Prolactinoma and adrenal androgens.
Theories about the relationship between hyperprolactinemia and hyperandrogenism are conflicting. Several reports assert that prolactin affects the delta 5 and delta 4 pathways through its effect on the activity of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-OHSD). We measured delta 5 and delta 4 steroids, prolactin and cortisol in 18 amenorrheic, hyperprolactinemic women before and after resection of prolactinomas. Similar determinations of delta 5: delta 4 steroids were made in a control group of five women. The ratios of individual delta 5: delta 4 steroids were also analyzed. Our results support a modification of delta 5, delta 4 pathways through an effect on the rate-limiting enzyme 3 beta-OHSD. In hyperprolactinemic women the differences between the preoperative and postoperative steroid levels were significant. Further, since the androgens decreased irrespective of the prolactin following surgery, there probably is a factor other than ACTH and prolactin modulating the adrenal androgens.
D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000150:complications; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005687:Galactorrhea / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006966:Hyperprolactinemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism*
D000728:Androgens; D011388:Prolactin