Characterization of a new model of reduced adrenal hormones

• Published in: The FASEB journal 2007, Vol.21 (6), p.A1251-A1251
• Main Authors: Lindberg, Marnie Anne, Knoblich, Penny R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0892-6638; 1530-6860
• DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.A1251-c

Previous rat models for the study of adrenal cortical hormones either completely remove the adrenal glands or use somewhat nonspecific receptor antagonists. This laboratory has created a new model of reduced adrenal hormones by performing a unilateral adrenalectomy and freezing the outer layer of the remaining gland. The current study aimed to characterize the model’s response to physiological stimulators. Methods: Male Wistar Kyoto rats underwent a sham surgery, or a right adrenalectomy and freezing of the outer layer of the left gland. Eight weeks later the rats either underwent an acute procedure (infusion of saline or angiotensin II), or were decapitated. Results: Aldosterone (ng/dL) was lower in the frozen rats than sham for both the stressed (saline infused) (13.9±3.9 vs. 47.0±5.7) and unstressed rats (decapitated) (1.5±0.5 vs. 4.2±1.0). Corticosterone (ng/mL) was lower in the frozen stressed rats (154.1±22.6 vs. 445.4±80.7), but was not different in the unstressed rats. Surgical stress increased both hormones above unstressed levels in both groups, but angiotensin II infusion did not further increase aldosterone levels. Conclusion: Aldosterone, but not corticosterone, was reduced in the unstressed rats by the freezing procedure. The cryo‐treated adrenal gland responds to physiological stimulators, but at lower levels than sham rats. Supported by the MSU Department of Biological Sciences.