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Extra-adrenal production of corticosteroids
Eleanor Davies1, Scott M MacKenzie
1Blood Pressure Group, Division of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology & Physiology
|June 26, 2003
Summary
Major corticosteroids like aldosterone and cortisol, typically from the adrenal cortex, may also be produced elsewhere in the body. Their physiological significance in extra-adrenal sites remains under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Biology
Background:
- Corticosteroids, including aldosterone and cortisol, are primarily synthesized in the adrenal cortex.
- These hormones regulate blood pressure, metabolism, and immune responses.
- Emerging evidence suggests local corticosteroid synthesis in tissues beyond the adrenal glands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the concept of extra-adrenal corticosteroid production.
- To review the evidence for local synthesis of corticosteroids in various systems.
- To discuss the potential physiological significance of these extra-adrenal corticosteroids.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular biological techniques.
- Identification of enzymes for de novo corticosteroid synthesis.
- Analysis of evidence for extra-adrenal corticosteroidogenic systems.
Main Results:
- Sensitive molecular techniques confirm the presence of enzymes for corticosteroid synthesis in extra-adrenal tissues.
- The cardiovascular and central nervous systems show significant evidence for local corticosteroid production.
- Identified enzymes support de novo synthesis of corticosteroids from cholesterol in these tissues.
Conclusions:
- Extra-adrenal corticosteroidogenic systems are supported by molecular evidence.
- The physiological relevance of locally produced corticosteroids is debated.
- Significance depends on local concentration, proximity to target cells, and tissue-specific regulation.