Fetal adrenal cortex function in pregnancy, complicated by maternal insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Fetal adrenal cortex glucocorticoid andfetal hypophysial adrenocorticotropic function in normal pregnancy and pregnancy, complicated with maternal insulin dependent diabetes mellitus were examined in the present study. Statistically significant feta l hypercortisolemia was observed in pregnancies, complicated by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Correlations between vascular complications o f maternal insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and fetal cortisol andACTG levels were revealed during the investigation. Severe vascular lesions o f maternal diabetes have been associated with delayed feta l lung maturity. Fetal pulmonary maturity was significantly associated with fe ta l cortisol levels.

Morphofunctional state of the medulla and the fascicular zone of the adrenal cortex in modeling Alzheimer's disease by excessive administration of sodium nitrite

Background. Nitrates and nitrites are found in soil, water, human food, dyes, and medicines. In the literature, both positive and negative effects from the ingestion of nitrates and nitrites into the body are considered. A nitrite model of Alzheimer's type dementia of vascular origin was used in the work. Objective. The aim of the study was to study the morphofunctional state of the adrenal glands of experimental animals with prolonged administration of sodium nitrite. The study was carried out on male rats of the WAG population, which were divided into 3 groups: gr. N-14 - received injections of a water solution of sodium nitrite at a dose of 50 mg / kg of body weight daily for 14 days; gr. N-28 - Rats received similar injections for 28 days. Injections are intraperitoneal. Control rats were injected with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Results. In animals of the main groups, the formation of a morphofunctional picture of the development of a stress reaction takes place, which was also confirmed morphometrically, and in group N-28 - with signs of incipient decompensation of the medulla and the fascicular zone of the adrenal cortex. Conclusion. When simulating Alzheimer's disease in laboratory rats by the introduction of a water solution of sodium nitrite at a dose of 50 mg / kg of body weight by daily intraperitoneal injection for 14 and 28 days, a picture of their morphofunctional activation is formed in the medulla and fascicular zone of the adrenal cortex. In the group with a 28-day course of administration of sodium nitrite solution, morphofunctional signs of decompensation of the medulla and the fascicular zone of the adrenal glands (especially the medulla) appear, which indicates the development of severe distress in animals and the impossibility of restoring homeostasis.

Cellular Senescence in Adrenocortical Biology and Its Disorders

Cellular senescence is considered a physiological process along with aging and has recently been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of many age-related disorders. Cellular senescence was first found in human fibroblasts and gradually explored in many other organs, including endocrine organs. The adrenal cortex is essential for the maintenance of blood volume, carbohydrate metabolism, reaction to stress and the development of sexual characteristics. Recently, the adrenal cortex was reported to harbor some obvious age-dependent features. For instance, the circulating levels of aldosterone and adrenal androgen gradually descend, whereas those of cortisol increase with aging. The detailed mechanisms have remained unknown, but cellular senescence was considered to play an essential role in age-related changes of the adrenal cortex. Recent studies have demonstrated that the senescent phenotype of zona glomerulosa (ZG) acts in association with reduced aldosterone production in both physiological and pathological aldosterone-producing cells, whereas senescent cortical-producing cells seemed not to have a suppressed cortisol-producing ability. In addition, accumulated lipofuscin formation, telomere shortening and cellular atrophy in zona reticularis cells during aging may account for the age-dependent decline in adrenal androgen levels. In adrenocortical disorders, including both aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA), different cellular subtypes of tumor cells presented divergent senescent phenotypes, whereby compact cells in both APA and CPA harbored more senescent phenotypes than clear cells. Autonomous cortisol production from CPA reinforced a local cellular senescence that was more severe than that in APA. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) was also reported to harbor oncogene-induced senescence, which compensatorily follows carcinogenesis and tumor progress. Adrenocortical steroids can induce not only a local senescence but also a periphery senescence in many other tissues. Therefore, herein, we systemically review the recent advances related to cellular senescence in adrenocortical biology and its associated disorders.

The state of the adrenal cortex in cows with different levels of productivity and their breed affiliation

