Neuronal and paracrine regulation of adrenal steroidogenesis: interactions between acetylcholine, serotonin and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on corticosteroid production by frog interrenal tissue

Breaking Away: The Role of Homeostatic Drive in Perpetuating Depression

We propose that the complexity of regulatory interactions modulating brain neurochemistry and behavior is such that multiple stable responses may be supported, and that some of these alternate regulatory programs may play a role in perpetuating persistent psychological dysfunction. To explore this, we constructed a model network representing major neurotransmission and behavioral mechanisms reported in literature as discrete logic circuits. Connectivity and information flow through this biobehavioral circuitry supported two distinct and stable regulatory programs. One such program perpetuated a depressive state with a characteristic neurochemical signature including low serotonin. Further analysis suggested that small irregularities in glutamate levels may render this pathology more directly accessible. Computer simulations mimicking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy in the presence of everyday stressors predicted recidivism rates similar to those reported clinically and highlighted the potentially significant benefit of concurrent behavioral stress management therapy.

Increasing Resilience to Traumatic Stress: Understanding the Protective Role of Well-Being

The brain maintains homeostasis in part through a network of feedback and feed-forward mechanisms, where neurochemicals and immune markers act as mediators. Using a previously constructed model of biobehavioral feedback, we found that in addition to healthy equilibrium another stable regulatory program supported chronic depression and anxiety. Exploring mechanisms that might underlie the contributions of subjective well-being to improved therapeutic outcomes in depression, we iteratively screened 288 candidate feedback patterns linking well-being to molecular signaling networks for those that maintained the original homeostatic regimes. Simulating stressful trigger events on each candidate network while maintaining high levels of subjective well-being isolated a specific feedback network where well-being was promoted by dopamine and acetylcholine, and itself promoted norepinephrine while inhibiting cortisol expression. This biobehavioral feedback mechanism was especially effective in reproducing well-being's clinically documented ability to promote resilience and protect against onset of depression and anxiety.

Dysregulation of corticosterone secretion in streptozotocin-diabetic rats: modulatory role of the adrenocortical nitrergic system

An increased activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in exaggerated glucocorticoid secretion has been repeatedly described in patients with diabetes mellitus and in animal models of this disease. However, it has been pointed out that experimental diabetes is accompanied by a decreased glucocorticoid response to ACTH stimulation. Because previous studies from our laboratory demonstrate the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of corticosterone production, present investigations were designed to evaluate 1) the impact of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on the adrenocortical nitrergic system and 2) the role of NO in the modulation of adrenal steroidogenesis in STZ-diabetic rats. Four weeks after STZ injection, increased activity and expression levels of proteins involved in L-arginine transport and in NO synthesis were detected, and increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, carbonyl adducts, and nitrotyrosine-modified proteins were measured in the adrenocortical tissue of hyperglycemic rats. An impaired corticosterone response to ACTH was evident both in vivo and in adrenocortical cells isolated from STZ-treated animals. Inhibition of NO synthase activity resulted in higher corticosterone generation in adrenal tissue from STZ-treated rats. Moreover, a stronger inhibition of steroid output from adrenal cells by a NO donor was observed in adrenocortical Y1 cells previously subjected to high glucose (30 mM) treatment. In summary, results presented herein indicate an inhibitory effect of endogenously generated NO on steroid production, probably potentiated by hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, in the adrenal cortex of STZ-treated rats.

Endogenous Ligands of PACAP/VIP Receptors in the Autocrine–Paracrine Regulation of the Adrenal Gland

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are the main endogenous ligands of a class of G protein-coupled receptors (Rs). Three subtypes of PACAP/VIP Rs have been identified and named PAC(1)-Rs, VPAC(1)-Rs, and VPAC(2)-Rs. The PAC(1)-R almost exclusively binds PACAP, while the other two subtypes bind with about equal efficiency VIP and PACAP. VIP, PACAP, and their receptors are widely distributed in the body tissues, including the adrenal gland. VIP and PACAP are synthesized in adrenomedullary chromaffin cells, and are released in the adrenal cortex and medulla by VIPergic and PACAPergic nerve fibers. PAC(1)-Rs are almost exclusively present in the adrenal medulla, while VPAC(1)-Rs and VPAC(2)-Rs are expressed in both the adrenal cortex and medulla. Evidence indicates that VIP and PACAP, acting via VPAC(1)-Rs and VPAC(2)-Rs coupled to adenylate cyclase (AC)- and phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent cascades, stimulate aldosterone secretion from zona glomerulosa (ZG) cells. There is also proof that they can also enhance aldosterone secretion indirectly, by eliciting the release from medullary chromaffin cells of catecholamines and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn may act on the cortical cells in a paracrine manner. The involvement of VIP and PACAP in the regulation of glucocorticoid secretion from inner adrenocortical cells is doubtful and surely of minor relevance. VIP and PACAP stimulate the synthesis and release of adrenomedullary catecholamines, and all three subtypes of PACAP/VIP Rs mediate this effect, PAC(1)-Rs being coupled to AC, VPAC(1)-Rs to both AC and PLC, and VPAC(2)-Rs only to PLC. A privotal role in the catecholamine secretagogue action of VIP and PACAP is played by Ca(2+). VIP and PACAP may also modulate the growth of the adrenal cortex and medulla. The concentrations attained by VIP and PACAP in the blood rule out the possibility that they act as true circulating hormones. Conversely, their adrenal content is consistent with a local autocrine-paracrine mechanism of action.

