Determination of the steroidogenic capacity in premature ovarian failure.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the secretion of precursors, intermediate and final products of androgen biosynthesis in women with premature ovarian failure (POF).


METHODS
Seven patients 20 to 34 years of age with idiopathic POF and a control group of six women 27 to 29 years of age with normal ovarian function studied during the early follicular phase were included. DESIGN, INTERVENTIONS: In all patients an adrenal stimulation test was performed as follows: a short dexamethasone (DEX) inhibition was carried out the night before the corticotropin (ACTH, 0.25 mg, Cortrosyn; Organon, Orangeburg, NY) stimulation test, obtaining blood samples in basal conditions, post-DEX inhibition as well as at 60, 120, and 180 minutes after the ACTH bolus.


METHODS
Using specific RIA serum concentrations of delta 5 precursors (pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, DHEA), delta 4 intermediates (P, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione) and the final products T and cortisol (F) were measured.


RESULTS
Adrenal inhibition and stimulation responses in both groups of patients showed no differences for delta 5 precursors and F. On the other hand, delta 4 intermediates and androgens exhibited significant differences at the level of response to ACTH stimulation. Patients with POF had significantly lower values than those of control group.


CONCLUSIONS
An important decrement in the steroidogenesis was noticed in POF, particularly in androgen synthesis, revealing the selective participation of the adrenal gland in steroid production.
Bermúdez
J A
JA
Endocrine Research Unit, Hospital Luis Castelazo Ayala, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City.
Morán
C
C
Herrera
J
J
Barahona
E
E
Pérez
M C
MC
Zárate
A
A
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012016:Reference Values
D000728:Androgens; D003907:Dexamethasone; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone