A Surgically Induced Low Aldosterone Model
Location
CSU 253/254/255
Start Date
13-4-2004 12:45 PM
End Date
13-4-2004 2:45 PM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Penny Knoblich
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
The three layers of the adrenal cortex each produce a single hormone, which are, from the outer layer inward, aldosterone, corticosterone, and androgens. Corticosterone is important in maintaining a normal immune system, blood glucose, and function of multiple tissues. Aldosterone has been shown to play a role in hypertension (high blood pressure) by increasing the retention of sodium. The role of aldosterone in hypertension has been previously studied using receptor blocking agents, or via complete adrenalectomy (removal of both adrenal glands). Receptor blocking agents produced impaired fetal development in rats. Complete adrenalectomy removes all adrenal hormones, and often results in death. Replacement via infusion pump of corticosterone fails to adapt corticosterone secretion to the body's needs. We are attempting to develop a surgically induced low aldosterone model for the study of hypertension, that preserves the function of the lower adrenal layers. Methods: Wistar Koyoto rat (WKY) males (4-8 weeks of age) were randomly subjected to either a sham (incisions were made and closed) or experimental surgery, in which the right adrenal gland was completely removed, and the outermost layer of the left adrenal cortex was destroyed by freezing. Following recovery from surgery, blood was drawn at 2,4, and 8 weeks post surgery. Plasma levels of corticosterone were assayed using an enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA), and aldosterone will be determined using a radioimmunoassay. We predict that there will be a conservation of corticosterone secretion, but that aldosterone levels will be very low.
A Surgically Induced Low Aldosterone Model
CSU 253/254/255
The three layers of the adrenal cortex each produce a single hormone, which are, from the outer layer inward, aldosterone, corticosterone, and androgens. Corticosterone is important in maintaining a normal immune system, blood glucose, and function of multiple tissues. Aldosterone has been shown to play a role in hypertension (high blood pressure) by increasing the retention of sodium. The role of aldosterone in hypertension has been previously studied using receptor blocking agents, or via complete adrenalectomy (removal of both adrenal glands). Receptor blocking agents produced impaired fetal development in rats. Complete adrenalectomy removes all adrenal hormones, and often results in death. Replacement via infusion pump of corticosterone fails to adapt corticosterone secretion to the body's needs. We are attempting to develop a surgically induced low aldosterone model for the study of hypertension, that preserves the function of the lower adrenal layers. Methods: Wistar Koyoto rat (WKY) males (4-8 weeks of age) were randomly subjected to either a sham (incisions were made and closed) or experimental surgery, in which the right adrenal gland was completely removed, and the outermost layer of the left adrenal cortex was destroyed by freezing. Following recovery from surgery, blood was drawn at 2,4, and 8 weeks post surgery. Plasma levels of corticosterone were assayed using an enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA), and aldosterone will be determined using a radioimmunoassay. We predict that there will be a conservation of corticosterone secretion, but that aldosterone levels will be very low.
