Immunohistochemical demonstration of cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P-450 in bovine and human adrenals.

Cytochrome P-450 specific for cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P-450SCC) was purified from the bovine adrenal and a specific antibody was raised in rabbits. The antiserum was applied for immunohistochemical visualization of the P-450SCC in the bovine and human adrenal cortex. The immunoreactivity was intense in the zona fasciculata (ZF) and reticularis (ZR) while weak in the zona glomerulosa (ZG) in the normal adrenals. In adrenocortical hyperplasia, a marked immunoreactivity was observed in the ZG in idiopathic hyperaldosteronism and the inner ZF and reticularis particularly in cells of micronodules in Cushing's disease, corresponding to cells with active steroidogenesis. In aldosteronoma and adenoma with Cushing's syndrome, P-450SCC was generally present in compact cells of adenomas.