INNERVATION OF THE ADRENAL-CORTEX, ITS PHYSIOLOGICAL RELEVANCE, WITH PRIMARY FOCUS ON THE NORADRENERGIC TRANSMISSION

The current knowledge of the catecholaminergic innervation of the mamm alian adrenal cortex is summarized, and macro- and microscopic neuromo rphology including the central nervous system connections of the adren al cortex, is briefly discussed, Morphological and functional data on the catecholaminergic (i.e., noradrenergic) innervation of the adrenal cortex are reviewed. Experimental data suggest that in addition to th e regulation of adrenal blood flow, the noradrenergic innervation has a primary influence on zona glomerulosa cells possibly via beta(1) adr energic and dopaminergic receptors (DA(2) subtype via inhibiting T-typ e Ca2+ channels). It is concluded that the local, modulatory effect of noradrenergic nerve fibres, terminating in the close vicinity of the zona glomerulosa cells, on the systemic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and other peptide cascade may be influenced by neuropeptides, particul arly neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal peptide. (C) 1997 Wiley- Liss, Inc.