Expression and functional analysis of dopamine receptor subtype 2 and somatostatin receptor subtypes in canine cushing's disease.

ABSTRACT: Cushing's disease (CD) is a severe disorder characterized by chronic hypercortisolism due to an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Transsphenoidal adenomectomy is the treatment of choice in humans with CD, but recurrences occur frequently. Finding an effective and safe medical treatment for CD may improve long-term clinical outcome. The recent demonstration of expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes (mainly sst5) and dopamine receptor subtype 2 (D2) in human corticotroph adenomas offers the possibility for medical treatment of CD with novel somatostatin analogs and dopamine agonists. Investigation of the effects of these drugs is hampered by the low incidence of CD in humans. Interestingly, CD is a frequent disorder in dogs with striking clinical similarities with CD in humans. Therefo

SUBMITTER: de Bruin C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2553383 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature