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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #94621
Title: HORMONAL AND GENOTYPIC REGULATION OF ADRENAL GLAND DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION

Author
item WELSH, T - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item Carroll, Jeffery - Jeff Carroll
item CARSTENS, G - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item KEMPER GREEN, C - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item LAURENZ, J - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item LAWHORN, D - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item LIVINGSTON, K - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item CHITKO MCKOWN, C - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item MODIANO, J - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item RANDEL, R - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/19/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Protecting or enhancing animal health and well-being is economically, ethically and biologically relevant. Neuroimmunoendocrinologic control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis (HPA) is vital as its hormonal products affect the reproductive, growth and immune systems. The coupling of in vivo animal models, in vitro systems and molecular markers of adrenocortical functionality will increase the knowledge-base regarding: 1)ontogeny of adrenocortical function; 2)crosstalk between components of the endocrine and immune system; and 3)genotypic control of these processes. We find that plasma ACTH, adrenal gland weight, adrenocortical area and plasma cortisol are greater in Angus relative to Brahman cattle. These differences in the postnatal HPA appear to be manifested prenatally. We are also assessing adrenocortical content of: 1)ACTH receptors; 2) steroidogenically important proteins (steroid acute regulatory protein, StAR; cholesterol side chain cleavage P450, and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta-HSD); and 3) specific cytokines and their receptors. We will continue to use in vivo and in vitro models to study these possible interactions (primarily in cattle and swine) to acquire fundamental information for development of biotechnologies to avoid stress and disease related losses in the livestock industry. In this molecular age, detailed information regarding the genetic mechanisms whereby particular stress related hormones inhibit synthesis, secretion or action of reproductive-, growth- or immuno-related hormones will be acquired at a rapid rate. The imminent challenge may not be to acquire new mechanistic information but rather the challenge will be the more astute use of the information to ameliorate if not prevent adverse consequences of stress.