Norethindrone inhibition of testosterone secretion by an ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor.

Abstract

A woman with severe hyperandrogenemia and virilization was found to have a fall in serum testosterone (T) concentration while taking an oral contraceptive containing norethindrone (500 vs. 164 ng/dL). Subsequent surgical exploration revealed an ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor. In vitro, the tumor secreted T (mean, 1.88 ng/mg X 4 h). hCG did not stimulate T secretion. In addition, norethindrone inhibited T secretion (0.33 ng/mg X 4 h). We conclude that norethindrone directly suppressed T production by the Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor.

• Authors: J R Brumsted, J Chapitis, D Riddick, M Gibson
• Journal: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism (J Clin Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 65 Issue 1 Pg. 194-7 (Jul 1987) ISSN: 0021-972X [Print] United States
• PMID: 3584396 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Testosterone
• Norethindrone

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Leydig Cell Tumor (metabolism)
• Norethindrone (pharmacology)
• Ovarian Neoplasms (metabolism)
• Sertoli Cell Tumor (metabolism)
• Testosterone (biosynthesis, metabolism)