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Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Does corticosteroid metabolism in target organs affect the cardiovascular system?
K Hierholzer1, I Lichtenstein, H Siebe
1Department of Clinical Physiology, University Clinic Benjamin Franklin, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
The enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (11 beta-HSOR) is crucial for corticosteroid metabolism in various rat organs. Its inhibition can cause aldosterone-like effects by altering glucocorticoid receptor binding.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Corticosteroid metabolism is vital for physiological regulation.
- The enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (11 beta-HSOR) plays a key role in this process.
- Understanding organ-specific enzyme activity is essential for drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and activity of 11 beta-HSOR in various rat organs.
- To explore the implications of 11 beta-HSOR inhibition on corticosteroid action.
- To elucidate mechanisms linking corticosteroid metabolism to cardiovascular effects.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical assays to measure enzyme activity.
- Immunohistochemical techniques to determine enzyme localization.
- Inhibition studies using specific compounds like glycyrrhetinic acid.
Main Results:
- 11 beta-HSOR exhibits both oxidative and reductive activities in multiple rat organs, with varying ratios.
- Organ-specific co-substrate preferences suggest the presence of enzyme isoforms.
- Inhibition of 11 beta-HSOR in kidney and colon leads to aldosterone-like effects due to enhanced glucocorticoid receptor activation.
Conclusions:
- 11 beta-HSOR activity is heterogeneously distributed across rat organs, indicating specialized roles.
- Inhibition of this enzyme disrupts the corticosteroid barrier, potentially causing mineralocorticoid excess.
- Further research is warranted to explore corticosteroid metabolism interactions with the cardiovascular system.
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