Expression of the Steroidogenic Enzymes CYP11A1, 3β-HSD and CYP21 in Canine Cortisol-secreting Adrenocortical Tumors and Healthy Adrenals

Abstract

Cortisol producing adrenocortical tumors (AT) present clinicians with a challenge. The tumors reduce the life expectancy of the dogs and are difficult to treat. In this study, tests were performed to find out whether there is any significant difference in the expression of steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1, 3β-HSD and CYP21 between adrenocortical adenomas (ACA), adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) and healthy adrenal tissue. It was found that there was no significant difference in the expression profiles of CYP11A1 and CYP21 between adrenocortical adenomas, carcinomas and healthy adrenal tissue. There was a 1,80 fold increase in the expression of 3β-HSD in adenomas when compared to healthy adrenal tissue.