Adrenal cortex antibodies

Antibodies targeting the steroid producing cells of the adrenal cortex, ovaries and testes are found in around 80% of patients with Addison’s disease and are also seen in APS type I (also known as APECED- autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy), APS type II and premature ovarian or testicular failure. These antibodies are directed against three p450 cytochrome enzymes; 21α-hydroxylase (P450c21), 17α-hydroxylase (P450c17) and cholesterol desmolase (P450scc). New positive patients will be further screened for autoimmune liver and thyroid disease (LKS screen and TPO IgG) and antibodies associated with T1DM (IA2 and GAD IgG).

This test is performed by indirect immunofluorescence on primate triple (adrenal/testes/ovary) tissue sections.

Primary adrenal insufficiency/Addison’s disease
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathies
Premature ovarian or testicular failure (<40 years of age) Screening for adrenal disease in patients with T1DM or coeliac disease

Negative