SYNTHESIS AND RELEASE OF THE BETA-AMYLOID PRECURSOR PROTEIN BY BOVINECHROMAFFIN CELLS

Production of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) by bovine a drenal chromaffin cells was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by immunoblot. Chromaffin cells were found to synthesize for ms of betaAPP similar to those found in the rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cell line and to secrete these constitutively into their culture mediu m. Release of betaAPP could be enhanced by stimulation with phorbol es ter but not by cholinergic stimulation of secretion. The fact that nor mal chromaffin cells produce betaAPP suggests that betaAPP has some (a s yet undetermined) function in the adrenal medulla in vivo.