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Rat adrenal cortex is a source of a circulating ouabainlike compound
J H Ludens1, M A Clark, F G Robinson
1Upjohn Laboratories, Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Mich. 49001.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|June 1, 1992
Summary
The adrenal cortex is a major source of circulating ouabain-like compound (OLC) in rats. Removing the adrenal cortex significantly reduced OLC levels, indicating its crucial role in regulating this compound.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Ouabain-like compound (OLC) is a circulating endogenous digitalis-like factor.
- The primary source of plasma-borne OLC in rats remains unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adrenal gland as a potential source of plasma-borne OLC in rats.
- To quantify OLC levels in various rat tissues and plasma following adrenal manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Tissue extracts from multiple rat organs were analyzed for OLC immunoreactivity.
- Adrenal extracts were chromatographed to confirm OLC identity.
- Plasma OLC levels were measured in adrenalectomized and adrenal demedullectomized rats.
Main Results:
- Highest OLC immunoreactivity was detected in the adrenal cortex, adrenal medulla, atria, and pituitary.
- Adrenal cortex extracts contained almost exclusively OLC.
- Total adrenalectomy led to a ~50% reduction in plasma OLC by 6 days post-surgery.
- Adrenal demedullectomy caused a transient OLC decrease, with levels returning to baseline by 6 days.
Conclusions:
- The adrenal cortex is a significant contributor to circulating OLC levels in rats.
- Adrenalectomy effectively reduces circulating OLC, supporting the adrenal cortex as a key source.