• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.229-239
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• 2009

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of provinol, which is a mixture of polyphenolic compounds from red wine, on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) from isolated perfused rat adrenal medulla, and to elucidate its mechanism of action. Provinol (0.3 ${\sim}$ 3 ${\mu}g/ml$) perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min dose- and time-dependently inhibited the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high $K^+$ (a direct membrane-depolarizer, 56 mM), DMPP (a selective neuronal nicotinic $N_N$ receptor agonist, 100 ${\mu}M$) and McN-A-343 (a selective muscarinic $M_1$ receptor agonist, 100 ${\mu}M$). Provinol itself did not affect basal CA secretion. Also, in the presence of provinol (1 ${\mu}g/ml$), the secretory responses of CA evoked by Bay-K-8644 (a voltage-dependent L-type dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channel activator, 10 ${\mu}M$), cyclopiazonic acid (a cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase inhibitor, 10 ${\mu}M$) and veratridine (an activator of voltage-dependent $Na^+$ channels, 10 ${\mu}M$) were significantly reduced. Interestingly, in the simultaneous presence of provinol (1 ${\mu}g/ml$) plus L-NAME (a selective inhibitor of NO synthase, 30 ${\mu}M$), the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclpiazonic acid recovered to the considerable extent of the corresponding control secretion in comparison with the inhibition of provinol-treatment alone. Under the same condition, the level of NO released from adrenal medulla after the treatment of provinol (3 ${\mu}g/ml$) was greatly elevated in comparison to its basal release. Taken together, these data demonstrate that provinol inhibits the CA secretory responses evoked by stimulation of cholinergic (both muscarinic and nicotinic) receptors as well as by direct membrane-depolarization from the perfused rat adrenal medulla. This inhibitory effect of provinol seems to be exerted by inhibiting the influx of both calcium and sodium into the rat adrenal medullary cells along with the blockade of $Ca^{2+}$ release from the cytoplasmic calcium store at least partly through the increased NO production due to the activation of nitric oxide synthase.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.517-526
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• 2009

The present study was attempted to investigate whether polyphenolic compounds isolated from wine, which is brewed from Rubus coreanum Miquel (PCRC), may affect the release of catecholamines (CA) from the isolated perfused adrenal medulla of the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and to establish its mechanism of action. PCRC $(20\sim180\;{\mu}g/ml)$ perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min relatively dose-dependently inhibited the CA secretory responses to ACh (5.32 mM), high $K^+$ (56 mM), DMPP $(100\;{\mu}M)$ and McN-A-343 $(100\;{\mu}M)$. PCRC itself did not affect basal CA secretion (data not shown). Also, in the presence of PCRC $(60\;{\mu}g/ml)$, the CA secretory responses to veratridine (a selective $Na^+$ channel activator $(10\;{\mu}M)$, Bay-K-8644 (a L-type dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channel activator, $10\;{\mu}M$), and cyclopiazonic acid (a cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase inhibitor, $10\;{\mu}M$) were significantly reduced, respectively. In the simultaneous presence of PCRC $(60\;{\mu}g/ml)$ and L-NAME (an inhibitor of NO synthase, $30\;{\mu}M$), the inhibitory responses of PCRC on the CA secretion evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, and Bay-K-8644 were considerably recovered to the extent of the corresponding control secretion compared with that of PCRC-treatment alone. The level of NO released from adrenal medulla after the treatment of PCRC $(60\;{\mu}g/ml)$ was greatly elevated compared with the corresponding basal level. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PCRC inhibits the CA secretion from the isolated perfused adrenal medulla of the SHRs evoked by stimulation of cholinergic receptors as well as by direct membrane-depolarization. It seems that this inhibitory effect of PCRC is mediated by blocking the influx of calcium and sodium into the adrenal medullary chromaffin cells of the SHRs as well as by inhibition of $Ca^{2+}$ release from the cytoplasmic calcium store at least partly through the increased NO production due to the activation of NO synthase.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.241-248
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• 2010

