OBJECTIVE: To analyze the aberrant expression of the GIPR and LHCGR in different forms of adrenocortical hyperplasia: ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH), primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and diffuse adrenal hyperplasia secondary to Cushing's disease (DAHCD). METHODS: We quantified GIPR and LHCGR expressions using real time PCR in 20 patients with adrenocortical hyperplasia (seven with AIMAH, five with PPNAD, and eight with DAHCD). Normal adrenals tissues were used as control and the relative expression was compared with β-actin. RESULTS: GIPR and LHCGR expressions were demonstrated in all tissues studied. Median GIPR and LHCGR mRNA levels were 1.6; 0.4; 0.5 and 1.3; 0.9; 1.0 in adrenocortical tissues from AIMAH, PPNAD and DAHCD respectively. There were no differences between GIPR and LHCGR expressions in all tissues studied. CONCLUSIONS: GIPR and LHCGR overexpression were not identified in the studied cases, thus suggesting that this molecular mechanism is not involved in adrenocortical hyperplasia in our patients.
Adrenal hyperplasia; gene expression; G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)
