TGFbeta1, a multifunctional growth modulator, inhibits the proliferation of epithelial cells. TGFbeta1 signaling is dependent on the heterodimerization of the TGFbeta1 receptor II (TGFbeta1RII) with the TGFbeta1 receptor I (TGFbeta1RI). The cytoplasmic proteins Smads are the mediators of the TGFbeta1 signal. TGFbeta1 regulates adult and fetal adrenal growth and function. Previously we have shown by Northern analysis that TGFbeta1mRNA was well expressed in normal adrenal and in adrenocortical adenomas but reduced in carcinomas. To investigate whether TGFbeta1 receptors may act as tumor suppressors of adrenal tumorigenesis, 16 adenomas and 12 carcinomas were studied. We have used SSCP analysis to scan for inactivating mutations in carcinomas. All tumor samples were negative for somatic alterations of both genes. A competitive RT-PCR system was developed to compare the levels of expression of TGFbeta1, TGFbeta1R-I and TGFbeta1R-II, Smad-2 and Smad-4 genes in all tumors. In our study, we confirmed the presence of reduced levels of TGFbeta1 in carcinomas. On the contrary, Smad-4 gene levels were elevated in carcinomas when compared to that of adenomas. No significant differences were observed in gene expression of TGFbeta1RI and Smad-2. Our results suggest that mutations of TGFbeta1 receptors appear not to be involved in adrenal tumorigenesis. Adrenal carcinomas showed a significant reduction of the TGFbeta1 mRNA levels but on the contrary Smad 4 mRNA levels were significantly increased.