Expression of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11 beta HSD-2) in the developing human adrenal gland and human adrenal cortical carcinoma and adenoma

The aim of this study was to investigate the ontogeny of localization of 11 beta HSD-2 protein in the human adrenal gland. In addition, we have invest igated the effects of abnormal adrenal function on 11 beta HSD-2 by determi ning the pattern of localization of 11 beta HSD-2 protein, and the amount a nd level of expression of 11 beta HSD-2 mRNA and protein in human adrenal c ortical carcinoma and adenoma. In the human foetal adrenal gland 11 beta HS D-2 immunoreactivity (11 beta HSD-2-ir) was detected in the foetal zone, wh ereas in normal adult adrenal glands 11 beta HSD-2-ir was not detected by i mmunocytochemistry. In adrenal cortical carcinoma and adenoma, 11 beta HSD- 2-ir was detectable in specific regions, which have been identified as ster oid synthesizing cells using 3 beta HSD-ir as a marker. In adrenal cortical carcinoma and adenoma, 11 beta HSD-2 mRNA and 11 beta HSD-2 protein were d etected by nuclease protection analysis and by western blot analysis, respe ctively. In summary, 11 beta HSD-2-ir was detected in the foetal zone of th e mid-gestation human foetal adrenal, whereas, 11 beta HSD-2-ir was not det ectable in the postnatal or normal adult adrenal gland. 11 beta HSD-2 prote in and mRNA was induced in adult human adrenal cortical carcinoma and adeno ma. The induction of expression of 11 beta HSD-2 in the adrenal cortex sugg ests a possible role in regulating abnormal adrenal steroidogenic function in these patients. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserv ed.