Differential expression of the noradrenaline transporter in adrenergic chromaffin cells, ganglion cells and nerve fibres of the rat adrenal medulla

Developmental heterogeneity of embryonic neuroendocrine chromaffin cells and their maturation dynamics

During embryonic development, nerve-associated Schwann cell precursors (SCPs) give rise to chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland via the "bridge" transient stage, according to recent functional experiments and single cell data from humans and mice. However, currently existing data do not resolve the finest heterogeneity of developing chromaffin populations. Here we took advantage of deep SmartSeq2 transcriptomic sequencing to expand our collection of individual cells from the developing murine sympatho-adrenal anlage and uncover the microheterogeneity of embryonic chromaffin cells and their corresponding developmental paths. We discovered that SCPs on the splachnic nerve show a high degree of microheterogeneity corresponding to early biases towards either Schwann or chromaffin terminal fates. Furthermore, we found that a post-"bridge" population of developing chromaffin cells gives rise to persisting oxygen-sensing chromaffin cells and the two terminal populations (adrenergic and noradrenergic) via diverging differentiation paths. Taken together, we provide a thorough identification of novel markers of adrenergic and noradrenergic populations in developing adrenal glands and report novel differentiation paths leading to them.

The Novel Use of a Synthetic Amino Acid Analog in the Management of Menkes' Disease

Menkes' disease is a rare X-linked neurodegenerative disorder due to an ATPA7 mutation. This mutation results in a defective copper transport into the lumen of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) of all tissues, except the liver. As the liver remains effective in transporting copper into the TGN, parenteral copper administration is successful in normalizing copper and ceruloplasmin levels. In addition, such treatment improves function of cuproenzymes in the nucleus, cytosol, and mitochondria. However, ATPA7 mutation results in a deficient dopamine β-hydroxylase, a cuproenzyme needed to convert dopamine to norepinephrine (NE). Here, we present the novel use of the synthetic amino acid analog, droxidopa, a prodrug to NE in the management of Menkes' disease. In our 6-year-old Menkes' disease patient treated with daily parenteral copper infusion, we studied clinical features and urine catecholamines levels at baseline and after initiating droxidopa therapy. NE deficiency at baseline was associated with inattention, hypothermia, and dysautonomia. After correction of NE deficiency, the child's symptoms improved. Epinephrine levels remained low. In Menkes' disease, NE deficiency persists after normalization of copper and ceruloplasmin levels. Droxidopa therapy is successful in correcting NE levels and improving quality of life. Further studies are needed.

The abnormalities of adrenomedullary hormonal system in genetic hypertension: Their contribution to altered regulation of blood pressure

It is widely accepted that sympathetic nervous system plays a crucial role in the development of hypertension. On the other hand, the role of adrenal medulla (the adrenomedullary component of the sympathoadrenal system) in the development and maintenance of high blood pressure in man as well as in experimental models of hypertension is still controversial. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are the most widely used animal model of human essential hypertension characterized by sympathetic hyperactivity. However, the persistence of moderately elevated blood pressure in SHR subjected to sympathectomy neonatally as well as the resistance of adult SHR to the treatment by sympatholytic drugs suggests that other factors (including enhanced activity of the adrenomedullary hormonal system) are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension of SHR. This review describes abnormalities in adrenomedullary hormonal system of SHR rats starting with the hyperactivity of brain centers regulating sympathetic outflow, through the exaggerated activation of sympathoadrenal preganglionic neurons, to the local changes in chromaffin cells of adrenal medulla. All the above alterations might contribute to the enhanced release of epinephrine and/or norepinephrine from adrenal medulla. Special attention is paid to the alterations in the expression of genes involved in catecholamine biosynthesis, storage, release, reuptake, degradation and adrenergic receptors in chromaffin cells of SHR. The contribution of the adrenomedullary hormonal system to the development and maintenance of hypertension as well as its importance during stressful conditions is also discussed.

