Stress increases gene expression of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase in spleen of rats via pituitary-adrenocortical mechanism

Abstract Gene expression of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), the enzyme catalyzing conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine, has been detected in rat spleen using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. PNMT identity was subsequently verified by Southern blots. Localization of the spleen cells responsible for the PNMT gene expression was investigated by the in situ hybridization and PNMT mRNA was found to be present in the white pulp. The hypothesis that stress may produce an increase in PNMT gene expression in rat spleen was tested and a robust rise in the relative abundance of PNMT mRNA levels was observed after a single or repeated immobilization (about 80%). Adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy completely prevented the immobilization-induced increase in spleen PNMT mRNA levels, suggesting that stress-induced PNMT gene expression in the spleen is regulated predominantly via pituitary-adrenocortical axis. In control animals, however, spleen PNMT was not significantly affected by the ectomies and therefore basal PNMT gene expression might be regulated by different mechanism(s). Thus, PNMT gene expression in the rat spleen is exaggerated by stress stimuli, suggesting its role in physiological regulations.