Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2026

Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
Published on: October 2, 2018
Rat adrenal cycloheximide-sensitive factors and phospholipids in the control of acute steroidogenesis
Abstract:
ACTH in vivo induces the formation of several steroidogenic factors in both cytosol and extramitochondrial particulate fractions of rat adrenal. Cycloheximide prevents the formation of these factors. Here we show the presence of a cytosolic steroidogenic component (C1) which is cycloheximide-sensitive and not ACTH-dependent. C1 is able to solubilize an ACTH-dependent steroidogenic factor (C2) from particulate fractions resulting in the release of the rat-limiting constraint of mitochondrial steroidogenesis. The thermolabile and trypsin-resistant factor C1 has an apparent mol.wt of 28,000 Daltons. In contrast, the cycloheximide-sensitive factor C2 from extra-mitochondrial fractions of ACTH-treated rats comigrates on Sephadex G-10 with phospholipids. Endogenous phospholipids isolated from particulate adrenal fractions of ACTH-treated rats or exogenous phospholipids will also stimulate steroidogenesis in vitro. Indeed, cytosolic solubilizing factor C1 enhances the exogenous phospholipid effect 3-4-fold. The results taken together suggest that C1 may be very similar to a well defined phospholipid exchange protein and C2 is itself a phospholipid. Both factors seem to be obligatory for the ACTH-induced steroidogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
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...
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...
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

