Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a widely distributed member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily and a potent neurotrophic molecule for several neuron populations in the peripheral and central nervous system. We show here that adrenal medullary chromaffin cells synthesize GDNF mRNA and contain immunoreactive GDNF protein. GDNF immunoreactivity can be found as early as embryonic day 16 in chromaffin progenitor cells of the rat adrenal gland and becomes more prominent with age. Most of the chromaffin cells within the adult rat adrenal medulla are GDNF immunoreactive, including both the noradrenergic and adrenergic subpopulations. The functions of adrenal medullary GDNF are still enigmatic but may include both auto/paracrine roles and retrograde trophic support of preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord or of sensory neurons that innervate chromaffin cells.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adrenal Medulla / chemistry
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Adrenal Medulla / cytology
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Age Factors
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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Antibody Specificity
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Blotting, Western
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Cattle
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Chromaffin Cells / chemistry
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Chromaffin Cells / physiology*
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Epinephrine / physiology
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology
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Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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Immunohistochemistry
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Male
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Nerve Growth Factors / genetics
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Nerve Growth Factors / immunology
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / immunology
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Neuroprotective Agents / immunology
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Neuroprotective Agents / metabolism*
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Norepinephrine / physiology
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Polymerase Chain Reaction
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar
Substances
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Gdnf protein, rat
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Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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Nerve Growth Factors
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Neuroprotective Agents
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RNA, Messenger
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Norepinephrine
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Epinephrine