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Horm Metab Res 1992; 24(10): 488-491
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1003369
Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Are Adrenal and Testicular Androgen Levels Correlated?

E. I. Georgiadis, C. Matzoros, C. Aliferis, M. Batrinos
  • Endocrine Unit of 401 General Military Hospital of Athens and Endocrine Unit-Pharmacology Laboratory of Athens University, Athens, Greece
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Publication History

1990

1992

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

To investigate the reported correlation between adrenal and testicular serum androgen levels, testosterone, DHEAS and androstenedione were measured in the serum of 92 healthy young males. Testosterone and androstenedione were found to have a weak but statistically significant correlation, while no correlation existed between testosterone and DHEAS, or DHEAS and androstenedione.

These results indicate that although common steroidogenic pathways lead to androgen synthesis in both adrenals and testes, the regulation of steroid production in these glands is influenced by different factors. The correlation of testosterone with androstenedione can be attributed to their peripheral interconversion as well as to the fact that half of androstenedione is of testicular origin. Various other aspects of the androgen regulation mechanism such as ACTH stimulation and the role of aging, are presented and discussed.

Key words

Adrenal Androgens - Testicular Androgens - Testosterone - DHEAS - Δ4 Androstenedione

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