Human adrenal LH/hCG receptors and what they could mean for adrenal physiology and pathology

Although the research on the potential regulation of human adrenal cortex by LH and hCG is still in its infancy, the available evidence supports the presence of very low levels of LH/hCG receptors in entire zona reticularis and deeper part of zona fasciculata. The activation of these receptors may lead to an increased secretion of androgens and/or cortisol. The same chronically elevated levels, along with unknown genetic and epigenetic changes, may also lead to the formation of tumors that can secrete all three major classes of adrenal steroid hormones. As shown in murine models, the increased receptor levels often seen in tumors, are probably caused by elevated LH/hCG levels. However, the elevated LH/hCG levels or their receptors alone may not be sufficient for the development of adrenal pathology. Therefore, further studies to advance our current understanding on the pathophysiology of human adrenal hCG/LH receptors are required.