Master 21 Hydroxylase Deficiency with Picmonic for Medicine

21 hydroxylase catalyzes the hydroxylation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone to 11-deoxycortisol in the glucocorticoid pathway. Deficiency of this enzyme compromises cortisol production, leading to loss of feedback inhibition to the adrenals and resultant adrenal hyperplasia.

21-hydroxylase is embedded in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of cells in the adrenal cortex. This enzyme catalyzes the hydroxylation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone to 11-deoxycortisol in the glucocorticoid pathway and also catalyzes the hydroxylation of progesterone to 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) in the mineralocorticoid pathway. Deficiency of 21 hydroxylase causes buildup of the substrate 17-hydroxyprogesterone.

21 hydroxylase also catalyzes the hydroxylation of progesterone to 11-deoxycorticosterone in the mineralocorticoid pathway. Deficiency of this enzyme causes decreased aldosterone production, leading to hypotension and hyperkalemia.

Aldosterone stimulates the conservation of sodium, secretion of potassium, and increased water retention in the kidneys. Therefore, decreased aldosterone leads to life threatening volume loss with severe hypotension.

Severe volume depletion caused by loss of aldosterone causes increased renin levels in the body as the body attempts to compensate for volume loss.

Aldosterone stimulates the conservation of sodium, secretion of potassium, and increased water retention in the kidneys. Therefore, loss of aldosterone causes severe hyperkalemia.

Deficiency of 21 hydroxylase causes buildup of the substrate 17-hydroxyprogesterone, which is diverted to synthesis of DHEA, androstenedione, and testosterone, leading to masculinization. Females with 21 hydoxylase deficiency can present with female pseudohermaphroditism due to increased androgen synthesis.