Morphology and Function of Y-1 Cells. Round-up Phenomenon and Steroidogenesis

Abstract

The relationship was analyzed between cell morphology and steroidogenesis of Y-1 [CAF1 mouse adrenocortical adenoma] cells to dibutyryl cyclic AMP in dose-related and time sequence responses. Rounded cells were confirmed to be active in steroidogenesis. The time course study showed a biphasic pattern of steroid output, i.e., the 1st phase of 8 showed a low secretion rate followed by a later accelerated phase for at least 24 h. In stimulant-free medium, most round-up cells showed a return to a flat and polygonal shape within 5 h of incubation. Elevated steroidogenic activity persisted for at least 7 h.