Effects of Bilateral Splanchnic-Nerve Section and Chemical Sympathectomy on PACAP38 Content in the Rat Adrenals

W. J. Ginda; G. G. Nussdorfer; L. K. Malendowicz

doi:10.1055/s-2007-978780

Hormone and Metabolic Research, Table of Contents

Horm Metab Res 1999; 31(8): 483-485
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-978780

Short Communication

Effects of Bilateral Splanchnic-Nerve Section and Chemical Sympathectomy on PACAP₃₈ Content in the Rat Adrenals

W. J. Ginda¹ , G. G. Nussdorfer² , L. K. Malendowicz¹

¹Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Poznan, Poland
²Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology (Section of Anatomy), University of Padua, Padua, Italy

Abstract

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Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a basic 38-amino acid regulatory peptide contained in the adrenal gland and involved in the control of its secretory activity. Bilateral splanchnic-nerve section caused in the rat a significant decrease in PACAP₃₈ adrenal content and concentration, as measured by RIA. In contrast, chemical sympathectomy, obtained by administering newborn rats with 6-hydroxydopamine, was ineffective. Our findings support the view that splanchnic nerves play an important role in the control of rat adrenal function.

Key words

Adrenal Gland - Splanchnotomy - Sympathectomy - Rat

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