Mice selected for extremes in stress reactivity reveal key endophenotypes of major depression: a translational approach.

Clear evidence has linked dysregulated hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis function to the aetiology and pathophysiology of major depression (MD), as observed in the majority of patients. Increased stress reactivity and hyperactivity of the HPA axis seem characteristic for psychotic/melancholic depression, while the atypical subtype of depression has been connected with the opposing phenotypes. However, the underlying molecular-genetic mechanisms are poorly understood.

Expression of insulin-like growth factor-II and its receptor in pediatric and adult adrenocortical tumors.

Background: Adrenocortical tumors are heterogeneous neoplasms with incompletely understood pathogenesis. IGF-II overexpression has been consistently demonstrated in adult adrenocortical carcinomas.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to analyze expression of IGF-II and its receptor (IGF-IR) in pediatric and adult adrenocortical tumors and the effects of a selective IGF-IR kinase inhibitor (NVP-AEW541) on adrenocortical tumor cells.