CUSHINGS-SYNDROME AND AUTO-IMMUNITY

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 103  (5) , 244-246
Abstract
Is Cushing''s syndrome ever caused by adrenal stimulating autoantibodies? Specific antiadrenal antibodies were found in the serum of 3 of 7 patients with Cushing''s syndrome. The immunologic techniques that showed positive results were complement fixation, tanned RBC [red blood cell] hemagglutination and immunofluorescence. Lymphocytic infiltration of the adrenal was present in 2 cases, in 1 of which nodular hyperplasia seemed to be of primary adrenal origin with autoimmunity as a possible cause. In cases with clear-cut pituitary origin, the lymphocytic adrenalitis and circulating adrenal antibodies are likely secondary to antigen leaking from damaged tissue.

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