Pushkarov V. Biochemical mechanisms of steroidogenesis regulation by potassium ions in the adrenal cortex

Object: biochemical processes participating in steroidogenesis control in adrenal cortex. Aim of study: to study the К+ role in steroidogenesis control, metabolic and apoptotic processes in the cells of adrenal cortex of human and laboratory animals. Methods: biochemical, methods of molecular biology, statistical studies. Results: The new concepts on the significance of К+ ions in the steroidogenesis control and in maintaining of the potassium blood level was substantiated. It was shown that К+ ions stimulated synthesis and labeling of aldosterone, enhanced the fundamental metabolic processes – synthesis of proteins, RNA, DNA. The role of protein synthesis in potassium-dependent regulation of steroidogenesis was studied. The main messenger systems participating in К+ effects mediation in adrenocorticocytes were estimated. The involvement of phospholipids, intracellular calcium stores and protein kinase C in К+-dependent control of aldosterone synthesis was proved. Novelty: For the first time the involvement of all three main messenger systems - cAMP/PKA, Са2+/calmodulin and Са2+/phospholipids/PKC in the К+ control of steroidogenesis was substantiated. For the first time the possibility of steroidogenesis inhibition by low potassium concentrations was demonstrated. For the first time the participation of phospholipids, capacitative Са2+ stores and protein kinase C in К+-dependent regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis was shown. Introduction: The data concerning effects of dihydropiridine-51 and N-acylethanolamines can be recommended to clinical trial. Field of application: endocrinology, biochemistry, oncology.