Endocrine Abstracts

The overwhelming majority of benign lesions of the adrenal cortex (AC) leading to Cushing syndrome (CS) are linked to one or another abnormality of the cAMP signaling pathway. Benign adrenocortical causes of CS include the common and sporadic cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA) and a spectrum of corticotropin (ACTH)-independent, and almost always bilateral, hyperplasias. Macro-hyperplasias are more common among older patients, whereas micro-hyperplasias are frequent among childre...

In the normal adrenal gland, serotonin (5-HT) stimulates cortisol secretion through activation of 5-HT4 receptors whereas, in some macronodular adrenal hyperplasia tissues, the corticotropic effect of 5-HT is mediated by ectopic 5-HT7 receptors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of 5-HT in the control of cortisol secretion in PPNAD tissues from 12 patients by using molecular, immunohistochemical and pharmacological approaches. RT-PCR studies revealed ove...

RP (a 60 yr-old male) was found to have multiple atrial myxomata, whilst being investigated for recurrent attacks of amaurosis fugax affecting his left eye. During the preceding twenty years he had undergone repeated resections of cutaneous tumours, which were reported as neurofibromata. A clinical diagnosis of Carney Complex (CNC) was made based on the presence of multiple cutaneous nodules and atrial myxomata. RP displayed mild acromegalic features, but no pigmentation abnor...