Expression of the noradrenaline transporter in the peripheral nervous system

The noradrenaline transporter (NAT) transfers noradrenaline released into the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic terminal, thus terminating neurotransmission. Although the distribution of NAT within the central nervous system has been well-characterized, less is known about its distribution elsewhere in the peripheral nervous system and in organs such as the skin. To address this in the present study, NAT expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry in the hind paw skin and more proximally in the sciatic nerve, dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord of five male Wistar rats. It was hypothesised that NAT would be expressed exclusively on nerve fibres labelled by dopamine beta hydroxylase (DβH), an enzyme involved in the conversion of dopamine to noradrenaline. NAT co-localised with DβH in neurons in the spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerve. Unexpectedly, however, NAT-like immunoreactivity was not observed in DβH immuno-reactive fibres that innervated dermal blood vessels, suggesting that a mechanism other than presynaptic re-uptake of noradrenaline through NAT regulates transmission at neurovascular junctions in the skin. Furthermore, a novel association between NAT-like immunoreactivity and the myelin marker myelin basic protein (MBP) was identified in peripheral nerves. Specifically, NAT and MBP appeared to congregate around primary afferent nerve fibres labelled by neurofilament 200, a marker of neurons with medium- and large-diameter axons. NAT-like immunoreactivity was also detected in cultured Schwann cells immunohistochemically and at the mRNA level. Together, these findings imply a hitherto unrecognised role of Schwann cells in clearance of noradrenaline in the peripheral nervous system.

Alpha2-adrenoceptors in adrenomedullary chromaffin cells: functional role and pathophysiological implications

Chromaffin cells from the adrenal medulla participate in stress responses by releasing catecholamines into the bloodstream. Main control of adrenal catecholamine secretion is exerted both neurally (by the splanchnic nerve fibers) and humorally (by corticosteroids, circulating noradrenaline, etc.). It should be noted, however, that secretory products themselves (catecholamines, ATP, opioids, ascorbic acid, chromogranins) could also influence the secretory response in an autocrine/paracrine manner. This form of control is activity-dependent and can be either inhibitory or excitatory. Among the inhibitory influences, it stands out the one mediated by α₂-adrenergic autoreceptors activated by released catecholamines. α₂-adrenoceptors are G protein-coupled receptors capable to inhibit exocytotic secretion through a direct interaction of Gβγ subunits with voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels. Interestingly, upon intense and/or prolonged stimulation, α₂-adrenergic receptors become desensitized by the intervention of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2). In several experimental models of heart failure, there has been reported the up-regulation of GRK2 and the loss of functioning of inhibitory α₂-adrenoceptors resulting in enhanced release of adrenomedullary catecholamines. Given the importance of circulating catecholamines in the pathophysiology of heart failure, the recovery of α₂-adrenergic modulation of the secretory response from chromaffin cells appears as a novel strategy for a better control of the patients with this cardiac disease.

Oxytocin in corticosterone-induced chronic stress model: Focus on adrenal gland function

Chronic stress conditions can lead to considerable and extensible changes in physiological and psychological performances, and in emergence of risk for various somatic diseases. On the other hand, the neuropeptide oxytocin is reported to increase the resistance of the organism to stress and modulate activity of autonomic nervous system. Chronic corticosterone administration is used as a rat model for a state observed in terms of chronic stress exposure, when negative feedback mechanism of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity is disrupted. In our study, we aimed to investigate whether chronic administration of oxytocin (10 IU/400μL/day for 14days, s.c.) influenced adrenal gland morphology and activity in adult male Wistar rats during long-term corticosterone administration via drinking water (100mg/L for 21days). We examined the influence of treatments on the levels of adrenal gland hormones, corticosterone, adrenaline and noradrenaline, as well as their response to an acute stress challenge evoked by 15-min forced swimming. In addition, the expression of two main monoamine transporters, the noradrenaline transporter (NAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) in adrenal medulla was measured in the rats exposed to acute stress. Our results showed that oxytocin treatment prevented corticosterone-induced decrease in body weight gain, attenuated adrenal gland atrophy by increasing glandular weight, and the area of the zona fasciculate and reticularis. Chronic corticosterone intake blunted the response of all measured hormones to acute stress, whereas concomitant oxytocin treatment reversed adrenaline and noradrenaline response to acute stress. Furthermore, in adrenal medulla, oxytocin produced significant vasodilatation and stimulated expression of both catecholamine transporters detected both on mRNA and protein level. Our data suggest that oxytocin, by reducing atrophy of adrenal gland, and by increasing catecholamine storage capacity, may be beneficial in conditions accompanied with high glucocorticoid levels, such as chronic stress exposure.

A Novel Model of Dexamethasone-Induced Hypertension: Use in Investigating the Role of Tyrosine Hydroxylase

Our objective was to study hypertension induced by chronic administration of synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), under nonstressful conditions and examine the role of catecholamine biosynthesis. To achieve this, we did the following: 1) used radiotelemetry to record mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in freely moving rats, and 2) administered different doses of DEX in drinking water. To evaluate the involvement of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting step in catecholamine biosynthesis, we treated rats with the TH inhibitor, α-methyl-para-tyrosine (α-MPT), for 3 days prior to administration of DEX and assessed TH mRNA and protein expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in the adrenal medulla. We observed a dose-dependent elevation in blood pressure with a DEX dose of 0.3 mg/kg administered for 10 days, significantly increasing MAP by +15.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg, while concomitantly reducing HR. Although this DEX treatment also significantly decreased body weight, pair-fed animals that showed similar decreases in body weight due to lowered food intake were not hypertensive, suggesting that body weight changes may not account for DEX-induced hypertension. Chronic DEX treatment significantly increased the TH mRNA and protein levels in the adrenal medulla, and α-MPT administration not only reduced DEX pressor effects, but also inhibited TH (serine(40)) phosphorylation. Our study thus validates a novel model to study hypertension induced by chronic intake of DEX in freely moving rats not subject to the confounding factors of previous models and establishes its dependence on concomitant activation of peripheral catecholamine biosynthesis.

Morphology, Biochemistry, and Pathophysiology of MENX-Related Pheochromocytoma Recapitulate the Clinical Features

Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) are tumors arising from neural crest-derived chromaffin cells. There are currently few animal models of PCC that recapitulate the key features of human tumors. Because such models may be useful for investigations of molecular pathomechanisms and development of novel therapeutic interventions, we characterized a spontaneous animal model (multiple endocrine neoplasia [MENX] rats) that develops endogenous PCCs with complete penetrance. Urine was longitudinally collected from wild-type (wt) and MENX-affected (mutant) rats and outputs of catecholamines and their O-methylated metabolites determined by mass spectrometry. Adrenal catecholamine contents, cellular ultrastructure, and expression of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, which converts norepinephrine to epinephrine, were also determined in wt and mutant rats. Blood pressure was longitudinally measured and end-organ pathology assessed. Compared with wt rats, mutant animals showed age-dependent increases in urinary outputs of norepinephrine (P = .0079) and normetanephrine (P = .0014) that correlated in time with development of tumor nodules, increases in blood pressure, and development of hypertension-related end-organ pathology. Development of tumor nodules, which lacked expression of N-methyltransferase, occurred on a background of adrenal medullary morphological and biochemical changes occurring as early as 1 month of age and involving increased adrenal medullary concentrations of dense cored vesicles, tissue contents of both norepinephrine and epinephrine, and urinary outputs of metanephrine, the metabolite of epinephrine. Taken together, MENX-affected rats share several biochemical and pathophysiological features with PCC patients. This model thus provides a suitable platform to study the pathogenesis of PCC for preclinical translational studies aimed at the development of novel therapies for aggressive forms of human tumors.

Involvement of catecholaminergic neurons in motor innervation of striated muscle in the mouse esophagus

Enteric co-innervation is a peculiar innervation pattern of striated esophageal musculature. Both anatomical and functional data on enteric co-innervation related to various transmitters have been collected in different species, although its function remains enigmatic. However, it is unclear whether catecholaminergic components are involved in such a co-innervation. Thus, we examined to identify catecholaminergic neuronal elements and clarify their relationship to other innervation components in the esophagus, using immunohistochemistry with antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), α-bungarotoxin (α-BT) and PCR with primers for amplification of cDNA encoding TH and dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH). TH-positive nerve fibers were abundant throughout the myenteric plexus and localized on about 14% of α-BT-labelled motor endplates differing from VAChT-positive vagal nerve terminals. TH-positive perikarya represented a subpopulation of only about 2.8% of all PGP 9.5-positive myenteric neurons. Analysis of mRNA showed both TH and DBH transcripts in the mouse esophagus. As ChAT-positive neurons in the compact formation of the nucleus ambiguus were negative for TH, the TH-positive nerve varicosities on motor endplates are presumably of enteric origin, although a sympathetic origin cannot be excluded. In the medulla oblongata, the cholinergic ambiguus neurons were densely supplied with TH-positive varicosities. Thus, catecholamines may modulate vagal motor innervation of esophageal-striated muscles not only at the peripheral level via enteric co-innervation but also at the central level via projections to the nucleus ambiguus. As Parkinson's disease, with a loss of central dopaminergic neurons, also affects the enteric nervous system and dysphagia is prevalent in patients with this disease, investigation of intrinsic catecholamines in the esophagus may be worthwhile to understand such a symptom.

Amphetamine activates calcium channels through dopamine transporter-mediated depolarization

Amphetamine (AMPH) and its more potent enantiomer S(+)AMPH are psychostimulants used therapeutically to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and have significant abuse liability. AMPH is a dopamine transporter (DAT) substrate that inhibits dopamine (DA) uptake and is implicated in DA release. Furthermore, AMPH activates ionic currents through DAT that modify cell excitability presumably by modulating voltage-gated channel activity. Indeed, several studies suggest that monoamine transporter-induced depolarization opens voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (CaV), which would constitute an additional AMPH mechanism of action. In this study we co-express human DAT (hDAT) with Ca(2+) channels that have decreasing sensitivity to membrane depolarization (CaV1.3, CaV1.2 or CaV2.2). Although S(+)AMPH is more potent than DA in transport-competition assays and inward-current generation, at saturating concentrations both substrates indirectly activate voltage-gated L-type Ca(2+) channels (CaV1.3 and CaV1.2) but not the N-type Ca(2+) channel (CaV2.2). Furthermore, the potency to achieve hDAT-CaV electrical coupling is dominated by the substrate affinity on hDAT, with negligible influence of L-type channel voltage sensitivity. In contrast, the maximal coupling-strength (defined as Ca(2+) signal change per unit hDAT current) is influenced by CaV voltage sensitivity, which is greater in CaV1.3- than in CaV1.2-expressing cells. Moreover, relative to DA, S(+)AMPH showed greater coupling-strength at concentrations that induced relatively small hDAT-mediated currents. Therefore S(+)AMPH is not only more potent than DA at inducing hDAT-mediated L-type Ca(2+) channel currents but is a better depolarizing agent since it produces tighter electrical coupling between hDAT-mediated depolarization and L-type Ca(2+) channel activation.

A simple and sensitive method for the demonstration of norepinephrine-storing adrenomedullary chromaffin cells

The medulla of the adrenal gland is a neuroendocrine tissue in which catecholamine-storing chromaffin cells exist. The chromaffin cells are derived from neural crest cells and distinctly differentiated into two types of cells, epinephrine (E) (adrenaline)-storing and norepinephrine (NE) (noradrenaline)-storing cells. Using histochemical or immunostaining methods, the two types of chromaffin cells have been differentially distinguished. However, difficulties and/or drawbacks of the procedures have somewhat restricted the progress of research in differential functions of E-storing and NE-storing cells. Here, we show a new method for the differential demonstration of these two cell types. We found that mouse and rat adrenomedullary cells are heterogeneously stained with Harris hematoxylin after treatment with citrate buffer at pH 6. The cell clusters stained with hematoxylin were positive for tyrosine hydroxylase, which is an enzyme involved in catecholamine biosynthesis. Furthermore, the cell clusters were negative for phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase, which is an enzyme responsible for the conversion from NE to E and expresses in E-storing chromaffin cells. Moreover, we found that the cell clusters stained with hematoxylin can also be stained with nitroblue tetrazolium at pH 11, using Hopsu and Mäkinen's method by which NE-storing chromaffin cells are stained. These observations indicate that the cytoplasm of NE-storing chromaffin cells is specifically stained with hematoxylin after treatment with citrate buffer at pH 6. This method will allow us to facilitate cell-type specific research of chromaffin cells. Indeed, this method revealed that α-synuclein selectively expresses in E-storing chromaffin cells, but not in NE-storing chromaffin cells.

Real-time monitoring of chemical transmission in slices of the murine adrenal gland

The real-time electrochemical detection of catecholamine secretion from murine adrenal slices using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) and amperometry at carbon fiber microelectrodes is described. Bright-field and immunofluorescent microscopy supported that chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla are organized into clusters and positively stain for tyrosine hydroxylase confirming that they are catecholaminergic. Spontaneous exocytotic catecholamine events were observed inside chromaffin cell clusters with both FSCV and amperometry and were modulated by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist hexamethonium and low extracellular calcium. Reintroduction of extracellular calcium and pressure ejection of acetylcholine caused the frequency of spikes to increase back to predrug levels. Electrical stimulation caused the synchronous secretion from multiple cells within the gland, which were modulated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors but not muscarinic receptors or gap junctions. Furthermore, electrically stimulated release was abolished with perfusion of low extracellular calcium or tetrodotoxin, indicating that the release requires electrical excitability. An extended waveform was used to study the spontaneous and stimulated release events to determine their chemical content by FSCV. Consistent with total content analysis and immunohistochemical studies, about two thirds of the cells studied spontaneously secreted epinephrine, whereas one third secreted norepinephrine. Whereas adrenergic sites contained mostly epinephrine during electrical stimulation, noradrenergic sites contained a mixture of the catecholamines showing the heterogeneity of the adrenal medulla.

