Projects per year
Abstract
Glucocorticoid concentrations are a balance between production under the negative feedback control and diurnal rhythm of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and peripheral metabolism, for example by the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), which catalyses the reduction of inactive cortisone (11-dehydrocorticosterone (11-DHC) in mice) to cortisol (corticosterone in mice). Reductase activity is conferred upon 11β-HSD1 by hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH). 11β-HSD1 is implicated in the development of obesity, and selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors are currently under development. We sought to address the concern regarding potential up-regulation of the HPA axis associated with inhibition of 11β-HSD1. We assessed biomarkers for allele combinations of 11β-HSD1 and H6PDH derived from double heterozygous mouse crosses. H6PDH knock out (KO) adrenals were 69% larger than WT while 11β-HSD1 KO and double KO (DKO) adrenals were ∼30% larger than WT – indicative of increased HPA axis drive in KO animals. ACTH-stimulated circulating corticosterone concentrations were 2.2-fold higher in H6PDH KO animals and ∼1.5-fold higher in 11β-HSD1 KO and DKO animals compared with WT, proportional to the observed adrenal hypertrophy. KO of H6PDH resulted in a substantial increase in urinary DHC metabolites in males (65%) and females (61%). KO of 11β-HSD1 alone or in combination with H6PDH led to significant increases (36 and 42% respectively) in urinary DHC metabolites in females only. Intermediate 11β-HSD1/H6PDH heterozygotes maintained a normal HPA axis. Urinary steroid metabolite profile by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as a biomarker assay may be beneficial in assaying HPA axis status clinically in cases of congenital and acquired 11β-HSD1/H6PDH deficiency.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 367-372 |
Journal | Journal of Endocrinology |
Volume | 214 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 20 Jun 2012 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2012 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Biomarkers of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in mice lacking 11β-HSD1 and H6PDH'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Investigating Hexose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in the Control of Skeletal Muscle Function and Carbohydrate Metabolism
Lavery, G. (Principal Investigator)
Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council
1/09/09 → 31/08/14
Project: Research Councils
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Hexose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase and Glucose-6-Phosphate: Novel Regulators of Corticosteroid Hormone Metabolism and Adrenal Function
Walker, E. (Co-Investigator) & Stewart, P. (Principal Investigator)
1/10/07 → 30/09/13
Project: Research