angiotensin-iii and Pheochromocytoma

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Function Tests; Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Aldosterone; Angiotensin III; Cushing Syndrome; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Hyperaldosteronism; Hypertension; Mixed Function Oxygenases; Pheochromocytoma; Pituitary-Adrenal Function Tests; Renin

Cultured rat pheochromocytoma cells, PC-12, were found to contain renin-like activity. The activity which was inhibited by monospecific antibodies to rat renal renin showed a pH optimum between 6 and 7, indicating that it was a specific renin. The cells also contained angiotensin I and angiotensin I converting enzyme. Angiotensin II/III were also detected in lysate. These findings indicated an intrinsic pathway of angiotensin formation in pheochromocytoma. The formation of angiotensins in pheochromocytoma cells suggests modulating functions of angiotensin on neurotransmitter release from adrenal medulla.

Topics: Adrenal Medulla; Angiotensin I; Angiotensin II; Angiotensin III; Angiotensins; Animals; Cell Line; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Pheochromocytoma; Rats; Renin