Functional gene variation in the human norepinephrine transporter: association with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

The norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET) is responsible for the re-uptake of NE into presynaptic nerve terminals, thus critically regulating noradrenergic signaling and homeostasis. Since NE signaling contributes to diverse brain functions, we hypothesize that promoter variation within the human NET gene (solute carrier family 6, member 2; SLC6A2) may impact risk for NE-related disorders, including depression, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), and autonomic dysfunction. In support of this, we recently found a functional polymorphism at -3081 position upstream of the transcription initiation site. This polymorphism displayed differential promoter function, which we showed could arise from recruitment of a transcriptional repressor. Further analyses identified Slug and Scratch as candidates involved in repression of SLC6A2 transcription generated by the -3081(T) allele. Moreover, we observed a significant association of the -3081(T) variant with ADHD. Altered transcription of SLC6A2 may therefore represent a novel risk factor for the development of ADHD.

Adrenal adrenaline- and noradrenaline-containing cells and celiac sympathetic ganglia are differentially controlled by centrally administered corticotropin-releasing factor and arginine-vasopressin in rats

The adrenal glands and sympathetic celiac ganglia are innervated mainly by the greater splanchnic nerves, which contain preganglionic sympathetic nerves that originated from the thoracic spinal cord. The adrenal medulla has two separate populations of chromaffin cells, adrenaline-containing cells (A-cells) and noradrenaline-containing cells (NA-cells), which have been shown to be differentially innervated by separate groups of the preganglionic sympathetic neurons. The present study was designed to characterize the centrally activating mechanisms of the adrenal A-cells, NA-cells and celiac sympathetic ganglia with expression of cFos (a marker for neural excitation), in regard to the brain prostanoids, in anesthetized rats. Intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) induced cFos expression in the adrenal A-cells, but not NA-cells, and celiac ganglia. On the other hand, i.c.v. administered arginine-vasopressin (AVP) resulted in cFos induction in both A-cells and NA-cells in the adrenal medulla, but not in the celiac ganglia. Intracerebroventricular pretreatment with indomethacin (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase) abolished the CRF- and AVP-induced cFos expression in all regions described above. On the other hand, intracerebroventricular pretreatment with furegrelate (an inhibitor of thromboxane A2 synthase) abolished the CRF-induced cFos expression in the adrenal A-cells, but not in the celiac ganglia, and also abolished the AVP-induced cFos expression in both A-cells and NA-cells in the adrenal medulla. These results suggest that centrally administered CRF activates adrenal A-cells and celiac sympathetic ganglia by brain thromboxane A2-mediated and other prostanoid than thromboxane A2 (probably prostaglandin E2)-mediated mechanisms, respectively. On the other hand, centrally administered AVP activates adrenal A-cells and NA-cells by brain thromboxane A2-mediated mechanisms in rats.

The norepinephrine transporter and pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors of chromaffin cell origin that synthesize and secrete excess quantities of catecholamines and other vasoactive peptides. Pheochromocytomas also express the norepinephrine transporter (NET), a molecule that is used clinically as a means of incorporating radiolabelled substrates such as 131I-MIBG (iodo-metaiodobenzylguanidine) into pheochromocytoma tumor cells. This allows the diagnostic localization of these tumors and, more recently, 131I-MIBG has been used in trials in the treatment of pheochromocytoma, potentially giving rise to NET as a therapeutic target. However, because of varying levels or activities of the transporter, the ability of 131I-MIBG to be consistently incorporated into tumor cells is limited, and therefore various strategies to increase NET functional activity are being investigated, including the use of traditional chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin or doxorubicin. Other aspects of NET discussed in this short review include the regulation of the transporter and how novel protein-protein interactions between NET and structures such as syntaxin 1A may hold the key to innovative ways to increase the therapeutic value of 131I-MIBG.

Phospholipase C isozymes are differentially distributed in the rat adrenal medulla

Immunohistochemistry has been used to examine the distribution of selected phospholipase C (PLC) isozymes within the adrenal medulla of the rat. PLCbeta isozymes were expressed at moderate levels in the chromaffin cells but more strongly in association with ganglion cell clusters. PLCbeta2 and PLCbeta3 staining of clusters did not overlap suggesting selective PLC isozyme expression in two distinct ganglionic types. The distribution of PLCbeta4 immunoreactivity was very similar to PLCbeta3 with the strongest staining observed in the same cell clusters. Antibodies to PLCbeta1 labelled multiple bands on Western blots and were not therefore used for immunohistochemistry. The chromaffin cells were also immunoreactive for PLCgamma1, although the strongest staining with this antibody was seen in cells surrounding large sinus vessels. PLCdelta1 and PLCdelta2 had quite distinct distributions, with the former selectively localized to an endothelial cell population surrounding the chromaffin cells. This observation was supported by experiments on isolated bovine adrenal medullary cells where PLCdelta1 expression was lost when the cell preparation was enriched for chromaffin cells. Antibodies to PLCdelta2 labelled a network of nerve fibres throughout the medulla and clusters of ganglion cells located primarily at the medullary-cortical boundary. PLCdelta2 immunoreactivity was also present in nerve fibres within the adrenal capsule where it appeared to be co-localized with PLCbeta4 staining.

Comparative studies of PC12 and mouse pheochromocytoma-derived rodent cell lines as models for the study of neuroendocrine systems

We have compared PC12 cell lines derived from different laboratories and the newly developed mouse pheochromocytoma (MPC) cell line. Morphologically, there were distinct differences in size, shape, adherence, and clumping behavior, which varied in response to different culture media, growth substrates, and nerve growth factor. Quantitative messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) analysis showed significant variability in the expression of the catecholaminergic biosynthetic enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), the noradrenaline transporter (NAT), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) between all lines examined. Of most significance were the increased levels of PNMT mRNA in the MPC cells, which were to 15-fold greater than in the PC12 cell lines grown under the same conditions in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium (P < or = 0.05). Growth of MPC cells in Roswell Park Memorial Institute media induced a further significant increase in PNMT gene expression (P < or = 0.05). Immunohistochemistry for TH, PNMT, and NAT was generally consistent with mRNA analysis, with the MPC cells demonstrating strong immunoreactivity for PNMT. The MPC cells showed the highest levels of desipramine-sensitive [(3)H] noradrenaline uptake activity (threefold > than PC12 American Type Culture Center line, P < or = 0.05), despite relatively low levels of NAT mRNA. These results indicate that PC12 cell lines should be carefully chosen for optimal utility in the study of chromaffin cell or sympathetic neuron biology and that cell features will be influenced by type of media and substrate chosen. Furthermore, they confirm that the new MPC cell line is likely a useful model for the study of adrenergic mechanisms or studies involving NAT.

Different expression of catecholamine transporters in phaeochromocytomas from patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2

OBJECTIVE

Phaeochromocytomas in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) produce adrenaline, whereas those with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome do not. This study assessed whether these distinctions relate to differences in expression of the transporters responsible for uptake and storage of catecholamines - the noradrenaline transporter and the vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT 1 and VMAT 2).

METHODS

Tumour tissue and plasma samples were obtained from 31 patients with hereditary phaeochromocytoma - 18 with VHL syndrome and 13 with MEN 2. We used quantitative PCR, Western blotting, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and measurements of plasma and tumour catecholamines to assess differences in expression of the transporters in noradrenaline-producing vs adrenaline-producing hereditary tumours. These differences were compared with those in a further group of 26 patients with non-syndromic phaeochromocytoma.

RESULTS

Adrenaline-producing phaeochromocytomas in MEN 2 patients expressed more noradrenaline transporter mRNA and protein than noradrenaline-producing tumours in VHL patients. In contrast, there was greater expression of VMAT 1 in VHL than MEN 2 tumours, while expression of VMAT 2 did not differ significantly. These differences were associated with larger numbers of storage vesicles and higher tissue contents of catecholamines in MEN 2 than in VHL tumours. Differences in expression of the noradrenaline transporter were weaker, and those of VMAT 1 and VMAT 2 stronger, in noradrenaline and adrenaline-producing non-syndromic than in hereditary tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings show that, in addition to differences in catecholamine biosynthesis, phaeochromocytomas in MEN 2 and VHL syndrome also differ in expression of the transporters responsible for uptake and vesicular storage of catecholamines.

Age-associated changes in mRNA levels of Phox2, norepinephrine transporter and dopamine beta-hydroxylase in the locus coeruleus and adrenal glands of rats

Age-related changes in the gene expression of the transcription factors, Phox2a and 2b, and two marker proteins, norepinephrine transporter (NET) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), of noradrenergic neurons were characterized in the locus coeruleus (LC) and adrenal glands using in situ hybridization. Analysis of changes was performed in rats that were 1-23 months of age. Compared to 1-month-old rats, there was a 62% increase of Phox2a messenger RNA (mRNA) in the LC of 3-month-old rats, and a decline of 37% in 23-month-old rats. In contrast, levels of Phox2b mRNA in the LC remained unchanged in 3-month-old rats, but declined to a 30% reduction in 23-month-old rats. Interestingly, mRNA levels of NET in the LC decreased with increasing age to a reduction of 29%, 30% and 43% in 3-, 8- and 23-month-old rats, respectively. Similarly, DBH mRNA in the LC declined with increasing age to a 56% reduction in 23-month-old rats. mRNA levels of Phox2a, Phox2b, NET and DBH in the adrenal medulla of 23-month-old rats were significantly lower than those of 1-month-old rats. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription assays of the same genes yielded data similar to in situ hybridization experiments, with beta-actin mRNA levels being unchanged across the ages. Taken together, these data reveal that reduced Phox2 mRNAs in the LC and adrenal medulla of aging rats are accompanied by a coincidental decline in mRNA levels of NET and DBH and suggest a possible relationship between Phox2 genes and the marker genes in noradrenergic neurons after birth.

Expression of the noradrenaline transporter and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase in normal human adrenal gland and phaeochromocytoma

Expression of the noradrenaline transporter (NAT) was examined in normal human adrenal medulla and phaeochromocytoma by using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. The enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) were used as catecholamine biosynthetic markers and chromogranin A (CGA) as a marker for secretory granules. Catecholamine content was measured by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In normal human adrenal medulla (n=5), all chromaffin cells demonstrated strong TH, PNMT and NAT immunoreactivity. NAT was co-localized with PNMT and was located within the cytoplasm with a punctate appearance. Human phaeochromocytomas demonstrated strong TH expression (n=20 samples tested) but variable NAT and PNMT expression (n=24). NAT immunoreactivity ranged from absent (n=3) to weak (n=10) and strong (n=11) and, in some cases, occupied an apparent nuclear location. Unlike the expression seen in normal human adrenal medullary tissue, NAT expression was not consistently co-localized with PNMT. PNMT also showed highly variable expression that was poorly correlated with tumour adrenaline content. Immunoreactivity for CGA was colocalized with NAT within the cytoplasm of normal human chromaffin cells (n=4). This co-localization was not consistent in phaeochromocytoma tumour cells (n=7). The altered pattern of expression for both NAT and PNMT in phaeochromocytoma indicates a significant disruption in the regulation and possibly in the function of these proteins in adrenal medullary tumours.

Organic cation transporters

Over the last 15 years, a number of transporters that translocate organic cations were characterized functionally and also identified on the molecular level. Organic cations include endogenous compounds such as monoamine neurotransmitters, choline, and coenzymes, but also numerous drugs and xenobiotics. Some of the cloned organic cation transporters accept one main substrate or structurally similar compounds (oligospecific transporters), while others translocate a variety of structurally diverse organic cations (polyspecific transporters). This review provides a survey of cloned organic cation transporters and tentative models that illustrate how different types of organic cation transporters, expressed at specific subcellular sites in hepatocytes and renal proximal tubular cells, are assembled into an integrated functional framework. We briefly describe oligospecific Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent monoamine neurotransmitter transporters ( SLC6-family), high-affinity choline transporters ( SLC5-family), and high-affinity thiamine transporters ( SLC19-family), as well as polyspecific transporters that translocate some organic cations next to their preferred, noncationic substrates. The polyspecific cation transporters of the SLC22 family including the subtypes OCT1-3 and OCTN1-2 are presented in detail, covering the current knowledge about distribution, substrate specificity, and recent data on their electrical properties and regulation. Moreover, we discuss artificial and spontaneous mutations of transporters of the SLC22 family that provide novel insight as to the function of specific protein domains. Finally, we discuss the clinical potential of the increasing knowledge about polymorphisms and mutations in polyspecific organic cation transporters.

