Comparison of microtubule protein (tubulin) from adrenal medulla and brain

Summary The presence of tubulin in the adrenal medulla is demonstrated by colchicine binding, vinblastine (VB) precipitation, electrophoresis and antigenic activity. Tubulin in the supernatant fraction of the adrenal medulla is similar to that in rat brain supernatant: it has the same electrophoretic mobility and is equally activein complement fixation by the antisera to bovine brain tubulin. Some differences are found: VB precipitation of tubulin is less selective and less complete with the adrenal medulla supernatant than with rat brain; also, there is smaller amount of colchicine binding by the particulate fraction from adrenal medulla than with rat brain. It is proposed that tubulin has similar functions in the adrenal medulla and brain; and further that it is involved in the mechanisms of release.