Immunocytochemical localization of substance P in the adrenal gland of Podarcis sicula (Reptilia, Lacertidae): evidence for its involvement in the modulation of adrenal activity

The occurrence of substance P (SP) immunoreactivity was investigated in the adrenal gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula by ABC immunocytochemical technique: SP-immunoreactivity was present in both adrenaline and noradrenaline cells, in ganglion cells and nerve fibers in the connective capsule surrounding the gland. The involvement of substance P in the modulation of pituitary–interrenal axis was studied in vivo by intraperitoneal injections of SP. The effects were estimated by means of the morphological and morphometrical features of the tissues, as well as the plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone and catecholamines, adrenaline and noradrenaline. Substance P (0.07 mg/100 g body wt) decreased ACTH plasma levels and raised corticosterone release from steroidogenic tissue, that showed clear signs of stimulation. In the chromaffin tissue, the decrease in the number of noradrenaline cells, and the increase in the number of adrenaline cells, lowered numeric noradrenaline/adrenaline cell ratio. Moreover, an increase in adrenaline plasma level and a decrease in noradrenaline plasma level were found. The results suggest that (1) also in Reptiles as in other Vertebrates, SP may affect pituitary–adrenal axis activity, and (2) the chromaffin cells may be involved in the paracrine control of steroidogenic activity.