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Horm Metab Res 1999; 31(6): 367-369
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-978756
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Bilateral Splanchnic-Nerve Section and Chemical Sympathectomy on PACAP38 Content in the Rat Adrenals

W. J. Ginda1 , G. G. Nussdorfer2 , L. K. Malendowicz1
  • 1Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Poznan, Poland
  • 2Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology (Section of Anatomy), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Publication History

1998

1999

Publication Date:
20 April 2007 (online)

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Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a basic 38-amino acid regulatory peptide contained in the adrenal gland and involved in the control of its secretory activity. Bilateral splanchnic-nerve section caused in the rat a significant decrease in PACAP38 adrenal content and concentration, as measured by RIA. In contrast, chemical sympathectomy, obtained by administering newborn rats with 6-hydroxydopamine, was ineffective. Our findings support the view that splanchnic nerves play an important role in the control of rat adrenal function.

Key words

PACAP - Adrenal Gland - Splanchnotomy - Sympathectomy - Rat