Influence of Panaxatriol-type Saponin on Secretion of Catecholamines from Isolated Perfused Rabbit Adrenal Gland

In the previous observations, it was reported that both total ginseng saponin and panaxadiol revealed the marked secretory effect of catecholamines (CA) from the rabbit adrenal gland and that CA secretion induced by them is due to dual mechanisms, cholinergic action and the direct action. In the present study, an attempt to investigate the effect of panaxatriol-type saponin (PT), which is known as an active component of Korean ginseng, on the secretion of CA from the rabbit adrenal gland was made. PT(200 $\mu$g) administered into adrenal vein evoked significantly secretion of CA from the isolated perfused rabbit adrenal gland. Secretory effect of CA produced by PT was attenuated clearly by treatment with chlorisondamine or adenosine, but was markedly increased by physostigmine. Perfusion of Krebs solution containing PT (200 $\mu$g) for 30 min potentiated greatly secretion of CA induced by acetylcholine. PT-induced CA secretion was weakened considerably by ouabain treatement or perfusion of calcium-free Krebs solution. These experimental data demonstrate that PT releases CA from the isolated perfused rabbit adrenal gland by a calcium-dependentd exocytotic mechanism. It seems that the secretory effect of PT is caused through the release of acetylcholine form cholinergic terminals present in the adrenal gland and a direct action on the chromaffin cell itself.