Apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome Apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome Apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) is an autosomal recessive disorder causing hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypokalemia (abnormally low levels of potassium). It was found by Dr Maria I. New at Weil Cornell Hospital in New York City. It results from mutations in the "HSD11B2" gene, which encodes the kidney isozyme of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. In an unaffected individual, this isozyme inactivates circulating cortisol to the less active metabolite cortisone. The inactivating mutation leads to elevated local concentrations of cortisol in the aldosterone sensitive tissues like the kidney. Cortisol at high concentrations can cross-react and activate
Bidder's organ oocytes (egg cells). Only rudimentary oviducts are developed, though, preventing eggs from actually being laid. The Bidder's organ only develops into an ovary analogue when testes are removed experimentally or not functioning properly (e.g. due to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals). Importantly, females can have Bidder's organs in addition to true ovaries, which suggests that the Bidder's organ might not be a rudimentary ovary. It is named in honour of Friedrich Bidder. The organ's internal anatomy consists of two parts; the central portion, consisting of connective tissue and rich in blood vessels, and its periphery, consisting of the cortex, which contains