Alpha- and beta-receptor control of catecholamine secretion from isolated adrenal medulla cells

The regulation of secretion of catecholamines from bovine adrenal medulla cells was investigated by use of an improved and highly efficient method for isolating viable and responsive cells from this tissue. The method involves an in situ collagenase perfusion affecting only the connective tissue matrix of the medulla while leaving the cortex intact. The cells released both epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to stimulation by 100 microM acetylcholine. The ratio of epinephrine to norepinephrine in the medium following non-stimulated (basal) release, was similar to that found in the intact cells. On the other hand, a lower ratio of epinephrine to norepinephrine was found in the medium following stimulation by acetylcholine due mainly to preferential secretion of norepinephrine. This release ceased after 15 min of incubation and consisted of 15--20% of the catecholamines initially present in the cells. Exogenous epinephrine was found to inhibit total catecholamine secretion; however, it stimulated norepinephrine release. Addition of isoproterenol caused a stimulation of release while propranolol was inhibitory. Norepinephrine inhibited total release not favoring any specific catechol. Other alpha-agonists, such as clonidine, also had an inhibitory effect. These results suggest a receptor-mediated mechanism for the fine regulation of secretion from the adrenal medulla.