THE CHROMAFFIN CELL encloses a multitude of chromaffin vesicles — Structure of the mouse adrenal gland: Chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla (green) were labeled using an antibody against Tyrosine Hydroxylase. Image provided by the Geisler group.

Transmission electron microscope image of chromaffin cells — High-magnification transmission electron microscope images of mouse chromaffin cells show dense core vesicles containing neuropeptides and catecholamines. Image provided by Bhavani Shankar Sahu's laboratory

STED Image PC12 cell — Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy image of PC12 cells stained for Chromogranin B (Cyan) and SNAP25 (Magenta). Image provided by Bhavani Shankar Sahu's laboratory

About the ISCCB

The International Symposium on Chromaffin Cell Biology (ISCCB) is a biennial, international meeting dedicated to adrenal chromaffin cells and their broader relevance to cellular and neurobiological function. Established in 1982 on the island of Ibiza, the symposium has since rotated across countries worldwide, reflecting a diverse and active community.

Each ISCCB typically brings together 120-180 participants from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. More than half are early‑career scientists. The program balances invited lectures with abstract‑selected talks and poster sessions, and it includes dedicated forums showcasing innovative experimental and analytical methods-often led by young investigators. The format fosters open discussion and collaboration across disciplines.

Scientific themes span stress signaling and the fight‑or‑flight response, alongside core principles of chromaffin cell physiology and function: ion channels, receptors, intracellular signaling, cytoskeletal organization, membrane trafficking, vesicle fusion, and neurotransmitter release. Methodological highlights include electrophysiology (e.g., patch‑clamp and capacitance measurements), amperometry, high‑resolution imaging, and computational modeling.

Beyond chromaffin cells, ISCCB features related research on exo‑ and endocytosis, synaptic transmission, vesicle fusion machinery, vesicular contents, and ion channel function across diverse cell types-from neurons to immune cells-using in vitro and computational approaches. The symposium’s goal is to facilitate scientific exchange, spark new collaborations, and support the next generation of researchers.