Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on central and peripheral levels of allopregnanolone and beta-endorphin.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) oral administration on neuroendocrine function by investigating the modulation exerted by DHEA administration on allopregnanolone and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) central and peripheral levels in ovariectomized rats.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Experimental research environment.


METHODS
Female Wistar rats (n = 48).


METHODS
Forty rats were ovariectomized and received an oral treatment with either placebo or 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg/day of DHEA. After euthanization, beta-EP levels were measured in hippocampus, hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, neurointermediate pituitary, and plasma. Allopregnanolone and DHEAS levels were measured in hippocampus, hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, adrenal glands, and serum. Serum E(2) concentration was also measured.


METHODS
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ester (DHEAS), E(2), beta-EP, and allopregnanolone levels.


RESULTS
Dehydroepiandrosterone administration increased DHEAS content in all organs and serum, except for anterior pituitary, where no significant changes occurred. DHEA administration in ovariectomized animals did not significantly increase E(2) circulating levels. DHEA administration induced an increase in allopregnanolone and beta-EP content in hippocampus, hypothalamus, and anterior pituitary and in serum or plasma.


CONCLUSIONS
Dehydroepiandrosterone administration in ovariectomized animals increased allopregnanolone and beta-EP central and peripheral levels, which suggests that this compound may play a role as a neuroendocrine mediator, possibly substantiating the beneficial effects of postmenopausal DHEA therapy on the central nervous system.
Bernardi
Francesca
F
Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Via Roma 35, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
Casarosa
Elena
E
Pluchino
Nicola
N
Palumbo
Marco
M
Genazzani
Alessandro David
AD
Luisi
Stefano
S
Genazzani
Andrea Riccardo
AR
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000378:metabolism; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010052:Ovariectomy; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011280:Pregnanolone / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000378:metabolism*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D011280:Pregnanolone