Intraadrenal mechanisms of DHEA regulation: A hypothesis for adrenopause

S. Alesci; S. R. Bornstein

doi:10.1055/s-2001-14826

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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2001; Vol. 109(2): 75-82
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-14826

Reviews

Intraadrenal mechanisms of DHEA regulation: A hypothesis for adrenopause

S. Alesci, S. R. Bornstein

Pediatric and Reproductive Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA

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Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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Summary:

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate metabolite DHEAS are the major androgens secreted by the human adrenal gland. The specific control of these hormones remains unclear. While ACTH is a potent stimulator of DHEA secretion, other factors both systemic and local have been involved in adrenal androgen control. Here we review the extra and intra-adrenal regulation of DHEA and propose a hypothetical model for adrenal senescence.

Key words:

DHEA - adrenal androgens - adrenopause - aging - cellular cross-talk

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Salvatore AlesciMD

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