Endocrine Abstracts

Clinical observations on patients with Cushing's syndrome highlight the importance of cortisol in regulating blood pressure and body fat mass. However, most patients with hypertension and obesity have normal circulating cortisol concentrations. We have focussed on the concept of 'pre-receptor' metabolism as a mechanism of modulating the action of cortisol in a tissue-specific fashion. Two isozymes of 11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11b-HSD) catalyse the interconversion of ac...

Paul Stewart, University of Birmingham, UK AbstractBorn in Harrogate in 1959, Paul received his undergraduate Medical training at Edinburgh University. His house officer and senior house officer posts were undertaken at the Royal Infirmary and Western General Hospital Edinburgh, and it was here that his interest in endocrinology was kindled, largely thanks to the clinical skills and mentorship of Christopher Edwards a...