Purpose: the goal is to study the condition and functional reserves of adrenal cortex in cows with different levels of dairy productivity and their breed accessories.Materials and methods. In the first experience, the object of the study was cows of a holstered black-motley breed with a high and relatively low level of milk productivity (n = 10 in each group). The second experience was carried out on four breeds of lactating cows: Holsteinated black-made, red-made, Montbeliard and Jersey (n = 10 in each group). The blood of animals were taken from the tail vein 1 time per month during lactation to morning feeding. In both experiments, in the third month of lactation, all animals were performed by a two-time functional load of ACTH (dose – 0,5 units / kg of alive mass intramuscularly). After one hour, blood selection was performed and re-injected by adrenocorticotropic hormone in the same dose. After the second introduction, the ACTH was selected through 1.2 and 3 hours. The calculation of the index of the functional activity of the adrenal cortex was carried out according to the JACN = K2 / K1 formula where K1 is the level of cortisol 1 hour after the first load, K2 is the level of cortisol after the second load of the ACTH.Results. In the 1st experience of the highest values, the level of cortisol reached a 3 month lactation. In a highly productive group, the level of cortisol was 86,1 ± 5,3 nmol / l, and in the low product group 74,5 ± 5,7 nmol / l. At 8 months, the lowest cortisol concentration levels are fixed, followed by an increase of 10 months. Differences between groups on 2, 3 and 4 months of lactation are noted as statistically significant (p<0,05). After the load of the ACTH, an index of the functional activity of the adrenal cortex (JACN) was established - in the first high productive group, it was 1.42, and in the second less productive group it was lower and amounted to 1,04.In the 2nd experience at the peak of lactation, which also corresponded to 3 months, the level of cortisol concentration increased from a holstered black-motley breed, Mont Belärd, Red-motley and Jersey to 79,3 ± 5,5; 70,2 ± 3,7; 80,3 ± 3,2; 80,5 ± 3,6 nmol / l, respectively. For 8 months of lactation, this figure decreased with the subsequent increase of the 10th month. After establishing Jacnes in a holstered black-motley breed, Montbeliard, red-motley and jersey recorded the following indicators: 1,21; 1,24; 1,18 and 0,89, respectively.Conclusion. The studies have indicated that in all periods of lactation relative to the high level of cortisol recorded in cows with a higher level of milk productivity. When comparing different rocks, it was established that the limit of the functioning of the adrenal glands in the cows of the Jersey breed was implemented after the first functional load of the ACTH, which gives reason to consider it less stress-resistant with respect to rocks a holstered black and motley, red-motley and monobeldam.

Physiological role of aldosterone in pregnancy, importance of correction in pathological conditions. What is known about pharmacological targets

Aldosterone is the main mineralocorticosteroid hormone of the human adrenal cortex. It plays a key role in the regulation of kidney and cardiovascular function. Its role especially increases in the adaptation of the woman’s body during pregnancy, and consists in maintaining the balance of electrolytes, blood pressure, ensuring sufficient trophoblast invasion and adequate placental perfusion. This article describes the mechanism of synthesis and action of aldosterone, its biological role and place in the structure of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). A special place is given to aldosterone in maintaining hemodynamics during physiological pregnancy, and to violations of the RAAS, as a key to understanding the links in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Suprarenal cortical extract against adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease)

Contrary to the generally accepted view that Addison's disease develops as a result of insufficient epinephrine secretion by the adrenal medulla Rogoff and Stewart (A. MA, 1929, 11 / V) see the cause of this disease in the insufficiency of the adrenal cortex. The product interrenalin isolated from this layer, which was used by the authors on dogs with removed adrenal glands and on patients with Addison's disease, gave extremely favorable results. Interrenaline was administered intravenously to dogs, per os in humans. The authors cite 7 case histories where, after the administration of this drug, the symptoms of Addison's disease improved or disappeared: blood pressure increased, bronze color disappeared, gastrointestinal disorders stopped and weakness disappeared, etc.

The effect of fluoxetine and imipramine on the improvement of depressive-like behaviors and HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex) activity – an animal model

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders and numerous medications are used to reduce the psychotic symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of two commonly used antidepressant drugs, including Fluoxetine (Flx) and Imipramine (IMP) to improve depressive-like behaviors as well as the activity of hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal cortex (HPA). Methods: Initially, 40 adult male albino rats weighing 25±5g were selected for this experimental study. The animals were kept or housed in separate cages under standard temperature (25±1°C) and light-dark conditions (12 hours light/dark cycle). Rats were divided into four groups: each group containing 10 rats, control, immobility stress, Flx receiver, and IMP receiver. Polyethylene restrainer was used to induce immobility stress for 14 days. Finally, the parameters of IMT, ST, serum levels of corticosterone and glucose were evaluated in all four mentioned groups. Results: The results showed that the patient group's immobility time (IMT) increased compared to the control group, but the patient group's swimming time (ST) decreased compared to the control group. The effect of immobility stress on IMT, ST, corticosterone, and glucose factors in the patient group was increasing and decreasing, respectively, whereas the effect of Flx drug on these mentioned factors was decreasing, increasing and respectively, while the effect of IMP on all mentioned factors was decreasing and increasing, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the antidepressant Flx and IMP drugs have various effects on the HPA activity, and the application of immobility stress causes depressive-behavior. Moreover, Flx is more effective than IMP in the treatment of depressive behaviors