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Horm Metab Res 1986; 18(9): 635-637
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1012392
Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

The Effect of Glucocorticoids on the In Vivo Conversion of Androstenedione to Oestrone

M. J. Reed, P. A. Beranek, S. Franks1 , V. H. T. James
  • Department of Chemical Pathology, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom
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Publication History

1985

1985

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

In vitro studies have previously shown that the activity of the aromatase enzyme system, which is responsible for the conversion of androstenedione to oestrone, can be stimulated by natural and synthetic glucocorticoids and also by ACTH. In view of the potential physiological importance of such a regulatory mechanism we have examined the effect of administration of dexamethasone, and of ACTH on the conversion of androstenedione to oestrone in vivo. The transfer constants for the conversion of androstenedione to oestrone ([ρ]A B E U) measured in two women before administration of dexamethasone were 1.0% and 1.1% and after were 0.9% and 1.2%. Similarly no increase in conversion of androstenedione to oestrone ([ρ]A B E1 B) was detected after ACTH stimulation (pre = 0.74%, post = 0.77%). It is concluded from this study that glucocorticoids and ACTH do not have a role in regulating aromatase activity in vivo.

Key-Words

Aromatase - Transfer Constant - Androstenedione - Oestrone - Glucocorticoid