A BIOCHEMICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF ADRENAL TISSUES FROM PATIENTS WITH CONN'S SYNDROME

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tumours removed surgically from patients with primary aldosteronism were investigated by histological and biochemical procedures. The formation of 1 1β-hydroxyprogesterone-14C from progesterone-14C by tumour but not normal cortical tissue homogenates has been demonstrated. The significance of this substance in the biosynthesis of aldosterone is discussed. The ratio of 17-hydroxy to 17-deoxy C21 steroids formed in vitro by tumours and zones of normal adrenal cortex has been determined and an attempt has been made to use this ratio to determine the origin of the cells of the aldosterone secreting tumours.