Adrenarche Results from Development of a 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase-Deficient Adrenal Reticularis

摘要: Adrenarche is the increased adrenal production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and sulfate (DHEAS) that occurs during prepubertal period. To date, exact mechanism initiating adrenarche unknown, although many factors have been postulated. In present study, we examined hypothesis alterations in intra-adrenal expression 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD) or 21-hydroxylase (CYP21) within inner reticularis zone leads to 19-carbon (C19) steroids. After conversion cholesterol pregnenolone, 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17) can metabolize pregnenolone through DHEA. The enzyme 3betaHSD competes for substrate with CYP17 effectively removes steroid precursor from pathway leading On other hand, deficiency CYP21 known cause excessive C19 steroids, suggesting could play a role adrenarche. Thus, decrease would allow flow toward synthesis determine whether results decreased reticularis, immunohistochemical localization was performed, staining intensities compared using glands children ages 4 months yr (n = 12), 5-7 9), 8-13 adults 25-56 8). There were no differences zonal CYP21. No difference observed between glomerulosa fasciculata any age group. However, 8 older show significant as fasciculata. noted levels 7 younger. level continued adult adrenals examined. These findings suggest mature there may contribute DHEA DHEAS seen