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Cushing's syndrome variants secondary to aberrant hormone receptors

André Lacroix1, Valérie Baldacchino, Isabelle Bourdeau

  • 1Laboratories of Endocrine Pathophysiology, Cellular Biology of Hypertension, and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hôtel-Dieu du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal H2W 1T8, Canada. andre.lacroix@umontreal.ca

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|September 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Adrenal tumors can secrete excess steroids due to abnormal G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Identifying these aberrant GPCRs offers new therapeutic targets for hormone-secreting adrenal conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Adrenal tumors can secrete excess cortisol and steroids.
  • This secretion is often regulated by hormones other than corticotropin.
  • Aberrant expression of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is implicated in this dysregulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize aberrant G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in adrenal tumors.
  • To explore the potential for novel pharmacological interventions targeting these aberrant receptors.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of ectopic and eutopic receptors in adrenal tissues.
  • Analysis of receptor expression and activity in relation to hormone secretion.

Main Results:

  • Ectopic receptors identified include those for gastric inhibitory polypeptide, beta-adrenergic agonists, vasopressin (V(2), V(3)), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT(7)), and angiotensin II (AT(1)).
  • Altered activity or increased expression of eutopic receptors for vasopressin (V(1)), luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin, 5-HT (5-HT(4)), and leptin were also implicated.
  • Aberrant receptors can be present in unilateral adrenal tumors and bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia at various stages.

Conclusions:

  • Aberrant adrenal GPCRs are key players in the pathogenesis of hormone-secreting adrenal tumors.
  • Targeting these aberrant GPCRs presents a promising avenue for developing novel pharmacological therapies.

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