help button home button Endocrine Society JCEM
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS

This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a related Letter to the Editor
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Copyright Permission
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Condon, J.
Right arrow Articles by Stewart, P. M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Condon, J.
Right arrow Articles by Stewart, P. M.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 83, No. 12 4490-4497
Copyright © 1998 by The Endocrine Society


Original Studies

Expression of Type 2 11ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and Corticosteroid Hormone Receptors in Early Human Fetal Life1

Jennifer Condon, Christine Gosden, Derek Gardener, Paul Nickson, Martin Hewison, Alexander J. Howie and Paul M. Stewart2

Departments of Medicine (J.C., M.H., P.M.S.) and Pathology (A.J.H.), University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom B15 2TH; and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Womens Hospital (C.G., D.G., P.N.), Toxteth, Liverpool, United Kingdom L8 7SS

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Prof. Paul Stewart, M.D., F.R.C.P., Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom B15 2TH. E-mail: p.m.stewart{at}bham.ac.uk


    Abstract
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
In adult life, the type 2 isozyme of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11ßHSD2) protects the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) from glucocorticoid by inactivating cortisol to cortisone. 11ßHSD2 activity has been reported in human fetal tissues, where glucocorticoids may impair fetal growth yet are also required for normal fetal development. Using digoxigenin-labeled complementary ribonucleic acid (RNA) probes and an in-house 11ßHSD2 antiserum, we have analyzed the expression of 11ßHSD2, MR, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in human fetal tissues of gestational age 6–17 weeks (n = 15). 11ßHSD2 expression was absent at gestational age 6+ weeks, but was expressed in abundance in many fetal tissues between 8–12 weeks. At this time, 11ßHSD2 colocalized with GR messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in metanephros, gut, muscle, spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, periderm, sex chords of testis, and adrenal. In particular within fetal kidney, intense expression of 11ßHSD2 and GR mRNA was observed over Bowman’s capsule and the vascular tufts of developing glomeruli as they migrated from the surface of the kidney to the inner cortex. Only lung and adrenal medullary rests demonstrated high levels of GR mRNA but low levels of 11ßHSD2. 11ßHSD2 mRNA and immunoreactivity staining patterns were similar, with the exception of the fetal adrenal, where mRNA was localized to the outer definitive zone but immunoreactivity was localized to the inner fetal zone. Colocalization of 11ßHSD2 (and GR mRNA) with MR mRNA was observed principally within epithelial cells of collecting ducts, particularly after 16 weeks gestation when the pattern of distribution of 11ßHSD2 became more adult in nature. High levels of MR mRNA were observed within developing bone.

The data indicate that 11ßHSD2 in fetal life principally modulates ligand access to the GR in most fetal tissues, notably glomeruli and tubules in the developing kidney, testis, and periderm, and this may be have ramifications for fetal sodium homeostasis and differentiation. The development of tissues previously shown to have a critical requirement for glucocorticoids, such as lung and adrenal medulla, is facilitated by the expression of GR mRNA, but not 11ßHSD2. The expression of MR mRNA in high abundance in bone suggests a role for corticosteroids in human bone development, and the low/absent expression of 11ßHSD2 at this site suggests that it is functionally acting as a GR.


    Introduction
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
FUNCTIONALLY adrenal corticosteroids have been classified as being either glucocorticoid (cortisol, corticosterone) or mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) (1). Glucocorticoids, through interaction with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) exert a diverse array of physiological effects (antiinflammatory, stress response, sodium and water homeostasis, intermediary metabolism) (2), whereas mineralocorticoids have a more defined role to stimulate epithelial sodium transport. In human adult life, the type 2 isozyme of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11ßHSD2) plays a crucial role in conferring specificity upon the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). In vitro the MR has a similar affinity for cortisol and aldosterone (3, 4); 11ßHSD2 inactivates cortisol to cortisone in renal, colonic, salivary, and skin epithelial cells expressing the MR, ensuring that aldosterone occupies the receptor in vivo (5, 6). Mutations in the gene encoding 11ßHSD2 explain a heritable form of human hypertension, the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess, in which cortisol acts a potent mineralocorticoid (7); a similar phenotype results when the enzyme is inhibited by the ingestion of licorice and its derivatives (8).

11ßHSD2 is also expressed in human fetal tissues, including the placenta (9, 10, 11). Its function in these tissues is uncertain, although its expression in the placenta may serve to protect the developing fetus from the potentially deleterious effects of much higher concentrations of maternal glucocorticoids (12). Glucocorticoid excess in utero has been proposed as an underlying mechanism explaining the epidemiological link between birth weight (and by inference fetal growth) and the subsequent development of hypertension in adult life (13, 14). By contrast, certain tissues, for example lung and adrenal medulla, have a critical requirement for glucocorticoid during development (15). Furthermore, at least in early fetal life before the full functional development of the kidney and gastrointestinal tract, tissues such as the placenta and skin may be responsible for regulating sodium homeostasis within the fetus.

Using complementary ribonucleic acid (cRNA) probes against the human MR, GR, and 11ßHSD2 and an in-house 11ßHSD2 antiserum, we have examined the expression of these ligands in human fetal tissues from gestational ages 6–17 weeks.


