Intraadrenal mechanisms of DHEA regulation: A hypothesis for adrenopause

Summary:

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate metabolite DHEAS are the major androgens secreted by the human adrenal gland. The specific control of these hormones remains unclear. While ACTH is a potent stimulator of DHEA secretion, other factors both systemic and local have been involved in adrenal androgen control. Here we review the extra and intra-adrenal regulation of DHEA and propose a hypothetical model for adrenal senescence.

Key words:

DHEA - adrenal androgens - adrenopause - aging - cellular cross-talk

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