Expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11betaHSD-2) in the developing human adrenal gland and human adrenal cortical carcinoma and adenoma.
The aim of this study was to investigate the ontogeny of localization of 11betaHSD-2 protein in the human adrenal gland. In addition, we have investigated the effects of abnormal adrenal function on 11betaHSD-2 by determining the pattern of localization of 11betaHSD-2 protein, and the amount and level of expression of 11betaHSD-2 mRNA and protein in human adrenal cortical carcinoma and adenoma. In the human foetal adrenal gland 11betaHSD-2 immunoreactivity (11betaHSD-2-ir) was detected in the foetal zone, whereas in normal adult adrenal glands 11betaHSD-2-ir was not detected by immunocytochemistry. In adrenal cortical carcinoma and adenoma, 11betaHSD-2-ir was detectable in specific regions, which have been identified as steroid synthesizing cells using 3betaHSD-ir as a marker. In adrenal cortical carcinoma and adenoma, 11betaHSD-2 mRNA and 11betaHSD-2 protein were detected by nuclease protection analysis and by western blot analysis, respectively. In summary, 11betaHSD-2-ir was detected in the foetal zone of the mid-gestation human foetal adrenal, whereas, 11betaHSD-2-ir was not detectable in the postnatal or normal adult adrenal gland. 11BetaHSD-2 protein and mRNA was induced in adult human adrenal cortical carcinoma and adenoma. The induction of expression of 11betaHSD-2 in the adrenal cortex suggests a possible role in regulating abnormal adrenal steroidogenic function in these patients.
Coulter
C L
CL
Laboratory of Molecular Hypertension, Baker Medical Research Institute, Prahran, Victoria, Australia. ccoulter@physiol.adelaide.edu.au
Smith
R E
RE
Stowasser
M
M
Sasano
H
H
Krozowski
Z S
ZS
Gordon
R D
RD
D042842:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000201:enzymology*; D018246:Adrenocortical Adenoma / Q000201:enzymology*; D018268:Adrenocortical Carcinoma / Q000201:enzymology*; D000328:Adult; D015153:Blotting, Western; D005333:Fetus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007668:Kidney / Q000201:enzymology; D008722:Methods; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D012260:Ribonucleases / Q000032:analysis
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D042842:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D012260:Ribonucleases