    Materials and Methods
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
Tissue

Collection and processing of human fetal material were approved by the district and local hospital ethical committees and collected according to the Polkinghorne code of practice and full patient consent (16). Fetal material was collected from elective surgical terminations of gestational age 6–17 weeks (n = 15 in total). For each window of gestational age studied (6+, 8–10, 12, and 16 weeks), a minimum of three separate fetuses were studied. Determination of fetal age was defined by ultrasound measurements, crown to rump length, and heel to toe length measurements (17). Material was treated with 50 mL heparin immediately posttermination to prevent blood clotting. Fetal and maternal tissues were separated through sterile sieves using sterile instruments. Fetal tissues were placed on ice, identified, and either snap-frozen or fixed in fresh 4% paraformaldehyde.

Synthesis of digoxigenin-labelled cRNA probes: 11ßHSD2, MR, and GR probes

Human 11ßHSD2, MR, and GR cRNA probes were synthesized from full-length human clones donated by Drs. Krozowski (18), Arriza (4), and Hollenberg (19), respectively. Suitable fragments of the above clones were isolated by restriction digestion and subcloned into TA vector systems, 11ßHSD2 into PCR3.1 (Invitrogen, Leek, The Netherlands) and MR and GR into pGEM T (Promega Corp., Southampton, UK). For the human GR this was a 693-bp fragment encompassing nucleotides 808-1501 of the published complementary DNA, for MR this was a 450-bp fragment (nucleotides 2590–3040 of the complementary DNA), and for 11ßHSD2 this was a 607-bp fragment (nucleotides 607-1497). The GR and MR probes shared less than 10% homology. Digoxigenin-UTP-labeled cRNA probes were synthesized by in vitro transcription using the appropriate restriction enzymes and SP6 T7 RNA polymerases (Boehringer Mannheim, Lewes, UK). Specifically, antisense cRNA probes for 11ßHSD2 were synthesized using T7 polymerase after linearization with ApaI; MR and GR antisense cRNA probes were synthesized using SP6 polymerase after linearization with ApaI. 11ßHSD2 sense cRNA probes were synthesized using SP6 polymerase after linearization with HindIII; for GR and MR, T7 polymerase was used after linearization with NotI. The nonradioactive digoxigenin RNA labeling and detection system (Boehringer Mannheim) allowed the detection of 0.1 µg homologous RNA (20).

In situ hybridization

Sagittal 5-µm sections from the paraformaldehyde-fixed tissue blocks were mounted onto 3-amino propyl triethoxysilane-coated slides under ribonuclease-free conditions, dewaxed in serial dilutions of alcohol, and subjected to 30 min of 10 µg proteinase K in 50 mmol/L Tris at 37 C. Sections were incubated with the 11ßHSD2, MR, and GR probes diluted in Hybrisol VI (Oncor Appligene, Hertfordshire, UK) overnight at 58, 42, and 45 C, respectively. The sections were subjected to a series of stringent posthybridization washes. Visualization of the probe was achieved by immunological colorimetric detection, with an alkaline phosphatase-conjugated antidigoxigenin antibody (polyclonal, Fab from sheep) and 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolylphosphate/nitro-blue tetrazolium reaction.

Immunohistochemistry

Sagittal 5-µm sections from the paraformaldehyde-fixed tissue blocks were mounted onto 10% poly-L-lysine-coated slides and dewaxed in serial dilutions of alcohol. Sections were treated with 30% hydrogen peroxide in methanol to block any endogenous peroxidase activity and were washed with 0.1 mol/L phosphate-buffered saline with 0.1% BSA. Slides were incubated with a 1:100 dilution of antibody derived against human 11ßHSD2 as previously reported (21) for 60 min, washed in phosphate-buffered saline and BSA as before, and incubated with a 1:100 dilution of an antidonkey sheep horseradish peroxidase conjugate (The Binding Site, Birmingham, UK) for 30 min. Staining was visualized using diaminobenzidine, and sections were counterstained with hemotoxylin. In each immunocytochemical study, negative controls included tissues known to be devoid of 11ßHSD2 expression (e.g. human adult liver), sections in which the primary antiserum was omitted, and sections in which the primary antiserum was preadsorbed with the original immunizing peptide (21).


    Results
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
At the earliest gestational age studied (6+ weeks), there was minimal expression of MR and GR messenger RNA (mRNA) and low/absent expression of 11ßHSD2. MR mRNA expression was confined to the mesonephros (but not metanephros) and bone; GR mRNA expression was confined to the bone and epithelial cells of the gut (Fig. 1Go and Table 1Go).



View larger version (101K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 1. Expression of 11ßHSD2, MR, and GR mRNA in fetal mesonephros (a), gut (b), and developing bone (c) at gestational age 6+ weeks. Little or no expression of 11ßHSD2 is seen. Only MR mRNA is detected in the mesonephros. High levels of expression of MR mRNA and moderate expression of GR mRNA are seen in chondrocytes of a developing rib. Magnification: a, x25; b and c, x10.

 

View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 1. Quantification of expression of 11ßHSD2, MR, and GR mRNA in early human fetal life

 
Between fetal age 8–12 weeks, 11ßHSD2 mRNA was readily detectable and was ubiquitously distributed. The same was true for MR and GR mRNA, although within any given tissue the localization of these ligands varied (Figs. 2Go and 3Go). Thus, in the kidney, 11ßHSD2 and GR expression was highest in the developing glomeruli, central collecting duct, and the epithelial cells of some renal tubules, both proximal and distal in origin (Figs. 2aGo and 3Go, c and d). In contrast, very little MR mRNA was present in extratubular sites. No hybridization was seen to control sense cRNA probes (Fig. 2bGo). This pattern of distribution was most marked at fetal age 12 weeks. Here intense 11ßHSD2 and GR expression, but not MR mRNA, was observed over Bowman’s capsule and the vascular tufts of developing glomeruli as they migrated from the surface of the kidney into the inner cortex. Expression of both 11ßHSD2 and the GR was markedly reduced in fully differentiated glomeruli (Fig. 3Go, c and d). 11ßHSD2 mRNA was also colocalized to MR mRNA within epithelial cells of renal collecting ducts (Fig. 3cGo). By 16 weeks gestational age the renal expression of 11ßHSD2 had taken on a more adult pattern, with expression seen over collecting duct epithelial cells where it colocalized predominantly with MR mRNA (Fig. 4cGo). 11ßHSD2 expression, however, together with GR mRNA was still observed over developing glomeruli in the outer cortex of the kidney.



