The impact of estrogen on adrenal androgen sensitivity and secretion in polycystic ovary syndrome

摘要: Adrenal hyperandrogenism is a common feature of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO). This may be due to enhanced adrenal sensitivity ACTH. Because ovarian androgen secretion does not appear explain this phenomenon, we explored the role estrogen in inducing sensitivity, that state relative hyperestrogenism exists PCO. Eight PCO and seven matched controls received ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (oCRH; 0.1 micrograms/kg) iv before after hypoestrogenism was induced by leuprolide acetate (LA; 1 mg, sc, each day). In PCO, third oCRH test repeated transdermal estradiol (E2; mg) had been applied for week, during which time LA continued. At baseline, increased responses 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione dehydroepiandrosterone (P < 0.03 P 0.02) delta maximal ratios androstenedione (A4)/ACTH dehydroepiandrosterone/ACTH 0.01) treatment. After administration these were significantly suppressed returned baseline E2 added. There no changes controls. Steroid ratio suggested 17,20-desmolase activity (delta maximum change A4/17-hydroxyprogesterone) lowered suppression again administration. significant positive correlation between levels A4/17-OHP treatment, signifying (r = 0.58, 0.02). conclusion, data provide evidence at least one factor influences help frequent finding syndrome.