Hypertension and the cortisol-cortisone shuttle

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Jun;88(6):2384-92. doi: 10.1210/jc.2003-030138.

Abstract

11 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11 beta-HSD2) plays a crucial role in converting hormonally active cortisol to inactive cortisone, thereby conferring specificity on the mineralocorticoid receptor. Mutations in the gene encoding 11 beta-HSD2 (HSD11B2) account for an inherited form of hypertension, the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess, in which cortisol induces hypertension and hypokalemia. A similar clinical picture to apparent mineralocorticoid excess occurs after the ingestion of licorice and carbenoxolone, which are competitive inhibitors of 11 beta-HSD2. Reduced 11 beta-HSD2 activity may explain the increased sodium retention in preeclampsia, renal disease, and liver cirrhosis. Substrate saturation of 11 beta-HSD2 occurs in Cushing's syndrome and explains the mineralocorticoid excess state that characterizes ectopic ACTH syndrome. Polymorphic variability in the HSD11B2 gene in part determines salt sensitivity, a forerunner for adult onset hypertension. Furthermore, reduced placental 11 beta-HSD2 expression might underpin the Barker hypothesis, the epidemiological link between reduced birth weight and adult hypertension. At a prereceptor level, 11 beta-HSD2 plays a key role in normal physiology in the corticosteroid regulation of sodium homeostasis and pathophysiology of hypertension.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2
  • Cortisone / biosynthesis*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism*
  • Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / metabolism*
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Hypertension / metabolism*
  • Mineralocorticoids / metabolism

Substances

  • Mineralocorticoids
  • Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases
  • 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2
  • HSD11B2 protein, human
  • Cortisone
  • Hydrocortisone