Vascular localization of the 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II enzyme.

1. The enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (11 beta HSD2) confers specificity on the non-specific mineralocorticoid receptor by converting cortisol to cortisone. 2. We have examined the localization of this enzyme in the human skin, myocardium and saphenous vein by immunohistochemical techniques. 3. High amounts of 11 beta HSD2 immunoreactivity were found in smooth muscle cells in the arterioles of the skin, heart and saphenous vein. Lower amounts of staining were also found in longitudinal and concentric smooth muscle cells lining the lumen of the saphenous vein.