The enzyme 11 beta HSD catalyzes the interconversion of the biologically active cortisol and the biologically inactive cortisone. There are two distinct isozymes: 11 beta HSD type 1 is mainly expressed in liver and is a bidirectional enzyme, with both dehydrogenase and reductase activity. 11 beta HSD type 2 is mainly expressed in kidney and is a unidirectional enzyme with only dehydrogenase activity. 11 beta HSD type 2 protects the mineralocorticoid receptor from being activated by cortisol. Thus, specificity of this receptor in vivo is enzyme and not receptor mediated. The syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess is caused by a congenital deficiency of 11 beta HSD type 2. Liquorice-induced hypertension is an example of an acquired defect in dehydrogenase activity of 11 beta HSD, caused by glycyrrhetinic acid. 11 beta HSD may play a role in the pathogenesis of 'essential' hypertension, obesity and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors enhance dehydrogenase activity of 11 beta HSD, which may contribute to their natriuretic effect.