Stress as cause of signs and symptoms of pseudo-Cushing's syndrome in buffy-tufted marmosets (Callithrix aurita).

Abstract

Hyperadrenocorticism is a medical condition caused by the increase in cortisol production by the cortex of the adrenal gland. Although infrequently described in most animal species, its naturally occurring form, called Cushing's syndrome, is the most prevalent endocrinopathy in dogs. Cushing's syndrome is also present in humans and might be confused with the pseudo-Cushing's syndrome (PCS), rarely described in animals. PCS shares many of the clinical and biochemical features of Cushing's syndrome. However, the hypercortisolemia seen is usually idiopathic and, in some circumstances, associated with psychological disruptions. This report describes PCS-like disorder in two marmosets Callithrix aurita that were exposed to environmental changes, suggesting stress as the main cause of the process and reviewing the mechanisms involved in the pathogeny of the two syndromes.