View larger version (72K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 2. Expression of 11ßHSD2, MR, and GR mRNA in fetal kidney at gestational age 8 weeks. a, Hybridization signal with the antisense, digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probes; b, hybridization with the control sense probes. Magnification, x10.

 


View larger version (146K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 3. Expression of 11ßHSD2, MR, and GR mRNA in fetal tissues at gestational age 12 weeks. a, Developing long bone (magnification, x10); b, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, adjacent muscle, and rib (magnification, x4); c, metanephros (magnification, x10); d, metanephros (magnification, x40); e, periderm (magnification, x40). High levels of MR mRNA are seen in developing bone, neural tissues, and collecting duct epithlial cells. 11ßHSD2 and GR mRNA are observed to a lesser extent in bone, but in moderate/high amounts in neural tissues and adjacent muscle and periderm. Strong signal is seen in kidney in both tubular structures and glomeruli as they migrate from the surface of the cortex to the inner kidney (d). Expression is much less in fully differentiated glomeruli.

 


View larger version (146K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 4. Expression of 11ßHSD2, MR, and GR mRNA in fetal testis (a; magnification, x10), intestine (b; magnification, x10), kidney (c; magnification, x4), and lung (d; magnification, x25) at gestational age 16 weeks. GR and 11ßHSD2, but not MR, mRNA are localized to the sex chords of the testis. Expression of all three ligands is seen over epithelial cells of the gut and collecting ducts of the kidney, but expression of 11ßHSD2 and MR mRNA is highest. Some colocalization of GR and 11ßHSD2 is still observed over developing glomeruli. There is high expression of GR mRNA in all lung tissues, whereas 11ßHSD2 and MR mRNA are localized only weakly to bronchial columnar epithlial cells.

 
At other sites, levels of GR mRNA were generally higher than MR mRNA between 8–16 weeks gestation. Levels were notably high in muscle (Fig. 3bGo) and periderm (Fig. 3eGo), gut, sex chords of the testis (Fig. 4Go, a and b), and adrenal (Fig. 5Go). One obvious exception was bone, where expression of 11ßHSD2 mRNA was low in contrast to the marked expression of MR mRNA (Figs. 1cGo and 3aGo). MR mRNA was found in chondrocytes of developing ribs (Fig. 3bGo) and the perichondrial border, encompassing osteoblasts and chondrocytes in developing long bones (Fig. 3aGo) until 16 weeks gestation. After this gestational age the pattern of distribution of the MR was more adult in nature, with highest levels found in kidney, periderm, and colon where colocalization with 11ßHSD2 could be seen (Fig. 4Go, b and c). Broadly speaking, within fetal tissues at this gestational age there was a close correlation between GR and 11ßHSD2 expression. Exceptions to this were the lung and possibly chromaffin tissue within the adrenal medulla, both of which had high levels of GR mRNA, but low levels of 11ßHSD2 (Figs. 4dGo and 5Go). GR, MR, and 11ßHSD2 mRNA was present in neural tissue of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (Fig. 3bGo); brain tissue was not available for analysis.



View larger version (81K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 5. Expression of 11ßHSD2, MR, and GR mRNA in the fetal adrenal at gestational age 12 weeks. Magnification; a, x10; b, x4. Weak/absent expression of MR mRNA was seen over the gland. 11ßHSD2 mRNA was localized only to the outer definitive zone, whereas GR mRNA localization was more generalized.

 
In most tissues there was clear evidence that 11ßHSD2 mRNA levels reflected protein expression, with intense 11ßHSD2 immunoreactivity observed in developing glomeruli and epithelial cells of collecting ducts, and some, but not all, proximal and distal renal tubules (Fig. 6Go, a, c, and e). Within the colon and periderm, 11ßHSD2 immunoreactivity was also evident in surface epithelial cells (Fig. 6Go, b and d). In the adrenal, however, 11ßHSD2 mRNA was found only in the outer definitive zone (Fig. 5Go), whereas immunoreactivity was seen only in the inner fetal zone, excluding adrenal medullary rests (Fig. 6fGo).



View larger version (85K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 6. 11ßHSD2 immunoreactivity within human fetal kidney (a, c, and e), gut (b), periderm (d), and adrenal (f). At gestational ages 12–16 weeks, 11ßHSD2 protein is seen over proximal (c) distal, and collecting tubules in addition to glomeruli. Immunoreactivity is seen in surface epithelial cells of the gut and periderm. Within the adrenal, immunoreactivity is seen over the inner fetal zone, but not over the definitive zone or adrenal medullary rests. Magnification: a and e, x4; b and c, x40; d, x100; f, x10.

 

    Discussion
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
11ßHSD is established as an important prereceptor signaling pathway in the analysis of corticosteroid hormone action (22). The type 1 oxo-reductase enzyme is predominantly found in adult glucocorticoid target tissues, where it modulates glucocorticoid access to the GR (23, 24). Expression of this isozyme cannot be demonstrated in human fetal life, at least at midgestation (11). In contrast, 11ßHSD2 is found in adult mineralocorticoid tissues, kidney, colon, skin, and parotid, where it acts as a high affinity, NAD-dependent enzyme, efficiently inactivating cortisol to cortisone (18, 25). Clinical observations of patients with deficiency of 11ßHSD2, for example children with the hypertensive syndrome apparent mineralocorticoid excess, or subjects consuming excessive quantities of licorice, in whom cortisol was shown to act as a potent mineralocorticoid, led to studies that confirmed that 11ßHSD2 protects the MR from cortisol excess. Thus, in vitro the MR has the same intrinsic affinity for cortisol and aldosterone; aldosterone occupies the MR in vivo only if cortisol is inactivated to cortisone by 11ßHSD2 at the site of the receptor (5, 6, 7, 8). 11ßHSD activity has previously been documented in human fetal tissues, including the placenta, accounting for the low circulating cortisol/cortisone ratio in the fetal circulation compared to adulthood (1:1 vs. 8:1) (26, 27). With the characterization and cloning of the two 11ßHSD isozymes, it became clear that the principal, if not exclusive, isozyme expressed in human placenta and fetal tissues was the NAD-dependent type 2 enzyme (10, 11, 18). This coincided with renewed interest into the role of corticosteroids in fetal development with the suggestion that glucocorticoid-mediated programming in utero may explain the epidemiological link between fetal growth and adult diseases such as hypertension (12, 13, 14). Earlier studies indicated that glucocorticoid excess in utero may impair neuronal development (28, 29), may be teratogenic (30), and may result in impaired fetal growth with reduced birth weight (31). More recently, in some (32), but not all, rodent studies (33), inhibition of placental 11ßHSD2 across gestation was shown to result in hypertensive offspring with reduced birth weight. In humans the evidence for a relationship between placental 11ßHSD2 expression, glucocorticoids, and fetal growth is also conflicting (27, 34, 35). Whatever the role of placental 11ßHSD2, this study demonstrates widespread expression of 11ßHSD2, GR, and MR mRNA between gestational age 8–16 weeks at a time when fetal development is maximal. This implies that fetal tissues, if required, can protect themselves from maternal (or fetal) cortisol at an autocrine level, and it is perhaps naive therefore to expect any relationship between placental 11ßHSD2 expression per se and indexes of fetal growth.

Within individual fetal tissues, striking and temporal patterns of 11ßHSD2, MR, and GR mRNA expression were observed. Before 16 weeks gestational age, the expression of 11ßHSD2 mRNA was closely related to that of GR, notably in the glomeruli, periderm, sex chords of the testis, muscle, and adrenal, suggesting that 11ßHSD2 principally serves to regulate cortisol exposure to the GR at these sites. Before keratinization at 17–20 weeks gestation, the cells within the periderm contain microvilli and can transport urea, creatinine, and sodium (36). This may represent an important mechanism by which the fetus maintains sodium and water balance before functional development of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and our data suggest that this is predominantly glucocorticoid, rather than mineralocorticoid, regulated. Alternatively, glucocorticoids may play an important role in the differentiation and development of skin and other tissues expressing the GR; 11ßHSD2, in turn, may regulate this process.

This concept was illustrated best in the fetal kidney. At the earliest stage of development studied, the mesonephros, which may act as a functional kidney before the appearance of the metanephros, only expressed MR mRNA, suggesting that the receptor is unprotected at this stage. The metanephros develops from two components: the ureteric bud, which induces the mesenchymal blastema to form an epithelial condensation, which, in turn, induces dichotomous branching of the ureteric bud. The epithelial renal vesicle grows into an S-shaped convoluted tubule with a hook-shaped Bowman’s capsule, and the capillary tuft or glomerulus becomes linked to the vascular system. The ureteric bud gives rise to the renal pelvis, calices, and collecting ducts, whereas the S-shaped tubule differentiates into proximal and distal tubules. By 10 weeks gestation and thereafter, MR mRNA was only localized to structures derived from the ureteric bud, that is collecting ducts. In contrast, high levels of 11ßHSD2 were found in both components of the metanephros; proximal, distal, and collecting tubules; Bowman’s capsule; and, most striking of all the developing glomeruli, where colocalization with GR mRNA was seen. This pattern of distribution is similar to that reported for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an important regulator of endothelial cell proliferation and migration (37). Recombinant-derived mice lacking the VEGF gene demonstrate abnormal nephron development, with glomeruli lacking capillary tufts (38). VEGF is a glucocorticoid-dependent gene product, and it is interesting to speculate that the effects of glucocorticoids on renal development may be mediated through VEGF (39). Renal function and morphology has not to our knowledge been reported in mice lacking the GR gene (15).

Three other tissues warrant mention: lung, adrenal, and bone. Normal lung development is characterized by a glandular proliferation phase between 8–19 weeks gestation during which there is gland-like duct growth with successive branching of ducts to form terminal sac-like canaliculi capable of forming alveoli. In the bronchial branches, columnar epithelium differentiates into ciliated epithelium. Intense GR mRNA expression was observed over all these structures from gestational age 8–17 weeks in this study. In contrast, much lower levels of 11ßHSD2 and MR mRNA were seen only in bronchial columnar epithelial cells. Mice lacking the GR gene are known to have impaired development of the terminal bronchioles and alveoli (15). Lung dysplasia was also observed in mice lacking CRF, and this could be reversed by prenatal glucocorticoid administration (40). Glucocorticoids are known to regulate the production of the surfactant proteins SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D (41, 42) and the apical sodium channel (43), both of which may be important events in lung inflation at birth. Our findings of high levels of GR mRNA together with relatively low levels of 11ßHSD2 would facilitate high local concentrations of glucocorticoids, which are required for normal lung development.

The same principle may apply for the adrenal medulla. The adrenal originates from the coelemic epithelium between the gastric mesentery and mesonephros. From 8 weeks on, two distinct zones can be identified: an outer narrow progenitor layer, the neocortex or definitive zone, and an inner fetal zone. Neural crest-derived chromaffin cells invade the gland from gestational age 6 weeks on and differentiate by 8 weeks of age, but a morphological adrenal medulla is not formed until the neonatal period (44). The huge relative size of the fetal adrenal compared to its adult counterpart can be explained predominantly by the large fetal zone that synthesizes dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, the precursor for maternal estrogen throughout pregnancy. Because of a relative deficiency of 3ß-HSD in both zones of the fetal adrenal (45), the adrenal would require progesterone for cortisol production. High levels of progesterone in the fetal circulation (46) together with the expression of both 17{alpha}- and 21 hydroxylases in the fetal zone (47) suggest that cortisol is indeed synthesized by the fetal adrenal. The expression of 11ßHSD2 within the fetal adrenal is therefore puzzling. Firstly, this appears to be the only example reported to date where there exists a discrepancy between the sites of 11ßHSD2 synthesis and expression; 11ßHSD2 is transcribed in the outer progenitor layer, but is only expressed in the inner fetal zone. Secondly, it remains unclear as to why the fetal zone, if it is indeed synthesizing cortisol, would effectively inactivate it. Glucocorticoids are known to be an essential requirement for normal adrenal development, specifically the development of the adrenal chromaffin cells (15) and the expression of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (48). In keeping with these data, GR mRNA (but not MR mRNA) was ubiquitously distributed in both zones of the adrenal in addition to chromaffin cells scattered throughout the cortex. Chromaffin cells within the fetal zone did not express 11ßHSD2, which again would facilitate high glucocorticoid concentrations within these cells.

Finally, of some interest was the expression of high levels of MR in developing long bones and ribs. Expression appeared to be highest in osteoblasts, at bone-forming sites. Levels of GR and 11ßHSD2 mRNA were much lower, but they also appeared to be localized to osteoblasts. In adult bone, several studies have demonstrated the expression of functional GRs (49), and we have recently identified specific aldosterone binding in some rat osteoblastic cell lines (50). The function of MR in developing bone, however, remains unknown.

Our data suggest therefore that corticosteroids will play a crucial role in the development and differentiation of many fetal tissues, and the expression of 11ßHSD2 may be a pivotal mechanism in this process. In particular, the expression of GR in developing glomeruli, testis, and skin may be of importance in normal renal and gonadal development and fetal sodium homeostasis; at these sites cortisol exposure to the GR is clearly modulated by 11ßHSD2 expression. In contrast, GR expression in the fetal lung and in adrenal chromaffin cells is not protected by 11ßHSD2. Similarly, at some sites (e.g. bone) and in early gestation (<8 weeks), the expression of MR and the absent expression of 11ßHSD2 suggest that the MR may be acting as a functional GR. By 16 weeks gestation a more adult pattern of expression of 11ßHSD2 and MR is observed, with colocalization in epithelial cells of the colon and collecting ducts.


    Footnotes
 
1 This work was supported by the Medical Research Council. Back

2 Medical Research Council Senior Clinical Fellow. Back

Received May 4, 1998.

Revised August 7, 1998.

Accepted September 1, 1998.


