Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
Published on: March 12, 2019
Regulation of actin in rat adrenocortical cells by corticotropin
Abstract:
Corticotropin (ACTH) induces a characteristic retraction of rat adrenocortical cells in culture. Densitometric analysis of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels of cell lysates showed that ACTH induced a 20% decrease in actin content. These results were fully confirmed by quantitation of actin by the DNase 1 inhibition assay. The decrease in actin is hormone-specific, concentration-dependent, and correlates temporally with the morphological change induced by ACTH. The change in actin content and the reorganization of microfilament ultrastructure may together mediate hormone regulation of cell shape at the cytoskeletal level.
Related Concept Videos
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
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...
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Introduction to Actin
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral...
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...

