Demonstration of acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) in rat adrenal gland

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.