Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2026

Establishment of Zone-Enriched Primary Cultures from the Mouse Adrenal Cortex
Published on: May 8, 2026
Expression of prostaglandin E receptor EP4 subtype in rat adrenal zona glomerulosa: involvement in aldosterone
1Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
We examined the role of prostaglandin (PG) E receptors in the secretion of aldosterone. PGE2 is known to exert its various biological functions by binding to PGE receptors. There are four subtypes of PGE receptors, EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4. Among the PGE receptors EP2 and EP4 subtypes are coupled to Gs protein and stimulate adenylyl cyclase. In this study, PGE2 caused a dose-dependent increase in aldosterone production from the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells in vitro accompanied with an increase in intracellular cAMP concentration. A specific agonist for EP2, butaprost, did not increase the cAMP production or the aldosterone release, suggesting the possibility that EP4 mediates the secretion of aldosterone by PGE2. Northern blot hybridization analysis disclosed that EP4 gene was expressed in the rat adrenal gland but that EP2 gene was not. In situ hybridization revealed that EP4 mRNA is present abundantly in the zona glomerulosa of rat adrenal gland. These findings suggest that the PGE2-EP4 system is involved in the regulation of aldosterone secretion from the rat adrenal gland.
Related Concept Videos
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification
α-Adrenoceptors
α-Adrenoceptors are classified into two main subtypes: α1 and α2. The α1 adrenoceptors, which are found on postsynaptic...

