Dataset Information

Characterization of Human Adrenal Steroidogenesis During Fetal Development.

ABSTRACT:

Context

The endocrine function of human fetal adrenals (HFAs) is activated already during first trimester, but adrenal steroidogenesis during fetal life is not well characterized.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate HFA steroidogenesis by analyzing adrenal glands from first and second trimesters.

Design and setting

Male and female HFA from gestational weeks (GWs) 8 to 19 were examined, including a total of 101 samples from 83 fetuses.

Main outcome measure(s)

Expression level of steroidogenic genes and protein expression/localization were determined by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, and intra-adrenal steroid levels were quantified by LC-MS/MS.

Results

Transcriptional levels of StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP21A2, CYP11B1/2, and SULT2A1 were significantly higher in second trimester compared to first trimester (P < 0.05), whereas expression levels of 3β-HSD2 and ARK1C3 were unaltered between GWs 8 and 19. All investigated steroidogenic proteins were expressed in a distinct pattern throughout the investigated period, with most enzymes expressed primarily in the fetal zone, except 3β-HSD1/2, which was expressed mainly in the definitive zone. Abundant steroidogenic enzyme expression was reflected in overall high intra-adrenal tissue concentrations of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens; cortisol was the most abundant (1071 to 2723 ng/g tissue), and testosterone levels were the lowest (2 to 14 ng/g tissue).

Conclusions

The expression profiles of HFA steroidogenic enzymes are distinct from first to second trimester, with no major differences between male and female samples. Intra-adrenal steroid hormone concentrations confirm that cortisol is produced throughout first and second trimesters, suggesting continued regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis during this entire period.

SUBMITTER: Melau C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6456011 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Characterization of Human Adrenal Steroidogenesis During Fetal Development.

Melau Cecilie C Nielsen John Erik JE Frederiksen Hanne H Kilcoyne Karen K Perlman Signe S Lundvall Lene L Langhoff Thuesen Lea L Juul Hare Kristine K Andersson Anna-Maria AM Mitchell Rod T RT Juul Anders A Jørgensen Anne A

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 20190501 5

<h4>Context</h4>The endocrine function of human fetal adrenals (HFAs) is activated already during first trimester, but adrenal steroidogenesis during fetal life is not well characterized.<h4>Objective</h4>This study aimed to investigate HFA steroidogenesis by analyzing adrenal glands from first and second trimesters.<h4>Design and setting</h4>Male and female HFA from gestational weeks (GWs) 8 to 19 were examined, including a total of 101 samples from 83 fetuses.<h4>Main outcome measure(s)</h4>Ex ...[more]

PMID: 30590593

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Dataset Information

Characterization of Human Adrenal Steroidogenesis During Fetal Development.

Context

Objective

Design and setting

Main outcome measure(s)

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Characterization of Human Adrenal Steroidogenesis During Fetal Development.

Similar Datasets

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