The Role of Gap Junctions Expression in Adrenal Function

肾上腺细胞间的间隙连接可能为参与肾上腺功能的调节分子的运动提供通道。Murray博士将验证相邻肾上腺细胞之间的间隙连接参与肾上腺功能的假设，并且间隙连接的表达依赖于肾上腺的功能状态。小鼠将使用已知影响肾上腺细胞增殖、类固醇生成和形态的化合物和/或程序进行治疗。具体而言，将在体内研究促肾上腺皮质激素（ACTH）、地塞米松、低钠饮食、垂体切除术和肾上腺再生对间隙连接的影响（目的1）。每个治疗组的肾上腺将被收集用于细胞培养的进一步研究（目的2）。将转基因（缺乏Cx43间隙连接蛋白）小鼠肾上腺移植到成年小鼠体内。在有间隙连接或缺乏间隙连接的肾上腺移植中，将测量肾上腺活力、生长、甾体生成和细胞增殖（目的3）。所描述的协议有望增加我们对间隙连接在激素反应中的作用的认识。这些信息不仅对我们了解肾上腺的激素反应，而且对我们了解器官的发育、分化和生长都至关重要。

9808428 Murray Gap junctions between adrenal gland cells may provide a passageway for movement of regulatory molecules involved in adrenal function. Dr. Murray will test the hypothesis that gap junctions between adjacent adrenal cells participate in adrenal gland function and that gap junction expression is dependent on the functional state of the adrenal gland. Mice will be treated with compounds and/or procedures known to influence adrenal cell proliferation, steroidogenesis and morphology. Specifically, the effect of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), dexamethasone, low sodium diet, hypophysectomy and adrenal regeneration on gap junctions will be studied in vivo (Objective 1). Adrenal glands from each of these treatment groups will be harvested for further study in cell culture (Objective 2). Transgeneic (lack Cx43 gap junction protein) mouse adrenal glands will e transplanted into adult mice. Adrenal gland viability, growth, steroidogenesis and cell proliferation will be measured in the adrenal transplants which either have or lack gap junctions (Objective 3). The protocols described are expected to increase our knowledge of the role of gap junctions in hormone responses. This information is critical to our understanding not only of hormone response in the adrenal gland but also to a general understanding of organ development, differentiation, and growth.