUMMARY Absolute and relative adrenal weight, blood plasma concentrations of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and their production in vitro on incubation of adrenal slices with corticotrophin (ACTH), were measured in foetal pigs, piglets and older pigs. These criteria all indicated that adrenocortical activity was highest on the day of birth. It developed intensely in about the last 10 days of intra-uterine life. After birth it decreased progressively with age, approaching the adult level after weaning in the second month of life. The adrenal cortex of pigs of all developmental stages investigated in this study was capable of responding markedly to stimulation with ACTH. No significant differences in adrenocortical activity were found between sexes up to 90 days of age.

Serotoninergic regulation of corticosterone secretion in domestic fowl

1987 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Cheung ◽  
T. R. Hall ◽  
S. Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Fowl ◽  
Serotonin Receptor ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Serotoninergic System ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Corticosterone Secretion ◽  
Corticosterone Release ◽  
Adrenal Corticosterone

ABSTRACT The effects of serotoninergic drugs on adrenocortical function in domestic fowl were examined. Administration of the serotonin receptor agonist 2-(1-piperazinyl)quinoline maleate (quipazine), an inhibitor of serotonin metabolism, N-methyl-N-2-propynylbenzylamine HCl (pargyline), as well as serotonin itself, all increased plasma concentrations of corticosterone. The maximum responses to serotonin and quipazine occurred 1 h after treatment. The quipazine-stimulated response was partly prevented by the serotonin antagonist cyproheptadine. Cockerels pretreated with dexamethasone, a synthetic steroid known to inhibit pituitary ACTH release, showed attenuated responses to subsequent quipazine, pargyline or serotonin injection. Serotonin, quipazine and cyproheptadine did not affect corticosterone release directly from the adrenal gland incubated in vitro, nor did they affect adrenal responsiveness to ACTH stimulation. The neurotoxin 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine injected into day-old chicks decreased plasma concentrations of corticosterone for up to 7 days after treatment, with corresponding decreases in the hypothalamic concentration of serotonin, but not dopamine or noradrenaline concentrations. These results show that adrenal corticosterone secretion is regulated by a central serotoninergic system, probably acting on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. J. Endocr. (1987) 113,159–165

scholarly journals Adrenal Cortex-Sparing Surgery for Bilateral Multiple Pheochromocytomas in a Patient with Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarık Esen ◽  
Ömer Acar ◽  
Ahmet Tefekli ◽  
Ahmet Musaoğlu ◽  
İzzet Rozanes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Adrenocortical Function ◽  
Renal Masses ◽  
Von Hippel Lindau ◽  
Pancreatic Masses ◽  
Adrenal Pheochromocytoma ◽  
Von Hippel Lindau Disease ◽  
Vhl Disease

Pheochromocytomas can be a part of familial neoplastic syndromes, in which case they tend to be multiple and involve both adrenal glands. Therefore, sparing adrenocortical function represents a major concern while dealing with these hereditary lesions. Herein, we describe the clinical characteristics and the management strategy of a patient with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease who had multiple, bilateral pheochromocytomas as well as bilateral renal masses, pancreatic masses, and a paracaval mass. Only a portion of the left adrenal gland has remained in situ after two consecutive open surgeries and a percutaneous radiofrequency ablation which have been performed to treat the various components of this syndrome. No adrenal or extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma recurrences have been detected during a follow-up period of more than 2 years. Pancreatic and adrenal functions were normal throughout the postoperative period and never necessitated any replacement therapy. Adrenal cortex-sparing surgery is a valid option for VHL disease patients who present with synchronous bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas.

Effects of galanin on the secretory activity of the rat adrenal cortex: in vivo and in vitro studies

1992 ◽  
Vol 192 (1) ◽  
pp. 373-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Mazzocchi ◽  
L. K. Malendowicz ◽  
P. Rebuffat ◽  
G. G. Nussdorfer
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
In Vitro Studies

Regulation of CRH-induced secretion of ACTH and corticosterone by SOM230 in rats

2005 ◽  
Vol 153 (3) ◽  
pp. R7-R10 ◽  
Author(s):  
A P Silva ◽  
P Schoeffter ◽  
G Weckbecker ◽  
C Bruns ◽  
H A Schmid
Keyword(s):  
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Acth Secretion ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Corticosterone Secretion ◽  
Corticosterone Release ◽  
Acth Release

