Induction of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase in adrenal medulla: role of protein kinase activation and translocation.

The transsynaptic induction of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase (TH) in rat adrenal medulla is preceded by an early increase in the ratio of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to cyclic guanosine monophosphate, an activation of cytosol cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, and a subsequent translocation of protein kinase catalytic subunits from cytosol to subcellular particles. As a result of this translocation, nuclear protein kinase activity increases during the induction of TH. Transection of splanchnic nerve reverts these events and prevents the induction of TH. Thus, adrenal medulla activation and translocation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase may act as a long-range messenger for the genetic regulation of TH synthesis.