Endocrine Abstracts

We have investigated cell proliferation and apoptosis in Cyp11b1 null (ko) mice. Reduced glucocorticoid (corticosterone) synthesis in ko mice is associated with increased progesterone and deoxycorticosterone and the development of adenomyosis. Numbers of putative uterine stem cells were assessed in wild type (wt) and ko at an age (10–12 months) when the onset of adenomyosis was considered imminent. Mice were infused with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) for seven days then killed...

We investigated ACTH-induced hypertension in mice by studying renal function in vivo and by analysing renal gene expression by microarray and RT PCR methods. During two weeks sc infusion with Synacthen, mean blood pressure in adult male mice increased (89±5 vs 110±2 mmHg), and plasma corticosterone, adrenal weights and drinking rate increased by 5, 2 and 2.5-fold respectively (P<0.01); renal mass was unaffected. Greater mineralocorticoid activity wa...

Mice with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to a null mutation of cyp11b1, the gene encoding the steroidogenic enzyme 11β-hydroxylase, have low glucocorticoid levels, reduced adiposity and increased liver weight. It is notable that null mice are also glucose intolerant. Here, we have investigated these phenotypes in more detail. Plasma corticosterone levels were less responsive to restraint stress and cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not significantly different i...

We have created transgenic mice in which Cyp11b1, the gene encoding 11β-hydroxylase, has been knocked out. Since mice do not secrete adrenal androgens, this knockout line allows a more detailed investigation of phenotypes associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) without the overwhelming virilisation that characterises patients with CAH. Starting with a BAC containing the mouse Cyp11b1/b2 locus and including flanking up- and downstream sequences, a const...