Summary: This study was designed to analyze the sequence and the expression of CRF-BP
mRNA in ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Direct sequencing analysis revealed no
apparent mutations in the CRF-BP mRNA. Thus, we conclude that mutations in the coding
region of the CRF-BP gene are not involved in the pathogenesis of Cushing's disease.
However, using a semiquantitative PCR approach coamplifying the housekeeping gene
GAPDH we detected a reduced expression of CRF-BP mRNA in ACTH-secreting pituitary
adenomas when compared with normal pituitaries. We suggest that the decreased CRF-BP
gene expression in ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas is most likely an effect due
to high cortisol levels in Cushing patients.
Key words:
CRF-BP - mRNA - pituitary adenoma - mutation
