Abstract
The data of Ducharme et al (JCEM 42: 484, 1976) suggest that DHA and Δ may play a role in activating the hypothalanlc-pituitary gonadal axis at puberty in man. In order to verify the capacity of these steroids to trigger gonadotropin release, urethane anesthetized 250-300 gm Sprague-Dawley male rats were injected with 100 to 1600 ng of UHA or Δ through a jugular catheter and heparinized blood obtained at -10, 5, 10, 30 and 60 min for LH measurement by RIA. Control rats received only vehicule. In another series of experiments, unanesthetized rats received the same treatment by the intra peritoneal (I.P.) route and plasma was obtained by decapitation at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours for plasma LH, FSH and T determination by specific RIA. The reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis was assessed by the response to LH-RH. All aniuals tested responded to LH-RH but no significant increase in plasma LH, FSH or T was observed within 1 h of administration of any I.V. dose of UHA or Δ used. In contrast, despite individual variations, LH release was induced 24 h post 100 and 200 ng of DHA and Δ I.P. with concomitant rise in T. Thesa data suggest that in young puberty made rats, some steroids mainly of adernal origin, namely DUA and Δ, are effective in triggering the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis. The specificity of this action and their role in the elevation of the gonadestatic threshold at puberty remain to be determined.
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Ducharme, JR., Dubuc, J., Jequier, JC. et al. 35: Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and androstenedione (δ) on gonadotropin release andtestosterone secretion in male rats. Pediatr Res 10, 878 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197610000-00037
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197610000-00037
