Endocrine Abstracts

Pomc synthesis and ACTH secretion by the anterior pituitary are controlled by two major, opposing players namely CRH and glucocorticoids. Most studies were performed on the AtT-20 mouse corticotroph tumor cell line or Pomc-transfected cells.Aim: Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of CRH and DEX on Pomc expression and ACTH secretion in normal rat corticotropes in vitro.Methods: Rat anteri...

Cushing’s disease, i.e. cortisol excess due to an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, is a rare disorder with considerable morbidity and mortality. Current therapeutic strategies include pituitary surgery, radiation, adrenalectomy and medical treatment with steroidogenesis inhibitors, as drugs aimed at the pituitary adenoma are as yet under investigation. Experimental data showed that retinoic acid restrains ACTH secretion by tumoral corticotrophes thus we decided to evalua...