Endocrine Abstracts

Context: Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the autoimmune regulator gene. Hypoparathyroidism occurs in 80% of patients with APS1 and has been suggested to result from an autoimmune reaction against the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) on parathyroid cells. Previously, we have detected CaSR-binding antibodies in patients with APS1 using immunoprecipitation and flow cytometry assays.Obj...

Introduction: The growth hormone receptor (GHR) consists of 620 residues and belongs to the class I cytokine receptor family. It is a single membrane spanning protein that binds its ligand, GH, via the extracellular domain. GH binding to GHR induces a conformational change in the preformed receptor dimer, which leads to intracellular signalling. Correct functional dimerisation of two GHR molecules is essential for GH signalling. We have previously shown that membrane bound tru...

Phaeochromocytoma in association with hypercortisolism is thought to be rare. However we have observed 4 cases in 3 years and question the rarity of this link. In each case there was a dominant adrenal mass (3.6-7.7cm) with contralateral adrenal hyperplasia. Three of the 4 tumours showed increased 123-I-mIBG uptake. Urinary catecholamines ranged from 872-22752nmol/24h (N < 600). Hypercortisolism was present in all 4 patients; sustained in 2 and cyclical in 2. Case 1 (JCEM ...