Cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumours in dogs; considering the related aspects dopamine and somatostatin receptors and Gs alpha.

Abstract

This research investigated the possible role of somatostatin and dopamine receptors in the cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumours. The expression patterns of these receptors were visualised in tumours as well as in normal adrenals. These results could tell if the expression was upregulated and if the receptors could be a possible new target in the treatment of these tumours. It showed that the antibodies against the dopamine receptors did not stain the receptor specifically. But the somatostatin receptors were upregulated in some tumours, which could implicate that a personalized therapy could be an option in these tumours. Besides the medical point of view of this research, there has also been done some work at looking for a causing mutation. In this case Gs alpha has been extensively studied. It appears that several funtional mutations are present in cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumours. These mutations have been shown to induce cortisol secreting without stimulation. As much as 12,5% of the adenomas and 35% of the carcinomas showed these constitutive inducing mutations.