Reduced Level of Cellular Glucocorticoid Receptors in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

K. Kontula; L. C. Andersson; M. Huttunen; R. Pelkonen

doi:10.1055/s-2007-1019100

Hormone and Metabolic Research, Table of Contents

Horm Metab Res 1982; 14(11): 619-620
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1019100

Reduced Level of Cellular Glucocorticoid Receptors in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

K. Kontula, L. C. Andersson, M. Huttunen, R. Pelkonen

Steroid Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Helsinki; Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki; Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki, and Third Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

Abstract

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Summary

Specific glucocorticoid receptors were measured in circulating mononuclear leukocytes from 12 patients with anorexia nervosa and 21 healthy control subjects. Cells from patients were found to contain a significantly (p < 0.01) lower level of glucocorticoid receptor (3830 ± 210 sites/cell, mean ± SE) than those from controls (4930 ± 250 sites/cell). A partial glucocorticoid receptor defect may well explain the abnormal cortisol metabolism and glucocorticoid resistance commonly found in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Key-Words:

Glucocorticoid Receptors - [³H]Dexamethasone-Binding - Hypercortisolism in Anorexia Nervosa - Steroid Receptor Defect

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