Prolactinomas, testosterone-binding globulin, and androgen metabolism.
To study the mechanism by which PRL might influence the metabolism of androgens, the testosterone-binding capacity of testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin (TeBG) as well as the free testosterone (T) fraction were determined in patients with prolactinoma. In untreated patients with prolactinoma, the TeBG capacity was decreased and the free T fraction was increased. Whereas in males, the plasma (free) T concentration was decreased, the apparent free T concentration was increased in women. The increased free T fraction had as a consequence an increase in MCRs of both T and 5 alpha-androstan-17 beta-ol-3-one; the MCR of androstenedione was normal. It is concluded that besides the well known factors, such as estrogens, androgens, and thyroid hormones, PRL appears, at least in prolactinoma patients, to influence the TeBG level.
D000236:Adenoma / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000097:blood; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000097:blood*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D000728:Androgens; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone; D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D011388:Prolactin