    References
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 

  1. Funder JW. 1987 Adrenal steroids: new answers, new questions. Science. 237:236–237.[Free Full Text]
  2. Munck A, Mendel DB, Smith LI, Orti E. 1990 Glucocorticoid receptors and actions. Am Rev Respir Dis. 141:S2–S10.
  3. Krozowski ZS, Funder JW. 1983 Renal mineralocorticoid receptors and hippocampal corticosterone-binding species have identical intrinsic steroid specificity. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 80:6056–6060.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  4. Arriza JL, Weinberger C, Cerelli G, et al. 1988 Cloning of human mineralocorticoid receptor complementary DNA: Structural and functional kinship with the glucocorticoid receptor. Science. 237:268–275.
  5. Edwards CRW, Stewart PM, Burt D, et al. 1988 Localisation of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-tissue specific protector of the mineralocorticoid receptor. Lancet. 2:986–989.[CrossRef][Medline]
  6. Funder JW, Pearce PT, Smith R, Smith AI. 1988 Mineralocorticoid action: target tissue specificity is enzyme, not receptor, mediated. Science. 242:583–585.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  7. White PC, Mune T, Agarawl AK. 1997 11ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess. Endocr Rev. 18:135–156.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  8. Stewart PM, Wallace AM, Valentino R, Burt D, Shackleton CHL, Edwards CRW. 1987 Mineralocorticoid activity of liquorice: 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency comes of age. Lancet. 2:821–824.[Medline]
  9. Murphy BEP. 1981 Ontogeny of cortisol-cortisone interconversion in human tissues: a role of cortisone in human fetal development. J Steroid Biochem. 14:811–817.[CrossRef][Medline]
  10. Brown RW, Chapman KE, Edwards CRW, Seckl JR. 1993 Human placental 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: evidence for and partial purification of a distinct NAD-dependent isoform. Endocrinology. 132:2614–2621.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  11. Stewart PM, Murry BA, Mason JI. 1994 Type 2 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in human fetal tissues. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 78:1529–1532.[Abstract]
  12. Edwards CRW, Benediktsson R, Lindsay RS, Seckl JR. 1993 Dysfunction of placental glucocorticoid barrier: link between fetal environment and adult hypertension? Lancet. 341:355–357.[CrossRef][Medline]
  13. Barker DJP, Osmond C, Simmonds S. 1990 Fetal and placental size and risk of hypertension in adult life. Br Med J. 301:259–262.
  14. Benediktsson R, Lindsay RS, Noble J, Seckl JR, Edwards CRW. 1993 Glucocorticoid exposure in utero: new model for adult hypertension. Lancet. 341:339–341.[CrossRef][Medline]
  15. Cole TJ, Blendy JA, Monaghan P, et al. 1995 Targeted disruption of the glucocorticoid receptor gene blocks adrenergic chromaffin development and severely retards lung maturation. Genes Dev. 9:1608–1621.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  16. Polkinghorne Report. 1989 Review of the guidance on the research use of fetuses and fetal material. Her Majesty’s Stationery Office: London.
  17. Dylevsky I. 1969 Relation between the length of long limb bones, outer dimensions of limbs and the crown-rump length in embryos and fetuses. Folia Morphol. 17:147–157.
  18. Albiston AL, Obeyesekere VR, Smith RE, Krozowski ZS. 1994 Cloning and tissue distribution of the human 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 105:R11–R17.
  19. Hollenberg SM, Weinberger C, Ong ES, et al. 1985 Primary structure and expression of a functional human glucocorticoid receptor cDNA. Nature. 318:635–641.[CrossRef][Medline]
  20. Durrant I. 1996 Nonradioactive in situ hybridization for cells and tissues. Methods Mol Biol. 58:155–167.[Medline]
  21. Shimojo M, Ricketts ML, Petrelli MD, et al. 1997 Immunodetection of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in human mineralocorticoid target tissues: evidence for nuclear localization. Endocrinology. 138:1305–1311.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  22. Stewart PM. 1996 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: implications for clinical medicine. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 44:493–499.[CrossRef][Medline]
  23. Jamieson PM, Chapman KE, Edwards CRW, Seckl JR. 1995 11ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is an exclusive 11ß-reductase in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes: effects of physiochemical and hormonal manipulations. Endocrinology. 136:4754–4761.[Abstract]
  24. Whorwood CB, Sheppard MC, Stewart PM. 1993 Licorice inhibits 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase messenger ribonucleic acid levels and potentiates glucocorticoid hormone action. Endocrinology. 132:2287–2292.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  25. Stewart PM, Murry BA, Mason JI. 1994 Human kidney 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is a high affinity NAD+-dependent enzyme and differs from the cloned "type I" isoform. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 79:480–484.[Abstract]