The present sutdy aimed to determine whether olmesartan, an angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 ($AT_1$) receptor blocker, can influence the CA release from the isolated perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla. Olmesartan ($5{\sim}50{\mu}M$) perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min produced dose- and time-dependent inhibition of the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high $K^+$ (56 mM, a direct membrane-depolarizer), DMPP (100 ${\mu}M$) and McN-A-343 (100 ${\mu}M$). Olmesartan did not affect basal CA secretion. Also, in adrenal glands loaded with olmesartan (15 ${\mu}M$), the CA secretory responses evoked by Bay-K-8644 (10 ${\mu}M$, an activator of voltage-dependent L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels), cyclopiazonic acid (10 ${\mu}M$, an inhibitor of cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase), veratridine (100 ${\mu}M$, an activator of voltage-dependent $Na^+$ channels), and Ang II (100 nM) were markedly inhibited. However, at high concentrations ($150{\sim}300{\mu}M$), olmesartan rather enhanced the ACh-evoked CA secretion. Taken together, these results show that olmesartan at low concentrations inhibits the CA secretion evoked by cholinergic stimulation (both nicotininc and muscarinic receptors) as well as by direct membrane depolarization from the rat adrenal medulla, but at high concentrations it rather potentiates the ACh-evoked CA secretion. It seems that olmesartan has a dual action, acting as both agonist and antagonist at nicotinic receptors of the isolated perfused rat adrenal medulla, which might be dependent on the concentration. It is also thought that this inhibitory effect of olmesartan may be mediated by blocking the influx of both $Na^+$ and $Ca^{2+}$ into the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells as well as by inhibiting the $Ca^{2+}$ release from the cytoplasmic calcium store, which is thought to be relevant to the $AT_1$ receptor blockade, in addition to its enhancement on the CA secreton.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.176-190
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• 2011

There seems to be some controversy about the effect of total ginseng saponin (TGS) on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) from the adrenal gland. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether TGS can affect the CA release in the perfused model of the adrenal medulla isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). TGS (15-150 ${\mu}g/mL$), perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min, inhibited the CA secretory responses evoked by acetylcholine (ACh, 5.32 mM) and high $K^+$ (56 mM, a direct membrane depolarizer) in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. TGS (50 ${\mu}g/mL$) also time-dependently inhibited the CA secretion evoked by 1.1-dimethyl-4 -phenyl piperazinium iodide (DMPP; 100 ${\mu}M$, a selective neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist) and McN-A-343 (100 ${\mu}M$, a selective muscarinic M1 receptor agonist). TGS itself did not affect basal CA secretion (data not shown). Also, in the presence of TGS (50 ${\mu}g/mL$), the secretory responses of CA evoked by veratridine (a selective $Na^+$ channel activator (50 ${\mu}M$), Bay-K-8644 (an L-type dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channel activator, 10 ${\mu}M$), and cyclopiazonic acid (a cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase inhibitor, 10 ${\mu}M$) were significantly reduced, respectively. Interestingly, in the simultaneous presence of TGS (50 ${\mu}g/mL$) and N${\omega}$-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride [an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, 30 ${\mu}M$], the inhibitory responses of TGS on the CA secretion evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644, cyclopiazonic acid, and veratridine were considerably recovered to the extent of the corresponding control secretion compared with the inhibitory effect of TGS-treatment alone. Practically, the level of NO released from adrenal medulla after the treatment of TGS (150 ${\mu}g/mL$) was greatly elevated compared to the corresponding basal released level. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TGS inhibits the CA secretory responses evoked by stimulation of cholinergic (both muscarinic and nicotinic) receptors as well as by direct membrane-depolarization from the isolated perfused adrenal medulla of the SHRs. It seems that this inhibitory effect of TGS is mediated by inhibiting both the influx of $Ca^{2+}$ and Na+ into the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells and also by suppressing the release of $Ca^{2+}$ from the cytoplasmic calcium store, at least partly through the increased NO production due to the activation of nitric oxide synthase, which is relevant to neuronal nicotinic receptor blockade, without the enhancement effect on the CA release. Based on these effects, it is also thought that there are some species differences in the adrenomedullary CA secretion between the rabbit and SHR.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.86-98
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• 2021

This study was designed to characterize the effect of ginsenoside-Rg2 (Rg2), one of panaxatriol saponins isolated from Korean ginseng root, on the release of catecholamines (CA) in the perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla, and also to establish its mechanism of action. Rg2 (3~30 µM), administered into an adrenal vein for 90 min, depressed acetylcholine (ACh)-induced CA secretion in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Rg2 also time-dependently inhibited the CA secretion induced by 3-(m-chloro-phenyl-carbamoyl-oxy)-2-butynyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (McN-A-343), 1.1-dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazinium iodide (DMPP), and angiotensin II (Ang II). Also, during perfusion of Rg2, the CA secretion induced by high K⁺, veratridine, cyclopiazonic acid, methyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoro-methyl-phenyl)-pyridine-5-carboxylate (Bay-K-8644) depressed, respectively. In the simultaneous presence of Rg2 and N^ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride ʟ-NAME), the CA secretion induced by ACh, Ang II, Bay-K-8644 and veratridine was restored nearly to the extent of their corresponding control level, respectively, compared to those of inhibitory effects of Rg2-treatment alone. Virtually, NO release in adrenal medulla following perfusion of Rg2 was significantly enhanced in comparison to the corresponding spontaneous release. Also, in the coexistence of Rg2 and fimasartan, ACh-induced CA secretion was markedly diminished compared to the inhibitory effect of fimasartan-treated alone. Collectively, these results demonstrated that Rg2 suppressed the CA secretion induced by activation of cholinergic as well as angiotensinergic receptors from the perfused model of the rat adrenal gland. This Rg2-induced inhibitory effect seems to be exerted by reducing both influx of Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ through their ionic channels into the adrenomedullary cells as well as by suppressing Ca²⁺ release from the cytoplasmic calcium store, at least through the elevated NO release by activation of NO synthase, which is associated to the blockade of neuronal cholinergic and AT₁-receptors. Based on these results, the ingestion of Rg2 may be helpful to alleviate or prevent the cardiovascular diseases, via reduction of CA release in adrenal medulla and consequent decreased CA level in circulation.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.169-172
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• 1995

The changes in blood pressure may relate to the alterations of the responsiveness to vasoconstrictors and vasodilators, and these alterations can arise the modifications in the properties of angiotensin II (AII) receptor. In order to examine the changes of AII receptor in the hypertensive mechanism of renin-dependent hypertensive rats (RHRs; two-kidney, one-ligated type), we compared the equilibrium binding characteristics of $[^3H]$All in adrenal cortex and medulla from RHRs and normotensive rats. The dissociation constants of AII binding in both tissues of RHRs were very similar to those in the respective tissue of normotensive rats. However, the maximum binding was increased from 805 to 1050 fmole/mg protein in the adrenal cortex of RHRs, and decreased from 172 to 126 fmole/mg protein in the adrenal medulla of RHRs. These results imply that the up- and down-regulation of the All receptor population on the cell surface of adrenal glands from RHRs are consorted with the elevation of blood pressure and the activation of renin-angiotensin system.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.165-174
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• 2004

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of FCCP (carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenyIhydrazone), which is a potent mitochondrial uncoupler, on secretion of catecholamines (CA) from the perfused model of the rat adrenal gland and to establish the mechanism of its action. The perfusion of FCCP (3 ${\times}$ $10^{-5}$ M) into an adrenal vein of for 90 min resulted in great increases in CA secretions. Tachyphylaxis to CA-releasing effect of FCCP was not observed by repeated perfusion of it. The CA-releasing effects of FCCP were depressed by pre-treatment with pirenzepine, chlorisondamine, nicardipine, TMB-8, and the perfusion of EGTA plus $Ca^{2+}$-free medium. In the presence of FCCP (3 ${\times}$ $10^{-5}$ M), the CA secretory responses induced by Ach (5.32 ${\times}$ $10^{-3}$ M), and DMPP ($10^{-4}$ M) were significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the perfusion of CCCP (3 ${\times}$ $10^{-5}$ M), a similar mitochondrial uncoupler, into an adrenal vein for 90 min also caused an increased response in CA secretion. Taken together these experimental results indicate that FCCP causes the CA secretion the perfused rat adrenal medulla in a calcium-dependent fashion. It is suggested that this facilitatory effects of FCCP may be mediated by cholinergic receptor stimulation, which is relevant to both stimulation of the $Ca^{2+}$ influx and $Ca^{2+}$ release from cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$ stores.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.32-42
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• 2009

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of dihydrexidine, a full $D_1$ receptor agonist, on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) from the perfused model of the rat adrenal gland, and to establish its mechanism of action. Dihydrexidine (10-100 ${\mu}M$), perfused into an adrenal vein for 60 min, relatively produced dose- and time-dependent inhibition in the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high $K^+$ (56 mM), DMPP (100 ${\mu}M$) and McN-A-343 (100 ${\mu}M$). Dihydrexidine itself did fail to affect basal CA output. Also, in adrenal glands loaded with dihydrexidine (30 ${\mu}M$), the CA secretory responses evoked by Bay-K-8644 (10 ${\mu}M$), an activator of L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels, cyclopiazonic acid (10 ${\mu}M$), an inhibitor of cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase, and veratridine, an activator of voltage-dependent $Na+$ channels (10 ${\mu}M$), were also markedly inhibited, respectively. However, in the simultaneous presence of dihydrexidine (30 ${\mu}M$) and R (+)-SCH23390 (a selective antagonist of $D_1$ receptor, 3 ${\mu}M$), the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high K+, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644, cyclopiazonic acid and veratridine were considerably recovered to the extent of the corresponding control secretion compared with the inhibitory responses by dihydrexidinetreatment alone. In conclusion, these experimental results suggest that dihydrexidine significantly inhibits the CA secretion evoked by cholinergic stimulation (both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors) and membrane depolarization from the rat adrenal medulla. It seems that this inhibitory effect of dihydrexidine may be mediated by inhibiting influx of both $Ca^{2+}$ and $Na^+$ into the cytoplasm as well as by suppression of $Ca^{2+}$ release from cytoplasmic calcium store through activation of dopaminergic $D_1$ receptors located on the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.511-521
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to determine whether bromocriptine affects the catecholamines (CA) secretion evoked in isolated perfused rat adrenal glands, by cholinergic stimulation, membrane depolarization and calcium mobilization, and to establish the mechanism of its action. The perfusion of bromocriptine ($1~10{\;}{\mu}M$) into an adrenal vein, for 60 min, produced relatively dose-dependent inhibition in the secretion of catecholamines (CA) evoked by acetylcholine (ACh, 5.32 mM), DMPP ($100{\;}{\mu}M$ for 2 min), McN-A-343 ($100{\;}{\mu}M$ for 2 min), cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, $10{\;}{\mu}M$ for 4 min) and Bay-K-8644 ($10{\;}{\mu}M$ for 4 min). High $K^+$ (56 mM)-evoked CA release was also inhibited, although not in a dose-dependent fashion. Also, in the presence of apomorphine ($100{\;}{\mu}M$), which is also known to be a selective $D_2$-agonist, the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high potassium, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid were also significantly depressed. However, in adrenal glands preloaded with bromocriptine ($3{\;}{\mu}M$) in the presence of metoclopramide ($15{\;}{\mu}M$), a selective $D_2$-antagonist, the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high potassium, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid considerably recovered as compared to that of bromocriptine only. Taken together, these results suggest that bromocriptine can inhibit the CA secretion evoked by stimulation of cholinergic receptors, as well as by membrane depolarization, in the perfused rat adrenal medulla. It is thought this inhibitory effect of bromocriptine may be mediated by inhibiting the influx of extracellular calcium and the release from intracellular calcium stores, through the activation of dopaminergic $D_2$-receptors located in the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells. Furthermore, these findings also suggest that the dopaminergic $D_2$-receptors may play an important role in regulating adrenomedullary CA secretion.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.47-58
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• 1974

This study was made to investigate whether there would be any direct relationship between testis and adrenal gland. After the iadministration of testosterone propionate to the hypophysectomized male rats, weight of adrenal glands, each zona rates in adrenal gland and histological changes measured from the 1st day to 56th day of the experimental period. The results obtained were as follows; 1. For the weight changes of thyriod gland, it showed a similar changes between the hypophysectomized and the testosterone propionate treated-hypophysectomized group. However, the weight of adrenal glands for the treatment groups were decreased as the time passed as compared to the control group, and the difference were highly significance at the 7th day and there on. 2. For the zona rates in adrenal gland the changes were similar between the hypophysectomized and the testosterone propionate treated-hypophysectomized group. Zona fasciculata and reticularis were decreased rapidly as time passed as compared to the control group, and the difference were significant at the 7th day and highly significant at the 14th day and there on. Adrenal medulla tended to increase, showing a significance with P<0.05 at 7th day, and P<0.01 at 14th day and there on. Zona glomerulosa showed no differences among the groups. 3. Histological changes for the testosterone propionate treated-hypophysectomized group were similar to the hypophysectomized group. Of adrenal gland, zona fasciculata and reticular is were degenerated and lost their function as time passed after treatment, and zona glomerulosa and adrenal medulla were observed not bo changed. 4. Since there were re no differences in weight changes of adrenal glands, the zonarates in adrenal gland and histological changes between the hypophysectomized and testosterone propionate treated-hypophysectomized group, it would appear that there were no direct relationship between the testis and the adrenal gland, but the involvement of hypophysis might be necessary for the control mechanism.