ABSTRACT
Adrenocortical Enzyme Imbalances Partial deficiencies in any one of the adrenal enzymes depicted in Part C can lead to overproduction of some corticosteroids, and underproduction of others. An 11-hydroxylase deficiency, for example, would lead to overproduction of 11-deoxycortisol and 11deoxycorticosterone, to underproduction of cortisol and aldosterone, and to overproduction of androgens. A 21-hydroxylase deficiency would have similar effects. Deficiencies in these enzymes would cause symptoms of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency, and ACTH secretion would increase. Elevated ACTH would lead to adrenocortical hyperplasia and accumulation of precursor steroids (i.e., 17-OH-progesterone and 17-OH-pregnenolone), which would then be shunted into further adrenal androgen formation. Animals that exhibit partial deficiencies in these enzymes may develop a dermatosis due to developing hyperprogestinism and hyperandrogenism.