Cell surface trafficking of the antidepressant-sensitive norepinephrine transporter revealed with an ectodomain antibody

The antidepressant-sensitive L-norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET;SLC6A2) is a critical determinant of neurotransmitter inactivation following NE release at synapses. Although regulated trafficking of NET has been documented in transfected cells, a lack of reagents suitable for reporting native NET surface exposition has limited validation of this concept in neurons. In the current report, we document the utility of a novel antibody (43408) directed at conserved sequences in the NET second extracellular loop. Using human NET (hNET) stably transfected cells, we document loss of NET surface expression following acute (30 min) phorbol ester treatments. In superior cervical ganglion (SCG) cultures, NET surface expression is prominent on varicosities defined by FM1-43 labeling of living neurons or synaptophysin labeling of fixed preparations. Moreover, NET surface density can be rapidly augmented by brief depolarization (5 min, 40 mM K(+)). Similarly, in brainstem cultures, we demonstrate an increase in NET surface labeling following either depolarization or angiotensin II stimulation. These findings provide the first evidence for regulated trafficking of NET in neurons and support the suggestion that activity-dependent NET trafficking may provide additional modulatory capacity for noradrenergic signaling.

Effects of vasopressin on isolated rat adrenal chromaffin cells

It has been demonstrated that arginine vasopressin (AVP) is synthesized not only in specific hypothalamic nuclei, but also in the adrenal medulla where it is thought to regulate adrenal functions by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. In order to further characterise the effects of AVP on rat adrenal chromaffin cells, we examined: (a) the mRNA expression for V(1a) and V(1b) AVP receptors in these cells; (b) the effects of AVP on the membrane potential and membrane currents measured with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique; and (c) effect of AVP on catecholamine release from single adrenal chromaffin cells measured with carbon fibre microelectrodes. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on tissue punch samples obtained from the adrenal medulla demonstrated message for both the V(1a) and V(1b) receptors, while material obtained from the adrenal cortex showed expression of the V(1a) receptor only. Single-cell RT-PCR conducted on acutely isolated chromaffin cells showed message for the V(1a) receptor in 84% of cells, while 38% of cells also contained message for the V(1b) receptor (n=45). Under current-clamp recording, responses to AVP application (4-40 microM) were variable; 22/34 (65%) tested cells were depolarised, 29% hyperpolarised, and the remaining cells showed a biphasic response. Changes in membrane potential of either direction were dose-dependent and accompanied by a decrease in cell membrane resistance. Under voltage-clamp (V(hold)=-60 mV), AVP evoked inward current in 27/52 (52%) and outward current in 16/52 (31%) chromaffin cells. Both types of AVP-evoked responses were blocked by co-application of a nonselective V(1a)/V(1b) antagonist. Application of AVP evoked prolonged bursts of amperometric currents (indicative of catecholamine release) in 4/9 tested cells, but reduced the currents evoked by ACh application in all tested cells (n=7). These findings demonstrate a complex action of AVP on adrenal chromaffin cells, with individual adrenal chromaffin cells responding with either excitation or inhibition. This response pattern may be related to the expression of V(1) receptor subtypes.

A proximal promoter domain containing a homeodomain-binding core motif interacts with multiple transcription factors, including HoxA5 and Phox2 proteins, and critically regulates cell type-specific transcription of the human norepinephrine transporter gene

Expression of the norepinephrine transporter (NET), which mediates the reuptake of norepinephrine into presynaptic nerve terminals, is restricted to noradrenergic (NA) neurons. We have demonstrated previously that the 9.0 kb upstream sequences and the first intron residing in the 5' untranslated area are critical for high-level and NA cell-specific transcription. Here, using transient transfection assays, we show that 4.0 kb of the 5' upstream sequences contains sufficient genetic information to drive reporter gene expression in an NA cell type-specific manner. Three functional domains appear to be potentially important for the regulation of human NET (hNET) gene transcription: an upstream enhancer region at -4.0 to -3.1 kb, a proximal domain at -133 to -75 bp, and a middle silencer region between these two domains. DNase I footprinting analysis of the proximal promoter region shows that a subdomain at -128 to -80 bp is protected in a cell-specific manner. We provide evidence that multiple protein factors interact with the proximal promoter domain to critically regulate the transcriptional activity of the hNET gene. In the middle of this proximal subdomain resides a homeodomain (HD)-binding core motif, which interacts with HD factors, including Phox2a and HoxA5, in an NA-specific manner. Cotransfection analyses suggest that HoxA5 and Phox2a may transactivate the hNET gene promoter. Together with previous studies indicating direct activation of dopamine beta-hydroxylase transcription by Phox2a/2b, the present results support a model whereby Phox2 proteins may coordinately regulate the phenotypic specification of NA neurons by activating both NA biosynthetic and reuptake genes.