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Horm Metab Res 2001; 33(3): 127-130
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-14937
Original Basic
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Androgens and Estrogens and Catechol and Methoxy-Estrogen Derivatives on Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (ERK1,2) Activity in SW-13 Human Adrenal Carcinoma Cells[1]

J. W. Brown1, 2 , C. T. Kesler1 , J. T. Neary1, 3 , L. M. Fishman1, 2
  • 1 Adrenal Research Laboratory (151), V.A. Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, U.S.A.
  • 2 Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, U.S.A.
  • 3 Department of Pathology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, U.S.A.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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We tested the effects of 17β-estradiol as well as its catechol- and methoxy-derivatives, two androgens (DHEA and testosterone), a glucocorticoid (cortisol), a mineralocorticoid (aldosterone), and progesterone on the activity of ERK1,2, a key component of the ERK/MAPK enzyme phosphorylation cascade, in SW-13 human adrenal carcinoma cells. After a 24-hour exposure SW-13 cells incubated with 10-5 M concentrations of 17β-estradiol, its 2-hydroxy or its 2-methoxy derivative, all had elevated ERK activities (196 %, 159 %, and 275 %, respectively) relative to control cells (p < 0.01). Incubation with testosterone resulted in 162 % of control ERK activity (p < 0.01), whereas incubation with the far weaker androgen DHEA or with cortisol, aldosterone, or progesterone had no significant effects. These findings suggest sex steroid-specific influences in the induction or activation of signal transduction pathways known to play a crucial role in cellular proliferation and differentiation.

Key words:

Adrenal Carcinoma - Steroids - MAPK - ERK

1 This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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1 This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Dr. J. W. Brown

Adrenal Research (151)
V.A. Medical Center

1201 N.W. 16 St.
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