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Effect of ACTH on mitochondrial RNA synthesis of rat adrenocortical cells

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Summary

The incorporation of 3H-thymidine and 3H-uridine into adrenocortical cells of intact and ACTH-treated rats was investigated by high-resolution autoradiography. The quantitative analysis of autoradiographs shows no effect of ACTH on the incorporation of 3H-thymidine, at least in our experimental conditions. On the contrary, ACTH was found to enhance the incorporation of 3H-uridine into both adrenocortical nuclei and mitochondria. These findings are discussed in relation to numerous biochemical and morphological data, indicating that ACTH stimulates the synthesis of enzymes and structural proteins of adrenocortical cells.

It is suggested that the mechanism of action of ACTH on adrenal cortex, consists in an integrated stimulation of both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA-dependent RNA synthesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy of the University of Padua, Italia

    Gastone Giovanni Nussdorfer & Giuseppina Mazzochi

  2. Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Italia

    Gastone Giovanni Nussdorfer & Giuseppina Mazzochi

  3. Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale, Via A. Gabelli, 37, 35100, Padova, Italia

    Gastone Giovanni Nussdorfer

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  1. Gastone Giovanni Nussdorfer
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The authors wish to express their sincere appreciation to Mrs. L. Rebonato and Mr. G. Gottardo for skilled technical assistance.

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Nussdorfer, G.G., Mazzochi, G. Effect of ACTH on mitochondrial RNA synthesis of rat adrenocortical cells. Z. Zellforsch. 118, 35–48 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00331765

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