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Review
. 2024 Jun 19;40(1):25.
doi: 10.1186/s42826-024-00212-8.

Non-classical animal models for studying adrenal diseases: advantages, limitations, and implications for research

Alina Bilyalova  1 , Airat Bilyalov  1   2 , Nikita Filatov  1 , Elena Shagimardanova  2   3 , Andrey Kiyasov  1 , Maria Vorontsova  4 , Oleg Gusev  5   6   7
Affiliations
Review

Non-classical animal models for studying adrenal diseases: advantages, limitations, and implications for research

Alina Bilyalova et al. Lab Anim Res. .

Abstract

The study of adrenal disorders is a key component of scientific research, driven by the complex innervation, unique structure, and essential functions of the adrenal glands. This review explores the use of non-traditional animal models for studying congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It highlights the advantages, limitations, and relevance of these models, including domestic ferrets, dogs, guinea pigs, golden hamsters, pigs, and spiny mice. We provide a detailed analysis of the histological structure, steroidogenesis pathways, and genetic characteristics of these animal models. The morphological and functional similarities between the adrenal glands of spiny mice and humans highlight their potential as an important avenue for future research.

Keywords: Adrenal gland; Animal models; CAH, spiny mouse, golden hamster; Steroidogenesis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Scheme of steroidogenesis and CAH types. StAR -steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; 3β-HSD − 3 β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; 17β -HSD − 17β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; DHEA - dehydroepiandrosterone; SULT 2A1 - sulfotransferase
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Comparative characteristics of non-classical animal models. ZG – zona glomerulosa; IZ – intermediate zone; ZF – zona fasciculata; ZR – zona reticularis; JZ - juxtamedullary zone; M – medulla
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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