Normal Human Adrenals Research Articles

A time study of the [formula omitted] Metabolism of 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one by human adrenocortical tissue

A kinetic study of the in vitro metabolism of 3β-hydroxyan-drost-5-en-17-one-7 2H by a normal human adrenal gland and an adrenocortical adenoma causing Cushing's syndrome is presented. The principal product, androst-4-ene-3, 17-dione-7 2H, was separated, identified and quantitated by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,, The results are compared with those obtained with 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one-7 3H as substrate and analysis of the products by isotope dilution.

Abnormal regulation of catecholamine synthesis in pheochromocytoma.

Abstract The biosynthesis of catecholamines in two pheochromocytomas was compared with that in normal human adrenal gland tissue as well as bovine splenic nerve tissue. Tyrosine hydroxylase activity from the pheochromocytoma was far less sensitive to inhibition by catechol compounds than was the same enzyme preparation from either normal human adrenal gland or bovine splenic nerve tissue. Lack of a normal control mechanism, i.e., inhibition by catecholamine of the rate-limiting step in their own biosynthesis, may account, at least in part, for the uncontrolled excessive production of catecholamines often observed in pheochromocytoma.

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in the human adrenal cortex.

SUMMARY The histochemical utilization of 3α-, 3β-, 6β-, 11α-, 11β-, 12α-, 16α-, 16β-, 17α-, 17β-, 20α-, 21- and 24-hydroxysteroids by three normal adult human adrenal glands, two human foetal adrenal glands, three adrenals from patients with Cushing's syndrome and one adrenal adenoma are described. The normal adult human adrenal showed high 16β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the zona glomerulosa. Activity restricted to the outer part of the zona fasciculata was recorded with 3α-, 3β-, 6β-, 11β-, 16α-, 16β-, and 17β-hydroxysteroids. The zona reticularis utilized 3α-, 3β-, 11β-, 16β- and 17β-hydroxysteroids less well than the zona fasciculata. The adrenals of Cushing's syndrome showed activity only for 3β- and 16β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases; this activity was noted in all three zones. The activity pattern of the adrenal adenoma resembled that of the normal adult human adrenal except that greater activity for 16α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was noted. The foetal part of the human foetal cortex was extremely active, showing 3α-, 3β-, 6β-, 11β-, 12α-, 16α-, 16β-, 17β-, 20β- and 21-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. The definitive cortex behaved similarly to the adult gland and possessed 3α-, 3β-, 11β-, 16β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases; some evidence of zoning of the definitive cortex was seen with the 16β-hydroxysteroid. The relevance of these findings in the light of current knowledge of adrenal zonation is discussed.

The [formula omitted] formation of 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione by human adrenal glands

The steroids formed in vitro from 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one-4- 14C (DHA-4- 14C) by normal and hyperplastic human adrenal glands have been examined. In addition to the expected product, androstenedione, a further steroid, 7-keto-DHA, has been isolated and shown to be a major biosynthetic product.

C19O2 Steroids and Some of Their Precursors in Blood from Normal Human Adrenals *

C19O2 Steroids and Some of Their Precursors in Blood from Normal Human Adrenals *

Biosynthesis of androgens by homogenates of normal and abnormal human adrenal glands

Biosynthesis of androgens by homogenates of normal and abnormal human adrenal glands

In vitro production of testosterone in a human adrenal homogenate.

ABSTRACT. Testosterone and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione have been isolated and identified by isotope dilution techniques from an incubation of progesterone-7-H3 and 17αhydroxyprogesterone-4-C14 with a homogenate of a normal human adrenal gland. This study offers substantial proof that the production by the adrenal of this highly active androgen, testosterone, is possible under normal physiologic circumstances. In addition, the steroid conversions performed by the adrenal homogenate are in accordance with the biosynthetic pathway described in both normal human testis and ovary for C19 androgen elaboration.