Acute adrenocorticotropin stimulation of postmenopausal cigarette smokers and nonsmokers: effects on steroidogenesis.
Cigarette smoking has been associated with elevated levels of A and DHEAS in postmenopausal women. One possible mechanism postulated for this effect is enzymatic blockage by components of cigarette smoke. In this study, acute ACTH stimulation of postmenopausal cigarette smokers did not result in abnormal elevations of precursor steroids. Other possible mechanisms may be operative in vivo to account for the previously reported findings.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
S M
SM
Lobel
R L
RL
Barbieri
B W
BW
Walsh
J
J
Yeh
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012907:Smoking
D006728:Hormones; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone