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pubmed:abstractText |
The stimulation of the zona glomerulosa phenotype by a low sodium diet is characterised by increased expression of aldosterone synthase accompanied by increases in (pro)renin, bFGF, c-fos and c-jun gene transcription. In contrast ACTH diminishes the specific glomerulosa phenotype. The EGF related transmembrane protein preadipocyte factor 1 (Pref-1) is specifically found in the zona glomerulosa and medulla of the adult rat adrenal as well as being expressed in fetal tissue. In addition the orphan nuclear receptor SF-1/Ad4bp considered to be an important factor in fetal adrenocortical development and differentiation may also have a role in zonal differentiation in the adult. To investigate their roles, adrenals were taken from adult Wistar rats maintained on a low sodium diet or ACTH treated (enhancing or diminishing zona glomerulosa function respectively) and compared with untreated controls. Localisation of Pref-1 was carried out by immunocytochemistry using the polyclonal antibody ZOG (anti Pref-1) and of SF-1 using a rabbit antiserum to SF-1. The experimental treatment resulted in a decrease and increase in Pref-1 expression in ACTH treated and low sodium diet treated rats respectively, in accordance with changes in abundance of glomerulosa cells. SF-1 expression was expected throughout the adrenal cortex, without zonal differentiation, though somewhat decreased by ACTH treatment. Of these two factors, only Pref-1 can be considered to have a role in zonal differentiation.
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