Evaluation of ovarian and adrenal sources of androgens in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Dexamethasone and GnRH-agonist administration.
Ovarian and adrenal production of androgens was evaluated in 18 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by administering a combination of short-term dexamethasone (DEX) and long-term gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-A). At day 6 of the cycle, blood samples were collected at 7 A.M. (basal) and 11 P.M. At midnight, 2 mg DEX was given orally, and blood samples were collected at 7 A.M. the following day (DEX1). Blood samples were obtained for 6 weeks at the same time after administration of a potent GnRH-A (400 micrograms/day given subcutaneously). Eight normal subjects served as controls. The amounts of androgens and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) suppressed by using DEX (adrenal-source suppression) and GnRH-A (ovarian-source suppression) were greater in PCOS patients than in controls. We differentiated PCOS patients as having a normal or an exaggerated response to DEX or GnRH-A administration; threshold values were considered average +2SD of the suppressed androgen amounts of controls. Three patients had an exaggerated response to GnRH-A treatment for androstenedione, testosterone and 17-OHP, while DEX inhibition was similar to controls. The remaining 15 patients had an exaggerated response to DEX for all three androgens; seven also had an exaggerated response to GnRH-A. Thus, the combination of GnRH-A and DEX permitted us to selectively study and identify adrenal and ovarian sources of hyperandrogenemia.
Fulghesu
A M
AM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
Lanzone
A
A
Fortini
A
A
Guido
M
M
Caruso
A
A
Mancuso
S
S
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D002064:Buserelin; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D000728:Androgens; D003907:Dexamethasone; D002064:Buserelin