Effects of adrenaline administration on the interrenal gland of the newt,Triturus carnifex: Evidence of intraadrenal paracrine interactions

The existence of paracrine control of steroidogenic activity by adrenochromaffin cells in Triturus carnifex was investigated by in vivo adrenaline (A) administration. The effects were evaluated by examination of the ultrastructural morphological and morphometrical features of the tissues as well as the serum levels of aldosterone, noradrenaline (NA), and adrenaline. In March and July, adrenaline administration reduced aldosterone release (from 187.23 +/- 2.93 pg/ml to 32.28 +/- 1.85 pg/ml in March; from 314.60 +/- 1.34 pg/ml to 87.51 +/- 2.57 pg/ml in July) from steroidogenic cells. The cells showed clear signs of lowered activity: they appeared full of lipid, forming large droplets. Moreover, adrenaline administration decreased the mean total number of secretory granules in the chromaffin cells in July (from 7.74 +/- 0.74 granules/microm(2) to 5.14 +/- 1.55 granules/microm(2)). In this period T. carnifex chromaffin cells contain almost exclusively NA granules (NA: 7.42 +/- 0.86 granules/microm(2); A: 0.32 +/- 0.13 granules/microm(2)). Adrenaline administration reduced noradrenaline content (4.36 +/- 1.40 granules/microm(2)) in the chromaffin cells, enhancing noradrenaline secretion (from 640.19 +/- 1.65 pg/ml to 1030.16 +/- 3.03 pg/ml). In March, adrenaline administration did not affect the mean total number of secretory vesicles (from 7.24 +/- 0.18 granules/microm(2) to 7.25 +/- 1.97 granules/microm(2)). In this period the chromaffin cells contain both catecholamines, noradrenaline (3.88 +/- 0.13 granules/microm(2)), and adrenaline (3.36 +/- 0.05 granules/microm(2)), in almost equal quantities; adrenaline administration reduced adrenaline content (1.74 +/- 0.84 granules/microm(2)), increasing adrenaline release (from 681.27 +/- 1.83 pg/ml to 951.77 +/- 4.11 pg/ml). The results of this study indicate that adrenaline influences the steroidogenic cells, inhibiting aldosterone release. Adrenaline effects on the chromaffin cells (increase of noradrenaline or adrenaline secretion) vary according to the period of chromaffin cell functional cycle. The existence of intraadrenal paracrine interactions in T. carnifex is discussed.

Localization and role of serotonin in the adrenal gland of Podarcis sicula (Reptilia, Lacertidae)

The occurrence of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) in the chromaffin cells of Podarcis sicula adrenal gland was demonstrated by immunocytochemical techniques: ABC and immunogold methods. At LM and EM levels, antiserum against 5-HT revealed serotonin immunoreactivity prevalently in noradrenalin (NA) cells, on and around secretory vesicles; adrenalin (A) cells appeared scarcely stained. The role of serotonin in the regulation of adrenal gland activity was studied in vivo using LM and EM techniques coupled to a specific radioimmunoassay for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone. 5-HT (0.7 mg/100 g body wt)/day for 4 days increased ACTH and corticosterone release; at LM and EM level clear signs of stimulation in the steroidogenic tissue were observed, as evidenced by the variations of lipid/cytoplasm ratio. In the chromaffin tissue, LM observations evidenced a variation of the numeric NA/A cell ratio; at EM level, chromaffin tissue showed intermediate cells with A, NA, and very clear granules with granular elements. The occurrence of these cells might be the result of a process of resynthesis following serotonin-stimulated catecholamine release. These data suggested that serotonin might be involved in the modulation of Podarcis pituitary-adrenal axis, and act as a paracrine factor to modulate corticosteroid production.

