HUMAN ADRENAL CYP11B1 - LOCALIZATION BY IN SITU-HYBRIDIZATION AND FUNCTIONAL EXPRESSION IN CELL-CULTURES

CYP11B1 was detected in the human adrenal cortex and in human adenomas by in situ-hybridization methods. Specific riboprobes were generated and hybridized to sections of an Aldosterone Producing Adenoma (APA), the non-tumour portion of the corresponding adrenal gland and two aden omas not related to hyperaldosteronism. P45011B1 mRNA was clearly loca lized in the zona fasciculata/reticularis. Semi-quantitative analysis has been performed and seems to be applicable for a further classifica tion of adrenal tumours. Stable expression of CYP11B1 cDNA was perform ed in V79 cells. The interference of different substances (metyrapone, spironolactone and different imidazole derivatives) with CYP11B1 acti vity was studied using this cell line. The cell line revealed to be su itable for analysis of the active site of CYP11B1 as well as for analy sis of side effects of drugs on steroidogenesis.