NICOTINE-INDUCED STIMULATION OF STEROIDOGENESIS IN ADRENOCORTICAL CELLS OF THE CAT

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
1 The effect of nicotine on steroid production and release from trypsin-dispersed cat adrenocortical cells was investigated. 2 Nicotine, like adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), elicited a dose-dependent increase in steroidogenesis, which depended upon the presence of calcium in the medium. 3 Augmented steroid production evoked by submaximal concentrations of ACTH, monobutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (AMP), or prostaglandin E2 was further enhanced by steroidogenic concentrations of nicotine. 4 These results are discussed in relation to the possible mode of action of nicotine on cortical cells and to the potential consequences of smoking during stress.