Aberrant receptor-mediated Cushing's syndrome

Multiple alterations of G-protein-coupled receptors and G-proteins regulating intracellular transduction signal have been described in endocrine tumours. In Cushing's syndrome, aberrant or 'illicit' expression of membrane receptors (mainly G-protein-coupled receptors) has been observed in adrenal adenomas and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent macronodular bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. The best characterized example to date is the aberrant expression of the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor that causes 'food-dependent hypercortisolism'. Aberrant expression of the luteinizing hormone, 2-adrenergic, interleukin receptors have also been reported. The level of expression of the vasopressin V1a receptor correlates with the direct (ACTH-independent) cortisol response to vasopressin.