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Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
Published on: March 12, 2019
Is the adrenal cortex a target for gonadotropins?
Sophie Bernichtein1, Maria Alevizaki, Ilpo Huhtaniemi
1Department of Reproductive Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|August 12, 2008
Summary
The adrenal cortex can respond to luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin (LHCGR), especially when gonadotropin levels are high. This response can lead to adrenal pathologies, including tumors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) research
Background:
- The human adrenal cortex normally expresses low levels of luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptors (LHCGR).
- LHCGR expression increases in the adrenal cortex with chronically elevated gonadotropins, such as after gonadectomy.
- Ectopic LHCGR is found in some human adrenocortical tumors, and gonadotropin-responsive adrenal issues occur in animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current information on adrenocortical responses to gonadotropins.
- To explore the role of LHCGR in adrenal pathologies.
- To understand the implications of increased gonadotropin action on the adrenal cortex.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental animal and human studies.
- Analysis of findings on LHCGR expression and function in the adrenal cortex.
- Synthesis of information on gonadotropin-induced adrenal pathologies.
Main Results:
- Adrenocortical responsiveness to luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin (LH/CG) appears to be a physiological phenomenon.
- This responsiveness is amplified under conditions of elevated gonadotropin levels.
- Increased gonadotropin action is linked to pathologies like ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome and malignant adrenal tumors.
Conclusions:
- The adrenal cortex exhibits a latent responsiveness to gonadotropins, mediated by LHCGR.
- Elevated gonadotropin levels can unmask or amplify this responsiveness, leading to adrenal hyperplasia and tumorigenesis.
- Understanding this pathway is crucial for diagnosing and managing certain endocrine and oncological conditions.
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