Ca2+ imaging in perfused adrenal medullae
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Updated: May 20, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Akira Warashina1, Masumi Inoue
1Department of Cell and Systems Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan.
Abstract:
The Ca2+ imaging method was developed to explore changes in excitability in adrenal medullary (AM) cells in a large field in response to synaptic input and chemicals. The adrenal medullae of rats and guinea pigs were retrogradely loaded with Ca2+ indicator through the adrenal vein. Nerve fibers remaining in the adrenal gland were electrically stimulated to induce postsynaptic responses in AM cells, and chemicals were applied to the cells by adding to the perfusate. With this method, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was shown to increase the Ca2+ signal in almost all and 40% AM cells in guinea pigs and rats, respectively.
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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...

