Adrenal cortical cell transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
The adrenal cortex is a critical component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal/gonadal axis that coordinates the stress response and maintains homeostasis. The authors hypothesize that adrenal cortical cells can be transplanted in adrenal insufficiency states to regenerate the adrenal cortex.


METHODS
Murine adrenal glands were dissociated into adrenal cortical cells. Cells cultured in a collagen matrix were transplanted under the renal capsule. The implants were retrieved 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks later. Total RNA was extracted from the retrieved specimens and was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
All animals survived the surgical procedure. At implant retrieval, a distinct organoid could be visualized under the renal capsule. The expressions of adrenal-specific markers including Sf1, Dax1, Star, Cyp11a, Cyp11b1, and Cyp21 were detectable in the retrieved specimens up to 8 weeks posttransplantation.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary adrenal cortical cells retained their gene expressions after heterotopic transplantation. Ex vivo gene transfer followed by adrenal cortical cell transplantation may lead to curative therapy for patients with adrenal insufficiency.
Dunn
James C Y
JC
Division of Pediatric Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Chu
Yinting
Y
Lam
Mandy M
MM
Wu
Benjamin M
BM
Atkinson
James B
JB
McCabe
Edward R
ER
D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000166:cytology*; D000818:Animals; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic