Abstract
Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of VIP-, NPY- and SP-immunoreactivity in the rat adrenal medulla. VIP- and NPY-immunoreactivity was detected in chromaffin and ganglion cells and in nerve fibers, but SP-immunoreactivity was found only in chromaffin cells. After acute heat stress, VIP- and NPY- immunoreactivities in cells and nerve fibers were reduced, probably as a result of the release of these peptides with catecholamines. The absence of SP-immunoreactive ganglion cells in the adrenal medulla suggests that the SP-immunoreactive nerve fibers are extrinsic in origin.
Highlights
The adrenal gland is the primary peripheral endocrine gland in the sympathetic stress response
Immunoreactivity to neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal peptide has been demonstrated in intraadrenal ganglion cell bodies and nerve fibres of the rat (Pelto-Huikko, 1989; Oomori et al, 1994)
Our study showed that Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)-immunoreactivity in two cell types, medulocytes and ganglion cells, is in accordance with the results of Kondo et al (1986)
Summary
The adrenal gland is the primary peripheral endocrine gland in the sympathetic stress response. The adrenal medulla is derived from sympathetic ganglion cells from the neural crest during development. Catecholamine biosynthesis and secretion from the chromaffin cells is controlled by sympathetic nerve activity (Souvatzoglou, 2005). The adrenal medulla is innervated by preganglionic sympathetic fibers of the splanchnic nerve (Aunis, 1998). These sympathetic fibers enter the medulla and disperse to innervate adrenal chromaffin cells (Coupland, 1962; Carmichael, 1986; Tomlinson and Coupland, 1990; Souvatzoglou 2005). Stress affects the synthesis and release of several neuropeptides co-stored with the catecholamines in chromaffin cells
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
