Cushing's syndrome and autoimmunity
Andrada, J.A.; Murray, F.T.; Andrada, E.C.; Ezrin, C.
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 103(5): 244-246
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9985 PMID: 110282 Document Number: 147568
Is Cushing's syndrome ever caused by adrenal stimulating autoantibodies? Specific antiadrenal antibodies were found in the serum of three of seven patients with Cushing's syndrome. The immunologic techniques that showed positive results were complement fixation, tanned RBC hemagglutination, and immunofluorescence. Lymphocytic infiltration of the adrenal was present in two cases, in one of which nodular hyperplasia seemed to be of primary adrenal origin with autoimmunity as a possible cause. However, in cases with clear-cut pituitary origin, the lymphocytic adrenalitis and circulating adrenal antibodies are likely secondary to antigen leaking from damaged tissue.