Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have grown adrenal gland cells that are nearly identical to human cells in a petri dish. The research was published in the journal Developmental Cell.
The adrenal glands are small glands located above the kidneys that are vital for maintaining overall health. They produce hormones that affect blood pressure, metabolism, and fertility.
Scientists stimulated stem cells in a petri dish to divide, mature and perform some functions of human adrenal glands. About 50% of the cells in the organelles had the functions of mature cells of the adrenal cortex. They isolated steroid hormones, including dehydroepiandrosterone.
Now their development can be used to study adrenal insufficiency and drug experiments, and in the future – to replace malfunctioning adrenal glands in patients with Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and many other diseases.
If left untreated, people with adrenal disease can develop low blood pressure, coma, and even death. In addition, adrenal hormones are involved in the growth of prostate cancer. There is currently no cure for primary adrenal insufficiency and hormone replacement therapy has significant side effects.