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Neuropeptide FF in the Rat Adrenal Gland: Presence, Distribution and Pharmacological Effects
Author(s) -
Labrouche Sylvie,
Laulin JeanPaul,
Le Moal Michel,
Tramu Gérard,
Simonnet Guy
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of neuroendocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.062
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1365-2826
pISSN - 0953-8194
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2826.1998.00241.x
Subject(s) - medicine , endocrinology , adrenal medulla , adrenal cortex , adrenal gland , chemistry , aldosterone , biology , catecholamine
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF, FLFQPQRFamide) is an FMRFamide‐like octapeptide exhibiting antiopiate activity. The presence of both NPFF‐immunoreactivity (NPFF‐IR) and NPFF‐specific receptors has been described in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). The peripheral effects of NPFF indicate that NPFF‐IR material is present outside the CNS. Biochemical and immunohistochemical methods enabled us to determine the presence and distribution of NPFF‐IR in the rat adrenal gland. The amount of NPFF‐IR material in whole gland was estimated by radioimmunoassay to be 19.00±4.00 fmol/gland. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of adrenal extracts revealed a single molecular form which coeluted with authentic NPFF. Demedullation decreased adrenal NPFF‐IR content, indicating that NPFF‐IR was present in both cortex and medulla. Light microscopy revealed NPFF‐IR in beaded fibers confined in the outer part of the cortex and in medullary cells. Double‐labeling with antityrosine‐hydroxylase and anti‐NPFF antibodies showed NPFF‐IR in cortical catecholaminergic postganglionic fibers restricted to the subcapsular and glomerulosa zonae. NPFF‐IR was also located in medullary chromaffin cells and in rays and islets of chromaffin cells dispersed throughout the cortex. Insulin‐induced hypoglycemia did not alter NPFF‐IR content. Denervation lowered adrenal NPFF‐IR content. These data indicate that this peptide is present in nerve fibers of extrinsic origin. In vitro approaches using adrenal slices have shown that NPFF inhibited aldosterone release in a dose‐dependent manner. Taken together, these data suggest that NPFF may participate in the control of aldosterone production and adrenal blood supply.