Influence of oxytocin on the steroidogenic activity of rat adrenal cortex
Petrova-Souvandjieva, E.I.
Folia Medica 46(2): 47-50
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0204-8043 PMID: 15506551 Document Number: 580204
The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the morphology and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity of the cells of the rat adrenal cortex after single and long-term in vivo treatment with oxytocin. Sexually mature male Wistar rats (n = 12) divided into three groups were used in the study. Group 1 were rats that received a single treatment with oxytocin (0.25 IU/100g wet weight, subcutaneously); group 2 included rats that were treated with oxytocin (0.25 IU/100 g wet weight, subcutaneously) for a period of 10 days; and group 3 were the control animals treated with saline solution. The activity of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, mainly from the adrenal cortex, was examined on fresh cryostat sections (6 mm). Single treatment with oxytocin increased the enzyme activity of the adrenal cortex cells, especially in the cells of zona gromerulosa and zona fasciculata, while in long-term treatment inhibition of the enzyme activity was present. The results obtained demonstrate the changes induced in the enzyme activity of the adrenocorticocytes after treatment with oxytocin and suggest the role of this neuropeptide in the local regulation of the adrenal function.