title: Studies to confirm the source of 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione.
abstract: In a longitudinal study of 82 children we found a gradual rise in median plasma concentrations of 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione (11 beta-OH-A4) from 2.5 to 6.4 nmol/l during childhood which was similar in both sexes. This could reflect changes in adrenal function during the adrenarche and sexual maturation. Plasma concentrations of 11 beta-OH-A4 in adults follow the patterns of cortisol secretion. In patients with diseases of the adrenal cortex, the plasma concentrations of 11 beta-OH-A4 were consistent with the pathology of each condition. In women with polycystic ovaries (PCO) undergoing gonadotrophic stimulation for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, 11 beta-OH-A4 (median = 3.8 nmol/l), testosterone and androstenedione, were raised when compared to women with normal ovaries (11 beta-OH-A4 median = 2.6 nmol/l). Follicular fluid has concentrations of 11 beta-OH-A4 six to twelve times greater than plasma levels and in women with PCO, 11 beta-OH-A4 concentrations were lower than in women with normal ovaries, which is consistent with an inhibition of ovarian 11 beta-hydroxylase. Granulosa cells in vitro demonstrated the production of 11 beta-OH-A4 by side chain cleavage of cortisol. These data support an adrenal source for 11 beta-OH-A4 but the raised plasma concentrations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may reflect the excess androgen output from the ovary. 11 beta-OH-A4 may therefore be an additional marker for ovarian dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Cobbold Laboratories, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, London, England.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Holownia
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Owen
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Conway
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Round
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Honour
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology; D011627:Puberty / Q000097:blood*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D004958:Estradiol; C003582:11-hydroxyandrostenedione; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D006854:Hydrocortisone