The Role of Gap Junctions Expression in Adrenal Function

9808428-肾上腺细胞间的缝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。默里博士将检验这样一种假设，即相邻肾上腺细胞之间的缝隙连接参与肾上腺功能，并且缝隙连接的表达取决于肾上腺的功能状态。小鼠将接受已知影响肾上腺细胞增殖、类固醇生成和形态的化合物和/或程序治疗。具体地说，将在体内研究促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)、地塞米松、低钠饮食、垂体切除和肾上腺再生对缝隙连接的影响(目标1)。这些治疗组的肾上腺将被收集用于进一步的细胞培养研究(目标2)。转基因(缺失Cx43缝隙连接蛋白)小鼠肾上腺将被移植到成年小鼠体内。在有或没有缝隙连接的肾上腺移植中，将测量肾上腺的存活、生长、类固醇合成和细胞增殖(目标3)。所描述的方案有望增加我们对缝隙连接在激素反应中的作用的了解。这些信息不仅对我们理解肾上腺中的激素反应至关重要，而且对器官发育、分化和生长的一般理解也是至关重要的。

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.