Objective: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing’s syndrome is biochemically characterized by increased plasma concentrations of ACTH inducing hypersecretion of cortisol. Somatostatin is known to inhibit ACTH secretion, and in vitro data have shown the inhibition of ACTH secretion by agonists activating sst2 and sst5 receptors. The present study aimed to determine the inhibitory effect of the multireceptor ligand SOM230, compared with the sst2-preferring agonist octreotide, on corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-stimulated secretion of ACTH and corticosterone in rats. Methods: Secretion of ACTH and corticosterone was induced by i.v. application of CRH (0.5 μg/kg) in rats pretreated 1 h before by i.v. application of SOM230 (1, 3, or 10 μg/kg), octreotide (10 μg/kg) or NaCl 0.9%. Results: SOM230 (3 and 10 μg/kg) inhibited CRH-induced ACTH release by 45±3% and 51±2%, respectively, and corticosterone release by 43±5% and 27±16%, respectively. 10 μg/kg of octreotide tended to be less potent at inhibiting ACTH release (34±6% inhibition) and did not alter the secretion of corticosterone. Conclusion: SOM230 has a stronger inhibitory effect on ACTH and corticosterone secretion than octreotide in rats. This difference can be explained by its higher affinity to sst1, sst3 and especially sst5 receptors compared with octreotide.

Monitoring plasma concentrations of psychotropic drugs

1974 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-8
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Tissue Concentration ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Water Concentration ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Active Metabolites ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Reliable Methods

Techniques are now available for estimating the plasma concentration of several drugs used in psychiatry. These techniques are clearly important for research but they can hardly be expected to improve the clinical management of patients unless the estimation is sensitive, reliable and reasonably quick; the method should be specific for the particular drug but should also specifically estimate any active metabolites. Even when reliable figures have been obtained, much more information is needed before they can be interpreted. The relationship between plasma (or plasma water) concentration and relevant tissue concentration (e. g. in the brain) must be known. Plasma samples should be taken at appropriate times, e. g. after the attainment of ‘steady-state’ conditions: plasma and tissue levels will then be in equilibrium. Diagnoses must be soundly based if inferences are to be drawn. Reliable methods of assessing clinical response must be available. These requirements pose difficult problems in psychiatry.

The epigenetic regulation of synaptic genes contributes to the etiology of autism

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annamaria Srancikova ◽  
Zuzana Bacova ◽  
Jan Bakos
Keyword(s):  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Prader Willi Syndrome ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Substantial Evidence ◽  
Autistic Symptoms ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Epigenetic mechanisms greatly affect the developing brain, as well as the maturation of synapses with pervasive, long-lasting consequences on behavior in adults. Substantial evidence exists that implicates dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, this review explains the role of enzymes involved in DNA methylation and demethylation in neurodevelopment by emphasizing changes of synaptic genes and proteins. Epigenetic causes of sex-dependent differences in the brain are analyzed in conjunction with the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders. Special attention is devoted to the epigenetic regulation of the melanoma-associated antigen-like gene 2 (MAGEL2) found in Prader-Willi syndrome, which is known to be accompanied by autistic symptoms.

“IN VIVO” AND “IN VITRO” EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID AND ACTH ON THE RAT ADRENAL CORTEX

1952 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-162
Author(s):  
A. DesMarais ◽  
J. Leblanc
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
In Vitro Experiments ◽  
Hypophysectomized Rats ◽  
Vitro Effect ◽  
Histochemical Examination

Histochemical examination of adrenal glands of hypophysectomized rats given both ascorbic acid and ACTH showed an enlargement of the cortex and a decrease of sudanophilic substances, as compared to adrenals of hypophysectomized rats receiving ACTH alone. “In vitro” experiments on incubated slices of adrenal glands have shown that ascorbic acid and ACTH have a synergistic effect on the secretory activity of the cells of the adrenal cortex.

Cyclical changes in the uterine endometrium and peripheral plasma concentrations of progesterone in the marsupial Trichosurus vulepcula

1973 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
CD Shorey ◽  
RL Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Uterine Endometrium ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Functional Differences ◽  
Peripheral Blood Plasma

The proliferation and secretory activity of the uterine endometrium in the marsupial T. vulpecula is examined at the cellular and subcellular levels throughout the 26-day oestrous cycle. The observations described are correlated with measured concentrations of progesterone in the peripheral blood plasma. Evidence cited indicates that there are no significant functional differences in the uterine endometrial secretory activity during the 17.5-day gestation period in pregnant females, compared with those in a normal oestrous cycle. Progesterone assays carried out on blood plasma taken from 20 staged animals throughout the oestrous cycle, five of which were at known stages of gestation, also supports the view that pregnancy does not significantly alter the physiological pattern of the reproductive cycle in this marsupial.

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