The effects of cyproterone acetate (CA) on steroidogenesis in isolated guinea-pig adrenal cells have been investigated by measuring the production of cortisol, its immediate precursors (11-deoxycortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone), and adrenal androgens (Δ4-androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone). Used at a dose of 2 µg/ml, CA provoked a sharp drop in the production of cortisol, aldosterone and 11-deoxycortisol. By contrast, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, Δ4-androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone were increased, which suggests that 21 -hydroxylase activity is inhibited. With concentrations above 2 µg/ml CA, it would seem to be the 3-β-ol-dehydrogenase-Δ4,5-isomerase complex that is affected, since dehydroepiandrosterone exhibited a sudden increase, whereas 17-hydroxyprogesterone and Δ4-androstenedione showed a relative decrease. The enzymatic system or systems involved therefore appear to be linked to the concentration of CA used but, whatever the case, the drop in cortisol production is accompanied by a decrease in aldosterone and an increase in adrenal androgen levels.

Keywords:
Isolated adrenal cells, Cyproterone acetate, Steroidogenesis, Cortisol, Aldosterone, Androgens
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1984 S. Karger AG, Basel
1984
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.