Short circuit current in rat adrenal capsule/glomerulosa

Angiotensin II (AII) and potassium are the primary regulators of aldosterone secretion by adrenal zona glomerulosa cells. Electrophysiological studies using isolated adrenal tissues and dispersed zona glomerulosa cells show that stimulation by these secretagogues results in depolarisation of the plasma membrane and the opening of voltage-sensitive ion channels. The concept that these cells act together to create a polarity within the gland has not been examined. Whole adrenal capsule/glomerulosa preparations were studied in Ussings chambers. An increase in [KCl] to either side of the capsule resulted in a concentration-related change in short-circuit current (SCC). KCl added externally caused an increase in SCC, indicating net inward movement of positive ions or net outward movement of negative ions. Internal KCl had a smaller opposite effect. Use of the non-specific potassium channel blocker tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) resulted in an increase in SCC regardless of which side the addition was made, although on occasions the responses to TEA and internal KCl were unexpectedly reversed. The aldosterone antagonist spironolactone produced a variable change in SCC suggesting an autocrine/paracrine role for aldosterone on the adrenal cortex. No responses were observed with the addition of AII, ACTH or aldosterone, though these may be present in excess. The results suggest that ion gradients may be created by stimulation that conceivably have a role in cellular organisation.