Effects of noradrenaline administration on the interrenal gland of the newt,Triturus carnifex: Evidence of intra-adrenal paracrine interactions

The existence of paracrine control of steroidogenic activity by adrenochromaffin cells in Triturus carnifex was investigated by in vivo noradrenaline (NA) administration. The effects were evaluated by examination of the ultrastructural morphological and morphometrical features of the tissues as well as the serum levels of aldosterone, NA, and adrenaline (A). In March and July, NA administration increased aldosterone release (from 187.23 +/- 2.93 pg/ml to 878.31 +/- 6.13 pg/ml in March; from 314.60 +/- 1.34 pg/ml to 622.51 +/- 2.65 pg/ml in July) from steroidogenic cells. The cells showed clear signs of stimulation, as evidenced by a strong reduction of lipid content. Moreover, NA administration decreased the mean total number of secretory vesicles in the chromaffin cells in March (from 7.24 +/- 0.18 granules/micro2 to 5.57 +/- 1.88 granules/micro2) and July (from 7.74 +/- 0.74 granules/micro2 to 6.04 +/- 1.13 granules/micro2). In March, however, when T. carnifex chromaffin cells contain both catecholamines, NA (3.88 +/- 0.13 granules/micro2) and A (3.36 +/- 0.05 granules/micro2) in almost equal quantities, NA administration reduced A content (1.29 +/- 1.04 granules/micro2) in the chromaffin cells, enhancing adrenaline secretion (from 681.27 +/- 1.83 pg/ml to 1527.02 +/- 2.11 pg/ml). In July, when the chromaffin cells contain almost exclusively NA granules (NA: 7.42 +/- 0.86 granules/micro2; A: 0.32 +/- 0.13 granules/micro2), NA administration reduced the number of NA granules (5.45 +/- 1.10 granules/micro2), thereby increasing noradrenaline release from the chromaffin cells (from 640.19 +/- 1.65 pg/ml to 1217.0 +/- 1.14 pg/ml). The results of this study indicate that NA influences the steroidogenic cells, eliciting aldosterone release. Noradrenalin effects on the chromaffin cells, increase of NA or A secretion, according to the period of chromaffin cell functional cycle, may be direct and/or mediated through the steroidogenic cells. The existence of intra-adrenal paracrine interactions in T. carnifex is discussed.

Chromaffin-adrenocortical cell interactions: effects of chromaffin cell activation in adrenal cell cocultures

Although the adrenal cortex and medulla are both involved in the maintenance of homeostasis and stress response, the functional importance of intra-adrenal interactions remains unclear. When primary cocultures of frog (Rana pipiens) adrenocortical and chromaffin cells were used, selective chromaffin cell activation dramatically affected both chromaffin and adrenocortical cells. Depolarization with 50 microm veratridine enhanced chromaffin cell neuronal phenotype, contacts with adrenocortical cells, and secretion of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin. Time-lapse video microscopy recorded the rapid establishment of growth cones on the activated chromaffin cell neurites, neurite branching, and outgrowth toward adrenocortical cells. Simultaneously, adrenocortical cells migrated toward chromaffin cells. Following chromaffin cell activation, adrenocortical cell Fos protein expression and corticosteroid secretion were increased, indicating that chromaffin cell modulation of adrenocortical cells is at the transcriptional level. These results provide evidence that intra-adrenal interactions affect cellular differentiation and modulate steroidogenesis. Furthermore, this suggests that the activity-related plasticity of chromaffin and adrenocortical cells is developmentally and physiologically important.

