DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CANINE PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

摘要

The cells of the adrenal medulla are called pheochromocytes or chromaffin cells. They can be regarded as modified postganglionic sympathetic neurons lacking axons. Innervation is by preganglionic fibres of the sympathetic nervous system which inducesthe release of catecholamines into the bloodstream. Some extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue is also present adjacent to the aorta, in the carotid bodies, viscera and within sympathetic ganglia. Pheochromocytomas (PHEO) are rare catecholamine-producing neuroendocrine tumors which arise from the adrenal medulla in the vast majority of cases. Occasionally tumors derive from extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue, and are referred to as paragangliomas.