Glucocorticoid metabolism and reproduction: a tale of two enzymes

in Reproduction
Authors:
AE Michael
Search for other papers by AE Michael in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
LM Thurston
Search for other papers by LM Thurston in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
MT Rae
Search for other papers by MT Rae in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/rep.0.1260425
Volume/Issue:
Volume 126: Issue 4
Page Range:
425–441
Article Type:
Research Article
Online Publication Date:
01 Oct 2003
Free access

Sign up for journal news

Within potential target cells, the actions of physiological glucocorticoids (cortisol and corticosterone) are modulated by isoforms of the enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta HSD). To date, two isoforms of 11 beta HSD have been cloned: 11 beta HSD1 acts predominantly as an NADP(H)-dependent reductase to generate active cortisol or corticosterone, and 11 beta HSD2 is a high affinity NAD(+)-dependent enzyme that catalyses the enzymatic inactivation of glucocorticoids. Whereas the regeneration of active glucocorticoids by 11 beta HSD1 has been implicated in the cellular mechanisms of pituitary function, ovulation and parturition, the enzymatic inactivation of cortisol and corticosterone by 11 beta HSD enzymes appears to be central to the protection of gonadal steroidogenesis, prevention of intra-uterine growth retardation, and lactation. Recent evidence indicates that follicular fluid contains endogenous modulators of cortisol metabolism by 11 beta HSD1, the concentrations of which are associated with the clinical outcome of assisted conception cycles and are altered in cystic ovarian disease. In conclusion, the two cloned isoforms of 11 beta HSD fulfil diverse roles in a wide range of reproductive processes from conception to lactation.

Reproduction is committed to supporting researchers in demonstrating the impact of their articles published in the journal.

The two types of article metrics we measure are (i) more traditional full-text views and pdf downloads, and (ii) Altmetric data, which shows the wider impact of articles in a range of non-traditional sources, such as social media.

More information is on the Reasons to publish page.

Sept 2018 onwards Past Year Past 30 Days
Full Text Views 859 538 27
PDF Downloads 482 161 8

 

  • Collapse
  • Expand
Print ISSN:
1470-1626
Online ISSN:
1741-7899