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Horm Metab Res 2015; 47(08): 596-599
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1389957
Endocrine Research
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Expression of Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin CBG in the Human Heart

H. H. Schäfer
1   Institute of Anatomy II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
,
V. M. Gebhart
1   Institute of Anatomy II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
,
K. Hertel
2   Institute of Pathology, HELIOS Klinikum Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
,
G. F. Jirikowski
1   Institute of Anatomy II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 07 July 2014

accepted 26 August 2014

Publication Date:
24 September 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Glucocorticoids are known to be involved in myocardial regeneration and destruction. Cardiomyocytes are mostly devoid of nuclear glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and it is generally assumed that effects of adrenal steroids in heart are mediated through the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Here we used immunocytochemistry to study localization of corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) in semithin sections of human cardiac tissue samples. With staining of consecutive sections we examined colocalization with GR and MR immunoreactivities. While GR staining was almost undetectable, a portion of myocytes with MR immunostained nuclei was found. Almost all cardiomyocytes exhibited CBG immunostaining in cytoplasm and on the cell membrane. Most pronounced CBG immunoreactivities were found in Purkinje fibers and in smooth muscle cells of arterial walls. With RT-PCR, we found in homogenates of cardiac tissue detectable levels of CBG encoding mRNA. Our findings indicate that CBG is expressed in human heart. Known cardiac effects of adrenal steroids may in part be mediated through the binding globulin and its putative membrane receptor in addition to nuclear steroid receptors and direct genomic action. Highlights of our study: Human cardiomyocytes express mineralocorticoid receptors, but are mostly free of nuclear glucocorticoid receptors. CBG is expressed in myocardium and in Purkinje fibers. CBG in heart is colocalized with mineralocorticoid receptor. Endothelia and smooth muscle cells of arterial walls show colocalization of CBG and MR.

Key words

human myocardium - adrenal steroids - mineralocorticoid receptor - stress hormones - corticosteroid binding globulin
 

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