  26. Bro-Rasmussen F, Buus O, Trolle D. 1962 Ratio of cortisone/cortisol in mother and infant at birth. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 40:579–583.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  27. Shams M, Kilby MD, Somerset DA, et al. 1998 Ontogeny of placental 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in human pregnancy and reduced expression in intrauterine growth retardation. Hum Reprod. 13:799–804.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  28. Howard E, Granoff DM. 1968 Increased voluntary running and decreased motor co-ordination in mice after neonatal corticosterone implantation. Exp Neurol. 22:661–673.[CrossRef][Medline]
  29. Cotterrell M, Blazs R, Johnson A. 1972 Effects of corticosteroids on the biochemical maturation of rat brain postnatal cell formation. J Neurochem. 19:2151–2167.[CrossRef][Medline]
  30. Bongiovanni AM, McPadden AJ. 1960 Steroids during pregnancy and possible fetal consequences. Fertil Steril. 11:181–186.[Medline]
  31. Reinisch JM, Simon NG, Karow WG, Gandelman R. 1978 Prenatal exposure to prednisone in humans and animals retards intrauterine growth. Science. 202:436–438.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  32. Lindsay RS, Lindsay RM, Edwards CRW, Seckl JR. 1996 Inhibition of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in pregnant rats and the porgramming of blood pressure in the offspring. Hypertension. 27:1200–1204.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  33. Condon J, Bujalska I, Stewart PM. 1997 Inhibition of maternal and fetal 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 across gestation does not alter birth or placental weight in the mouse. J Endocrinol. 152S:P57.
  34. Stewart PM, Rogerson FM, Mason JI. 1995 Type 2 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase messenger ribonucleic acid and activity in human placenta and fetal membranes: its relationship to birth weight and putative role in fetal adrenal steroidogenesis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 80:885–890.[Abstract]
  35. Rogerson FM, Kayes MK, White PC. 1997 Variation in placental type 2 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity is not related to birth or placental weight. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 128:103–109.[CrossRef][Medline]
  36. Abramovich DR, Heaton B, Page KR. 1974 Transfer of labelled urea, creatinine and electrolytes between liquor amnii and the fetoplacental unit in mid pregnancy. Eur J Gynaecol Reprod Biol. 4:143–147.[CrossRef]
  37. Paavonen K, Horellikuitunen N, Chilov B, et al. 1996 Novel human vascular endothelial growth-factor genes VEGF-B and VEGF-C localize to chromosomes 11Q13 and 4Q34 respectively. Circulation. 93:1079–1082.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  38. Kitamoto Y, Tokunaga H, Tomita K. 1997 Vascular endothelial growth factor is an essential molecule for mouse kidney development: glomerulogenesis and nephrogenesis. J Clin Invest. 99:2351–2357.[Medline]
  39. Heiss JD, Papavassiliou E, Merrill MJ, et al. 1997 Mechanism of dexamethasone suppression of brain tumor-associated vascular permeabilty in rats. Involvment of the glucocorticoid receptor and vascular permeability factor. J Clin Invest. 98:1400–1408.[Medline]
  40. Muglia L, Jacobsen L, Dikkes P, Majzoub JA. 1995 Corticotrophin-releasing hormone deficiency reveals major fetal but not adult glucocorticoid need. Nature. 373:427–432.[CrossRef][Medline]
  41. Haagsman HP, Golde LM. 1991 Synthesis and assembly of lung surfactant. Annu Rev Physiol. 53:441–464.[CrossRef][Medline]
  42. Mendelson CR, Boggaram V. 1991 Hormonal control of the surfactant system in fetal lung. Annu Rev Physiol. 53:415–440.[CrossRef][Medline]
  43. Champigny G, Voilley N, Lingueglia E, Friend V, Barbry P, Lazdunski M. 1994 Regulation of the lung amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel by steroid hormones. EMBO J. 13:2177–2181.[Medline]
  44. Crowder RE. 1957 The development of the adrenal gland in man with special reference to origin and ultimate location of cell types and evidence in favour of the cell migration theory. Contrib Embryol. 36:195–210.
  45. Doody KM, Carr BR, Rainey WE, et al. 1990 3ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase in the fetal zone and neocortex of the human fetal adrenal gland. Endocrinology. 126:2487–2492.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  46. Sippel WG, Dorr HG, Becker H, Bidlingmaier F, Mickan H, Holzmann K. 1979 Simultaneous determination of seven unconjugated steroids in maternal venous and umbilical arterial and venous serum in elective and emergeny cesarean section at term. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 135:530–542.[Medline]
  47. Miller WL. 1988 Molecular biology of steroid hormone synthesis. Endo Rev. 9:295–318.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  48. Jiang W, Uht R, Bohn MC. 1989 Regulation of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) mRNA in the rat adrenal medulla by corticosterone. Int J Dev Neurosci. 7:513–520.[CrossRef][Medline]
  49. Peck WA. 1984 The effects of glucocorticoids on bone cell metabolism and function. Adv Exp Med Biol. 171:111–119.[Medline]
  50. Eyre LJ, Bland R, Hughes SV, Stewart PM, Sheppard MC, Hewison M. 11ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity is associated with glucocorticoid receptor-mediated effects on osteoblast activity [Abstract]. J Endocrinol. In press.



