FLUORESCENCE HISTOCHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF CATECHOLAMINES IN BULLFROG ADRENALS

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Abstract
Formaldehyde-induced fluorescence microscopy, microspectrofluorimetry and chemical assay were applied to bullfrog [Rana catesbeiana] adrenals. Chemical determination showed that bullfrog adrenals contain excessively high amounts of noradrenaline [norepinephrine] and adrenaline [epinephrine] and only a small amount of dopamine. Two cells types (chromaffin cells showing an orange fluorescence and acidophilic summer cells showing a green fluorescence) were observed in sections of bullfrog adrenals treated with formaldehyde vapor of 60-75% humidity equilibration at 80.degree. C for 1 h. The 2 cell types showed excitation/emission maxima at 410-420/510-560 .mu., respectively. When treated with formaldehyde vapor at 50.degree. C for 1 h, chromaffin, cells were divided into 2 types (one type showing an orange fluorscence and the other showing a green fluorescence). The orange and the green fluorescing chromaffin cells showed excitation/emission maxima at 420/470 m.mu. and at 410-420/460-470 m.mu., respectively. A green fluorescing ganglion cell also was found. Four cell types containing catecholamines (2 types of chromaffin cells containing noradrenaline and adrenaline, acidophilic summer cells containing adrenaline and gangion cells probably containing adrenaline) are present in bullfrog adrenals.