Maximilian Weniger, Maria Mattes, Thomas G P Grünewald, Katrin Köhler, Angela Hübner, Felix Beuschlein, Nicole Reisch
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) are a frequent and fertility impairing long-term complication in males with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Due to lack of clear experimental data on their origin, they are hypothesized to be derived from ectopic adrenocortical cells within testicular tissue mainly growing upon stimulation by chronically elevated levels of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). Alternatively, a more totipotent embryological origin has been discussed as the potential source of these tumors. The aim of this study was to quantify alterations of ectopic expression of adrenocortical genes (CYP11B1, CYP11B2, CYP21, MC2R) and the Leydig cell specific marker (INSL3) in testicular tissue of fetal 21-hydroxylase deficient (21OHD) mice. Timed-pregnancy studies were performed using H-2aw18 (aw18)-mice. Testes and adrenals of E15.5 and E18.5 mouse fetuses were used for real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression levels were analyzed for genotype-dependent alterations and compared with immunohistochemistry. While enzymes of steroidogenesis showed a significant increased expression in adrenals of 21OHD mice at both E15.5 and E18.5 compared to wild-type (WT) mice, expression levels were unaltered in testes of 21OHD mice. When compared to WT adrenals a significant increase of INSL3 expression in adrenals of 21OHD mice at E15.5 and E18.5 was detected. Cells with adrenocortical properties in mice fetal testis differ from in situ adrenocortical cells in gene expression and growth at E15.5 and E18.5. These findings suggest that the different local regulation and different local niche in adrenals and testes influence growth of aberrant adrenal cells.
期刊介绍:
Covering the fields of endocrinology and metabolism from both, a clinical and basic science perspective, this well regarded journal publishes original articles, and short communications on cutting edge topics.
Speedy publication time is given high priority, ensuring that endocrinologists worldwide get timely, fast-breaking information as it happens.
Hormone and Metabolic Research presents reviews, original papers, and short communications, and includes a section on Innovative Methods. With a preference for experimental over observational studies, this journal disseminates new and reliable experimental data from across the field of endocrinology and metabolism to researchers, scientists and doctors world-wide.