This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Exp. Biol. Med.Home page
M. M. Vasquez, S. B. Mustafa, A. Choudary, S. R. Seidner, and R. Castro
Regulation of Epithelial Na+ Channel (ENaC) in the Salivary Cell Line SMG-C6
Experimental Biology and Medicine, May 1, 2009; 234(5): 522 - 531.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Hum Reprod UpdateHome page
A. E. Michael and A. T. Papageorghiou
Potential significance of physiological and pharmacological glucocorticoids in early pregnancy
Hum. Reprod. Update, September 1, 2008; 14(5): 497 - 517.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Ann Rheum DisHome page
F. Buttgereit, H. Zhou, and M. J Seibel
Arthritis and endogenous glucocorticoids: the emerging role of the 11{beta}-HSD enzymes
Ann Rheum Dis, September 1, 2008; 67(9): 1201 - 1203.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Ann Rheum DisHome page
R Hardy, E H Rabbitt, A Filer, P Emery, M Hewison, P M Stewart, N J Gittoes, C D Buckley, K Raza, and M S Cooper
Local and systemic glucocorticoid metabolism in inflammatory arthritis
Ann Rheum Dis, September 1, 2008; 67(9): 1204 - 1210.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Reproductive SciencesHome page
B. Root, J. Abrassart, D. A. Myers, T. Monau, and C. A. Ducsay
Expression and Distribution of Glucocorticoid Receptors in the Ovine Fetal Adrenal Cortex: Effect of Long-term Hypoxia
Reproductive Sciences, May 1, 2008; 15(5): 517 - 528.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J EndocrinolHome page
J. Chan, E. H Rabbitt, B. A Innes, J. N Bulmer, P. M Stewart, M. D Kilby, and M. Hewison
Glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in human decidua: a novel role for 11{beta}-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in late gestation
J. Endocrinol., October 1, 2007; 195(1): 7 - 15.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
M. Baserga, M. A. Hale, Z. M. Wang, X. Yu, C. W. Callaway, R. A. McKnight, and R. H. Lane
Uteroplacental insufficiency alters nephrogenesis and downregulates cyclooxygenase-2 expression in a model of IUGR with adult-onset hypertension
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, May 1, 2007; 292(5): R1943 - R1955.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EndocrinologyHome page
A. J. Forhead, J. K. Jellyman, D. S. Gardner, D. A. Giussani, E. Kaptein, T. J. Visser, and A. L. Fowden
Differential Effects of Maternal Dexamethasone Treatment on Circulating Thyroid Hormone Concentrations and Tissue Deiodinase Activity in the Pregnant Ewe and Fetus
Endocrinology, February 1, 2007; 148(2): 800 - 805.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
FASEB J.Home page
A. V. Patchev, D. Fischer, S. S. Wolf, M. Herkenham, F. Gotz, M. Gehin, P. Chambon, V. K. Patchev, and O. F. X. Almeida
Insidious adrenocortical insufficiency underlies neuroendocrine dysregulation in TIF-2 deficient mice
FASEB J, January 1, 2007; 21(1): 231 - 238.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Stem CellsHome page
A. Derfoul, G. L. Perkins, D. J. Hall, and R. S. Tuan
Glucocorticoids Promote Chondrogenic Differentiation of Adult Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Enhancing Expression of Cartilage Extracellular Matrix Genes
Stem Cells, June 1, 2006; 24(6): 1487 - 1495.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Endocr. Rev.Home page
V. E. Murphy, R. Smith, W. B. Giles, and V. L. Clifton
Endocrine Regulation of Human Fetal Growth: The Role of the Mother, Placenta, and Fetus
Endocr. Rev., April 1, 2006; 27(2): 141 - 169.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
A. Kapoor, E. Dunn, A. Kostaki, M. H. Andrews, and S. G. Matthews
Fetal programming of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function: prenatal stress and glucocorticoids
J. Physiol., April 1, 2006; 572(1): 31 - 44.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Endocr. Rev.Home page
J. W. Tomlinson, E. A. Walker, I. J. Bujalska, N. Draper, G. G. Lavery, M. S. Cooper, M. Hewison, and P. M. Stewart
11{beta}-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1: A Tissue-Specific Regulator of Glucocorticoid Response
Endocr. Rev., October 1, 2004; 25(5): 831 - 866.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol.Home page
J. L. Alcorn, K. N. Islam, P. P. Young, and C. R. Mendelson
Glucocorticoid inhibition of SP-A gene expression in lung type II cells is mediated via the TTF-1-binding element
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol, April 1, 2004; 286(4): L767 - L776.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EndocrinologyHome page
L. B. Sher, H. W. Woitge, D. J. Adams, G. A. Gronowicz, Z. Krozowski, J. R. Harrison, and B. E. Kream
Transgenic Expression of 11{beta}-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 in Osteoblasts Reveals an Anabolic Role for Endogenous Glucocorticoids in Bone
Endocrinology, February 1, 2004; 145(2): 922 - 929.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol.Home page
K. Madsen, J. Stubbe, T. Yang, O. Skott, S. Bachmann, and B. L. Jensen
Low endogenous glucocorticoid allows induction of kidney cortical cyclooxygenase-2 during postnatal rat development
Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, January 1, 2004; 286(1): F26 - F37.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Mol Hum ReprodHome page
P.M. Driver, S. Rauz, E.A. Walker, M. Hewison, M.D. Kilby, and P.M. Stewart
Characterization of human trophoblast as a mineralocorticoid target tissue
Mol. Hum. Reprod., December 1, 2003; 9(12): 793 - 798.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
I. Bourdeau, A. Lacroix, W. Schurch, P. Caron, T. Antakly, and C. A. Stratakis
Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease: Paradoxical Responses of Cortisol Secretion to Dexamethasone Occur in Vitro and Are Associated with Increased Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., August 1, 2003; 88(8): 3931 - 3937.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
G. J. Pepe, P. L. Ballard, and E. D. Albrecht
Fetal Lung Maturation in Estrogen-Deprived Baboons
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., January 1, 2003; 88(1): 471 - 477.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
S. Kataoka, A. Kudo, H. Hirano, H. Kawakami, T. Kawano, E. Higashihara, H. Tanaka, F. Delarue, J.-D. Sraer, T. Mune, et al.
11{beta}-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 Is Expressed in the Human Kidney Glomerulus
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 2002; 87(2): 877 - 882.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
C. L. McTernan, N. Draper, H. Nicholson, S. M. Chalder, P. Driver, M. Hewison, M. D. Kilby, and P. M. Stewart
Reduced Placental 11{beta}-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 mRNA Levels in Human Pregnancies Complicated by Intrauterine Growth Restriction: An Analysis of Possible Mechanisms
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., October 1, 2001; 86(10): 4979 - 4983.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EndocrinologyHome page
C. Bertram, A. R. Trowern, N. Copin, A. A. Jackson, and C. B. Whorwood
The Maternal Diet during Pregnancy Programs Altered Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor and Type 2 11{beta}-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase: Potential Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Programming of Hypertension in Utero
Endocrinology, July 1, 2001; 142(7): 2841 - 2853.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Mol Hum ReprodHome page
P.M. Driver, M.D. Kilby, I. Bujalska, E.A. Walker, M. Hewison, and P.M. Stewart
Expression of 11{beta}-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isozymes and corticosteroid hormone receptors in primary cultures of human trophoblast and placental bed biopsies
Mol. Hum. Reprod., April 1, 2001; 7(4): 357 - 363.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Biol. Chem.Home page
D. Le Menuet, S. Viengchareun, P. Penfornis, F. Walker, M.-C. Zennaro, and M. Lombes
Targeted Oncogenesis Reveals a Distinct Tissue-specific Utilization of Alternative Promoters of the Human Mineralocorticoid Receptor Gene in Transgenic Mice
J. Biol. Chem., March 10, 2000; 275(11): 7878 - 7886.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a related Letter to the Editor
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Copyright Permission
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Condon, J.
Right arrow Articles by Stewart, P. M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Condon, J.
Right arrow Articles by Stewart, P. M.


HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Endocrinology Endocrine Reviews J. Clin. End. & Metab.
Molecular Endocrinology Recent Prog. Horm. Res. All Endocrine Journals