Gonadotrophin-secretion in adrenocortical insufficiency: impact of glucocorticoid substitution.

Abstract

In patients with deficient endogenous glucocorticoid production due to primary adrenal insufficiency (n = 4) or bilateral adrenalectomy (n = 2) a rise in LRH-stimulated concentrations of LH was seen following withdrawal of substitution therapy for 84 h. Consecutive re-administration of glucocorticoids (dexamethasone 2.0 mg/day for 3 days) resulted in increased basal concentrations of LH and FSH and a diminished secretory response of LH upon iv LRH (100 micrograms). Five patients substituted with glucocorticoids because of adrenocortical insufficiency presented upon the administration of exogenous ACTH1-24 with unchanged basal and LRH-stimulated concentrations of LH and FSH as compared to a placebo experiment. These data suggest that the withdrawal and subsequent re-administration of gluco-corticoid substitution alters basal and stimulated concentrations of gonadotrophins in patients with adrenocortical insufficiency, thus providing evidence for the importance of adequate glucocorticoid supply in the regulation of gonadotrophin secretion.

• Authors: H Vierhapper, W Waldhäusl, P Nowotny
• Journal: Acta endocrinologica (Acta Endocrinol (Copenh)) Vol. 101 Issue 4 Pg. 580-5 (Dec 1982) ISSN: 0001-5598 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 6297202 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
• Dexamethasone
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
• Luteinizing Hormone
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Topics

• Addison Disease (physiopathology)
• Adrenal Cortex (physiopathology)
• Adrenalectomy
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (pharmacology)
• Adult
• Aged
• Dexamethasone (pharmacology)
• Female
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (metabolism)
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (pharmacology)
• Humans
• Luteinizing Hormone (metabolism)
• Male
• Middle Aged