Role of VIP, PACAP, and related peptides in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are members of a family of regulatory peptides that are widely distributed in the body and share numerous biologic actions. The two peptides display a remarkable amino acid-sequence homology, and bind to a class of G protein-coupled receptors, named PACAP/VIP receptors (PVRs), whose signaling mechanism mainly involves the activation of adenylate-cyclase and phospholipase-C cascades. A large body of evidence suggests that VIP and PACAP play a role in the control of the hypothalamo--pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, almost exclusively acting in a paracrine manner, since their blood concentration is very low. VIP and PACAP are contained in both nerve fibers and neurons of the hypothalamus, and VIP, but not PACAP, is also synthesized in the pituitary gland. Both peptides are expressed in the adrenal gland, and especially in medullary chromaffin cells. All the components of the HPA axis are provided with PVRs. VIP and PACAP enhance pituitary ACTH secretion, VIP by eliciting the hypothalamic release of CRH and potentiating its secretagogue action, and PACAP by directly stimulating pituitary corticotropes. Through this central mechanism, VIP and PACAP may increase mineralo- and glucocorticoid secretion of the adrenal cortex. VIP but not PACAP also exerts a weak direct secretagogue action on adrenocortical cells by activating both PVRs and probably a subtype of ACTH receptors. VIP and PACAP raise aldosterone production via a paracrine indirect mechanism involving the stimulation of medullary chromaffin cells to release catecholamines, which in turn enhance the secretion of zona glomerulosa cells via a beta-adrenoceptor-mediated mechanism. PACAP appears to be able to evoke a glucocorticoid response through the activation, at least in the rat, of the intramedullary CRH/ACTH system. The relevance of these effects of VIP and PACAP under basal conditions is questionable, although there are indications that endogenous VIP is involved in the maintenance of the normal growth and steroidogenic capacity of rat adrenal cortex. However, indirect evidence suggests that these peptides might play a relevant role under paraphysiological conditions (e.g., in the mediation of HPA axis responses to cold and inflammatory stresses) or may be somehow involved in the pathogenesis of Cushing disease or some case of hyperaldosteronism associated with secreting pheochromocytomas.

Cellular communication in the neuro-adrenocortical axis: role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)

It is well established now that adrenocortical function, besides being regulated through systemic factors, is influenced by intra-adrenal mechanisms. In this context paracrine influences between the sympathoadrenal system and the adrenal cortex play an important role. As a prerequisite for these interactions, adrenal medullary cells and cortical cells are highly interwoven as revealed by immunohistochemistry. The potential role of VIP in the regulation of human adrenal steroidogenesis was now investigated in human adrenal cells in primary culture. The primary cultures contained both, cortical and chromaffin cells which were found to be in close cellular contact as revealed by immunocytochemistry. VIP enhanced cortisol secretion from adrenal cells in a dose-dependent manner with a maximal effect at 10(-7) M. VIP stimulated the release of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, androstenedione, and aldosterone significantly. The addition of propranolol, a beta-adrenergic antagonist, to the incubation medium attenuated VIP-induced corticosteroid secretion. It is concluded that VIP is a paracrine messenger in the human adrenal that could regulate adrenocortical function at least in part via catecholamines released from the medulla.

The M3 muscarinic receptor mediates acetylcholine-induced cortisol secretion from bovine adrenocortical zona fasciculata/reticularis cells

In order to characterize the receptor subtype mediating acetylcholine (ACh)-induced cortisol secretion from purified bovine adrenocortical zona fasciculata/reticularis cells in primary culture, the potencies of a range of selective muscarinic antagonists of ACh-induced steroidogenesis were assessed by Schild analysis. Basal secretion of cortisol was 10.2 +/- 1.4 pmol/well/30 min. ACh stimulated a dose-dependent increase in cortisol secretion and was maximally effective at 10(-5) M, at which concentration cortisol secretion was 143.4 +/- 12.9 pmol/well/30 min. Hexahydro-sila-difenidol and para-fluoro-hexa-hydro-sila-difenidol were potent competitive antagonists of ACh-stimulated cortisol secretion, with pA2 values of 8.68 +/- 0.28 and 7.96 +/- 0.29, respectively. Pirenzepine (pA2 = 6.95 +/- 0.28) and methoctramine (pA2 = 6.06 +/- 0.27) were relatively weak competitive antagonists. The pA2 values determined in this study are characteristic of the M3 muscarinic receptor, and we conclude that this receptor subtype mediates ACh-induced cortisol secretion from bovine zona fasciculata/reticularis cells.

A model for studying regulation of aldosterone secretion: freshly isolated cells or cultured cells?

