Pituitary and adrenal response to ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
It has been hypothesized that there is an adrenal abnormality in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO). This study was undertaken to examine this hypothesis in a more physiological way, by enhancing the ACTH secretion in response to ovine corticotropin releasing hormone (oCRH) injection so that adrenal androgen and glucocorticoid responsiveness to endogenous stimulation could be examined. Plasma ACTH and the ACTH and cortisol (F) response to oCRH were normal. The plasma T and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) responses were also normal. The androstenedione (A) response, however, was exaggerated. This study supports the hypothesis that the adrenal gland in patients with PCO produces increased amounts of androstenedione in response to ACTH stimulation.
Mongioì
A
A
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Italy.
Macchi
M
M
Vicari
E
E
Fornito
M C
MC
Calogero
A E
AE
Riccioli
C
C
Minacapilli
G
G
Moncada
M L
ML
D'Agata
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects*; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000187:drug effects*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012756:Sheep
D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone