Although the GR expression in anterior pituitary cells-and in particular the corticotrophs-was first demonstrated several years ago, it was not known until relatively recently where, by what cells, and in what form the OR is expressed in the adrenal cortex. The variability in the expression of the GR in pituitary and adrenocortical cells may underlie the substantial differences

in HPA axis function across individuals, especially when testing for tumors associated with hypercortisolemia. This expression is influenced by a multitude of tissue-specific factors, which may explain why it is so difficult to interpret (or reproduce) studies that are based on OR functional polymorphisms on different cohorts of patients or even different sets of laboratory animals.

Conclusion: This review highlights the variability in expression and function of the OR in pituitary and adrenocortical cells ABT-263 Apoptosis inhibitor as one of the reasons for the appreciable differences in HPA axis function across individuals. Particular attention Selleck MLN4924 was paid to interactions that may affect the interpretation of diagnostic testing of the HPA axis in patients with pituitary

adenomas (Cushing disease) or adrenocortical tumors (Cushing syndrome). (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:941-948)”
“We investigated the mechanism of development and repair process of glomerular injury in a rat model of habu snake (Trimeresurus flavoviridis) venom (HSV)-induced glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis was induced in rats by intravenously injecting HSV at 3 mg/kg. Renal tissue was isolated and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for expression levels of type IV collagen, heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), transforming

growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), as well as its transcription factor Ets-1. Expression levels of HSP47, TGF-beta, and type IV collagen began to increase in the mesangial area starting from day 14 and peaked on day 21, followed STI571 manufacturer by a gradual decrease. Expression levels of MMP-3 and Ets-1 started to increase coinciding with peak production of mesangial matrix on day 21, peaking on day 35, followed by gradual decrease. Expression of MMP-3 and Ets-1 persisted until day 63, whereas that of HSP47 and type IV collagen returned to baseline level at this time point. Time-course changes of extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in glomeruli in the HSV-induced glomerulonephritis model were correlated with those of factors involved in both ECM production and degradation systems. Continued expression of factors in the degradation system seems particularly important for the repair process. These findings might lead to new therapies that prevent and repair glomerular injury.