Practically all studies relating to zona glomerulosa function have been performed either with freshly isolated cells or with cells used after 2 or 3 days in culture. This study compares the step-by-step response (binding, second messenger production and aldosterone response) of isolated glomerulosa cells vs cells maintained in primary culture to the main stimuli of aldosterone secretion. One day in culture induces a decrease of 77 and 65% in the basal level of corticosterone and aldosterone secretions, compared to that observed in freshly isolated cells. In these conditions, the cells become more sensitive to most of their stimuli, but not all: e.g. important differences are noted in the dose-response of aldosterone secretion to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), which is often shifted to a lower concentration sensitivity in cultured cells. For example, 0.1 nM ACTH stimulates steroid secretion by three-fold in isolated cells while 1 pM ACTH already induces a 25 and nine-fold increase, respectively, in corticosterone and aldosterone output in cultured cells. Moreover, some stimuli such as isoproterenol do not have any effect in isolated cells but do stimulate steroid secretion in cultured cells. In contrast, other stimuli, such as serotonin or DA (via DA2 receptors) act preferentially in freshly isolated cells. The main observation derived from this study is that glomerulosa cells, under appropriate conditions, are able to respond to their main secretagogues even after 4 days in culture. At this time, glomerulosa cells maintain their ultrastructural characteristics and functional properties and, aside from a few exceptions, demonstrate higher sensitivity to their known stimuli.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenal cortical and medullary responses to acetylcholine and vasoactive intestinal peptide in conscious calves

1. Adrenal responses to intra-aortic infusions of acetylcholine and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) have been investigated in functionally hypophysectomized calves given exogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH, 2 ng min-1 kg-1 I.V.). 2. Infusions of VIP at a dose of 0.13 micrograms min-1 kg-1 caused a small, but significant increase in adrenaline and noradrenaline output which was, however, far below the level recorded previously in response to acetylcholine (0.7 micrograms min-1 kg-1). In contrast, these doses of the two agonists produced closely similar rises in adrenal cortisol output. 3. The steroidogenic effects of acetylcholine and VIP were found to be strictly additive and no evidence of potentiation was obtained in relation to either cortical or medullary responses or in the case of any of the cardiovascular responses which were monitored. 4. Intra-aortic infusions of VIP, at a dose which produced a substantial increase in adrenal steroidogenesis (0.065 micrograms min-1 kg-1), had no effect on the output of catecholamines, enkephalin-like immunoreactivity or corticotrophin-releasing factor, either in the presence or absence of acetylcholine. 5. It is concluded that VIP is unlikely to modulate adrenal medullary responses to muscarinic stimulation in this species as it has been claimed to do in the rat and does not potentiate adrenal steroidogenesis in response to acetylcholine as it does to ACTH.

Interactions between vasotocin and other corticotropic factors on the frog adrenal gland

The adrenocortical cells of the amphibian interrenal (adrenal) gland are controlled by multiple factors including neuropeptides and classical neurotransmitters. In particular, it has recently been shown that vasotocin (AVT), the amphibian counterpart of vasopressin, is a potent stimulator of frog corticosteroidogenesis. In the present study, we have investigated the possible interactions between AVT and other regulatory factors on frog interrenal tissue. When AVT (10(-9) M) and serotonin (10(-6) M) were infused together, a strict addition of the individual effects was observed. Similar results were obtained with concomitant infusion of AVT and vasoactive intestinal peptide or AVT and ACTH. In contrast, when AVT (10(-9) M) and acetylcholine (5 x 10(-5) M) were added together, the increase in corticosteroid secretion was less than additive. Dopamine induced a significant reduction of AVT-evoked stimulation of corticosterone production. These results indicate that regulatory peptides or classical neurotransmitters which participate in the control of adrenal steroidogenesis may interact on their target cell to modulate the activity of their congeners.

Cortisol secretion induced by substance p from bovine adrenocortical cells and its inhibition by calmodulin inhibitors

When primary cultured bovine adrenocortical cells were treated with substance P (SP) at concentrations higher than 10 pM, cortisol output increased in a dose-dependent fashion. Although other neurokinins, such as neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB), were also effective in secreting cortisol, SP was the most potent among the tested neurokinins, the potency order being SP greater than NKA much greater than NKB. This suggests that the NK-1 type receptor on adrenocortical cells may be the site of action of SP on cortisol secretion. The maximal response in SP-induced cortisol secretion was comparable to that elicited by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). SP-induced cortisol secretion was dependent upon extracellular Ca2+ concentrations, and 45Ca2+ uptake into adrenocortical cells treated with SP was long-lasting. While, in the case of ACTH, 45Ca2+ uptake proceeded transiently, the increase in intracellular cAMP content was much greater compared with that of SP. Although KT-5720, an inhibitor of protein kinase A, inhibited potently ACTH-induced cortisol secretion, SP-induced secretin was not affected by this inhibitor at all. On the other hand, calmodulin inhibitors, such as calmidazolium, trifluoperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide, were not more effective in inhibiting SP-induced cortisol secretion than secretion induced by ACTH. The present study indicates that SP may be one of the physiological stimulants of cortisol secretion and that an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the subsequent activation of calmodulin may precede SP-induced cortisol secretion.