Adrenarche is associated with decreased 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in the adrenal reticularis.
The increased production of adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) which occurs during the prepubertal period is known as adrenarche. One hypothesis for adrenarche is that alterations in intra-adrenal expression of steroidogenic enzymes within the inner reticularis zone leads to the increased production of 19-carbon steroids. We tested the hypothesis that at the time of adrenarche there is decreased expression of 3 beta HSD in the reticularis. Immunohistochemical localization of 3 beta HSD was performed and staining intensities compared between adrenal glands from children ages 4 months to 7 years (N = 11) and ages 8 to 11 years (N = 6). No difference was observed between the levels of staining in the glomerulosa and fasciculata from either age group. However, the reticularis from the older children exhibited diminished 3 beta HSD immunoreactivity. These findings suggest that as children mature there is a decreased level of 3 beta HSD in the adrenal reticularis which may contribute to the increased production of DHEA and DHEAS seen during adrenarche.
Gell
J S
JS
Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
Atkins
B
B
Margraf
L
L
Mason
J I
JI
Sasano
H
H
Rainey
W E
WE
Carr
B R
BR
D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism*; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007223:Infant; D015385:Zona Reticularis / Q000201:enzymology*
D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases