Expression of glucocorticoid receptor isoforms in human adrenocortical adenomas.
BACKGROUND
Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is expressed in the normal human adrenal gland, however, no study has been performed to evaluate the separate expression of alpha- and beta-isoforms (GRalpha and GRbeta) in normal human adrenals and in adrenocortical adenomas.


METHODS
GRalpha and GRbeta mRNA expression was examined by quantitative real-time PCR in 31 adrenal tissues including 19 non-functioning adenomas (NFA), 6 cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA) and 6 normal adrenocortical tissues. In addition, the presence and cellular localization of GRalpha and GRbeta proteins in adrenal tissues were studied by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Compared to normal adrenocortical tissues, both GRalpha and GRbeta mRNAs were significantly increased in CPA but not in NFA. Using anti-GRalpha antibody a strong nuclear staining was observed in NFA and CPA, and a less remarkable immunoreactivity was detected in some nuclei of normal adrenocortical cells. GRbeta immunostaining was absent in normal adrenal tissues and NFA, while a strong cytoplasmic and nuclear immunoreaction was found in CPA.


CONCLUSIONS
Altered expression of GRalpha and GRbeta in CPA raises their possible role in the pathophysiology of these adrenal tumors, although further studies are needed to elucidate the potential significance of these findings.
Boyle
Belema
B
2nd Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Butz
Henrietta
H
Liko
Istvan
I
Zalatnai
Attila
A
Toth
Miklos
M
Feldman
Karolina
K
Horanyi
Janos
J
Igaz
Peter
P
Racz
Karoly
K
Patocs
Attila
A
D018246:Adrenocortical Adenoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D020033:Protein Isoforms; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid