The endocrinology of testicular tumors.
The endocrine manifestations of testicular tumors can be produced by one of three mehcansims: (1) direct synthesis of androgens or estrogens by the tumors; (2) synthesis of gonadotropins that stimulate secondary secretion of androgens or estrogens; (3) alteration of the peripheral metabolism of androgens. In this manuscript we have discussed these mechanisms in relationship to steroid-secreting tumors and gonadotrepin-secreting tumors. In postpubertal males, the most common manifestation of these tumors is the production of gynecomastia. Because the breast is a target organ for the action of both androgens and estrogens, gynecomastia occurs when there is an alterartion in the normal androgen/estrogen ratio. Consequently, gynecomastia may be produced by either deficient androgen production or excessive estrogen secretion. The endocrinology of testicular tumors is a fascinating subject and recent development of sensitiv specific radioimmunoassays for the measurement of tumor markers has opened a new area of investigation into the biology of these neoplasms.
D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D002822:Choriocarcinoma / Q000378:metabolism; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000378:metabolism; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000378:metabolism; D006177:Gynecomastia / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007984:Leydig Cell Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D011629:Puberty, Precocious / Q000209:etiology; D012707:Sertoli Cell Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D013724:Teratoma / Q000378:metabolism; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000502:physiology
D000728:Androgens; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004967:Estrogens; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D006062:Gonadotropins; D013739:Testosterone