Human adrenal cortex hyperfunction due to LH/hCG.
Adrenal cortex hyperfunction may occasionally be due to stimulation of steroid hormone production by LH/hCG. The recent demonstration of the LH/hCG receptor in a variety of normal and abnormal human adrenal tissues has provided a novel explanation for these clinical observations and offers the possibility of spontaneous remission (as in pregnancy-related hyperfunction) or effective treatment with GnRH-agonists (to down-regulate LH secretion in menopausal patients). Involvement of adrenal LH/hCG receptors should be considered in pregnant or post-menopausal patients with ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome or androgen excess. Additional investigations are needed to better define the role of the LH/hCG receptor in the normal adult and fetal human adrenal and to understand how this system is excessively activated in rare cases of human disease.
Carlson
Harold E
HE
Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, HSC T15-060, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8154, United States. hcarlson@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
D000236:Adenoma / Q000378:metabolism; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D000308:Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / Q000209:etiology*; D000450:Aldosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000502:physiology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000502:physiology*; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000473:pathology; D011974:Receptors, LH / Q000378:metabolism
D000728:Androgens; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004967:Estrogens; D011974:Receptors, LH; D000450:Aldosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone