Aspects of the functional anatomy of the chromaffin cell since 1950 are reviewed--beginning with the identification of noradrenaline in the adrenal gland and the first descriptions of distinct adrenaline- and noradrenaline-storing cells. Reference is made to the identification of specific proteins and neuropeptides in chromaffin cells, of the storage of endogenous and exogenous amines including 5HT. The influence of corticosteroids and nerve growth factor on cell phenotypes is discussed and a plea made for the specific use of descriptive terms with due regard to historical and functional context: this relating particularly to the appropriate labelling of elements as SIF cells. The review includes reference to recent quantitative studies on the rat adrenal medulla and adrenal chromaffin cells and to the innervation of the adrenal medulla by pre- and postganglionic sympathetic neurons, by spinal afferent neurons and by sensory and motor vagal fibers.
The development of the noradrenaline (NA)- and adrenaline (A)-storing cells was examined in the adrenal gland of pre- and postnatal rats and pigs. Cryostat sections were immunostained with antibodies to NA and A. Amine levels were estimated in homogenates of adrenals by ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. 1. In adult animals separate NA- and A-storing cells were found. In the rat A-cells comprised about 80% of the parenchyma of the adrenal medulla. NA-cells, the remaining 20%, were randomly arranged in clusters. In the pig, in contrast, the A- and NA-storing cells were equally distributed, with spherical clusters of NA-cells were surrounded by A-cells. 2. In the earliest developmental stages examined (16th day of gestation in the rat, and 42nd day in the pig) the adrenals only contained NA-immunoreactive cells. In the rat separate NA- and A-storing cells were first noticed 2 or 3 days after birth, whereas in the pig separated cells were already present at the 56th prenatal day (full term at 114th day). 3. In both rat and pig adrenals dopamine (DA), NA and A increased in amount rapidly during development. In the rat this change mainly took place after birth (an increase of 13 times from the 17th day of gestation, and a 100-fold increase from birth to adult age). In porcine adrenal increase of the total amount of amines mainly occurred before birth (200 times between the 42nd day of gestation and birth, whereas only 10 times after birth). 4. In both species DA-levels remained low during pre- and postnatal development. On the contrary, the relative concentrations of NA decreased while that of A increased correspondingly. Again, species differences were noticed: in the rat NA decreased from 90% (17th day of gestation) via 35% (just before birth) to 20% at adult age, while the porcine adrenal showed a more gradual decrease, i.e., from 90% (42nd day of gestation) to 70% (birth) ending up with 50% in the adult stage. 5. The immunohistochemical and biochemical data indicate that, in rat adrenal medulla three phases of development can be distinguished. First, up to the 18th day of gestation, medullary cells synthesize and store only NA. Second, from the 18th day to 2 or 3 days after birth, NA and A are synthesized and stored in a single cell type ("mixed cell type"), and third, NA and A are localized in separate cell types.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
SGC (Small Granule Chromaffin) cells in the mouse adrenal medulla characterized by the smallness of the secretory granules and by the aggregations of synaptic-type vesicles may represent a third type of chromaffin cell.
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Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology and Cognate Medical SciencesVolume 51, Issue 3 p. 238-239 ArticleFree Access THE MAST CELLS R. E. Coupland, R. E. CouplandSearch for more papers by this author R. E. Coupland, R. E. CouplandSearch for more papers by this author First published: 16 July 1966 https://doi.org/10.1113/expphysiol.1966.sp001855AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume51, Issue3July 16, 1966Pages 238-239 RelatedInformation