Expression of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF; FGF-1) in rat adrenal
gland was investigated using a reverse transcription polymerase chain react
ion (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. FGF-1 mRNA was detected in the adren
al medulla but not in the adrenal cortex. Analysis of the PCR product indic
ated that the sequence was identical to that of FGF-1 in the midbrain. FGF-
1 immunoreactivity was detected in the adrenal medulla. Double immunostaini
ng revealed that FGF-1 colocalized with ethanolamine-N-methyltransferase-,
an enzyme of adrenaline synthesis, immunoreactive adrenergic cells. These r
esults indicate that FGF-1 is expressed by adrenergic cells in the adrenal
medulla.